Koda placed his hand over his mouth in horror as he continued to watch the wolf folk work. Tezhok wretched Elucard's head back. The chains suspending Elucard's limp body jingled from the violent jerk. The elf's eyes clouded white and his jaw hung loose.

Tezhok whispered into Elucard's ear, just soft enough for Koda to catch. "You've done well, Elucard. Inle and I are very proud of you."

Koda tilted his head. A woman's voice?

He glanced to his side as Wraslyn placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Her name was Jetta," the vampire explained. "An influential friend from Elucard's past."

Koda didn't blink. "Is brainwashing necessary?"

Elucard's head slumped forward. A dribble of drool stretched to the ground.

Tezhok stood and turned to face Koda and Wraslyn. The wolf clasped his claws together. "I would call it a gentle nudge in our direction. Nothing more, nothing less. Hardly brainwashing."

Wraslyn gestured to his familiar. "See, simple suggestions. Nothing harmful."

Koda raised his brow, unconvinced. He shook his head and shifted his weight on his back foot. "And when we release the gods, will Elucard go free?"

Wraslyn took an elegant bow. "Of course, my student. Once we have met our goal, no more harm shall come to the world."

Koda clenched a fist. No more harm will come to the world? He has done so much harm, how much will those he cared for have to pay. How much suffering will Elucard be dealt before Wraslyn's goals are met? Raine. Will Raine ever forgive him? What of himself? Could he fathom the energy to forgive himself for betraying his grandfather's teachings? No. No I don't think so, but that is the price that must be paid to change the world.

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"Master Wraslyn." The Collector walked before Koda and his vampire lord.

Wraslyn turned to Tezhok. "Dear friend, you are dismissed."

The Collector knelt down. "Master, our Black Rabbit spies have learned the possible location of the Stratus seal."

Wraslyn gave the yikahti a pleased smile. "Speak."

"Draconicus guards the seal within its mountains."

"Hmm, the Crystal Peak Mountains contain our next step," Wraslyn said with a nod. "Very well. This may take some time to divinate where the Heaven Mark lies. It is such a large range."

"Perhaps we should speak with the Scale Lord and persuade him to divulge the location?"

Koda's eyes lit up. "Master Wraslyn, I have a request!" He waited for them to give him their attention before continuing, "May I join the mission to Draconicus? I have always wanted to see the City of Dragons in all its glory. Not to mention the chance to witness another seal would be so enticing."

Wraslyn rubbed his chin. "I do not believe that would be wise. We must appeal to Rellethek's pride and power. If he comes face to face with the elf that tried to defy him, he may shut us out before we are provided an opportunity with the seal's location."

"If I may interject?" asked the Collector. "Koda is new to our guild. He should learn our ways as part of his education. Without Inle or Strife here and with Elucard still being prepared, we are shorthanded. I could use this whelp's assistance. His advanced knowledge of the seals and his experience in politics could provide a valuable edge than if I went by myself."

Wraslyn peered into Koda's eyes, as if mulling over the careful decision in his head. Koda could only present himself as a valuable edge as he possibly could. He straightened his emerald buttons down his white jacket and puffed out his chest. Finally Wraslyn gave him a fanged grin.

"Very well, Ashire. You may have it your way."

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