Conflict

As he sniffed the air, the door to the room flew open, and the golden-haired man's instincts took over. He dropped to his knees, his head bowing in submission, as he prepared for his master's arrival.

But his mind was racing. 'Who was bleeding? And why did the scent fill him with a sense of unease?'

The golden-haired man's eyes remained fixed on the floor, but his senses were on high alert, waiting for his master's command. And then, he heard the voice, cold and menacing, speaking the words that made his blood run cold...

"Ah, my loyal pup," the black-haired man said, his voice dripping with malice. "I see you're still in one piece. Good. I was worried that little thief might have done you harm, as she was sent to."

The golden-haired man remained kneeling, his head bowed in submission. He didn't dare look up, didn't dare speak. He knew better than to defy his master.

The black-haired man approached him, his red-pigmented eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "You failed me, pup," he hissed, his voice like a snake slithering through grass. "You allowed that little assassin to escape."

The golden-haired man trembled, expecting punishment. But instead, his master simply laughed, a cold, mirthless sound.

"No matter," the black-haired man said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I have a new plan, one that will ensure our little thief pays for her meddling, And you, my loyal pup, will play a crucial role in it."

The golden-haired man's head remained bowed, but his mind was racing with questions.

"Count Visguard Montreal!" a voice echoed through the hallway, accompanied by the sound of footsteps.

The golden-haired man's head remained bowed, but his ears perked up at the mention of his master's title.

One of Visguard's subordinates, a tall, thin man with a nervous twitch, entered the room. "Count Visguard Montreal, I have news," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Visguard's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the subordinate. "Speak," he commanded.

The subordinate swallowed hard. "It's the collection, Count. More than half of the paintings have had their gems removed. And a few of the statues... their eyes are empty, sir."

Visguard's expression darkened, his red-pigmented eyes flashing with anger. "Continue," he growled.

The subordinate hesitated before speaking again. "It seems, Count, that the thief was not only after the gemstones, but also knew exactly which pieces to target. The ones with the most valuable gems are the ones that have been... desecrated."

Visguard's face twisted in rage, his fists clenched at his sides. "Find out who did this," he snarled. "I want them brought before me, alive. And make sure they suffer for their insolence."

Visguard turned to leave, but stopped and turned back to face the golden-haired man. "You better not fail me a second time," he warned, his voice dripping with malice. "Or I'll abandon you, just like I have with so many others who have disappointed me."

The golden-haired man shrank in regret, his mind racing with thoughts of failure and abandonment.

"Why... why did she do that?" he thought to himself. "Did she find me a monster, like everyone else? Master would abandon me if I don't do it well next time..."

He paused, his thoughts consumed by conflicting emotions.

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