Epic 122Kyrian stood before Ken, his entire body rigid with anger, every muscle and tendon coiled tightly like a spring. His eyes flashed with fury, his breathing quick and shallow as he struggled to contain his rage.The revelation of Ken's betrayal had cut deep, tearing open old wounds and unleashing a torrent of pain and anger that he had long suppressed. He felt as if he were standing on a precipice, teetering on the edge of a bottomless abyss of emotion.And yet, despite his anger, he could not bring himself to strike out at Ken. Kyrian's voice was hard and unrelenting, his words cutting through the air like blades. "Tell me about Inspector John," he demanded, his eyes fixed on Ken. "Why did you and he hate each other so much?"Ken flinched, his expression darkening as he recalled the long-standing conflict between himself and the late Inspector John. "John and I were adversaries from the beginning," he said, his voice filled with bitterness."He was always one step behind me, a
Epic 123Kyrian's brow furrowed, his mind racing as he considered Ken's words. "You're trying to shift the blame away from yourself," he said, his voice low and intense. "You want me to believe that someone else is responsible for all of this chaos and destruction."Ken's expression remained unreadable, his eyes fixed on Kyrian. "I am only telling you what I know," he said, his voice calm and even. "I am not the only person in this world who is capable of causing harm."Kyrian's expression hardened, his voice filled with determination. Kyrian's words dripped with bitterness and sarcasm as he glared at Ken. "As it stands now, you're the only one who seems capable of causing harm in this world," he spat. "You've done nothing but bring pain and destruction to the people around you."Ken's expression grew colder, his eyes dark and unfeeling. "And what would you have me do?" he demanded. "What would you have me say to make you believe that I am not the monster you think I am?"Kyrian shook
Epic 124Kyrian nodded, his expression solemn and resolved. "Thank you," he said, his voice heavy with gratitude. "I know this isn't easy for either of you, but I appreciate your understanding."I just need a few more days. If Ken doesn't surrender himself by then, you have my word that I won't stop you from bringing him in."Timi nodded, his expression grim. "Just promise us one thing," he said, his voice filled with concern. "Don't take any unnecessary risks. You've been through enough already."Kyrian nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I promise," he said, his voice filled with a newfound sense of resolve."Now, if you don't mind, I need to get some fresh air," he said, his eyes flicking towards the door. "I think I could use a walk to clear my head."Timi and Jasmine exchanged a look, a smile passing between them."We'll be here when you get back," Timi said, his voice filled with warmth. Kyrian stepped out into the warm sunshine, the breeze blowing gently
Epic 125For a moment, the three of them sat there in silence, allowing the words to sink in.Outside, the city was asleep, the streets quiet and still, but inside the bar, their world felt alive with possibility and peace.Timi took a sip of his drink, the silence comfortable and warm between them. "I think you're right," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.Jasmine reached for Kyrian's hand, her expression filled with warmth and compassion. The night stretched on, the three of them lingering in the bar as the hours passed.As they sat there, talking and laughing, a sense of gratitude filled the air. They were grateful for each other, for the friendship and support they had found in one another.They were grateful for the moments of joy and laughter, for the tiny miracles of everyday life.And they were grateful for the strength they had found within themselves, for the courage and resilience that had carried them through the darkness and into the light. As the sun began to rise
Epic 126"Listen," Timi said, breaking the silence, his voice tentative but hopeful. "This has been such a wonderful night. Can't we make it last just a little bit longer?"Jasmine and Kyrian exchanged a glance, their expressions uncertain.Inspector Bami smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I suppose one more night won't hurt," he said, his voice playful. "I have a couple of spare beds. You're welcome to stay."Timi grinned, relief and excitement filling his face. Kyrian and Jasmine couldn't help but laugh at Timi's eagerness, and the group made their way to the spare rooms, preparing for a night of restful sleep.But as the lights went out and the quiet of the night settled in, Jasmine found herself tossing and turning, unable to shake the unease that had settled in her mind.She couldn't shake the feeling that they were all still in danger, that Ken's threat was still very real and very present. Kyrian, sensing Jasmine's unease, gently reached out and took her hand, his touch
Epic 127Kyrian was taken aback by the call, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. "That was Ken," he said, his voice low and tight. "He knows about our plan."Jasmine and Timi's faces paled, the shock of the moment sinking in."How is that possible?" Jasmine asked, her voice trembling slightly. "We haven't told anyone."Kyrian's mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information they had gathered. "He must have someone on the inside," he said, his eyes hardening with determination. "We'll continue to pretend like we're giving up," Jasmine continued, her mind already whirling with ideas. "We'll feed him misinformation, make him think he's winning. But in the meantime, we'll be searching for the leak."Kyrian nodded a fierce determination in his eyes. "We need to be extra careful," he said, his voice grave. "If Ken finds out we're on to him, he'll disappear into thin air, and we'll never get justice for your father. Timi shifted uncomfortably, his mind racing with
Epic 128Kyrian stared at the metal bars that separated them, the gulf between them so much more than physical. For a long moment, he said nothing, his thoughts racing.Finally, he spoke. "Why?" he asked, the word escaping his lips like a breath of air. "Why did you do it? Why did you betray me? Why did you become what you were?"Ken remained silent, his eyes unreadable, his expression impassive. Then, he spoke, his voice low and resigned. "I have made my choices, Kyrian," he said. "Choices that I cannot undo, choices that have led me here," Ken continued, his voice growing softer, more reflective. "But I want you to know, Kyrian, that I am not without regret. I have done many things in my life, some of them good, some of them bad. But I am not beyond redemption."Kyrian stared at Ken, his heart aching with the weight of the moment. "Then why?" he asked again, his voice shaking slightly. "Why did you turn away from me? Why did you turn away from everything we believed in?" Ken's gaze
Epic 129As Kyrian and Jasmine thanked Jasmine's father, a sense of relief washed over them, the weight of uncertainty lifted from their shoulders. They rose from the table, their hands still entwined, their hearts filled with joy and anticipation.Outside, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with streaks of gold and pink. Kyrian turned to Jasmine, his eyes alight with love. "I have one more thing to ask you, Jasmine," he said, his voice gentle but serious. "Will you marry me?"Jasmine's eyes filled with tears, her heart swelling with happiness and love. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chirping of the birds and the rustle of the leaves. "Yes, I will marry you."Kyrian pulled her into his arms, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that held all the promise of their future. As the sun sank lower in the sky, the two of them stood there, surrounded by the beauty of the world, a world that, at that moment, seemed full of hope and possibility. As the weeks pas