Succubi Chapter 233. I’m Fighting for My Bonus
Succubi Chapter 233. I’m Fighting for My Bonus
He lifted his glass slightly, like he was still calm, still noble, still in control of the room. But the way his fingers pressed against the crystal told another story. If he gripped any harder, the glass might shatter, and honestly, that would be dramatic enough for the musicians to change keys.
“You dance well, Blackthorn,” Cassian said. “I’ll give you that.”
I bowed my head a fraction. “Generous.”
“But a man is not measured by his dance.”
Ah. Here we go.
“Unless, perhaps, he earns money from dancing,” Cassian continued, his smile sharpening. “Though I have never seen a man with true money do that.”
My soul paused.
Wait.
Was that an insult?
To dancers?
To poor people?
To me?
I kept my expression pleasant while internally opening a courtroom. ‘Your Honor, this man is both classist and stupid.’
“Power matters more among nobles,” Cassian said, voice louder now, just enough for nearby people to hear. “Blood. Strength. Influence. The ability to protect what belongs to us.”
He pulled Mirena closer by the waist.
Her body pressed against his side, her hand fluttering to his chest like she was a delicate flower trapped in the arms of a heroic man.
Cassian’s eyes moved to Alyra. He wanted her to react.
Wanted jealousy, bitterness or proof that he still mattered to her.
But Alyra didn’t bite.
She stood beside me with one hand resting lightly around her glass, her face smooth, almost bored. Not cold enough to look angry. Not soft enough to look wounded. Just… above it.
Perfect.
Cassian’s jaw flexed.
I almost clapped.
Instead, I tilted my head.
“I don’t understand,” I said calmly.
Cassian looked at me again. “What?”
“Which part of me made you think I’m weak?”
The nearby air tightened.
Alyra’s fingers paused at the stem of her glass.
Mirena’s eyes flickered with interest.
Cassian gave me another up-and-down glance, but this time it wasn’t dismissive. It was searching for something he had missed. “I have never seen you in any noble battle school,” he said.
“That’s your standard?”
“I’ve never heard your name in any competition either.”
I smiled faintly. “That is a bold assumption.”
“It is an observation.”
“It is an incomplete one.”
His eyes narrowed.
I lifted my glass and took a sip. Sweet. Cold. Expensive. The butler really did good work. “I’m just a peaceful person,” I said.
Cassian laughed.
Not loud.
Worse.
Soft, like he thought I had just proven his point.
“That is what cowards usually say.”
I felt it. Not literally, but socially. Several nobles nearby pretended not to listen, which meant they listened harder. Mirena’s lips parted slightly, maybe preparing to say “Cassian, no” in the softest, fakest voice known to mankind.
Alyra’s eyes cooled.
Mine didn’t.
Because inside?
I was not offended.
I was celebrating.
Coward? Me?
Sure.
Call me coward, random, poor or whatever. Just make sure you do it within academy contract range, rich boy.
I almost smiled too hard.
No, Evan.
Professional.
Expensive.
Dignity.
Cassian set his glass down on a passing servant’s tray without looking.
“Let me get this clear,” he said. “How about a duel?”
There it was.
-Kaching!
My heart sang.
My face stayed calm.
Alyra glanced at me.
She probably expected some reaction. Hesitation, maybe. Concern. A question in my eyes. But I gave her nothing except the same smooth expression I had worn all night.
Internally? YES. More money!!!
Blessed be rich men with fragile egos.
“What kind of duel are we talking about?” I asked.
Cassian’s lips curved. “Sword duel.”
I looked at him. “Formal?”
“Friendly.”
Friendly.
That word always meant unfriendly with witnesses.
“Rules?”
“First blood or concession.”
Reasonable. Public. Noble-safe. Enough risk to make it entertaining without creating a funeral before dessert.
Alyra stepped closer, voice low. “Evan.”
There was warning in that single word. Not fear for herself. For me.
I didn’t look at her yet. If I did, the room might read too much.
Cassian saw the exchange and smiled wider. “Unless Lady Veyne’s companion prefers to remain peaceful.”
Oh, he really wanted it.
I lowered my glass onto a nearby tray. “Lead the way.”
Cassian turned.
Before moving, he leaned toward a butler in Vale colors and whispered something. The butler nodded once and disappeared quickly through the crowd.
I caught it.
Alyra caught it too.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Cassian gestured toward the side doors leading out from the ballroom. “This way.”
Mirena held his arm as they moved, but she looked back at me over her shoulder. Her lashes lowered, her expression soft again. “Please don’t get hurt, Lord Blackthorn.”
Sweet poison.
I gave her a gentle smile. “Thank you for your concern, Lady Sol.”
Her eyes sparkled.
Then I added, “I’ll try not to make anyone worry too long.”
Alyra made a tiny sound beside me.
Mirena’s smile froze.
We followed Cassian through the ballroom, and as we moved, whispers spread faster than fire in dry grass.
A duel.
Cassian Vale challenged Alyra Veyne’s mysterious partner.
Sword duel.
Unknown Blackthorn.
The crowd shifted immediately. Noble boredom was a dangerous thing. Give them music and food, they smiled. Give them a duel born from romantic tension and injured pride, and suddenly the whole room came alive like someone opened a treasure chest.
Alyra walked beside me, close enough that her sleeve brushed mine. “You don’t have to accept,” she murmured.
“I already did.”
“I know.”
“Then why say it?”
“Because I don’t want you thinking the mission requires you to bleed for my pride.”
I glanced at her. Her face was composed, but her eyes weren’t.
There it was again.
That softer thing.
I leaned slightly closer, lowering my voice. “I’m not fighting for your pride.”
She looked at me.
“I’m fighting for my bonus.”
For one second, she stared. Then she closed her eyes like she wanted to sigh and laugh at the same time. “You are unbelievable.”
“I am affordable but rising.”
“You are not affordable.”
“Sounds like me.”
Her mouth curved despite herself.
The side doors opened, and cold night air slipped in.