If Aora was at all perturbed at trafficking alongside Mordecaii, she did little to show it. Aora spoke briefly to the manor guard who left to announce their presence.

"Before we enter the manor," she said as they paused before the gates. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear to you. You have demonstrated time and time again that you have no regard for life. Should you harm a single hair on my nephew, there will be no end to the horror I will inflict on you."

Her threat, while firm, was imparted pleasantly enough.

"Dramatics?" asked Mordecaii, amused. "Well, rest assured Lady Nerrelthos, I have no intention of harming your nephew. I was tasked to investigate, and that is all I intend to do."

The door opened to reveal Apsley, mother to Castien, the boy they had been sent to question. She spoke pleasantly with Aora and ushered the two of them in. Tea and pastries were offered as they were seated in the parlor.

"Thank you for coming Magister," she said, offering a smile to Mordecaii. "I heard you may be able to help us find the man who did this to my son."

Mordecaii licked his lips, smoothing them on one side with his forefinger.

"I will do what I can," he replied, attempting modesty. "Where is the child now?"

"I already sent for him," said Apsley, after sipping her tea. "He will be here shortly."

Mordecaii rose and began exploring the parlor, appreciating the curios and decor. Aora watched him as he walked as if preparing to intercept him should he warrant it. Castien appeared in the parlor entrance. His white-blond hair was neatly trimmed, framing a face grim, despite its youth.

"There you are," beamed Apsley as she rose to take his hand and usher him into the parlor. She sat him down on the couch beside her.

"Castien," she continued, "your aunt Aora is here, and she brought a friend."

Aora smiled at Castien. Mordecaii flashed a serpentine smile as he approached the child, arms folded behind his back.

"Hello Castien," he said as if he had known the boy.

Castien shifted uncomfortably in his seat and nodded in greeting.

"Castien," began Aora. "We're going to ask you questions about what happened that day. I don't want you to be scared. If it becomes too much for you, let us know and we will stop."

Apsley's cordial mask melted into the repose of a mother now on guard.

"We've already been through this, Aora," she said in a stern if frightened voice. "You promised me he wouldn't have to go through all that again."

Mordecaii waved his hands dismissively.

"No," he interjected. "We don't need to go through all that."

He knelt down so he was eye level with Castien.

"How about we play a game instead?" he offered.

"Mordecaii," said Aora in a warning tone.

Mordecaii stood with a flourish and moved to Aora's side, laying a hand on her shoulder.

"Here's how the game will be played," he continued. "You will sit there Castien, and drink some tea. Your aunt Aora will close her eyes. And while they're closed she might see something important. I admit, it's not a very fun game."

"What are you..." Aora tried to say, but was cut-off.

"Soulstone?" asked Mordecaii.

"What?"

"Do you have your soul sharded right now?"

"Do you think I would walk five feet with you without sharding my soul?"

"Good."

"Why?"

"Because I poisoned your tea, and you'll be dead in..."

Mordecaii pulled out his pocketwatch as Aora stared in horror at her tea. She tried to stand up but suddenly realized she couldn't breathe. She convulsed slightly before her limbs grew heavy with paralysis.

"What did you do?!" yelled Apsley, rushing to Aora.

"Dramatics?" asked Mordecaii with disappointment. "It must be a family trait."

"Castien, run to your room!"

"Sit, child," said Mordecaii to the boy.

Castien sat frigid in his chair, eyes darting to those around him, unsure of exactly what was happening.

"The man who took you was no man at all," continued Mordecaii with seriousness. "He is a demon who wears the shell of a man. He is a destroyer. He is a plague. And I know you want him brought to justice."

"Guards!" cried Apsley, as she cradled Aora.

Mordecaii sighed and produced a slender tube from his pocket. He approached Aora, and fended his way past Apsley to force the green liquid down Aora's throat. Apsley shouted in protest, trying to pry Mordecaii away from Aora. Mordecaii raised his arms in surrender to Apsley as Aora began to sputter and cough, struggling for a deep inhalation of air.

"You bastard," spat Aora.

"Did you see it?" asked Mordecaii, seemingly disinterested with her venom.

Aora didn't say anything at first, preferring to glare unforgivingly at Mordecaii.

"Yes," she said in defeat.

"What?" asked Apsley, still trying to take in everything that had just happened.

"A soul chain," sighed Aora, looking with sadness to Castien. "Serro has tethered his soul to Castien. Should Serro die or come to harm, so too shall Castien."

Apsley stood aghast, trying to form into words the thousands of questions running through her mind. All she could do was stare with love and concern at Castien.

"Well," said Mordecaii cheerfully. "Thank you for the tea."

((Accidentally left out the first part))

((This Fic will give more context to this story))