Chapter 93: Sealing the Deal
Helena's expression tightened, her eyes narrowing. "That was a long time ago. What do you want, Red?"
Red leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. "I want two things from you. First, you must be aware of the current court case going on. Ezra's wives will be seeking to visit him soon. All you have to do is grant their request."
Helena shook her head. "That would be breaking protocol. You know how strict the rules are when it comes to a breach of the Law of Secrecy."
Red's smile widened. "When has that ever stopped you, Helena? You're aware of everything your underlings do, and you take your share from their dealings. Don't pretend to be so virtuous."
Helena's jaw clenched, and she looked away, her silence speaking volumes. The truth of Red's words hung heavily in the air.
"You owe me, Helena," Red continued, her voice soft but firm. "This is the time to pay up. Allow the visit. Just these two requests and we'll consider the slate wiped clean."
Helena's fingers drummed on the desk as she considered the request. Finally, she let out a long sigh. "Fine. I'll allow the visit. But this better be the end of it, Red."
Red's smile turned genuine. "You have my word."
"Okay." Helena nodded as she steeples her fingers, her eyes locking onto Red's. "What's the second thing?"
Red's smile morphed into a grin. "I'm glad you asked." Red outlined the plan she had in mind. The Captain might resent her, but she knew Helena would honor their agreement. A debt was a debt, after all.
**********
Olivia and Gen walked into the Peacekeeper office, a sense of tension resting between them. They had already gone through extensive security checks and were now walking into the main lobby, heading for the help desk. The building was a hive of activity, with the few peacekeers on duty bustling about, but Olivia's focus was singular. They needed to get to Ezra.
Standing by a corner was Miss Red, her fiery hair a striking contrast against the stark white uniform of the Peacekeeper standing beside her. Olivia and Gen quickly approached them.
"We're here to see Ezra Matten," Olivia stated firmly, addressing the peacekeer.
The white-uniformed Peacekeeper, a stern-faced woman with sharp features, nodded. "Follow me."
Miss Red joined them as they walked down a series of dimly lit corridors. The tension in the air was thick, but Olivia kept her composure. Gen, on the other hand, looked ready to spring into action at any moment, her eyes darting around as if expecting an ambush.
They reached the heavy, reinforced door of Ezra's cell. The Peacekeeper used a keycard to unlock it and swung it open, gesturing for them to enter. "You have ten minutes," she said before stepping back to wait outside.
Inside the cell, Ezra was seated with his eyes closed. He opened his eyes and looked up, surprise flashing across his face as he saw Olivia and Gen enter, followed by Miss Red.
"Olivia, Gen," he greeted, his voice strained but relieved. "What's going on? Did you find something we could use?"
Olivia stepped forward, her expression serious. "Ezra, we have a potential way out of this. Miss Red has an offer for you."
Miss Red sat down on the chair opposite Ezra, her eyes meeting his with a cute smile. "Ezra, I don't need to be your wife. What I need is your help. Specifically, your ability as a man to create vitality with a woman."
Ezra frowned, his mind already weighing the implications. "What exactly are you proposing?"
Miss Red leaned forward slightly. "I need your vitality to ascend from the second ring all the way to the fifth ring. In return, I'll use my connections and influence to clear your name. I can ensure that you are cleared of the charges against you."
Ezra's eyes narrowed. "And how do I know this will work? What guarantees do I have?"
Miss Red's smile was confident. "We'll seal the deal with a blood oath. It binds us both. If either of us breaks the oath, the consequences will be severe."
Olivia glanced at Ezra, her eyes steady and calm. "It's safe, Ezra. A blood oath is binding and cannot be broken without severe repercussions. If she tries to betray you, it will backfire on her."
Ezra considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I accept your deal."
Miss Red's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She bit her wrist, allowing her blood to flow, and offered it to Ezra. "We seal this with our blood."
Ezra mirrored her actions, biting his own wrist and extending his arm to her. Their blood mingled as they clasped wrists, their vitality surging forward and intertwining in a bond that was both ancient and powerful. They both closed their eyes, feeling the surge of energy that accompanied the blood oath.
Olivia and Gen watched silently, knowing the significance of what was happening. This bond was more than just a contract. It was a pact that tied their fates together.
As the oath took hold, Miss Red's eyes opened, her expression serious. "The deal is sealed. All you need to do is call the Captain of the Peacekeepers as a witness. She will verify that the charges are false."
Ezra nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Miss Red."
"No need to thank me, Ezra. I'll move in with you lot after you've completed your gang war." Miss Red stood. "I'll leave you to it."
With that, she turned and left the cell, the door closing behind her with a heavy thud. Olivia and Gen moved closer to Ezra, their expressions full of relief.
"We'll get through this," Olivia said softly, her hand resting on Ezra's shoulder. "We have a plan, and now we have a powerful ally."
Ezra nodded, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "I trust you both. Let's see this through to the end."
The peacekeeper opened the cell, signalling that their time was up. All they could do now was hope for the best and plan for the worst.
Outside, the moon still hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the city. They walked with purpose, their minds already planning the next steps. The battle was far from over, but they were ready.