"Stop."
At his command, the pain engulfing both servants vanished. They collapsed to the ground, gasping for air through ragged, wheezing breaths.
"I'll ask you again." Malakai's voice remained the same, icy. "Who are you working for?"
As control over their mouths returned, both Karla and Unoa began speaking over each other in panic.
"N-Ninth Vein, y-you have to believe me!" Karla cried, "I-I meant no harm, I swear! Look at me, who could I possibly hurt?! I'm just a maid! Please!" Tears streaked down her cheeks as she shook violently. "I-I just wanted to be of use! That's all I ever wanted!"
"O-please, Ninth Vein!" Unoa's voice cracked. "I—I have a family! A wife and two kids, please… I'm their only provider! I love my kids so much… don't make them orphans… please, I beg you!"
Their pleas bled into the cold silence, but the boy with the crimson eyes who held their fates said nothing.
