ShadowBound: The Need For Power

Chapter 221 - 221: Dead Ends

Deep beneath her chamber, in the depths of her private underground lab, Mystica stood before a sleek metallic examination platform, her gaze locked onto the unsettling form of Duchess Aveline's corpse.

For the past week, she had thrown herself into rigorous arcane analysis, alchemical tests, and mystic dissections,

Galen exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, shit. If you're stumped, that's saying something."

Mystica sighed, leaning against the table. "A whole week, Gally. No progress. It's like I'm missing a crucial piece of the puzzle."

Galen crossed his arms, his gaze locked onto the corpse. "So… what's your next move?"

Mystica smirked. "Simple. I'm going to push even deeper. If conventional methods won't work, it's time to take a more unconventional approach."

Galen raised an eyebrow. "That sounds ominous."

Mystica chuckled darkly. "Oh, it should."

"Well, since my brain isn't exactly wired for this kind of thing, I'll leave you to your noble service for our beloved Queen Lucy," Galen said, already turning toward the door.

Mystica clicked her tongue. "You just got here, and you're already leaving? That's rude." She removed her gloves and shrugged off her coat. "I'm coming with you. And I really hope you haven't taken a bath yet, because I'm in dire need of a nice, steamy couple's soak."

Galen paused at the doorway, glancing back with a deadpan expression. "We're not a couple."

Mystica smirked, sauntering up beside him. "Keep telling yourself that, darling."

As they ascended the staircase, Mystica casually stretched. "By the way, aren't the exams for the academy coming up soon? What do you think they'll throw at the kids this time? I'm betting it'll be the same as last year."

Galen exhaled sharply. "Probably. Not that I care, as long as they don't stick me with that pointless closing ceremony nonsense again."

Mystica chuckled. "Pfft, don't worry. I doubt Headmaster Thion would make that mistake twice."

She shut the door behind her as they stepped out of the lab, their footsteps echoing through the underground corridor.