Chapter 232: The Fastest Path
The Necromancer stared in silence before bursting into laughter. Helena sat, watching him with a serene expression. He couldn't believe the woman's audacity.
"This is a new one." The Necromancer's laughter tapered off into chuckles. "Become a thief?"
"Yes." Helena answered.
"That's funny." The Necromancer leaned in, pinning her with his gaze. The temperature of the room dropped as he spoke. "Because, you already made me a thief, woman."
Before Helena could retort, the Necromancer leaned back, laughing again. "I was wondering why Ezra paid me a visit. Now I know." He turned to look at Helena. "If only I'd known before that all it took for this to happen was to steal something of his."
"Even if you did know, you had nothing of his to steal." Helena said.
"True. True." The Necromancer nodded repeatedly. "So, tell me. What's your plan?"
"Simple." Helena said. "Ezra cannot forget about his money. He is unable to let it go. We'll use that money as bait. You're still in control of Westside, aren't you?"
"No, I'm not." The Necromancer answered. "I'm pulling out of the place. I didn't come here for all this land grabbing and politicking."
Vladimir had commanded him to pull out just a few hours before Ezra had walked in himself. If he hadn't still been in charge of Star Heights, he wouldn't have received the VIP notice that was always sent to Griffin's desk when the human security guards notice the appearance of all those on the list.
His curiosity had made him send an astral projection and now, he knew what this was all about.
He shook his head, speaking. "Let's hear whatever it is you have to say. I do have an appointment to keep after this."
He would be meeting Vladimir to confirm his orders on Westside. He knew he was running late but this was important enough to make the man wait.
"I know where the missing funds are. If we cooperate, I can use the information to drop bread crumbs for him to follow." Helena said. "All you need to do is make Ezra believe you truly have the money. If he does, he'll come after you to either negotiate or take it by force."
"And when he does, I can finally get my hands on him." The Necromancer finished, his voice full of anticipation. "Now, that's clever. But you see, there's just a teensy tiny problem with this plan."
Helena blinked. "And that is?"
"I don't actually have the money." The Necromancer answered, a dark smile on his face. "Why should I pretend to be a petty thief when I'm actually not? Don't you find it funny?"
Helena stared at him in silence. The Necromancer recognized those eyes. That was the eyes of a vampire calculating if a move was worthwhile or not. He crossed his arms, waiting for her to come to a conclusion.
After a while, she stood with a sigh. "I had hoped you were a reasonable man, Necromancer. Now, I see you're not willing to make hard choices to get what you want."
"Hard choices?" The Necromancer snorted. "What hard choice? You get a boatload of money and whatever you want from that Countess. All I get is a fight."
"Stop trying to fool me, Necromancer." Helena said. "We both know that if Ezra Matten ever gets into your hands, you'll gain a lot more than I ever will."
"I can see you're having doubts about my plan. If you ever change your mind, you know where to reach me." With that, she left the room, walking back up to the city above.
The Necromancer sat there for a minute. She was right. He would be getting more out of the deal.
He went through his options, trying to find a better way. There was none. This was the fastest path to Ezra Matten. He would be taking the offer.
He stood, whistling jauntily as he walked out. He climbed the stairs and opened the door, inhaling deeply. The scent of the city filled his nose and he chuckled to himself. He could smell his breakthrough in the air.
He opened his eyes and teleported away, appearing in the teleportation room of Vladimir's domain. This time, he was led to the vampire's outdoor garden.
Flowers were arranged in rows and columns, forming paths and designs. Count Vladimir was currently crouched in front of a flower bed, his glove covered hands holding a watering can.
He watered the flowers, his huge bulk making them look tiny. The Necromancer almost chuckled. Whatever the count was standing next to, he always made it look tiny in comparison.
The Necromancer bowed slightly.
"Did you receive my orders?" Vladimir spoke without turning, his voice calm and even.
"I did." The Necromancer answered calmly. "All forces have been pulled out of Westside and are on standby."
"Good." Vladimir stood, placing the watering can gently on a nearby table filled with flower pots.
"If I may ask, why should we leave Westside? It is a bit… unexpected."
"No. Not unexpected." Vladimir corrected with a slight smile. "Strategic." He pulled off his gloves and laid them beside the watering can. "Whoever is attacking the assets at Westside is using the law as a shield. If Westside is unguarded, they will crawl out of whatever hole they're hiding in to claim it. When they do, that's when we'll crush them."
"Ah." The Necromancer nodded, making a sound of understanding. "Expose the predator by offering tempting prey."
"Exactly." Vladimir grinned, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the hunt. "And while they're distracted, I have another task for you. One that requires your particular… talents."
"Your wish is my command." The Necromancer said.
"There are two thorns I want you to remove from my flesh." Vladimir said, turning away and walking out. The Necromancer followed behind him. "Countess Yuri has two husbands. Ivo and Armand. I want them removed from her side and bound to our cause."
He stopped, turning to look directly at the Necromancer. "Turn them into your minions."