The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 60

"Either come with me to Botanic Haven or... I'll arrange for others to take you. Choose one."

"Mariela, a high and mighty Botanic Haven Protégé, bullying a mere servant like me — it's quite unseemly."

"Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, the eastern entrance of Botanic Haven."

"Feel free to wait patiently." Alavin's smile was firm, undisturbed by the threat.

"Lord Viperbane knows Botanic Haven's secret and threatens to ally with Cobalt Strike."

"It's not my concern." Alavin shrugged. The fate of Cobalt Strike was none of his business.

"The alliance is through marriage, between Marak and Celesse. I intend to resolve Botanic Haven's troubles, and you wouldn't want Celesse wed to Lord Viperbane. Our goals align."

Mariela left a few words behind, exited the storeroom, and gave a slight nod to Celesse as she walked into the courtyard. "Celesse, congratulations on your advancement to Novice Mage."

"Thank you, Mariela, for your kind thoughts." Celesse nodded in return, acknowledging the well-wishes.

Before long, Alavin emerged from the storeroom, his gaze following the path Mariela took as she departed. His brow furrowed in concern.

"What's happened?" Celesse knew that Mariela would not have visited without cause, nor would she leave Botanic Haven lightly.

Alavin shook his head. "I'll try to handle it myself first; if I cannot, I may ask for your assistance."

"Is it that serious?"

After a moment of silence, Alavin replied, "If you see me around tomorrow making deliveries, assume all is well. But if I'm nowhere to be seen, I'm likely detained in Botanic Haven."