Connection. Action. Gentle care... What she needed now was an emotional anchor. That ethereal Pendant was no longer necessary. As her keeper, Rogue was more than willing to become that anchor.
This had been his intention all along, ever since he’d spent more time with Lilitha.
Her current state wasn’t uncommon. Rogue had seen many prisoners broken by torture. He’d even rehabilitated cases far worse than Lilitha’s.
Tricky, but not hopeless.
When Rogue called Lilitha’s name, a flicker of confusion passed through her otherwise vacant eyes—further proof of his theory.
She still felt emotions. She’d simply locked her heart away.
It was a shame his Dragon Tongue was so clumsy. He only knew a handful of words, barely enough for basic communication.
But it was enough.
Rogue brought out a wooden tub, filled it with comfortably warm water, and softly said to Lilitha, “Bathe.”
His Dragon Tongue was rough, but understandable. Lilitha didn’t move, so Rogue lifted her into the tub. The moment her icy skin touched the warm water, a trace of warmth surfaced, and her body involuntarily relaxed.
Rogue washed her slowly. She neither refused nor showed any joy.
After the bath, Rogue sat on a stool as usual. He adjusted Lilitha’s posture—like a small dog—and began feeding her. Lilitha only opened her mouth instinctively. Even swallowing required Rogue’s help with sips of water.
Punishment was pointless now. Lilitha seemed devoid of thought. Discipline would yield no reaction.
Once feeding was done, Rogue gently stroked Lilitha’s head a few times before leaving the warehouse.
He’d considered staying by her side constantly. But after weighing his options, he stuck to his routine: three visits a day.
By noon, Lady Aria had indeed returned to the Demon Lord Fortress. She immediately began handling the aftermath and summoned Rogue along with her four top generals.
Germok Sick, the strongest of the four, commanded the fortress’s military forces. His relationship with Rogue was purely professional.
Mallo Enlo, second in command, managed logistics and daily affairs. He and Rogue maintained a facade of brotherhood.
Kurero Vero, third in rank, oversaw intelligence. Friendly to all, he and Rogue were mutually supportive colleagues.
Eris Siris, the weakest general, often gave Lady Aria terrible advice as her strategist. He and Rogue were now bitter enemies.
When Rogue entered Aria’s castle hall, the four were already seated. Germok and Kurero gave slight nods of acknowledgment. Mallo offered false warmth. Eris’s glare promised to tear Rogue apart.
Rogue noted their attitudes and took his seat. He shouldn’t have been allowed at such meetings—but Lady Aria’s favor granted him privileges.
No one else knew what truly happened last night. Rogue did. If possible, he’d have crushed Eris right here.
But he couldn’t.
As Lady Aria took her seat with regal poise, Eris immediately reported on last night’s events. “Lady Aria, I’ve investigated thoroughly. The Dragon Clan sent three Legendary beings. They targeted the young dragon at Rogue’s estate with an Overlord Magic spell.”
“The Silver Dragon King has fallen. Unable to reclaim his bloodline, they sought to eliminate it—fearing a potential successor. Yet this morning, the Dragon Clan announced his youngest son has inherited the throne as the new Silver Dragon King.”
“The negotiations were a diversion. My failure to see through it warrants punishment.” Eris’s tone was earnest. His gaze swept the room, settling on Rogue. “Secondly, I believe a traitor lurks within our fortress. Last night’s attack was too sudden. An Overlord Magic spell cannot be cast unprepared.”
“Rogue.” Eris called his name. “How exactly did you withstand that Overlord Magic?”
The others had served Aria for centuries. Betrayal was unthinkable. Eris’s words, though unspoken directly, planted suspicion squarely on Rogue.
Rogue placed the broken Pendant on the table. “This belonged to the young dragon. I removed it earlier. It held a life-protection spell from the Silver Dragon King. It blocked the attack last night—but shattered after one use.”
Lady Aria examined the Pendant, then met Rogue’s eyes. “It does carry a divine aura.”
Eris’s face darkened at her support.
Rogue countered smoothly, “Eris, I must ask—why weren’t you maintaining order during the chaos last night? General Germok worked tirelessly all evening.”
Eris snorted. “I was tracking the caster. I fought two Legendary beings. I was injured, but one died and the other fled.” He slammed several corpses onto the floor, heads included. Among them lay the Legendary leader who’d once allied with Eris.
Only Avi, the dragon, had escaped the underground assault.
The dead leader’s aura matched Eris’s—a genuine Legendary corpse.
Rogue offered a slight bow. “My apologies, General. I misunderstood.”
“Hmph!”
The brief clash ended. Rogue had to admit Eris covered his tracks perfectly. With his clone destroyed last night, Rogue had no proof to accuse him.
Equally, Eris couldn’t touch Rogue—they’d “never met” last night.
Germok then reported on losses and logistics. Rogue stayed silent. These were internal fortress matters.
Lady Aria had summoned him merely to show trust.
Finally, Aria stood. “That’s all. Rogue, come with me.”
Her words made Eris’s already gloomy expression grow darker. His glare at Rogue turned venomous.
Germok gave Eris’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “Why feud with a human? Focus on healing.”
“If not for Lady Aria, I’d have killed him long ago!” Eris stormed out.
Alone in a private chamber with Aria, Rogue knew the real discussion about Lilitha—and last night—was about to begin.
