"Where were you last night?"

Phoebe asked, not even saying hello first.

"I went by your apartment. You weren't there."

Seth expected the question, so he didn't try to avoid it.

He stepped inside as she moved aside, then calmly explained everything that happened—from the Iron Jackals, to Reymond's involvement with Fredero Tangen, all the way to the appearance of Priestess Putrescence and the Coven of Abomination.

Of course, he carefully skipped the part where he died and resurrected.

He simply said he hid and managed to escape because the attackers assumed he died in the explosion.

Phoebe listened silently.

The longer he talked, the more her expression tightened.

When he finished, she stood still for a long moment before muttering quietly.

"…What should we do now?"

Her voice shook a little.

Seth sat on the couch and answered plainly.

"I left a note at the Coven of Solace's building to inform them about the Coven of Abomination's cooperation with Fredero Tangen. Whether they'll believe it or not is another matter… but at least they'll look into it and buy us some time to avoid danger for awhile."

Phoebe slowly sat beside him.

Her brows were knit together, and Seth didn't need to read minds to know what she was thinking.

She was already trying to figure out how this new information connected to her revenge.

Considering Seth's evaluation of Phoebe, her plans would definitely be messy, emotional, and not well thought out at all...

Seth didn't bother to point that out.

"Now, for my payment."

Seth said, getting to the point.

"I helped you uncover critical information about your enemy. I need something in return."

Phoebe nodded slowly.

His demand was quite reasonably fair, and there was no reason for Phoebe to reject it unless it harmed her own interest.

"What do you need?"

"I need knowledge and connections," Seth stated plainly.

"I want to understand witches better, make connections with them, and I also need to know where I can get a demonic weapon for self-defense. I can't keep borrowing your help. I'd like to speak with your mentor directly."

Phoebe thought about it for a moment, then nodded again.

"Alright. Wait here."

She stood and went into her room.

About five minutes later, she returned holding a familiar piece of parchment.

"You've seen this before," she said, holding it out.

"I'll be honest with you. This isn't a normal paper. It's magically linked to another one that my mentor has. It's how we communicate."

Seth took the parchment, giving a simple nod.

He had already suspected it was magical from his previous snooping.

"I told her you'd be borrowing it for one week because you helped me get information on Fredero."

Phoebe explained, her tone becoming serious.

"You must return it to me in exactly seven days. If you're late, you owe me a favor. If you lose it... you'll have to compensate me for it. It's quite valuable."

"I understand the terms." Seth replied.

"I'll be careful with it."

They talked for a few more minutes about the details of his encounter.

Then, Phoebe's eyes drifted to the old-fashioned clock on the wall.

A tired look crossed her face.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice softening.

"I haven't made any lunch. My mother and sister are both sick with a bad cough. I need to take them to the hospital later. I only cooked a little soup for them. I... I didn't make any for myself. Hospital fees are high, so I need to save every Bathala I can."

Seth offered her a small, understanding smile.

"Don't worry about me. I already ate. Would you mind if I stayed here for a little while? I just need a quiet place to rest."

"Of course," Phoebe said, gesturing vaguely toward the living room.

"Make yourself at home. I'll be in my mother's room. Just shout if you need anything."

Seeing Phoebe turn to leave, Seth didn't call out or stop her.

Instead, he quietly sat down and focused on the parchment.

He knew that this was the only direct line he had to Danica, and he needed to word things clearly.

Before writing anything, he reviewed his priorities again in his mind.

The stacks of information Matilda had given him were still untouched, lying neatly on the side.

There were far too many documents, and he already knew he wouldn't absorb anything if he forced himself to read them now.

He needed time, preferably at night when the house was quiet and he could focus on each detail.

For now, making contact with Danica took priority.

She was experienced, and unlike Phoebe, someone who handled problems with more caution.

If he wanted to survive long-term in the world of witches, he needed guidance...

And preferably from someone who wouldn't die from her own impulsiveness.

His thoughts were logical as he wrote.

He knew Danica was protective of Phoebe.

By pointing out that Phoebe's impulsive nature could be a danger to both of them, he was showing he understood Danica's concerns.

This wasn't a complaint and was instead a statement of fact to build common ground.

He also knew he couldn't demand help.

He had to acknowledge that he hadn't fully earned her trust yet.

Finally, he had nothing valuable to offer right now, so a promise of a future favor was the only honest payment he could make.

"To Phoebe's Esteemed Mentor, Danica,

Given your close relationship with Phoebe, I assume you already know that she is not the careful or detailed type. I am worried that this lack of caution might eventually cause problems for both of us. So I hope you understand why I am reaching out directly.

I am unsure if I have proven myself trustworthy in your eyes, but I want to ask about how someone like me can legally or safely acquire demonic weapons for self-defense. With the dangers surrounding us lately, relying on luck is not an option. I need equipment that can protect me in real situations.

If possible, I would also appreciate your advice on how I can take a step deeper into the Path of Damnation by forming connections with other witches. I want to do this properly and avoid unnecessary risks.

I do not have much to offer as thanks right now, but if you choose to help me, I will remember the favor and repay it in the future.

From,

Seth Arden."

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