Chapter 253 - The End Of The Mission (1/2)

”So, do you think he'll back off?” asked Iah.

”I think he'll do what every businessman does,” said Falla, ”Step back to weigh his gains and losses. Then, when he realises that underhanded tactics likely won't work anymore, revise his plans before he moves forward”.

”Is that what you'd do?” asked Iah.

”Probably,” replied Falla.

Iah nodded as they stepped back into her office at Moonshadow Trading. They were silent for a minute before Falla asked.

”That thing about Rassa...did you check?”

Iah shook her head, ”I didn't want to be disappointed”.

Falla hesitated before she took out her Tracking Charm, ”We should check. If he is coming back, we'll need to make preparations”.

Iah nodded, she knew Falla was right. She had no problems with Rassa taking over Moonshadow again. It was his business to begin with after all, but there was a part of her that couldn't help but think of whether or not he'd be happy with what they'd achieved. If he'd be impressed or disappointed. It was silly really, their growth was unprecedented. But she hadn't known Rassa long enough to be sure of how he'd react.

She took out her own Tracking Charm, and activated it.

Two lines to the south-west, and...closer than they were before. He was returning.

Wait, two lines?

”Aegin,” said Falla quietly, ”Is he...”

Aegin's line was indeed gone, which would indicate he was dead. He'd been human after all, not an anomaly like Rassa. But then...Ebony's line felt different now, more like Rassa's.

Iah sighed, ”Well, I suppose we have our answer now. Any other questions will surely be answered when they return”.

Falla nodded, ”Should we prepare anything in particular then?”

Iah thought for a moment, ”Knowing Rassa, he'll probably want to review what's happened with the business so far and then propose some ridiculous plan again that will end up coming true whether he's here or not”.

Falla chuckled, ”I thought you hadn't known him long”.

”I hadn't, but he doesn't seem like the type to do things subtlety, or in small amounts,” Iah admitted.

Falla sighed, ”I suppose he never has been”. She stood, ”Very well, I should probably get back to work if there's nothing else”.

Iah shook her head, ”I'll see you next week then”.

”Sounds good,” said Falla, then she paused in the doorway, ”Don't tell Jane”.

Iah raised an eyebrow, ”Are you sure that's wise? You kept it from her once and she didn't seem all that happy with you for it”.

Falla sighed, ”She's been through his death twice now. I think she's better off when she lives for herself”.

Iah nodded, ”Very well. Though I don't know how you'll be able to hide it when he does come back in a few weeks”.

”I'll think of something,” Falla replied.

***