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2024-10-29 19:42:56Astrophel knocked loud and hard until his knuckles bruised. The door opened to reveal Orion, “what the hell are you doing here?” Orion asked Astrophel who pushed past him and made his way into the Pierce mansion.
“Astrophel! What if my daughter and her husband were home?! We agreed to meet at our designated spot. To what do I owe this visit?” He asked again. Astrophel was now pacing back and forth in the living area.
He stopped abruptly, “when were you going to tell me you threw him out?”
“Kai? I had no way to reach you. You’re the one who insisted on being the one to contact me!”
“Wrong answer, Orion! Let me rephrase, why did you make such an executive decision by yourself?”
Orion scoffed, “this was not the deal, Astrophel and you know this. Kai is a ticking time bomb! Look at my dark eye circles and sunken eyes, I have not slept in the two years he has been living under my roof!”
“We made a deal.” Astrophel said through gritted teeth, “what if one of his officers sees him?”
“That is not my problem, Astrophel. My granddaughter is pregnant by that demon! Look around you, there are no living organisms on my property. Want to know why? His very presence causes the plants to wither! The air around him is suffocating, heavy, unbearable!” Orion yelled, “you did not tell me these things when you begged me to house your human weapon!"Is he even human?”
“He was under hypnosis. What’s a few plants? Hold your breath or better still have him away from you. Easy.”
Orion scoffed, “send your granddaughter, I complied. Have her marry him, I complied.” He paused.
“I had his job fire him so he could be closer to me since you were so paranoid he would be found out.”
“You, Astrophel Blackwood, made me promise one year of my life and that of my precious granddaughter. You said you would take him far away from Voltaria, figure out a way to erase him permanently!” Orion drew a breath.
“It has been three years and my innocent Sarah is expecting a child with a demon and you have the nerve to ask me why I threw them both out? For all I know, what she carries is not human!”
“Cry me a river, Orion! I handled the difficult end of our deal and you know that. Do you have any idea how hard it is back at Nexarath?!”
“I don’t! I don’t wish to! I left that war torn city. I left to give my bloodline a better life and I am being punished! For all I know his memories have returned. He is going to kill all of us!”
“You should have consulted me.” Astrophel said again, “You sound like a broken record, Blackwood. I thought you were dead even! It’s been a year since you last contacted me. Where is the magic potion that was supposed to sedate him for a decade?”
Astrophel sighed, “a myth. Doesn’t exist.” He said with a defeated tone.“That is exactly what happens when you listen to lore from your foolish son, Axel! All our lives are in danger!” Orion announced, “my precious, Sarah.”
“Am I going to have to move? You need to get that child out of my granddaughter, Astrophel. This was not a part of our bargain. I have done my part and you know this.”
“Can you not see that there are more important matters than your family? If your granddaughter births a demon, you kill it before anything happens, easy.” He said in a cold tone, “we have to find him.”
“We? No way. We are done, through, Astrophel. The Pierce’s are no longer dipping their fingers in matters regarding the nobles or Nexarath. My great grandfather left a century ago so as to avoid this and I was a fool to trust you.”
Astrophel chuckled, “I’m afraid you have no choice, Orion. Do not forget that you’re a deserter. Your family ran away, there is a bounty on all your heads. I keep your secret and in exchange you work for me. It was never a fair trade.” He reminded Orion and all the blood drained from his face. He was as white as a ghost.
“You will do as I say. You’re dumb but you know that the Zhilak that resides in Kai Rylan is bigger than all of us, bigger than your precious granddaughter.”
“Kai must be contained. He is the end of the world.”
“But…”
“No but. I told you to contain him and you cooked up a plan to use Sarah. That was your idea, not mind.”
“I never planned for her to fall in love with him! Talk less of her getting pregnant!” He retorted.
“I made their life hell! I worried so much about how she stayed so close to him despite his suffocating energy and yet she got pregnant by him!”
“God, Orion, I do not care about your family problems! Are you so near-sighted to see what you’ve done?! You sent him away! Do you have any idea how many men have died to see Kai contained? And you let him go!”
“I’m sorry.” Orion cowered. Astrophel was right. Kai Rylan was a mystery, he was feared. He entered trances and killed people by only wishing it.
The realization hit him, “he is strong, Astrophel. There is a reason he ended the war. I fear we may not survive the wrath that is to come. I am more afraid of Kai Rylan than all the enemy countries combined.” The confession sent a chill through Astrophel’s spine.
“I should have never gone along with your plan. We’re all going to die.”
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Astrophel shot Orion a look. He was whining and the sound of his voice and his complaining disgusted him, but he was right. They all could die. They all would die.Orion walked backwards until he plopped down on a seat, “I have to move.” He said as a matter of factly.“I have to move right this instant. Before his memories return.”“You move only when I give you permission to.” Astrophel said cooly, “You, Orion Pierce are one of the few allies left in the capital and besides, the whole continent is in turmoil.” He paused.“Unless you want to retreat to the dark continent, I’ll be glad to plan your voyage and send you off in grand style. It would make for meaningful research.&
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“Kill him? Have you lost your mind, Astrophel?!” Orion yelled.“I don’t see you giving any recommendations. What do you reckon I do with a council of overbearing nobles breathing down my neck. I think it’s safer to say he died.” He shrugged in response.“It couldn’t possibly be the Kai Rylan I know about. Can he even be killed?” Orion whispered the last part, barely audible. He wished in his heart of hearts that that was the case. If it was, he regretted not driving a knife through his chest all the nights he slept peacefully in his home.“I don’t know.” Astrophel admitted, “I have to find him first.” He turned, walking towards the exit.“Let us hope that this does not end up as war
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Axel stormed the hallway, all the men that were walking by gave way for him. With every stomp, he could not believe that he was humiliated so much. In front of those blood thirsty Vorgath at that.He entered his office and sat down forcefully, “Argh!” He screamed into his palm. He hated that even in Kai’s absence, he could do nothing. He was ruler of Nexarath in Astrophel and Kai’s absence and still no one regarded or respected him.He hated Kai. In his absence, Nexarath’s army, the Kyrexi, were powerless. Unlike the Vorgath, the Kyrexi were an army of regular men. They had no Zhilak, no power. They fought with swords and bows and arrows. That did nothing against their foes. It did nothing against Thane Jackson and his army that grew by the second.Thane used black magic, his men
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Ever since running into Kai a week ago, Maverick abandoned his investigation. Despite him being given direct orders to continue his mission, he could not. He simply could not believe that his Lord was alive and in perfect health.Not only was he alive, he had a wife, an expecting wife. He worked a regular, human job. It was him but it was not.That day, Maverick was parked outside Kai’s new job and as Kai closed up for the day, he was taken aback by Maverick who stood, leaning on a lamppost, watching him from across the street. He quickly ensured all the blinds were closed from the outside before approaching Maverick, “you do know that you probably are the only tattooed man in the capital.” Kai started, “how do you think it would look to have you watching me?”Kai was right. One o
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“Kai?” She asked, “are you serious?” Sarah stuttered, at a loss for words.“Yes.” Kai said in response, not giving much away. He tried to avoid lying to Sarah as much as possible but in a time like this, it was inevitable. It was either he told a small lie or he revealed to her a world she never knew. Right now, it was safer to lie even though it meant going against their wedding vows. It was simple and short, “no lies.”Kai stared deep into her bright blue eyes. For the first time in months, she had light in them. She had become a ghost of herself since they were thrown out of her family’s mansion and a huge part, if not all of it was his fault, and he felt guilty. He always wanted to make her smile, be her joy, her safe haven but he was fighting demons within. He did not want to bother her and at the
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The couple moved uptown with Maverick’s help, “do you think we should tell your family?” Kai asked and he tossed the last bag in the trunk of the moving van and Sarah sighed, “no.” She said in a flat tone.“They abandoned us, abandoned me. My father, my grandfather, no one has come to see me ever since they threw us out. I don’t care what sentiments they have but they have been nothing but cruel to me. I don’t want me, you or my daughter anywhere near them.” She gave him a definite answer and Kai immediately understood.It was the day after he and Maverick broke their poorly coordinated story to her and thankfully, it seemed to Kai like she bought it.“Thank you again, Maverick. Truly.” She held Maverick’s hand which took him by surprise. She was way more handsy than the women in Nexarath. He looked at Kai who gave him a reassuring nod.“You’re welcome…it’s my pleasure.” He stuttered, “no really, you have no idea how much your presence has saved me… You have no idea.” She was tearing
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Kai had no idea who the high pitched voice belonged to but one look at Sarah, he understood. She rolled her eyes before turning around, plastering a fake smile on her face.“Hello, Rachel.” Sarah greeted, “Leslie.” She acknowledged the other one.“It is you! Crazy, Leslie, how long has it been?” The one Sarah called Rachel asked, “at least three years. We last saw you at our graduation. Oh… is that the husband?" She paused, stifling a laugh, "the one that caused your family to disown you?” She asked rather loudly.“The rumors were true. I mean, he is a bit cute though but really, Sarah Pierce? You gave up on your chance to be a part of the upper class for something as foolish as love?” Rachel asked.“To think John Ranch would have married her!” Leslie said, “he’s married to Peony now, they are living the dream life truly.” She swooned and Sarah sighed, “It was lovely meeting you two.” She lied, “but we must leave now.” She said, pulling Kai’s arm. He knew not to interfere in any squa
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One of the men chuckled, “I’m sorry sir, but who are you?”“We can’t just call our manager, the complex isn’t up for sale.” The other said.“Why are you two being respectful to him? Forget how tough he looks, he’s a pauper! He cannot even afford to be standing here.” Leslie said.“That’s right. Throw them both out!” Rachel chipped in.“I would like to speak to your manager. Or am I not allowed to make inquires? How much would the complex go for? Triple it, I’ll pay in full.” Kai made a bold statement and Leslie and Rachel bursted out laughing.“You didn’t tell us that your husband did stand up comedy, Sarah! You know what, call the manager. Tell him indeed someone wants to buy the complex. I would love to watch you two make an absolute fool of yourselves.”“Oh, yes! I have time today.” Leslie gleamed in agreement.“Al…right, ma’am.” One of the men said and hurried away. Sarah looked up at Kai with worry in her eyes. Kai never talked big. It was all unnecessary drama for her and her fee
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“You have that kind of money?” Sarah asked and Kai full on laughed this time around, “yes.” Was all he said as he got up. Kai adjusted his pants before reaching a hand out to Sarah.“We’ve had a long day, let’s go to bed.”“A long, unpredictable and eventful day.” She added as she took his hand. Everything about them was different now but their relationship remained the way Sarah loved, unbreakable and lighthearted. That was just how strong their bond was.The next day, Kai woke up from his night’s sleep uninterrupted by aggressive nightmares. He was getting used to it. He sat up and headed to the bathroom for his morning ritual, to splash some cold water on his face and brush his teeth. Sarah was not beside him when he woke up which only meant that she was making breakfast. As he brushed his teeth, Kai could not help but smile. Even though they had both come to the conclusion that he was the better cook, Sarah often went out of her way to wake up earlier and get a head start on maki
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After a couple of minutes remaining in an embrace, Sarah broke the hug. She held Kai’s face in between her hands and smiled, “we’re going to be okay.” She assured him again for the umpteenth time. If there was something Sarah was good at, it was comforting you until all your worries seemed small and insignificant. Kai had almost forgotten why he was upset.“I do have a question, though. Am I free to speak?” She asked him and he said in response, “always, baby. I’m eager to know where your head is at. What’s on your mind?”“Are we moving? I mean, I can understand you wanting to go back home but all the talk of war and fighting…” Kai chuckled, she really was too good to be true.“I don’t miss it Sarah, I’ll be honest with you.” He admitted for the first time out loud, “I don’t…I no longer have a family there.”Her heart sank. She wanted to ask more but she felt as though it wasn’t the right time. She appreciated him enough already for sharing something that clearly was still a fresh wou
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Kai watched as Sarah’s face went from calm to confused. Whenever she had no clue as to what was going on, she furrowed her eyebrows tightly and frowned slightly. It was something he had always found cute, he often laughed at her for wearing her emotions so clearly on her face. Recently however, it seemed to be the only look she wore and it made Kai feel guilty. He was now determined to divulge as much information as what was safe for her.Nexarath was not public knowledge to those in the capital and that was decided centuries ago before either of them were born. The rationale was simple; the then ruler of Voltaria did not want the whole Country to be wiped out by war so he came up with a simple solution, the country was divided into two main cities. The inner city was later known as the capital and Nexarath which was the city that surrounded the capital, protecting the border and the capital at the same time. Although war never really halted at any point, the emergence and discovery
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The couple walked out of the shopping complex that now belonged to Kai and was managed by Sarah. One could say that it was a shopping trip gone wrong. The two of them walked past the baby store they were supposed to patronize. The silence was ice cold.In the garage, as usual, Kai attempted to get the passenger door for Sarah and she said, “I got it.” Before opening the door herself. It was hardly her attention to be cold to him but her emotions were all over the place. The man she loved, her husband and the father to her child was a stranger to her. “Okay.” Kai muttered not loud enough for anyone to hear before walking around the truck to the driver’s side. Kai had told her that Maverick lended him one of his trucks. Was that also a lie?You could cut through the silence in the truck, so much so that the sound of the engine starting sounded like thunder in Sarah’s ear. She kept her back straight though, and looked outside the window. She simply could not behold Kai’s face.As he pul
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John looked at the man that towered over everyone as well as the woman who sat behind Ronald’s desk. Nevermind that, he was only there on orders.Ronald sighed before taking the files from John, the weight pulling him down instantly so much so that a giggle escaped from Sarah. Leslie and Rachel turned to look at her and she cleared her throat, straightening her back.“Stand up.” Kai ordered. Ronald tried to but the weight of the files were too much for him, “stand up.” Kai said again. This time, Ronald was in a nervous sweat. Not only was he so weak that he could not carry a couple of files, he was struggling on his knees in the presence of a man he bullied for so long, John.“You may leave, John.” Kai said to the clearly confused man and he nodded before taking his leave. Kai squatted down in front of Ronald who was as red as a tomato. Kai thought that he had taunted him enough to send a message. He picked up the files that he was struggling with with one hand and placed them on the
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Chapter 22
“What?!” Rachel and Leslie were in disbelief. They both reached out for Ronald’s phone and they too saw the alert. The phone fell from Leslie’s hand and she laughed nervously.“Sarah, why didn’t you tell us your darling husband here had such a big bank?” She kissed to an equally confused Sarah.Rachel chipped in, closing in the distance between them, “yeah! Anyway let us pay no mind to this situation. It got out of hand and things got way too serious! Right, Leslie?”“Totally. What do you say, Sarah? Friends again?”She ignored them for there was something else on her mind.Sarah looked at her husband who was now leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. If she did not know him, she would say that he looked nothing like her husband. There was an aura about him that was simply intimidating. No, not simply, terrifyingly intimidating.Kai’s voice echoed through the now silent office, “Ronald was it? How am I going to get my documents of ownership with you on your knees? Stan
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Chapter 21
One of the men chuckled, “I’m sorry sir, but who are you?”“We can’t just call our manager, the complex isn’t up for sale.” The other said.“Why are you two being respectful to him? Forget how tough he looks, he’s a pauper! He cannot even afford to be standing here.” Leslie said.“That’s right. Throw them both out!” Rachel chipped in.“I would like to speak to your manager. Or am I not allowed to make inquires? How much would the complex go for? Triple it, I’ll pay in full.” Kai made a bold statement and Leslie and Rachel bursted out laughing.“You didn’t tell us that your husband did stand up comedy, Sarah! You know what, call the manager. Tell him indeed someone wants to buy the complex. I would love to watch you two make an absolute fool of yourselves.”“Oh, yes! I have time today.” Leslie gleamed in agreement.“Al…right, ma’am.” One of the men said and hurried away. Sarah looked up at Kai with worry in her eyes. Kai never talked big. It was all unnecessary drama for her and her fee
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Kai had no idea who the high pitched voice belonged to but one look at Sarah, he understood. She rolled her eyes before turning around, plastering a fake smile on her face.“Hello, Rachel.” Sarah greeted, “Leslie.” She acknowledged the other one.“It is you! Crazy, Leslie, how long has it been?” The one Sarah called Rachel asked, “at least three years. We last saw you at our graduation. Oh… is that the husband?" She paused, stifling a laugh, "the one that caused your family to disown you?” She asked rather loudly.“The rumors were true. I mean, he is a bit cute though but really, Sarah Pierce? You gave up on your chance to be a part of the upper class for something as foolish as love?” Rachel asked.“To think John Ranch would have married her!” Leslie said, “he’s married to Peony now, they are living the dream life truly.” She swooned and Sarah sighed, “It was lovely meeting you two.” She lied, “but we must leave now.” She said, pulling Kai’s arm. He knew not to interfere in any squa
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Chapter 19
The couple moved uptown with Maverick’s help, “do you think we should tell your family?” Kai asked and he tossed the last bag in the trunk of the moving van and Sarah sighed, “no.” She said in a flat tone.“They abandoned us, abandoned me. My father, my grandfather, no one has come to see me ever since they threw us out. I don’t care what sentiments they have but they have been nothing but cruel to me. I don’t want me, you or my daughter anywhere near them.” She gave him a definite answer and Kai immediately understood.It was the day after he and Maverick broke their poorly coordinated story to her and thankfully, it seemed to Kai like she bought it.“Thank you again, Maverick. Truly.” She held Maverick’s hand which took him by surprise. She was way more handsy than the women in Nexarath. He looked at Kai who gave him a reassuring nod.“You’re welcome…it’s my pleasure.” He stuttered, “no really, you have no idea how much your presence has saved me… You have no idea.” She was tearing
