Disclaimer: Noblesse isn't mine.

A/N: This is a bit unexplained. Frankenstein is alone in the mansion just after Rai first disappears 820 years ago. He believes that the others have not realized this yet. Roctis, being among the traitors, already knows the truth. He comes to check on Frankenstein, to see if Rai returned home after the fight. Or you could just see it as a random conversation based off of their first meeting. Either works.

Roctis

He moved silently. Each step soundless as he glided across the stone floor without so much as a rustle of cloth. Shadows enshrouded him like a cloak, and he waited in their depths for the perfect distance, far enough to remain disclosed and near enough to entice surprise. He took one step forward into the light with a carefully executed remark floating on his lips. These words were always the first sound, the first revelation of his presence, and the layers of his voice dripped with double meaning like an under current surging through calm waters, lighthearted on the surface but dark and threatening beneath.

"Frankenstein," his voice resonated in the empty chamber, "I am glad to see you are in good health."

"Roctis Karvei." Frankenstein flattened his own tone to show no spectrum of emotion. "What is your purpose for hiding in another man's house?"

A pause. A moment of amusement. Of toleration. A silence to assert that the question did not deserve an answer. Always, he spoke by what was not said. "And your master is also well, I trust."

Master.

"I have come to see him." Roctis announced, throwing his cloak back over one shoulder. Silence then the sound of it sweeping against his back like a flutter of wings.

"He isn't here."

"I see." He turned on his heals. The cloak falling again to his side with the curt motion. "I will come again when he returns to you. Stay well until then." A glance. A hidden meaning. A silence. And he was gone.

Where was Master? Frankenstein watched him go. How long until the nobles realized he was gone? Or did they already know this?