After a lyric, measured discussion with Lord Crydias, Alaric departed the estate's main mansion.
He left the husband and wife to their thoughts—how they would now shape a flawless information chain from the fragments of opportunity he had handed them. The path ahead was theirs to pave. But the foundation... that had already been laid in blood.
They had spoken at length—about storefront chains, public façades, network management, and the most critical element of all: secrecy.
To ensure the secrets remained secret, Alaric offered them something far more potent than oaths or contracts. Blood.
"You may use my blood,"
He had said simply,
"or your daughter's, now bound to me. Let your employees drink it, as part of the hiring ritual."
They had both looked stunned, even Lady Crydias. But he had explained further—and what he said had chilled and awed them in equal measure.
