Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Stepping in from the blustering streets, a smile grew upon my lips as I walked into my building located in the center of this amazing city. It had been about three days since Torna had given me rights, but a wave of anxiety was plaguing my soul. It was like a constant whisper of death pressing down.

Studying the dwarves from Aze setting up, placing the last touches upon Crossroads, I eyed the exterior that held a rather modern aspect. Not bothering to follow the rest of this city's theme, I settle for a modern high-class Japanese style design. Something similar to a bar with dark lights and an open concept designed with my various products placed neatly upon the walls.

Putting a smile upon my lips, black flames sprouted from my body, startling everyone. Feeling the intense heat, I chuckled as it began consuming my entire body. Within a few moments time, I vanquish my flames, my body appearing in a magnificent crimson suit. Tieing up my hair into a neat bun, I peered towards those around, shivering with fear as a demonic air began to form.

"Now, this is much better; the sinful atmosphere truly brings out something here, don't you think so, Zanris?" I asked, turning my gaze towards the woman draped in a crimson ball gown. Her hair flowing free and wild as a fox-like fang appeared upon her lips, glimmering with a mischievous light.

"But of course, my master. However, I thought Zan was going to take care of the deals within this city?"

"you are. I am only here for opening day," I replied, turning to the young couple pushing through the glass doors.

"Are you ready?" Torna shouted with a dark smile upon his face. "The house of Scara has been quite busy these past few days."

Rolling her eyes, Siva left her husband's arms leaping into Zans, kissing her cheeks, "When did he get so cold? Not even a hello to our Zan."

"Come now, Siva, she is no longer a part of the House of Scara. She needs..."

"Torna, I am leaving you for my Zan. She will treat me right!" Siva mournfully whimpered, wrapping her arms around Zan as she shot her husband a dirty look. "Tell your next wife I took your virginity and that you are used goods!"

"Your wife is quite the character I see where Silvia gets her... well, her wild side from. By the way, where is she? I thought you all would have welcomed her up already." I questioned, stroking my empty chin, wondering when I will grow some facial hair.

Snorting by Zanris's side Siva pursed her lips, "We did, but Silvia wanted to hang with some friends instead of seeing her mama. Traitorous bitch... I mean, ungrateful girl!"

Popping my eyes out at this side of Siva, her husband shook his head, "This is what I married into. Both of them are... are a lot. Watch out, Arsene, in the cultivation world, women grow crazier and crazier with each realm they breakthrough."

"Oh, I know the struggle already... most of... No! all the women by my side are insane. Everything that happens around me goes to shit," I spat, getting cold glares from both Zan and Siva.

Turning my head in a hurry, I waved towards the one-eyed dwarf, "Is everything ready?"

"Aye, my lord, your or I guess Zanris room in the back for contracts has been completed, and the stockpile of weapons and spiral relics from Aze have been procured. Security, on the other hand, is quite poor."

"You shall not worry about that," Torna coldly stated, "This building is protected. You just cannot see it! Believe me when I say we are prepared!"

Clapping my hands, I bellowed in a loud tone for everyone to hear!" Then let the party commence!"

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...

"Lord Snow, I am the Patriarch of Lasmima Clan, Snorri Lasmima. We are rivals of the House of Scara. It's an honor to meet your acquaintance!" He said, shaking my palm with a cunning smile. "we or rather I have heard many things, especially in the former city of Hallr. It would seem like its new Queen is quite the character!"

"Trying to pry?" I questioned, turning to the large gathering within my store, "But it's not like we are hiding it. Indeed Ezra has taken over Hallr."

"Oh! and what of the governor?"

"The Lich you mean. Please everyone knows already, he is working under Ezra." I stated, gathering the attention of many within my store. "But please, no need for such an unpleasant character! This is a celebration!"

Scuffing inwardly, I could not help but feel the killing intent in the air. There were many that wished for my head. Be it for what was happening within Aze or due to the wealth I was currently amassing.

There had not been one who was not alarmed by the weaponry or devices we were offering, not to mention the contracts that could give you basically anything. Greed and envy were overflowing within my shop. Yet even with all this success, a dark unease began to grip my heart.

Masking my emotions, I played the little game with the various elders and lords within Crossroads. Spending the entire day making small talk, my name slowly began to spread, and with the help of Torna, my name and store echoed throughout the Vanir Clan.

Gazing out at the various people, I sent Zan a spiritual message before taking my leave in the dead of night, under the suspicious gazes of many. I began walking the streets of the darkness when a shadow appeared, drawing the very moonlight upon her body.

"Snow, why so down?" asked Melinoë with a long scythe within her palms glimmering with blood.

"Another killing spree? I swear I am feeling more and more like a normal person around you all." I lightly whispered, "But I cannot help shake the feeling like something is terribly wrong, and it's getting stronger with each passing day."

"Do the gods and heavens not want you dead?" Melinoë suddenly asked, startling me, "Everyone wants you dead; you are not the most likable person Arsene."

"Well, that hurts a little! But you are not wrong about that. However, this is different. My usual response is just to ignore the problem and move on, but I don't think that's going to happen. Not this time, at least. I have never felt this way before," I hesitantly stated, gazing upon the ashen beauty, "But shall we continue again tonight? The Shadow Realm is quite interesting!"