Supreme Magus novel Chapter 466

"Quite the contrary." The anger disappeared and the vampire’s tone turned stone cold.

"My Vassal wronged you, but your retaliation was too extreme. He has lost most of the abilities the Blood Blessing granted him and he might not be able to turn into a vampire anymore. My price takes into account the compensation you owe me. Take it or leave it."

It was a lie. Xolver’s blood core had just been weakened, even though none of the Night Court understood how. Only Awakened ones and Abominations knew about the existence of different kinds of cores and how did they work.

"I owe both of you nothing. Your Vassal tried to manipulate me and my property, while you inflicted me an injury that almost cost me my life while facing those flesh monsters." Lith had no qualm adding a lie of his own.

"Gentlemen, please." Sylla interrupted their quarrel. "Let’s keep your personal business outside the parlay. Otherwise it will take hours to reach a compromise."

Inxialot was already tired of all that chatting even before it started, so when he heard the word "hours", his mind spun at top gear to figure a way out of that nightmare.

"Both parties have suffered too great a damage to trust each other." Inxialot spoke for the first time since his arrival.

"According to article four of the Courts’ code of honor, to prevent hostilities from escalating is required to perform the Foul Moon, so that blood wash out the blood and peace can return."

"With all due respect, Lord Inxialot, article four states that the Foul Moon should take place in case of an irreconcilable difference between members of the Courts. This is merely a business treaty between an Awakened and the Night Court." Sylla didn’t like the sudden turn of events.

The Foul Moon was an ancient trial by combat that hadn’t been invoked for centuries. It required a fight to the death between peers, which meant Sylla and Kaelan. She had no intention of risking her eternal life for a mere mortal, no matter how tasty.

"You are wrong." Inxialot rebuked with a glare that silenced any further objection.

"They are not discussing business, they are seeking reparation, since I have yet to hear a single counteroffer.

"Article four, section three, sub paragraph one. If the probatory member of a Court assaults a guest from another, to avoid the conflict to spread to their respective Courts they must meet in a duel. Unless both their patrons are willing to take their place, of course."

The Lich was indeed right. It was an obscure codicil, which sadly had never been repealed. The silver lining was that Lord Inxialot could propose the Foul Moon, but only one of the offended parties had the right to put their lives on the line.

To Sylla, Lith asked: "What’s our esteemed guest talking about?"

"Long story short, if you win, you get what you want and pay nothing. If he wins, you die and he gets to keep your corpse as a trophy." Inxialot chimed in without giving her the possibility to reply.

"Against which one of them am I supposed to win?" Lith pointed at the vampire and his Vassal.

"The proto vampire." Inxialot used spirit magic to nail Count Xolver to the wall and clear any doubt.

"Let me get this straight, your Lich-ness. If I kill that poor excuse of a noble, his master will give me the information I need, right?" Inxialot nodded.