RISE OF AN ORIGINAL

UNWANTED VISITORS

Adrian sat in the courtyard, his phone screen glowing warmly. He was preoccupied by a string of messages from Lucas.

Diana rested against the stone wall of the courtyard. His face was looked at by her deep, curious eyes. "You appear to be really happy. What's the story behind this huge grin?"

He raised his head, his smile dimming. He shook his head, as if trying to clear his mind. "Oh, nothing at all. I was just chatting with Lucas."

She shook

her head, evidently dubious. She'd known him long enough to notice when something wasn't right. "I can tell when you're trying to hide something. Spill the beans. What's going on?"

He sighed. "Well, you remember the hunter who attacked me?"

She nodded, her interest growing. "The one that attacked you at the bar?"

He nodded. "That's the one, Rylan. On our approach to the cemetery, his brother attacked us. I defended myself, and... well, I ended up presenting his dead brother's body to him."

Her eyes widened in shock. "You did what?"

He massaged the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I know it sounds crazy, but it was a way for him to know he shouldn't mess with me. He was outraged when he saw his brother's head and lifeless body, but there was nothing he could do to me."

Her face became solemn. "Adrian, I understand your reasons, but we can't afford to let personal vendettas derail our mission to find the phoenix feather and the witch. Killing or provoking hunters is risky and ineffective."

He caught her gaze, his eyes filled with purpose and frustration. "I understand, Diana. But Rylan will not stop trying to kill, and I will not back down."

An unexpected guest arrived before Diana could reply, interrupting their conversation.

The visitor was Adrian's father, a man whose presence had always been associated with danger. Adrian's heart skipped a beat when he saw his father standing there, cold, emotionless eyes fixed on him.

Diana sensed Adrian's stress, and her own countenance changed to one of concern. She drew closer to him instinctively, ready to stand by his side in this unexpected clash.

Adrian's father, a tall and intimidating figure with an unfriendly demeanour, took a step closer, narrowing the gap between them. He spoke in a low, controlled tone that made Adrian quiver. "Adrian."

Adrian swallowed hard, his voice tinted with anger and fear. "What are you doing here?"

His father's lips curled into a cold smile, a smile that sent a shiver down Diana's spine as well. "I've come to pay my dear son a visit, or am I not welcomed here?"

Adrian's gaze never left his father as he replied, his voice tinged with an undercurrent of tension. "I never expected a visit from you."

Before taking a seat, his father chuckled awkwardly, his eyes examining Adrian's form with a disconcerting mix of interest and amusement. "After all these years since you left the city, my son has really grown into a big man. He appears to no longer respect or even fear his father. And, by the way, who is that lovely human girl next to you?"

Adrian swiftly drew Diana behind him, protecting her from his father's pointed finger. "You don't have to know who she is. Can you get right to the point and tell me why you've come?"

As he leaned back in his chair, his lips twisted into a sinister smile. "All right, Adrian. You appear to have found a lovely lady. Perhaps I'd like a taste of her body." He lifted an eyebrow, his tone dark and witty.

Adrian's eyes widened with anger, and he moved forward, putting himself squarely between his father and Diana. "You can only touch her when I’m dead."

As Adrian's father moved with the speed of a vampire, placing himself near a courtyard pillar, he sneered, "If that's what you want, then so be it."

The courtyard seemed tense, but a voice slashed through it like a razor. "Aren't you too old for all of this, Vincent? Let him be.”

A figure emerged from the shadows, and Adrian's eyebrows went up in surprise. "Mother!"

His mother's voice held a hint of amusement as she approached. "I assume you guys were having a family gathering without me there."

Vincent, his surprise giving way to sarcasm, remarked, "So, you're still in town, Evelyn? I wish I had known you'd also be showing up here. I would have picked another date to visit."

Evelyn wasn't one to let such comments slide. She retorted, "Not too late for you, excuse us." She turned her gaze to Diana, with a hint of curiosity in her voice. "And Adrian, who is this charming young lady behind you?"

Instinctively, he moved to shield her from his mother's gaze. "She's... no one you need to concern yourself with."

"Aww, what a nice sight.” Evelyn chuckled as she walked closer. “So, my dear son, what made you return to this perilous city? You missed me, your mother, right? Or perhaps you've got something that you have come back to look for?"

Adrian swallowed hard and wondered how much his mother knew about his mission. He maintained a confident and ruthless façade as he replied darkly, "Whatever you might think. Maybe I've come back to get back at those who want me dead. So you should be scared out of your wits by now because I won't let anyone escape."

Tension filled the courtyard as he continued, "But I have no time for that, so don't be scared."

Suddenly, Evelyn burst into loud laughter. "I can't believe I was scared for a moment. Oh my God, you're effortlessly funny."

Her phone interrupted their conversion, and she reached out for her to check on the caller. "Your stepbrother is calling. I guess I have to leave now. But I'll find a more suitable time to meet you, so be prepared."

She turned to Vincent. "Old man, don't think I’m letting you stay. We're both leaving. Let them enjoy their last lovely moments together because they might not get to have the moment again," she chuckled as she approached him.

Vincent, seeming to relent, muttered, "I agree with you, just as usual, even though I hate myself for always agreeing with you. Take care, son, and take care of her too."

They held hands as they walked away, and Vincent added with a hint of pride, "I'm not an old man either."

"Who cares about what you think?" Evelyn responded, still chuckling.

Left alone in the courtyard, Adrian and Diana finally had a moment to breathe. However, Adrian couldn't help but overhear his mother telling his father about the phoenix feather as they departed. It became clear that he needed to rush their quest, as his parents also expressed an interest in obtaining the phoenix feather after hearing rumours of it.