Chapter 76: Suspicion.

Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Suspicion.

Chapter 76: Suspicion.

Osborne and Clawdeth sprinted through the tunnels side by side, their footsteps echoing loudly against the cold stone walls as they made their way back toward the surface.

Neither of them bothered to slow down.

After everything they had discovered beneath the Baron’s estate, there was no reason to waste any more time underground than necessary.

The children had already been rescued, Vanessa and the Beta had been dealt with, and although there were still countless questions that remained unanswered, Osborne knew that finding those answers would have to wait.

There was something far more important now.

They needed to get back.

As they rushed through the winding tunnels, Osborne’s expression gradually became more serious.

’We might not make it back in time...’ he thought to himself.

He didn’t know what had happened on the surface while they were gone.

Silvester was there, so Osborne wasn’t too worried about him.

If there was anyone he could trust to handle an unexpected situation, it was Silvester.

But Julie was another matter.

’I have confidence in Silvester, but Teacher might be in danger...’ Osborne’s brows furrowed.

Julie was a mage, but she wasn’t a warrior.

Her knowledge of magic was impressive, and she had already reached the fourth circle, but when it came to actual combat, she was far less reliable than someone like Silvester or Clawdeth.

If the Baron had decided to attack while they were gone, Julie would have no choice but to defend herself.

That alone made Osborne uneasy.

His gaze shifted toward Clawdeth for a moment.

She was running beside him, her breathing steady despite the speed at which they were moving.

Osborne’s expression became slightly complicated.

Ever since they had entered the tunnels, he had noticed that something between them had changed.

It wasn’t something obvious.

Clawdeth hadn’t suddenly stopped obeying his orders, nor had she openly accused him of anything.

But her eyes had changed as well as her movements.

Even the way she stood near him was different.

She was more cautious around him, and Osborne knew exactly why.

’Her trust in me was already close to nonexistent...’

He clenched his fist slightly.

’Now that she’s seen everything I’ve done in those tunnels, her suspicions have probably grown even more...’

He had defeated the Beta, Used abilities that shouldn’t have been possible for someone like him, and even displayed physical strength far beyond what he had possessed before.

And most importantly, Clawdeth had seen the changes happening to his body.

There was no hiding the fact that he was becoming something other than human.

Osborne glanced forward.

’If I tell her to carry me, will she even agree?’

The thought made him frown.

Normally, asking Clawdeth to carry him would have been the easiest solution.

Her speed was far greater than his, especially when she wasn’t forced to fight.

If she carried him, they could return to the estate much faster.

But Osborne wasn’t sure she would agree anymore.

There was also another problem.

If Clawdeth truly believed that he was becoming a demon, she might not be willing to put herself in a position where she had to carry him.

She could easily think that he was trying to take advantage of her. Waiting to strike her down when she was most vulnerable.

Osborne’s eyes narrowed.

He couldn’t afford that kind of misunderstanding right now.

"Clawdeth." He called out to her.

She turned her head slightly.

"Yes my lord?" She said.

"Forget about me and go ahead." He said.

Clawdeth’s expression changed slightly.

Osborne continued without slowing down.

" I trust Mr Silvester, but for all I know the three of them might be in different areas at the moment."

" Gilhound can take care of himself... I need you to make sure my teacher is safe, at the very least."

For a few moments, Clawdeth said nothing.

Then she shook her head.

"I’m afraid I can’t abandon my lord."

Osborne frowned. "There’s no time for this."

"As your servant, it is my duty to remain with you." She looked forward again.

"Moreover, as your teacher. She should be able to handle herself until we arrive." She said as if matter of fact.

Osborne’s expression became complicated.

’ I wish that were the case.’

He knew Julie well enough to understand her strengths and weaknesses.

Julie was intelligent.

She was talented.

She had an impressive amount of magical knowledge.

But when it came to fighting, especially when her opponent was stronger than her, she could become surprisingly timid.

Osborne had seen it before.

’ She’s still as cowardly as ever when it comes to combat...’ he thought to himself.

He wasn’t insulting her.

It was simply the truth.

Julie was not someone he would willingly leave alone against a group of werewolves.

If the Baron had decided to send his forces against them, she could be in serious danger.

Osborne’s expression became solemn.

"Clawdeth."

She glanced at him.

"Go." He said, His voice firmer this time.

Clawdeth frowned.

She didn’t answer, instead continuing with her pace.

Osborne’s eyes narrowed. "Why aren’t you carrying out my order?"

Clawdeth remained silent.

"Clawdeth." He called out again yet she still didn’t answer.

Osborne slowed down. Eventually, he stopped completely.

Clawdeth took another step before stopping as well.

She turned around.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The cold air of the tunnel passed between them.

Osborne’s eyes narrowed as he stared directly at her.

" I’ll ask again..."

"Are you defying my order?" He said with a hint of displeasure on his face.

Clawdeth’s golden eyes met his. "You wish to send me away so you can flee?"

Osborne froze.

For the first time since they had left the tunnels, genuine surprise appeared on his face.

"What?"

Clawdeth didn’t look away. Her expression remained serious.

Receiving no answer, Osborne’s expression darkened.

"Do you think I’m some kind of demonic spy?" He said, His voice dropping.

Clawdeth didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, she looked at him for several seconds before asking a question of her own.

"A being who uses magic without finishing a chant. Someone who’s strength grows at an alarming rate, Defeating a Beta despite the difference in strength, not to mention your body..." She paused.