Hello, everyone.I sincerely apologize for the repeated chapters. It was as a result of a network glitch. They’ve all been corrected and the corrections will take effect once my editor returns from the spring break.I apologize for the inconvenience.***Luke was stunned. He stared at Mason in awe, an odd chill zinging through his blood.“So you’re saying… you’re saying that you knew this and you still let me touch it?”Mason clenched his jaw and took a step back.“I know you’re the chosen one. I knew nothing would’ve happened to you.”“The hell you did! The hell you fucking did! You didn’t know shit. You were ready to watch me fry to death.”“That’s not true, Luke, and you know it.”Luke’s entire mind was clouded with anger and a horrible sense of betrayal. He turned away from Mason and paced around the room, trying to bring his temper under control.“You need to calm down, man. You’re beginning to burn.”Luke whirled in his direction and growled.“Don’t you dare…”He was about to say
“What do you mean?”“I already told you that these powers are not usually permanent for everyone. If you were called for a purpose, your powers will disappear once you’ve served your purpose. If you’re meant to be a full blown Rydling, you’ll have these powers for the rest of your life.”Luke reached out for the nearest chair and sank into it, running his fingers through his hair.“What does this mean for me?”Mason gave him a reassuring smile.“Being a Rydling isn’t a curse, Luke. I personally believe it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Now, being the chosen one means you’ve been bestowed with a wide range of powers, some of which we might never find out until you manifest them yourself… like what happened just now.”Luke scoffed.“Are you saying that I’m the first Rydling to have glowing, fiery skin when I’m upset?”Mason waited for a beat and at that moment, Luke already figured out his answer.“I’m the first person to ever do that, aren’t I?”Mason nodded and Luke let out
“I know they’re up to something.” Luke ranted to Mason as he paced the room. “It’s a feeling in my guts that has refused to go away.”Mason stared thoughtfully into space for a few moments. He’d miraculously reappeared the very moment the Colton brothers walked out of the office. Now, he sat cross legged on the visitor’s chair and curled his too-long hair around one finger, immersed deep in thought.“Did your amulet vibrate?” He asked suddenly.Luke nodded.“Yes it did. Why do you ask?”“Your amulet vibrating might mean one of two things: a danger warning sign or a call from the elders. It’s obvious that you haven’t been teleported to the council. That means it was a warning. That deal was a trap. Did you sign it?”“I did.” Luke deadpanned.Mason was about to scream but he quickly added; “with a fake signature. I’m not that stupid.”Mason visibly breathed a sigh of relief.“Good. Have you cross checked the documents for errors or fraud? Maybe that’s where the problem lies.”Luke paced
Luke was certain that he’d never been so alarmed in his life. Ryker’s warning echoed in his head over and over again;“Do not let anyone, especially your wife’s family, find out about your powers.”He risked a glance downwards and to his utmost shock, the amulet was glowing indeed — a bright, golden light.Fiona’s eyes were fixated on his chest as she took a step closer. Slightly panicked, Luke jumped to his feet and covered the amulet with his palm.“Where do you think you’re going?”She froze and blinked at him.“What’s that, Luke? Why is it glowing?”“That’s none of your business.” He replied, trying hard not to showcase the worry that gnawed deep in his stomach.“Now, leave. I need to get ready for the opera.”When she still continued to stand there and stare at him, he barked;“Don’t you want me to come anymore? Leave!”Startled, Fiona turned around and fled the room. He went after her and made sure to lock the door securely, then he ran to the mirror to catch a proper look of th
“Oh, but they look so good together.” Fiona crooned as she led him to their box. “I’ve honestly never seen a couple fit each other so perfectly.”Luke pressed his fingers against his eyes and breathed in deeply. “I know what you’re doing, Fiona. There’s really no point of rubbing it in my face.” He growled.She turned around and looked at him innocently.“I’m not doing anything. I’m only stating facts.”Thankfully, he was saved from replying when they finally made it to their box.“Look, I chose a box directly beside Hillary’s.” She said excitedly. “Isn’t that great?”The sight of Nina with another man had completely washed away the excitement that had pumped through his blood earlier at the thought of seeing Hillary. Luke couldn’t even force himself to pretend to be excited anymore.“That’s great.” He said dully.The opera was yet to start. While Fiona mixed and chatted with everyone who walked past their private box, Luke sank into the seat and hoped the darkness covered the burning
Luke felt a strange vibration against his chest. He looked down and to his horror, realised that his amulet was glowing again. The damn thing must’ve picked up signals of his anger towards the Colton brothers.He subtly covered the area with his palm, hoping no one had noticed the strange glow. His heartbeat accelerated as he scanned the room in search of Fiona. To his relief, he found her chattering away with a long time friend. Good. She was distracted for the meantime.He had to find water. Quickly.“Excuse me, can you direct me to the washroom?” He asked one of the uniformed ushers who stood at the door.“Right this way, sir.” With his palm still pressed against his chest, Luke followed behind as the man led him through a brightly lit hallway. Suddenly, he paused and pointed at a row of doors in the distance.“That’s the restroom, sir. Have a pleasant evening.” Then he bowed slightly and departed. Luke hurried towards the first door and walked into the spacious, neat bathroom.
The entire atmosphere was tense and silent as Luke and Adam engaged in a heated standoff. Luke said nothing for a moment, unable to believe his ears.“What did you say?”Adam folded his arms against his chest and turned away.“You heard me. I know what you are, my darling Luke. I could perceive your powers the very moment you walked into the room.”Luke felt his insides grow cold.“How’s that even possible? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”“Denying it only makes you look like a fool!” Adam retorted as he whirled in his direction. “And you’re not a fool, are you?”Luke remained completely mute for a few seconds. He held Adam’s gaze with a clenched jaw, willing his jumbled nerves to calm the fuck down.“Who are you? What are you?”“Are you sure you’re mentally ready for that information?” His opponent growled icily.Luke could swear that the temperature in the room suddenly dropped and the entire bathroom became freezing. He looked around, his nerves building in a mixture of a
Luke slowly backed away from Adam, keeping his reflexes on high alert in case of any unexpected attacks.Adam smirked.“There’s no need to be scared of me just yet, Rydling. Don’t worry, I’m not coming for you tonight. But I will… very, very soon.”A sudden thought occurred to Luke.“Did you send me that letter? Have you been stalking me all these while? What do you know about my grandfather?”Adam blinked at him for a second, his features twisted in confusion.“I have no idea what you’re talking aboutLuke wanted to argue but the look of pure surprise on Adam’s face stopped him. No matter how disappointing it was, Adam was not behind those letters and those threats. Which meant Luke still had an unidentified madman on his hands.Adam walked past him and lifted his hand to touch his shoulder. Luke ducked at the last minute, leaving the villain’s hand hanging in thin air.“Someone’s feisty.” Adam commented as he walked towards the door. He stopped at the doorway and threw one last jab