《The New Reapers》


 Chapter 1

    The moon loomed high in the night sky. Its silver glow shined through the endless skeletal branches of the forest. A sharp wind howled, carrying with it the faint scent of blood.


    From a circular clearing among the trees, Urath emerged. Thought beautiful to the eye, his chest heaving and bleeding down his temple. Behind him, the remnants of his once-proud group also staggered into view, their breaths gasping and frantic.


    The acrid stench of iron hung thick in the air around them, a cruel reminder of the slaughter they had just narrowly survived.


    ¡°Hold it!¡± Urath ordered, turning to his men. ¡°Rest here. Five minutes.¡±


    Echos of affirmation replied as the men dropped where they stood, their bodies trembling as if the earth beneath them had given way. Their panted breaths were ragged, uneven, and mixed with the mournful rustle of the wind.


    Urath could feel the crushing weight of their failure bearing down on his men, a suffocating force that seemed to leech the strength from their bodies. Shoulders sagged, and their once-proud forms now seemed frail and brittle.


    Some clutched at their sides, breaths shallow and strained, while others wiped sweat and grime from their brows with trembling hands.


    A few stared blankly into the surrounding darkness, their eyes hollow, haunted by what they had seen. The once-unshakable confidence of his pack now seemed more like neutered dogs, their resolve eroded by the ceaseless pursuit of those bastards.


    Urath ran a hand through his damp, matted hair, the strands sticking to his skin as frustration gnawed at him. His jaw tightened, a muscle in his cheek twitching as the number seared itself into his mind.


    Twenty-three. He had counted. The number stabbed at him like a jagged blade, twisting deeper with every frustration. Less than half of his men remained. Damn it.


    His hand dropped to his side, clenching into a fist. The urge to punch something, anything, flared within him, but he pushed it down.


    Anger wouldn¡¯t fix this. Not now.


    Urath turned away, unwilling to let his men see the doubts that lingered in his crimson gaze. He kept his eyes on the darkness, scanning the treeline as though answers might emerge from the shadows. But the truth gnawed at him. Nothing had gone right since they moved. Every decision, every step, had only driven them closer to ruin.


    This move was a mistake.


    ¡°Lord Urath?¡±


    The voice was soft, trembling, yet familiar. It drew him back from his grim musings. Kelesh, his most loyal follower, approached cautiously, his presence a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them.


    In the moonlight, Kelesh¡¯s features seemed almost otherworldly, his lilac eyes shimmering with uncertainty. His golden hair, once immaculate, now hung limp, streaked with dirt and sweat.


    Even now, in this battered state, he carried an elegance that set him apart.


    Urath¡¯s gaze softened as he took in the sight. The ace beauty of my group, reduced to this. Terrible.


    It twisted something in his chest, a pang of grievance - not at his follower, but at the circumstances that had brought them here.


    ¡°What is it, Kelesh?¡± Urath asked, his voice quieter now, though the underlying tension remained.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for disturbing you, my Lord,¡± Kelesh began, his tone faltering like a fragile thread about to snap. He hesitated for a few seconds, his lilac eyes darting anywhere except Urath¡¯s eyes. An action so uncharacteristic of him. ¡°But¡­ do you think we¡¯re safe now?¡±


    The question hung in the air, heavier than the silence that surrounded them.


    Urath studied him for a moment, noting the way Kelesh¡¯s hands fidgeted at his sides, betraying the fear he tried so hard to mask. Urath¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Do you?¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Kelesh swallowed hard, his gaze flickering away. He seemed to search the darkness of the forest as though it might provide him with an answer. But there was nothing there - only the oppressive stillness that amplified every rustle and distant sound.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know. We ran so far, but we barely escaped - and at the price of leaving some brothers to¡­ die.¡± Kelesh hesitated, his voice faltering. It bled into his words, into the guilt etched onto his face by exhaustion and worry.


    The silence between them grew suffocating, pressing down on both like a physical weight. Urath sighed, the sound heavy with resignation, and stepped closer.


    He rested a firm hand on Kelesh¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Do not dwell on such anxieties, Kelesh,¡± he said, his voice softening, almost fatherly. For a moment, his crimson eyes held a flicker of reassurance. ¡°It was my order, my responsibility.¡±


    Kelesh¡¯s finally met Urath¡¯s. ¡°My Lord, I¡¯m sorry I was not insinu-¡±


    ¡°I know you weren¡¯t,¡± Urath sighed. ¡°But we cannot dwell in hindsight. Rest now, regain your strength, and when we return to the city, we¡¯ll rebuild what we¡¯ve lost. We¡¯ll recover our numbers and strike back harder than before. Then those bastards will be the ones running.¡±


    Kelesh¡¯s lips trembled, but a faint smile broke through, a fragile light in the oppressive gloom. ¡°Yes, Lord Urath! And afterward¡­ we¡¯ll finally resume our work? Our real work, right?¡±


    Urath¡¯s grin sharpened, his teeth glinting in the dim light at Kelesh¡¯s enthusiasm. It wasn¡¯t a reassuring smile - it was proud, fierce, and brimming with promise.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he said, his voice low but resolute. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way.¡±


    This was the reason why the blond boy was his favorite.


    While others in his group loved what they did for the thrill, they always voiced how unchallenging it was.


    Kelesh was different. He truly appreciated the craft, mastering the art with the same sensation Urath felt when he began.


    He could see it. Kelesh was the only one who understood the difference between passion and enjoyment.


    Kelesh nodded eagerly, relief flooding his features. For a brief moment, his fear seemed to recede, replaced by the spark of hope Urath had given him.


    He straightened slightly, the weight on his shoulders easing just a little.


    ¡°I knew it,¡± Kelesh murmured, his voice trembling with hope. ¡°I knew you would see us through, My Lord! I knew we¡¯d make it through thi-¡±


    A wet, guttural sound tore through the air, cutting Kelesh off mid-sentence after a sickening crunch/


    Urath¡¯s eyes blinked as something warm and wet splattered across his face. He wiped it away and looked down at his hands.


    It was blood.


    His instincts kicked in too late as he glanced back up.


    His eyes widened.


    Kelesh¡¯s sentence hung unfinished, suspended like his body in a cruel irony. Urath took a step back as his sights lowered to the blond¡¯s chest.


    A massive, thick vine protruded through his back, with the tip writhing out the other end. It jerked Kelesh¡¯s body violently.


    His lilac eyes, once shimmering with nervous, hopeful energy, now pulsed with shock and pain as he screamed.


    The vine twirled once again; blood gushed in dark rivulets, staining Kelesh¡¯s golden hair as it splattered over his face and around the grass.


    The young man continued to gasp, a shuddering breath escaping his lips as his hand reached out toward Urath.


    His fingers trembled, inches away, but Urath could see the light in his eyes was fading fast.


    ¡°L-Lord¡­ Urath¡­ h-help¡­ me-¡± he choked, the words fragile, barely audible.


    The vine wrenched him backward with a grotesque squelch, his body going limp as his hand fell lifelessly to his side.


    He was gone. Kelesh was gone.


    Urath stood frozen, staring at the lifeless form of his most loyal follower. The warmth of his follower¡¯s blood still clung to his face, and for a moment, the clearing seemed to shrink around him.


    The sounds of the forest dulled, replaced by the pounding of his heart.


    ¡°Kelesh¡­¡± His voice was a whisper, raw and raspy before it erupted into a desperate roar that shook the air. ¡°Kelesh!¡±


    The world snapped back into focus as panic ignited like dry tinder among his remaining men, their frantic cries breaking the suffocating stillness.


    But Urath could only watch, his teeth grinding and his fists trembling, as the blood-soaked ground seemed to mock his every failure.


    Around him, his men scrambled to their feet, their panic reigniting like a spark in dry tinder.


    ¡°What the hell was that?!¡± one follower shouted, his voice cracking as he stumbled back, clutching at his sword with trembling hands.


    ¡°They¡¯ve found us!¡± another wailed, his wide eyes darting around the forest, panic twisting his face.


    ¡°By the Old Ones, we¡¯re doomed!¡± cried a third, his breath hitching in frantic, uneven gasps.


    Urath stood paralyzed, his crimson eyes locked on Kelesh¡¯s lifeless body as a maelstrom of emotions churned within him. Shock rippled through his veins, freezing him in place as the blond¡¯s final, trembling plea echoed in his ears.


    Guilt followed swiftly, gnawing at his insides like a ravenous beast.


    I should have been faster. I should have done something.


    His mind screamed accusations he couldn¡¯t silence, each one cutting deeper than the last.


    Then came the anger - a wildfire blazing through his chest, consuming the guilt and fanning the embers of his fury into an inferno.

 Chapter 2

    Urath¡¯s fists clenched so tightly, causing blood to pour from his nails into his palms. The metallic aroma permeated the air, blending with the earthy moisture of the forest clearing.


    His crimson eyes burned like coals, seething with wrath as he stared at the spot where the vine had vanished into the darkness.


    "Bastards," he screamed between clenched teeth, his voice deep and gruff. The single phrase hung in the air, heavy with the promise of vengeance.


    The tension burst like glass with a high-pitched, guttural cry full of horror. The boom cut through the night, jarring Urath''s concentration.


    He turned suddenly, his attention flashing to his right, where one of his men lay on the ground, clutching an unseen wound. Around him, mayhem erupted.


    "On your feet!" Urath yelled, his voice piercing the panic like a blade. "Draw your weapons and your surroundings!"


    His men scrambled, drawing their swords with shaking hands. Shadows danced frantically as if the land was alive and mocking their dread.


    "We''re surrounded!" one man exclaimed, his voice hysterical.


    "Calm down!" Urath barked and stepped forward. His commanding presence exuded authority, but even he couldn''t hide the unease in his gut. "Move! Into the trees right now!"


    His last command halted the men in their tracks. They cast nervous glances into the forest, where the darkness felt like a ripple, alive with an eerie presence.


    "But Lord Urath," one soldier muttered, his knuckles bone-white around his sword''s hilt, "what if they''re waiting for us in there?"


    "Dakar is right!" another interjected, his voice barely audible. "They''ll take us out one by one! We''ll get slaughtered!"


    Urath''s patience dwindled. "Do you want to die here, then?" he demanded, his voice like thunder. "Move now, or end up like Kelesh!"


    A shiver ran through the assemblage when Kelesh''s name was mentioned, and they looked at his body.


    The memory of their comrade''s torn corpse, lifeless and discarded only moments before, remained fresh in their minds.


    They reluctantly obeyed, their boots crunching on the dry leaves as they rushed for the trees.


    The air became cooler as they reached the forest''s edge.


    The first two men, eager to escape the area, accelerated into the darkness. For a brief period, it looked to be the right decision.


    Until the cries began.


    "No! No! Please-!"


    The pleading was immediately cut off by a horrible crack, followed by the hideous sound of flesh connecting with steel.


    Then, a body was brutally thrown back into the clearing. It landed with a wet thud. Its limbs twisted strangely. Blood flowed beneath the motionless figure, its eyes wide and fixed on nothing.


    The men reacted in horror as the body crumpled like a broken doll.


    One murmured, "Dakar¡­" as if naming him would change his fate.


    "What did this to him?!" another exclaimed, taking a step back from the forest''s edge.


    Urath stepped closer, his jaw tightening as frustration rose within him. The anxiety among his men was heavy and oppressive, threatening to crush all sense of order.


    He pushed his hand forward, summoning the void. Tendrils of shadow curled around his arm, forming a blade of dark steel. Its surface glittered brutally in the moonlight, a manifestation of his rage.


    "Everyone! "Regroup back at the center!" he said, his voice commanding compliance. "Prepare to hold your ground!"


    The men paused, their faces pallid with indecision. Urath''s crimson eyes heated as he moved closer, his presence imposing.


    "Now!" he exclaimed. "Or die where you stand!"


    The group acted quickly, retreating back to the center of the clearing. They crowded together, creating a precarious defensive formation.


    Urath followed, holding his blade aloft while his piercing gaze searched the perimeter.


    What had been a well-organized group of individuals now looked like a terrified flock of sheep. Their movements were awkward, and the weapons shook in their grasp.


    One man buckled and nearly tripped over his own feet. Another mumbled a frenzied prayer beneath his breath, his voice shaking with despair.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Urath''s lip twisted in disgust.


    Such a fall from grace, he reflected bitterly. From elegance to pathetic.


    "Keep the formation tight!" Urath exclaimed. "Keep your eyes on the forest! We will not die crouching like animals!"


    Urath''s strong tone prompted the men to stand up straighter.


    But, beneath their flimsy determination, Urath could feel terror crashing down on them. It permeated the air, dense and oppressive.


    Part of him also felt some modicum of helplessness, which he detested.


    He couldn''t let it show right now.


    So, with a roar, he raised his blade to the skies as rage consumed him.


    Its dark edge glints ominously.


    "Heed my word, you wretched cowards!" he yelled, his voice echoing across the clearing through the trees. "Is this how you plan to finish us? Lurking in the shadows, like cowardly vermin? Pathetic! Come out and face us! Show yourselves or be labeled cowardly scum!"


    The dense forest seems to hold its breath. Then, the shadows moved.


    A rustling sound resonated through the clearing, quiet at first but becoming louder. The darkness at the forest''s edge began to writhe and twist strangely.


    Urath''s men tightened their hold on their guns, taking shallow breaths.


    And then they emerged.


    Ten individuals emerged from the shifting shadows, each taking their time emerging into the moonlight. Their movements were unsettlingly silent, and their presence oppressive.


    The power emanating from their aura pressed against Urath and his men like an unseen force, sucking air from their lungs.


    "It''s them," one of the men said quietly, his voice barely audible. "Death''s angels¡­"


    Another nodded, his face paler. "Reapers¡­"


    Urath leered as he examined the figures before them.


    Death''s children, the Reapers of fire, water, air, ice, earth, sand, lightning, shadow, plant, and poison.


    Of all the enemies Urath had faced, few would dare to hunt his kind. Fewer still had the strength or conviction to succeed.


    But now he stood in the presence of his greatest adversaries: hunters known to slaughter without hesitation, whose existence was dedicated solely to purging those marked by Death - purging his kind and others like them.


    And tonight, it appeared that Death had marked him and his brethren.


    The chances did not look promising for his outcome.


    Urath''s men gradually crumbled in hesitation and worry. Their swords were held in shaky hands, their faces paled like ash, and their breathing became shallow with fear.


    Urath detected a palpable sense of desperation.


    His eyes moved from one Reaper to the next, memorizing their features with cruel determination.


    Though he had never encountered them before this night, he knew their faces. Everyone who went against the Grim Reaper did.


    These were his arbiters - his instruments.


    Urath shifted his focus to the center, where the Reapers'' leader, Agni of Fire, stood.


    He glared at her.


    Her presence was overwhelming even without her brethren, an unrelenting force that exuded dominance.


    Her eyes met his back, uncompromising and piercing.


    "You''ve run far enough, Urath," she said, her voice cutting and bitter. "You can''t escape Death. You and your pack of Incubus have been judged. And by his will, we''ve come to collect your soul for Infra."


    Urath could hear his men stumble in front of him.


    "We''re going to die," one whispered, his voice trembling. "One of them alone is a nightmare. "How will we possibly fight all ten?"


    "Silence!" another shouted, his voice shaking. "Lord Urath is with us!" He has never lost a fight! He will see us through this!"


    "He''s right!" "We also outnumber them," a third said, his tone frantic. "Isn''t that advantageous for us? "Right, Lord Urath?"


    All eyes were on him now, begging for any sort of reassurance.


    However, Urath did not look back. Instead, he raised his blade and leveled it toward Agni.


    His voice remained firm, but his knuckles whitened around the hilt. "Proud Incubus of the Urath Pack," he said. "Hear my order: we will hold the line. And if they want us for Infra, then they''ll have to bleed."


    A murmur rippled through the assembly, faint at first but rising stronger like the flame of renewed strength.


    Urath smirked. ¡°Let us show them the power of an Incubus!¡±


    One Incubus, a younger one with wild, defiant eyes, came forward, gripping his blade fiercely. "I''ve already bled for this pack, and I will bleed again tonight. If we fall, we will make them pay for every drop."


    Another member, older and beaten, put his hand on the young one''s shoulder. "Spoken like a true warrior," he remarked sternly, nodding at Urath. "With Lord Urath at our side, we''ve faced worse odds than this."


    A third, crouched low with his twin daggers ready, gave a piercing, angry laugh. "Ten reapers? That is merely a challenge, not a death penalty. They bleed just like us." His grin, though wobbly, was filled with grim determination.


    Others prepared, some silently checking their weapons and others muttering words of support.


    "Don''t falter," one hissed, adjusting the shield strapped over his arm. "Remember, Kelesh! We owe it to him to hold our ground."


    "Kelesh died a warrior''s death," another exclaimed, his teeth bared in rage. "If we''re next, then let''s die the same way."


    Urath turned, his gaze sweeping over his soldiers, proud of their growing determination.


    Agni stepped forward, her head cocked slightly. Her crimson eyes never left his as she surveyed him, completely unimpressed. Urath was aware of that.


    "You''ve chosen your fate, Incubus," she whispered, her gaze narrowing. "Let it be known that we will savor every moment of ending all of your miserable existences."


    Urath smirked. "Perhaps," he replied. "Or perhaps this is the night a Reaper dies!"


    Agni could only scoff. "Then do not disappoint me."


    The tension in the clearing snapped tight like a bowstring. Urath inhaled deeply, bracing himself as the Reapers prepared their weapons.


    His guys followed suit.


    "Take solace, my brothers," Urath mused, adopting a combative stance. "For no matter what happens this night, remember that The Betrayed will return, and all shall beg for forgiveness!"


    Urath turned to his men a final time, smirked, and issued the order. "Attack!"


    Both sides charged, and the battle was on.


    Death''s judgment had arrived.

 Chapter 3

    The clearing descended into mayhem.


    Idwala, the Earth Reaper, stabbed her short spear into the ground, creating a resounding crack. Her strength caused the ground to give way. Jagged stone spikes sprung up, cutting through the soil like old claws reaching from the underworld.


    Two of Urath''s men didn''t have time to yell. In the space of a heartbeat, they were pierced, their bodies hanging suspended, blood pouring in torrents, until the ground swallowed them whole, leaving only quiet.


    Zima, the Ice Reaper, moved like a predator, his body a blur. The battlefield was his canvas, and frost tracked his every move.


    The air was cold. An Incubus froze in mid-step, his breath condensing into a crystal prison as Zima''s sickles arced through the cold air.


    He then shattered into thousands of pieces with a single solid hit, leaving only shards of flesh and ice that glistened like broken glass.


    Kaile¡¯a, the Water Reaper, spun her taiaha gracefully. Its jagged leviathan teeth sparkled in the moonlight, capturing the bright radiance of the stars.


    A serpent of water emerged from its apex, coiling and hissing like a living creature. The beast rushed forward, its watery coils wrapping around an Incubus and dragging him into the suffocating liquid cyclone.


    His eyes widened in terror, clawing for his throat, but all that came out of his mouth was a final, gurgling gasp before the water swallowed him whole, his body twitching in useless fight as bubbles pooled out his lips.


    Feng Li, the Air Reaper, was a mere murmur in the confusion, his figure flying back and forth, his motions too quick to track.


    His twin Shanzi flashed each time, a silver flash, a deadly blur.


    His opponent hardly had time to detect the movement before his throat was slashed clean through. The body fell silently, crumpling into the blood-soaked dirt like an abandoned shell.


    Al''Sahra, the Sand Reaper, remained calm as two Incubi rushed him.


    When they were just a few feet away, he raised his polearm axe and sliced the ground beneath him.


    A dark sea of sand erupted forth, moving like a tidal wave. The grains rushed forward, engulfing both Incubus as they shrieked and devoured them.


    The smothering sand muffled their frightened yells, and their struggles became ephemeral echoes before being completely gone.


    Eldingar, the Lightning Reaper, clutched his twin short axes fiercely, which sparked with raw energy. Arcs of lightning flickered over the edges as he rushed forward.


    His muscles rippled with strength as he sprang and swung his axes, a single arc tearing through the air and striking two guys.


    They convulsed wildly, twitching as they were reduced to charcoal husks. The stench of burning flesh lingered, heavy and pungent, permeating the clearing as he landed.


    As the Shadow Reaper Yamiko drew nearer to her victim in a hauntingly silent manner, she seemed to merge with the night. The wakizashi she wielded shimmered, a faint reflection of the moon''s melancholy light, and she stalked her prey like death itself.


    Her opponent''s skull fell with a single clean motion - a quick cut - and his body crumpled in a lifeless heap without a single word.


    No sound. Her footsteps faded into the darkness, leaving just a faint whisper.


    The Poison Reaper, Venin, stood away from the chaos, his demeanor composed and steady. One Incubus summoned his demonic wings and charged, thinking he was an easier target.


    The sword cane Venin wielded produced a toxic green mist that clung to the air in front of the Incubus.


    He fought to dodge it, but the mist grew too thick, and the blade''s poisoned edge struck, slowly melting the Incubus alive as he slumped, writhing on the ground, his throat closing as the toxin flowed through his veins.


    Venin stepped harmlessly into the mist and stood over the dying Incubus.


    The victim''s scream was muffled into gasps as the venom worked its slow, painful magic before the saber silenced him.


    Sach''a, the Plant Reaper, infused aura in her cholla staff, which surged with bright vitality.


    The spiked point shone slightly, sending the air vibrating with energy. A giant thorny vine emerged from the undergrowth like a serpent, ensnaring one Incubus who charged.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    She waved her palm, and the thorns dug deep into his body, their ruthless hold strengthening with every struggle.


    The Incubus tried to pull and scream, but the vine held him fast. His struggles slowed, then stopped, as his body collapsed from the impact of a hundred thorned stabs.


    Urath stood motionless, his mouth hanging open in astonishment at what he was seeing.


    His men - his pack - were being slaughtered with an undeniable ferocity, one by one. It was as though each Reaper had mastered the art of death itself, moving through the chaos as though it were second nature.


    Every single one of them was like a conductor destroying the battlefield in a horrible symphony of violence.


    Elements wreaked havoc on the once-proud Incubi of Urath''s pack, leaving a trail of blood and twisted corpses.


    His heart ached with loss, but he couldn''t afford to wallow in sorrow. Like a funeral bell, the thoughts of his brothers'' deaths rang in his head.


    In order to concentrate, he pushed the agony to the side.


    Redemption could only be achieved via retaliation.


    To atone for their humiliation, one of them had to fall.


    If he could take out even a single Reaper, the Torva would forever hold his reputation in high esteem, and his men''s sacrifices would have some significance.


    His wrath burned as his gaze fixed on the mastermind of this massacre. Agni, the Fire Reaper.


    She remained still in the middle of the mayhem, her red eyes unwavering and unconcerned by the mayhem around her. Urath clenched his jaw.


    She is the one to blame for this failure.


    Because of her, his pack had been so easily defeated. Her calm, hard expression scorched him like a brand.


    If any of you are to die here, it will be you.


    Urath charged in with a fierce roar. He swung his sword rapidly across the air. With each blow, fury erupted in the form of a strike. All of his muscles begged for relief as his body wailed in pain.


    He didn''t care.


    No, not yet.


    Desperate to put an end to the Reaper who had brought them to this violent demise, his wrath drove him, and his blade acted as an extension of his rage.


    But Agni remained quiet, a serene center in the midst of his storm. She maintained a fixed stare.


    Once again, he swung viciously, slicing through the air with his blade.


    I will carve her heart out, he thought, his vision clouded with bloodlust. I will ravage her body, claim her power! I shall make a child of Death beg for mercy!


    His weary body struggled to keep up with his rage, and the sweat on his brow burned.


    Agni, on the other hand, moved with ease and grace.


    With a flick of her wrist, her dual Katar evaded his predictable attacks. Her expression turned deadly as sparks flew into the night from each collision of steel.


    What gives you the will to stay alive? Urath thought, his rage increasing.


    "You''re finished, Urath," Agni remarked calmly, her voice cutting through the din of fighting. ¡° Cease now, and I shall kill you swiftly.¡±


    ¡°Never!¡±


    Agni avoided another of his lunges like a dancer evading a clumsy partner.


    Urath gritted his teeth.


    His might was dwindling. His body was exhausted from the previous battle, and the weight of his anguish and rage made every thrust of his blade heavier and slower.


    As Urath swung, memories of his fallen comrades flashed before his eyes. The last cries of those who had been torn apart by Agni¡¯s team haunted his every movement.


    You¡¯re dead because of her. I¡¯ll make sure she pays!


    The fury burned hotter, but his arms trembled with fatigue, each swing heavier than the last.


    "You can never stop the Torva!" Urath yelled, desperation seeping into his voice. He swung again, but this time with a clumsy motion. His limbs felt like lead. "Do you really believe you are protecting the human race?" You are nothing more than mindless slaves to an obsolete belief system! No matter how hard you fight, you can''t kill us all! You won''t!"


    Agni''s gaze was unyielding.


    She sidestepped his strike again and swiftly dealt a devastating blow, sending the hilt of her Katar slamming into his chest with such force that he gasped for air.


    Pain erupted in his ribcage. A searing, blinding ache. His breath hitched, and his body crumbled under the impact.


    His vision dimmed, and the ground rose to meet him. His back smacked against a tree, splintering the bark from the power.


    Blood poured from the corner of his mouth, mixed with the harsh taste of terror, dread, and something more he refused to admit: defeat.


    He coughed, spitting blood, and struggled to rise. "You''ll... never... win..." he exclaimed, his voice raspy with rage.


    "You talk too much," Agni said as she inspected him.


    Urath, on the ground, could barely muster the strength to raise his blade.


    Each breath was a fight, with burning stinging his ribcage with each inhalation. His body, wounded and beaten, betrayed him.


    The anger within him was the only thing stopping him from succumbing to the torture. But even it was starting to vanish, like smoke in the wind.


    I will not die like this! There was a moment when Urath''s vision wavered, but he kept conscious.


    His men, or pack, had fallen. Their deaths would have been futile had he fallen.


    Snarling, he dragged himself to his feet, his muscles wailing in pain. With shaky hands and a sword that trembled like a leaf in the wind, he raised his weapon.


    "I am not finished, Reaper."


    ¡°You¡¯ve already lost, Urath,¡± Agni said, her voice unwavering. She didn¡¯t move to strike¡ªshe didn¡¯t need to. ¡°This ends with you, here and now.¡±


    The words hung in the air.


    Urath pushed forward, his steps unsteady.


    With little control, his blade shook wildly. While she continued to stare at him with that damned, unimpressed attitude, he could hear the steady, rhythmic breath of Agni.


    With his last ounce of strength, he lunged.

 Chapter 4

    Urath¡¯s sword cut through the air. The blade sang as it tore forward with brutal force. His body pulsed with anticipation. Agni¡¯s head¡ªhe could almost see it falling.


    But she was suddenly gone.


    Gone?


    She moved swiftly, slipping past him with such ease that he hardly noticed the shift.


    "What¡ª?" His heart skipped a beat. How was she so fast?


    Before his blade could adjust, she was already there. Her katar spun, and with one swift motion, she knocked his sword off course. It sliced through the air, hitting a bush and leaving it trembling in its wake.


    Then she came.


    A flash of red and gold.


    Pain.


    The agony ripped through his side like fire, tearing the breath from his lungs. His legs buckled. He hit the ground hard, his knee slamming against the earth. Before he could even think, a brutal kick sent him crashing into a tree. Blood splattered his chest, the scent of iron mixing with the dampness of the forest.


    "Pathetic."


    Her voice cut deep. Cold. Like ice.


    Agni crouched before him, her katar¡¯s tip pressing against his throat. Her eyes locked with his.


    "Look closely, parasite," she hissed. "Memorize my face. It will be the last thing you see when I send you to Infra."


    Urath¡¯s lips curled into a pained smile. He spat out blood, the corners of his mouth twitching. "Ah, poor me¡­" His voice was rough, low, and tinged with defiance. "What a cruel fate... to die looking at such a delicious monster. If things were different... maybe we could have shared more than just violence. Maybe... pleasure."


    Agni¡¯s fist tightened around her katar. Her eyes flared. Rage, burning hot. Her whole body seemed to pulse with it.


    But she didn¡¯t move. Not yet.


    The silence stretched. Thick. Unyielding.


    ¡°After all you¡¯ve done, you dare call me the monster?¡± Agni¡¯s voice was low, her words sharp. It was a cold contempt that cut deeper than any blade. ¡°And yet, even in Lord Death¡¯s embrace, you still cling to your sick depravity.¡±


    Urath sneered, his bright red eyes flashing with pride. ¡°Depravity? I¡¯m offended. My tongue knows many skills, my dear.¡±


    Agni¡¯s gaze darkened like a storm gathering in the distance. ¡°To those who know you, yes. You Incubi are infamous for your repulsive abilities. Yet here you are, trying to possess my mind as you do with every victim you meet.¡±


    Urath chuckled, his laugh turning into a cough, blood splattering his lips. ¡°Don''t blame me, Reaper. Lust is the nature of life. And you? I¡¯m not surprised you''ve never felt it. But we could¡ªugh!¡±


    He winced as Agni¡¯s katar pressed into his neck, a cold bite against his skin.


    ¡°As I¡¯ve said,¡± Agni growled, her voice like a whip, ¡°your seduction is futile. These desires you force upon mortals aren¡¯t pleasure. They''re poison.¡±


    ¡°Poison?¡± Urath hissed, his grin never faltering. ¡°We don¡¯t force anything! We¡ªugh!¡± He grunted as the pressure on his neck increased. ¡°Seduction is our nature! We, like our Succubi sisters, exist to fulfill the needs of the neglected, the lonely... the outcasts! We give them euphoria!¡±


    Agni scoffed, a flicker of disgust flashing across her face. ¡°Euphoria? Your ¡®euphoria¡¯ leaves them mindless and comatose. Grinning husks. After you¡¯ve had your way with them, they¡¯re nothing. Just empty shells. How is that art in your eyes, Urath?¡± She leaned in, her face cold, her katar tightening. ¡°Tell me how many souls you¡¯ve drained. How many have we had to collect because of you?¡±


    Urath¡¯s grin remained unbroken. ¡°I stopped counting three centuries ago. Numbers are beneath us.¡± His laugh was rough, blood dripping from his lips. ¡°And for what it¡¯s worth? Our code doesn¡¯t allow us to make the first move. We respond to what they already consent to. It¡¯s their choice.¡±


    Agni¡¯s gaze never wavered. She straightened, stepping back, her eyes cold as the void. ¡°You only confirm why the Torva must be erased.¡±


    Urath laughed, blood dripping from his mouth. ¡°You¡¯ll never rid the world of carnal desire. Humans crave it. They always will. That¡¯s not depravity. That¡¯s nature. My nature.¡±


    ¡°And purging filth like you is mine,¡± Agni replied. The words were ice. Her katar blazed with fire as she raised it, preparing to strike. The final judgment was upon him.


    ¡°Urath of the Incubus. You prey on the weak. You twist their minds and corrupt their souls in exchange for your sick pleasures. That is your legacy. A trail of depravity and desperation.¡±


    Urath''s chuckle was weak, but it was there. ¡°As the humans say, don¡¯t hate the player. Hate the game, Reaper.¡±


    Agni''s eyes narrowed, a deep, deadly resolve settling in her gaze. ¡°If that¡¯s your game, then it ends tonight, Urath. As the last of your pack, may you suffer an eternal slumber in Infra.¡±


    Urath¡¯s smile remained, blood spilling from his lips as he looked up at her, unflinching. ¡°Kill me if you must, Reaper. But know this¡ªyour cycle, your game¡ªit will never end. You¡¯re all pawns in a game far greater than you understand. The betrayed shall arise again.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Agni¡¯s gaze never faltered. Her crimson eyes locked onto Urath, her expression unreadable.


    She paused, the weight of his defiance hanging between them. His words carried a quiet madness, a glimmer of belief in the survival of the Torva. She could feel it¡ªa fleeting sense of hope in his desperation. But it meant nothing. His defiance only strengthened her resolve.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Most certainly,¡± Urath sneered. ¡°And when that day comes, I pray you think of me.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Agni said softly, her voice cold as space itself. ¡°But should my death come, Urath, you will be the last thing on my mind. For your role in this ends here.¡±


    Urath tilted his head back and smirked. ¡°Then good luck, Reaper. You¡¯ll need it.¡±


    There was no hesitation. Agni moved like lightning, her blade a blur of steel and fire. In one clean stroke, she severed his defiance, sealing his fate.


    Urath¡¯s smirk lingered for just a moment longer. Then he closed his eyes.


    The clearing fell into an eerie silence. Blood soaked the earth. The fire in Agni¡¯s eyes slowly retracted as she straightened, her victory as cold as her words.


    Agni turned, her voice echoing softly as she walked away from Urath¡¯s body.


    ¡°Pro Vita, Pro Morte.¡±


    She took a slow breath, steadying herself, but the weight remained.


    She forced it down. No room for doubt, not now.


    Descending the small hill toward her companions, Agni¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡°The leader is down, his soul collected. Good work, Lord Mortis will be pleased.¡±


    Idwala twirled her spear lazily, the razor-sharp edge glinting in the moonlight. She leaned against her shield, bored. ¡°Pleased? Hardly.¡± Her voice dripped with annoyance. ¡°They fell like brittle twigs. Barely worth the fight.¡±


    Venin exhaled slowly, his voice cool. ¡°Not everything needs to be a spectacle, Idwala,¡± he said, eyeing her from under a raised brow.


    Idwala scoffed, tapping her spear against the ground with a rhythmic impatience. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what makes it fun. But I wouldn¡¯t expect you to understand, Venin. You¡¯ve spent too much time in your lab to know what fun is.¡±


    Before Venin could respond, a sharp caw broke the tension. Noir, his raven familiar, flapped onto a low branch, feathers ruffled with a mischievous gleam.


    ¡°She¡¯s got a point, Ven,¡± Noir croaked. ¡°Maybe you should try one of those human parties. It might help you unwind.¡±


    Venin sighed, glancing at his companion. ¡°Thank you for your insight, Noir. But I kindly reject.¡±


    Noir wasn¡¯t done.


    ¡°Seriously? The Stone Girl¡¯s right, Venny. You¡¯re all work and no play. No wonder you¡¯re such a bore. You¡¯ve been cooped up in your little lab for too long¡ªack!¡±


    A vine root shot up from the earth, smacking Noir mid-air. The raven squawked as he tumbled onto another branch.


    ¡°Cool it, Plant Girl! It was a joke!¡± Noir protested.


    Venin shot a glance at Sach¡¯a, standing nearby with her glowing wooden staff.


    ¡°Thank you, Sach¡¯a,¡± Venin said smoothly. ¡°He¡¯s incorrigible.¡±


    Sach¡¯a laughed, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Though, aside from your insufferable familiar, I still can¡¯t believe these degenerate abominations,¡± she said, her disgust clear as she looked at the fallen Incubi. ¡°Even in death, they couldn¡¯t help themselves. I caught two of them staring at me before they died.¡±


    Noir returned and couldn¡¯t resist. ¡°Well, with some of you dressing like you do...¡± His voice trailed off as Sach¡¯a shot him a lethal glare. ¡°I mean, who wouldn¡¯t want a last look, right? Am I right, Ven?¡±


    Another vine lashed out, striking Noir, sending him screeching into the shadows this time. He wisely stayed silent after that.


    Venin pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something in French.


    Al¡¯Sahra stepped forward, his voice calm and measured, cutting through the awkwardness. ¡°I believe the Torva are growing bolder,¡± he said, his eyes scanning the distant treeline. ¡°This isn¡¯t like them. Their movements have become strangely frequent. Reckless even.¡±


    Eldingar nodded, his axes resting on his shoulders. ¡°They¡¯ve been more active in other parts of the world, even in larger numbers like this. It¡¯s like... they¡¯re rushing for something,¡± he said, his voice low, tinged with concern.


    For a moment, Agni remembered Urath¡¯s words. She shook her head.


    She turned to face them, her gaze hard and unreadable. ¡°These concerns are valid,¡± she said, her voice carrying authority. ¡°We¡¯ll report this to Lord Mortis. For now, stay sharp. This is just the beginning of our hunt tonight. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    As the group began to move, Feng Li lingered near the end. His Shanzi war fans were closed and hanging at his sides.


    He inhaled deeply, the night air filling his lungs. ¡°Agni,¡± he called softly.


    She paused, turning to him with a raised brow. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Feng Li stepped closer, his movements silent as a whisper. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked, his voice gentle but probing. ¡°You carry an aura of wariness.¡±


    Kaile¡¯a, hesitant, raised her hand. "I-I, if you¡¯re injured, I-I can heal you, Agni. If you need it.¡±


    Agni¡¯s eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable, before her tone snapped through the air like a whip. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Eldingar tilted his head, studying her with quiet curiosity. ¡°You say that,¡± he murmured, ¡°but you seem... tense. More than usual and...¡±


    Her glare silenced him instantly.


    Eldingar flinched, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Sorry. Just... making an observation.¡±


    Al¡¯Sahra, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward. ¡°I believe Eldingar was just expressing concern, Agni. We want to be sure that Incubus didn¡¯t...¡± He trailed off, choosing his words carefully. ¡°Do anything to you.¡±


    Agni rolled her eyes. ¡°That bastard was too weak to touch me,¡± she spat, turning away from them. ¡°As I said, I¡¯m fine. Now, let¡¯s continue with the hunt, and we can report everything to Lord Mortis.¡±


    Eldingar sighed as she walked ahead, his shoulders slumping. ¡°I wish she weren¡¯t always so stiff,¡± he muttered.


    Idwala laughed, slapping his back hard enough to make him stumble. ¡°Ah, don¡¯t let it get to you! She¡¯s always like that when there aren¡¯t any Torva left to kill,¡± she teased, a grin on her face.


    Eldingar straightened, his expression softening slightly. ¡°I hope that¡¯s all it is,¡± he said quietly.


    The Reapers moved in unison, their shadows stretching long as they disappeared into the forest, swallowed by the night.


    The air was thick with the promise of more bloodshed, but Agni didn¡¯t care. She wasn¡¯t blind. Her brethren¡¯s concern was well-intended but a distraction she couldn¡¯t afford.


    What she needed now were answers. And she would find them, no matter the cost.


    Urath¡¯s final words echoed in her mind, a shadow that wouldn¡¯t fade.


    ¡°The betrayed shall arise again.¡±


    Agni had no way of understanding what the betrayed was. Perhaps it was a bluff, but Agni had learned to trust her instincts.


    The unease twisted in her chest like a serpent. If his words held even a sliver of truth, and if what they hinted at threatened the fragile balance she and the Reapers had sworn to uphold, then she and her team would face it without hesitation.


    And when the time came, they would reap it¡ªroot and stem.

 Chapter 5

    Lucian exhaled a deep breath, a subtle wince on his face as he slid the final box onto the counter, his muscles aching from the day¡¯s move.


    The sharp scent of fresh paint and new furniture lingered in the air, mixing with the cool, clean smell of the kitchen. He wiped the sweat from his brow and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°There we go. Finally done,¡± he muttered, his voice strained but tinged with relief as he straightened up.


    The space before him, still new and unfamiliar, looked inviting yet overwhelming.


    It was a beautiful house, newly built with sleek, contemporary lines and the faint hum of air conditioning, which kept the house comfortably cool.


    Two stories, windows that caught the light just right¡ªeverything was pristine, almost too perfect. But beneath the relief of completion, an edge of unease lingered.


    Behind him, the creak of stairs drew his attention. He turned to see Luna, his twin sister, emerging into the kitchen doorway.


    She wore a form-fitting black outfit, a striking contrast to her graceful yet distant air. Her glossy hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, though a few dark strands escaped to frame her sharp, angular face.


    Lucian noticed the playful smirk tugging at her lips, and he immediately braced himself.


    ¡°Good news, beds are all set up,¡± she chirped, clearly content with herself. ¡°And by the way, I already called first dibs.¡±


    Lucian let out an exaggerated groan, rolling his eyes. ¡°Luna, you can¡¯t just claim your room first without asking. That¡¯s not fair.¡±


    Her smile widened into a self-satisfied grin as she crossed her arms. ¡°Tough luck, dear brother.¡±


    Lucian rubbed his temples, letting out a frustrated puff of air. His exhaustion, compounded by the last few hours of moving, weighed heavily on him.


    ¡°But I carried the last of your boxes in here,¡± he muttered, barely above a whisper, as he wiped the sweat from his brow again.


    Luna strolled toward him, her playful tone shifting slightly as she offered a teasing comfort. ¡°Oh, come on, don¡¯t pout like that, Lucian. I even put some of your stuff in your room.¡±


    Lucian shot her a flat look. ¡°I never asked you to pick my room either.¡±


    Luna raised an eyebrow, the corners of her lips curling upward. ¡°Is that so? Even if I just so happen to give you the bigger room? You''re welcome, by the way.¡±


    His eyes flickered with momentary hope before narrowing with suspicion. ¡°No way. Really?¡±


    She nodded confidently. ¡°Yup. Congratulations. You, dear brother, get the second largest room in the house besides the master bedroom, obviously.¡±


    Lucian hesitated, the doubt settling in. ¡°And there¡¯s no catch at all for this?¡±


    Luna dramatically placed a hand over her heart, feigning offense. ¡°You think I¡¯d do something nice for my brother and have a hidden agenda? I¡¯m hurt, Lucian. Shame on you.¡±


    Lucian¡¯s eyebrow remained arched, his suspicion unyielding. ¡°What¡¯s the catch, Luna?¡±


    Her eyes sparkled with barely contained amusement.


    ¡°Fine, you caught me.¡± She shrugged. ¡°My room¡¯s a little smaller, but it has a private bathroom. That¡¯s why I wanted it.¡±


    Lucian sighed and ran a hand through his messy hair. ¡°Of course you would.¡±


    Luna shot him an innocent look. ¡°Are you really that surprised? You know it takes me forever to get ready. I figured¡ª¡±


    Lucian raised a hand to cut her off. ¡°You figured you''d pick a room that gives you the most time to sleep in with minimal hassle in the mornings. Am I right?¡±


    Luna let out a soft cough, avoiding his gaze. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it.¡±


    Lucian muttered under his breath, letting the thoughts swirl. A private bathroom would¡¯ve been nice for himself, but he couldn¡¯t deny that it was probably best for Luna.


    The mornings were a battlefield against her, and he¡¯d rather not be in the line of fire. His lips twitched into a reluctant smile.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°In any case, I guess I¡¯ll exchange a walk down the hall for the toilet. Thanks, Luna. I could really use the space for my books anyway.¡±


    Luna snorted, unable to suppress the laughter that bubbled up.


    ¡°Oh, I know. You and your precious books.¡± She shook her head, smiling with fondness. ¡°They¡¯re your one true love, after all.¡±


    Despite her shorter stature, Luna stood on her toes and ruffled his hair, a habit she knew would set him off.


    Lucian flinched, brushing her hand away with an embarrassed huff.


    ¡°Stop it! You know I hate it when you do that.¡±


    Her grin widened. ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I love doing it.¡±


    Lucian stepped back dramatically, puffing his chest and raising his arms in mock defense. ¡°Do you really have to treat me like a kid? It¡¯s humiliating. Plus, I¡¯m the older twin for crying out loud!¡±


    Luna gave him an almost pitying look. ¡°Oh, please. Being born five minutes earlier doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± she scoffed. ¡°If you want me to stop, you¡¯re going to have to earn it. Just like respect.¡±


    Lucian winced, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Yeah, you know I didn¡¯t get much of that in school.¡±


    Luna¡¯s face softened as she changed the subject. ¡°Speaking of which, you ready for Monday? We¡¯ll be the new kids at New Arcadia High.¡±


    Lucian leaned against the cool kitchen counter, letting out a groan. ¡°Oh man, don¡¯t remind me. I¡¯m not ready for that kind of attention.¡±


    Luna rolled her eyes, her tone light. ¡°Don¡¯t be so dramatic. It¡¯s not that big of a deal.¡±


    Lucian shot her a pointed look. ¡°Easy for you to say. You¡¯re not the one who had swirlies in the locker room for three semesters!¡±


    His sister sighed, pushing off the counter and walking over to him.


    ¡°You know what your problem is, Lucian?¡± She asked. ¡°You make yourself too easy to mess with. You react to every little thing bullies do like a scared little puppy. And you know what? That makes you a bigger target.¡±


    His face flushed red.


    The nickname puppy embarrassed him more than it should have. It echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder of the name-calling he thought he''d left behind.


    His voice cracked, barely above a whisper. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll get bullied again?¡±


    Luna¡¯s teasing expression melted away and became cool. Her sharp gaze softened, but her words were as firm as ever.


    ¡°This is exactly what I mean, dumbass,¡± she said, her voice low and serious. ¡°If you make yourself look weak and act like a wimp, then you¡¯re just painting a bigger bullseye on yourself. And make no mistake, any bully that sees that will eat you alive¡­ again.¡±


    The words hit Lucian like a cold wave. He recoiled slightly, his chest tightening.


    His fists clenched at his sides in panic. ¡°Oh God, you¡¯re right¡­ I¡¯m a goner, aren¡¯t I?¡± He whined. ¡°The moment they take one look at me, I¡¯m done! Oh man.. what am I gonna do?¡±


    Luna pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. The frustration in her breath mixed with something else¡ªsomething pitiful.


    She stepped closer, her tone shifting to a more direct tone as she spoke to her brother.


    ¡°Lucian,¡± she said, ¡°you need to stop cowering from everything. When you¡¯re scared, you panic, even at the slightest threat. And you know what happens? You let them win. You need to find a way to stand up for yourself. You need to stop letting fear control you.¡±


    Lucian didn¡¯t answer right away.


    His mind spun as he stared at the floor, its weight pressing down on him. The thought of standing up for himself felt like an insurmountable mountain.


    He had spent so long trying to avoid confrontation and retreating into silence just to be obsolete. It may not have worked all the time, but he did keep most eyes away from him.


    How do I suddenly change that?


    The question seemed too big to answer. Too impossible.


    ¡°How do I stop being me, then?¡± he muttered, his voice barely audible.


    Luna watched him for a moment, her eyes steady.


    She exhaled in exasperation and spoke, her voice gentle this time.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to change who you are,¡± she said. ¡°But you need to find your voice. If you don¡¯t, no one will take you seriously. They¡¯ll just walk all over you again like they did last time.¡±


    Lucian met her gaze, uncertainty clouding his expression. ¡°But what if I mess up? What if they laugh at me, and I just end up... like before?¡±


    Luna¡¯s eyes narrowed, her tone becoming more matter-of-fact.


    ¡°So what? Let them laugh. But show them you¡¯re not afraid of it and you won¡¯t have any trouble. If you keep hiding, though, the bullying will never stop.¡±


    Lucian wanted to argue, to deny it, but her words lodged themselves in his mind. He could feel the old panic rising in his chest, even if he knew it wasn¡¯t going to help.


    The thought of standing up to the world terrified him, but... what if Luna was right? He thought.


    He pressed his palms together in front of him, staring out the window, his thoughts a swirl of uncertainty.


    The faces of those bullies from his last school¡ªthe ones who tormented him¡ªstill plagued him.


    He felt small, like the helpless boy he was.


    Despite Luna¡¯s straightforward advice, a part of him still wanted to hide.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best,¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    The words felt fragile, like a fleeting hope that couldn¡¯t fully take shape. At least, not yet.


    Before Luna could reply, the door clicked open, and the soft sound of footsteps echoed down the hall.


    Thorne, their adopted guardian, entered with his usual quiet grace. His tall, composed figure filled the doorway, exuding an effortless air of sophistication.


    As he set down the box he¡¯d been carrying, his deep voice cut through the tension in the room. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not interrupting, children.¡±

 Chapter 6

    Lucian and Luna glanced at one another.


    "I overheard some of your conversation." Thorne¡¯s gaze turned toward Luna, soft but firm. "Luna, my dear, please do not frighten your brother before school even starts. You should be supporting one another during times of change, not adding on more stress."


    Luna, unfazed, shrugged casually.


    ¡®"I wasn¡¯t trying to scare him, Thorne," she shot back. "I was just¡­ teaching him a life lesson. Tough love, you know?"


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you were.¡±


    Thorne gave her a pointed look. Then, turning to Lucian, his smile was steady and reassuring.


    "Aside from your sister¡¯s ''tough love,''¡° he said. ¡°I can trust, with confidence, that you¡¯ll be fine here, Lucian. The past may have been hard for you, but this is a new beginning for all of us.¡±


    He took a step closer and gently placed a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°You¡¯re on the path to a new life, young one, both of you. Don¡¯t let the shadows of the past frighten you anymore. This is your chance to be whoever you want to be. So long as you stay true to yourselves and stay mindful, everything, in time, will fall into place."


    Lucian exhaled deeply and slowly nodded. It was as though the weight pressing down on his chest had been lifted.


    "Thanks, Thorne," Lucian smiled. ¡°I needed that.¡±


    Luna leaned against the counter again, glancing between the two of them.


    "How poetic," she said, the words dripping with sarcasm but carrying an affectionate warmth. "The great and caring Thorne, handing out inspirational compassion. You know, if we could bottle that, we¡¯d be millionaires."


    Thorne¡¯s lips quirked into a small smile, flicking to Luna with a gentle affection.


    "You don¡¯t need to sell compassion, Luna," he said and patted her head with quiet amusement. "I only need you both to believe in it - and to follow it for each other, always."


    Luna crossed her arms and pulled away.


    "Yeah, yeah, I know." She smirked and turned back to Lucian. "Don¡¯t worry, Thorne. You can count on me to keep an eye on Twin Two over here.¡± She pointed a thumb at Lucian. ¡°After all, there¡¯s no one here better at pulling him out of hot water."


    "Hey, why am I twin two? I¡¯m older!" Lucian protested, feigning offense, but his voice lacked the strength of real indignation.


    He couldn¡¯t hold it in and laughed, giving Luna a playful shove, who returned the gesture with her own, laughing alongside him.


    Thorne watched the two and smiled.


    Before he could interrupt them, his phone buzzed from his pocket. He pulled it out slowly, his brow furrowing at the unrecognized number. After a second ring, he answered.


    "Hello?" Thorne greeted, and a smile tugged at his lips upon hearing the voice. ¡°Ah, Miss Cortez!¡±


    Luna and Lucian exchanged a curious glance over.


    "Yes, yes, we arrived over an hour ago... oh, we¡¯re settling in well," Thorne said, his tone warm as he spoke to the real estate agent. "The movers did a fine job, and everything arrived perfectly. I can¡¯t thank you enough for all your help. It¡¯s been a smooth transition, truly."


    Luna rolled her eyes, and Lucian shook his head.


    Thorne, oblivious, bowed at the phone. Then, the conversation took a turn, and his smile vanished.


    "Oh... dinner?" Thorne¡¯s voice cracked slightly. He straightened, cheeks flushing a red so deep it could have been the color of a tomato. "As in... with me?"


    His words stumbled as his eyes widened. He cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair¡ªan action that only made his embarrassment worse.


    "I¡­ I must say, Miss Cortez, you¡¯ve certainly caught me off guard!"


    He regained his composure, shoulders back, but his voice still wavered. "I¡¯m afraid, as much as I would love to accept, there¡¯s a... slight matter I must attend to. The children¡ªbless their little hearts¡ªstill need to unpack, and I must ensure they¡¯re settled in so they don¡¯t run off causing chaos.¡±


    "Excuse me?" Luna scoffed.


    Thorne shot her a look, raising a finger to his lips. "Play along, Luna, please?" he pleaded silently.


    Luna rolled her eyes but stayed silent, leaning back against the counter, arms crossed.


    Thorne turned back to the phone. "Yes, yes, I¡¯m still here! I¡¯m afraid my schedule will be full for a while. So, alas¡­ perhaps at another time? If the stars align, of course."


    Luna couldn¡¯t help herself. She and Lucian exchanged a look and snickered, quickly covering their mouths.


    Thorne¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment, though he fought to hide it.


    "Yes¡­ yes, thank you so much for understanding. You are truly wonderful. Perhaps another time then," he said quickly, his tone a mix of awkwardness and politeness. He quietly slapped his forehead. "Of course. Have a wonderful evening, Miss Cortez. Farewell."


    He hung up, exhaling loudly, his face still red.


    "Should the stars align?¡± Luna teased. ¡°Smooth, Casanova, real smooth." A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Thorne sighed, slumping his shoulders. ¡°I know¡­ not my best moment, I will admit. However, you witnessed it. She caught me quite off guard.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and you handled it like a real champion,¡± said Luna, smirking. "You know, you¡¯ll never get a girlfriend if you keep using us as your excuse."


    "She right, Thorne. You¡¯re blocking your own chances for no reason.¡± Lucian nodded. ¡°Plus, we¡¯re sixteen now. You don¡¯t have to sacrifice your love life for us anymore."


    Thorne, ever the gentleman, chuckled softly. He swept his arms around them in a bear-like hug, squeezing them tightly.


    "I appreciate your concern children, truly. But I am not looking for any sort of romance. I¡¯m more than content with the two of you in my life. That¡¯s enough for me."


    Luna huffed, pulling at the corners of her lips. "If you keep thinking like that, then you¡¯ll never even give anyone a chance."


    Thorne laughed, patting her head. "If I don¡¯t, I¡¯ll accept my fate," he said, his voice teasing. "So long you both grow up healthy and happy, I shall be happy.¡±


    Lucian felt warmth spread through him. Even amidst their new life¡¯s uncertainty, this feeling of family felt real. It was solid.


    Luna glanced away, hiding the flush in her cheeks.


    "Still, you really don¡¯t have to go that far just for us, Thorne," Lucian said quietly, looking up at him.


    "Seriously," Luna added, her voice softening. "You¡¯ve done so much for us. If you find a woman you like, shoot your shot, okay? I¡¯m practically asking for you to have a life outside of us."


    Thorne tightened his embrace for a moment before releasing them, a contented smile on his face.


    "Alright, alright. Should I find someone, perhaps I¡¯ll let fate decide," he said, his grin wide. "Now then, come along, children. We¡¯ve still got boxes to unpack."


    Luna and Lucian nodded, following him.


    The three of them fell into a comfortable rhythm, the silence broken only by the soft sounds of movement in and out of the kitchen with boxes.


    After a few minutes, the counters and floor were full of them, with Thorne and Luna opening some.


    Lucian, in awe of their home, sighed quietly. "I still can¡¯t believe we get to live in New Arcadia." His voice held a trace of wonder. "It¡¯s like something out of a sci-fi novel!"


    Luna, balancing a stack of plates in her hands, snorted.


    "I still can¡¯t believe Thorne managed to afford this place on a professor¡¯s salary." She tilted her head slyly and placed the plates on the countertop. "Honestly, it¡¯d be more believable if you told people you were in business or moonlighting as a model or something."


    Thorne paused mid-unboxing, raising a single eyebrow.


    "Need I remind you, little one," he said with a mock sigh of exasperation, "it was my vast experience and expertise that earned me this position." He paused, then added with a sly wink, "Not my looks."


    Luna arched an eyebrow right back at him.


    "Right. Because what this tech city really needed was a college professor teaching¡­ literature."


    Unfazed, Thorne straightened his posture and adjusted his glasses with the air of a man delivering a lecture.


    "Literature and writing are timeless pillars of society, my dear Luna," he declared, his voice brimming with conviction. "They are part of the foundations of creativity and culture. Without them, we would have neither progress nor identity."


    ¡°Here, here!¡± Lucian chimed in, his eyes lighting up as he enthusiastically raised a hand for a high-five.


    Thorne didn¡¯t miss a beat, meeting Lucian¡¯s hand with a loud, resounding smack that echoed through the kitchen.


    Their matching grins were full of shared camaraderie, followed by Thorne¡¯s rich, hearty laughter.


    Luna rolled her eyes so hard it looked like they might stick. "You two are such nerds."


    Thorne placed a hand on his chest in mock offense. "Nerds? My dear, we in the book world prefer the term literary scholars."


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    Luna shook her head, her lips twitching into an unwilling smile. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, old man."


    ¡°O-Old man?¡± Thorne¡¯s eye twitched as he coughed into his fist, ¡°A-Anyway, I am truly thankful for this opportunity, not only to teach in a brand new university but to continue guiding young minds with words. There was no shortage of luck in being selected."


    ¡°No kidding!¡± Lucian beamed. "There were so many people who applied on the website!"


    "Luck, huh?¡± Luna said to Thorne, leaning against the counter. ¡°Are you sure it wasn¡¯t partly because of Lucian saving your application from total disaster?"


    Thorne flinched and let out a sheepish chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I¡¯ll¡­ admit, I might¡¯ve struggled with... some of the online forms. You both know technology isn¡¯t exactly my forte."


    Luna smirked. "Oh, we know. You were ready to call it quits when you couldn¡¯t figure out how to even convert the file formats for your r¨¦sum¨¦."


    Lucian joined in, stifling a laugh.


    "And let¡¯s not forget how you called me in a panic because you thought your web browser deleted itself."


    Thorne groaned, the tips of his ears turning red.


    "It¡¯s not my fault things move so fast. When I was young, all you needed was good, reliable paper; then it became email, and the next, they¡¯re asking for QR codes and digital signatures. Honestly, how is anyone supposed to keep up with all these phone apps and your little trends and such?"


    Lucian reached over and patted Thorne on the back, his grin warm and reassuring. "Don¡¯t worry, Thorne. You¡¯ve got us to keep you updated on all the latest trends."


    Luna¡¯s smirk softened into something gentler. "Yeah, we¡¯ll help keep you relevant, old man. You know, so you don¡¯t embarrass us too much."


    Thorne looked between the two of them, still a little embarrassed, as he rubbed the back of his neck again.


    "Well¡­ I know I¡¯m at a disadvantage in this city, and there¡¯s no doubt I will be asking a lot from you both, so I am eternally thankful for your patience and support.." His tone was heartfelt. "I couldn¡¯t have done this without you two."


    ¡°Damn right, you wouldn¡¯t!¡± Luna huffed. "But don¡¯t go getting all mushy on us, Thorne. You¡¯re gonna make Lucian cry."


    "Hey!" Lucian protested, his face flushing as he waved a hand defensively. "I¡¯m not that emotional!"


    Thorne chuckled.


    "Well, I¡¯d hate to upset you both. How about we finish unpacking instead? There¡¯s still a mountain of boxes waiting to be conquered."


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Lucian nodded eagerly. "And after that, can we go out into the city? I mean, it¡¯s Saturday, and we are living in New Arcadia! There¡¯s so much to see!"


    Thorne hummed for a few seconds and smirked.


    "Tell you what, should we finish unpacking the kitchen first, I shall drive us downtown for a nice evening dinner of your choice.¡±


    Lucian''s eruption of cheer was a sight to behold as he performed a little dance.


    ¡°He said only if you finish unpacking first," Luna teased, flicking a dishtowel at her brother.


    "Deal!" Lucian declared, opening a box with Luna following suit. Thorne watched them with a smile and his heart full.


    Perhaps this was a good idea after all.