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Dark Moon Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 375. Spy II
🕑 Added 2025-02-21 13:56:37 +0000 UTCThird Arc (Fallen Heart) - 375. Spy II
Angel's patience ran out. In one swift motion, he grabbed the man’s wrist before he could react, twisting it just enough to send a warning pain through his arm. Not enough to break—yet.
"Don't test me," Angel said, his voice dangerously low. "Tell me who sent you."
The man clenched his jaw, his eyes darting briefly toward the ballroom as if weighing his options. Then, through gritted teeth, he muttered, "Harmonia."
Angel’s grip tightened. "Who in Harmonia?"
The man exhaled sharply. "A noble. That’s all I was told."
Lies.
Angel didn’t believe him, but pressing further here, in the middle of his own party, would be reckless.
Slowly, he released the man’s wrist. "You're going to walk back inside," he said smoothly. "With us."
The man’s shoulders tensed, but he didn’t argue. He knew he had no choice. Two figures emerged from the shadows—Black Devil soldiers, their disguises seamlessly blending them into the noble crowd. They flanked the man in an instant, their presence looming but casual, as if they were nothing more than lingering guests enjoying the night air.
Angel didn’t even need to look at them to issue his command. "He stays close. No sudden movements. No unnecessary attention."
The soldiers gave the faintest of nods. The man swallowed, glancing between them before forcing a composed expression back onto his face.
"You’re making a mistake," the man muttered under his breath as they moved toward the ballroom doors.
Angel smirked. "I hear that a lot."
The return to the party was seamless. The music, the laughter, the clinking of glasses—none of it had shifted, oblivious to the quiet confrontation happening just steps away. Rose was still where he had left her, engaged in a polite conversation with a noblewoman, but her eyes flickered to Angel the moment he reentered the room. He gave her a brief look—one that said everything was under control. For now.
The man kept his posture stiff, his jaw set as he followed, but Angel could feel the tension rolling off him. He was waiting, searching for an out. There wouldn’t be one.
Angel leaned in slightly, his voice just low enough for only the man to hear. "If you're really here for a noble in Harmonia, then you won’t mind proving it."
The man didn’t react at first. Then, with a tight voice, he replied, "What do you mean?"
"You’re going to meet the Harmonia delegation," Angel said, his smirk never faltering. "And we’re going to find out if they recognize you."
The man’s stride faltered, just for a fraction of a second. Angel caught it.
"That’s unnecessary," the man said, trying to sound indifferent.
"It’s very necessary," Angel countered. "Unless, of course, you were lying."
The man remained silent. The Black Devil soldiers shifted slightly closer, just enough to remind him he had no room to run.
Angel kept his expression light, casual even, as they weaved through the ballroom. The Harmonia delegation wasn’t far, their laughter and conversation blending into the extravagant atmosphere of the evening. A group of high-ranking officials, nobles, and advisors, all clad in their kingdom’s signature deep blue and silver attire.
As they neared, one of the nobles, Lord Darius, caught sight of Angel and offered a polite nod. "Your Majesty, what a delightful event you’ve hosted tonight."
Angel returned the nod with his usual composed grace. "I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying yourself, Lord Darius. I was hoping to introduce you to someone."
The man beside Angel stiffened ever so slightly.
Darius raised an intrigued brow. "Oh?"
Angel gestured subtly toward the man. "He claims to be here on behalf of a noble from Harmonia."
Darius’s expression didn’t change, but Angel saw the momentary flicker of confusion in his eyes. "Does he now?" His gaze shifted to the man, his polite smile remaining as he studied him. "I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure."
The man barely masked his discomfort. "That’s because the delegation was not informed of my presence."
Darius chuckled lightly. "That would be quite the oversight."
"It was a private arrangement," the man said quickly.
Angel hummed thoughtfully, watching the exchange unfold like a game of chess. "Is that so?"
