Chapter 2196 Help When the song ended, Emery leaned in and whispered softly to Morgana, who nodded and took a few steps back, her expression a mix of gratitude and lingering excitement. Across the dance floor, another striking figure in a golden dress stood waiting, her poised elegance drawing the eyes of many. Their gazes locked, and with a determined stride, Emery walked towards her. "Would you care for a dance?" he asked, his voice steady and inviting. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂 The girl was Tessa Karat, and as she accepted his hand, a murmur of curiosity and intrigue rippled through the crowd. All eyes were on them as they began to dance, the shift in tone noticeable. This time, the dance was more formal and restrained, yet it carried an undercurrent of intensity that belied their casual gestures. As they moved gracefully across the floor, Tessa spoke into his mind with a mental whisper, Emery responded, his mental voice calm but resolute, "Why?" Emery sighed softly before replying, "I cannot just let them have their way… I have to fight." Emery's reply was calm and steady, "They will ...if you help me… we could help each other… tell me what happened with your faction… let me help… helping you is helping me." There was a long silence, the music and the murmurs of the crowd fading into the background as they danced. Tessa's gaze wavered, a flicker of hope quickly snuffed out by resignation. She shook her head slowly, her mental voice heavy with sorrow. Emery's heart sank, but he maintained his composure, trying to read the deeper emotions in her eyes. Tessa continued, After saying those words, Tessa took a step back, gave a slight bow, and left the dance floor. Emery's instinct was to follow her, to try and change her mind, but one of the Karat elders intercepted, his imposing presence and sharp gaze halting Emery in his tracks. Reluctantly, Emery turned back and rejoined Morgana and the others, who had been watching the interaction with concern. Magus Rosia, her brow furrowed, spoke up, "It's bad, isn't it? What do you want to do now?" Emery's resolve was clear in his voice. "I will try to speak with her again… we cannot give up." As he spoke, a ripple of attention spread through the crowd. Emery sensed a familiar, powerful presence entering the venue. Turning towards the entrance, he saw her: a grand magus female of striking beauty. She wore a glamorous black dress adorned with spectacular golden ornaments from her hair to her feet, each piece highlighting her regal bearing. Her arrival commanded attention, as she represented one of the most influential factions in the universe: the Nephilim. Whispers spread quickly among the attendees, recognizing her instantly. "That's Grand Magus Ishtar of the Nephilim," someone murmured, and the name passed through the crowd like wildfire. Emery watched as she glided across the floor, her movements elegant and purposeful. Her presence seemed to cast a spell over the gathering, drawing the focus of everyone in the room. Even the most seasoned politicians and powerful magus couldn't help but be awed by her. Everyone's attention shifted as a group from the Qin and Croft factions began to socialize with Grand Magus Ishtar. The gathering seemed almost rehearsed until the organizer soon called her name, praising her beauty and inviting her to the stage. "Let us hear a few words from our beautiful guest" the announcer proclaimed. Ishtar's presence on stage was mesmerizing. She spoke few words, but each one carried weight, her charm captivating the entire audience. Men and women alike were entranced by her beauty and grace. She extended her special thanks to the Croft and Qin families for their invitation and then delivered a statement that sent shockwaves through the crowd. "I am optimistic that the Qin and the Croft will make Golden City a much better place," she declared. Ishtar's words did more than just support the Qin and Croft factions; they also implicitly criticized the Karat faction. The tension in the room was palpable, and Emery could sense the unease among many of the attendees. The members of the Karat faction were especially affected, with a few leaving the venue in anger. After her dramatic announcement, Ishtar turned her gaze upon Emery and smiled. Her voice echoed in his mind. As Ishtar descended from the stage, Emery noticed two formidable grand magus figures accompanying her. One had eyes that seemed to pierce his very soul, indicating a spirit master likely more powerful than Mo Yan. The second figure was shrouded in a subtle dark aura, which took a moment for VIA to identify. This grand magus surprisingly had high proficiency in space magic, adding another layer of threat. It was clear that both grand magus were prepared to handle him. These facts ruined Emery's mood to enjoy the rest of the reception. He took another drink before deciding to leave the venue, Morgana following closely. However, as Emery reached the dock waiting for his ride, a figure approached him. It was the elder who had stood next to Tessa earlier. "Your presence is required at the Karat Golden Mansion," the elder said with an air of authority. He told Emery a time and place, "Come alone!" he added strictly before turning and walking away. x x x x x x