Star Eater

Chapter 550:

Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

It was a good night. Alwin's family was checking on me. However, Marina quickly turned to Arthur as she looked nervous. Arthur's eyes widened slowly as he stood in the room near the doorway. His face quickly turned to one of anger. I grew concerned as I watched his eyes shoot to the side warily.

"Arthur?" I called out to him.

Even Aydalia who was present noticed the quick change. "Has something happened?" She inquired.

The others in the room turned to look at him. "Stay here. Marina, watch over them." Arthur ordered as a portal opened and out dropped his sword. He grabbed it before striding out of the room. "Rock!" I heard him call from the hallway. "Protect the house!"

Marina looked at the Elves. "Arthur will take care of it. Just enjoy the moment." She told us shakily as we all were lost on what was happening.

Aydalia didn't seem to like that. "Stay here with Lucia. I'll go with Arthur."

"No!" Marina raised her voice.

"Do not tell me what to do, Marina." Aydalia told her as she moved towards the door. "We both know Arthur-"

To our surprise, Marina grabbed her arm. "No! This is beyond you!"

We were all surprised at that, but Aydalia looked down at her arm where she was being held. "Unhand me. I go to aid your father and I can teleport us both away, but I do not want him to be without support." She explained. "Now, let go."

Marina did so, unwillingly. "Aydalia... You should stay here."

"I'd have Ayda go, but given your reaction, I think I'm the best choice as magic experts on hand. I will be perfectly safe, and should something happen, I can return immediately to act as a go between." Aydalia then leaned in and whispered something to Marina that I couldn't hear. "..."

She pulled back and they looked at one another before Marina gave her a nod. "Be careful."

Aydalia left as Alwin looked at his sister. "Stay beside Lucia." He told her.

He moved to let go of my hand, but I grabbed it firmly. "Where are you going?"

"To the door. I want to keep an ear out. Nothing more." Alwin nodded to Marina as he passed her and opened the door.

"Marina," I called to her, and she turned to me. "What's happening?"

She smiled. "Don't worry. Father will take care of it."

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

"Arthur!?" Camoa called in surprise as I passed her in the hall. "Where are you going? I thought Lucia needed-"

Walking past her, I moved toward the entrance where I felt them. As I strode out the front door, another portal opened as my armor was pulled from the other side. Acting as if it had its own mind, it began to adorn my body as it hooked itself on me by itself. The last piece fell into place as I stopped a few feet from the front door with Defiance in hand.

Three familiar forms stood there. "Why are you here?" I immediately asked.

"You seem on edge, Arthur." Credo replied. "Trouble sleeping?" He inquired.

The door behind me opened and I glanced to see Aydalia. "What're you doing out here?" I demanded.

She stepped behind me as she looked to the three 'guests' as she answered. "Giving Lucia peace of mind." I quirked a brow at that. "She was worried about you. Marina as well." The mention of Marina got the cloaked female's attention.

"I'm in no danger." I told her. "Go back inside. You cannot help here."

"No danger?" Pestilence repeated almost mockingly.

My attention turned to the bandaged Demon. "Absolutely none." Was my firm reply as my eyes focused on him. "The last time we met, I believe we agreed to an alliance. Is there something you need of me, or have you come to offer your help in moving forward." Aydalia stepped beside me, and I quirked a brow at that. "Did I not say to head back inside?"

She glanced at me. "I can teleport away in an instant if needed. However, if we have guests, I'd like to know before heading inside and warning the others. That is," Her eyes turned back to the Demons. "If they are indeed guests."

Arguing with her at this point served no purpose, and I didn't know what Lucia told her, so I ignored it for the moment. Instead, I moved my attention back to the three Demons at my door. Their magic was clearly restricted so only a few would be able to sense it in the immediate area. I doubt either Priestess even knew they were here.

"That would depend on if we're still welcome." The High Elf/Aridian said in an aggressive tone.

Credo stepped forward with his hands raised in a calming manner. "Arthur, we came to talk." He then looked back at his comrades. "And only talk." Turning back to me, he gestured to the front door. "May we come inside for a moment? To talk?" The Demon added after a moment.

I eyed the group for a moment before I placed Defiance on my back. "Aydalia," She looked at me as I said her name. "Inform the others but tell them to stay in the room with Marina." I then leaned in as I whispered to her. "Make sure they're ready to teleport away at a moments notice. Tell Alwin to be ready."

With a silent nod, she headed back inside. "Well?" Pestilence inquired as the Elf left.

My attention turned back to them. "Follow." I ordered as I gestured to them to fall in behind me with a nod of my head towards the front door.