ã€ŠMixing Bloodã€‹


 1. Introduction

    The Fangaria family still lived in a castle by old traditions in a modern world. The garden contained an orchard and a playground that stretched for miles. The castle itself was massive and elegant, bluish silver stone sparkled under the midday sun; at this specific time of day, even the darkest corners shone like a young maiden¡¯s blissful hopes and futures. Over a hundred rooms, two servant¡¯s quarters and one room for the slaves and whores scattered inside the walls of the picturesque castle.

    There are eleven masters of the house: the king and father Vessuillus, his wife Cassandra Miriam and her newly adult sister, twenty-one-year-old Elaine. As well as seven children, five belonging to the king and queen, one six-year-old Alda Cassidy belonging to the gorgeous sister of the queen and one adoptive son Seth who was treated no better than a slave although he held the family name, but not the blood for ten of the 19 years of his life. Today the king and queen were on a business trip and in a moment, it became a child¡¯s world.

    Seth woke up the earliest making up the only thing in his room and took a shower before waking up his siblings and directing the maids on what they like for breakfast. His eldest brother of twenty, Alex took the head while his sister Elizebeth the same age as himself took the other.

    It only took a matter of minutes for the rest of his siblings to finally come staggering in looking like models and monsters as they filled the table. Directly beside Seth sat Cameron, he was only sixteen but tall enough to be considered a grown man and the only one in the family that recognize Seth as human or at least spoke once in a while directly to him. Across from them sat the ¡®Twins¡¯ Gabriel and Gabriella, very mischievous and troublesome but because they¡¯re the youngest at fifteen they tend to get away with just about anything. On top of that aside from what¡¯s in their pants and their different color eyes, they are completely identical in physical appearance and motive.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    As the maids came in with afternoon breakfast small chatter broke out here and there, one that Seth found particularly interesting was one that he happens to overhear. Elizebeth was telling little Cassidy that when she is Queen, she will have a fine husband. The little girls face little up immediately, ¡°will he be brave and nice like Seth?¡± she smiled one, that could melt gold not knowing she had just said something wrong in front of her big cousin, as Elizebeth answered with a stern unquestioning ¡°NO!¡±, everyone looked for a moment but that was all because that was simply Elizebeth to get worked up over just about everything. ¡°No¡± she repeated, ¡°YOU CANNOT HAVE A HUSBAND LIKE SETH.¡± She nearly threw up just having to say his name. ¡°He is an abomination to this household. His name should not even be uttered near me.¡± She huffed then stormed out unable to bear the sight of the child, put to near tears.

    In the midst of the conversation, Seth slipped out, took his dish then walked around the castle halls enjoying the simple quiet someplace, if he could. slowly he started hearing echoes of a strange sound. He thought someone¡­. quite possible, a woman was in trouble or pain, so he ran to follow the sounds as it got louder he found himself in front of the harlots'' chamber and through the window he saw his father and aunt was doing the ¡®dance of the devil¡¯¡­¡­¡­.

 2. Shssssâ€¦. Your Brotherâ€¦.?

    Little Alda Cassidy¡¯s musical cries drifted across the wind just in time for Seth¡¯s father to look up in shock, but then a small thin smile crept across his face as he brought a long finger to his lips directing Seth to go keep his mouth shut. ¡°Brothers Seth,¡± Cassidy¡¯s voice seemed to be coming closer, without his expression changing he turned on one foot and took off in mid-sprint to find his cousin before her tiny pure heart burst into a millennium of pieces. She ran right into him knocking him to the ground. Tears were running down her round cheeks, some matting her hair. ¡°Brother Seth, I¡¯m sorry.

    Lizipet (she couldn¡¯t quite say her name just yet) didn¡¯t mean it.¡± Seth smiled grateful and relieved. He had forgotten she was the second who treated him with a little more decency than rotten fruit. A voice, a sweet charming voice came from nearby.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°My dear Seth, are you attempting to seduce my darling baby cousin? I think I may have to rethink my standing with you.¡± Seth instantly became warm, recognizing Cameron, the only one in the family aside from himself who had a slight French accent, so he tried to raise the child off him, but she quickly sat on his chest. ¡°No,¡± she had begun to tear up ¡°Big Brother will be my huspand. You can¡¯t have him.¡±

    ¡°Alda Cassidy,¡± he spoke her name how everyone else would speak Seth¡¯s, but with an added ominous aura, but everything else including his face seemed so serene as he bent down to Cassidy¡¯s level. ¡°How are you going to marry him if you CALL him your brother?¡± he smiled.

 3. Only a Twin

    ¡°How can she like him? He¡¯s the mutt of the family.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel calm down. We share the same name so don¡¯t soil it¡± Gabriella said as they watched the entire scene of their younger cousin and Seth through the window. ¡°I understand. I just¡­I just don¡¯t think we should have a boy from the slums be a part of our family. Watch sister he will be a thief, Murder, Bringing shame to us all!¡±

    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t like it very much either but right now be good okay¡± she kissed him on the nose ¡°and just wait for our plan to carry through. Can you do that?¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°Yes, by the end of the week he will be gone.¡±

    ¡°Did you ask Elizebeth if she wanted in?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Gabriella she was more than excited to help. She wants him gone almost more than myself.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± She leaned over kissing her perfectly made twin lightly on the lips. The loved they shared have always been pure and stronger than anyone else their age.

    ¡°Tonight, I will be in your room waiting for you while you bathe.¡± She smiled widely at her brother knowing what he had planned for them, his green eye glowing with the most devious of intentions and he pulled her into himself for a hug that always seemed that they would fuse into the one person they were meant to be and he loved that feeling more than simply being near her.

 4. Sparks

    Later that day, after a long day of playing with her favorite cousins: Seth and Cameron, Alda Cassidy laid blissfully in the arms of the tall Cameron while she slept. ¡°Um¡­.sir¡­Cameron? I would¡¯ve carried her.¡± Seth said sheepishly ¡°I mean I shouldn¡¯t let my little brother strain himself.¡±

    It happened so quickly; Seth didn¡¯t know how it happened. He was pinned up against the wall with absolutely no room to move. He could feel Cameron¡¯s warm breath on his forehead as he was leaning down not quite making it to eye level. ¡°Seth¡±, he cooed ¡°Seth look at me,¡± Cameron almost begged, but Seth curled his fingers inward to the point of small trickles of blood laced his palm. ¡°Seth¡± Cameron whispered again and without thinking Seth looked up, their lips accidentally meeting. He quickly rushed back but having no place to go he sank to the ground. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry,¡± he buried his face in his knees.

    So much confusion swept over Cameron he couldn¡¯t even figure out how to respond appropriately. He leaned Cassidy against the wall like a perfectly made doll from some ancient painting and reached out to touch Seth. ¡°My dear little se-¡±, Seth had slapped his hand away, with a thunderous clap or had only sounded like that in Cameron¡¯s head. ¡° Cameron knightly,¡± the eyes that came up to stare him in the face was cold, freezing even that made him do an actual shiver as if would rustle his hair, ¡°don¡¯t touch me¡± Seth stood up flawlessly with full focus, ¡°just because I¡¯m shorter than you, with a few boyish features you believe you could do whatever. You¡¯re worse than your siblings Cameron knightly, At least their honest with their disgust of me, but you. You think you can show me the least bit of kindness and I¡¯ll be your perfect little plaything. Well, your wrong, LITTLE BROTHER!¡± Seth walked off with sure completely alert, confident footsteps yet nowhere near towards the servant¡¯s quarter. Cameron stared off into the now empty seemingly long corridor. ¡®Something¡¯s wrong¡¯ he as dark stains dropped one by one on to his pant leg. Was he crying? He shrugged it off picking up his still soundlessly asleep cousin Alda Cassidy. Seconds later, a few doors down opened, a dim light leaked through the dark corridor ¡°Cameron,¡± a flawless even in the nude Gabriella purred leaning against the doorway, lazily looking up and down him after she realized who it was.

    ¡°I would ask you to join, but sadly children just isn¡¯t my thing¡±, she smirked as she turned back into the room letting it close behind her. Did she mean Cassidy or Seth?¡± he wondered as he carried Cassidy to her room.

    And then there¡¯s Alexander, almost an adult, spoke only when absolutely necessary, and when he did ( what he couldn¡¯t get across with glares and facial expressions) he made count because of course, he¡¯s the only one of his siblings that could ever have the chance to rise above prince or princess, so while the played their little games and he stored secret after secret of why each and every one of those spoiled little brats didn¡¯t deserve even the name they were born into he would wait and study. He smirked as he walked down to the study just as he was about to open the door, he saw Seth looking slightly out of place. Usually, he would¡¯ve just ignored him like the parasite he was, but something was different, something was ¡­. Off?If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Seth?¡± he called his name once and usually that is all it would take for anyone once he spoke, also he hated to be ignored, ¡°Seth Oscill!¡± he called all that mattered yet he still did not turn. After a moment of frustration, he had an idea (he knew more about Seth than he would like to brag. He didn¡¯t harbor hatred the same as the other¡¯s because he did not belong, but because he didn¡¯t belong anywhere, so he called the name he came with.) ¡°Stryard gilbert!¡± and with that, his head snapped up like someone hearing their name called from a darkness they should not be, and that¡¯s when he saw them¡­. his pupils. His pupils were almost nearly all red. that¡¯s not good, but it could be considerably worse. ¡°Alexander Leoessa,¡± an uncharacteristic smirk rose across Seth¡¯s face. ¡°Nice to see you again my friend. Have you missed me?¡± he smiled as he put his hands in his pocket looking taller than usual as he took large deliberate steps, stopping close enough to reach his and touch Alex if he so chose to.

    ¡°Why the hell would I miss you?¡± Alex spat, igniting a smile from Stryard. ¡°Miss me your only friend the only one you would call brother.¡± He took a step forward. ¡°The only one you would call your lover.¡±

    ¡°That was the past.¡± Alex uncharacteristically stumbled as Stryard took another cool step towards him. ¡°It could be now.¡±

    ¡°I have things to do.¡±

    ¡°I can help you achieve.¡±

    For the first time Alex looked at Seth, really looked at him. ¡°Stryard? What about my father? You would betray him?¡± at that moment Alex became nine once more. ¡°Haven¡¯t you always wanted what was your father¡¯s¡± Stryard ended with a kiss. Hungrily Alex returned his kiss playfully tickling his tongue with his own. ¡°You know Cameron doesn¡¯t realize it yet, but he wants you.¡±

    Seth smiled against his lips. ¡°Are you going to let someone else play with your toys? You never have before.¡± He pulled his hand up Alex¡¯s shirt caressing just below his belly button. ¡°Not even your father?¡± Alex smiled grabbing Seth small butt in his hand pulling him close, forcing a rough kiss on him nearly choking him with his tongue alone. ¡°Yes,¡± Alex whispered nibbling his ear ¡°you are mine and don¡¯t forget it.¡±

    Later that night, after playing around in the hall they had somehow made it back to Alex¡¯s room, Alex periodically stripping Seth. ¡°I love to see you like this,¡± he held Seth against the wall by his neck. ¡°The dog of the nobles,¡± He firmly grabbed Seth¡¯s dick. ¡°No, no don¡¯t look down¡± he squeezed tighter until he made a small squeal indicating he couldn¡¯t breathe. ¡°Beg,¡± Alex smiled like the devil¡¯s son as he gently stroked his cock. ¡°Ask for it,¡± Alex took the hand that was wrapped around Seth¡¯s neck and one finger at a time pulled them in and out of his mouth.

 5. Playthings

    ¡®Warm¡­I¡¯m too warm,¡± Alex thought as he tossed into a slow wake, his eyes snapped open throwing the blanket off himself. Just like he thought Seth was wrapped around him like a lost child clinging to the first stranger it could find. He detangled himself from Stryard¡¯s grasp like unwanted blankets and went to the bathroom to shower cleaning himself from last night¡¯s events. When he was finished he went back into his room to get dressed. Seth was still asleep. ¡°Get up!¡± he stirred but didn¡¯t wake. Alex went to the side of the bed. ¡°so help me If you don¡¯t get up and out of this bed Stryard I will throw you out naked!¡± that got his attention, Stryard flirtingly twisted his body to further provoke Alex. ¡°Hmmm¡­are you sure you want people to see your property, Warts and all?¡± he challenged.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Alex thought for a slight moment then sighed. ¡°Just get out. I have business to attend to. Everyone¡¯s probably wondering where I am.¡± Seth jumped up and got dressed in one motion. ¡°last night was fun.¡± He purred in a low raspy tone with a hint of sleep still in his voice, forcing Alex to relive last night. He turned to leave when Alex interrupted him; ¡°don¡¯t forget, you are mine. You are mine to do with as I please!¡± A slow mischievous smile creped across Stryards face as he bowed exaggeratedly. ¡°yes, Sir. Anything else for you master?¡±

    ¡°yes, get out of my room and keep your mouth shut!¡± Stryard left Alex to pace and slip on his big brother persona. It¡¯s time for breakfast he thought.

 6. In the Corner of Your Eye

    ¡°Where the hell have you been! We¡¯ve been waiting for you for hours!¡± Alex walked into the dining area in the middle of a Princess Elizabeth tirade. Her face nearly red from sheer frustration and entitlement. She simply kept going, no half a beat of breath. ¡°Seth, you are nothing but a worthless piece of shit. Do you think you have a place outside being the top of the bottom because we share an ounce of blood? Why mother and father keep something so filthy around is unfathomable?¡±

    Alex slowly understood the situation. Normally, Alex could care less what Elizabeth did around the castle but today either he found her especially exasperating or bits of possessiveness still lingered on him like perfume that stuck to your clothes even after several washes.

    ¡°Elizabeth,¡± The entire gathering took notice of his presences. ¡°You could have gotten the servants yourself.¡±

    ¡°Alexander, I am a Lady. I don¡¯t need to be anywhere near their filth.¡±

    ¡°so, you starved yourself and the rest because you are a Lady? Because you didn¡¯t want to be filthy? Elizabeth you are a child; if you want something done so desperately¡­Do. It. Yourself¡± Elizabeth stared at Alex speechless. He turned his attention to Seth. ¡°and you, know your fucking place. Next time you are late I will personally make sure you know where it is. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°yes¡±

    ¡°Good. Go begin the preparations for lunch.¡±

    Elizabeth glared at her brother as she stormed off. She stomped down corridor, turning corner after corner until she found herself at the servants¡¯ quarters stopping at the first door labeled: Seth Oscill Fangaria is loose elegant script imitating tree vines. This angered her, further, so she flung the door open without regard to courtesies. Who dare pay so much attention to that dog? She thought, but when she looked inside, she was greeted by a room no bigger than a closet and held only two items; A creaseless bed made with 45-degree angles military style and a dresser or rather a large nightstand. The lack of obvious personal artifacts enraged Elizabeth to the next level in a fit she opened the drawer, threw the neatly folded clothes out one by one shaking them hoping to find even a special piece of dust, but nothing. She took apart his bed, but more nothing.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    She stood there glaring at the bed as if she could set it on fire with only her mind. She stood like this until a small voice asked, ¡°um¡­. Princess. Princess Elizebeth are you lost?¡± when Elizabeth spun around she looked down to a pale wide-eyed petit girl probably no more than 14 or 15. Elizabeth was on the verge of snapping at the fragile girl when a realization crept across her mind. This could be the sleezy little girl that decorated Seth¡¯s door. she smiled faintly putting on the innocent princess act. ¡°Hello¡­ no. no I¡¯m fine I only came to surprise my brother.¡± Then words nearly choked her. ¡° can you help me uhmmm¡­¡±

    ¡°Aubrey. Aubrey Fairchild. What can I do for you Madame?¡±

    ¡°just a few questions you can answer. ¡°Elizebeth smiled at the pure ease as she continued. ¡°would you by any chance have made that sign for Seth?¡± the girl looked up and shook her head back and forth. ¡°no Lady Cassandra Miriam made it for Master Seth when his name changed. At least that is what he and nurse tells us.¡± Elizebeth was confused, but since she would never admit anything close to stupidity she dismissed it because the insect known as Seth has always been known as such.

    ¡°okay, let me ask you another question. Where would you hide something important? Possibly something you didn¡¯t want anyone to find?¡±

    The girl thought and after a second that seemed like forever to Elizebeth, smiled and said ¡° well, I hide my diary under my bed, If that helps?¡±

    ¡°yes it does.¡± Elizebeth could hardly conceal her excitement at a milestone. ¡°you may leave,¡± she waved before bending down to reach under and just as the girl said, there was a book. A big black journal. She opened it and the writing seemed very neat and sophisticated, all ending in what looked like the initials S.G, but could very well be a quick cursive ¡®o¡¯: from what she had time to read nothing useful just the usual teenage mambo jumbo: what am I? Am I a monster? Am I allowed to love? Am I allowed to have a family?

 7. An Invitation

    Meanwhile; a doorbell rang that shook the entire household still on shells from earlier encounter. Seth slinked up from the kitchen table in a tidy manor. At the door was an entirely too pale young girl in a soft lilac dress ending with the slight curve of her buttocks. Age undecipherable between eight and sixteen standing barely at four feet eleven. ¡°Hello. I am Tsuki, Servant of Victor of the Vladamin Family. My master would like the pleasure to dine this afternoon with the Fangaria Family.¡± She spoke low, slightly audible and monotonously as if speaking to no one, paired with the lack of eye contact she could have been mistaken for a ghost.

    ¡°I¡¯m Seth Fangaria and I¡¯m sorry to inform you tha-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the head of this family and I will be the one to respond. Its name is Nothing.¡± Alex somehow stood arm¡¯s length away, yet so far away. ¡°Actually,¡± an all too familiar voice came down the stairway; one deliberate step at a time. ¡°I am the head of this family my dear little Alexander.¡± Unable to hide his hate Alex dug his nails so far into his palm, it stained the marble. Alex nodded to his father in a gentleman fashion dismissing himself when his anger was replaced with shock in two symbols.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°Daddy.¡± Every head turned, especially Alex¡¯s searching for something that wasn¡¯t there. It¡¯s pupils was black like any normal boy. Seth was back. The one he hated almost as much as his father. His reminder. ¡°Hello, Everyone,¡± he greeted the room. ¡°Oh and tell you Master we would be happy to have him. Especially Elaine and my darling Alda Cassidy, ¡° he sneered at the reminder of what sweet Alda Cassidy represented.

    ¡°Thank you, Sir. My Master will be pleased.¡± She bowed 135 degrees revealing to Alex, Seth, and the King a plump little fruit. The king cleared his throat as they all watched the messenger part. Vessuillus cam up put his arm around Seth unusually fatherly. ¡°Now, let¡¯s all continue lunch and tidy prepare for this afternoon.¡± He parted with a challenging gaze matching Alexanders¡¯.

 8. Test

    Cameron, the unattended to either major events of the day locked himself in his massive room reviewing what almost happened with him and his brother. ¡°what the fuck was that. I didn¡¯t mean to do it, but I feel I must do it again.¡± He stood up glancing at himself in the mirror. ¡°Disgusting!¡± his reflection cursed at him. ¡°You piece of-¡± There was a knock at the door. He opened it, to one of the servants. He didn¡¯t know her name, but she was beautiful¡­at least in all the places that she needed to for a man his age. He predatorially eyed her from the ankles up, stopping to glare into her eyes unintentionally, just waiting.

    ¡°umm¡­Sir Cameron...¡± she stuttered with her hands clasp together in between her avoiding eye contact. Was he freighting? He thought. ¡°The Vladimir family will be joining us for dinner. The king has requested your presences.¡±

    ¡°Is he not gone with my mother?¡±

    ¡°He is here, Sir.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± He sighed rubbing his right hand through his hair already exhausted. He looked up and she was still there. ¡°Is there something I can get for you, Sir? You seem¡­. umm...a bit stressed.¡± He looked her up and down once more. ¡°No..hmm¡­maybe, Yes. Yes, I need help with a thought.¡± He stepped back opening the door wider. ¡°come in.¡± he directed closing the door behind her. ¡°now,¡± he circled her. ¡°how do you find me? Am attractive? Scary? Kind? Dissect me.¡± She looked up into his for the first time, taking in his too-mature-for-his-age features, then back down to her twisted hands. She took a deep breath. ¡°you are kind. The most kind in the house even when you try not to. You treat everyone the same. Your always in an upbeat mood on the outside. It makes everyone around you want to be in one too.¡± The more she spoke the less she breathed.  ¡°No, you are not scary. Yes¡­yes I find you attractive.¡±

    ¡°well, I¡¯m sorry¡± he steps back ¡°I am going to be unkind, right now. What happens do not tell or write anywhere. Okay?¡± her eyes grew wide with hesitation, but even with visible tremors she shook here head up and down. ¡°now, what is your name?¡±The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°annmarie.¡± She replied barely audible.

    ¡°how old?¡±

    ¡°17 years. Sir, may I ask why this is needed¡±

    ¡°you may, but you will know shortly. Now take off your clothes. Slowly!¡± he hissed at the thought things not going as ideal. She gasped attempting to cover her larger breast. ¡°I¡¯m serious. I want to see all of you. Take you in although you are a servant. Have you had sex yet?¡±

    ¡°no-no sir¡± she stammered, burning with embarrassment. What was she doing? she didn¡¯t know, but she did know she felt compelled to listen to him. Maybe she could reason with him. ¡°I ¨C I don¡¯t think this appropriate, sir.¡± Something took him over; he yanked her by the hair down  to his control. His lips on her ear in a voice neither of them recognized. ¡° I don¡¯t want to force you.¡± Then why do it feel like I am. ¡° I would rather this be simple, quick, and no trouble. Do you understand?¡± what am I doing? ¡°yes, sir.¡± She answered clear, without stuttering.

    Slowly, very slowly she reached back pulling the strings on her corset loose one by one until if fell to the ground. With nothing there to distract from them, her breast were more plump, full, and begging to be emptied. Dragging her foot one over the other like a dancer pointing her toes able to put grace in something as simple as walking. She walked over to the chair at his study desk leaning over like a snake on a branch she removed her shoes then followed the length of her long legs until she found the hem of her stockings. Taking them down the direction, she followed them up. Cameron hungrily followed her every move, a starving man watching the chef. She stood up to take down her skirt, left standing shivering in only her panties at this realization she tries a meager attempt at covering herself. For a bit, even this intrigued Cameron. ¡°those, as well Annamarie¡±, he¡¯s had his fill of the site. She made no motion to move. Cameron walks to her, hooks one finger around the band of her underwear, and pulls them down. Her legs quiver at his light touch. ¡°calm yourself, Annamarie¡± he caressed her inner thigh. ¡°I will not hurt you, unless you provoke me¡±

    She breathes in deep, until she stops shaking. ¡°okay, sir.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to fuck you.¡±

 9. Who am I?

    Knock. Knock. At Cameron¡¯s door, Two deliberate bangs with an approximate five second interval. ¡°what¡¯s that sound? Cameron stirred a little, closing his eyes tighter. He was dreaming he decided until the door swung open dragging reality with it. He sprung up to hide the left side of the bed, but it was empty. Did it happen? What is happening, suddenly anger took over. ¡°who the-¡± Seth? There was so much he wanted to say: I¡¯m sorry. Are you okay? I didn¡¯t mean to. Why do you want to see me again? I¡¯m glad you came. Hello. But none of that occurred instead he simply stared or rather glared without fully realizing it.

    ¡°My apologizes. Your sisters, Lady Elizebeth and Gabriella told me to inform you of the afternoon¡¯s dinner guest and then to ask what color will you wear? But if I have interrupted.¡± Seth¡¯s eyes lingered downward where Cameron¡¯s eyes followed and to his surprise and dismay, he was uncovered, unclothed laying in soiled sheets, hand still covering his cock. Was is all a dream? Humiliated he quickly covered himself with a handful of sheets. ¡°no. no Seth ¡­it¡¯s not.¡± Why did he feel need to explain himself and to Seth of all people? Seth smiled and waved it away. ¡°Seth please,¡± he got up. ¡°please believe me.¡± Cameron tripped over sheets cupping his foot, pinning Seth against eh wall.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Cameron could feel the heat radiating off Seth. He was blushing. Cameron wanted to move, he wanted to apologize again. Tell him they¡¯re equals, brother even. He wanted to sink into the ground lowering his head until he could no longer, but once again his thoughts in actions did not align.

    Were as he wanted to apologize, he said, ¡°this is your fault¡± Cameron took his free hand and forced Seth to look at him. ¡°Why do you look so feminine. Why this hair? Why are you so weak? I could do whatever I want, and you wouldn¡¯t stop me.¡± He belted nearly screaming before forcing a hard kiss on Seth. ¡°this is your fault he repeated over and over.¡± Until his face was damp. Seth was crying. But this Cameron at this moment didn¡¯t not care and went to take off Seth¡¯s pants.

    ¡°would you get your hands off me.¡± Cameron froze in his place. This voice was Seth¡¯s, but more thick, mature. He looked up to find green eyes with red pupils looking down at him almost bored. ¡°oh¡­. little  Cameron. I remember you, but I don¡¯t feel like playing so RELEASE ME.¡±

    As if a marionette, not full in control of his own limbs he let go of Seth and backed away. He looked eye with Seth. Was he taller? The lines in his face more defined, cleaner, edger, Seth, but not. The most unnerving was his eyes. They were surreal.  He only watched his eyes as Seth pocketed his hands and stretched his whole back getting adjusted to the extra disc throughout his spine. ¡°Well bye, little brother.¡±

 10. Guest

    Unable to find his room Stryard headed to the place that was once his favorite room in the whole castle: The Grand room. The room of parties, gatherings, meetings, balls, and shows. He didn¡¯t know why he likes this room, but sometimes when he was actually himself he could hear the song his mother use to play to him and Alex. The beautiful, if gracefully suffocating could be put to tune floated across his ears.

    ¡°Alex!¡± He instantly perked up. ¡®Someone to play with¡¯, he thought radiating happiness. Even in his darker days it was always Alex, but the face that greeted him from the piano was neither his mother nor Alex. He was much darker; his skin seemed to have its own inner glow or the sun trapt just beneath the surface of his skin. His hair was like barrels of cotton that stopped at the nape of his ear. His most remarkable feature aside from his deep authoritarian hazel eyes was his almost flawless skin if looked at a profile. The other rippled with burns that failed to diminish his beauty only enhance it.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you offer your guest a drink? I hope you don¡¯t mind Seth¡± He said his name like a curse. ¡°I let myself in.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°May I have one too,¡± a small voice and body to match of a pale child ask over the side of the man elbow. Together they were a carefully placed portrait. Although something felt very wrong about the child like the feeling of a centipede crawling up the back of your thigh, but once you swat at it¡¯s not there; The immense feeling that something just doesn¡¯t belong where it is at like knives in a candy store.

    ¡°Seth! Where have you been?¡± an all too familiar voice screamed forcing Stryard to turn around to Alex dressed up in a ruffled deep purple shirt with a three quarters open black blazer  and stylishly flooding ash black pants. Nothing should have gone together in his ensemble, but his brother was always gorgeous. ¡°Alex.¡± Stryard smiled at ease.

    ¡°Stryard?¡± he would¡¯ve hugged him if it wasn¡¯t for the presence of Victoriaon Akkrim Vladamin casually sitting where he did not belong. ¡°Where have you been?¡± he asked instead. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find my room.¡± Stryard said a matter-of-factly.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Seth?¡±

    Alex didn¡¯t know how to answer the question.

    ¡°Whispering is naughty,¡± smiled the doll without speaking a word, but it didn¡¯t matter Alex was just happy to have a distraction. ¡°Is she like you?¡±Alex asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t remember. ..Remember? She does feel different¡±

    ¡°Make her tell you.¡±

 11. Welcome to the Dance

    Stryard nodded. ¡°A little birdie told me you¡¯re the famous Vessuillus dog that¡¯s been murdering my family.¡± Victor observed in a low deep rumble. Stryard ignored him and said one word: ¡°Truth.¡±

    ¡°Reflection¡± said the doll. ¡°Now¡±, chimed in Victor ¡°answer truthful.¡±

    Stryard smirked. ¡°Okay you are weak. HEAVY.¡± And with that one word everyone fell to their knees, breathing heavily from the pressure except Stryard. ¡°Stryard. SR-ah-yah-ard it hurts¡± Alex huff barely conscience from the weight of the air around them.

    He didn¡¯t know why he had the need to prove he was stronger¡­ more powerful, but something about them angered him. He couldn¡¯t figure out why. Constantly thinking heavy, more pressure, adding on that normal humans should not have been able to cope with; screaming and crying for him to stop, but they weren¡¯t- ¡°Stryard! Damn it! Stop!¡± Alex demanded with the small bit of composure he could muster. Stryard not seeing his brothers¡¯ pain, only feeling the release of power like six month clean addict with a taste of what made everything right. A wicked laughter filled the room. ¡°Oh! But brother, they are disrespecting us in our own home. Shouldn¡¯t they be punished? They did wrong they should feel pain, right?¡± He stood there watching their guest, Victoriaon and his sidekick struggle to move in the hold he had over the. They were bugs caught in his house. He could rip their legs off one-by-one or better make them do it.Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°Our house? I decided the disrespect in my house.¡± Alex met Stryard¡¯s eyes as a challenge, struggling to stand until he looked down at him. ¡°stop. Now or I will force you.¡±

    ¡°tsk ~ Release¡± Stryard commanded and they all fell like dominos including Alex. He bent down to help Alex to his feet. He put his face in Alex¡¯s neck. ¡°I did what you asked. Let me stay.¡±

    ¡°Burn¡± What felt like flames engulfed Stryards body. ¡°Please¡± he begged sliding to his knees. Victor watch the new interaction intrigued. ¡°Like Glass in Your Veins.¡± Alex added to Stryards pain, watching writhe in pain time ten what he felt moments ago. Ah he loved looking at him now. Alex could be confident that Stryard belonged to him. The sight intoxicated him.

    ¡°Seth. Will you join me in the kitchen when you are done here?¡± They all turned to see Gabriella in a elegant lace white dress. Alex wondered how much she saw or could interpret. ¡°RELEASE and RETURN,¡± he whispered. Seth stood up. ¡°yes, Lady Gabriella a few minutes.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± She turned on her toe and clicked her heels away.

 12. The Kings Possession

    After all this time, so many years of being with this woman and you think he would be used to her insufferable need to try on five hundred different outfits when he know she would choose one of the first three outfit. When she came home she was ecstatic at the idea of decorating and catering to anybody even if she hated him. The devil himself could have murdered her son, followed by I¡¯m coming over for tea and she would set the table.

    ¡°How is this one?¡± she came from behind the curtain in a beautiful low V-neck that went down and around her navel. The dress hugger her slight curves expertly as it flowed behind her in waves. ¡°Beautiful,¡± he breathed satisfied in awe at his super modelesque wife, mirroring the ornaments surrounding her. ¡°Are you sure? I really liked the one before it.¡± always the one before it- Vessuillus rolled his eyes. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to change.¡± He looks at his watch. ¡°You¡¯re going to make our guest wait, Cassandra.¡± At that she burst from behind the curtain in everything she was born in and more: elegantly naked, smooth as a baby¡¯s bottom with two moles by her inner thigh looking like a semi colon. ¡°How dare you, Vess? Victor! That man if I could give him a far worst punishment than I would. To seduce my sister at only fourteen; giving her a child so young. Oh if he was not the next in line of Vladimirn¡¯s. I would send him straight to hell where he belongs. He can wait there!¡±This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    A playful smile occupied Vessuillus face the entire time. ¡°How beautifully freighting you look.¡± He took two deliberate steps forward, danced his fingers around her waist, molding his large hand around her small but and kissed her breathless. Taking her tongue for his own. Cassandra was the only thing he¡¯s ever cared about since his youth, and that has not changed to this day. She took a step back, looked up and kissed his chin. ¡°No matter how much I would love to, as you said we have no time.¡±

    The both turned to the door opening. ¡°Elizebeth. Hello, my dear. What may we do for you?¡± Elizebeth didn¡¯t shy away like anyone having a conversation with her naked mother so close to their father, instead continued. ¡°Mother. Father. Your guests have arrived. Alex and Seth are entertaining in the mean time.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± her mother said with a nod, but her father seemed deep in though. He knew something was wrong. Alex and Seth- he would never be in the same room without either ignoring his presence or just walking away completely. Right as her cream colored dress floated in an air of her own making Vessuillus beckoned her to wait. ¡°Elizebeth, how close were they?¡± although confused she answered, ¡°only a few inches.¡± A realization came over her as she said it out allowed. ¡°that will be all,¡± her father waved her away.

    ¡°I liked that color.¡± Cassandra smiled and her husband rolled his eyes, ¡°but you are not going to wear it.¡± They laughed.

 12.5 The Kings Possessions

    *Downstairs*

    ¡°Please tell me Power of Word isn¡¯t your first Gift?¡± Stryard questioned the little girl. Victor answered, ¡°No. It¡¯s Power of Touch-more accurately she can heighten or lessen an emotion like fear or lust.¡±

    A jagged distortion of a smile engulfed Stryard¡¯s features. ¡°Good, I have no fear-.¡± Alex stared at Stryard forgetting once again how frightful he could be but to him he looked like a prideful kitten. Moments later Alda Cassidy walked in with her mother wearing a fluffy smoky ballerina dress. She walked purposefully over to Sryard and intertwined her hand into his pulling him down to her level. She looked up. ¡°You are not Seth.¡± She didn¡¯t asked, but possessing a mysterious maturity stated as one would state there name. ¡°Why would I be a name I don¡¯t know?¡± he asked. ¡°And what is your name?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t remember,¡± her eyes began to water. ¡°You saw Alda Casidy on her birthday.¡± He bent down on one knee like the knight he was in her mind. ¡°That was not my question.¡± he smirked. ¡°I never knew your name.¡± he whispered into her ear a message only she would understand.

    ¡°What kind of conversation could you hold with a child?¡± Alex¡¯s jealous interrupted Alda Casidy sharing her name causing Victor who was mindlessly rubbing his fingers through Tsukii¡¯s hair look up and observe Alex shift from Stoic prince to Brat Prince.

    Moments later Vessuillus walked in an ash grey slim fit suit accompanied by his wife wearing a bright creamy purple dress embroidered with shimmering silver swirls decorating her back like thin violin. Their attention was immediately fixated on Alex and Stryard having a friendly intimate chat and knew in fact it was Stryard. Cassandra began to shake. That was her son. She wanted to run over and embrace him so tightly; she would not fail this time, but just as she took a step in their direction Ves firmly grabbed her arm. ¡°I Love You.¡± He whispered making her skin crawl then relax.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Everyone turn their attention to the King and Queen once noticed, some offering small bows and smiles with the exception of Stryard. He straighten elongating limbs prepping for defense if need be; Confirming that he was him. Her boys were together at last. Cassandra thought he looked so handsome in his gray and black ensemble. Alex complimenting him in his purple. They went from face to face: Alex and Stryard, to Alda Casidy and Eliane, to the Twins, and Elizebeth (still furious from Seth¡¯s no show to her plans) to Cameron dressed in orange matching his sandy hair, ending with an acknowledgement to their guest Victor and his slave Tsukii. ¡°Now everyone¡¯s gathered tell me your reason for dinner.¡± Ves and Cassandra took their sets. Him at the end and she next time him across from Alex.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Victor Stated. ¡°Well I make this simple since you took my only heir and wife, I would like my daughter back in my home learning my family ways before her seventh birthday ( in two months). Also, for compensation for making a father worry so deeply I would like to the Dog of Nobles.¡± Hating every word the man said, Ves was left with very few words. ¡°Well this is something to discuss over dinner.¡± A crooked smile much like Seth¡¯s cracked across his face everyone felt the tension between the two gentlemen especially the kids even those that may have forgotten.

    Twelve years ago, thunder and lightning decorated the castle and all the children were playing a game called I am the Monster. Two kids were to hold hands to make a two faced monster, one head to be nice and one to grab the kids once found. Stryard and Alex was the Monster. Hiding from the Monster three year old Gabriel was under the Grand piano. ¡°Gabrie it¡¯s me,¡± Gabriella wasn¡¯t able to pronounce his name yet. She couldn¡¯t find him anywhere til all of the sudden she was yanked to the floor. Gabriel hugged her back crossing his legs around her waist. ¡°you always no where I need you-¡± The monster caught them.

    ¡°Come out,¡± called Stryard the good head.

 13. Under the Table

    Presently, everyone sat around the Dining table eating in silence sending everything from flirts to threats with eye contact and mouthed words; it was like this from hand wash to appetizer to entr¨¦e only the sound of forks hitting plates until a child who would never know her place spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry father, but may I interrupt this hefty conversation?¡± Vessuillus expression strictly said, no. she continued being the only one aside from his wife who had ever obviously disregarded his direct command. ¡°Who is this man to demand an audience with you, father and even sit so casually in your presence, any of our presence?¡± it was her other half that whispered across the table. ¡°Gabby he is King Victoriaon Akkrim Vladamin, our neighbor to the North, second behind father; Alda Cassidy¡¯s father and Elaine¡¯s Husband.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡± she was speaking only to her brother but loud enough for three lands to hear. ¡°I thought she was just an unmarried whore.¡±

    ¡°How dare you Gabriella Bellafor Fangaria,¡± her face still hung where Cassandra¡¯s hand left it. Cassandra put her hand to her face in disbelief as if feeling her daughter¡¯s pain. She has never physically disciplined any of her children.

    "STOP!" all heads turned to Stryard in complete shock. Vessuillus leaned back more proud than the rest of these children. Gabriella couldn''t move her hand. Styard stood up and walked to the end of the table, behind his baby sister. "Sit." he said, and she did. "Who the hell do you think you are? You''re just a fuc-"

    "suffocate." he smiled, and she instantly began grasping for air. now this displeased Vessuillus. "Seth!", but he did not respond. "Stryard I demand you STOP." Alex shot and he frozen in place. "I''m very sorry mother," Stryard and Cassandra exchanged bows before he returned to his seat.

    "okay now that you have ignited a show. Tell us in detail what you want, or you and your child slave may leave."The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    "my friend, as I said earlier, I obviously will not live forever and as hard as it may be to believe I only have one heir and you seem to be holding her hostage. give her to me and let me raise her or I will take this outside of our world -to the courts."

    Vessuillus smiled then turned to Alda Cassidy "Do you want to go with your daddy?" he asked the girl directly and she began to cry, shaking her head back and forth. "well?"

    "I''m not finished. I also want your dog, that with my time here I know is that boy and I want him!"

    "Stry-Seth," Vess corrected. "why?"

    "insurance. I''m not stupid. if came to it i would not win a fight, but with the boy......"

    Vess didn''t have the chance to answer before Alda Cassidy cornered him. "I''ll go only if Big Brother goes."

    "Well" Victor crossed his arms very satisfied. It was a game of smiles and hidden messages and no one played by the same rules. everyone looked across the table at everyone else, some knowing, some confused. Alda Cassidy and Stryard engaged in a silent conversation. Alex, Vess and Victor engaged in their own silent conversation. Gabriel and Gabriella playing a much too intimate game of footsies. Elizebeth observing Seth and spiting Gabriel at the same time. while Cameron spaced out everything, mindless stabbing at his food. cursing himself. What is wrong with me? he thought. Did I do that to Seth? Does he hate me? What about Annamarie? What about me? Will they tell? Will anyone care? Did I hurt them? Should I apologize? His mind raced attacking himself then defending himself, over and over again.

    The thick silence was broken by a single "okay" from Vess. "but every five days you must let him come home."

    Alda Cassidy jumped down from her seat, walked over to Stryard. "not Seth will you protect me?" he looked down at the girl put both hands on her head and traced them down the side of her body. " I put a spell on you. P R O T E C T." he whispered. " are you scared." she shook her head. "not Seth will protect me."

    "looks like I just agreed to my own personal spy. when can I take them."

    Vess sighed, "your child you may take later today, but the boy as you so gently put it can leave in three days."

 14. After Dinner

    After Dinner

    "Why did you agree to give them Stryard when we just got him back?" Cassandra paced back and forth. Her dainty oval tipped fingers turning into harsh abstract art as she picked and prodded at them. "We didn''t just get him," he mused barely audible. ¡°And Alda-Casidy! You just handed her over leaving Eliane crying." She stopped in her tracks. "What if even she goes back?"

    ¡°There is nothing we can do." he attempted to reason with his wife, but this was not the time. ¡°Technically they are still married."

    "Marriage means nothing in his eyes. They are all but property. What will we do?"Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    "Without death, nothing."

    "Nothing you do is without death."

    **************** **************** **************** *****************

    Stryard after Dinner

    ''I don''t understand why I''m being forced to go with this man I don''t even know, nor do I know why he wants me.'' Stryard thought. ''Why father and mother agreed, but I do know something. And that little girl rubs me the wrong way I don''t even know why I''m going into the kitchen to meet little Elizebeth. She hasn''t changed at all, always having a plan to wrap everyone around her little finger. Like when we were young everything was mine or the twines fault.'' Stryard open the kitchen door. "Elize-

    About an hour has past; Stryard doesn''t know where he is. He eyes weight about a ton, too heavy to open and he can move hands or feet. He musters all his effort to lift his head and peak through his lash, but he cannot make out the space.

 15. The Key that Binds Us

    Vessuillus plucked his wife young, and beautiful like the ripest bud from his brother¡¯s garden. Cassandra Miriam was her name; a strong, wild and brilliant woman that demons and gods alike would envy. The eldest princesses of the Aseret family that he never asked anything of, but to exist in her presence and a child. A child to solidify his power within her and the rest of the world.

    A baby. A child. A son. Their heir to rule the future in their name, but after a year of trying still no fruit. Admittedly Vess was more than satisfied with the trying process, but soon question would give rise to animosity if no child appeared.

    A year later, Vessuillus believed his prayers had been answered when Cassandra Miriam began feeling extremes amount of pains in her abdomen. the doctors confirmed his hopes, she was indeed pregnant, but could not find a reason for the agony that persisted and grew as the days passed nor could they fix it or lesson it with any amount of magic or medicine. She was bound to her chambers for the whole of the pregnancy being able to eat only fruits and soup. None of the pain was too much for her to bear as long as her little warrior survived. She repeated it day in and out like her personal mantra.

    She was so certain that it would be healthy, powerful baby boy that even Vess began to become giddy and equally sure this child will be the only true Fangaria left in the world. A terrible rainstorm engulf the kingdom and with first strike of lighting the future of Fangaria was ready for its grand entrance. "Already cocky before birth," Cassandra cooed to the unborn child. "Two months, not your time just yet little one," but pain became so sever, contractions so close together, old medicine could do nothing but let the child be.

    Vess called all the older maids and midwifes to handle his heir with care. She was in labor the whole of the day. Vess couldn''t bare the sounds of his wife screams as they waited to the point of gnawing discomfort at this new life. "Not yet," he would whispered, "No not yet. I''m not ready for you just yet."

    On the last hour of the day he was born and he was a he. The first to hold him was his father.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "Vess why do he not cry?" Cassandra still weak from the birth did not have enough energy to scream. She let her head fall to the nearest woman. "Elizabeth does my baby cry? I cannot hear. Please tell me." Elizabeth: the older woman, heavy armed woman attempted to console Cassandra by gently patting her head.

    Quickly Vessuillus wrapped his child wondering the same: why does he not cry. ¡°Gilbert," he named him without thought. "Speak child," and at that moment the smallest baby opened it eyes long enough to defy its father and breathe its only breath. Somehow Cassandra knew her son would be making no sound today. She closed her eyes letting sleep engulf her. She had hoped just like her child she would not open her eyes again.

    Later that evening, the smallest shrine was built for a king that never was: King Gilbert Fangaria. This small shrine with three words and one date was her trigger to for escaping reality. She was unable to protect any of her children. Her bright demeanor faded to a near grey, her beauty became brittle and harsh on the edges, and her intellect was never heard from by anyone again. Two years later on the anniversary of their son¡¯s death Vess decided he wanted his beautiful wife back. Shortly after Elizabeth Mara Fangaria, born of sorrow would be born. Immediately she would show off her powerful lungs and let her voice be heard. She was no son but she shared some of her life with her mother, after nearly four years Cassandra lived again. Thus she was able to see so many things that was forgotten. Her husband who hadn''t aged since Gilbert¡¯s birthday. His first son Alex who barely seemed a year older since he first meet him five years ago. She looked around at her court some was missing, some was new, but of those who stayed, stayed the same. She felt something was off. She looked up at Vess and he understood. He kissed her on the forehead. "This is your family my love."

    "My family," she question.

    "Yes, your son Alexander Leoessa Fangaria. Me your husband for many years, our new child, and the servants and ladies you have known all your life."

    She looked down at Alex, nearly the splitting image of his father and took him in as if it was her very first time seeing him. "My baby." The boy would not look at her, he could not yet lie to her face. "...My little prince."

    six years later there was no time for Cameron''s curiosity even if he was extraordinary standing on his own at 15 weeks because before his next birthday Gabriel and moments later Gabriella was born causing mischief on their first day. Instead of crying they both simply stared and yawned. Once put near one another they held hands.

 16. Sacrifice

    "Father. No I didn''t mean it. Alex tell him."

    "Defend him." A hard challenge echoed through his father''s voice, so no one came to the child''s rescue. The boy was picked up and thrown into the worse version of wonderland; a child solitude. He screamed afraid of the dark from memories he never knew. Days past and the boys wails could still be heard two buildings away, although going horse his determination didn''t subside. But no one came not even his best friend, his brother that in a justified evil should share his torment. Soon he lost faith in everything so much that his eyes reflected nothing with the energy of a rag doll in the deep end of a growing child''s closet. The reason for his determination forgotten as his stared at the door to open.

    After nearly four days, just enough time to save him from starvation the door open. The boy nothing more than an animal pitifully excited to see its master. "Father!" he failed at running, managing half a stumble into the un-moving man''s arms. They stayed like that for what seemed to them both forever in another land. It surprised the both of them when the man¡¯s arm rose to the stroke the boys head in a way that could have been mistaken for loving. The child froze when he brought his head in for a hug.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    "Father. I''m hungry."

    "And food you may have, even freedom if you answer my question correctly and honestly."

    "I will not -" the boy thought but answered more carefully. "okay." his father pulled him back at arm¡¯s length, went down to one knee, face to face. "Stryard Oscill Fangaria you are my son. Do you believe this?"

    The boy nodded weakly.

    "Since I say this you have the right to be king and even power I could never poses. Can you destroy Alex and even me to do so?"

    "Destroy?" Tears began to stream down the boy¡¯s face making him appear far younger than he was. Almost reminding his father of the first time he laid eyes on him. This was the first time Stryard has ever shed a tear and it was at the idea of Alex''s pain splattered all across his hands. "No, no no." he shouted, pounding his fist against his father. "Brother sad. I''m sad anything, but brother." Vessuillus brought his son into his arms. "Shsss....it''s okay. Here''s your food." He signaled for buffet to be brought inside. He stood up, and took Stryard¡¯s face into his hands before turning to leave. "Wait! Wait father! You''re not going to let me go." The boy grabbed a fist full of his slacks willing him to stay. "Let me go." but the boy was weak and was dismissed with a sharp kick against the dirt. "Then destroy yourself instead, if he''s so precious."

    Vess closed the door with a loud lock leaving the boy only with him and himself.

 17. Reflections

    Stryard paced back, forth, and the perimeter. Twenty-one steps one way and eleven steps the other sometimes he would miss count or loose balance so his numbers was always a bit different. He had by now remembered every microscopic dent, every pebble to big rock, and every creepy crawler that it no longer fazed him to blindlessly walk from one wall to another. The only thing that stirred real emotions and prevented him from completely losing his mind was the partial visits of his father. His father have become his entire world, sun and moon, right and wrong, and the law yet even months later when Alex was mentioned all was rejected. Could he follow his father and love his brother was the question that constantly racked his brain. Today was no different than waiting for the sun to rise. One click of the tongue. Two click of the tongue...fifteen clicks....nineteen...twenty...twenty-one...twenty two clicks of Stryard tongue past when the only way out opened and through the 8x8 square hole his father''s head poked through and then the rest of him followed, but before he had both feet squarely planted on the ground Stryard¡¯ s knocked him to the ground like an excited puppy.

    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Hello Stryard.¡± A faint smile flashed across Vessuillus face like a defective light-bulb if only for a second. ¡°Hi father. How long are you going to stay this time?" Stryard snuggled into his father¡¯s chest.

    "For some time. Everyone''s busy for some time."

    Stryard feeling even braver than ever buried his face deeper in Vess chest.

    "Are you happy Stryard?"

    Stryard nodded. "I am now. Can you talk to me?" he purred.

    "I want you to try and do something."

    "Hmm...?" Stryard sighed nearly sleeping from happiness. Vessuillus took his son''s shoulders back arm length to wake him up, looked him in the face. "Try and use your gift on me."

    ¡°I can''t at least not without causing pain."

    "We can at least take some of it away. Fill the room with butterflies."  Vessuillus said like he says everything else, with command. Stryard eagerness to please outweighed his confusion. He sat up focused into his father''s eyes. Vessuillus patiently sat and waited...and waited....and waited.

    Vess knew when Stryard eyes darted back and forth rapidly at the ceiling before he was forced into a pain withering kneel. ''How could this be broken?'' he thought.

 18. Childs Play

    ¡°Why are we even listening to you? When have you ever had a good idea?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m the eldest, this will all be mine soon.¡±

    ¡°Uhmm¡­did we all forget about Alex?¡±

    Stryard¡¯ s body felt like a bag of bricks in quicksand, his head was spinning and the harder he tried to pin point the voices around him the longer the swords in his brain became.

    ¡°Forget Alex¡±

    ¡°But why bring Alda-Cassidy into this¡±

    What are they saying? Stryard¡¯s head felt like it was splitting in several different directions at his attempt to focus on one voice at a time.

    ¡°None of you came up with a plan and now you¡¯re acting like a bunch of cowards. Trying to use me as an escape goat for your actions.¡±

    ¡°This is a bit far Lizzie¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    ¡°Cameron!¡±

    ¡°Well, this is going smoothly. I thought we were just going to scare him.¡±

    Nothing around Stryard was making any sense. This was different than his usually nightmares. Why would he imagine his siblings as demons or maybe they¡¯re kidnappers that have eerie similar voices to his family. If that was the case he could find his way home. He doesn¡¯t know why he knows, but anyone that was not his family he could get away from. Any place that wasn¡¯t home he could find his way back.

    ¡°I think he¡¯s waking up.¡±

    ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°We should stop this.¡±

    ¡°Gabe, punch him.¡±

    ¡°Just give him some more drugs.¡±

    "We¡¯re out."

    "Let''s leave."

    "Fuck, such a waste of time."

    The pain in Stryard head began to subside along with the weight of hundred elephants. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± He tried to rub his head, but then realized he couldn¡¯t lift his arms past his waist from rest. He tugged a few times, more aggressive than the last. The sounds of chains rattling added to the throbbing in his head and he couldn¡¯t even rub it.

    ¡°Gabby what are you doing?¡±

    Gabby? Maybe she would help. ¡°Gabriella? Help me.¡± He looked up. He saw nothing. Was it dark? Was His eyes covered? Did the what ever happened to him affect his eyesight. ¡°Gabriella?¡± he pleaded again before a stinging pain slashed across his neck past his collar bone. He winced away from the source sucking in air in the process. There wasn¡¯t even enough chain on his ankle to fall back from his knee. His knee so sore from however long he was stuck unconscious in a slumped kneeling position. What is happening he hates the dark?

    ¡°Finishing, touches!¡± he heard his sister say before the creak of an old closing forced shallowly buried memories to the surface. ¡°father.¡± He whispered to nothing as his heart picked up pace. Where is he? When is he? ¡°Alex!¡± he called ¡°Alex! I don¡¯t want to play anymore.¡± Stryard was quickly running out of air needed to fill his lungs. ¡°Alex!! I¡¯ll be good. I¡¯ll do what you want.¡± Stryard wanted to cry. His body wasted all his water on sweat and saliva for his mouth to dry out through his labored breathe until he slumped over hitting his head on the dirt almost hard enough for it to bruise. ¡°No one ever came when I wanted.¡±

 19. Prisoner of Deceit

    A distant scream startled Seth awake. His face felt stiff and bruised as his dislocated himself from the ground like an extra layer of skin. Had he been crying? There¡¯s always holes in his memories. It¡¯s been so long since he felt like he was not his own. Seth tried to brush his hair out of his face, but his hands didn¡¯t make it too far past his waist. His ankles was also restricted with his eyesight and he was a bit cold. ¡°Where am I? I¡¯m hungry.¡± Another scream echoes around him that he could recognize as female. He should see what that is. It is his job to protect the castle and King. He could use this break as an excuse. The king would not take that excuse, though. Seth have been in worse situations.

    Seth dropped his arms to the ground then bent them behind his back squeezing his right shackle until it warped and snapped. He then took his blindfold off in time for the screams he heard be masked in sobs. It was Elaine. He heard her cry enough times to know. She must be having another episode. It¡¯s usually not this public. Seth wondered if something was truly the matter as he looked around the slightly familiar room. The ground was covered in dirt, but he knew there was boards underneath. The walls were covered in stone except for a door, but he knew another smaller room was on the other side. A long writing table was about two feet to the right of him covered in journals, two chairs, one with a pillow. To the left was a chamber pot and a jug of water. Seth¡¯s stomach growled at him as he set his sights on the water as his next course of action. Then there was a closed door in front of him with several footprints in the dirt. There was no way to tell how fresh. There was no information so far and the jug of water distracted him from any in-depth thought process. He looked down to find the reason for the draft, he was completely naked. He didn¡¯t usually wake up naked in a room like this. With Alex, Stranger, or even alone in a bed, but never a room such as this. What is going on? ¡°Hello, ¡°he called loud enough for if someone was near, they should hear, but not a scream. There was no return. He did the same to his left shackle that he did to right. His right hand is considerable weaker, so it took three times as long, but he got it in time. Seth rocked back in forth on his heels until on the fifth or sixth rock he rolled on to his feet, shattering the chains in the process.

    He stretched side to side, touched his toes, reached up and curled his toes melting into the satisfying pops and cracks. How long was he in that position? It doesn¡¯t matter. He ran to the melting tear drop and inhaled the stale water. Clothes, luckily the door was unlocked. He peaked around the corner and all the chaos came flooding in. it was a bit overwhelming to the dull headache echoing throughout his skull.

    ¡°Who did it? I wanna know who did it?! ¡­My poor baby.¡± Elaine was hysterical through her sobs. Seth could hear whispers and many footsteps. What was going on? It doesn¡¯t sound like an unwarranted fit. He didn¡¯t have the time to find out. He need to get dressed before anyone witness him this way. It sounded like all the commotion was in the opposite direction of his room. There should be a uniform at the foot of his bed. He walked around the door slowly, easing it closed until a click. He heard more steps adding to group. Should he go back inside, but there was no door. ¡°tch!¡±

    ¡°Rat!¡± he turned and located the splitting image of his mother down the hall staring him down without shame. ¡°Where are you running of to? Come here¡± Others began filing out the room. Seth covered his privates left over right. ¡°Lady Gabriella, I must change first.¡±

    ¡°Come here.¡± She demanded. Seth looked to where the door was, the direction of his room, and then back to Gabriella. ¡°Now!¡±

    Cameron came from behind her. ¡°What¡¯s going?¡±

    ¡°I found Seth, that rat. He did this and now he¡¯s hiding.¡±

    ¡°Seth, why are you naked? Come here brother.¡± Cameron removed is shirt tan on display. Reluctantly Seth walked towards the chaos. He didn¡¯t like where this was going. ¡°Here.¡± Cameron stretched out his neck hole and pulled the shirt over Seth¡¯s head down to his waist, the constant gentleman. ¡°What happened, brother?¡± He looked down at Seth understandingly. Seth did not understand. What did happen? He looked from Cameron to Gabriella Annemarie to Gabriel to Raisin (a young boyish maid) to Elizebeth inside what appeared to be a little girl¡¯s fantasy bedroom and there on the ground was the beautiful Elaine towered over a small blanket. What is going on? Elizabeth looked up. Her eyes swollen from excessive tears. ¡°Brother.¡± She breathed. She has never acknowledged him as her brother. ¡°Brother. Why. She was child.¡±

    He took a step towards the door.

    ¡°King, Father.¡± Everyone greeted the King. ¡°Brother.¡± And Alex heading to the crowd. ¡°What is going on here?¡± all children moved out the way for Vess and Alex to make their way into the room. Alex eyed his sister then bent down to the young Alda-Cassidy placed his hand under nose. ¡°What happened?¡± Alex asked.

    Elaine looked up noticing Vess, Alex, and then Seth. ¡°That monster. Get rid of him. He¡¯s a monster look what he did to my baby.¡± Seth came closer taking notice of Alda-Cassidy appearing as a small parian doll devoid of all lusters. Her normally bouncy curls disheveled and dreading. ¡°There.¡± Elaine pointed to his neck, ¡°that there proves your little pet is a monster.¡± Seth felt his neck and he felt three long close together scratches and one shallow scratch. Alex stood up, removed his hand, and examined what appear to be deep scratches. Seth took more notice of Alda-Cassidy: her nails was broken, and neck was bruised.

    ¡°She loved that monster and look how he repays her, with death. Maybe more. I didn¡¯t have the heart to check. Please.¡± she begged, ¡°kill that monster.¡±

    The King took a heavy visual sigh. ¡°Everyone leave us.¡±

    ¡°King father, Mother.¡± Cameron warned. Cassandra came running down the hall barefoot in her night gown with two ladies behind her: one with slippers and one a brush. They all let her pass. When she entered the room and took in the scene, she gasp into the Kings shoulder. ¡°What is happening? Is the baby¡­oh is the baby.¡±

    The king took his wife¡¯s small frame in his oversized hands and traced her form from her head to her waist. ¡°Can you check?¡± he asked. ¡°Everyone else, leave us.¡± All the children left except for Alex. ¡°Seth.¡± With only a single word Seth knew that meant for him to stay.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Cassandra went and took Elizabeth¡¯s position on across from Elaine. ¡°Elaine I¡¯m going to need you to focus with me.¡± She took her sister hands in her own. Elaine wiped her face and nodded. They placed their hand against each other like preparing a game of patty cake then they each put their right hand on Alda-Cassidy¡¯s head and the other form a circle around her navel. Soon they began to glow, an innate calmness filled the room, all previous tension washed away. Seth could feel his muscles relaxing, his breathing slowing, and his mind clearing. He no longer cared what was happening. Everything felt right and then everything felt incredibly wrong. Very wrong, he was immediately nauseous, and shaking it was hard for him to stand. Alex noticed him and pulled him outside. Seth was panting, his head spinning caught halfway between a high and a panic attack. He grabbed the wall for support, sliding down to the ground. He was suddenly tired. Alex bent down discerningly looked him in the eye. Seth¡¯s world was spinning and drowning, spinning, and drowning. He grabbed Alex¡¯s sleeve for added support, but he yanked it away. Wiping where he touched him like he was poison.

    Seth woke up in Alex¡¯s bed, arms, and vicinity many times, but never went to sleep. He knew that he was not looking for him. It was hard to forget over the years, the affection in the spaces between time. He was a tool. For what: The King and Kingdom? His head bobbed up and down; away from direct contact with the energy radiating from the two women he felt more at ease like he just wanted to sleep. Alex grabbed his neck hard enough for it uncomfortable, but enough to block air and pushed his head up.

    He decided to not struggle against him and let him hold him up. Seth heard the tail end of the conversation inside. ¡°So, she¡¯s alive.¡± Vess followed a previous statement.

    ¡°Yes, it seems her Elaine has been scrambled or the connection to her body weakened. That is very difficult for out kind.¡±

    ¡°My baby.¡±

    Seth didn¡¯t understand, did her mother¡¯s name have another meaning the just being her mother¡¯s name. Also, our kind?

    ¡°I still want that monster dead. Look at my baby. Did she struggle for her life? Sister, you were supposed to protect us.¡±

    ¡°We have baby sister, and we will, but we don¡¯t have proof that it was him.¡±

    ¡°Does it matter? Look at him displaying his crimes. He couldn¡¯t stay in here. That child is not pure.¡±

    ¡°Elaine- ¡°

    ¡°NO! if you won¡¯t do something I will.¡±

    ¡°NO!¡± Alex jumped up, nearly tripping inside the room. Seth has never seen him so undignified. Whatever it was he was late to.

    ¡°Husband? I need you. I¡¯m sorry. I want to go home.¡±

    ¡°Princess, what happened, now you miss me?¡± somehow Seth heard King Victoriaon¡¯s voice as if he was there. Seth crawled still disoriented from moments ago to see inside. There was no signs of Victor just Vess standing in the same position he last saw him. Alex kneeling at the foot of Cassidy. Cassandra sitting on her heels across from her standing sister. But her sister did not look like Seth knew her. She was taller, her skin the color of blush or peach, her eyes bigger and more deeply slanted like two cherry almonds with white centers. And most shockingly wings that look like broken butterfly wings made of shattered glass. In her hands was a tiny translucent Victor.

    ¡°Your child. They harmed your child. Their little monster.¡±

    ¡°Elaine, how long could you do this?¡± Cassandra was visibly just as shocked as everyone else. Elaine was too engrossed with Victor to hear anyone.

    ¡°Show me!¡± To Victor Alda-Cassidy out weighted Elaine. She did as she was told and scanned her child¡¯s body as well as the room with her hands, stopping at Seth on his hands and knees. "Kill him, my Love. " she begged and a piece of her wings came crashing to the ground like an abandon catholic church window. ¡°Don¡¯t think such negative thoughts. You are going to get sick.¡± Victor said not in the sense of a person important to him or any real affection. ¡°Vessuillus, I will be sending for my family sooner than expected, along with my prisoner tonight. As you can understand with the change in circumstance.¡± His arrogance radiated with his physical form present.

    ¡°Father!?¡± Alex protested.

    ¡°Father, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening. I didn¡¯t do it.¡±

    The miniature Victor sat down on chair that wasn¡¯t reflected patiently waiting. His eyes darting between Seth¡¯s fear and confusion. Alex¡¯s stoic pleading. Cassandra¡¯s confusion and the Vess¡¯s neutral presence giving nothing away. ¡°Very well, at day you may come. We must take of him here before delivering him.¡±

    ¡°Princess, does this suffice?"

    ¡°Yes.¡± Her voice was horse with exhaustion and defeat. Her wings fell away like fragile puzzle pieces into sand like salt pouring out of her back. She shrank down to an Elaine that Seth recognized then her legs gave out. She fell into a slow and peaceful hibernation.

    Vess glanced down at his wife. ¡°Get your girls to take them to the Aine Wing.¡± She left and returned with Annemarie, Raisin, and an older man with sharp features, white and grey hair that curled at the nap like they were allergic to his neck on top of butterscotch skin. The Older gentleman, Ravion carried Elaine out, while the two younger girls out with Cassandra following behind.

    When it was sure they were far away Alex closed himself, Vessuillus, and Seth behind Alda-Cassidy¡¯s door. ¡°Stryard.¡± Alex tested. There was no response. Vess walked deliberately to sit in the windowsill overlooking the garden. ¡°Seth.¡±

    ¡°Yes, father.¡±

    ¡°Stand up. Alex, you next to him.¡± They both immediately complied. ¡°Alex, it has been many years-¡±

    ¡°I can fix it.¡± Alex kicked the back of Seth¡¯s kneecap forcing him to the ground. Kicked him in the stomach repeatedly then stooped down, pulled him up by his neck then slapped him back down. Alex did this a few more times; pulled him up, slapped him down until Vessuillus intervened. ¡°Alex. Stop. I know he did not do this. He cannot harm anyone under this roof.¡±

    ¡°then why? Why are we giving him away? What are we going to do if anyone knows who he is?¡±

    ¡°I had no choice. The Vladamin¡¯s are nearly our equal. We could kill each other for centuries and as long as he lives no one dies.¡±

    ¡°then?¡±

    ¡°Seth.¡±

    Seth struggled to move his head; every breath felt like swallowing rustic nails. his lips stung from the fresh cut on his face.  It felt like he had a few broken ribs as he rolled onto his side to push himself up to his knees. ¡°Ye¡­.es, Father.¡± His eyes fell to the ground from the weight of his head.

    ¡°What is your name?¡±

    ¡°Sse¡­eth Gil¡­Gilbert Fangaria. Father.¡± His throat burned. Did he get kicked in the throat or was Alex¡¯s slaps just hard? Ah¡­he¡¯s never been to Alda-Cassidy¡¯s room. Its as sweet as her. She¡¯s the only one with no falsities behind there humanity. He noticed a diary peaking out the side of her pillow. something he imagines an elf making if they exist. At times like these he would always finds something to focus on while he took a backseat. Seth was a shield, for who or what? He did not know, but he knew there was not one for him.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I am the second son of Kind King Vessuillus Fangaria rescued from Shadoorim (sha-ha-do-rim) slave traders at six years by chance as my best friend, brother, Bride Alex-¡± another slap across his face. He messed up their weekly ritual. Typically, it¡¯s not this bad. He would go to Alex¡¯s room and he would ask him strange questions. What¡¯s your name? Who are you? What¡¯s your youngest sibling¡¯s name? What¡¯s your father¡¯s name? he never understood these questions. Maybe to check his assimilation into the family.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Vess repeated. ¡°I am the second son of Kind King Vessuillus Fangaria rescued from Shadoorim (sha-ha-do-rim) slave traders at six years by chance as my best friend, and now brother Alex was playing with street venders he found me and loved me right away. Four years later, at age ten my ancestry was found to be a young woman King Vessuillus briefly fancied, so you gave me the Fangaria name. To show my appreciation I have vow to be the sword and shield of this King and Castle.¡±

    Satisfied Vess continued the usual tirade. ¡°Who is your fourth brother?¡±

    ¡°I have no siblings.¡± Wrong again. Alda-Cassidy has such an elegant canopy bed, her room complimenting the garden outside.

    ¡°who is your fourth brother?¡±

    ¡°Gabriel eir Fangaria. He is fifteen years old, Eldest of twins.¡± Then it would repeat until no mistakes were made or until they were content.

    ¡°why are you dress this way?¡±

    ¡°I woke up unclothed restrained in an unknown room.¡±

    Alex and Vess had a silent conversation with themselves. Seth noticed that Vess looked displaced in this room yet exactly where he should be. ¡°come here, Seth.¡±

    Seth stood up and walked over to his father and stopped about a foot away. ¡°come here, Seth.¡± Vess repeated and so he did stop only two inches from his nose. ¡°look at me.¡± Although painful to do so he listened. He looked Vessuillus in the eyes. He seemed to get lost; floating and drowning all at once, trapped either way. ¡°STAY: you will stay as you are until you return here.¡±

 20. Open Secrets

    Outside Cameron¡¯s room stood a young woman exactly a foot shorter than him destroying her right bottom lip as she paced back in forth around his door. She usually came by his room when she wasn¡¯t busy or took any messages required, to him. Any additional moment she could be near him she was, but today she was conflicted. Last they spoke he told her to come by any time and he wanted to know more about her. Which made her excited. People told her not to get close to the Fangaria¡¯s, something was wrong in this house. They couldn¡¯t mean Cameron, though. He was different.

    She could hear him crying, again. For such a big man, he was transparent as a window. He felt guilty for the way they treated Seth. The sibling played, what her poor gullible Cameron thought was going to be a prank on their second eldest brother but ending which the baby girl¡¯s life in a thread. The servants although invisible saw and heard everything.

    The woman gathered her dull blond ringlets into a high pony tail. She had made up her mind as she turned the knob. As she heard what sounded like breaking glass, she opened the door full swing. Was he alright? She surveyed the room and it was a mess. The after math of a tornado or boy wrestling with his demons; Open chest, clothes, books, papers, tables, chairs, curtains, broken glass, thrown pillows, toiletries¡­..broken glass. The woman followed the trail of glass through a large partition until the glass turned into jagged rubies and there in the middle of the wardrobe, a man crouched over on his knees the center of a burst of glass. ¡°Cameron!¡± she ran over to him turning shards into dust under her heels as she hugged his face with her bust before her arms, joining him between his barrier of glass. ¡°Cameron?¡± She delicately brought his swollen face up to hers with little resistance. ¡°Cameron, Sir.¡± she traced his new single scar with the back of her middle finger then her lips. The subtle piece of affection he got nowhere else brought him to, accompanied by another flood of tears.

    ¡°Annamarie.¡± Her name oozed out like the first hit of a cigarette in 15 years. He balled the back of her dress in his hand like a security blanket and dragged her on to his lap scraping ankles across glass. She winced but wouldn¡¯t let him see. ¡°Sir?¡± she wondered in the mist of his silent tears.

    ¡°Cameron. Or whatever you want to call me, but that.¡±

    ¡°Love?¡±

    He looked at her and he saw her. For all the self-pity and false strength for some unknown reason she not only likes him, thinks a good person, but possibly love. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± he looked away still holding her tight, a little too tight they both fell back. She cradled his head protecting it on the way down.

    ¡°Are you okay? I didn¡¯t cut you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, love.¡±

    He sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I mean I don¡¯t think I know what that is. It feels heavy.¡±

    ¡°Just Cameron, then.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He covered his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t do anything for anybody.¡± He reached for a large piece of glass. She heard and looked over at the distorted jigsaw piece. He was clutching. ¡°Do you mean to hurt me?¡±

    ¡°NO! No...No¡­never,¡± it fell to the floor as he forsake it for her butt, pulling her dress up at the end. ¡°Just me.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°Think,¡± she reached into his pants and pulled out his already swollen length, massaging it between her index and middle occasionally slipping it in between her index and ring finger, slowly, deliberately, hardly touching. ¡°Every time I want to hurt myself or think negative thoughts think them about me instead. Maybe you can see how ridiculous they are.¡±

    He could not focus on forming a coherent thought to answer her with the heat of her thighs and the motions of her hand, but then she stopped. He saw she was leaning over him waiting for a reply. What was she saying? He had to piece it together if she was going to keep going. Something about negative thoughts¡­.bugs¡­Father¡­.hmm. Negative thought? He wished, she would move even just a little bit. It would help him focus.

    ¡°Promise Me.¡± She asked.

    Huh? He hadn¡¯t caught up to the last thought. ¡®Oh!¡¯ he thought. ¡®Alda-Cassidy and Seth¡¯ his lower body reflected his emotions and limped over withering down to size like a wilted flower. ¡°But I hurt them. I hurt Seth. I thought we could be friends. I hurt little Alda-Cassidy in the process. I don¡¯t even know if they¡¯re okay. Someone came and took them.¡±

    ¡°It was an accident.¡±

    ¡°No. It was planned. Elizabeth said she planned it. She¡¯s not that smart. I wasn¡¯t going to go along with it in first. I was just going to let them do whatever they wanted and leave me out of it. They¡¯ve played small pranks before but at that moment that thing did not look or at act like my brother, so I tied him up. I thought I was going to get to talk to him. I knew nothing of Cassidy. But I did nothing. I said nothing. I didn¡¯t want to get found out. Now, Seth¡¯s going to die.¡±

    Annamarie went quiet and looked away. Her image of him slipping away. She knew the surface story and bits of other bits.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± He mused. She looked back. ¡°We left him tied up.¡±

    ¡°He cut the rope.¡± She dismissed.

    ¡°no.¡± he was calming down. ¡°No, Elizebeth said she found a weird room. There was chains bolted to the walls and ground, a chamber pot and a desk with a key. It was like something for an animal, but-¡±

    ¡°We have prisons downstairs.¡±

    ¡°This wasn¡¯t downstairs. Whatever, you¡¯re not understanding. Gabriel carried him in there and I locked the chains. They were heavy and thick, unbreakable without tools and there were none. Definitely not in reach, at least.¡±

    Annamarie made a realization. She had made the wrong choice. He was not the man she wanted, but unfortunately he was the man she loved. She bent down and kissed him. ¡°It could¡¯ve been worse if you weren¡¯t there. I know your brother¡¯s and sister¡¯s, especially as Lady Gabriella¡¯s personal maid.¡±

    ¡°Really,¡± he breathed not trusting himself.

    ¡°Yes, now promise me.¡± She kissed him slipping her tongue inside toying with his like a friendly game of thumb wrestle. ¡°I promise.¡±

    ¡°Take me to the bed.¡±

    He stood up with her in tow. ¡°Ah-I¡¯m not that flexible.¡± She laughed wrapping her hands around his neck, digging her nails in for extra security. He shifted bottom to fit one check squarely in his hand while the rest was on his arm. ¡°You¡¯re tiny. I have you with one hand.¡±

    She pressed her whole body against him. He melted in the warmth of her breath in the crevice of his neck, breast pressed into his chest, and the damp nested on his arm. He took her head and held her there. This was without a doubt happiness.

    ********** ********** ********* *********** ********** ********** ********** ********** ********

    At the twins chambers there was a knock at the door. ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡± Gabriel stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯m closer.¡±

    ¡°Ugh¡± he threw himself on her more plush bed like a stiff potato. She shook her head. Sometimes he can be weird she thought.

    ¡°For you my Lady.¡± A young man with a strange attire; a black oversized shirt with a hood, oddly colored and textured blue pants stood at the door, a letter in his outstretched hands. She took the letter. It was soft like rose petals. There was no sender just her name: Gabriella Bellafor in smooth elegant cursive with exaggerated G and B. she opened the unsealed letter and inside on a small 3x5 thick just as soft piece of paper was a small sentence. Do You Want To Be Free?

    ¡°Gabriella, what is it?¡±

    ¡°nothing.¡± She looked up to no man. Startled she looked out in the hall. There was no one in either direction. ¡°Just this letter.¡± She turned around and held up a large purple flower petal.

 21. House

    Gabriella wanted to scream, to panic, and claw her way through her flesh. No sounds escaped. Something felt very wrong like waking up in unfamiliar place surrounded by familiar things. She wanted to wake up. This is the part of the dream where you would spring awake in cold sweats and a drumming chest thank full that it was only a dream. Instead she was stuck with the jerking feeling, the clamminess, and the absolute terror of being stuck in your own body. She could not move. She could not scream. She could not see, total darkness looking back at her. Sometimes she would feel things. Things like static, or something, someone poking at her skin, what felt like needles, and sometimes it felt like those needles were a million little needle legs that could bite, multiply and crawl.

    She would give up on screaming or speaking, maybe she move or just wake herself. How does one move with deliberation? She thought. You think about walking or how to walk you just do. Baby steps like sitting up or crawling. She would have to do it step-by-step. She visualized her leg; long, slender, without hair and defined, without blemish like the rest of her body. No matter how much she thought the physical form never manifested. She only strained her mind. Maybe something smaller: a foot or a toe. She visualized a long foot. She shaped starting with an oval, elongating it with a slight curve on the inner left side the she attached five smaller similar figures on the ends, first two around the same height and the next three slowly sloping in height. When she satisfied that, yes, this is a foot. She tried lifting it. Nothing. She tried again. Nothing. It was as if it was absolutely weightless and without form yet very dense matter she could never hope to lift.

    Gabriella wanted to give up. But she never gives up. She is the most relentless in the family and probably the wisest. She needed to think. If this was a dream; being aware, finding something off, should have been enough. What did she find? That she can¡¯t move. She is basically paralyzed from head to toe. Is that right? Can she feel? No. Smell? No. hear. No. Is she in a comma? Did she get hurt? Somehow she¡¯s knows without a doubt that those are false; she is perfectly fine. Maybe it¡¯s not her dream and there is no control for to have. She refuse to believe that. Even if she was someone else creation she would be her own being, her own creation and therefor her own power. Maybe she just needed to believe that hard enough.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    She just needed to be calm and aware. She is home. She is not alone. She is awake. She is awake? With this she is able to open her eyes, not open her eyes but see. She is able to see. There is other people around her; some she recognizes, many she doesn¡¯t. All still and lifeless like dolls, but she is aware they are like her. Unaware that they are trapped inside their own shells. Everyone¡¯s dressed extravagantly, don head to toe in lace, ribbons, buttons with an eerie amount of dust like forgotten statues forever stuck in a moment. Coming from behind a large man was two young men. If she could hear she would have noticed them sooner. One was taller, sharper features, short dense coils, thin, but muscular with loose clothing, familiar like reference you can¡¯t place. The slightly shorter one was¡­Alex!? Her brother? They were holding hands somewhere between lovers and parental. The tall one was nearly leaning against Alex, so many emotions flickering through his features. Paying attention to the deep caramel of the tall one¡¯s skin, similar to her fathers she realized the two entities were talking and they were getting closer to her.

    Her heart began to race. What if they were the ones that did this? What if they realized that she wasn¡¯t like the rest of them? What would she do? She cannot run. The tall one was three steps away and loomed over her, he reached his hand out to touch her taking another step. What can she do? Could he see her chest? Was her chest moving? He began to cry. Even with his angler features he looked like a child playing dress up. She knew he didn¡¯t want to her, but he had the power to. His hands was about to touch her head. She mentally held her breath.

    ¡°I love you.¡± She heard Alex say to the boy as he stopped him.

    ¡°Gabby, hey Gabby wake up.¡± Gabriel was shaking her. She could feel her body and the thick layer of sweat that blanket her body and she could open her eyes. She cried in relief. ¡°It¡¯s just a dream.¡± He picked her up and carried her into the bath still in her night gown.

    But it wasn¡¯t. It was a memory.

 22. Empty Mind

    Tslish tslish tak

    Tslish tslish tak

    Cameron turn to find the source of sweeping glass, Annamarie. Her fixed up in a tight pony tail focused on tidying his room. ¡°Hmm,¡± he stretched. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. Come lay back down.¡± He reached out his hand to will her closer. She looked at him, her hip tossed to the side. ¡°Is that a demand, Si-Cameron?¡±

    ¡°Never.¡± He covered himself with the light blanket and buried his head into the pillow gazing at her work out of one eye. He could feel whole doing anything with her. She resumed sweeping. It looked like she had been awake for a while; everything had already been righted. The paper was back on the desk, clothes in the closet, everything as it should be. She was removing the last reminisce while none of their time remained on her.

    His distant feeling and disarray within himself felt like the room, swept away like it no longer matter. Today was new. He was just Cameron without any complicated thoughts. Annamarie feared his wondering thoughts. She did just clean the place. She went over to his closet chose loose fitting pants, breathable shirt, and comfortable shoes. ¡°Put these on.¡± She tossed them on the lump in the bed. ¡°You¡¯ve changed,¡± he glanced up at her searching for a glimpse of the shy girl that came knocking on his door weeks ago.

    ¡°No. There is no pleasantries that would be between Master and Servant. Would you like me to put them back on Sir?¡±

    ¡°No. I like this.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Do you mind turning around?¡± Cameron looked between the neatly folded stack and her, and waited. She put both hands on her waist and waited. ¡°Umm¡­Anna?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Please¡­?¡± He pulled the blanket up just below his eyes. Then his whole face when a grin covered her face. She wanted to show. A show like she gave him. Was he ready? Was she ready when he demanded it from her? It wouldn¡¯t be fair to request something he couldn¡¯t deliver. Cameron closed his eyes. Took a deep breath then exhaled. Deep breath then exhaled. He sat up, fanned the blankets off him like a well-trained butler revealing the meal of the day. He wanted to be as captivating as she was: he sat up straight propped up on his hands, he then spread his legs one foot at a time inviting her attention with every muscle especially the one focusing all his blood at the moment. He moved his hands to the edge of the bed, flexing his arms enough to reveal his veins. He looked from his left hand languidly up to his biceps, shoulders to her eyes. He thought that would be enough to get her to come in closer, but she didn¡¯t moved. She studied him as he dropped his head down then up and down on the right. She watched his show as he propelled himself off the bed and took one big step to land close enough to touch her thigh with his sex. He smiled down at her revealing his particularly sharp canines. ¡°Will you help me prepare?¡± he asked. She pointed one raised eyebrow behind him at the now rumbled clothing still on the bed.

    He followed her eyes. ¡°Oh.¡±  Cameron quickly dressed from embarrassment. She combed his hair and washed his face.

    ¡°Where are we going, again?¡± he asked side by side in the hall.

    ¡°Something I think you will enjoy. We¡¯re almost there.¡±

    He heard the sound of screams, thuds, and clinks before she open two large doors that looked too heavy for a woman of her size and build yet she opened them with complete ease as if they were curtain. He looked up and several people he knew to be servants and some he never saw before in mid motion. They all stopped to stare back at him, some fell or was tossed in distraction. ¡°Everyone,¡± Annamarie called everyone in attention over. They lined up tallest to shortest, two row, spaces left for people not present like they were trained. ¡°This is third young Master, Cameron Knightly Fangaria. Some of you have seen him in passing and others have yet to go to the main house, but if you see him give him proper curtesy. He will be sparring with us from now on. Treat him well, but not easy.¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Sparring?¡± Cameron whispered. ¡°I can¡¯t fight.¡±

    ¡°Now everyone introduce yourselves.¡±

    In the back row stood a striking young boy that stood half an inch taller than Cameron, silver hair, periwinkle eyes, lightly tanned skin with exception of figures on his face that took on changing designs that was also silver. ¡°Sa¡¯Rim (Sah re him)¡± he spoke softly and bow slightly. Cameron wanted to ask the beautiful boy so many question, but the next person spoke right away. ¡°Ravion Octavion (Rah vee on Ah tay vee on).¡± A well-built middle-aged man bowed deeply. ¡°This is Silver.¡± A boy, almost a man pointed to the straight hair girl to right of him. ¡°And I¡¯m Nigen (knee gin). She has no tongue. There was Adajii (ah dah G). This is A¡¯lish.¡± He pointed to the left a space down. It continued with everyone else introducing themselves.

    ¡°Annamarie. (Anne Mah ree)¡±

    ¡°Jakkl (jackel)¡±

    ¡°Raisin (rae sin).¡± The little girl he sometimes saw following behind Alda-Casidy spoke barely audible.

    ¡°So what would you like to know? Hand-to-hand, defense, sword, bow, meditation, Bak or something you can think of? We probably know it.¡± Annamarie looked up him wearing a confidence he would not be able to witness outside these walls and his bedroom. This was her element and these were her people. Will he ever be as strong as she was on the inside? ¡°What do you suggest?¡± he asked.

    She looked from person to person and then back again, weighing the options against his personality and physic and because of the lack of synchronicity between the two it was a difficult choice. ¡°How about you start with the sword and meditation with Sa¡¯Rim?¡± She pointed to the odd boy with Rorschach markings that now looked like a mask.

    ¡°Okay.¡± He wanted to know more about the boy.

    <hr>

    Miles to the North in Nzaaris (Nah Zhar Riz) Seth was warm with nostalgia of being trapped. Which seemed to be happening a lot lately.  He sighed, time to go home. He tried to move his arm but it wasn¡¯t just his wrist that was bound it was every joint and his neck pinning him to a wall, on display. Seth opened his eyes. At least he could do that. Did Sir Vladamin want him to witness his own unjustified torture?

    Seth studied Victor, head slumped back in his chair; letting all his stress temporarily slip away in private as a fire howled away behind him, flickering between reds, blues and purple pleading for attention. Seth wondered if he ran cold. The flames nearly licking him like an excited pet every so often. Was half his body a testament to his pet becoming unruly and yet he stayed too close as if only comfortable challenging death. Victor¡¯s hair was longer, spirals sticking out like disobedient antennas in a random fashion. Faint smile lines decorated his face underneath his smeared eye liner. His sharp nose pointing to his deep cupids¡¯ bow that smirked even in his sleep. There was a cup of seiz, an alcoholic beverage made of chocolate, potatoes, and yahobaberries native to Nzaaris half full less than an arm length away nestled on the stone table separating Seth from Victor. There wasn¡¯t much else in the room; fire, table, five chairs, two doors, two paintings one of a small snake ripping wings off a large beautiful bird and one of a family with a butterfly, quokka, kitten and an armadillo holding a rolly poly like a ball all wrapped in a black and white blanket.

    Three deliberate knocks broke the silence. ¡°State your purpose.¡± Victor sat up stretching his neck from his rag doll position, leaning over the table.

    ¡°It is Marcus, NZri. Alda-Cassidy has woken.¡±

    Victor yawned showing all his teeth. ¡°Keep her contained.¡±

    ¡°Yes, NZri.¡± The man sharply turning on his heel was the last attention grabbing sound, then nothing. The calming crackle of the fire and his own heartbeat was all Seth could hear. If he was tortured to death in this suffocating spacious room would anyone care? To them he wrong the country and future leader. He was going to die here.

    He didn¡¯t want to die. On reflex he tried to speak the word free, but a gag appeared shoving his head further back into the wall. He winced in pain. Even more determined he thought the word, then a symbol appeared on his throat. The symbol turned darker and denser the more he thought until it pierced through to the wall, further pinning him to the wall like another painting. Blood flowed down his chest while Victor sat his head up on his crossed arms out in front of him, observing Seth¡¯s struggle with his golden cat like eyes. ¡°Awake I see. Three days exactly.¡±

 23. Fine.

    Everything was fine. Elizebeth looked at herself in the vanity mirror as her maid, Aubrey took down her chunky braid and parted her hair to pull two thirds up into a high wavy pony tail. Elizabeth took two strands out from the front and let them hang in her face falling into her lap. She looked down at the two strands that now seemed too long to fulfill their purpose then back at her reflection as her maid smoothed down the fly-aways with a soft bristle brush.

    Elizebeth was naturally beautiful. A youthful innocent beauty with a round face, button nose and cupid¡¯s lips a complete contrast to her younger sister who was the splitting image of their mother. Elizabeth¡¯s only physical flaw was two tiny moles near the inner corner of her eyes, occasionally she would cover them with small jewels. Today would be one of those days; she reached for the deep red one and handed them to Aubrey. She rose her head while the girl carefully turned her blemish into a highlight. She looked in the mirror satisfied. ¡°Can you cut hair?¡±

    Aubrey nodded. She rarely spoke and when she did it annoyed Elizebeth so there had been an unspoken rule that as she worked for Elizebeth she would speak as little as possible. ¡°Lovely. Cut my hair to here.¡± Elizebeth gestured right above her shoulders. ¡°Shorter in the back.¡± She watched the girl work. Once she was finished Elizebeth took the scissors from the table and cut the front two strands in half around her bosom. She was satisfied.

    ¡°Time to eat.¡± She stood up and the girl followed two paces behind. The halls were empty and has been since Seth left days ago. Everyone got what they wanted, but to Elizebeth they all seem to blame her for their wishes coming true. Whatever, it accomplished the goal there was no need to avoid her. Elizebeth sat in her usual seat at the empty table as Aubrey pulled the chair in for her. ¡°What¡¯s for Dinner?¡± she glanced down at the empty plate and glass. "Whatever you like, Ma''am."This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Elizebeth looked down at the bare plates, picked up her knife on the right and fork on the other and made light cutting motions. "I think I''ll have eggs." she gracefully put the empty fork in her mouth tasting the future eggs then sat it down in the exact spot she pulled it up from, adjusting as needed with tip of her nail. "And fruit," she added. Aubrey nodded slightly, turned on her heel to prepare Elizebeth''s order.

    Aubrey returned swiftly with square plate, sitting on top was toast covered with avocado, shredded cabbage and a seasoned poached egg with a raspberry sauce drizzle that she placed in front of Elizebeth replacing the round plate that was present then in the top left she placed a small bowl of local peeled and cubed fruit with a black honey coating. A specialty in Fangaria. Elizebeth ate small delicate bite chewing thoroughly each one in silence as Aubrey waited behind her.

    ¡°Can I get a plate too?¡± Gabriel casually taking his place in front of her made her pause, but she paid him no mind like he has been doing the past few days to her. Gabriel rubbed his hand through his hair and rose his eyebrow at Aubrey in wait, but she did not move only looked down in away. ¡°Do you want me to get my own food? Fine.¡± He rose up, scraping the tile as he roughly scooted his chair back.

    ¡°Uhm..mm Master Gabriel.¡±

    Elizebeth slammed her silverware down.

    Aubrey flinched. ¡°Sa¡­Sa¡¯Rim is free.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m done eating. You may take it away.¡± Elizebeth wiped her face.

    Gabriel glared at the woman. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see him.¡± He snarled as he left.

 24. Prisoner of One

    Between Victor studying him like a goldfish in a tank and the regular reports of either the princesses being awake, sleep, or aging nothing changed between the numbing pain in his throat, forcing Seth to focus on nothing and everything all at once. Days, weeks, maybe even months passed like this, there was no measurement of time. Just an endless imprisonment. Victor hadn¡¯t spoken again since his neck was skewered. It was a wonder Seth was still alive with the constant puddle of blood accumulating at his feet.

    No motive was stated. He clearly didn¡¯t want Seth to speak, think or admit anything since all seemed inexplicitly denied. Seth obeyed the only clear demand: Do not think about escaping.

    Three deliberate knocks on the door.

    It was Marcus.

    Only ever Marcus.  He couldn¡¯t even mark time by his presence because that was the only irregularity. Victor¡¯s naps were more consistent, but he made little sound when he took them and Seth gaze was bound to the high ceiling so he couldn¡¯t view his slumped back head next to the bickering flames again. That when hungry went on forever.

    ¡°State your purpose.¡± Victor would demand like it would be anyone else.

    ¡°It is Marcus, NZri. It is time for your meal.¡± Another robbery of time.

    A slow rising crooked line possessed Victor''s face as if he was going to pull the fish up by its tail and see how far it jumped before it died, a sad pathetic attempt at otherwise. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Victor asked as if Seth could answer. Well, his stomach answered for him. ¡°I suppose everything has to eat, be it light, plants, other beings, even souls. What do you eat, child?¡± Seth wish he could see him roll his eyes like he believed he was any different from him.¡±

    ¡°NZri, Marcus entering.¡±  The heavy door exhale as it separated from its locking mechanism. Seth could hear the dishes rattle and shiver, but no footsteps, breathing, or shuffling of posture. Marcus made no sounds that he did not want heard. He placed a large heavily populated plate in front of Victor, three smaller lighter plates surrounded it like evenly placed sun beams, then he refilled his seiz. Marcus did the same to the opposite of the unoccupied table.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°Marcus.¡±

    ¡°Yes, NZri.¡±

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    Marcus sat the table for himself as well. Dragged the chair half between Seth and Victor, sat and ate. Victor followed suit. The sound of Seth¡¯s stomach begin to echo off the walls in harmony with hands and bones scraping across dish after dish. Chewing and gulping. New sounds filled the space creating a new form of torture he craved and regrated. He longed for the fire and the erratic updates instead meats, fruits, salads and sauces choked his senses and intoxicated his nerves. Just a taste. Seth could feel his palate wetting, tears streaming, and his cock erect. New sensations rippling through his body. Just a lick.

    ¡°look at that.¡± The excitement of Victors voice danced across the untraceable hairs of Seth skin. ¡°It wants to live.¡±

    ¡°NZri, you are being cruel.¡± Marcus sighed.

    ¡°look there.¡±

    ¡°Yes, two shadows.¡± Marcus spoke not like Master and servant, but two friends a matter-a-factly. ¡°Is he possessed?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe, he is the possession?¡±

    ¡°Is he not like Tsukki of Tongue and not of Body?¡±

    Victor leaned back in his chair studying Seth again. ¡°I had thought so.¡±

    ¡°and now, NZri?¡±

    ¡°more?¡±

    ¡°Hmmm¡­.let¡¯s set it loose.¡±

    Victor gulp the remainder of his drink. ¡°Let it loose?¡±

    ¡°Alda-Cassidy when consciences ask about him. We cannot show him in this state: drippling with blood, tears and whatever else. NZri.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s becoming a lot of trouble. Should I get rid ¨C ¡°

    Before Victor finished his sentence Stryard was at his throat with the nail he pulled out from his own. It pierced through Marcus¡¯s hand; he made a second in time to protect Victor. ¡°your foot is in my meal.¡± Victor touched the tip of the nail and it dissolved then set ablaze Marcus hand. Marcus blew his hand, fine then took his seat. Seth dropped to the ground flipping on the end of the table on the way down. ¡°Can you put this back?¡± Victor pointed down.

    In-between scooping up meat and mash Marcus look from Victor to Seth. ¡°Do you believe there is a point.?¡± He asked sincere. Victor looked down at the boy. ¡°Let¡¯s eat. We can leave him in the chair.¡±

 25. What do I Want?

    The room was cooler. Seth opened his eyes. There was no fire and there was no Victor. He was aching throughout his body, sitting in a chair with a full course meal on display, some familiar foods such as chicken and potatoes, mostly unfamiliar dishes, no silverware, or utensils. Seth¡¯s hunger out weighted his etiquette. He tore the meat off the bone, chewing as little as necessary to swallow then chewed on larger pieces of bones and sucking out the cartilage from the bits of carcass he couldn¡¯t eat. He scooped up the mash and veggies and let everything slide into his mouth. Did the same for the smaller plates, of what he found out later were called kopabi (a bitter, slimy leafy dish), aniyamit (a random array of peppered sliced steamed regional peppers and fruits), and a large half a salted soliez fruit. When he ate every crumb, he could find he drank the large bowl of water to his right then wiped his face and body down with the damp towel.

    Seth was more refresh, but he was still hungry and naked. Bored and exhausted he took several naps to digest. Paced around the table in each interval. Although knowingly futile he tried opening the two no handle doors to no avail in different positions, maybe there was a trick to the doors. He tried listing with his ear against them, but he could tell the doors was heavily reinforced. He wasn¡¯t leaving unless allowed out. Even the fireplace was too high to climb out.

    He spent a vast amount of time staring at the paintings. Aside from the only thing with color in the space, they felt familiar and warm like remembering a distant memory. At least the one of the family of animals did. They were all different, but they could share a blanket and smile. He imagined the armadillo and roly-poly getting in trouble for rough housing by rolling into one another or racing each other. The kitten sitting on its paws in a high location looking down at the two making mental bets and when it got tired of that it would take the little brother, the roly-poly and play with it like a ball of yarn until it got sick or cried. The quokka would make funny faces at the youngest brother until it forgot the tears away. The butterfly was busy gazing at itself in the river to ever notice anyone else, but before bed it would land on each of their nose and give them a kiss. Seth smiled. Through pain and plays they were still family. Love could still be felt. Did he have anyone like that?

    The flames in the fireplace stretched and howled awake. Warming up the room at the sign of the closest door to it opening. Seth swiftly shot his head in the same direction, watching in awe as the flame circled Victor after he as he entered the space like a hyperactive child glad that papa is home. It made five spacious circles, shot up then refilled the fireplace covering the room in a calming blue¡¯s and purple. Victor took his regular seat. Instead of lounging he was upright, fingers interlaced, ready for a business meeting much like how he was at the Fangaria Dinner and the topic was Seth. He stared at Seth but not looking at him. He was looking at the painting with a strange emotion that could only be classified as grief. Seth looked back the painting. Was it not a painting for children?

    ¡°Good Morning, tit (teht) Jjom¨¢ce Zviera (Joe mah tae ace vear) ¡°

    Morning! Seth grab the meager piece of information about his surroundings and held it tight. This is what morning was. He almost forgot the feeling of day, of feeling like a . . . man. His chest expanded and depleted, all buried anxiety and anger melted away.  ¡°Good Morning, ¡°he responded.

    Three distinct knock that marked the appearance of Marcus. speckles of rustic that was nearly unnoticeable on his peachy skin adorned his cheek and bridge matching his hair and growing facial hair. Seth could not help trying to count each dot before catching himself and appeared to be still engrossed in the limited decor. He had never seen anyone like Marcus before.

    ¡°I think it likes you. ¡°Victor chuckled.

    ¡°NZri, breakfast has arrived. ¡°Marcus ignored him as he continued to push the cart of various dishes inside. Seth wondered if every meal was a feast or was this his last one. Marcus set the table for three, then cleared the old dishes. ¡°Let me, ¡°Seth attempted to help, but was received with a glare that amused Victor. ¡°Sit, Tit Jjom¨¢ce Zviera. Let him do what he must. ¡°Victor motioned to the chair below where Seth spent many unknown hours, days, or weeks. Will he know soon?Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Seth sat down. There were no silverware, again. He suppose it was customary to eat with your hands here. Or perhaps they viewed him as so much of a threat that a spoon would be too deadly in his presence. Seth wanted to consume all the mystery scents until the memories was gone. He couldn¡¯t remember his last meal, only that it wasn¡¯t enough. Victor hadn¡¯t moved to eat, content with studying Seth and the man named Marcus hasn¡¯t returned.

    His stomach begged for the food laid out Infront of him then it began to abuse and curse him, punching his inside as his hunger pain grew. Seth sat on his hands and sat up straight, matching Victor¡¯s posture. Glancing from the food to Victor¡¯s unblinking embers Seth reached out to grab what appeared to be grilled apple slices and onion quarters. It touched his lips before the flames rose high, draping the wall behind Victor in red and black like a disapproving mother forcing it slip out his hand. Seth licked his fingers then sat back on his hands, noticing the slight upturn of Victors mouth.

    As the fire receded back into its home flickering orange, blues and white three knocks and enter Marcus with some cloths in his hand. Marcus stopped a comfortable distance from Victor. his ankles about a foot apart, cloths tucked under his left arm at his side then proceeded to take his right hand slightly limp around his head starting at his left shoulder, down to his heart pulling straight up to the middle of his temple then flicking out to Victor. Victor broke eye contact with his new plaything and directed it down towards Marcus by standing up, aiming his fingers at his chest pulling them up to his temple then flicking it out to Marcus. They both took their respectful seats.

    Seth watched as Victor washed his hand in the large bowl of water it materialized next to Marcus and he did the same. Then it was Seth¡¯s turned and he stared inside at his reflection. His hair had grown long all over, and he was thinner. Second mark of time, probably a couple of months. After Seth washed hands the other two began to eat.

    ¡°Not hungry, Tit Jjom¨¢ce Zviera. ¡°Victor asked in between bites. Seth wondered if this was his new name. Was it slang for prisoner or dirty? Seth picked up the pieces he tried to eat moments ago, savored in the crunch, evenly blanked sweet and bitter.

    ¡°Are you going to kill me?¡± Seth broke the silence. The fire did not grow in length but in brightness as if it was also curious.

    ¡°Is that what you want?¡± Victor asked focused on breakfast. Marcus unfazed continued eat wiping his hands on a napkin before switching dishes.

    ¡°N-no. Of course not.¡±

    ¡°Then why do you not ask when can I live? When can I go home? Bed, clothes, or some entertainment. Why do not ask where you are or how to be free?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a prisoner?¡±

    ¡°Are you? What is your sentence? When is your trail? Do you have your own thoughts, Tit Jjom¨¢ce Zviera?¡±

    ¡°I was bolted to the wall. Given to you. A peace offering-¡± The words caught in Seth¡¯s throat. He coughed the next more violent than the last.

    ¡°Were you trapped?¡±

    ¡°Ye- ¡°Seth throat was being burnt inside out; blood filled his mouth spilling on to his lap. ¡°What is going on?¡±

    ¡°Lies.¡± Marcus wipe his face. ¡°You cannot speak lies in this room.¡± He lifted his hands and the washing bowel returned to him. He washed his picking the food from underneath his nails. ¡°NZri has concluded that you are simply a tool. Do you punish a sword for murder or the wilder? But sense you are a- hmm¡­somewhat sentient sword there will still a bit of punishment.¡±

    ¡°What is my punishment?¡±

    ¡°Your name.¡± the flame began to lengthen and brighten as if it too was curious. ¡°What is your name?¡±

    ¡°Seth Gilbert Fangaria.¡±

    ¡°Azazel 8 What is your name?¡±

    ¡°Seth Gil-,¡± Seth began to drown in his own blood.

    ¡°NZri!¡±

    ¡°Now, that¡¯s done.¡± Victor continued to eat. Seth continued to choke.

    ¡°NZri!!¡±

    ¡°Welcome to my home, Nzaaris.  As you may remember I am- ¡°

    Choking

    ¡°I am Victoriaon Akkrim Vladamin the NZri. You will address me as such. Here in Nzaaris names and your way of life is earned.¡±

    ¡°NZri!!!¡± Marcus panicked. ¡°Do you want it to die?¡± Marcus rushed to the side of the young man that had fallen to a puddle of its own thick blood in a coughing spasm its attempts were getting shallower and further in-between.  The edges of his brown eyes turning green, his skin becoming plump. ¡°NZri, look at this.¡±

    Victor looked through Marcus eyes to see the minor changes, his skin was growing darker by the minute. The flame went out as if covering its eyes. Victor sighed. ¡°Save him.¡± Then continued to eat.

 25.2 What do I Want?

    Gabriella¡¯s hair spread out like tree branches with small flowers floating at the end as if the delphinium and cherry blossoms had a second chance at life along her unbending strands. As of late Gabriella has taken to bathing with baths of teas and fruit since receiving mysterious letter after letter, some from a hooded stranger and some simply appearing. All asking her to either be free or begging her to question the nature of her reality like she needed it. Her subconscious was doing a great job of its own. It¡¯s been months and she was still having vivid dreams of what she could only describe as a possible reality or realities. Sometimes she¡¯s a statue; a prisoner in her own flesh and other a moveable puppet. Smiling at a man she didn¡¯t recognize like he was family. Who is this man playing house and could he imprison her at any point? Where is he now? Is she herself or just how he designed her?

    Gabriella pulled her knees to her chest and rested on them in thought. If this mystery man is pulling their string with what seemed like their brother Alex¡¯s help; how much of what she¡¯s done so far was of her own free will? If she does leave does she bring Gabriel? She closed her eyes but unwilling to sleep. Not ready to bring more questions into the equation.

    A small waved pushed on her back, startling her eyes open. Was she dreaming, no Gabriel slipped into the large tub big enough for him to be on the opposite side and their toes never touch behind her? She sighed, ¡°Hello brother.¡± She looked up at the never used bath on the further side of the room. Their rooms use to be two when they were younger, but he cried every night and crawled into her bed until she begged their father to have the walls separating the room torn down and become one.

    ¡°Gabby.¡± He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her whole self into his arms. She unraveled herself and comfortably bent over the side of the tub. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, my Love?¡±

    A bad habit of his. Maybe she showed him too much affection. When all the men of the Fangaria family turn fifteen they are meant to experience a woman, but Gabriel hasn¡¯t gone through the ceremony just yet. That worried Gabriella that it may be time. ¡°Brother,¡± She turned to meet her reflection green eye to green eye and brown eye to brown eye lined up perfectly to what could have been. ¡°Have you wonder what¡¯s outside the castle?¡±

    ¡°Fangaria and everything belonging to Fangaria.¡±

    ¡°What if there is more, Brother? Have you ever left?¡±

    ¡°No. never thought about it.¡±

    ¡°Why would kids never think of living home? When Elaine came with child we didn¡¯t question it. New servants we didn¡¯t question it even with the King to the North. How can there be another king if everything is fathers?¡±

    Although just as smart Gabriella, he didn¡¯t care about these questions. He cared where they came from.  His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, hiked up one leg and pulled her back towards himself. All that consumed his mind was how to please her and if leaving was what she wanted he would make a plan with her.

    ¡°Brother?¡±

    ¡°Okay, pack what you need. We leave in a week.¡± He washed his face and leaned back. While Gabriella leaned on his chest. ¡°Gabby.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­?¡±

    ¡°What will you do if there is nothing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll build something.¡±

    ¡°Why not tear father down and do it here?¡±

    Gabriella looked up at her brother until he returned her gaze. ¡°Brother. I do not eat someone else¡¯s scraps. I will find something for myself even I have to leave you behind to do it.¡± She stated without any malice or arrogance just a matter-a-fact like saying a fish swims.

    ¡°I understand.¡± He let his fingers glide through her down her spine absentminded until she fell asleep into a light snore. He watched the strands gracefully fall from his hand each time he picked them up, just like the rest of her and he was going to help her do it. To him she was a force of nature and he was just the shadow left behind.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    <hr>

    Seth didn¡¯t know why but he felt better, lighter even stronger like all the pain he was in was a faraway dream. He believes it has to do with Marcus, but he wasn¡¯t sure and there was nothing he could really do about. They left him alone to finish up his meal, that he scarfed down ages ago (not because he needed the nutrient but because of the memory of being hungry), they were meant to come back to escort him to have a bath.

    Until then he resumed his pacing. The low fire swishing back and forth as if watching him like a curious child. Seth was equally as curious about the fire so he sat down in front of the fireplace crisscross. ¡°Hello, I am-¡± he thought for a moment: he did not want a repeat of earlier. ¡°My name is Azazel8.¡± He introduced himself. With the abandonment of his name he felt a small sense of self. ¡°I am new here. I mean no harm.¡± The fire became lower and turned a bright gold as if listening. Seth became self-conscience. It¡¯s a little weird to talk to a fireplace. He looked down bringing his knees to his chest shielding himself from the cold. After this action the fire grew three times its size quickly warming Seth. ¡°Should I talk to you some more?¡±

    He didn¡¯t know what to talk about. He didn¡¯t talk much and many like it that way. Sometimes he would talk to the servants, especially Aubrey and Sa¡¯Rim. Even then it was mostly about work. Aubrey was perfectionist, but overly nervous. Sa¡¯Rim, well he mostly just listened to him. Sa¡¯Rim didn¡¯t speak much like himself, but when it came to Seth he would vent once a month about his brother Gabriel. He didn¡¯t want anything to do with Sa¡¯Rim that wasn¡¯t Sparring, although he was supposed to be his personal servant. Sa¡¯Rim trained in all arts of sword, martial arts, laundry, arts, and languages for the approval of his brother that would never come. He didn¡¯t know what to do, so he began narrating his thoughts and actions maybe that would amuse that fire.

    ¡°Lets us see what the clothing here look like. I don¡¯t want to look like the NZri.¡± He stood up and the flame rose out of the fire place turning various shades of reds, purple and black. Okay nothing about the Victor. ¡°My apologizes.¡± He bowed to the flame. ¡°I only meant, I would prefer a few more layers.¡± The flame settled down to its previous size.

    Seth went to the folded set of cloth at the far end of the table and brought them back to the fire. He unraveled them and found that they were both bottoms, one was gold pattern while the other cerulean and artic blue. He didn¡¯t find either of them appealing. Seth preferred form fitting clothing as opposed to the loose fitting pants that could¡¯ve been mistaken for a chiffon skirt. He placed them in front of himself one at time. ¡°What do you think, blue or gold?¡±

    It startled Seth when the fire turned blue.

    That proved the fire was more than flames. ¡°So¡­.¡± He trailed off as he bent down to fold the gold pants back into a small square. ¡°What else can you do?¡±  The flame shot up then dived down in front of Seth like filling the glass of a man. He looked up as the flame took shape similar to that of a young bald Victor.

    The door opened and the flame took its place in the hearth. Victor walked through first followed Marcus. Marcus saw him on his knees with the pants out in front, picked them up and tucked it under his armpit. ¡°Blue it is.¡± Marcus joined his master at his side waiting for him to speak, but he was staring at the dim fire with a perplexity. ¡°NZri.¡± He called his attention.

    ¡°Ah¡­yes. Tit  Jjom¨¢ce Zviera, Marcus will escort you to the bath and show you around. Obey Marcus as if he was me otherwise he may punish you with anything that is not death.¡±  He walked around Seth to his usual spot and took his chair. ¡°You may take him now.¡±

    Seth scurried behind Marcus covering his privates since he didn¡¯t know what was on the other side of the door. ¡°Wait.¡± Marcus turned, one eyebrow raised. ¡°I don¡¯t want him to know where this room or the connecting rooms are located.¡±

    Marcus looked down at Seth. ¡°I will blind you now.¡±

    WHAT! Seth covered his eyes curling down into the fetal position using his body as a shield. He didn¡¯t want to lose his eyes. Seth heard a small chuckle from Victor. Felt a hand on his back and then he knew nothing he did could stop Marcus from his goal. Seth looked up. Looked around. Looked where he knew the fire to be, but saw nothing. He cried.

    ¡°Not good enough.¡± Victor was dissatisfied. Seth turned to the sound of his voice. What else would they do to him? He could feel Marcus reach out. Instinctively he covered his face. ¡°I will now bind you.¡±

    Pain. Pain shot through his wrist searing through his skin like a hot branding iron up to his neck. He was shackled with the same craftsmanship as when he was pinned to the wall but now he was forced to cup his hands around his neck. He did not cry out. He dug his nails in and bit his tongue although his could feel his heartbeat radiate throughout his whole body he stood up straight as the tears dried up.

    He felt like prisoner.

    He felt trapped.

    He felt helpless and because of the darkness in his eyes no one or thing would help him.

    ¡°Satisfied?¡±

    ¡°Satisfied. I will busy for a few days. Don¡¯t bother me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, NZri.¡± And they left Victor alone. Seth follow by an invisible tether moving in an unknown land in an unknown space three spaces behind Marcus unable to observe anything.

 25.5 What Do I Want?

    Seth could already feel puddles of water beneath his feet, whispers, and a small breeze as they walked. He wanted to cover himself or just rip his skin off and wear them as clothes at the sound of the various murmurs. He couldn¡¯t make out a single voice, but the fact they were there, and he was on full display it felt like a million mocking voices that could shrink far enough away from. Marcus noticed the tension around the child, stopped, took one large step back to walk next to him. He placed one firm hand on his back and felt all the tension melt away in his hand. Normally he wouldn¡¯t care, but he felt the need to do something.

    ¡°We are here. I will unbind your hands.¡±

    Seth stretched and lowered his hands. Marcus observed where Seth¡¯s subconscious met with reality and ran down his back. ¡°Thank you.¡± The boy cleared the huskiness from his throat then lightly bowed. ¡°I will restore your eyesight. It¡¯s startling to most at first so close your eyes. Open them slowly on my command.¡± Seth felt him touch his thumb to his temple; heard him stepping back. ¡°Now.¡± That was his cue. Seth opened his eyes. A constellation of freckles. Marcus face conveying no emotion, studying him with bored interest. Two strands fell between his eyes, he didn¡¯t bother to move. The sound of running water is what made Seth notice past Marcus. This was no private bath. It was a large room the size of two football stadiums with four large pools equally place near each corner. Open cloudy sky above each, showers lined as much as doors with people coming and going. Everyone: inside a bath, shower, coming or going stole glances at Seth like he was a monster, like his family.

    ¡°Rinse off then get in a bath.¡±

    Seth didn¡¯t respond. His attention affixed to the sensory beyond his new master and Marcus wasn¡¯t used to repeating himself. ¡°Azazel-8,¡± he said in the same tone, but it was enough to get everyone to down and look away. There was not child nor warrior who did not fear Marcus, some more than Victor. The lack of attention prompt Seth look up and process the last few seconds. Rinse off? He looked around then behind. There was no knob or visible mechanism to turn it on. He looked, see if he could spot someone turning it on. No one dare to breathe until commanded, everyone stood still and away mining every blink or muscle twitch.

    ¡°How do I turn it on?¡±

    ¡°Stand underneath it.¡±

    It couldn¡¯t be that simple. How could it turn on that easily? How did it sense his presence? Thinking it was a trick Seth looked at the shower again, then back at Marcus. ¡°I have been instructed your home is archaic.¡± Marcus began undressing. A boy runs from across the room. ¡°I could use a shower as well.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡± The boy, up close clearly a man (the same height as Seth), makes it in time to grab Marcus¡¯ clothing and fold them small enough to fit underneath his arm. ¡°What scent would you like, Sir?¡±

    ¡°Something flora.¡±

    The young man looked around his pouch strung around his waist and pulled out a purple, swirl of orange flat patty then handed it to Marcus. ¡°Anything else I can get you. I can have a certain temperature, new clothes, a towel, a masseur or other pleasures waiting for you.¡± The man asked not meeting Marcus¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°A towel.¡±

    ¡°Will you be taking a bath as well?¡±

    ¡°Hmmm¡­Yes.¡±

    ¡°I will have your towel waiting afterwards.¡±

    The young man with head still down glanced over at Seth as if he had more questions but didn¡¯t know if he was meant to acknowledge Seth¡¯s existence and if so as an equal, below or an object? Marcus noticed. ¡°It will also require a Rhomi.¡±

    ¡°Same one, Sir.¡±

    ¡°Same one.¡±

    He handed Seth a patty that fit comfortable in his palm and vanished back into the background. Seth watched Marcus step up to the shower, the tiles beneath his feet fell six inches, the shower rained as he squished the tablet, gel oozing through his fingers and multiplying enough for him to wash his hair and body. Marcus arched an eyebrow at Seth signaling for Seth to follow suite. The floor felt like a comfort guide down, not as startling as Seth believed it would be neither was the stream of water that evaporated the days or months of sludge away from his body. The warmth penetrated deep within, melting everything around him. Seth didn¡¯t need anything else but the slight aroma of lemongrass radiating off the water and now himself nor did he notice anything else when he accidently burst the Rhomi in hands. It was as if he murdered a slug in his hands and its guts bubbled between his fingers. He froze. How would he get this thing off? He slapped his head trying to get it out his head and wiggled his arm around, but it just spread and stuck to him like a thick slimy booger. He could feel the panic swell around, consuming him. The warmth and calm he had moments ago already forgotten. Glass lined his throat as his breathing became thinner, it turned into drowning.

    He tried to move away from the shower and tripped. Someone came over and put a soothing hand on his shoulder. A warmth of calmness, an at-easiness washed over him. Seth filled his lungs up with air and look up into deep orange eyes. The dark-haired man held out his hand with a gentle smile. Seth grabbed it on reflex and image appeared in front of him: a hand with a brush spelling E-N-L-D-R-I-S. ¡°Ehn..nel..dress?¡± Seth attempted to pronounce.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    ¡°Enldris.¡± Marcus stepped out the shower effortlessly. Properly saying Enldris name (EN¡¯Ldris). Enldris smiled wider at his name, showing every tooth. ¡®Was he sick? ¡­dimwitted?¡¯ Seth thought.

    ¡°This,¡± Marcus gestured towards Seth ¡°is my new headache¡±.

    Enldris looked between Marcus and Seth. Thinking on something then a picture of a small shaking furry animal appeared in both their heads. Then there was an outstretched hand petting the small white animal. ¡°You want me to be kinder or take care of him better?¡± Marcus asked. Enldris nodded. Marcus sighed, rubbing his temples. Before he could respond another image played between the crowd. A young Marcus, Enldris and other men and women doing some type of exercise, then building house, and finally all in formation. Enldris at the front. Marcus second. Then their position flipped. Seth couldn¡¯t understand what this was supposed to mean, and it was hurting his head. They were in a military?

    ¡°You tell me to be nicer and you go and hurt it. That was too much information.¡±

    Enldris looked back, rubbing his left thumb and forefinger vigorously at Seth then to the center of his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s apologizing.¡± Marcus stated for Seth¡¯s benefit. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that.¡± Marcus grabbed Enldris and pulled him up. Then Enldris did the same for him. Enldris smiled at him to keep him calm then motion as if he were cleaning himself, then touched Seth again. The same uncomfortable feeling of bursting the bath tablet followed by a soothing lotion smooth. Seth believed he was telling he was overreacting. ¡°Thank you, but how¡­.¡± He wanted to ask why he didn¡¯t speak but figured it would be disrespectful. Enldris understood what he wanted to ask and answered with a picture of a baby.

    ¡°Finish your shower and join us in the bath. Yell if you need anything.¡±

    Seth finished his shower remembering the feelings that Enldris gifted him. Joined them in the more vacant of the four pools. They were having a one-sided conversation when he arrived. Enldris let image of two black gravestones in the mist of many blue one slip through to Seth. Seth wondered if they were discussing him.

    Marcus stood up and the boy that gave them the Rhomi was there with another young man. They both dried Marcus then Enldris, put textured stickers on their feet and escorted them to their clothing. Seth received a towel to dry himself and was handed the stickers to figure out. The new boy waited for the trash as Seth caught up to Enldris and Marcus. They were nearly dressed in virtually identical clothing with exception of the thickness the bracelets they wore on each arm. Marcus was helping Enldris wrap tape around his neck, a line down his spine then a small piece on each lower rib.

    Afterwards they took a straight shot outside. Everyone they passed greeted them like Marcus greeted Victor and he returned the same. Recognizing them close to the king.

    ¡°This is Nzaaris.¡± Marcus removed a large curtain revealing a beautiful stone city accessorized with different shades of cloth. Children ran in the street. People worked, trained, and played. Alongside the walkway plants were well maintained people ate from them in passing spiraling up to them standing at the top of the hill. The city was one big intricate spiral working together, everything flowing in the direction as one, as usefulness. Seth had never seen anything as breathtaking. More than halfway down there was a large fountain with a marble fire that almost seemed real when the light hit it at the right angle. This made Seth realize: What did his country look like? Nothing outside the castle walls came to mind.

    <hr>

    In Fangaria Alex paces his room, occasionally walking Seth¡¯s room. If there is no one in the halls he opens the door then slam it close otherwise he walks on pass. All the servants knows what or rather who he¡¯s looking for so if they happen to see him before he sees them, they have all coordinated to hide in his presence. Alex was growing more anxious as the days turned into months.

    A bell rang signaling midday meal which no longer served any purpose, not even the twins enjoyed a meal together anymore. Since he was out on a stroll, he would make his way to the dining hall where he would sit in his usual spot at the end of the table, opposite of his father when no guest were present.  Food was swiftly placed in front of him by a young man he¡¯s only seen a few times in passing. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you. Have someone else bring it.¡±

    The young man bowed and cleaned the table. It was reset by a tall girl with long straight hair. ¡°Not you either.¡± Alex was still not satisfied. He rotated through all the servants until Vessuillus took the plate out of the last persons hand and dropped it front of Alex, cracking the plate with one word. ¡°Eat.¡± He sat in Seth¡¯s customary seat to the left of Alex propping himself up on arm. ¡°He¡¯s not here.¡±

    ¡°Then bring him here.¡±

    ¡°Alexander.¡±

    ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes I wonder who is bound to who.¡±

    ¡°We need him. Everything is falling apart.¡±

    ¡°You need him.¡±

    ¡°-and you want your son if not the power he carries.¡±

    ¡°Alexander.¡±

    ¡°Father.¡± Alex challenged forking a small bit of food into his mouth. His father watched him play with his food. ¡°You feel him.¡± Vess sighed grabbing Alex¡¯s spoon.

    ¡°Yes.¡± He looked away. ¡°Briefly. The longer he¡¯s away the strong he will become.¡±

    ¡°Alexander.¡±

    ¡°Wha-!¡± He yelled out of frustration. It caught in his throat when his father took the opportunity to shovel a spoon full of food into his mouth. ¡°They all think you¡¯re a villain. They¡¯re planning to run away¡±

    ¡°I am one. Let them.¡± Vessuillus reached over and put the spoon back down. ¡°But if they succeed your pet will never be whole.¡±

    ¡°Father,¡± Alex lowered himself to his knees. ¡°Please bring him to me.¡± The boy that never begged or asked for any was his knees, crying in his father¡¯s lap like when he first found him. ¡°Little Alexander, stand up.¡± His father demanded. ¡°No. why did he have to go? Look my hair is growing. You are aging. We could¡¯ve killed them and all the people they have. We could¡¯ve destroyed them all. Me, you and Stryard. What is this fantasy family you¡¯ve created for yourself?¡± his father was silent. ¡°Father give him to me.¡± He began to bang his head against the floor.

    Vess rubbed his hands through his hair. Thinking of all the options as the thumps of his son¡¯s head repeated crashed into the ground in the background of his thoughts. Finally, when it became too loud for him to bare, he grabbed Alex by his throat and pushed him back into his chair. ¡°STOP!¡±

    Alex grabbed the knife and pushed it against his father¡¯s Adams apple. ¡°I can kill another one of his father¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do. We can¡¯t kill everyone.¡±

 26. When in Rome

    Women and men of all ages and background gathered at the foot of Nzaaris Tower dressed in their brightest and finest garbs, laughing, dance and conducting in playful sparring, drunk off the festivities. Some visibly younger men and women decorated their nipples in gems, tattoos, and piercings peacocking in the streets. ¡°What this?¡± Seth asked bewildered at the imagery that played out behind his eyes. Enldris nudge Marcus playfully two paces from Seth. They wanted to make him at ease. Enldris repeated the show for his friend wearing every emotion on his face like a theater.

    ¡°Oh, will you be going? I had forgotten. Every fifty years we host a Susori to appreciate life, light, and love. It¡¯s a week-long festival that the country enjoys. During the day there¡¯s food, competitions and respects are made to the past. As the night falls the children, the old, and those who chose to work retire. Those who remain¡­.¡± Marcus trailed off. Enldris filled in the blanks. He took a step forward to touch Seth¡¯s back, sharing feelings and imagery of a beautifully tanned woman, darker than rays of sunlight and as smooth as butter, large lips and eyes to match rubbed against Enldris left arm devouring his face giving and receiving oxygen. Beneath her was an equally gorgeous man the opposite of her in every way, pleasing Enldris lower half. He stroked their hair lost in bliss of ubiquitous stimuli. Seth pushed Enldris away bringing them back to reality. "I¡¯m sorry." he apologized. "I-I don''t know."

    "Enldris is pretty popular. I don''t normally participate, myself. You can work with me." Marcus responded not receiving the imagery they shared but could imagine. Seth paused on their patrol through the city. "You offended it." Marcus looked at Enldris. Enldris shrugged in silent protest. Marcus gestured for him to fix it. Enldris tapped on Seth''s shoulder, pointed at himself and tilted his head to the side. "I''m fine." Seth rubbed the remnants of Enldris touch away. "Can we keep going? Will we get to the fountain by the end of day?"

    ¡°Yes.¡± Marcus answered consoling Enldris with light pats on the back. ¡°Our days are long.¡±

    They walked the rest of way dragging awkward silence in between them. Enldris would pick fruit, offer them to Marcus along the way. He would tear vines, pick the leaves off one by one until bare rope remained then hang it on his neck. He would do this a few more times until he had enough to braid a thick whip, holding one side in his mouth. Enldris would see something that reminded him of a story, something delicious or a beautiful person because Enldris was a social and curious person by nature and want to share everything he found interesting with everything he found interesting with glee, but when he was close to tapping on Seth¡¯s shoulder or sharing or image to communicate his hand would stop moments before. He didn¡¯t want to scare away this newfound thing, so he walked with his head down keeping in step with his friend.

    Each distracted by something: Seth, the growing sounds of the rise and fall of the approaching fountain. Marcus by the distance Seth was from he so he allowed him to walk in his direct line of view and returning salutes or nods of everyone passing by. Enldris by the space that flowed through them and how to get closer to Seth. Therefore no one was ready when a crying child ran into Seth and knocked him into Marcus. Marcus caught him purely on reflexes and years of training and stood him upright.

    ¡°Move! I have to go to the tower. I need to NZri.¡± The little girl sobbed. She was dirty with disheveled pigtails and swollen eyes as if she was crying the whole. ¡°Move.¡± She pounded on Seth¡¯s chest desperate. She reminded Seth of the last time he saw Alda-Cassidy moving and full of life. She was young and helpless to the world. He bent down and cradled her in his arms. ¡°Shss¡­I will protect you.¡± A promise remembered.

    She wailed louder. ¡°you can¡¯t I¡¯m the bad guy. I¡¯m the bad guy.¡±

    Enldris and Marcus gave each knowing glances. ¡°Child, how old are you?¡±  Marcus stepped to the child¡¯s right. Enldris to its left. ¡°How old are you?¡± he repeated bending his knees in readiness. Enldris followed.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°Shsss¡­.¡± Seth patted her head.

    ¡°Azazel-8 let it go. Let it go now.¡± Marcus commanded. Seth looked between Marcus then to the typically carefree Enldris. He sometimes wondered how they could be friend, but now there was no doubt these were attack dogs. Seth pat the child¡¯s head once more and sat it down, stepping away from it.

    ¡°Child!¡±

    ¡°almost Six.¡± The little girl was trembling. She looked so tiny to Seth. He wanted to help, but this is their home and for elite soldiers¡¯ stance ready to fight there was something wasn¡¯t his place. ¡°How should I call you?¡± Marcus asked and when she said Indigo-Zero he relaxed slightly, leaning down to the girl like approaching a wounded kitten, but she named other names. ¡°or should I be Elric. Andreason. Mortessa.¡± The girl laughed and cried peeling at her skin. ¡°Who should I be?¡± her screams was the only thing that could be heard for miles.

    ¡°step back Azazel-8.¡± Seth did as he was told. He moved away from the small thing that no longer looked like a child. It was a wolf. Something about it seemed much older and sinister.

    Chains appeared locking around its tiny wrist yanking it to the ground. ¡°it burns.¡± It screeched then it seemed to shift to someone else like a demon. ¡°I remember. There was this one girl. A mortal. She was delicious, infatuated with me. A red head like yourself. I tied her up better than this. Her tears were music. hmm¡± a deep husky voice retelling its sins with ecstasy dubbed over the little girls.

    What is the place? Seth thought. Chains wrapped around the child¡¯s becoming shorter and shorter until she had barely an inch to lift her petite head. ¡°I want to die. Please I need to tower.¡± Seth had the urge to save her. The girl was back. He didn¡¯t know why, but she reminded him of himself.

    ¡°the war. The war. It was the mortal¡¯s fault. Their greed. I could do whatever and no one-¡±

    ¡°Enldris!¡±

    Enldris put his hand on the little girl¡¯s head, and she immediately calmed down. ¡°I will put you to sleep now.¡± The chains disappeared, inhaled into Marcus. The girl slumped over, once again appearing like a peaceful child. Marcus tossed her over his shoulder and continued down to the fountain like he stepped over a stick in his path. Enldris held Seth¡¯s hand as they followed behind, forcing calmness to flow through him. Seth didn¡¯t realize he wasn¡¯t until an involuntary exhale. ¡°what was that?¡± he asked but an image of a black tomb turning blue with many names scribbled on it was not enough to explain and Marcus made no effort to elaborate.

    Again, they were in silence each hyperaware of the other.

    The fountain was getting near and the size was becoming clear to Seth. It was huge, probably as tall as the tower and as wide as a pool and half. Still feet away he could see people drinking from the fountain. Sitting around the fountain having a meal. There was benches around the fountain for those not on the ground. People were cleaning and maintaining the area. Once they were close enough people greeted Marcus and Enldris returned their greeting. Other stared at Seth curious of the outsider.

    ¡°Take her.¡± Marcus laid the child on the cool clay edges of the fountain. The marble flames moved, stiffly then it was alive, heat radiating through the square. Everyone stepped back, Marcus pushed Seth back as the flame created a dome around the fountain and child.

    ¡°Enldris!¡± two people with long fishtail braids, one male and female ran up heaving after running a long way. Marcus turned and glared at the couple. As soon as they noticed him, took in the situation they saluted him then dropped to their knees. ¡°Marcus please forgive us.¡± The woman spoke.

    A quick screamed caught in their throats. It was Enldris that dished the punishment not Marcus. Enldris let go of Seth¡¯s hand and he felt the flesh melt from his skin. Welts bubble just beneath the surface with each new bubble a new form of excruciating pain engulf his mind. when all his nerves were gone, and he was burning from memory he would gasp for air, drowning over and over again. Water filling his lungs and just when he thought he was dying, and he accepted it he would feel his peeling flesh like a hang nail that kept going until he was no more. This went on for what felt like two Seth and the couple months, but it was only a matter of seconds.

    In that moment Seth understood two things. One Enldris was both negotiator and executor. Two he was showing if he wanted to hurt Seth earlier this is how he would do it. Enldris was the gun and Marcus was the safety.

 27. Free: Part 1 of 2

    Seven

    Eight

    Nine

    Ten

    Thirteen

    Somewhere in time, same as always, a boy walked his tiny cell keeping his sanity in check. Sleep, void of any dreams, and blankly stare at the door. ''Today father will see me.'' the boy thought and weather it was true or not he would praise himself for being right because he never knew how many days past. When his father walked in it was a new day. He brought with him light, air, new smells, food and most importantly himself. He would hug him and tell him stories about warriors that never died, beautiful flying people, genius forgers, trickster forgers, free people and the scariest he told when the boy would whine for him to stay. The Mortals. The one he told with most sadness was of a Mortal woman and an Immortal boy. The boy offered her everything in the world including immortality, but she refused it all stating. If I stay as, I am or join you in forever I will lose everything I love. Become like me she begged. The Immortal boy became a Mortal man and the Mortal woman killed him. The boy did not know why this story scared him the most. Maybe it was because he understood the Immortal boy, and thus he too would die.

    What story will he get today he wondered. Would he get one? What would he eat today? He loved buttered toast overloaded with strawberry Jam. The butter made the toast sweet and tart jam balanced it out the finally the crunch. The boy has always been simple to please: toast, his mother washing his hair, following his father around. Following his father around. Following his father around? When did he follow his father around? Those thoughts hurt. He shook his head and erased them. Today father is coming, maybe even Alex. He dare not ask about Alex, but may-

    The door opened!

    ¡°Father!¡± the boy stumbled to the door. His dry skin cracking and flaking as his mouth struggle to make a facial expression it wasn¡¯t used to in a while. He stood at the entrance of the door watching light sneaked in through the small opening but nothing and no one else.  After a few moments the boy sat down. He¡¯s taking a moment to walk in, the boy thought. ¡®I¡¯ll just sit here and wait.¡¯ He carefully lowered himself to the ground crossing his ankles.

    The light never faded.

    Two days later the door opened a little bit more. The boy¡¯s heart jumped. Still no father.

    Two more days and more light rushed in when a tray of food stretched inside. The boy crawled up to the plate, looked down lost in the steam dancing them back at the door, waiting. ¡®I wonder what story he will tell today?¡¯ the boy asked himself eating the vegetable soup with a side of fruit yogurt.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    He awake curled into himself at the door as opposed to his usual corner. His plate had been replaced with breakfast. The door was open a little wider. Could he eat this food? He had never had food this frequently. He sat on his knees in front of the plate. Its inside, it¡¯s for me he rationalized as he ate the meaty omelet with hands and guzzling the two cups of water, always two cups of water. He normally would save one, but the extra food comforted him. The next day the door was opened wide enough he could see the windows and if anyone dared to walk by. That day there was no food or water. He regret not saving the extra cup of water.

    Regret didn¡¯t last long. The following day there was a whole small bird, but the plate was not inside it was just barely outside. Father got distracted so he couldn¡¯t bring it all the way inside. The boy thought as he waited for his father to come and hand him the plate. Days passed and his father did not come. The plate was replaced with the same meal, getting further and further out of reach as the door opened wider and wider.

    The boy woke up to the door completely opened and Alex propped against the far wall eating a leg from his bird. ¡°Alex?¡± The boy¡¯s voice cracked. Tears swelled at the corner of eye; he was too dehydrated for them leave home. Was he dreaming? A long-forgotten practice.

    Alex was beautiful sitting in the light. He was older than he remembered. The boy will paint this new image of Alex in his mind. The boy watched every twitch, movement, every strand of hair as he tried to capture the most accurate picture. Alex drank all his food and all his water, but he did not mind he would share with Alex. He would give him everything he could give.

    Every day after young Alex would bring a tray of food, sit down, and the boy would watch him eat his food, adding a new image to his collection. The boy would try to stay awake, so he didn¡¯t miss the moment he walked up, sometimes he failed and. He would dry cry himself to sleep the next day. He didn¡¯t want to miss a single second of Alex, his best and only friend.

    Finally, one day Alex sat down and offered the boy food. The boy wanted to watch him eat this meal, but he was hungry. the boy held out his hand. Alex did not move. the boy crawled closer to the exit, reaching for the food, but Alex was no closer. the boy moved closer, his nose touching the invisible line he cannot cross, and he sat, waiting. "what do you want to eat?" Alex asked, hints of puberty in the depth of voice, heard if you were listening to each wave and pitch. the boy also took note of this change. Alex repeated himself since the boy did not answer. "what do you want to eat?"

    the boy mouthed the words toast not wanting to taint the air with his broken voice.

    "toast? only toast?"

    the boy did not want to be greedy. he bit his lip drawing blood. he looked away then back at Alex, mustering up the courage he did not have to cross the line but enough to mouth butter and jam. Alex laughed letting loose a clear, airy musical that the boy could survive the rest of his life listening to. "Toast, jam and butter?" Alex confirmed. Did he think it was too much? Should he take something away? but the boy sincerely wanted all three. it wasn''t complete without all three. the boy decided it was okay to be a little greedy.

    "yes." the boy responded firmly.

    "I''ll be back," and Alex was gone.

    NO! for father he could whatever a day was, and it would be his day. for Alex every moment without him he was in waiting for a year. what have he done? did he trade Alex for toast? NO! bring him back. the boy stood up pacing the entrance. pacing turned into stomps. No! he pulled a brick from the wall, effortlessly like it was preplaced for him. NO! he pulled another and slammed it against the wall with very little effect. a small pebble. quarter the size of his jagged nails tumbled away from the rest of the hive. that was all his energy afforded him: a runt.

    Alex came running back with a pink fan shaped plate ombre to blue that the boy knew was his. on top was two rectangle pieces of brown toast, a knife, a dollop of jam and another dollop of creamy butter. the boy licked his lips lost in the toast before he saw Alex. "you look happy." Alex noted. "here," Alex sat the plate in front of the old plate, making closer yet still not in reach.

 27. Free: Part 2 of 2

    There was a small knock at the door. Gabriella floated down to the ground before her other half could register the sound that entered his dreams. She was already awake, anxiety keeping her on the alert. At the door was the same hooded person. She took the letter that read: ¡®Invitation for 1¡¯ with her name flowery drawn in the bottom right. She understood wherever these crumbs led, no one could follow.

    Her life was her own. Choices for her to make and she will ensure they were hers.

    For the first time in their life that she was aware of she crawled into his bed and allowed him to unconsciously wrap her into himself like the security blanket he must outgrow. Her last gift. Blanketed in his warmth her eyes weighed down. Her body relaxed and she slept. Small snores only he could hear that added to the deepness of his own sleep.

    Only a few hours passed before the cold woke Gabriella up. He was gone. He had tucked her in as he usually does if he gets up first and he doesn¡¯t have the patience to bask in her beauty, occasionally adding a blanket. It could never make up for the warmth of another person or security of someone you can trust.

    Gabriel was arguing with someone. ¡°Why are you here?¡± he was trying desperately to whisper but his irritation couldn¡¯t be bottled. The only other person that bother¡¯s coming near their room aside from Seth is Sa¡¯Rim. Gabriel¡¯s¡¯ servant. (Her own, Annamarie listens when told not bother.) Gabriella hasn¡¯t meet Sa¡¯Rim. She has heard his detached voice on the other side of doors or shuffling in the dark, but never his face. If she was leaving today she could not leave a simple mystery unseen.

    ¡°Brother.¡± She groaned pretending she was waking up. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Nothing¡­packing.¡± The sounds of falling and scuffling then the slam of the door making his lies comically unbelievable. She rolled her eyes and slinked out of bed opening the door while her brother was distracted packing. Sometimes his wits did not match her own. Still standing on the other side, (Gabriel too late to stop her by time he realized) was a young man whose beauty rivaled her own in striking alone: Sharp jaw, sad lips, and eyes closed. She watched ink as deep as vantablack that normally covered his warm face in constant patterns retreat around his neck like a scar in front her. This was not what she expected, looking at him was like looking into a black hole. He kept pulling you in until there was nothing left. He slowly began to open his eyes. She held her breath, locked her knees in anticipation at the fluttering lashes.

    ¡°No!¡± Gabriel grabbed her in a twirl covering her eyes, but was too late. She had saw them. She had saw the small galaxies. ¡°Leave!¡± Gabriel tried to kick the door, but Sa¡¯Rim was already in.

    ¡°This is your vacuum. She takes. You give.¡± His voice was far away, talking to no one.

    ¡°Sh sh¡± Gabriel covered her ears like they were his own. ¡°Shut up!¡± he was beyond anger. He just wanted to get away. He tossed a bag on his back, another over his shoulder, and covered her face with a shawl as he ran past Sa''Rim. Through his planned escape. Running, dragging Gabriella along through halls that seem to fold in on themselves as they raced to the nearest exit. As they passed the threshold either one of them has ever gone before, they slowed to a walking pace as uncertainty seep in. Why were they leaving?

    They should turn back.

    This is their home. Their family is here with everything they love and need. Why are they leaving this behind? They slowed to a stop. Gabriella dragged down the shawl to her neck tying it in place. She looked up to her own uneasiness reflected across her brother¡¯s face. She almost regretted her decision, but he squeezed her hand cementing both their resolves. They were only a few meters from the house and every step was new and heavy. Everything was still and quiet allowing their thoughts to scream limitless.

    Large dense tress blocked their path. Once they go through that would be it. They turned to say goodbye to their  home of fifteen years the only thing covered in light and quickly met gaze of Alexander staring down  at them from what they assume was his window since they¡¯ve never been near his room let along knew there were rooms that faced this direction.

    Gabriel pulled her forward, his chest pumped higher and higher as he fought though the same presence telling him to stop, turn back as she was. When they moved forward it was less like moving through trees but opening a door after walking through a crackless closet. They covered their eyes at the new sensation of dim light stung like a quick a stared down into the sun. Once their eyes adjusted they were greeted with a vast city beneath them. Although they could see people going about their daily lives: trading, teaching, laughing and running in the street it was uncomfortably quiet like straining to remember a memory correctly. Not even the birds in the sky squawked as glided by.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    They moved forward. Maybe, they were just too far away. The sight was still something to behold. They had never seen so many people or structures in their life time. They were equally excited to simply explore as the strange agitation dissipated into wonder and curiosity. Was this were their servants was from? Did King Victoriaon pass through here with Seth in tow? Why had they never gone here? Played here as children. So many questions passed through their head. There was a small cliff up ahead. Gabriel threw their bags, dropped low to the grown and slid down. Gabriella followed suite. ¡°What now?¡± He dusted off the bags and grabbed her hand.

    ¡°Lets go.¡± She smiled and pulled him in the direction of large buildings and people. It didn¡¯t take them long to reach the city. There was a gate with no guards¡¯ only two large statues that looked similar to their father, Vessuillus with longer hair like they could be brothers towered over them. They walked through the gates no problem. The light dimmed past the gate, but they attributed to the waning day.

    ¡°Gavrill,¡± their father¡¯s voice called. The both turned around. No one was there.

    They may not remember; Gabriel and Gabriella was born as one Gavrill. Shortly after they unequally split, the smaller one was named Gabriel because it said nothing and seemed to have thought beyond that of a new born and the larger one cried until it turned purple, so although they were both sexless at that time they believed the one seeking attention should be named Gabriella. The larger baby cried until it was placed next to its sibling at which point it immediately calmed down gripping the smaller baby¡¯s hand. Left alone for an hour and Vessuillus had a boy and a girl, but their names had to be swapped.

    Gabriella stomach called their attention back to their mission. Gabriel laughed, that was the closest he¡¯s seen her to being undignified. ¡°Let¡¯s find breakfast.¡± He eyed a stand of what looked like graciously decorated desserts in elaborate see through packaging, perfect for gifts. The walked over hand-in-hand most passersby paying them no mind even when they almost bumped into to a few. They reached the stall lead by a plain young women with unremarkable features and even less memorable white clothing. Gabriel pointed a two raspberry and chocolate rolls with eatable bows around them. ¡°Also two of those,¡± he pointed to two long sausage wrapped in buttery spiral bread on a stick.

    They were ignored. ¡°Hey!¡± Gabriella spoke up. ¡°Do you know who we are?¡±

    The woman didn¡¯t flinch as she boxed and presented more desserts on the shelves and neither did anyone around. Gabriella huffed, reached to take the cakes Gabriel pointed out. Her hand passed right through the cakes. She lost her balance from shock and fazed through the stall like tripping on air scraping her knee through her flimsy nightgown as she caught herself on her hands and knees. She sat up and followed her brother¡¯s gaze to a nightmarish scene: decaying bodies, pieces of limbs without homes, pools of blood, and the buildings appeared to have barely scraped through a war.

    ¡°We should go back.¡± Gabriel was shaking talking more to himself than anyone else. ¡°We have to leave. Come.¡± He lifted her to her feet like she was toddler and gripped her wrist in the way they came.

    ¡°Gavrill.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Father!¡± he smiled delirious. ¡°He can take us back. Everything can go back. We can even find a way to get Seth back, if you want. ¡±

    Her dreams flashed through eyes. ¡®He¡¯s a monster. Father¡¯s the monster.¡¯ She thought. ¡°Gabriel calm down. We can¡¯t go back.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± he let go of her wrist as he tripped into a puddle of blood. ¡°This was all for you. This is enough. Why are we even leaving? Look!¡± he gestured around them. ¡°Outside is disgusting.¡± Ugly frustrated tears mixed in with the thick syrupy blood that covered him.

    ¡°Gavrill.¡±

    ¡°Father. We are here.¡±

    ¡°I will not go back.¡±  As her resolve slipped out the scent of flowers and fruits grabbed her attention in the opposite direction where previously there was no scents or sounds, leading to a trail of flower petals and leaves dancing in the wind as to say follow me. ¡°Go then!¡± fear turned into rage and he unknowingly gave her the greenlight to go and she did.

    As much as he wanted to go back. The immediately regret of losing his other half took hold and he slowly trudge in the same direction although she had quickly bested him by several yards ahead out-of-sight.

    ¡°Gavrill- Gabriel?¡± Vessuillus appeared behind Gabriel as if they had been walking side-by-side the whole journey and there was a minor distraction along him to lose a couple of feet, along with Alex and Sa¡¯Rim. ¡°How?¡± Gabriel thought out loud.

    ¡°I am a Guide. It is my job.¡± Sa¡¯Rim gave no answers Gabriel could understand. With his eyes open for a prolong period of time it looked to Gabriel like he didn¡¯t belong in the group. Like he wasn¡¯t physically there with them.

    ¡°Where is Lady Gabriella?¡±

    Gabriel looked around where any trace of her was lost. ¡° I-I don¡¯t know. She walked that direction.¡±

    ¡°I can find her.¡± Sa¡¯Rim broke through the group steered the way.

    Gabriella had followed the trail to a blinding portal half her height in diameter that was to be shrinking every five minutes. ¡°What is this?¡± she looked the calming swirls of light that felt to her like a scar on the universe. How will this help me be free or give me knowledge? She thought. She walked up to it very carefully and with every step her step became larger as the cries of the spherical light cried out to her. A foot away a letter appeared. ¡®Invitation for 1¡¯ with her name flowery drawn in the bottom right. This was the end of her bread crumbs.

    She didn¡¯t know what any of this meant but she knew something new was on the other side. Something that she knew deep inside was her own free will. She was almost there.

    ¡°Gabriella! What¡¯s that?¡± Her brother, her other half ran up to her.

    ¡°Freedom.¡±

 Announcement and Information

    Good Morning, My Multidimensional Travelers!

    I wanted to share a bit of information for people who are still reading this story.

    Number 1: I did not abandoned this story. I am still very much in love with this story and would very much like to tell Stryards story, but I realized it could use some work. Some parts are deeply connected to me and at the time of writing/releasing them they were too close to tell his story objectively, so I rewrite is in order. I am a little more satisfied and will be re-releasing them soon.

    Number 2: I DID fall out of love with the title. ¡°Mixing Blood¡± no longer makes sense to me for the history within the story. Currently I am stuck between ¡°Through His Eyes¡± or ¡°Tinted Affections¡±. If you wouldn¡¯t mind voting below.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    Number 3: Release schedule will be the 5, 15, and 25. In this order: Patreon/Kofi, Personal Website (In-Progress), Tapas (Relaunch)/Royal Roads (No-relaunch just improved episodes).

    <ul>

    <li>EX January 25 Patreon/Kofi</li>

    <li>EX February 5<sup>th</sup> Patreon/Kofi, Personal Website</li>

    <li>EX February 15<sup>th</sup> Patreon/Kofi, Personal Website</li>

    <li>Ex February 25<sup>th</sup> Patreon/Kofi, Personal, Website, Tapas, Royal roads</li>

    </ul>

    Improved Episode 0: Introduction (yes it¡¯s a must read for contingency) and Episode 1: Quiet Bird are already available on Patreon for FREE and non-Patreon¡¯s with link provided. Please enjoy!!

    https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-0-55411858