"You could have just said that earlier," Felicia replied, quickly adding, "Moron."

Felicia had never been able to stomach Pete, and after today's calamities, her patience had reached its breaking point. She didn't hold back her trademark sharp sarcasm.

Pete, the target of her insult, showed no signs of anger. If anything, he looked slightly resigned. His usual smirk remained, and a faint air of indulgence surrounded him. He didn't beat around the bush.

"Reuben, you're a sharp one. I'm sure you've realized you've been infected with a venomous creature. Once activated, it will control your mind, turning you into nothing more than a tool at its disposal. However—"

He paused, his gaze sliding meaningfully toward the unconscious Maurice before continuing, "I never expected someone to sacrifice themselves like this for you, to take the hit for you."

"Get to the point," Felicia snapped, her patience thinning.

"The deal. Would you like to remove the venomous creature inside you? Would you like to save him, too?" Pete asked.

"What's the catch?" Felicia asked.

"I need you to accompany me somewhere. That's all. You won't have to do anything else. Just show up. Simple, isn't it?" Pete's tone was casual, almost condescending, as though he were granting her a generous favor.

"In return, we'll put the venomous creature in a dormant state during the journey, ensuring you're completely safe. And once we reach our destination, we'll remove it entirely. No more risk, no more harm," he added.

Pete dropped his bait, thinking it a good deal. Surely, she would have no choice but to agree. He expected gratitude, preparing for the next phase of his plan.

But Felicia laughed—a quiet, cutting laugh laced with mockery. Her lips curled in cold disdain.

"Do you take me for a fool?" she asked, enunciating each word clearly. She hadn't forgotten that she'd used twin venomous creatures to mitigate the effects of her Heart Eater. Why would the Heart Eater suddenly attack its host? Something must have happened to it. It was either dying, or the bronze bell controlling it had been damaged.

Felicia chuckled coldly. "The creature in your hands is already compromised. Did you think I wouldn't find out? Are you still trying to deceive me with such petty lies? Don't you think it's a bit late?"

They had run out of cards to play, yet Pete dared to lie to her face, offering a nonsensical deal. He would have held her hostage, using that as leverage. Once his goals were completed, he could easily betray her. All that talk of a deal was hot air.

Pete sighed, conceding, "All right, you saw through me so quickly. I could have strung you along a bit longer."

His gaze shifted to Maurice. He gestured with his chin, his tone softening. "But Felicia… don't you want to save him? The creatures work as a pair. If one is destroyed, the other will relentlessly attack its host—just like what's happening to him. Maurice took your place, enduring the pain for you. If you stand by and do nothing, he'll die."