"Maestro."
"Yes, Adonis?"
"Captain Rowe has sent a reply."
"Oh?"
"He claims you were lying to him."
"Does he, now?"
"Yes, Maestro."
"Well, then. Why don't we ask him to come over and see for himself?"
"As you wish, Maestro."
"Hmph. More lies." Alex's gaze hardened as he stared down at the letter, and he threw his glance at Adonis. He sighed.
"I assure you, sir—"
"Assure me no lies."
"I assure you it is not a lie," he persisted, "The Maestro has requested for you to come and see for yourself she is not lying. It will take no longer than an hour, maybe two, if you will come with me, sir." Alex stared at him for a moment, and then he said slowly,
"Fine." Adonis smiled and turned.
"Follow me, then, please," he said. Alex paused hesitantly, then followed. As he walked down the hallway he passed Sophia.
"Sophia."
"Yes, sir," she said, turning around to face him.
"I'll be leaving for a little while. Not very long. You're in charge until I return."
"Yes, sir." Alex didn't reply, and hurried after Adonis, who had not stopped for him.
Adonis led him down to the hangar, to his starfish, and bowed mockingly to Alex while saying,
"After you… Sir." Alex threw him a glance, but stepped inside it all the same. Adonis followed and started it up. After a moment it took off.
Lavie watched it leave.
"Gonna get himself killed," she muttered under her breath, turning her glance away.
"Oh, Captain Rowe. So good to see you," Delphine said, smiling.
"Enough with the politeness. I'm only here so you can attempt to prove to me you're not lying," Alex retorted, not meeting her gaze. Delphine sighed.
"Well, if you're going to be that way…" She shrugged. "Come this way, then." She led him down a hallway and he followed, keeping his distance. They walked in silence for a moment, until they well into the depths of the Guild ship. Delphine stopped in front of a door and smiled at him.
"Are you ready?" Alex stared. She sighed.
"All right, then." She opened the door. Alex slowly peeked inside, unsure of what to expect.