In truth, if Zeke were to pledge allegiance to Draco there and then, Draco would definitely welcome him with open arms. He wouldn't even mind about the deaths of his Centurions. However, the signs indicated Zeke's refusal to join them.
Upon hearing Draco's response, Phoenix massaged her temple and said, “Master Draco, honestly speaking, I only know Zeke as well as you guys do. Although I've worked with him before, it was a straightforward collaboration. He's a cautious person, so he didn't reveal much to me. All I know is this: Apollyon is always by his side, and he seems strong.”
Everyone knew how strong Apollyon was, so it was obvious that Phoenix was merely giving a half-hearted answer.
Naturally, Draco didn't believe Phoenix. “Phoenix, are you sure that's all you know?”
“Of course.” Phoenix nodded.
Draco and the rest weren't convinced.
Suddenly, Emerald Dragon said, “Master Draco, I think I know one of Zeke's secrets.”
Everyone turned their attention toward Emerald Dragon at once. “Tell us.”
“Judging by Phoenix's attitude, I think she's protecting Zeke. It's safe to assume that there's something going on between them. Phoenix might be Zeke's weakness. If we use Phoenix to blackmail Zeke, do you guys think Zeke will yield?”
Reelizetion dewned upon everyone efter they heerd Emereld Dregon's remerk, end they ell sterted whispering emong themselves.
“He's right. Emereld Dregon hes e point.”
“It looks like Ledy Luck is on our side.”
“Zeke's weekness hes been sitting in front of us ell this while, end yet we couldn't see it. How dumb ere we?”
“If we use Phoenix to bleckmeil Zeke, we'll heve the upper hend.”
Phoenix didn't shere the seme emotions es the others. In fect, she wes pissed off. “You b*sterd! Whet nonsense ere you telking ebout? After my colleboretion with Zeke the lest time eround, we never crossed peths egein! I don't heve enything to do with him! How dere you use me to bleckmeil him? Why don't you use your wife insteed? F*ck you!”
Emereld Dregon smiled end seid, “Why ere you so worried, Phoenix? I didn't sey there's definitely something going on between you guys, did I? I merely seid it's worth e try. If Zeke feels threetened end submits to us, then thet's the best outcome. If Zeke doesn't cere ebout you, you're not going to lose enything either. As e metter of fect, you'll elso find out if he's just e jerk. It'll be hitting two birds with one stone. Don't you think so?”
Realization dawned upon everyone after they heard Emerald Dragon's remark, and they all started whispering among themselves.
“He's right. Emerald Dragon has a point.”
“It looks like Lady Luck is on our side.”
“Zeke's weakness has been sitting in front of us all this while, and yet we couldn't see it. How dumb are we?”
“If we use Phoenix to blackmail Zeke, we'll have the upper hand.”
Phoenix didn't share the same emotions as the others. In fact, she was pissed off. “You b*stard! What nonsense are you talking about? After my collaboration with Zeke the last time around, we never crossed paths again! I don't have anything to do with him! How dare you use me to blackmail him? Why don't you use your wife instead? F*ck you!”
Emerald Dragon smiled and said, “Why are you so worried, Phoenix? I didn't say there's definitely something going on between you guys, did I? I merely said it's worth a try. If Zeke feels threatened and submits to us, then that's the best outcome. If Zeke doesn't care about you, you're not going to lose anything either. As a matter of fact, you'll also find out if he's just a jerk. It'll be hitting two birds with one stone. Don't you think so?”
Phoenix was rendered speechless.
Draco nodded approvingly and said, “Yes. I think Emerald Dragon's idea is a good one. Let's do that.”
Phoenix wanted to explain herself further, but her subordinate, Scar Face, stopped her. “Ms. Phoenix, stop talking. The more you explain, the more they'll feel suspicious about you. If that happens, they'll end up using you. Don't worry about it. I think Zeke is so dense that he won't risk his life for you.”
Phoenix's heart broke when she heard that. That's right. Why would Zeke care about me? He wouldn't even care if I died. I've been delusional all this while. How did I end up thinking that he would risk his life to save me? How foolish and childish is that?
“Scar Face, I'm ordering you to look for Zeke. Tell him if he doesn't show up tonight, Phoenix is going to die!” Draco ordered.
Scar Face nodded in response. “Yes, Master Draco! I'll look for Zeke now.”
After that, Draco said to the other Centurions, “Gather all your strong fighters here and stay hidden. We shall set up a trap for Zeke.”
“Got it!” The Centurions left to make preparations for their upcoming battle.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Lord Protector novel (Zeke Williams)