His brows rose when he recognized a guard coming his way, likely on patrol duty. Kaden smiled small at the wendigo he hadn't properly spoken with since Christmas he believed. "Hwan," he greeted him. "'S'been a minute, how've you been?"

Did Raph believe that Roman was gulity? Chances were low. The young familiar's pedigree provided through in-depth private investigations didn't lead to Roman Thomson being an accomplished murderer or capable murderer at this level. However, Raphael ever the master of lies felt he could use this as the start of another accusation –– one that might be far more believable and only needed the right person with the wildest imagination to make that.

First he needed to form a connection and as he played with a small, crudely made wooden stake like a prisoner would be capable of creating, he waited in anticipation for the expected knock at his suite door. Hwan Seu was a long-term guard here in Krovs and never once strayed against the council, which meant Raph saw him as loyal enough. A man like the wendigo was either truly amoral or held high self-preservation to not want to become a slave. Either way, he was the prime choice for this stealthy mission he needed from the guard.

"Mr. Seu, come in," he greeted the younger as he ushered him inside the privacy of his suite and shut the door. "Thank you for coming. How's everything been? Have you been very busy with this supposed assassin infiltration in Krovs? I hope Mr. Kalani isn't running you too ragged on our behalf."

So when Manny didn’t even get a response back about an unclaimed slave being brought up to his suite for assistance, he took it upon himself to go down there himself. Lo and behold the Undercroft had gone quiet, no more carnal acts between slaves as the ones who were still in heat were likely upstairs with a master or staff member who needed their own relief. And the ones down here were in obvious recovery. Clearly the guards were down a few numbers given that only one seemed to be on duty down here at the moment. He recognized Hwan from how long he’d been a slave at the castle and the few brief interactions he shared with him. Normally, he’d be a lot more patient and polite, but his heat was back in full swing like fire under his skin and a thunderstorm in his mood. 

“Hey,” he half-snapped as he walked up to the wendigo. “The fuck are all the other slaves? I can’t do shit with these assed out fuckers. You know when one who’s not barely conscious’ll be available?” 

The shop was finally slowing down, now that the morning rush was over. It gave Mathias time to greet and chat with some of the customers there, as well as tend to some of the plants. The day was beautiful, so they had all the windows open and the natural light flooded the building. It was perfect to him, and what he always imagined when he dreamed of making Witch’s Brew. He heard the soft chimes of the front door as another customer came in. Mathias went to the front register and greeted him, “Good afternoon. What can I do for you?”

It’d taken Manny quite a bit of convincing with his master to get himself into the tournament again this year, but he’d say it was worth it. Last year he’d been disappointed that he didn’t make it to the second round, having been persuaded by his opponent to yield. He’d lived through dozens of battles against vampires. The shifter liked to think he could do better this time around. 

Armed with a silver blade tucked away in his boot, Manny stepped into the ring for his fight. His opponent was someone he didn’t recognize so much by name, but he’d seen the guard before in the Undercroft when he’d briefly been unclaimed. With his full abilities, he caught the distinct scent of death and rotting that reminded him of the few wendigos he’d met in the castle. Shockingly, that still didn’t deter him. He flashed Hwan a grin before settling into his jaguar form, determination clear in the feline’s eyes. The moment the start signal went off, his roar echoed in the arena. He sprinted towards the wendigo, sharp teeth bared and jaws snapping as he pounced to take a bite.