The Duke's Passion

"Uncle Hell!" Claude and Samael didn't have the time to chat after the former's call as both of them leaped from their spot, dodging the black threads that came right above them. While midair, Claude's eyes snapped open at the gigantic threads that were akin to whirlpools coming to life, destroying a part of the arena in the Colosseum. "Holy…" Claude gasped as his eyes widened even more. He looked up, searching for Samael's figure, and found him in a distance, also in the air. "Uncle Hell!" Samael simply cast Claude a look. "Man, look at you. How the hell did you think you can steal my wife if you're dead, boy?"

"What?"

"Good thing I rush in here when I fucking sense that guy's rotten smell." Samael gazed down at Tristan Willow, spatting out to the side the moment he locked eyes with the latter. "There you fucking are, Quentin."

A glint flickered across Samael's eyes, assessing Zero's biological son, Tristan Willow. The moment Samael saw the slight smirk in Tristan's eyes, a realization dawned on Samael. A mystery and the big question mark no one had the answer to finally came to light.

Why did Zero keep his son by his side when he slaughtered his entire clan?

This was the answer. Zero kept Tristan Willow by his side because the latter was his own flesh and blood. It wasn't out of fatherly love, just as expected. To make Zero's plans work, which was to dispose of his own body, he needed to find the right shell. Whatever the reason, Zero had to create clones and take ownership of Tristan's body. It didn't matter. It could be because he saw it as a resort to flee with a new identity or something else. The point was, Samael was slowly unveiling all of Zero's cards, one after another. This wouldn't work, unless there was a bigger card Zero had on his sleeve. Claude also gazed down at Tristan, gulping a mouthful of air. "He's changed," said Claude under his breath, but Samael still heard him loud and clear. "Tristan… that guy was just here a moment ago. I'm sure of that."

"Haha!" Tristan laughed, darting his eyes between Claude and Samael, who managed to stay midair by watching their weight. "I'm sure my son loved your company, Earl of Monarey."

"Tch." Claude clicked his tongue, feeling this growing repugnance towards Zero. "Where did you take him?"

"Huh?"

"Your son!" Claude raised his voice. "Where is Tristan Willow?"

Tristan blinked, cocking his head to the side. "Why are you looking for my son, Earl? Don't tell me you and my son are now friends just because you exchanged blows?"

Claude clenched his teeth in irritation, balling his hand into a tight fist. That wasn't it, was what he wanted to say, but he knew explaining was futile. Zero, who was now in the body of Tristan, was just using this time to entertain himself. "Claude," Samael called solemnly, keeping his eyes on Tristan. "Get away from here."

"But uncle Hell —"

"You want those warriors out of this place safely, right? Then, help them go on. This place is still less dangerous than outside, is what I'm telling you." Samael slowly snapped his eyes at Claude, staring at the latter through the thick, dark threads surrounding them. "Zero is mine to kill. There were more things you can do than get held down by this garbage."

Claude ground his teeth as equal fury and disappointment pooled in his eyes. He felt like Samael was doing this because Claude was nearly killed just now. However, the dominant part of him told him that wasn't Samael's intention.

"Fine." Claude breathed out in frustration, loosening his fist. "If you die in here, the only thing I can say is you don't have to worry about Auntie Lilove. I'll take care of her for sure."

"Fucking bastard…"

"That is why!" Claude was panting, speaking through his gritted teeth. "Come out of here in one piece!"

Samael gazed at his nephew for a moment and then smirked. He peeled his eyes from Claude down to Tristan.

"The person who would kill me, Samael La Crox, isn't born yet." The corner of his lips stretched from ear to ear until his fangs were showing. "There is no fucking way I will die in here, knowing a fool is out here to get my role as my wife's husband."

Seeing the enthusiasm Samael was emanating, Claude couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief. Claude trusted Samael more than he trusted himself. If his uncle said he would come out of here alive, then ?he would. Samael's words were his bond. "Then… I'll see you later." Claude didn't idle, turning his head and putting down his weight to land. His foot didn't even last on the broken area as he leaped away, swiftly avoiding the black threads. Meanwhile, Samael also descended and landed several meters from Tristan. The black threads didn't attack him immediately, wiggling in the air leisurely. "What a surprise," mused Samael. "You didn't come after my nephew. I thought you would stop him, just like how you attempted to stop my wife from leaving the palace."

Tristan sported a short smile. "I know you will stop me." f𝗿e𝗲𝘄𝗲bn𝐨𝚟𝚎l.com

"And I will succeed in stopping you," added Samael in a knowing tone, shrugging confidently. "I guess your ego is much more important."

"Samael La Crox." Tristan shook his head while keeping his eyes on Samael. "You never cease to leave me in awe. I surely underestimated your stubbornness — it is annoying. How can a person's existence be this annoying?"

Samael grinned and chortled. "I know, right? I'm a persistent guy… just like you."

"Indeed, we are." Tristan rocked his head as his smile faded. "I can't let you run wild anymore, Samael La Crox."

"The feeling is mutual, Quentin." Samael's smile also grew solemn and wicked. The white area of his eyes slowly turned darker until they were as blank as ink while his irises shone in bright red. "I said it before and I will say it again, no matter which body you are in, I will be the one to deliver you to hell, Moriarty. The audacity you have to flee from me and try to kill my cute little nephew?"