Chapter 329
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“This is our rule, you can ask Caitlin if you don’t believe me!”
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Zeke wouldn’t allow an outsider like Sebastian to enter Shadow Moon Pavilion’s headquarters, especially someone like
him.
Sebastian looked at Caitlin, who understood the situation. She couldn’t let him go to Shadow Moon Pavilion. Non- members who entered were treated as enemies and would be killed instantly. She didn’t want him to get hurt.
“Sebastian, go find a hotel to stay at. Once I’m done with this, I’ll come to find you.”
“But what if…”
Sebastian was worried about Caitlin going to confront Zorro. What if Shadow Moon Pavilion’s people tried to harm her?
How could he let her go into such danger alone?
“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
Caitlin gave him a reassuring nod, signaling for him to trust her. Sebastian didn’t press further, and Zeke instructed the
driver to start the car.
Watching the car leave, Sebastian felt a sense of unease. He didn’t listen to Caitlin. Instead, he hailed a taxi and had it follow Zeke’s vehicle.
After driving for about 30 kilometers, leaving the capital of S Country and entering the city of Graystone, the front vehicle passed through a checkpoint without issue. However, the taxi Sebastian was in was stopped at a roadblock and wasn’t
allowed to continue.
They had now entered the territory of Graystone Castle, the stronghold of Shadow Moon Pavilion. No outside vehicles were allowed past.
Sebastian got out of the taxi, which left him behind, and he was forced to wait. He contacted a friend in S Country for help.
The vehicle continued for another ten kilometers before entering a large castle. The castle had a moat surrounding it, and guards stood watch both inside and outside.
This was the base of Shadow Moon Pavilion, where her master, Zorro, resided.
As Zeke led the way into the castle, the guards respectfully bowed. They were then escorted to a grand study where Caitlin saw Zorro. He was busy working on a golden eagle perched on an iron frame.
“Father!”
Zeke spoke first.
“Back already?” Zorro asked without turning.
“Father, I came back with Trinity.”
In Shadow Moon Pavilion, Caitlin’s code name was Trinity.
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Zorro paused his work and slowly turned around. His and Zeke’s faces were quite similar, though Zorro was more mature and his demeanor more shadowed. His voice was deep and grave.
“Oh, Trinity is here too. Just yesterday, I was thinking about you two.
Zorro walked over with his hands behind his back, a faint smile on his lips. “I’ve had preparations made to welcome you. ”
“No need. I’m not here for dinner,” Caitlin interrupted, her voice colder than before.
Zorro raised an eyebrow at her tone, sensing something was off. He turned his gaze toward his son.
Taking a deep breath, Zeke said, “Father, Trinity knows your plan.”
Zorro turned his gaze back to Caitlin, who remained silent, her eyes cold.
“I know what you’re trying to do. I’ve known for a while now,” Caitlin said bitterly.
“Can’t say ‘using‘ you, Trinity. Over the past five years, hasn’t Shadow Moon Pavilion done a lot for you? How did you become the strong person you are today? It was Shadow Moon Pavilion that gave you everything,” Zorro spoke with the
air of a savior, standing tall.
“Shadow Moon Pavilion made me strong, yes, but the purpose behind making me strong was to help you get the ‘Yun’s Aromatic Codex. You wanted the silk, but you needed to start with the mulberry leaves. That’s your scheme,” Caitlin shot
back, her eyes glaring at him.
Zorro paused for a moment, then spoke softly, “You’re very perceptive. The ‘Codex‘ is just the beginning. You’ve been part
of this plan all along.”
“Why? You’ve been scheming for five years just for a rumor about the ‘Yun’s Aromatic Codex.‘ What do you really want from it?” Caitlin pressed, her eyes narrowing.
Zorro had been granted the title of Count by the royal family of S Country. He had status, power, and hidden influence. What more could he need from some old treasure? Could it really be about an ancient artifact? Or was there something
much larger at play?
Zorro’s expression darkened. “I have no interest in The Yuncey Family or their dealings. What I care about is the Codex. You’ve got it, and I want it.”
Caitlin’s eyes hardened with resolve. “Not happening!”
“You don’t need to ask more questions,” Zorro’s voice deepened. “If you give me the Codex, I won’t make things difficult
for you.”
Caitlin shook her head firmly. “No! You’ve schemed for so long, but you’re not getting it from me!”
“ You’ve lived under our lies, under our plans. Five years of manipulation, and you were too blind to see it,” Zorro continued, almost as if mocking her.,
“But that’s what you wanted from the start, wasn’t it? Set me up from the beginning. I walked into your trap willingly, and now you’re expecting me to sign the Death Contract, just like you planned. You want the Codex, and you’ve made your move!”
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“You won’t get it from me. And I’ll never sign that Death Contract!”
Her eyes were cold with hatred. “From today forward, I sever all ties with Shadow Moon Pavilion. No more loyalty, no
more debt.”
Her declaration echoed through the room. She was done, and she wouldn’t go back to being their pawn.
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Zorro had expected this. He didn’t flinch, though he was calculating, his voice low. “You’re sure you want to leave? Don’t you know what happens to those who leave Shadow Moon Pavilion?”
“know, but I won’t accept it.”
The rumors surrounding Shadow Moon Pavilion were clear. Once you left, you had to sign the Death Contract, binding
your life to the Pavilion. If you disobeyed, you were dead. Caitlin wasn’t naive.
“This was all a setup. You’ve already planned for my exit. You’ll wait for me to sign the contract, just like you always do. But I won’t sign it. I’ll never be a part of Shadow Moon Pavilion again!”
With a final, harsh glance at Zorro, Caitlin turned to leave. But as she reached the door, it slammed shut with a loud bang.
Zorro’s cold voice rang out, “Do you know what happens when you break the rules of Shadow Moon Pavilion?”
Caitlin turned around, her gaze fierce and unflinching.
“Since I’m already here, do you think I’m afraid of your so–called consequences? If I want to leave, no one can stop me!”
Her voice was full of deadly intent, and an overwhelming aura of cold rage filled the air.
Zorro inhaled deeply. “Alright, since you refuse to sign the Death Contract and still want to leave, then there’s only one way left for you. If you survive the Trials of the Underworld, I’ll let you go!”
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