Options. You always had options.
Even when you didn't think that you had them, there was always one.
Lukas could remain silent and that would have been an option. Say nothing and watch this feud come to their own fruition.
Lukas could have been an observer, almost like Chaerin and Junia.
Junia probably stayed silent out of fear for her superior, and Chaerin stayed silent… because, well, she was Chaerin. Her gaze was solely on Lukas, even at this time now–waiting for what he'd do.
"Stacy…" Lukas called out.
Anastasia dis Vardoken looked at the man in front of her and wavered slightly.
She had promised.
To help Lily, yes. Whether she had done it for Lukas was out of the question now.
But that didn't change the fact that 'Young Lord Aurelius' stood in front of her and considered her an equal to him.
Probably because Lux hid the truth from Nyx, but there was still a look of someone who looked at her without judgment.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtStacy's gaze flickered towards Theodore, trying to decipher why he didn't stop them.
Soon it became all clear to her.
Lawrence Tenebris might have promised her to clear their name, and even Serena Weisse might have done the same–but it was still nothing compared to a clean slate.
The taint of the Vardokens was still there, but Theodore could have lied even further.
Theodore could say that Stacy and Alexei both died during the procuring of the Blood Gourd and Lux City would be none the wiser.
Stacy and Alexei could finally taste what it would be like to be at their station, or whatever that actually meant.
Actually, Stacy didn't really know what to expect and neither did Lukas as both glanced at the blond Vampire.
"Why are you choosing to involve yourself in this?" Lukas asked.
"Why would I not involve myself? This is a matter that is clearly between the cities, and more importantly the ones who are supposed to lead them." Elias answered then glanced at Alexei. "What has happened for this situation to occur to you two? I don't think any Overlord would stand for this kind of treatment for their progeny. My grandfather will hear of this."
"... Before any of that, do you think your family will like having another noble house?" Alexei scratched his head and sighed. "Wouldn't that just be more competition?"
"Was that how it occurred in Lux?" Elias frowned. "All noble Houses must cooperate with each other and ensure that our kind continues to flourish. I have full confidence that you will be elevated to your proper stations–this is how I was raised, fear not."
Alexei let out a whistle and glanced at Stacy.
It was a tempting thing to hear, and it almost sounded like what they wanted.
"That sounds great and all, but we're not really equipped for roles like that." Alexei answered and then glanced at Junia. "I guess we have to turn it down. Hey, what do you think of registering me as your husband?"
"W-what?" the shy cousin of Chaerin turned red.
Meanwhile Lukas' jaw dropped almost at the same time as everyone else, except for Stacy.
Stacy looked at her brother with a mixed expression before smiling and shaking her head.
Out of the two of them, it was actually Stacy who was a lot more tempted with the offer from the Aurelius House but then her brother made a decision–and Stacy was more than happy to just stand with her brother.
"Do you understand what you're implying?" Elias stared at Alexei uncomprehendingly. "I understand that this must be a lot to take in and the duties might seem pressuring, but do not make conclusions so hastily, my friend."
"The name's Alexei, and just because we're supposed to be both from noble bloodlines doesn't mean that we're automatically friends." Alexei rested his arm on the computer. "Anyhow, when are we getting our passes? We're supposed to meet our family after this and grab a bite, yeah?"
"Sorry about that, I think it's best for you to leave while you still can." Lukas chuckled and glanced at the blond Vampire.
"... with all due respect, if you could forget about what happened today, it will be a favor for both Nyx and Lux's pre-existing relations, Young Lord Aurelius." Theodore spoke respectfully and inclined his head. "There are reasons why these two's identities were hidden and it was made carefully by Lux's council."
Lukas glanced at Theodore with a frown.
One moment, it almost seemed like he was willing to let Stacy and Alexei reside here, but then the next moment he was doing his best to erase any trace of evidence.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLukas was both impressed and also annoyed at the same time.
Fortunately for them, Von Aurelius Elias didn't say a word and simply stepped back.
"... That went well didn't it?" Alexei said.
"You think?" Lukas raised a brow.
He wasn't honestly sure if Theodore's words worked, but either way, they were going to leave as soon as possible.
"Here are everyone's passes." Junia said at last.
"Alright, that's great." Theodore reached out to get them, but then Junia swiped them away.
"But you're only getting these if Chaerin promises to visit us. It's been so long since we've last seen her, and it's only fair for her to come speak with us since she received my help." Junia said.
Surprisingly, it was the most backbone Junia showed to them since they've met.
"Why does it seem like everyone's trying to delay us one way or another." Theodore grumbled and eyed Junia sharply.
As much as Theodore could have easily stolen the passes, Junia would alert the authorities and bring them more attention than they've already received.
Lukas couldn't help but feel the same way, but knew that it was impossible because of who they were with. If anything, he really did want to know why Chaerin was unwilling to see her relatives.
"We'll make this visit a short one." Chaerin said.
Lukas had a feeling that it was going to be anything but that.