《The Aetherwing Brigade》


 Chapter 1 - KAI

    Lagos 1878.


    Kai roared.


    A harsh, scathing roar, the kind that came from the very bottom of his lungs and blew raucously across the fields. Gorgeous, glowing flames caught the points of the grass, and with it grew hot fresh vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans. When he tilted his head and blew a little more softly the ground produced dragonfruit and edible berries. He collected these in worn woven baskets, his knees scratching against the grass. His cheeks and hands muddy.


    ¡°Kai! When are you coming inside?¡±


    Kai looked up at his mother. She was dressed in a glittering gold traditional dress, her eyes warm, yet a little concerned.


    ¡°I still have to feed the baby dragons milk.¡±


    ¡°Can I help?¡± His younger brother appeared from behind his mother with a jug of warm milk. With a feverish grin, he ran into their farm.


    ¡°Korede! Don¡¯t topple the baskets! I¡¯ve been collecting the fruits all morning!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful, I promise.¡± Korede placed his palm into Kai¡¯s hand. ¡°Now let¡¯s go!¡±


    His mother shook her head fondly and disappeared into the house. Kai led his brother down to the makeshift stable at the bottom of the farm, the sun was hot and blaring on his back. He could feel the slight red dragon scales on his back and arms gathering sweat.


    ¡°Do you want to wake them up?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Korede grinned, and Kai tentatively took hold of the jug of milk. The stable was small and modest. Three small baby dragons sat curled up in a ball. They were the colour of the sun, a dazzling amber, like Kai¡¯s eyes.


    Korede crept up to them and cried out. The dragon''s ears perked up and their eyes shot open. Korede bundled one into his arms. Kai brought the jug of milk close to the dragon''s face and it lapped up the milk hungrily.


    ¡°Will the dragons grow big and strong?¡± Korede asked inquisitively.


    ¡°No, they will grow even smaller and turn into ants.¡±


    ¡°Kai!¡± Korede burst into a fit of giggles. ¡°Stop being silly.¡±


    Kai sat more comfortably in the hay. He placed another dragon into his arms, stroking its scales and watching as it drank the rest of the milk. He was so incredibly tired. His hands were rough and calloused from working at the farm all day. He¡¯d rise at the crack of dawn, take a dip and wash himself in the lake, feast on dried crackers and dragonfruit, then crawl over to the farm and produce dragonfire, enough to fell an army - and use it instead to grow produce. Then on Wednesdays, he would take all the fruit and vegetables and put them on sale at Balogun market. His voice would be hoarse and crackly.


    ¡°OYA COME AND BUY HOT FRESH VEGETABLES! GROWN FROM DRAGONBREATH!¡±


    ¡°REALLY NOW, DRAGONBREATH?¡± He would catch the attention of a curious shopper. Usually, an auntie dressed in shimmering blue and a gele, an elf child on her hip. ¡°HOW MUCH?¡±


    And Kai would haggle. He¡¯d rip off the tourists, the bright-eyed, shiny skinned tourists brandishing too much money around. He¡¯d bag up the vegetables in brown crunchy bags, flirt with aunties, flex his muscles for the uncles wanting to marry off their pretty daughters.


    And Kai would slink back home, his childhood home because he¡¯d never dream of leaving, sleep underneath the bunk, where Korede would sleep on top. And he would wake up and do it all over again.


    He was content with his life, for the most part. But he felt this innermost dread start to bloom inside of him in the worst of moments. Would he spend the rest of his life in his modest home on the outskirts of Lagos, breathing dragonfire until all that was left of him was a flickering flame? He was so sure he was going to die in these fields, until he had used every last breath his body could muster, until his fingers burnt underneath the glare of the sun.


    ¡°Kai, I think the dragons have had all their milk now.¡± Korede looked in wonder at their glossy blue eyes slowly shuttering away into another slumber. ¡°I¡¯m hungry! Let¡¯s go inside, Mama brought back meat pies from the market.¡± Kai placed his hand over Korede¡¯s curls. He was a well-behaved child, if not a little rambunctious at times. A stab of guilt hit Kai in the chest. He had done something so wonderfully terrible. Something that would hurt him.


    ¡°Korede, do you want a hug?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡°Get here!¡± Kai playfully lunged for his brother, who shot up and ran out of the stables.


    ¡°YOU CAN¡¯T CATCH ME.¡±


    Kai tore after his brother, his long legs picking up speed as they ran back into the house. His mother was in the living room pouring fresh glasses of lemonade, she looked at them both with a hint of a smile.


    The front door opened and his father stepped into the house. He was clothed in a green agbada and his face was furrowed by his mustache. Before Kai forgot he stretched onto the floor and prostrated to his father. His father placed a gentle hand on Kai¡¯s curls, and then Kai stood up, shaking. His brother (being only seven) merely wrapped his arms around his father¡¯s waist. ¡°Baba! Baba!¡± He cried. Kai¡¯s father swung Korede up onto his hip and stroked his hair.


    ¡°My son.¡±


    Kai¡¯s father was a historian, he studied the expansive lore of what it meant to be a dragonborn and regularly took trips around the country touring universities and talking a lot. His mother helped out mainly on the farm, but her true passion was sewing clothes. Astonishing clothes, in blues and reds and greens, that shimmered and glistened in the hush of the night. Kai took up the brunt of the farm work as a result.


    ¡°I know you ate whilst you were at the university so I just bought with me some meat pies we can eat together.¡± Kai¡¯s mother spread the meat pies onto the table, there was also chin chin, agege bread with freshly churned butter, dragonfruit slices, dried plantain and scotch eggs. Kai¡¯s father placed a sweet kiss on his mother¡¯s cheek. ¡°It¡¯s perfect. Let¡¯s sit and eat.¡±


    Kai sat on the the opposite end of his father. Everyone dug into the food with gusto, apart from Kai, who was nibbling absentmindely on the crust of some meat pie. ¡°Kai.¡± His Father spoke authoritavely from the other end of the table.


    ¡°Yes, Baba.¡±


    ¡°How is the farm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good, I was able to grow a lot of vegetables today. I am struggling a bit with some of the fruits, they¡¯ve been souring a lot as of late.¡±


    ¡°Have you been drinking enough water?¡±


    ¡°I have.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to procure some medicine whilst I¡¯m in the city.¡±


    ¡°How was your talk?¡±


    ¡°Riveting. It was about The Role of Dragonborn Lineage in Shaping Aerial Dominance and Mythical Warfare. In fact-¡± his father paused to chew on the agege bread. Kai spotted bits of butter on his mustache. ¡°I¡¯d like for you to come with me one of these days, maybe next week.¡±


    His mother cut in with a worried look. ¡°Ayinde, we really cannot afford for Kai to miss any days at the farm, we don¡¯t have enough vegetables to sell at the market this week.¡±


    ¡°I understand that but he cannot just stay at the farm all day. There is life outside of this farm. Kai is a dragonborn, and as my son it is important he is talking to and mixing with other dragonborn and creatures. He will soon need to marry. In fact one of the professors I was talking to has a dragonborn daughter who-¡±


    ¡°He is needed here Ayinde.¡± His mother cut in a little more ferociously. Kai noted that she hadn¡¯t eaten much of the food.


    ¡°Are you not able to take over the farm for just one day Monifa? You cannot grant Kai that one small mercy?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that, I am feeling enfeebled. I have already told you this, and I have many commissions I am working on.¡±


    ¡°Enfeebled?¡± His father admonished, aghast. Kai was no stranger to his mother¡¯s increasingly frail state. He liked to lie to himself that his Ma preferred staying indoors and sewing, but the years of farm life had taken a toll on her person. In fact, she struggled to take dragon shape, and that wasn¡¯t an issue that happened until well into one¡¯s adult years.


    He remembered the day she had fainted. The sun like a warning glare burning through the fields and smiting his mother¡¯s lithe frame. Kai had held his mother in his arms that day, placing a gentle hand on her smooth forehead, watching her kind and unassuming eyes.


    His father was not a cruel man. Quite the opposite. For women like Kai¡¯s mother who had come from dragonborn farming families, to marry a well-educated man was a blessing, something to celebrate even. However, his father did not have much of an income. Spending one¡¯s life dedicated to dragonborn research did not glean high rewards. He was away a lot of the time, travelling around Nigeria with nothing more than his briefcase and his thirst for knowledge. Kai and his mother held up the brunt force of the daily duties, and when Kai had come of age the farm was passed onto him as his responsibility.


    Kai knew his father had seen more of the world. Settlers from Britain, China, and India had been arriving in Nigeria in waves. In mingling with the elite on his travels, Kai¡¯s father had become¡­ Kai struggled to find the right word. He didn¡¯t want to say ashamed, as he knew his father would never feel that way about the family he loved so fiercely. But he did sense a hint of embarrassment about their humble upbringing. They were farmers through and through, and no amount of published papers or university lectures could ever quite change that.


    ¡°Do not worry,¡± Kai spoke carefully. He didn¡¯t want to lie but he also didn¡¯t want their conversation to grow any more volatile. ¡°I will endeavour to get all the farming work done by Friday so I can travel with you to the university on Monday, Baba.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°Good.¡± Kai¡¯s father slammed his fist onto the table. ¡°That¡¯s that.¡±


    But it wasn¡¯t. Kai knew this, he knew it in the way he fought to get the meat pie down his throat. In the way his mother shrunk into herself, in the meagre resources they were gleaning from the farm. He felt as if he was holding up the world with the sharp point of his knuckles and he couldn¡¯t keep it up anymore.


    Knock. Knock.


    ¡°The door is knocking!¡± Korede piped up with an innocent grin. Kai didn¡¯t know if he pretended not to notice his parents arguing or if he was just wilfully obtuse.


    ¡°Are you expecting anyone Monifa?¡± Kai¡¯s father asked mildly, his belly bulging underneath his sage attire.


    ¡°No.¡± Her voice wobbled.


    ¡°Kai?¡±


    Kai could not look at his Father, because if he looked at his Father he would be lying. ¡°I¡¯ll get the door.¡±


    Tentatively Kai swung open the door to his house. Dressed in gold finery and armour; two stern-faced guards stared down at Kai. Their faces were pale and speckled. Kai noted the guard on the left had a serious case of sunburn. ¡°Kai Ajewole?¡± His voice was clear and toneless.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°May we come in?¡±


    Wordlessly Kai stepped aside to let the guards in. They looked wrong standing there, over his cramped dining table covered in food, the last of the sunshine streaming through the windows and revealing the cracking paint. Kai wanted to hide underneath the table, pull Korede into his chest, and disappear.


    The guard with the sunburned face procured a scroll from his deft fingers, he swept his hazel eyes over the bewildered looks of Kai¡¯s family. Kai stood close to the window, holding his breath.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Kai¡¯s father exclaimed. He stood up suddenly, the air in the room rushed towards him with a stunning fury. ¡°Who are you both?¡±


    ¡°We are the travelling guards belonging to the Aetherwing Brigade. And we have a message to deliver to Kai Ajewole.¡± The sunburnt guard cleared his throat, he lifted the scroll so it caught the last of the sunshine and spoke -


    To Kai Ajewole of the Dragonborn Line,


    By the order of the Elders of Aetherwing Brigade, you are hereby summoned to join us in the land of the Northern Lights, within the distant region of Alaska. Your remarkable talents in harnessing dragonfire and your lineage have earned you a place among the chosen few to train within our sacred halls.


    The Aetherwing Brigade stands in the heart of the northern wilderness, a sanctuary where the knowledge of ancient magic and the mastery of aerial combat are passed down. Here, you will learn to control not only the fire within you but also the forces of the skies. Your journey will lead you to unlock the true potential of your birthright.


    A ship will be waiting for your arrival at the port of Lagos in exactly three moon cycles. From there, you will be taken north to Alaska, where you will begin your training. This opportunity is a rare and great honor, offered only to the luminary. Prepare yourself for challenges ahead, for the path to mastery is not an easy one.


    We await your presence at Aetherwing, where your destiny awaits.


    Signed,


    General Elara Windrider,


    Commander of the Aetherwing Brigade and Guardian of the Sky, Keeper of Peace


    Kai exhaled.


    This lie; this great, gigantic all consuming lie, that had been eroding his thoughts and contorting his daily activities was now laid bare. His mother came to stand next to him and drew his hands into hers. She laid her head on his shoulder and Kai felt the wetness of her tears seep into his clothes.


    The sunburnt guard rolled up the scroll, and both the guards bowed to his family, their faces impassive. ¡°Kai Ajewole,¡± The guard spoke once more, his voice a little hurried. ¡°Please ensure you are ready to leave in three moon cycles, once that ship leaves it will not return.¡± They turned and strode out of the house.


    Kai¡¯s father turned to him. He stared at Kai as if he did not know him, at his tattered farm clothes, the deep brown of his skin, at Kai¡¯s searing amber eyes, and the crimson dragon scales scattered over his legs and arms. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my son.¡± Kai¡¯s mother spoke. She lifted her head from his shoulder and stared openly at him. ¡°What on dragon¡¯s earth did you do?¡±


    Korede, who was still sitting on the table but was no longer eating, peered up at Kai with a worried frown on his face. ¡°Are you leaving?¡±


    ¡°Korede-¡±


    ¡°Are you leaving me here?¡±


    Kai did not know how to explain himself. How to explain to the people who he loved most in the world, his farfetched plan to leave. The Aetherwing Brigade is a pipe dream¡ªan elite military organisation built for the sons of kings and the daughters of prime ministers. It was not the sort of place where the son of a farmer and historian could frequent.


    But Kai remembered that heady day, where the sky was covered in fog and rain, and he was out at the markets, stuffing the apples and pears and cauliflowers into bags so they wouldn¡¯t spoil and decay. He remembered the mud on his face and his hands, and then, the curious eyes of a British soldier standing at his market stall and staring at him.


    ¡°Remarkable.¡± The soldier picked up a pink fleshy dragonfruit. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a fruit like this.¡± Kai turned at the sound of his voice. ¡°Would you like to buy one?¡±


    ¡°Well yes, do you grow a lot of these?¡±


    ¡°Yes, from dragonfire.¡±


    ¡°Dragonfire?¡± The soldier looked upon Kai with a giddy sort of reverence. He leaned closer to the stall, the rain rushing down harder, he however was unperturbed. ¡°Can you show me?¡±


    Kai nodded wordlessly, he took the soldier down to a patch of fresh green grass on the hill opposite, away from stalls and other people. ¡°It¡¯s advisable you stand back.¡±


    Then Kai roared, he felt the flush of flame reverberate in his lungs and gush out into the grass, the buds of four dragonfruit started to grow until they lay in a perfect row. The soldier picked up a dragonfruit and bit into it, pink juice bubbled from his lips. ¡°Utterly remarkable.¡± He said it again, biting and tearing away at the fruit. ¡°Your fire can withstand the rain.¡± He then looked at Kai sharply. ¡°What species are you?¡±


    ¡°Dragonborn.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever heard of the Aetherwing Brigade?¡±


    ¡°Vaguely.¡±


    The soldier nodded to himself. ¡°Okay, can you come with me, just for an hour to get away from the rain.¡± He pointed over at a small restaurant. ¡°We can eat over there. I have much to discuss.¡±


    A waiter placed two steaming hot bowls of jollof rice in front of them. Kai watched in amusement as the soldier spluttered out bits of rice in a frenzy.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit spicy, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never had this kind of rice before?¡± Kai fought the urge to laugh.


    ¡°No, never. I¡¯ve been surviving on beans in a tin.¡± The soldier slapped his hands onto his thigh. ¡°Never mind that. My name is Rupert Lowe.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a British soldier?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I also work as a recruiter for the Aetherwing Brigade. You said you¡¯ve vaguely heard of it?¡±


    Kai nodded. It was quite hard not to know of the Aetherwing Brigade. Their soldiers were highly esteemed around the world. It was the only organization he had heard of that got to ride in great steam-powered airships and fly with artificial wings.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to put in a recommendation for you. What is your name?¡±


    ¡°Kai Ajewole¡­but I can¡¯t.¡± Joining Aetherwing would mean leaving his family, leaving the farm. ¡°My responsibilities lie here.¡±


    Rupert suddenly stood up, his green eyes glittering fiercely. ¡°Kai, I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m being presumptuous, so please stop me if I go on too long. But in my work as a recruiter, I¡¯ve traveled across the plains in India, spoken to sultans'' sons in Arabia, and braved waterfalls in Nepal. I¡¯ve watched and observed many, many creatures. I¡¯ve been bribed and drugged, had a sword cut through my flesh one too many times¡ª¡± Rupert lifted his dark, scratchy uniform to reveal deep, swelling cuts in his pale skin. Kai tried not to throw up into his rice.


    ¡°But I have never met a dragonborn. And not just any dragonborn, because I¡¯ve done my research, but a dragonborn who can grow fruit and vegetables from his very breath, who can create life-changing nourishment from the bottom of his lungs. Kai¡ª¡± The soldier leaned in closer. Kai could smell the grit on him, the rain, fog, and desperation. ¡°I¡¯m telling you now because I endeavor never to lie. You are worth more than gold, more than the king¡¯s sons and daughters, more than the little stall you work at every day. I want to recommend you to the Aetherwing Brigade. I want you to join. I want you to change your life because, in changing your life, you have the power to change the fabric of this world.¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡± Kai was speechless. He didn¡¯t know this man. He had met him only twenty minutes ago. This man did not know him. Kai wasn¡¯t all that smart, not like his father, who thrived on knowledge. He didn¡¯t have deft fingers like his mother, who sewed clothes so beautiful people wept at the fabric. He wasn¡¯t witty or carefree like his brother, who viewed the world as if it were his playground. His farm was his duty. It was his livelihood. And sure, he sometimes dreamt of wanting more from his life; didn¡¯t everybody? But that didn¡¯t mean he would take it. It would be irresponsible.


    ¡°You will make enough money to send to your family, certainly more than you¡¯re making now at the stall.¡± Rupert swiftly cut through his train of thought. ¡°I will send guards to your house announcing your acceptance into Aetherwing in exactly two months. If they don¡¯t come, it means Aetherwing has rejected my proposal, although I think that¡¯s highly improbable.¡± Rupert shifted around in his pockets and brought out a glass pocket watch. He stared at it dearly, then looked back up at Kai with a grin on his face. ¡°It was wonderful meeting you, Kai.¡± Then, like a rocket, two giant black wings shot out from his shoulder blades. They crowded the tiny restaurant. Kai stared in awe at the thick, inky feathers.


    ¡°What are you?¡± Kai could barely get his words out.


    Rupert responded with a wink, then flew out the window. Kai watched as his frame soared through the sky, the rain still thundering on the sand, and still, he flew upwards, higher and higher until he was nothing but a tiny dot in the sky.


    ¡°Kai?¡± Kai¡¯s mother grabbed onto his arm tightly, and he shook himself out of his faded memory.


    ¡°I met a man a few months ago, and he recommended me to the Aetherwing Brigade.¡±


    ¡°You never said anything.¡±


    ¡°I thought nothing of it. I didn¡¯t think they would accept me.¡±


    Kai¡¯s father crossed his arms over his chest and nodded to himself. ¡°This is remarkable, Kai. You will go.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, Ayinde¡ª¡± his mother protested. ¡°Alaska is terribly far away; who will take care of the farm?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll close the farm. Sell the dragons.¡±


    ¡°This farm has been in my family for generations. It is an affront to my ancestors¡ª¡±


    ¡°And will the ancestors put food on the table?¡± At his father¡¯s raised voice, Korede ran to Kai and put his arms around his waist, burying his curls into Kai¡¯s stomach. Kai stroked his hair lightly.


    ¡°I was told I¡¯d be paid more than enough to support the family,¡± Kai mentioned meekly.


    ¡°You see, Monifa! It will not be a problem.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the problem.¡± Kai spotted pinpricks of tears seep out of his mother¡¯s eyes. ¡°Ayinde, you are too blinded by success. The problem is that my child will be leaving for a long time.¡± His mother turned out of the door into the farm. Her sobs lingered in her wake.


    Kai¡¯s father shook his head. ¡°Kai, your mother is too emotional. Too anchored by tradition and propriety. The world is changing, and she is unable to see that this farm is not working.¡± His father placed his arms around him and engulfed him in a hug. It did not feel warm but perfunctory. Still, Kai held on like it was a lifeline. ¡°You cannot pass an opportunity like this up. It will not come again. So you will go. I¡¯ll speak to your mother.¡±


    Kai watched as his father ran into the farm. He watched as his parents engaged in a heated debate underneath the fading sun, the last of the crops spoiling around them.


    Korede breathed into Kai¡¯s scratchy fabric; his fingers felt like knives.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you so much.¡±


    ¡°Korede¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re going to leave me.¡± He looked up at Kai, his crimson eyes burning fiercely. ¡°Please write to me; I want to know everything.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t go.¡± Kai sank to his knees so he could look his brother in the eyes. ¡°Not if you don¡¯t want me to.¡±


    ¡°You heard Baba. The farm is failing. We need the money.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about such things.¡±


    ¡°And it will be amazing. I¡¯ve heard about the Aetherwing before. You¡¯re going to have so much fun.¡±


    ¡°Korede, I mean it. I. won¡¯t. go.¡±


    Korede shook his head fiercely. He pulled at Kai¡¯s hand and pointed to the farm. Kai followed silently, walking with Korede through the fields until they reached their parents, who had finished bickering. Kai¡¯s mother¡¯s face was awash with tears, and his father held her in his arms. At the end of the farm, there was an old tree. It bore no fruit. No matter how many times Kai roared, it remained empty. Kai¡¯s father had suggested cutting it to make more space for crops, but his mother had balked at that idea.


    ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s okay for something to be beautiful and serve no other purpose.¡± And beautiful it was. Kai¡¯s breath almost caught at his parents huddled together underneath the gnarled oak. Korede crawled over to them, fitting between them perfectly.


    Kai watched them for a moment, a vision of the picture-perfect family.


    ¡°Kai?¡± His father spoke quietly. ¡°Do you want to go? Do you want to join the Aetherwing Brigade?¡±


    A harsh roar pierced through the sky. It was the call of the baby dragons settling in to sleep.


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡± Kai wandered over into his father¡¯s arms. His mother stroked his cheek, and his brother wrapped his tiny fingers over Kai¡¯s hands.


    Kai fought the urge to cry. Instead, he breathed in and out deeply until he felt his brother fall asleep in his lap, until the sunshine finally faded away into a dark, inky night, and the tears had dried from his mother¡¯s cheek.

 Chapter 2 - ISAAC

    Isaac could taste vomit in his mouth.


    Gosh. Not again.


    He ran haphazardly towards the rear of the ship, bending over and retching into the murky waters.


    For a moment, he almost missed London¡ªthe dark smog of the streets and the heady, burning scent of the factory where he worked tirelessly. The only ocean he had ever known was the River Thames, glimpsed as he trudged to work. But this kind of ocean¡ªvast, rolling waves with no land in sight¡ªengulfed him in a deep and listless fear.


    It certainly didn¡¯t help that he woke up feeling sick constantly, his pale skin taking on an unflattering greenish pallor. Nobody else on the ship seemed to care; it was staffed by a handful of stone-faced naval guards who worked for Aetherwing.


    ¡°When are we getting to Alaska?¡± Isaac remembered asking on one horribly homesick morning. The guard stationed outside his room seemed more interested in getting the gunk out of his fingernails. ¡°Soon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been well over a week, I was told it didn¡¯t take more than twelve nights.¡±


    ¡°We had to take a detour.¡±


    ¡°A detour to where!¡± The sense of impending fear rose in Isaac once more, he tempered it down by biting into his lip hard.


    ¡°Nigeria.¡±


    ¡°Nigeria? What the bloody ¡®ell are you talking about?¡±


    The guard had said nothing, only pointed a bored finger onto the horizon. Isaac watched with feverish eyes as their ship slowly docked on what looked like an island.


    They remained docked on the pier for well over three days. Isaac tried to petition the guards to let him get off the ship and go for a little wander, maybe even a tryst with a Lagosian mermaid, but they dismissed his demands with nothing more than an eye roll, stating that it wasn¡¯t ¡°wise¡± and they were instructed to ensure that the ¡°elven boy remain on the ship¡±.


    It seemed he had spent his entire time on the ocean doubled over and gasping, retching his poor excuse for a breakfast overboard like clockwork. He hoped the fish liked scrambled eggs.


    Bored of vomiting, Isaac returned to his room. It was no bigger than a cupboard, with a long bed with scratchy linens and a little window where he could look out into the ocean and wonder when on earth he was going to arrive in Alaska. He opened his suitcase and pored through his elvish contrivance. Isaac liked building gadgets, underwater sea goggles, a pipe that never ran out of tobacco, and his favourite invention thus far - a gyro stablised pocket telescope. It was small enough to fit into his waistcoat pocket but can also be extended fully into a functional telescope. He had fitted it with gyroscopic gears to stabilise the view.


    Isaac thought of that strange man, Rupert something or other, who was waiting for Isaac outside of the factory. He was dressed as a soldier, arms shoved deep into his pockets. Isaac could feel the thick burn of smoke setting deep into his lungs. His factory job would soon kill him if he continued. But it wasn¡¯t like he had much choice. His mother was one of those ¡®organic, true to nature elves¡¯ she hated the fast growing technologies invading London, the new steam trains and those ¡°blasted airships¡±. She had escaped into the forest with her latest conquest, a woodland sprite (who may or may not be around Isaac¡¯s age) and left Isaac alone with his volatile father. As soon as Isaac turned eleven his father employed him into numerous workhouses. Sometimes he climbed up chimneys and incinerated dead rats and possums with his inventions. Other times he was employed at the factories, spinning silk or brewing beer at the distilleries. The boiling processes were powered by coal fired steam engines. Isaac could never quite get the smell of beer and ale out of his clothes.


    His father relished using him as a cash cow, and without Isaac¡¯s philanderer of a mother to confront him, he could exploit Isaac as much as he wanted. Isaac felt like a hamster stuck in a wheel; rent prices were atrociously high, so try as he might, if he wanted a warm bed to sleep in and a meal in his belly, he had to live with his father, who burned through money on alcohol and gambling. The last time Isaac tried to withhold money from him, he was beaten so badly that he could taste his own blood whenever he tried to speak.


    So yes, life was terribly miserable. But Isaac was used to that misery, he revelled in it. In fact after his father had beaten him up he had taken a placard, wrote ¡®Please help. Need money.¡¯ And sat outside of Paddington for almost three hours, collected dimes and pennies into a straw hat and used the money to see a physician. So not only was Isaac miserable he was resourceful.


    ¡°Isaac Thorne?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Isaac stared at the soldier with a bored look.


    ¡°I¡¯m Rupert Lowe. I believe I have something of yours.¡± From his pocket emerged Isaac¡¯s gyro stablised pocket telescope. Rupert held it in his hands as if it were gold. ¡°This is remarkable.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m not selling.¡± Isaac knew that his inventions¡ªwell, some of them¡ªwere ingenious. He had even had a stint selling them and pursuing other business endeavors, but he had been ripped off and swindled more times than he could count. Because of that, he accepted that his gadgetry was for himself alone.


    ¡°I have a better proposition for you. How do you feel about joining the Aetherwing Brigade?¡±


    ¡°Are you taking the piss?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very serious.¡±


    And serious he was, so incredibly serious even that Isaac had somehow found his way on a massive sea faring ship, enroute to Alaska of all places. He had said not a word to his Father, stealing away in the early morning with a hastily packed suitcase and a smattering of resolve.


    Isaac left his room with the telescope, he leaned over the edge of the ship, placing the lens carefully to his eye, and watched as the naval guards who had left the ship earlier walk back steadily, holding two heavy suitcases underneath their arms. Isaac looked frantically around them. Was somebody else coming on this ship?


    Could it perhaps be one of those pretty Lagosian mermaids he had spotted earlier? He almost blushed himself into a frenzy when a girl with a gold shimmering tail and thick heavy braids winked at him from beneath the still waters.


    Instead clambering onto the ship was a talk hulk of a man. He was dressed in a muddied threadbare shirt, fabric bracelets tied to his wrists. His hair was wild and curly, his skin as dark and as smooth as the glaring sun, he looked over at Isaac with an inquisitive expression, his eyes, gosh, a searing amber.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    A guard passed them both, face impassive as ever. ¡°New recruits, we should be arriving in Alaska in approximately twenty four days, if there are any changes we will let you know.¡±


    ¡°Are there going to be anymore detours?¡± Isaac asked with a curl of his lip.


    ¡°No.¡± The guard strode away briskly; joining his other combatants to whisper inconspicuously to themselves.


    ¡°Well, welcome aboard to the ship that may or may not be going to Alaska.¡± Isaac shot out a hand to the man in front of him. ¡°I¡¯m Isaac. If you couldn¡¯t tell I¡¯m an elf.¡± Isaac pointed off handedly to his pointed ears.


    The man grasped his hands. Isaac almost shook with how warm they were. Yes, Isaac had some rudimentary knowledge that Africa was hot, he wasn¡¯t an idiot, but this man¡¯s warmth travelled all the way through his fingertips to the bottom of his toes, he could almost feel it dissipating the thick heady smoke that lived in his lungs.


    ¡°Kai. I¡¯m a dragonborn.¡± His voice was deep and rugged.


    ¡°Oh that explains why you¡¯re so warm.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we tend to run hot.¡± Kai smiled then. Isaac was blinded by how shiny and white his teeth were. He subconciously run a tongue over his teeth and quickly regretted it because he could still taste the vomit lingering in the back of his throat.


    ¡°Have the guards shown you your room?¡±


    ¡°No they¡¯re quite cryptic.¡±


    Isaac scoffed at that. ¡°Bloody useless they are, almost drove myself mad on this ship.¡± Isaac directed Kai down the steps into the heart of the ship, and pointed towards his room and the one opposite. ¡°That should be yours.¡± Isaac had a nosey around the ship the first few days he arrived, when he was still high on the fact that he - a no-name elf - was going to be conscripted to the Aetherwing Brigade of all places. Kai¡¯s room was identical to his, apart from the fact that the window didn¡¯t look out into the ocean but instead to some hastily constructed wood. (Finders, keepers and all that).


    The guards had already deposited his suitcase on his bed. Kai shoved it to the floor and sat on the bed, sighing heavily. Isaac watched him in the doorway for a moment. He was so large. His muscles almost burst out of his shirt, and those eyes. He had never seen anything like it. Dragonborn he said. He had never met a creature like that before. Was that who Isaac was competing with? He was an elf, he tinkered, he created gadgets, could he really make a name for himself at Aetherwing? What would he be doing anyway?


    Kai was digging around in his suitcase, then he pulled out what looked like parcels of food wrapped up in newspaper.


    ¡°Would you like some? My mother packed a lot of meat pies.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Isaac joined Kai on the bed, biting into the meat pie with gusto. It was spicy and tasty and perhaps the best thing he had eaten since he stepped foot on this blasted ship.


    ¡°So, are you excited?¡± Isaac bundled the newspapers into his hands. He had finished eating that way too quickly.


    ¡°Yes. This is a life changing opportunity for me.¡± Isaac caught a faraway look seep into Kai¡¯s expression. ¡°My family are counting on me.¡±


    ¡°What did you do before?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a farmer. Well was.¡± That explained all the muscles. ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°Worked in a factory.¡± Isaac didn¡¯t elaborate, he wasn¡¯t sure how much of his sordid history he could share. ¡°Wanna go spot mermaids?¡± Isaac dusted off his trousers and stood up. ¡°I can hear the ship moving, if we¡¯re quick we can probably watch them do those funny little arc jumps.¡±


    Kai followed Isaac wordlessly. They watched the horizon for a long time, the ship edging further away from Lagos. Isaac watched the waters for mermaids, really he was looking through the corner of his eye at Kai. He couldn¡¯t help it really, everyone in the underbelly of London sort of looked like him, pale, sickly, coughing up heady smoke. Kai looked strong, capable. As if he could fell armies with a flick of his hand, arrest an enemy with the arch of an eyebrow and the glint of his amber gaze.


    ¡°You keep looking at me.¡± Kai said it quietly. The sky had turned dark and inkless. It was the night that scared Isaac the most. The ship out at sea, the horrible empty silence. A few of the guards stood at different ends of the ship watching the waters with an eagle eye.


    ¡°Sorry I¡¯ve never seen anyone that looks like you before.¡±


    ¡°Neither have I. I like how bright your hair is.¡± Isaac tugged at one of his ginger curls delicately. ¡°Thank you, my mother used to call me a carrot.¡± She actually called Isaac her carrot baby, but Isaac wasn¡¯t about to tell him that.


    Suddenly at the quell of the ship the guards started shouting at each other. ¡°HALT, TELL CAPTAIN TO HALT.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Isaac shuffled closer to Kai.


    Then the water underneath them bubbled. The ship started to rock harshly from side to side. Isaac swore underneath his breath, skidding to the floor, his knees scraping against the hard wood. The guards started shucking out arrows and swords, brandishing them about as if they were in a play.


    Isaac stood up carefully, peering over at the water, the bubbling had stopped, then it started again, giant angry black bubbles started popping riotously. Then what looked like a gigantic hand arose from the water. It dove down and encased Isaac. He felt the water wrap around him covering him in a thick murky liquid. He couldn¡¯t breath, he could feel his feet rising from the floor of the ship and the murky liquid shrouding him back into the ocean.


    So this was it then. Forget the Aetherwing Brigade. Forget glory, riches, fame, acclaim. Isaac¡¯s life would end here, encased in some scary black sea water monster, an elf forgotten forever. Then he felt something miraculous, hot scorching heat swirled around him, it burned even. Seeping into his fingers and toes and the ends of his ginger locks. The monster kept barrelling further and further into the sky, where Isaac could just about make out the dark storm clouds and the glow of the moon. The heat continued to barrage through, scorching the black liquid until it dissipated and Isaac was falling, falling -


    ¡°Caught you.¡± Kai held Isaac in his arms. He was so cold. Another black hand emerged from the water, and Isaac watched enraptured as Kai roared, a dazzling red flame shot out of his mouth and incinerated the monster into nothing but dripping hot blobs of black liquid. Isaac could hear the guards shouting to each other, flinging pointless arrows into the water and pedalling the ship faster towards the moon.


    Isaac wrapped his hands around Kai¡¯s neck shivering. He could still feel the heat from Kai¡¯s lips. It burned around him and he held on tighter.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Kai asked again.


    Isaac shook his head, for once in his life he was speechless.


    A guard wandered over to them. ¡°Are you both okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are. What was that?¡± Kat responded for the both of them.


    ¡°We suspect some magic has been at play, we can¡¯t say for certain if they were targeting the Aetherwing Brigade or not, but we¡¯ve had some guards get off the ship and survey the waters. They¡¯re clear so fingers crossed, there should be no more interceptions.¡± The guard looked at Kai with a sharp and clean eye. ¡°Thank you for destroying the monster. We will be informing Aetherwing of your valiant efforts.¡±


    Kai nodded briskly. Isaac clung tightly to Kai¡¯s neck, still shivering. He let go slowly, watching Kai¡¯s worried expression draw over his face. Isaac didn¡¯t know much about the Aetherwing Brigade if he was being honest, only that they earned a lot of money and obnoxiously flew around those ¡°blasted airships¡± his mother hated so much. He didn¡¯t know if he had signed himself up for some sort of suicide mission. Or if this was all some elaborate scam to kill him that his Father had set up. (Although Isaac didn¡¯t think his Father was all that smart). He did know however that he would trust Kai with his life. He looked into that amber gaze, felt his warmth creep up around him and fought the urge to bow or do something utterly embarrassing. Instead he grabbed onto Kai¡¯s shirt, and dipped his trembling face into Kai¡¯s shoulder.


    Isaac searched his mind for the right words to say to Kai. Thank you maybe, or, I¡¯m indebted to you, or I will do anything for you.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me.¡± Gosh, could he be anymore awkward?


    Isaac lifted his head from Kai¡¯s shoulder, trembling, backing away from him in slight mortification. Kai only stepped closer. He brought a steady hand to Isaac¡¯s chin and lifted it up to meet his eyes.


    ¡°Never Isaac. We¡¯re going to take on Aetherwing together.¡±


    ¡°Promise?¡±


    Then Kai smiled, that bright blinding smile he did earlier in the morning, when Isaac hadn¡¯t almost gotten engulfed by a sea monster.


    ¡°Promise.¡±

 Chapter 3 - KAI

    ¡°What¡¯s London like?¡±


    Kai couldn¡¯t help his curiosity surrounding the ginger haired elf. He catalogued the freckles sprinkled on his nose, those long weak limbs, the slight green tint to his skin.


    ¡°Sorry what?¡± Isaac was watching the water warily. He looked as if he were going to faint.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Following the sea water monster incident, Isaac had locked himself in his room for several days, only emerging to eat and gaze at the water as if it were going to ensnare him. Kai attempted to engage in conversation but he seemed irritable and cagey. Instead Kai wrote long swirling letters addressed to his brother. He wrote about the sea monster they encountered, the stone faced guards, how horrible and dry the food was, the perpetual ocean, the ginger - haired green eyed elf who pleaded with Kai not to leave him.


    He thought about his Father¡¯s words to him before he boarded the ship.


    ¡°It¡¯s very likely you¡¯re the only one of your kind when you arrive at Aetherwing.¡±


    ¡°What, do you mean Nigerian?¡±


    ¡°No, I mean a dragonborn. People will use you for it, exploit you, it¡¯s up to you to discern who your allies are, and who is foe.¡±


    Kai dragged a pointed finger across the wooded balcony of the ship. He looked at Isaac again. ¡°Seriously are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I just get a bit sea sick.¡±


    ¡°A bit?¡± Kai noted Isaac got up a time when he thought nobody would notice and would retch nearly every morning. Could someone that weak survive at Aetherwing?


    ¡°My immune system isn¡¯t that strong. In London I worked at a multitude of different factories. They were packed full of smoke. I used to breath that in everyday. The sea air is very fresh so I think my body isn¡¯t used to it and is trying to adjust.¡±


    Kai hummed to himself. ¡°I think I could help, if you¡¯d let me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I think you¡¯ve done enough. I¡¯ve certainly made a fool of myself.¡±


    ¡°Do you remember what I said to you the other day Isaac?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that we¡¯re going to take on Aetherwing together¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Kai brought a steady hand to Isaac¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve decided you¡¯re my ally. So let me help you.¡±


    Isaac nodded, darting his eyes to the floor. Kai led him to his room. His last letter to his brother was still sprawled on the tiny desk, the ink still fresh.


    Isaac sat down tentatively on the bed, his eyes wove down the pages. ¡°Who are you writing to?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°My brother Korede.¡± Kai chuckled to himself. ¡°He made me promise that I write to him about everything I¡¯m experiencing, I have no doubt that my mother put him up to it.¡± Kai clapped his hands suddenly. ¡°Anyway, lie down on the bed and take your shirt off.¡± With a swift hand Kai removed his threadbare shirt lazily.


    ¡°W-what¡­I¡¯m not into-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing nefarious.¡± Kai grinned, Isaac¡¯s face turned bright red, his ears twitched.


    Isaac complied, lying down on the bed facing up, he curled his lips into themselves, he shivered.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to lie on top of you.¡± Kai continued. ¡°If you feel uncomfortable I¡¯ll stop immediately, but it will be uncomfortable for only a moment.¡± Tentatively Kai laid down on Isaac¡¯s body. He was so cold. Up close, Kai could see how thin he was, his hollowed out cheekbones and his eyes ringed in dark circles. He was so thin that Kai could feel his ribs scratching against his stomach.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to turn you over now so you¡¯re laying on top of me.¡± Kai stretched his hands around Isaac¡¯s back, swiftly he flipped them over so Isaac was on top. His face was horribly flushed.


    ¡°Okay?¡± Kai whispered.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Isaac mumbled to himself.


    ¡°Close your eyes. Wrap your hands around my back.¡±


    Isaac followed Kai¡¯s instructions. Kai could feel the sharp point of his elbows digging into his back. He breathed deeply and then roared. Instead of the flame jutting out of his mouth, Kai swallowed the flame so his own skin burned hot like a furnace. He gripped tighter onto Isaac absorbing the flames into his body, locating the source of the deep black smoke that corroded his lungs.


    ¡°It hurts.¡± Isaac whimpered.


    ¡°Just a little more.¡± Kai swallowed more of his flame, pressing his heat further into the smoke, slowly it began to dissipate. Sweat appeared on his brow, Kai fought the urge to swipe it off. ¡°Okay almost done.¡±


    Kai felt tears falling on his shoulder. Isaac had collapsed onto Kai¡¯s neck, crying and clenching his teeth. Kai halted his flames, the last of the smoke had disappeared quietly. Still he held onto Isaac tightly, rocking him back and forth until his cries seized.


    Isaac detached himself, looking down into Kai¡¯s eyes in awe. ¡°What did you do?¡± He rubbed at his eyes furiously. ¡°I feel like I can breathe.¡±


    ¡°I corroded the smoke that lived in your lungs. There was quite a lot of it. I wasn¡¯t able to get rid of all it because of how much had been building up over the years, but your immunity should start improving.¡±


    ¡°Oh my gosh. I don¡¯t even know what to say.¡± Isaac choked as if he was about to cry but stopped himself. ¡°You¡¯re incredible. First you save my life and now you¡¯ve cured me of my long time ailment. I can¡¯t repay you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to repay me.¡± Kai dragged at one of Isaac¡¯s curls. He watched carefully as it sponged back up to frame his face. His eyelashes were so light. His eyes green and pulsing like they were trying to capture every part of him.


    Kai, however was lying. The minute he met Isaac he could tell the type of person he was, skittish, unsure of himself, sarcastic even, weak. But he spied in his room all sorts of curious gadgets, he wouldn¡¯t be going to Aetherwing if there wasn¡¯t something miraculous about him. If Kai was going to make a name for himself, if he was going to rise up the ranks to become a Lieutenant, and earn enough money so his mother would never have to work again, enough so that Korede could have a future for himself where he could do anything he wanted, he had to have his wits about him. He wanted the ginger- haired elf on his side. He wanted his unbending loyalty.


    ¡°Just be my ally. Like I said earlier.¡±


    ¡°Is that enough?¡± Isaac leaned into him, pressing his fragile hands into Kai¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t think its enough.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be more than enough. I assure you.¡±


    The door to Kai¡¯s room creaked open and a guard stepped in briskly. His eyebrow went up a notch at the scene laid before him. Isaac, whose face was still red and raw from crying, on top of Kai, both of them shirtless.


    ¡°Sorry to disrupt, whatever this is.¡± Kai almost spotted a smirk creep into the guard¡¯s lips. ¡°But we¡¯ve reached Alaska, the ship is docking in twenty minutes.¡±

 Chapter 4 - ISAAC

    Alaska was bloody cold.


    The guards wordlessly handed them two thick woolen coats, but Isaac could still taste the frigid chill. London never got this cold. Kai slipped an arm around Isaac¡¯s waist and took a deep breath. Isaac felt Kai''s warmth seep into his limbs, warming him from the inside. He refused to think about the incident on the ship. Now that he was nearing Aetherwing, it was time to stop acting like a petulant, sick child and instead like a soldier worthy of standing beside someone like Kai.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Isaac whispered to Kai, who nodded, following the guards up the snowy trail with a determined expression. After trudging for what felt like four hours Isaac spotted a gleaming object in the sky.


    It was a blasted airship. And not just any type of airship, it wasn¡¯t like the rusty black steam powered air balloons that covered London in a perpetual heady smog. This one gleamed with gilded gold and cobalt, its side emblazoned with the massive insignia of the Aetherwing Brigade. From the edges of its windows flew two large flags, boldly bearing the motto: Guardians of the Sky, Keepers of Peace in elegant calligraphy. Isaac stopped in his tracks, awestruck by the imposing machine floating before him. A flicker of fear gripped him.


    ¡°How on earth are we supposed to get on there?¡± He wondered out loud. One of the guards procured a horn from their seemingly endless pockets and blew harshly. A long rope ladder descended from the gilded machine, swaying in the slight chill and wind.


    ¡°We climb.¡± A guard responded briskly before nimbly hauling himself up and climbing into the airship with a practiced ease.


    Isaac watched them worriedly. This was his last chance to back out. He could still spot the ship glimmering on the horizon. Maybe he couldn¡¯t do this. He remembered the words his Father said to him that horrible day he decided to keep some money for himself, after he had finished stomping on his head and kicking his ribs.


    ¡°Isaac.¡± He had grabbed onto Isaac¡¯s locks with a fierceness, drawing his trembling face to his father¡¯s bottle green eyes. ¡°It¡¯s almost endearing seeing you keep money from me. What do you think you can do with a couple of coppers eh? Your mother left ya because you don¡¯t have the guts. If you think surviving in the forest is hard try surviving in London on your own.¡± His father spat in his face. ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a sack of bones, elf eared garbage. I¡¯m granting you a kindness by keeping you with me. You¡¯re nothing without me.¡±


    Isaac tried to spit the words out, tried to let it slap back into his father¡¯s face like corrosive acid, but they seeped into his skin, poisoned his mind and every thought.


    ¡°Climb.¡± Isaac felt Kai¡¯s word tickle his ear. Kai let go of the death grip he had wrapped around Isaac¡¯s waist. He felt the cold permeate his body swiftly.


    ¡°You heard me little elf.¡± Kai lifted an eyebrow, his searing amber eyes glittered in the harsh wind. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you here.¡± With a few quick strides Kai hoisted himself up the ladder. Isaac watched as he disappeared into the hulk of the ship.


    It was now or never.


    Isaac climbed.


    The airship was enormous. Purple and gold lanterns hung from the walls on all sides. In the middle stood a raised platform, the space surrounding it was packed with recruits. Isaac tried to count their numbers to no avail¡ªclose to sixty, perhaps. A swell of anxiety rose within him, he fought the urge to climb back down the ship and melt into the wind below.


    Kai held onto the flap of his woolen coat, seeking his comfort Isaac slightly leaned into him.


    ¡°RECRUITS.¡± With a sudden burst, a plume of smoke billowed out from the raised platform, and a tall, lean woman with wide, sweeping wings surveyed the recruits with a quirk of her lip. Isaac gazed in awe at her iron-pressed uniform, a glorious blue emblazoned with the Aetherwing Brigade insignia on her chest.


    ¡°How are you all?¡± she continued, her voice warm and smooth. ¡°I¡¯m sure it was a long and arduous journey, but you are here now as new recruits at Aetherwing!¡± The airship erupted into rapturous applause. ¡°If you didn¡¯t know, I¡¯m General Elara Windrider, and I will be leading the 105th class of the Aetherwing Brigade. If I¡¯m correct, there should be sixty of you here. You are all training recruits, which means that by the end of this year, many of you will not graduate to become part of the main recruits.¡± Her eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Around half of you will make it to next year, and most of the time, people choose to leave on their own.¡±


    ¡°Hope that won¡¯t be me,¡± Isaac quipped to Kai, whose face was focused intently on Windrider.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Alaska is our headquarters, but the Aetherwing is a global institution. You will all have the opportunity to travel around the world for various missions.¡± She clapped her hands, and emerging from her left was Rupert Lowe, the British soldier who had come to Isaac that day and changed his life. ¡°You may recognise this man,¡± she said, giving him a fond look. ¡°He recruited many of you, and he¡¯ll be your second point of contact for any concerns. Rupert, I¡¯m sure you can take it from here; I have many things I need to work on.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, General.¡± Rupert swooped low and bowed to Windrider, who then vanished in a plume of heady smoke. Rupert batted it away with an innocent roll of his eyes. ¡°LOOK ALIVE!¡± he shouted.


    The recruits jumped. ¡°Just joking.¡± Rupert tucked his hands into his pockets and looked deeply at each of the recruits. Isaac felt himself shaking in his snow-trodden boots.


    ¡°Alright, so you¡¯ll all be divided into squads. Your success hinges on the success of your squad. Throughout this airship¡ª¡± Rupert pointed lazily down the endless hallway¡ª¡°you will have dorm rooms that you will share with your assigned troop. The interesting thing about the way the airship is designed is that your dorm room doubles as your living space; it can also detach and form your own squadron-assigned airship. Remarkable, isn¡¯t it?¡± A murmur of assent swept through the ship. ¡°Now, I won¡¯t bore you all. I¡¯ll come and see each squad as soon as possible to assign you your missions. Bear in mind that you are being assessed at all times. DEPART.¡±


    There was an awkward moment when all the recruits remained in the open hall, confused, before a few started marching decisively down the hallway.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯d be too much to hope for if we were placed in the same squad,¡± Isaac murmured to himself, almost assuming Kai didn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Kai responded. ¡°I have a feeling we were.¡± Isaac followed Kai down the winding hallways. The carpet was a plush velvet purple, and the walls were lined with paintings of fairies, wizards, and vampires adorned in the cobalt blue Aetherwing uniform, calm expressions etched on their lithe faces. They rounded another corner until they stopped at a red wooden door. A placard was affixed to the front; it read:


    ISAAC THORNE


    KAI AJEWOLE


    BAYU SANTOSO


    TOMOYA TAKEDA


    Isaac traced his name silently, scarcely believing he was here. ¡°You were right.¡±


    Kai nodded. ¡°I think we were placed together on that ship purposefully.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Isaac snorted. ¡°You think the sea monster was on purpose too?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Kai grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    In the heart of the room was a large, polished table made of dark mahogany, its surface scattered with an array of gadgets and gizmos¡ªcomplex compasses, brass telescopes, and intricate map tools¡ªall neatly arranged yet ready for action. A small, softly glowing crystal orb rested at the center, casting a warm, golden light that illuminated the room with a hint of mystique.


    To the left, a tall cupboard sat stocked with rations: dried fruits, packets of nuts, sealed cans, and an assortment of other preserved foods for long voyages. Everything was meticulously organized, with each shelf labeled and carefully arranged.


    To the right, were four rooms fitted with sturdy beds stacked snugly against the wall, draped in crisp, navy-blue blankets embroidered with the Aetherwing insignia. Isaac thought the beds were a far cry from the scratchy linens he usually shrouded himself in.


    In striking contrast to the beds, a lavish bathing chamber with a gilded bathtub was tucked into the corner, its brass fixtures gleaming under the warm light. The tub was lined with an array of premium soaps, oils, and lotions, each in elegantly labeled glass bottles.


    ¡°Look over here!¡± Kai called over to Isaac, holding up a stack of neatly pressed uniforms.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re talking!¡± Isaac grinned, reaching for one of the uniforms.


    Just then, the door creaked open, and a tall figure stepped in. Isaac looked up to see a man with shoulder-length hair and a robe of deep blue that swept just above the floor. Rings adorned his fingers, catching the soft light as he moved, he carried himself with a calm, regal air. His gaze was sharp but gentle.


    ¡°Hello.¡± The man nodded slightly, an understated gesture that was somehow commanding despite its modesty.


    Isaac straightened up. ¡°Hi, nice to meet you! I¡¯m Isaac¡ªI''m an elf.¡± He pointed to his ears, a small, nervous smile playing on his face.


    Kai chimed in with an easy smile. ¡°And I¡¯m Kai. Dragonborn.¡±


    The man gave them both a once-over, then moved to the table, seating himself gracefully and spreading his legs as he leaned back. ¡°Bayu. I¡¯m a wizard.¡±


    Isaac swallowed, feeling a twinge of self-doubt as he looked between Kai and Bayu. A dragonborn and a wizard? Both had an aura of strength and power that he couldn¡¯t help but envy. While most elves excelled in their connection with nature, Isaac¡¯s skills weren¡¯t exactly... impressive. He could barely manage the magic to cobble together his inventions, let alone conjure spells like Bayu.


    Bayu¡¯s eyes flicked to the door. ¡°I wonder where Tomoya is,¡± he mused, almost to himself.


    ¡°Tomoya is preoccupied,¡± came a voice from the doorway. Rupert Lowe strode into the room, regarding the new recruits with a sheepish smile. ¡°You¡¯ll meet him soon enough, but there¡¯s a lot to cover first. I¡¯m sure you can all catch him up on what he¡¯s missed.¡±


    Rupert clapped his hands together. ¡°First off, your squad leader is Kai. Kai, you¡¯ll have the important role of guiding all four of you. Your first mission will be delivered tomorrow, after you complete the Convergence Trial.¡± He paused, letting the name sink in. ¡°It¡¯s a regimen designed to build trust and sync you as a unit.¡±


    ¡°So, freshen up, get into your uniforms, and head to the room at the end of the airship to begin the Convergence Trial. Any questions?¡±


    Isaac raised his hand, but Rupert only gave him a brief, knowing glance before continuing. ¡°Good.¡± His gaze softened, as if sensing Isaac¡¯s uncertainty (Isaac couldn¡¯t imagine Kai feeling uncertain about anything). ¡°Welcome to the Aetherwing Brigade. I know it¡¯s overwhelming, but you¡¯ll all adapt quickly.¡±

 Chapter 5 - KAI

    The Convergence Trial took place in a small room with no windows. Scattered on the floor were a myriad of bright coloured pillows. Kai gingerly sat on a red one and tucked his hands into his lap. He couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the fact that he was appointed leader. Kai was no stranger to responsibility, given his arduous tasks at the farm. However he felt a layer of uncertainty in assuming a leadership role. It wasn¡¯t just cauliflower or green beans he was responsible for, but people.


    ¡°What do you think the Convergence Trial is anyway?¡± Isaac quipped, he shifted uncomfortably on the pillow. ¡°Is that Rupert guy going to come in here and show us what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Not Rupert.¡± Kai turned his head to see General Elara Windrider stride in, her hands were on her hips. The recruits stood up immediately, bowing their heads slightly. She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. ¡°Sit, sit no need for any proprieties.¡± Windrider looked around the room in confusion. ¡°Where is the fourth recruit? I was informed Squad fourteen had four soldiers.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not sure General.¡± Kai spoke up.


    ¡°Hmm. That¡¯ll be a problem then. The Convergence Trial is all about bonding with your fellow recruits, if the bond is strong enough its possible to hear each other in your minds which will aid you when your in missions.¡± From her pocket she brought out a candle and incense. With swift efficiency she lit the candle and let the sweet smoke sweep into the air. ¡°It¡¯s very simple really, just sit round in a circle, hold hands and breath in the smoke. You¡¯ll have to do the trial again when Tomoya arrives, but we¡¯re currently out of the incense needed so it¡¯ll be another few months.¡± She nodded at them. ¡°Well get on with it then.¡± Kai watched as she left the room without a backward glance.


    He felt extremely awkward all of a sudden, aware of the fact that he was still in his threadbare farm clothes, sweaty and slightly sea sick from the long journey to Alaska. He was beginning to feel a little comfortable around Isaac, Bayu was a mystery to him though. He hadn¡¯t said a word since arriving in the room. He sat with a straight posture, his hands clasped neatly to him, his eyebrows raised slightly.


    ¡°Shall we start before the incense burns out?¡± Kai reached his hands out tentatively. Isaac took it with no hesitation, his hand was slightly damp. Bayu¡¯s hand was strong and smooth. Kai cringed at the deep callouses on his hands.


    The smell of the candle was like cinnamon and bergamot. He breathed it in deeply and closed his eyes. Kai didn¡¯t know the first thing to do in establishing a bond. He squeezed tighter on Isaac¡¯s hands, opening his lungs and taking another whiff of the candle, slowly it was as if he saw a white twirling light dancing in a black space.


    Isaac? Isaac can you hear me?


    The silence around them grew thick, wrapping the two in a cocoon as they sat cross-legged, fingers intertwined. Kai felt the warmth of Isaac¡¯s hands as if it were sinking into his very core, steadying him. He breathed in sync with Isaac, allowing his heartbeat to settle into a similar rhythm.


    Yes, Isaac¡¯s voice echoed in Kai¡¯s mind, soft and hesitant. I can hear you.


    Kai felt a surge of relief, his thoughts brushing against Isaac¡¯s like the faintest touch of fingers against skin. Slowly, the light between them grew, forming into threads that wove through the darkness, connecting their minds in a way that felt more real than words. Kai could feel Isaac¡¯s pulse as his own, every tiny beat echoing back to him, both comforting and electric.


    What are you feeling? Kai asked, almost shyly, as if afraid to disturb the fragile connection.


    Isaac¡¯s presence warmed, his thoughts blooming into soft colors that Kai felt rather than saw. I¡¯m¡­ nervous, he admitted. And¡­ I don¡¯t know, I feel exposed. He squeezed Kai¡¯s hands tighter, grounding himself. But with you here¡­ it feels safe.


    In that moment, a rush of memories flashed through Kai¡¯s mind¡ªimages of Isaac¡¯s childhood, his workshop cluttered with half-finished inventions, the harsh glare of his father, the smoke of the factories. Kai inhaled sharply, feeling Isaac¡¯s essence imprinted within him, as if they were no longer two separate beings but part of a single heartbeat.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    I can feel you, Kai murmured, astonished, his voice soft even within their joined minds. Like I¡¯m part of you.


    Isaac¡¯s thoughts shimmered, brushing against Kai¡¯s in something close to a smile. I guess¡­ that¡¯s the bond.


    For a moment, they sat there in silence, bound by the faint, glimmering light that pulsed between them. It was as if every breath, every heartbeat, was now shared, deepening their connection until Kai could no longer tell where he ended and Isaac began.


    Shall we try to reach for Bayu? Isaac¡¯s voice was gentle, but there was a trace of curiosity Kai could feel rippling through their bond.


    Kai took a deep breath, grounding himself, then nodded. Yes. Let¡¯s reach for him together.


    They stretched out their joined thoughts, letting the white light spill outward, like a thread searching for Bayu in the dark. At first, there was silence¡ªa sort of muted resistance, like their minds were brushing against a heavy velvet curtain. Kai could almost feel the distance in Bayu, as though he were standing just beyond reach, hesitant to let them in.


    And then, with a whisper of warmth, Bayu¡¯s presence flickered at the edge of their minds, a faint pulse, guarded but unmistakable.


    Bayu, Kai called out, focusing on that glimmer, gently coaxing him closer. Are you there?


    There was a pause before Bayu¡¯s voice emerged, distant and cautious, as though he were peering through the veil, uncertain. I¡­ yes, I think so. His presence was subtle, the sensation carrying an odd mix of calmness and tension.


    Kai steadied himself, sending out a wave of reassurance through the bond, hoping Bayu would feel it. Memories of the afternoon drifted unbidden through their connection: Bayu¡¯s hands, long and graceful, arranging his collection of rings; the regal tilt of his head; the thoughtful way he¡¯d eyed each of them as if measuring their souls. Kai could sense layers beneath Bayu¡¯s composed exterior¡ªa quiet storm, full of complex depths and burdens he kept well hidden.


    It¡¯s strange, this bond, Bayu murmured, his thoughts guarded yet drawn to the connection. I didn¡¯t expect it to feel¡­ so personal.


    Isaac¡¯s presence pulsed gently, warm and welcoming, as if silently encouraging Bayu to open himself a little more. Neither did I, Isaac admitted. But we¡¯re here together now. All of us.


    Kai felt Bayu¡¯s presence waver, and then, in a soft ripple, another fragment of his essence slipped through. A quick flash of vivid color filled Kai¡¯s mind¡ªpaint strokes, bold and vibrant, the colors of tropical dawns and shadowed forests. Kai felt the pull of something deeper, a longing, perhaps a hidden piece of Bayu himself woven into those colors. It faded almost as soon as it appeared, but the sensation lingered, leaving behind a sense of vulnerability.


    I feel¡­ exposed, Bayu confessed, and for a moment his thoughts seemed to hover in the space between them, brittle yet unyielding.


    You¡¯re not alone, Kai reassured him, feeling his own presence swell to support Bayu¡¯s. He steadied himself, focusing on the warmth flowing between them. It was different with Bayu¡ªlike trying to catch a butterfly by its wings. But the connection was there, fragile yet real.


    As if sensing his Bayu¡¯s unease, Isaac¡¯s voice softened, and his presence seemed to envelop Bayu¡¯s, steady and sincere. You¡¯re safe with us.


    The bond flickered once, and Kai felt the air shift, a shared heartbeat emerging slowly, faltering, but binding the three of them together. Bayu¡¯s pulse was distant but there, holding back yet unmistakably linked to theirs, his essence carefully contained yet drawn toward the unity between them.


    Kai let go of their hands slowly. He was shaking all over. It was too intense, too invasive. Bayu stood up, his robes sweeping around him.


    ¡°Is it alright if I use the bathroom first?¡±


    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s fine, go ahead.¡± Kai mumbled. He looked over at Isaac who was wrapped up in a ball, trembling.


    ¡°Isaac? Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I uh, I just need a minute.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be in the room if you need me.¡±


    Kai thought of writing another letter to his brother, about the snow in Alaska, or the opulent airship that he will be calling his new home. He considered writing about the Convergence Trial also but balked at the idea, he could scarcely wrap his head around it. Wasn¡¯t it kind of cruel? Having to bare every single part of yourself to people you hardly know? All it did was further weigh down his responsibility as a leader. He saw fully and truly Isaac¡¯s fragile nature, he could vaguely peace together some of the vulgar words he¡¯s father spat at him as they lay engraved in his mind like a tattoo. Bayu was much better at hiding himself, but Kai could still feel the images in his mind of Bayu cross-legged, paintbrush in hand, swirling intense and dizzying emotions into parchments of paper.


    He didn¡¯t want to think about what they saw when they peered into Kai¡¯s mind.

 Chapter 6 - BAYU

    The first time Bayu fell in love, he was twelve years old.


    His maids had bustled into his room early in the morning, carrying swathes of expensive batik fabric in their arms, soap and jugs of water.


    ¡°Tuan Muda! Get up! Get up!¡± Bayu remembered wiping the sleep crust from his eyes, being lifted into the bath and scrubbed from head to toe. They dressed him in lavish clothing, placed several heavy rings to his fingers and jangly bracelets to his wrists.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± He mumbled, half delirious.


    The maids said nothing, they marched him down into the great dining hall in his home, affixed with gilded gold furniture and a sparkling chandelier Bayu had accidentally broken one too many times.


    The table was spread with mountains of food; fragrant nasi kuning, a golden rice dish cooked in coconut milk and turmeric (Bayu¡¯s favourite), skewers of succulent satay doused in rich peanut sauce; bowls of spicy sambal that filled the air with a sharp, fiery scent; and crispy emping crackers made from melinjo nuts. Bayu spotted dessert also. Baskets of sweet, sticky kue lapis layered in green pandan and coconut, he fought the urge to drool in front of him.


    His Father sat to the opposite end of the table dressed in a red batik fabric, his staff leaning against the table. His four brothers sat on the other ends, jostling each other and whispering to themselves inconspicuously.


    ¡°Jaya.¡± Bayu plopped himself down next to his oldest brother. Bayu liked Jaya the best; he was the most skilled of all his brothers, scoring high in magic lessons and boasting the perfect eyebrow thickness that made all the girls in Batavia swoon. ¡°What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s with all the food?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Bayu didn¡¯t like the glint in his eye. ¡°It¡¯s your engagement dinner.¡±


    ¡°Engagement?¡±


    ¡°Yes you¡¯re betrothed.¡±


    Before Bayu could struggle to formulate a response, the large ornate doors to the dining room swung open, and in walked the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her skin was the smoothest shade of brown, her hair long and dark. Her eyes were a sweet mahogany, her lips were like roses. She was dressed in a stunning purple batik fabric, she looked perfectly miserable. Governer Suryono followed behind her with a leering smirk on his face, his thick hand pushed her into the dining room.


    ¡°The Noble Santoso!¡± He engulfed Bayu¡¯s father in an embrace, then pulled back to showcase his petulant daughter. ¡°My daughter Ratih.¡±


    ¡°Let her sit!¡± His father replied. ¡°Let us feast on this merry day!¡±


    While his brothers quickly started wolfing down the food Bayu stewed in thought. Engagement? Jaya must be lying, his father hadn¡¯t uttered a word about such a thing.


    ¡°Papa.¡± Bayu called.


    ¡°Yes Bayu?¡±


    ¡°What is this dinner for?¡±


    ¡°Your betrothal Bayu, to the honorable Ratih.¡± He smiled then and Bayu remembered a few weeks prior when his Father had called him into his office.


    What Bayu had only just started to understand was the Santoso¡¯s were not an ordinary family. The average person did not have a flurry of maids, butlers and secretaries waiting on hand and foot. They did not ride in lavish carriages and sleep in beds made of silk and satin. They did not feast day upon day or attend the most coveted schools in all of Indonesia. The average person did not belong to a noble aristocratic line of highly skilled wizards. Indonesia¡¯s population mainly consisted of the Orang Bunian, forest sprites similar in appearance to elves. Wizards were exceedingly rare.


    His Father had sat that day in his office with his long golden staff next to him like always, his moustache thick above his upper lip. ¡°Bayu as a Santoso you will soon need to accept your duty.¡±


    ¡°My duty?¡± Bayu stuttered. He was distracted by the paint stained on his hands. In fact he was in the middle of painting a glorious sunset before he was summoned into the office, and he was not in the mood to have any important and boring chats with his elusive Father.


    ¡°Yes it exists in many forms. You have a duty to the people in this country. I may ask you to do something that you don¡¯t understand but in the future you will come to realise why this has been required of you.¡±


    ¡°Yes Papa.¡± Bayu had scarcely listened that day. He wish he had, or he wouldn¡¯t be sitting here in this dining room stocked full of food, a beautiful girl across from him, glaring.


    After dinner Bayu¡¯s Father and the Governor went to sit into the garden patio, smoking from their pipes and drinking piping hot ginger tea. Bayu was told to ¡°speak to the honourable Ratih¡±, his brothers teased him mercilessly.


    ¡°Would you like to take a walk through our gardens?¡± Bayu¡¯s voice was high and childish, he was aware of the fact he had the beginnings of a pimple growing on his chin and gaps in his teeth from a recently fallen baby tooth.


    Ratih shrugged, but she followed him despondently into the gardens. Their gardens was one of Bayu¡¯s favourite places to paint, there were Rainbow gum eucalyptus trees, jasmine, moon orchids and corpse flowers. It was an explosion of colour and opulence. Bayu felt it was rather romantic.


    ¡°Were you told that we¡¯re getting married?¡± Bayu glanced at Ratih¡¯s side profile and looked away into the rich blue sky.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Her voice was flat and clear. Bayu thought she sounded like a birdsong. ¡°It¡¯s against my will. My Father only told me yesterday.¡± Her voice broke down at the end.


    In a rush of bravado, Bayu grasped her lithe fingers and turned to look at her seriously, squaring his shoulders. He was a Santoso¡ªpart of one of the most coveted and influential noble wizard families in all of Batavia, perhaps even all of Indonesia. He would soon rule this country side by side with his brothers. This girl, this young, beautiful, sad girl, would be his wife.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ¡°I¡¯ve just met you Ratih. I don¡¯t know you at all. But we both have a duty to this country as noble wizards.¡± He squeezed her hands a little tighter. ¡°I will love you, irrevocably so. I will kiss the ground at your feet. You will never be hungry, you will never want for anything. I¡¯m making this vow to you Ratih. Though we are bound by duty, cajoled by our fathers. Know that I am choosing you now, and I will choose you when we marry in years to come.¡±


    Ratih stared at him, aghast. Bayu held still, affixed in her arresting chestnut gaze. Then she laughed, it rang through the gardens, danced over the roses and the orchids and the palm trees and the gorgeous ornate water fountain. She wrenched her hand from his grasp and stepped away. ¡°Bayu.¡± Bayu liked his name on her lips. ¡°You¡¯re just a boy.¡±


    She ran into the house, her dark hair swaying behind her.


    Bayu loved her anyway. He loved her even when they were forced to attend a multitude of events¡ªdinners with governors and ministers, tea parties, and lavish balls where Ratih would wear flowers in her hair, her lips stained a crimson red.


    He loved her still once he past the awkward precipice from teenager into man, when he became even more handsome than his brother Jaya. Girls would throw themselves at his feet for a dance or a tryst in the bushes, he turned himself away from them, utterly devoted to Ratih. Even when he felt the crushing weight of his responsibilities piling up, his Father holding and swinging him around like a puppet on a string, he held fast to his adoration. That was for him alone.


    On the eve of his twenty second birthday, his affluent mansion home was awash with celebration. The maids had prepared golden lanterns across the winding staircases and baskets full of food. His Father used Bayu¡¯s birthday as a networking opportunity, inviting the most prominent people in government to laugh, smoke and debate the future of the country. As Bayu was the youngest brother his other brothers had all swiftly gotten married to pretty wives with large grins and even larger purses. All except his oldest brother Jaya who was poised to occupy his Father¡¯s position. He got to choose who he could marry.


    ¡°Bayu!¡± Jaya ruffled his long locks, Bayu stepped out of his way, smoothing down his deep velvet batik cloth. ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡±


    ¡°You planning anything?¡±


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Bayu felt the large shape of a ring box nestled in his pocket. Today he would fulfill his promise.


    ¡°Nothing. Anyway, let¡¯s go down and get food, don¡¯t want the celebrations to start without you.¡±


    Bayu could not focus on the meal he was eating, he couldn¡¯t focus on his friends sending him well wishes, or the ministers trying to miserably network with him to gain favour for their rotten sons. He looked wildly around the hall for Ratih, holding steadfast to the knowledge that he had invited her and she said she would come.


    Bayu strode out to the garden, he slipped the ring box out from his pocket and stroked the plush cover of the box as he walked, he bit into his lip in nervousness. Maybe he shouldn¡¯t ask her today, maybe he should do it on a Saturday when it wasn¡¯t so busy, they could eat steamed buns and drink rose milk at her favourite caf¨¦, Bayu could even get her some flowers while he was it. Or maybe¡­


    Bayu halted in his tracks, he clutched tight to the ring box. Right in front of the fountain was Ratih and Jaya. They were kissing. Jaya had his strong, capable hands wrapped around the small of her waist, he drew Ratih to him, breathing into her as if she was oxygen. She clutched tight to his shoulders, coming away and sighing, whispering fervently, ¡®I love you, I love you, I love you.¡¯ Bayu watched them for a disturbingly long time.


    Horrifyingly, Bayu could feel hot tears slip down his cheek, he bit back a gasp that had Jaya finally wrenching his eyes off his beloved to witness Bayu standing across him.


    ¡°Bayu-¡±


    Bayu walked right up to Jaya and slapped him. His cheek was tinged a scathing red. ¡°How dare you Bayu? How dare you slap your older brother? Do you have no respect!¡± Jaya squared his shoulders, his thick eyebrows bunched over his face in red-hot anger.


    ¡°How dare I!¡± Bayu furiously scrubbed at the tears on his face. ¡°You are kissing my fianc¨¦e. How dare you!¡±


    Jaya¡¯s eyes softened a little, as if he had finally witnessed the markings of tears on his face. He sobered, rubbing at his stinging cheek. ¡°I am sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have reacted in such a manner.¡±


    Bayu turned his face away from his brother, staring Ratih down. Her lips were full and swollen from being kissed, her long straight dark hair wrapped into an elaborate updo. She looked like a lily.


    ¡°Ratih-¡± Bayu pleaded, he couldn¡¯t extract the whining from his voice. ¡°How could you? I love you. I was going to propose to you.¡± Bayu held the ring box to her face, his hands were shaking.


    She shrugged, pouting her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t care?¡± Bayu willed his legs to stop shaking. The garden all of a sudden felt terribly cold. He felt like an imposter in his lavish clothes, his necklaces weighed heavily around his neck. He felt a swell of magic surge within him and he tempered it down with a groan. He would not hurt her.


    ¡°Bayu, you¡¯re sweet, you know that. And I am fond of you. But I don¡¯t love you.¡± The worst part was that her eyes were so kind, so lovely. ¡°I have never loved you. I was forced into this engagement because of my Father and because of that I think I felt some resentment towards you.¡± She looked past Bayu at the birds soaring through the inky night. ¡°I never wanted to love you, no matter how kind you were, no matter how devoted you may have been. Remember when we were younger and we met for the first time?¡±


    ¡°I remember.¡±


    ¡°And you told me that you chose me? Bayu that was a lie, you did not choose me, you may have deluded yourself into thinking so, and even if you did choose me, I did not choose you.¡±


    ¡°But you chose my brother?¡± Bayu couldn¡¯t help the fact that his voice shook, he could barely look at Jaya.


    Ratih stared at the ground. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I couldn¡¯t help it-¡±


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t help it?¡± Bayu sputtered in disbelief. ¡°You¡­we¡­we went on dates, so many dates and walks and events¡­you held me Ratih¡­why didn¡¯t you tell me? Why didn¡¯t you tell me you did not want to be with me?¡±


    ¡°Bayu-¡±


    ¡°And how long? How long have you been kissing my brother! How long have you been laying with him.¡± Bayu said the last part with venom, he meant for it to hurt.


    Jaya swung his fist into Bayu¡¯s cheek. Bayu could taste blood seeping into his tongue. ¡°I don¡¯t care how angry you are, do not ever speak about Ratih that way.¡±


    Bayu smiled then, a cruel vicious smile, blood stained his teeth. Strangely he felt as if all the fight had gone out of him. Everyday he was working to get into his father¡¯s good graces, he attended long boring meetings, honed and practiced his magic to a startling perfection, created healing potions for the local doctor¡¯s hospitals that saved thousands of people. He did every single thing that was asked of him. Bayu did not stray out of line. He was supposed to marry Ratih. He was supposed to become a Governor. He was supposed to be a Santoso.


    ¡°Does it feel good when you fu-¡±


    Jaya pushed Bayu into the ground and repeatedly began to punch him. The pain seeped into his limbs. He could hear Ratih screaming in the background. Bayu curled himself into a ball and took it. The pain was almost cathartic. Finally Jaya stopped his onslaught, Ratih was holding his hand tightly in hers, crying.


    ¡°Please stop Jaya, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your reputation he¡¯s defacing.¡±


    ¡°Please Jaya.¡±


    Bayu watched as they left the garden, his body felt like it was burning all over. He wasn¡¯t even angry at Ratih, but at his brother, the betrayal sat like a log in his stomach. He hated him.


    He heard a slow clap flood into his senses. There was a man standing by the fountain, Bayu tried to move his head to figure out where the man came from but his head hurt too much. From his shoulder blades two protruding black feather wings shook slightly in the slight chill. He was smirking at Bayu as if the sight amused him.


    ¡°What are you?¡± Bayu could barely form words.


    ¡°I¡¯m a soldier. Rupert Lowe at your service.¡± He crouched by Bayu¡¯s trembling form on the ground. Rupert¡¯s eyes roved over Bayu¡¯s face. ¡°Blimey, your handsome! Happy birthday by the way. I¡¯ve got a gift for you.¡±


    ¡°What-¡±


    ¡°Ever heard of the Aetherwing Brigade?¡±

 Chapter 7 - KAI

    ¡°Our mission is here!¡± Kai watched as Isaac scanned through the thick piles of paper stacked on the desk in the middle of their dorm room. Kai had woken up at the crack of dawn, changed into his muddied farm clothes and a woolen coat, and gone running through the snow until his eyes burned and his throat felt dry. Afterward, he¡¯d taken a long, hot soak in the bath, eaten a bowl of steaming porridge, and changed into his Aetherwing uniform. Now, he felt ready for anything.


    ¡°Give it here, let me read it.¡± Isaac had just woken up, his eyes looked milky and tired. He passed the stack of papers to Bayu and walked into the kitchen, snapping open the cupboards and looking for food to eat.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Bayu?¡± Kai asked. He was skimming over the mission details.


    ¡°Still sleeping.¡±


    ¡°He should be awake though, I have a feeling this mission we¡¯re going on is going to be a test as to whether we remain here at Aetherwing.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to wake him?¡± Isaac quirked an eyebrow at Kai. Kai didn¡¯t like the mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Kai bristled.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Then Isaac bit into some bread. ¡°I¡¯ll go see what¡¯s happening.¡±


    At that Bayu stepped out of the bedroom, dressed pristinely in the Aetherwing uniform, several rings decorated on his fingers. His hair was swept up into a half up half down style. He smiled lightly at Kai. ¡°Good morning to you both.¡±


    ¡°Morning!¡± Isaac called out cheerily.


    ¡°They¡¯ve brought our mission.¡± Kai waved the papers. Bayu walked over to the table and sat down next to Kai. Kai could feel the brush of his dark hair tickle his neck. He fought the urge to shift away from him. He could still feel the lingers of the bond swirling in his mind, sitting close heightened that scathing invasive feeling.


    ¡°Okay so-¡± Kai fanned the papers out, he cleared his throat ceremoniously. ¡°It says here that we¡¯re going to Antigua. Our airship is going to detach at six pm today. It will take us eighteen hours to get there.¡±


    ¡°Have we got enough food for eighteen hours?¡± Isaac quipped.


    Kai ignored him. ¡°Our mission involves an escalating conflict between the witch and elf communities. The witches are accusing the elves of encroaching on their territory in English Harbour, while the elves believe the witches are using dark magic to sabotage their lands in the Falmouth.¡± Kai flipped the paper over, there was no other information.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± Isaac scoffed. ¡°You can just incinerate them all with your dragonfire, problem solved.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think mass murder is a problem solved.¡± Kai¡¯s eye twitched.


    ¡°Is there any other information?¡± Bayu chimed in, his eyes narrowed in thought.


    ¡°Yep.¡± Kai turned the paper over again, as if more information would just materialise. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else here.¡±


    Bayu leaned back in his chair, he rested his chin in his palm. Kai couldn¡¯t help but notice how long his lashes were.


    ¡°There¡¯s obviously more to this than meets the eye¡­but sometimes it¡¯s easier to just look at it simply. There is an escalating conflict, we need to work out what that conflict is and how its affecting the civilians in Antigua.¡±


    Kai nodded. He swiftly brought out a pen and started jotting notes. ¡°Yes and we¡¯ve got to see it from both sides right? The witches are saying the elves are ¡®encroaching¡¯ on their territory? Is that something that should even happen? Shouldn¡¯t all magical species be able to roam on any parts of the island as they wish?¡±


    Bayu shook his head. ¡°I remember this coming up at school, there are still a lot of British settlers on that island, a large majority of them are witches they may have taken control of the territory in Falmouth and are not permitting entry to the elves of the island.¡±


    Kai scratched down more notes furiously. ¡°And then we need to work out why the elves think the witches are using dark magic in Falmouth, dark magic has been outlawed.¡± Kai was enjoying this, he felt a layer of anticipation brim in his chest.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m-¡± Isaac cut in, he had taken another slice of bread and was chewing it disinterest. ¡°Very happy we¡¯re getting out of this cold place. I can feel my toes falling off. Also an island means mermaids.¡±


    ¡°What is your obsession with mermaids?¡± Kai muttered but he could feel a grin on his lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s called a preference Kai, I want my children to be strong swimmers.¡± Isaac turned to Bayu. ¡°What about you princeling?¡±


    ¡°Princeling?¡± Bayu balked slightly.


    ¡°Mate, you were wearing blue robes when we met. No offense to Kai but he was dressed in muddy drabs.¡±


    ¡°Hey-¡± Kai cut in, but he was already distracted by the mission details.


    ¡°Anyways don¡¯t distract me, what¡¯s your type?¡±


    Bayu shifted in his chair uncomfortably. ¡°Well I¡¯m technically engaged.¡±


    ¡°I knew it!¡± Isaac stood up in glee, pointing at Bayu. ¡°You¡¯re a prince.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a noble actually.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s even worse. What¡¯s she like then?¡±


    ¡°Isaac don¡¯t.¡± Kai couldn¡¯t say anything for sure but after the Convergence Trial he felt a layer of discomfort in his bond with Bayu, it seemed to stem from his relationship with his fianc¨¦e, but he couldn¡¯t pinpoint what had actually happened.


    ¡°No it¡¯s fine.¡± Bayu whispered. ¡°She¡¯s lovely.¡±


    ¡°Where are you from anyways?¡± Isaac barrelled on. Kai was beginning to learn that Isaac lacked tact, he was still trying to figure out if it was endearing or not.


    ¡°Indonesia.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been to an Indonesian wedding, you better invite me, I¡¯ve been inside your head and everything.¡±


    Bayu cringed but nodded. ¡°Uh, I think I¡¯ll go for a wander around, since we won¡¯t be leaving until six.¡± Bayu swept out of the room in his regal manner, but his shoulders were slightly bunched up as if he was embarrassed.


    ¡°Did I do something?¡± Isaac plopped into the seat Bayu had sat in. Kai noted that he didn¡¯t feel as uncomfortable sitting as close to Isaac (but that might have been because he had literally lifted black smoke from his lungs, which they were both pointedly ignoring).


    Kai shrugged. Isaac shifted even closer to him. Close enough that Kai could count all the freckles on Isaac¡¯s nose. ¡°A little space?¡± Kai muttered, but he didn¡¯t move away from him.


    ¡°It¡¯s the bond.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Isaac stared at Kai so openly it felt like his mind was exploding. Was Isaac trying to reach for the bond again? Was he going to speak into his mind?


    ¡°The bond makes me feel like I want to eat you.¡±


    Kai blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he broke into a reluctant smile. ¡°Eat me?¡± he echoed, arching an eyebrow, caught between amusement and something he couldn''t quite name. ¡°That¡¯s... weird.¡±


    Isaac didn¡¯t laugh, his gaze steady and unflinching. Kai felt his pulse quicken, the air between them charged and crackling with something unspoken.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kai muttered, his voice dropping lower, ¡°but maybe save that for the mermaids.¡±


    Kai forced himself to take a breath, trying to shake off the electric energy in the air. Isaac¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave his, still filled with that intense, almost unnerving openness. Kai felt himself caught, rooted to the spot, even as his mind raced for the right thing to say.


    ¡°So,¡± Kai said, struggling to keep his tone steady, ¡°does the...bond...always make you feel that way?¡±


    Isaac tilted his head, almost as if he were considering the question. ¡°It¡¯s not just about...feeling,¡± he said, a hint of wonder in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s like...I know what you¡¯re thinking. Or almost thinking. And I feel this pull, like we¡¯re two parts of something bigger.¡±


    Kai swallowed, the truth of Isaac¡¯s words resonating in his chest, even as he tried to ignore it. He''d felt it too¡ªthat strange presence, that invisible thread binding them, woven so tightly under his skin that it almost burned. But it was more than just the magic¡ªit was Isaac, with his openness, his vulnerability. Something about him drew Kai in, even as it unsettled him.


    He tried to laugh it off. ¡°Well, let¡¯s hope this bond has good timing. I¡¯m going to need your help in Antigua.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s lips curled into a small smile, and for a moment, the tension broke. Kai exhaled, the air between them lightening just a fraction. But then, without warning, Isaac¡¯s hand found his again, fingers lacing together with a quiet certainty. Kai tensed at first, his pulse quickening, but soon he relaxed into the warmth of Isaac¡¯s touch. It felt natural in a way Kai didn¡¯t want to acknowledge, and yet it anchored him in a way that made him want to stay.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange,¡± Isaac murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I¡¯ve never felt anything like it. Like I could just reach out and...know you.¡±


    Kai felt his face warm and he shifted, forcing a grin. ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s mutual. But try not to eat me just yet. We¡¯ve got a mission to handle.¡±


    Isaac chuckled softly, but there was something else in his eyes, a flicker of intensity that didn¡¯t fade. ¡°Fair enough,¡± he said, voice soft but certain. ¡°But I think there¡¯s a lot about you I¡¯m going to want to know.¡±


    Kai slipped his hand out of Isaac¡¯s. He didn¡¯t do it on purpose; his hands were just sweaty. ¡°Well, we¡¯re allies, remember.¡± He stood up and shook off invisible dust from his uniform. ¡°Do you want to wander around the ship? I¡¯m curious to see what else is around here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright. I¡¯ll have a look at the mission materials again.¡±


    Kai nodded and strode toward the door, but before stepping out, he hesitated for a fraction of a second. His mind was still buzzing with the connection they¡¯d shared, the intensity of the bond. He shook it off with a breath and pushed the door open.


    It was time to focus. Kai was going to blow this mission out of the water.

 Chapter 8 - INTERLUDE

    The hum of the dirigible engines was distant, muffled by the thick steel walls of the Aetherwing Brigade¡¯s central command room. General Elara Windrider paced in front of the broad windows, her stern gaze fixed on the skyline that stretched out in storm-laden grays and blues. She barely registered Rupert as he entered, his quiet, unassuming steps contrasting with the restless energy in her stance.


    He cleared his throat, but she didn¡¯t turn to greet him.


    ¡°Rupert,¡± she began, her voice sharp. ¡°You have gone absolutely barking mad.¡±


    Rupert tilted his head, his eyes glinting with something that might have been amusement or just unshakable resolve. ¡°Good evening to you, too, Elara.¡±


    Elara finally looked at him, arms crossed over her chest. She was as imposing as always, her uniform crisp and precise, medals gleaming over her heart. The streaks of silver in her hair added a certain gravity to her presence, a reminder of the decades she had spent keeping the peace in the skies.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not dance around the point,¡± she said, barely containing her irritation. ¡°Squad Fourteen is unprecedented in the history of the Brigade. You know the regulations as well as I do. We¡¯ve never once fielded a squad of recruits from such different backgrounds¡ªdifferent species, no less.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps that¡¯s exactly why we need them,¡± Rupert replied calmly, letting the weight of his words settle between them.


    ¡°Do you have any idea how many complaints I¡¯ve fielded from the council, the High Mages, even the Elven Elders?¡± Elara¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°They think you¡¯re building an unstable, unpredictable squad. We¡¯re supposed to uphold peace¡ªnot toy with volatile dynamics that could explode mid-mission.¡±


    Rupert took a step forward, his expression hardening. ¡°They¡¯re not a toy, Elara. They¡¯re a necessity. And I would think that after all these years, you¡¯d trust my judgment on what the Brigade truly needs.¡±


    She sighed, her gaze slipping to the map stretched across the table, marked with pins and inked notes detailing recent skirmishes and unrest.


    ¡°Trust has nothing to do with it,¡± she murmured, a rare hint of vulnerability surfacing in her tone. ¡°It¡¯s about risk. I can¡¯t ignore the danger in putting together a squad that could just as easily tear itself apart as it could succeed.¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Rupert allowed a small, wry smile. ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s the whole point. If they can¡¯t trust each other in the skies, then what hope is there for peace on the ground? They¡¯re not just a team, Elara. They¡¯re a symbol. We need this¡ªpeople need to see that peace can exist between species, between magical factions.¡±


    Elara¡¯s mouth twisted in a doubtful line, but she didn¡¯t look away. ¡°A symbol.¡± She echoed the word as if testing its weight. ¡°Symbols don¡¯t hold the line when chaos erupts, Rupert. Soldiers do.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re soldiers, too,¡± Rupert said, and his voice was softer now, tempered with something almost like empathy. ¡°Or they will be, once they understand why they¡¯re together. Kai, Isaac, Bayu, Tomoya¡­ they each have something to prove. They each carry burdens that could either tear them down or forge them into something unstoppable.¡±


    Elara¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°You¡¯re placing a lot of faith in them. Blind faith, I¡¯d call it. And if it doesn¡¯t work¡ªif it fails¡ª¡±


    Rupert held up a hand. ¡°Then you can fire me, and I¡¯ll walk away. I promise you that, Elara.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow, studying him carefully. There was a weariness in her expression, a hint of the years she¡¯d spent balancing on the razor¡¯s edge of diplomacy and battle. But there was also a flicker of something else¡ªsomething that recognized the determination in Rupert¡¯s eyes.


    After a long silence, she shook her head and laughed bitterly. ¡°You always were stubborn.¡±


    ¡°Stubborn enough to make a difference,¡± he replied, his gaze steady.


    The two of them stood in silence for a moment, watching the clouds gathering on the horizon, dark and rolling, as if they too sensed the storm of change brewing within the Brigade.


    Elara¡¯s voice softened, her words more reflective. ¡°Do you really believe they can succeed? They¡¯re young, untested¡­ barely more than strangers to each other.¡±


    Rupert¡¯s gaze held a quiet conviction. ¡°It¡¯s not about whether they¡¯re ready or not. It¡¯s about giving them a chance to become something greater. They¡¯re not like any squad before them¡ªand that¡¯s exactly what we need.¡±


    She didn¡¯t reply, though her expression showed the weight of her thoughts. Elara was practical, a master strategist who seldom dealt in ideals. But Rupert knew she wasn¡¯t without hope for a better future, even if she wouldn¡¯t admit it openly.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she said at last, her tone almost resigned. ¡°We¡¯ll try it your way. But if even a hint of trouble arises, I¡¯ll pull Squad Fourteen out, no questions asked. We can¡¯t afford to let your experiment undermine everything we¡¯ve built here.¡±


    Rupert nodded, accepting the condition with unspoken gratitude. ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking, Elara. A chance.¡±


    Elara looked at him one last time, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint smile. ¡°I suppose we¡¯ve both risked more for far less likely causes.¡±


    With that, she turned, signaling the end of the conversation. Rupert stayed behind, glancing once more at the map, his mind already on the recruits he had pinned his hopes on.


    Kai, Isaac, Bayu, Tomoya. Four recruits from different worlds, different histories, yet united by a future they could neither predict nor escape.

 Chapter 9 - KAI

    Kai leaned over the ship¡¯s railing, taking in his first glimpse of Antigua as their airship descended into the harbour. A wave of homesickness crashed into him, as the island¡¯s sprawling, sun-drenched streets reminded him of Lagos. The bright colours¡ªrows of pastel shops with painted wooden signs, blooming bougainvillea spilling over stone walls, and the shimmering blue-green water that stretched to the horizon¡ªcarried an unmistakable warmth, a vibrancy he could almost taste. Crowds bustled along cobblestone paths, traders calling out to sell fresh papaya, spices, and glistening fish, their voices mingling with the rhythm of steel drums from a nearby square. Men wore cotton shirts and wide-brimmed hats, women were dressed in sweeping skirts and colourful headscarves, children darting between them, laughter ringing in the air. There was an openness to Antigua¡¯s sunlit streets, an embrace of colour and life that pulled him in, but with it came a bittersweet ache¡ªmemories of Lagos and the quiet life he¡¯d left behind, a reminder of all that felt familiar yet so far away.


    Kai made a note to himself to write another letter to his brother Korede when he could find some time.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± Bayu joined Kai on the railing, his eyes were smoked in dark circles. The travel to Antigua, which should have been no more than eighteen hours, ended up going for twenty seven. There was a number of storms that appeared, shots of bright lightening and rolling thunder that kept Kai awake and secretly afraid. He didn¡¯t think Bayu had fared any better.


    Kai turned to him slightly. ¡°Yeah it reminds me of home.¡±


    ¡°Where are you from?¡± Bayu cocked his head slightly, his hair was wild and ruffled, Kai watched as he absentmindedly tucked a lock behind his ear.


    ¡°Lagos, I worked as a farmer.¡± Kai stretched his hand out so it caught the sunlight and danced across his skin. ¡°I¡¯m used to working in this oppressive heat. It feels familiar.¡± Kai had slowly begun to like Bayu. He was quiet mostly, staring outside of the airship windows with a brooding look on his face, but Kai was in awe at his endless intelligence. They had spent much of the journey bouncing off waves of ideas for dealing with the mission. Kai liked the way Bayu talked, long and lilting, and the way Bayu looked at people, as if he was really listening to you. Though Isaac said it in jest, Bayu really did remind him of a prince.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to you leading us.¡± Bayu said it softly, his long fingers drumming on the railing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never done anything like this before so, feel free to tell me if I¡¯m getting it wrong or -¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be perfect.¡± Bayu turned to look directly at Kai, stepping closer to him. ¡°I¡¯ve never met a dragonborn before.¡± His gaze wove around Kai¡¯s features.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried¡­¡±


    ¡°How come?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so unsure about this mission¡­ the Brigade have barely told us what it is we¡¯re going to be doing? Are we supposed to report to someone specific, or are we improvising the whole thing?¡± Kai finished, his voice wavering just slightly.


    Bayu tilted his head, considering the question. ¡°I think they¡¯re expecting us to find our own way.¡± He looked out over the bustling harbour, gaze settling somewhere in the distance. ¡°The Brigade¡­they have their secrets, don¡¯t they? I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they¡¯re keeping some things back. But that¡¯s what you¡¯re here for, Kai. To lead us regardless.¡±


    Kai felt the weight of Bayu¡¯s words settle over him. He¡¯d always been up for a challenge, but there was something about this mission, this strange tension in the air, that made it feel like he was being led into something much larger than himself. And Bayu seemed to sense it too, that quiet foreboding that had been a shadow over them since they¡¯d set out.


    Kai let out a soft chuckle, trying to break the heavy mood. ¡°Well, I suppose we¡¯ll figure it out as we go.¡±


    The sound of footsteps pulled their attention. Isaac appeared at their side, looking surprisingly relaxed despite the rough journey. He gave them both a wry grin. ¡°Are we ready, gentlemen? Antigua awaits.¡±


    Kai straightened, clearing his throat. ¡°You¡¯re right, let¡¯s meet with the elves first. Magic has been erupting in Falmouth so it¡¯s of utmost importance we check that place out first.¡±


    As they stepped off the airship and into Antigua¡¯s winding streets, Kai couldn¡¯t help but admire the way the colours of the town seemed even brighter up close. The buildings were painted in vibrant shades of coral, turquoise, and sunflower yellow, their surfaces sun-worn but inviting. Market stalls spilled into the narrow streets, tables laden with fruit, cloth, and jewellery glinting in the sun. The air was heavy with the scent of cinnamon, smoked meats, and tropical flowers. Every step felt like a reminder of home¡ªjust enough to comfort him, yet enough to make him miss what he¡¯d left behind.


    ¡°Do you smell that?¡± Isaac asked, inhaling deeply. ¡°It¡¯s like the whole island is alive.¡±


    Kai smiled, nodding in agreement. ¡°Feels that way. I could get used to this.¡±


    They wove through the streets, moving further from the harbour and into a quieter part of town. Here, the lively colours gave way to the deep green of a jungle clearing, with tall trees and thick undergrowth. Soon, they spotted a figure waiting for them, his posture tense but commanding. Jabari, the Chief of the elves, stood there, his gaze sharp and calculating as he took in their approach.


    Jabari was as Kai had heard¡ªimposing, with lean muscle and skin the colour of rich mahogany. His eyes, though, were what struck Kai most. They were hard, assessing, with a sharpness that suggested he missed nothing. His clothing was both elegant and functional, woven from natural fibres that seemed to blend seamlessly into the environment around him. Standing next to him was a lean elf, with dark skin and chestnut eyes. He had a slung of arrows draped across his shoulders.Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°You¡¯re the Aetherwing Brigade team?¡± Jabari¡¯s voice carried an edge, as if he were sizing them up with each word.


    Kai stepped forward, meeting his gaze with steady calm. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m Kai, and these are my teammates, Isaac and Bayu. We¡¯re here to help resolve the¡­ issues you¡¯re facing with the witches.¡±


    Jabari nodded. He pointed to the elf next to him. ¡°This is my son Maleko.¡± Maleko said nothing, he eyed Kai and his teammates with a cruel curl of his lip. ¡°The witches have been laying claim to our lands with no respect for boundaries, leaving their dark magic in places where it rots our soil and sickens our animals.¡±


    Jabari led them through the clearing, gesturing to patches of land that had turned black and cracked, as if scarred by fire. At each spot, the elves had tried to cover the damage with leaves, branches, anything to restore the soil.


    Kai knelt, brushing his fingers over the charred earth. It crumbled away in his fingers. ¡°What exactly have they been doing?¡± he asked, looking up at Jabari.


    ¡°Summoning,¡± Jabari replied, teeth gritted. ¡°Leaving dark spells to fester in our lands. We¡¯ve found creatures emerging from these tainted spots. Monsters made from nothing but hatred and decay. We¡¯re doing our best to cover them, but¡­¡±


    Kai looked over at Isaac, whose eyebrow arched in disbelief. ¡°Throwing leaves over dark magic? That¡¯s¡­ well, not the most effective solution.¡±


    Jabari¡¯s face darkened. ¡°We¡¯re doing what we can. If you have better ideas, I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    Kai opened his mouth to respond, but a tremor shook the ground beneath them. A faint, unnatural rumble echoed up from one of the blackened spots nearby. They all froze, eyes fixed on the ground as it began to crack open. From the ruptured soil, twisted shapes began to emerge¡ªcreatures with dark, gnarled bodies, their eyes glinting with malevolent energy.


    Kai¡¯s instincts kicked in, his dragon scales flaring as he stepped forward, a ball of fire already forming in his hand. ¡°Get ready!¡±


    Bayu muttered an incantation under his breath, his hands glowing with blue energy. He sent a burst of lightning toward the creatures, striking one of them down. Another lurched toward Kai, its clawed limbs reaching for him. He let loose a burst of flame, scorching it back, but more creatures continued to crawl out of the blackened ground.


    Kai took a deep breath, gathering his strength, then unleashed a roar that sent scorching dragon flames barrelling through the air, incinerating the monsters in his path. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Bayu, who was firing azure bursts of magic. The blasts enveloped the creatures and exploded, leaving trails of dark mist steaming in the sky. They worked in perfect tandem, an unmistakable rhythm: Kai¡¯s flames cutting forward in waves as Bayu flicked his hand, sending bursts of magic to finish the job.


    It was Kai¡¯s mistake however that he didn¡¯t notice when one of the monsters lunged towards Isaac. He watched in horror as its sooty claws dove into Isaac and engulfed him. Kai felt a wave of fear seep through his body, it was similar to terror he felt that day they were on the ship to Alaska and the sea monster had taken hold of the elf and plunged him towards the sky in a sickening determination. Kai moved to go help him, but another blackened monster erupted in front of him. It was huge with sharp, dagger like teeth. Kai slung bursts of hot flame through his hands. He saw Maleko firing sleek arrows with a practised ease. His father wielded what looked like a rake and stabbed through the monsters with a grim look.


    ¡°Bayu!¡± Kai called, his heart was racing, the monsters kept barrelling out of the earth relentlessly.


    Bayu¡¯s face was streaked with dirt and soot. He was breathing heavily, shooting out magic, his hands were curling in on themselves as if they were cramping. ¡°I¡¯m fine Kai!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Isaac, I can¡¯t get to him, I think the monster has its claws on him! Can you help?¡±


    Kai turned worriedly to Isaac again and started running. Monsters jumped out of the ground, grasping at his legs and dragging him down. He watched with a horrified gaze as the monster on top of Isaac began to barrel into him. But just as it was about to happen, a sleek black wolf appeared, crashing into the creature with a snarl. The wolf¡¯s powerful jaws clamped onto the creature¡¯s throat, tearing it away from Isaac, who watched, stunned.


    The wolf yelped as the creature fought back, managing to swipe a claw across its flank. The wound bled, but the wolf remained defiant, eyes sharp and feral. It tore into the monster again and then descended on a rampage, cutting through and tearing the monsters into pieces. Kai watched as Bayu spread a shaking hand on the dirt. He started to whisper an incantation ¡°Tanah tenang, diamlah dirimu, monster pergi.¡± A bright blue sheen spread onto the ground, and finally the monsters dissipated, sinking into the earth as if they weren¡¯t there at all.


    Bayu collapsed onto the ground heaving. Kai rushed over to the sleek wolf, its black fur was matted with blood. Isaac lay curled into a ball shaking. Kai laid a careful hand on the wolf¡¯s fur bundling it into his lap.


    Jabari and Maleko walked over, unharmed but with strokes of mud splattered across their clothes.


    ¡°This is what we¡¯ve had to deal with over the past month. It happens unprovoked most of the time. There are civilians living in this land whose lives have been lost.¡± Jabari shook his head in sadness. ¡°We¡¯ve had to evacuate them, but we fear its spreading at an alarming pace through Falmouth.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve placed a protective spell over this patch of land-¡± Bayu spoke, Kai could almost feel his heart hammering through his chest. ¡°But it won¡¯t last for long, I think we should leave this area as soon as possible, I¡¯ll place a dome over this land so the monsters won¡¯t penetrate the other parts for now.¡±


    Maleko pointed to the wolf. ¡°And is he a monster?¡± He cocked his arrow, tilting it towards the wolf¡¯s snout. ¡°Let me kill it.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Kai, grasped onto the wolf¡¯s fur, he cringed slightly at the blood that smeared onto his hands. There was something almost intelligent in its gaze, a depth that didn¡¯t belong to an ordinary animal.


    Isaac approached, eyes wide. ¡°Where did that come from?¡± he asked, barely able to catch his breath. ¡°And why did it¡­ save me?¡±


    Kai shook his head, carefully lifting the injured wolf into his arms. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I¡¯m taking him back to the airship. Let¡¯s all go back and make sure we don¡¯t have any injuries. Bayu are you okay to set up the wards and then come and meet us later?¡±


    Bayu nodded.


    Isaac clapped him on the shoulder, giving a mock salute. ¡°Aye, Captain.¡±


    Kai glanced down at the creature in his arms. The wolf¡¯s dark, penetrating eyes stared at Kai with an unsettling intelligence.


    Holding the injured wolf close, Kai turned and began making his way back toward the ship, questions swirling in his mind. Something strange was happening in Antigua. He had a feeling that the lack of information about the mission was dangerously inadequate. They could have died back there. Kai¡¯s legs buckled under the weight of the large wolf, unperturbed, he kept marching forward.

 Chapter 10 - BAYU

    Bayu watched Kai struggling to carry the injured wolf up the gangplank and into the airship, his muscles straining with each step. The wolf was sleek and dark, its coat matted with blood, yet there was a strange beauty to it, a presence that commanded attention even in its injured state. Kai lowered the creature gently onto the table in the middle of their command room, Bayu shut the door behind them. The atmosphere was thick with tension, he could feel the weight of the unspoken questions hanging between them.


    ¡°Hold him still,¡± Kai murmured, his voice tense as he pressed a cloth to the wolf''s wounds. Blood seeped through the fabric, staining his hands. Bayu glanced at Isaac, whose face was tight with apprehension, eyes narrowed as he studied the wolf.


    And then, it happened.


    The wolf¡¯s body gave a sudden, violent jerk, limbs twitching in spasms. Bayu took a startled step back, his pulse racing as he watched the wolf¡¯s form twist and contort, bones cracking and reshaping themselves with an audible snap. Fur receded, drawing back like water as pale skin emerged beneath. Limbs stretched and elongated, shifting into human proportions, the paws unfurling into long, slender fingers.


    Before them lay not a wolf, but a young man. His skin was alabaster-pale, a stark contrast to the deep, bleeding scratches and bite marks that marred his body. He lay sprawled, limbs tangled, his form both fragile and unsettlingly beautiful. His hair was dark and cropped close to his head, long lashes framed closed eyes. Every inch of him seemed to bear scars, as though he¡¯d fought battles in both wolf and human form.


    Bayu was entranced, unable to look away. He looked delicate, almost breakable. Bayu''s gaze flickered over to Kai, who was knelt beside the stranger with a strange look of intensity, his fingers moving deftly to check for injuries. Isaac¡¯s expression shifted to something that looked almost like jealousy as Kai¡¯s attention lingered on the stranger.


    Suddenly, the young man stirred, his eyes flying open with a wild, terrified look. He scrambled back, pressing himself into the corner, his hands raised defensively as he screamed, ¡°GET AWAY! GET AWAY!¡±


    The three of them froze, startled by the outburst. Kai held up his hands in a placating gesture, his voice steady and calm. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s alright. We¡¯re not going to hurt you. Just¡­ take a deep breath.¡± He kept his voice soft, his gaze focused. ¡°Can you tell us your name? Where you¡¯re from?¡±


    The young man¡¯s breathing slowed a fraction, his wide eyes darting between them as though still wary of attack. His voice, when he finally spoke, was a hoarse whisper. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ Tomoya. I¡¯ve been on this airship the whole time.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°How on earth is that possible?¡±


    Tomoya¡¯s expression darkened, and he looked away. ¡°I was kept¡­ in the basement. Sleeping in a cage.¡± His voice was bitter, almost resigned. ¡°I just assumed my human form now.¡±


    ¡°So, are you¡­ a werewolf?¡±


    Tomoya¡¯s face tightened, a look of pain flickering across his features, and he didn¡¯t respond. Bayu sensed there was something more there, something darker that lingered unspoken, but he let the question hang. He wasn¡¯t sure he was ready for the answer.


    Kai¡¯s expression had hardened with a fierce determination, his jaw set. ¡°Alright. Here¡¯s the plan. Tomorrow, after we¡¯ve rested and tended to the worst of our wounds, we¡¯ll head back to the witches and see what we can learn. Bayu, Isaac¡ªI need you both with me on this.¡± His eyes shifted toward Tomoya, who was still trembling, curled into himself in the corner. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with him.¡±


    Bayu felt a pang of sympathy as he looked at Tomoya. Without a word, he went to the small storage cupboard and retrieved a blanket, draping it gently over Tomoya¡¯s shoulders. Tomoya clutched it tightly, his gaze flicking up to Bayu for a moment, something passed between them¡ªa spark of recognition, of understanding.


    Before long, Bayu moved over to Kai and spoke in a hushed tone. ¡°Can I talk to you for a moment?¡±


    Kai nodded, and they stepped out onto the narrow balcony, the cool night air washing over them. Bayu glanced back toward the door, his brow furrowed with concern.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this weird?¡± he said finally. ¡°Tomoya¡­ he¡¯s the fourth recruit on our squad, but he was kept in a cage?¡±


    Kai let out a slow breath, his face shadowed in thought. ¡°I know. There¡¯s a lot here we¡¯re not seeing. But we¡¯ll sort it. Let¡¯s just try to take things one step at a time.¡± He paused, his eyes finding Bayu¡¯s with a resolute calm. ¡°You and Isaac go and meet with the witches, see what¡¯s really going on here. I¡¯ll stay and handle Tomoya.¡±


    Bayu nodded, but a strange, unsettled feeling lingered in his chest.


    *****


    Mildred Mackerlay was a large robust woman. She was clothed entirely in a husky, midnight black. Her long skirts swished as she regarded Bayu and Isaac with a careful eyebrow. Flanked on both sides were her attendants, lean pale faced men in crisp sharp suits, their foreheads were dusted in globs of sweat thanks to the unrelenting heat. Bayu fought the urge to smell his armpits.


    ¡°The Aetherwing Brigade was it?¡± Her veiny hands were on her hip. ¡°Thought there would be more of you?¡±


    Bayu¡¯s gaze swept across the English harbour. It was a bustling port town. While the native elves of Antigua wandered about with baskets of bread, newspapers, and other tidbits, there was also a significant influx of British people in their wide-woven Western clothing and sunburned skin. Bayu could hear noise erupting from every corner of the town.


    ¡°It¡¯s just us for now.¡± Isaac answered with a cheeky grin. Bayu noticed that he had a small dimple on his left cheek. Freckles danced across his skin with an increasing ferocity. It was fascinating.


    ¡°Hm. State your case.¡± She waved her hands dismissively.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know why we¡¯re here.¡± Bayu straightened his posture. In spite of everything he was still a noble¡¯s son. ¡°Dark magic has been erupting throughout all of Falmouth, the elves suspect it was you.¡±


    Mildred smiled cruelly. ¡°Is it because I¡¯m a witch?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re the Head witch overseeing the British occupation in Antigua, this type of black magic is usually performed by witches, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware of that.¡± Bayu countered.


    ¡°We had nothing to do with it.¡±


    ¡°But surely-¡±


    ¡°I can assure you I haven¡¯t placed, nor sanctioned or allowed anyone to place black magic in Falmouth. Are we ethically buying up the land and the crops there? Sure! That is what is causing contention with the elves, especially Jabari-.¡± Mildred spat his name out like it was sour. ¡°But what are we to do if the elves are selling? Blaming us for the black magic is ludicrous. Sending the Aetherwing Brigade to solve this skirmish is even more preposterous. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s more important things you ought to be doing.¡±


    ¡°Well are the elves aware of that?¡± Isaac cut in, his expression had turned a little more serious.


    Mildred cocked her hip. ¡°Is it really appropriate to have an elf handle this case? I¡¯m sure there will be issues of bias.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me-¡± Isaac¡¯s face flushed red. This whole situation was starting to confuse him, the mission details had clearly stated that the witches were allowing dark magic to corrupt the lands in Falmouth, he had the scars on his hands to prove it. They were either telling a bold face lie, or something else is was at play. Bayu thought back to his days at Pradipta School of Scholars in Batavia. When he was a younger boy who was hopelessly in love with Ratih and hopelessly thought she loved him back.


    His teacher, Scholar Aditya, was a stern faced man with a thick protruding beard and moustache. He remembered those long listless days, his teacher scrawling white charcoal on the blackboard and lecturing with a slow languid tongue.


    ¡°When negotiating with diplomats, peers or ministers, what is the best option to ensure you win?¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°Cheat them?¡± A pimple faced boy with exceedingly rich parents shouted to the front of the class. ¡°Or better yet not negotiate at all. Take what you want by brute force.¡±


    Scholar Aditya acknowledged him with a tsk and pointed at Bayu. ¡°What do you think? I can see your mind whirring.¡±


    Bayu chewed on his lip. ¡°It¡¯s better to let them think they¡¯ve won.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    Bayu had hesitated before responding, feeling each of his classmates'' eyes on him.


    ¡°Sometimes, the art of negotiation isn¡¯t to overpower or outmanoeuvre,¡± Bayu said slowly, carefully weighing his words, ¡°but to give them a taste of victory. To offer them something they think they¡¯ve achieved, while your real intention sits quietly, undiscovered.¡±


    Aditya¡¯s lips had twitched into a smile. ¡°Yes. You win by letting others wear the crown while you wear the throne. To ensure peace or power, let them believe they control it.¡±


    Standing there now, in front of Mildred, he could feel the weight of that memory guiding him. He gave a slight, respectful nod to her. ¡°What if,¡± he began, his voice thoughtful, ¡°we broker a peace that feels like a victory for both sides? A grand banquet where the elves and witches both feel honoured, feel valued. Where both able to come to a mediation on the situation.¡±


    Mildred¡¯s eyes narrowed, her curiosity visibly piqued. Isaac, standing beside him, still looked uncertain, even frustrated, but Bayu knew that a complex truth often required a subtler approach.


    ¡°It¡¯s about mutual trust,¡± Bayu continued. ¡°If the witches are willing to join, we create an atmosphere where everybody feels secure and most importantly, the elves will feel respected and heard. We¡¯re not forcing a truce. We¡¯re simply inviting both parties to enjoy a moment of calm, among good food, music and conversation.¡±


    Mildred crossed her arms. ¡°And why should I waste my resources on such a banquet?¡±


    ¡°The Aetherwing Brigade will hold the banquet. You only need to show up.¡± Bayu struck out his hand. A light breeze travelled through the harbour. He regarded Mildred¡¯s pale blue eyes with a hint of a smirk. ¡°Do we have ourselves a deal?¡±


    She clasped his hands firmly. ¡°Deal.¡±


    *****


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you.¡± Isaac sulked. They were sitting upon the top of a hill overlooking the harbour below. Bayu took a sip of his sorrel punch, on the way back to the airship an eager vendor had boasted of the sweet drink made from hibiscus and ginger, it calmed him somewhat.


    ¡°What in regards to the banquet? Thought you wouldn¡¯t turn down the opportunity to get free food.¡±


    Isaac chuckled, his face softening slightly. ¡°I know but we saw what was happening with the elves, lives were lost because of the witches dark magic.¡±


    ¡°But we can¡¯t know for sure if it was them or not.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s face crumpled again, he downed the rest of the punch, staring out into the glistening waters with glassy green eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s really wrong?¡± Bayu relaxed at his side. Since arriving in Antigua, it was go, go, go. He hadn¡¯t had the time to relish in the beauty of his surroundings, to actually digest the fact that he had travelled to another part of the world.


    ¡°How come we didn¡¯t know what was going on with Tomoya? So you mean to tell me there was a wolf in the basement our entire journey to Antigua?¡±


    Bayu shrugged. He nudged at Isaac¡¯s elbow slightly. ¡°You¡¯re still not saying what¡¯s bothering you¡­¡± Bayu had a weird feeling in his chest to protect the sullen faced elf. He was wiry and thin, a shock of gorgeous red curls and delicate features. Could he fight wars? Could he protect himself against monsters? Against unrelentless darkness and despair?


    ¡°When we were attacked by those monsters¡­I couldn¡¯t do anything. If it wasn¡¯t for the wolf I would have-¡± Isaac drew his legs up to his chest. ¡°I¡¯m so useless this is the third time I¡¯ve been saved already.¡±


    ¡°When were the other times?¡±


    Isaac¡¯s silence stretched between them, heavy yet laced with something unspoken, until Bayu felt the gentle pulse along their bond. It was a warmth he hadn¡¯t expected¡ªa quiet yet intimate feeling that curled into his thoughts, settling in his chest with a softness that felt almost sacred. Then, Isaac¡¯s voice drifted through, so close and vulnerable it felt like a confession shared in a whisper.


    The first time¡­ Isaac¡¯s words moved slowly, a gentle breath in Bayu¡¯s mind. Kai saved me on the ship to Alaska. We were barely holding on as it was, and then¡­ one of those monsters, it surged up from the water and wrapped itself around me, dragging me into the sky. There was a pause, a flash of memory tinged with awe and fear. It was dark, colder than anything, but I felt this heat, this blinding fire, and then¡­ Kai¡¯s dragonflame, burning it all away.


    A subtle warmth flowed back to Isaac, a gentle affirmation from Bayu, like a hand laid across his. He felt Isaac¡¯s hesitation, and he gave him only quiet encouragement, holding the bond with a calm patience.


    The second time, Isaac continued, his voice even softer, the memory woven with a strange, fragile emotion. It was¡­ something I¡¯ll never forget. Kai¡¯s fire¡­ He hesitated, and Bayu sent a small, comforting ripple through the bond, urging him on, feeling the intimacy of their connection tighten around them like a heartbeat. Kai¡¯s fire burned the smoke out of my lungs.


    Bayu could feel the weight of those words, and Isaac¡¯s memories filtered through with a haunting intensity. London was thick with it, Isaac¡¯s thoughts were heavy, vulnerable, the words drifting softly. It clung to everything¡ªfilled every breath. Each day I¡¯d feel it gathering, thickening inside of me, and when Kai¡¯s flames touched me¡­ it was like he dissolved it all, as if he saw it buried inside me and¡­ set me free. A shiver of awe lingered in the bond. It was like nothing I¡¯d felt before. Euphoric.


    The feeling passed through them, intense and unguarded, filling Bayu with an overwhelming tenderness, a quiet yearning to protect Isaac¡¯s fragile hope, and a shared, unspoken gratitude toward Kai.


    Are you¡­ jealous of Tomoya? Bayu¡¯s thoughts brushed across Isaac¡¯s like a whisper, a question without demand or expectation, but coloured with a strange ache he could hardly name.


    There was a long, trembling pause, then Maybe¡­ Isaac¡¯s answer was laced with a raw vulnerability, softened by a hopeful edge. But¡­ I want him as an ally too. I want to be someone Kai can depend on, not just someone he has to keep saving.


    Isaac¡¯s emotions washed over him¡ªuncertainty and devotion intermingled¡ªand Bayu held him gently within the bond, allowing his own feelings to flow back like a steady warmth. Then let me protect him with you. We can stand together, and if it helps¡­ I¡¯ll be by your side, always.


    Isaac shuddered, wrenching himself out of the bond. Bayu grasped onto his temples, groaning.


    ¡°That hurt.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Isaac dusted his fingers along Bayu¡¯s arm. ¡°I should have come out slowly.¡±


    Bayu regarded him with a slow look. ¡°I never want you to feel as if you have to tell me anything you don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°No it¡¯s fine.¡± Isaac shook his head. ¡°I wanted to.¡±


    Bayu grinned. ¡°That explains why you¡¯re so attached to Kai though.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! No I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°I saw both of you, back at Alaska.¡± Bayu remembered spotting the pair, creeping into the air ship with identical looks of awe on their faces. Kai had a strong and steady hand wrapped around Isaac¡¯s lithe waist. He thought not much of it, back then.


    ¡°Anyways let¡¯s stop talking about me. What about you?¡± Isaac dug his feet into the grass.


    ¡°What about me?¡±


    ¡°Your betrothed. Your fianc¨¦e, hello! I can¡¯t even get a letter back from a mermaid and you¡¯ve got your whole life sorted out.¡±


    Bayu tried not to scrunch his face up in pain. His broken engagement with the love of his life was still an ache he hadn¡¯t yet soothed. He could still feel the bruises on his ribs from Jaya¡¯s punches. Could see his brother¡¯s looks of confusion when he left not more than a few days later to Alaska of all places.


    He remembered Jaya, cornering him in his room, his face aghast at the suitcases.


    ¡°Father told me you¡¯re leaving.¡±


    Bayu couldn¡¯t even look at him. His Father hadn¡¯t said much when Bayu mentioned his plans to join Aetherwing. ¡°It¡¯s good experience for you.¡± He said, ¡°It¡¯ll make you a better governor¡± as if the Brigade was just a stop gap for him.


    Jaya¡¯s eyes were teary, his face bloaty and red. ¡°You¡¯re not leaving because of what happened at your birthday are you?¡± He grasped at Bayu¡¯s arm. ¡°Bayu please don¡¯t leave because-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t-¡± Bayu¡¯s voice broke. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend like you didn¡¯t know what you were doing. I know what it¡¯s like to be in love. I know what it¡¯s like for your heart to sing whenever she walks by, to feel as if you¡¯re bonded on a visceral level. You knew I loved her. I wouldn¡¯t ever fault you for doing the same.¡± Bayu stepped closer to Jaya. They were so alike, same long tumbling locks, same straight nose, the same mahogany eyes. ¡°But you couldn¡¯t tell me. You lied to me.¡± He pushed Jaya straight into the wall, the portraits hanging on weak hooks shook. ¡°You looked me in the eye and you lied. You ate with me, laughed with me, and you lied. You said happy birthday to me and you lied.¡± Bayu felt his voice grow higher like an unrelenting crescendo. ¡°Would you have let me marry her? Would I have walked down the aisle with Ratih on my arm. Would I have kissed her? Birthed children for her? Loved her to my last dying breath, and would you have still lied to me?¡± Bayu grabbed onto Jaya¡¯s silky cobalt batik fabric, his fingers trembled. ¡°TELL ME JAYA, WOULD YOU HAVE LIED!¡±


    Bayu let go, stepping away from Jaya. He strode over to the mottled window in his room that overlooked the terribly beautiful garden in his terribly beautiful mansion. He traced shapes and images in the glass. Bayu felt Jaya¡¯s gaze weave over him like a curse. ¡°Please just let me go. I can¡¯t be around you or Ratih.¡±


    Jaya joined Bayu at the window, he stared him down, his chin trembling. ¡°Don¡¯t do this Bayu, please don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Will you leave her?¡±


    ¡°W-w-what-¡± Jaya stuttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you to leave her. Stop loving her. I¡¯ll stay.¡± Bayu ground his jaw.


    What felt like an eternity passed between them. Jaya closed his eyes, a single tear rolled down his cheek, he looked down at the floor, shook his head.


    ¡°Get out.¡± Bayu¡¯s voice was deathly quiet.


    ¡°Bayu please-¡±


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°BAYU-¡±


    Bayu felt a hot sharp burst of blue magic swirl out of him, he blasted it onto his brother¡¯s legs who jumped back in shock. ¡°Please-¡± he begged. Bayu was unrelentless, he shot hot sharp blasts of magic, over and over, until Jaya slinked away, holding himself together, shaking.


    ¡°Bayu?¡± Isaac¡¯s kind, gentle face smiled at him nervously. His fingers were still dusting around his arm.


    ¡°She¡¯s lovely. My fianc¨¦e I mean.¡± Bayu stood up, dusting his crumpled uniform. ¡°Shall we get more sorrell punch? Let¡¯s bring back some for Kai and Tomoya.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Isaac shot down the hill like a light, ginger locks blowing brazenly in the wind.


    Bayu watched Isaac''s figure fade into the distance, the weight of his emotions still heavy in his chest. He swallowed hard, the ache in his heart too raw to confront, but for now, he followed, stepping into the unknown with Isaac by his side, and the past left behind in the shadows.

 Chapter 11 - TOMOYA

    For as long as Tomoya can remember, he has lived in a cage.


    It was a cruel fate to be born into the Eclipse Order, a vampiric criminal syndicate that ruled Japan''s underworld with an iron fist¡ªand even sharper fangs. Tomoya was born a bastard; his mother was a werewolf, marked by thick swathes of unruly black hair, dark piercing eyes, and jagged fingernails. Masanori, the leader of the Eclipse Order and Tomoya¡¯s father, had little regard for conventional beauty. He was bewitched by her savage nature and thus stole her away in the dead of night to make her his concubine.


    Tomoya was born half werewolf, half vampire. The first in the family of eleven sons and daughters. They hated Tomoya with a burning and vehement passion.


    ¡°Bastard.¡±


    ¡°Trash.¡±


    ¡°Mutt.¡±


    Tomoya was too young to understand what any of those words meant, he swallowed their hatred the way he swallowed raw meat and deer blood. And up until he was thirteen, he lived relatively well. The estate of the Eclipse Order lay tucked deep into the mountains in Hakone. It drowned the blue sky, perputally existing in a smog of black mist. Two ornate shachihoko sculptures grinned at Tomoya whenever he trapised into the mansion. Sometimes he stared down at their glassy hollow eyes, and they stared back at him.


    If his siblings were not tormenting him they ignored him, all except the oldest, Akihiro, who said not a word to him, but watched him carefully, always placed beside his Father¡¯s side like an extra limb. Tomoya vaguely knew his family were involved in shady dealings, he wasn¡¯t allowed to go to school or consort with the wary villagers. But he didn¡¯t mind. They had a large sprawling library, where Tomoya would grab books about dark and twisted fairytales, race into the forest backing the estate and read on top of trees, under bushes, beneath rippling streams and at night when the moon was full and gorgeous.


    Strangely enough he thought that he liked his life at times. He could wake up whenever he wanted. The family¡¯s hunters always bought back buckets of raw fleshy meat so he could feast to his heart¡¯s content. Because his siblings did not care for him, he could race into the forest and lay underneath the earth and stars until the sun began to rise. Tomoya lived in a dream.


    One day, when he was thirteen, he woke up early for once. His room was small and dark, but his futon was thick and fluffy and very comfortable. A white sheen rose through the windows and illuminated his young frame. Tomoya stood up, rubbing his eyes. At times he missed his mother, Masanori¡¯s other wives and concubines were like revolving doors, appearing and disappearing like the wind, they had dark sultry makeup and long fangs, brightly coloured expensive kimonos and elaborate hairstyles. His mother dressed plainly in a simple navy kimono, she wore no makeup, she did not cut her fingernails. Tomoya loved her like he loved books, the moon and the endless forest. He did not know whether she loved him back, he did not care.


    That day he was filled with the relentless urge to find her. Posted outside of his door was his guard draped in armour, Kurogane. Tomoya¡¯s father was adamant that each of his children were to be given protection. ¡°Kurogane!¡± Tomoya bowed. ¡°I want to see Mama.¡±


    Kurogane was a man of few words, Tomoya suspected he shared the same disgust at Tomoya being a mixed species. The other day when Tomoya was almost attacked by a bear, Kurogane was slow to pull out his sword, Tomoya spied the hesitation in his brow, the trembling of his calloused fingers.


    Still he nodded and followed behind Tomoya. They weaved their way up the wooden steps, down the hallways until Tomoya reached his mother¡¯s room. He knocked on the door three times and heard no answer.


    ¡°Mama?¡± Tomoya pushed open the door.


    His mother was draped across the bed, her dark dusty hair fanned across the pillow in clumps. On top of her was a large hulk of a man, his head was shaved, his body dusted in coiled hair. He kissed his mother on the lips, suckling and biting at her, his mother sighed.


    ¡°Mama? What is going on?¡±


    Kurogane drew his sword. ¡°Ayako. How could you?¡±


    His mother shrieked. She flung herself from the bed, pulling her robes around her. ¡°Please Kurogane.¡± She dropped to her knees, clasped her fingers together and begged. ¡°I beg you please don¡¯t say anything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too late.¡± Kurogane dragged Tomoya¡¯s mother and her scorned lover to the central courtyard. The rest of his siblings stood accompanied by the maids, hunters and guards. Tomoya¡¯s Father stood at the centre, a large ornate sword clutched in his heavy hands. His face was lined and crinkled. It was highly uncommon for vampires to have wizened appearances, but Tomoya thought this was another of those situations were secrets where kept from him.


    His mother was crying, shaking, on her knees. Her lover said nothing, he stared at the ground in resolution, resigned to his fate. Tomoya watched in horrified confusion. Suddenly he felt a heavy hand press into his shoulder. He turned to find Akihiro staring him down with a grim look.


    ¡°Watch closely.¡± He whispered into Tomoya¡¯s ear.


    Akihiro was tall, even taller than their Father, his hair was cropped close and short, the colour of moonflower, his eyes glassy and colourless. Tomoya did not know his age. He crept closer to him seeking his warmth, but found Akihiro was as cold as a tundra night. Akihiro stepped closer anyway, drawing Tomoya into him. ¡°Are you watching?¡±


    Tomoya nodded. He found he was shaking.


    ¡°AYAKO!¡± Tomoya¡¯s father boomed. He wielded the blade into the misty sky. His eyes scanned the sprawling surroundings. ¡°I will forgive you. If you kill that wretch with this sword.¡± He pointed the sword at Ayako¡¯s face.


    She shook her head, tears streaming and cascading down her cheeks. ¡°NEVER!¡±


    ¡°You slight me?¡± A hard rumble of laughter tumbled out of his Father¡¯s lips. Tomoya trembled, Akihiro held him tighter.


    His mother tilted her face up. The wind whipped around them, unrelentless, chilling, brutal. ¡°You stole me Masanori. I was never, ever yours. That wretch is my husband!¡± She stood then, drawing herself close to Tomoya¡¯s father, her feet crunching on the gravel. ¡°It wasn¡¯t enough for you to take me, but you took my twin daughters and you killed them. I will never belong to you. I hate you.¡±


    ¡°Surely you must know what this means?¡± Masanori had a disgusted look on his face. ¡°What of your son?¡±


    ¡°He is not my son.¡±


    Tomoya felt something in his heart break. His life was held together with a steadfast delusion. Something bubbled within him, something vicious and unruly. All the times his mother refused to look at him, to hug him, to talk with him burned through his mind like a highlight reel. He had always brushed away every encounter, Tomoya¡¯s love was enough for them both.


    Masanori raised the blade once more and drove it through the heart of Ayako¡¯s lover. Blood dripped out of his lips, it stained his robes like a rose. Masanori dug the blade out and pointed it¡¯s hilt to Ayako¡¯s throat. Hot heavy tears shot out like pellets. She wailed.


    ¡°Last chance.¡± Sharp fangs emerged from Masanori¡¯s teeth. He dropped the sword.


    "Ayako," Masanori''s voice was low, heavy with an unrelenting yearning, as though the words were clawing their way out of him. His gaze was fixed on her, burning with desire and obsession. "I love you. It''s the reason I brought you here¡ªto the Eclipse Order. I pulled you from the shadows of your life, gave you a place in this world. And what has he given you? That wretch, that fool¡ªhe can never offer you what I can. He cannot give you the life you were meant to have."


    He stepped forward, his words thick with possessive heat, his presence looming like a storm. "With me, you will never know hunger. You will never know want. Every gold coin, every jewel, every fortune this earth has to offer will be yours, Ayako. I will give it all to you, because you are mine."


    His voice softened, the passion of his declaration turning into something darker. "I will cast aside every wife, every concubine for you. They are nothing to me. Only you. If your son does not fill your heart with love, then let me fill it¡ªirrevocably. I will give you daughters, ones who will never question their place in this world, ones who will be mine, just as you are."


    He took another step forward, his eyes gleaming with both hunger and promise. "Come back to me, Ayako. I will make you a queen in this world. I will make you mine."


    ¡°Fuck you.¡± Tomoya¡¯s mother spat in his face.


    Masanori¡¯s body filled with a dangerous rage. Tomoya watched as his pale skin turned crimson, his fangs grew sharper and he bit into her neck. His mother writhed in his embrace. He bit harder, thick streams of blood dripping down his mother¡¯s neck until her eyes bulged, her skin grew grey and her body became limp in his arms.


    Tomoya dropped to his knees and screamed. He screamed until his throat was raw and aching, until his siblings, whose faces were indifferent waltzed out of the courtyard with leers on their faces and grins on their lips. Until his Father mounted his bold, black horse and told the maids, and butlers and hunters that he was going on a trip and would not be back ¡°for a while¡±. Akihiro stayed by his side, holding onto Tomoya¡¯s lithe frame. Finally, the screaming subsided from his throat. He hadn¡¯t noticed when his mother¡¯s body was removed, or her lover. He curled into Akihiro¡¯s chest shuddering.


    ¡°Did you watch?¡± His voice was cruel and quiet, it peppered over Tomoya¡¯s dark straight hair like a thorny caress. ¡°Did you see Father take her life? As if it meant nothing to him.¡± His voice grew darker. ¡°He did the same to my mother. His very first wife. Said he loved her, even though she had a strange albino vampire child. He took us both in. When he grew bored of her he killed her, just like how he killed your mother.¡± Akihiro¡¯s fangs shot out of his mouth, gleaming white. He ghosted them on Tomoya¡¯s neck. ¡°Just like this-¡± He pressed lightly into his pale, sweaty skin. Tomoya felt a bead of blood trickle down his neck. ¡°And he keeps on pushing until his venom enters your bloodstream, until all you can feel is poison corroding your heart.¡± Akihiro¡¯s fangs sunk in deeper. ¡°Do you want me to?¡± His voice was cracked, hollowed with grief. ¡°Do you want me to kill you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Tomoya breathed, but he did not move. He felt strangely safe in Akihiro¡¯s arms.


    Akihiro¡¯s fangs slowly dug out of Tomoya¡¯s skin. Tomoya watched as they shot back up into his teeth. His white eyelashes gleamed down at him. He looked ethereal. ¡°Do you hate him?¡±


    ¡°Y-y-yes.¡± Tomoya stuttered.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Tomoya didn¡¯t understand it at the time, but Akihiro would become more than just the obedient shadow at their father¡¯s side, a silent, unwavering fixture that clung to his father like a parasite. He would be his older brother ¡ª not by blood, but by a bond forged in anguish and twisted affection. His tormentor. His protector. His angel.


    *****


    A week later, Tomoya transformed.


    The forest stretched wide and ancient around them, its mist curling like ghostly tendrils around the trunks of towering cedar trees. Akihiro had become accustomed to taking Tomoya on silent walks through the forest, the only sound the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional snap of a twig. These moments were the closest thing to peace Tomoya had found since his mother¡¯s death.


    He trailed behind Akihiro, watching ants navigate over uneven patches of moss, feeling the crisp breeze nip at his cheeks. Then, without warning, a grotesque sensation surged through his body.


    It began as a prickling heat in his chest, spreading quickly to his limbs. His muscles convulsed as if rebelling against his very existence. A deep, guttural growl tore from his throat, and he collapsed to his knees.


    ¡°Akihiro!¡± Tomoya gasped, clutching at the earth. His fingers dug into the dirt, his nails splitting and growing into claws. His bones crackled and twisted, reshaping themselves with horrifying precision. His spine arched violently, vertebrae snapping into a new, elongated form. A hot, piercing pain spread across his face as his jaw pushed forward, his teeth sharpening into cruel fangs.


    Akihiro turned, his pale eyes gleaming with intrigue. He did not move to help.


    Tomoya¡¯s vision blurred as his body burned, his human form giving way to something monstrous. His once-slender frame grew bulky, rippling with lean muscle. Fur as dark as the void erupted from his skin, coating his body. His hands and feet were no longer his own¡ªthey were massive paws tipped with razor-sharp claws.


    When the pain subsided, Tomoya stood on all fours, panting heavily. He felt the damp earth under his paws, the scent of pine and rain filling his keen nostrils. The forest was alive in a way he had never experienced before¡ªhe could hear every rustle, smell every leaf, sense every quivering heartbeat.


    Akihiro approached him, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he reached out and stroked Tomoya¡¯s gleaming black fur.


    ¡°Magnificent,¡± Akihiro murmured, his voice low, almost reverent. His fingers moved deliberately, tracing the powerful muscles beneath Tomoya¡¯s coat. ¡°Do you feel it? The freedom?¡±


    Tomoya did not respond with words¡ªhe could not. He let out a low growl, but it was not one of anger. It was raw, primal contentment.


    With a sharp command from Akihiro, Tomoya bolted into the woods. The wind whipped past him as he ran, his powerful legs propelling him faster than he¡¯d ever moved before. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the crushing weight of grief lifted from his chest. He felt alive, untethered, and free.


    They spent hours in the forest. Tomoya, reduced to his barest instincts, hunted small creatures at Akihiro¡¯s bidding. Akihiro, with a twisted sort of affection, rewarded him, feeding him the raw meat he caught. As night fell, the two of them sat beneath a towering cedar tree. Tomoya curled into Akihiro¡¯s lap, his massive body surprisingly gentle as Akihiro absently stroked his fur.


    ¡°You are mine now,¡± Akihiro whispered, his voice soft yet possessive.


    When they returned to the estate, chaos erupted.


    Tomoya padded through the front gates, his gleaming black coat still streaked with the blood of his hunt. The other siblings screamed, their once-indifferent faces twisting with terror. The maids fled, clutching their aprons to their mouths as though suppressing cries.


    Masanori stood at the top of the grand staircase, his figure framed by the flickering glow of lanterns. His expression was one of utter revulsion.


    ¡°What is this abomination?¡± he snarled, pointing a trembling finger at Tomoya. ¡°What kind of cursed creature have you become?¡±


    Tomoya froze, his golden eyes wide with confusion.


    ¡°You dare bring this shame to my house?¡± Masanori spat, his voice cold and sharp as the blade he often wielded. ¡°You are no son of mine. You¡¯re filth¡ªa beast. A mongrel born of sin.¡±


    Tomoya whimpered, the words cutting deeper than any wound. He looked to Akihiro, who stood silently behind him, his face impassive.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°LOCK HIM UP!¡± Masanori roared. ¡°THROW HIM IN A CAGE WHERE HE BELONGS!¡±


    The guards hesitated for a moment, their eyes flickering to Akihiro, who gave a slight nod. They approached Tomoya cautiously, chains in hand.


    The basement was a cold, dark labyrinth of stone. They dragged Tomoya down steep steps slick with moisture, his claws scraping against the ground. In the deepest corner of the basement was his cage¡ªa monstrous contraption of rusted iron bars, its edges jagged and cruel. The floor was nothing more than hard-packed dirt, damp and unyielding. A single, flickering lantern cast long shadows that danced like spectres across the walls.


    The guards shoved Tomoya inside, slamming the heavy door shut. The clang of the lock echoed through the chamber, final and unforgiving.


    Tomoya slumped to the ground, his body trembling as the enormity of what had happened crashed over him. The freedom he had felt in the forest was a distant memory, replaced by the cold, suffocating weight of his cage.


    Above him, Akihiro stood just beyond the bars, his pale eyes gleaming.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you out of here. Just be patient.¡± Akihiro¡¯s voice was a quiet knife, cutting through the silence.


    Tomoya didn¡¯t answer. He curled into himself, his massive frame shuddering in the dim light.


    He wasn¡¯t sure how to return to his human form, he didn¡¯t know if he wanted to.


    A few weeks had passed in suffocating darkness. The basement air was thick with dampness, the kind that clung to the skin and seeped into his bones. Tomoya had grown accustomed to the cold iron bars, the dirt floor, and the flickering light of the single lantern that barely cut through the gloom. The loneliness gnawed at him, but he endured it in silence, his massive wolf form curled in the far corner of the cage.


    The sound of approaching footsteps jarred him from his half-sleep. The cadence was familiar¡ªgraceful, deliberate, and unhurried. Akihiro.


    Tomoya¡¯s ears perked up, his golden eyes glowing faintly in the dim light as Akihiro appeared before the cage. He looked different. His pale hair, usually cropped close, had grown out and now curled slightly at the edges, brushing against his light eyebrows. His long, elegant limbs moved with an almost ethereal fluidity as he unlatched the cage door.


    Akihiro knelt just inside, his expression calm but intent. ¡°I have a job for you,¡± he said softly, his voice like silk slipping over steel. He extended a hand toward Tomoya, brushing his fingers lightly against his snout. The touch was unexpectedly tender. ¡°We¡¯re going to Tokyo.¡±


    Tomoya let out a low, questioning growl, his head tilting slightly.


    ¡°But,¡± Akihiro continued, his tone softening, ¡°you have to transform back into a human. Can you do that for me?¡±


    Tomoya¡¯s body tensed, his tail curling slightly beneath him. He looked down at his large, clawed paws and back to Akihiro, who had climbed fully into the cage. Akihiro¡¯s long coat billowed slightly as he crouched low, his arms outstretched. His pale face was framed by his curling hair, and his cold, sharp gaze was tempered with something almost gentle.


    Akihiro leaned closer, wrapping his arms around Tomoya¡¯s massive frame. ¡°Come back to me,¡± he whispered against Tomoya¡¯s fur. ¡°I¡¯ll help you. I¡¯ll hold you.¡±


    Tomoya shuddered, a low whimper escaping him as he leaned into Akihiro¡¯s touch. The command was simple, but the task was monumental. He hadn¡¯t shifted back since that night in the forest, and his wolf form had become both a comfort and a prison.


    He closed his eyes and reached deep within himself, searching for the remnants of his human body. The process began slowly, an agonizing reversal of the transformation that had once felt so freeing.


    The first crack of shifting bones echoed through the cage. Pain radiated through his limbs as they shortened and twisted, his claws retracting into blunt human nails. His fur retracted in patches, leaving his raw, pink skin exposed to the biting cold.


    A strangled growl tore from his throat, morphing into a human cry. His elongated snout pulled back into his face, his sharp fangs receding into dull human teeth. He felt every joint, every muscle, fighting against the change, as if his body were at war with itself.


    Akihiro tightened his hold, his arms steadying Tomoya as his body trembled uncontrollably.


    ¡°Good,¡± Akihiro murmured, his lips close to Tomoya¡¯s ear. ¡°You¡¯re almost there.¡±


    Finally, with one last agonizing crack, Tomoya collapsed against Akihiro¡¯s chest, his human form fully restored. His pale, trembling body was slick with sweat, his ribs jutting out with each labored breath. His black hair clung to his damp forehead, and his eyes¡ªnow their soft brown¡ªwere wide with exhaustion and pain.


    Akihiro held him tightly, his cool hands brushing against Tomoya¡¯s clammy skin. He wrapped his coat around him, his movements deliberate and unhurried. Tomoya could feel Akihiro¡¯s breath against his temple, steady and calm, a stark contrast to his own ragged gasps.


    ¡°You did well,¡± Akihiro whispered, his voice low and soothing. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    Tomoya leaned into the embrace, his body still trembling. The cage that had once felt so small now seemed enormous and empty around them. For a moment, neither of them moved, the only sound the faint dripping of water from the stone ceiling.


    Akihiro¡¯s pale fingers combed gently through Tomoya¡¯s damp hair. ¡°You¡¯re cold,¡± he murmured. He pulled Tomoya closer, his hands resting on his back, pressing his trembling body against his own steady warmth.


    Tomoya buried his face in Akihiro¡¯s shoulder, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°What¡¯s in Tokyo?¡±


    Akihiro didn¡¯t answer immediately. He tilted Tomoya¡¯s face upward, his pale eyes searching his younger brother¡¯s. ¡°A task,¡± he said finally. His tone was quiet but resolute, carrying a weight that Tomoya couldn¡¯t yet understand.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find you clothes,¡± Akihiro continued, his hands moving to cradle Tomoya¡¯s face. ¡°And then we leave tonight. Together.¡±


    Tomoya nodded weakly, too drained to argue, too grateful to care. For the first time in weeks, he felt the faint stirrings of hope¡ªfragile, fleeting, but undeniable.


    As Akihiro helped him to his feet, guiding him carefully out of the cage, Tomoya glanced back at the iron bars that had confined him. A chill ran through him, but he didn¡¯t look back again.


    They left at night in a horse drawn carriage. The moon hung high above, casting its pale glow over the Japanese countryside. Shadows stretched long and thin over the rice paddies, and the occasional flicker of a lantern from a distant home painted an almost ethereal scene. The air was cool, carrying with it the scent of dew-laden grass and the faintest hint of smoke from village fires.


    Inside the carriage, Tomoya sat awkwardly, draped in Akihiro¡¯s clothes. The thick dark blue robes were slightly oversized, their folds heavy against his slight frame. Around his neck, Akihiro had tied a gleaming blue pendant, the gemstone catching the dim light whenever it swayed against his chest.


    Akihiro sat across from him, his arms folded, his pale eyes unblinking as they stared out the small window. The flickering lantern inside the carriage danced across his sharp features, lending him an otherworldly appearance.


    It was four hours before the carriage finally slowed. Tomoya peered out, his eyes widening as the bustling outskirts of Tokyo unfolded before him. Lanterns lined the narrow streets, their golden glow illuminating vendors calling out wares, their stalls laden with vibrant fabrics, ripe fruits, and delicate ceramics. The clack of geta sandals on stone mingled with the occasional clatter of a wooden cart. Men and women dressed in glorious silks and cotton, their kimonos adorned with intricate patterns, moved in small groups, their chatter muffled by the night. Children darted between the adults, chasing each other in games of laughter and shrieks.


    The city felt alive, vibrant, yet underneath the beauty, there was an undercurrent of tension that Tomoya couldn¡¯t quite place.


    Akihiro stepped out of the carriage first, extending a hand to help Tomoya down. Without a word, he led him through the crowded streets, his hand gripping Tomoya¡¯s firmly as they weaved between people and stalls. The air grew thicker as they moved deeper into the city, the once-open streets narrowing into dimly lit alleyways. The sound of rats scurrying over cobblestones replaced the earlier bustle, and the air carried the acrid smell of rotting food and stagnant water.


    Finally, they turned a corner into a particularly dark alley. Tomoya¡¯s heart thudded in his chest as Akihiro slowed to a stop. A figure was slumped against the damp wall, his hands tied in front of him with thick, frayed ropes.


    The man¡¯s hair was messy, his dark locks tangled and windswept. His clothes were tattered, and his face was drawn with exhaustion. He looked up at their approach, his eyes wide with fear as he took in Akihiro¡¯s imposing figure and Tomoya¡¯s hesitant form.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Tomoya¡¯s voice trembled as he instinctively grabbed a handful of Akihiro¡¯s robe.


    Akihiro glanced down at him, his expression unreadable. ¡°It¡¯s your task,¡± he said calmly. ¡°This is why we came here.¡±


    Tomoya shook his head, taking a step back. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°You completely understand,¡± Akihiro said, his voice soft but unrelenting. His hand reached out, brushing Tomoya¡¯s black hair away from his face. ¡°Tomoya, I care for you very much. Everything I¡¯m doing is for you¡ªand to take down our father.¡± His pale fingers traced the edge of Tomoya¡¯s pendant before his hand dropped to his side. ¡°But I need to know you¡¯re with me. If you¡¯re too scared, you can go back to the carriage. Back to the cage in Hakone.¡±


    Akihiro¡¯s hand hung in the air between them, a bridge waiting to be crossed. ¡°Or you can do this with me.¡±


    Tomoya¡¯s throat tightened as he looked from Akihiro to the man slumped against the wall. The man¡¯s lips trembled as he began to beg.


    ¡°Mio,¡± Akihiro said suddenly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. A cruel grin curled his lips. ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±


    The man¡ªMio¡ªshook his head violently, his voice cracking as he pleaded. ¡°I have daughters, a wife. Please don¡¯t do this. Please.¡±


    Akihiro tilted his head, his grin fading into something almost melancholic. ¡°I¡¯m sorry it had to come to this.¡±


    The words hung in the air, and Tomoya felt a dark certainty settle in his chest. He knew what Akihiro wanted. Deep down, he had known the moment he saw the man bound and helpless.


    The pendant around his neck grew heavier, a suffocating weight. Akihiro¡¯s voice was suddenly at his ear, low and coaxing. ¡°Transform,¡± he whispered.


    Tomoya¡¯s body trembled as he closed his eyes, letting the wolf rise within him. His skin burned as fur sprouted over his arms and legs, his muscles twisting and elongating. Pain crackled through his bones, but the agony was fleeting. In moments, the wolf had overtaken him, its primal instincts dulling the human grief that had clung to him for weeks.


    Akihiro¡¯s hand slid down Tomoya¡¯s furred back, his touch almost reverent. ¡°Good,¡± he murmured. ¡°Very good.¡±


    Tomoya¡¯s golden eyes gleamed in the dim light as he turned to Akihiro, his breathing deep and animalistic.


    ¡°Kill him,¡± Akihiro whispered, his lips brushing against Tomoya¡¯s ear.


    Tomoya hesitated for only a moment before lunging. His claws tore through Mio¡¯s clothing, his teeth sinking into the man¡¯s flesh. Mio screamed, the sound echoing briefly before being choked off. Blood splattered against the stone walls, dark and viscous, as Tomoya ripped and tore with abandon.


    When it was done, Tomoya stood over the lifeless body, his sides heaving. The coppery taste of blood coated his tongue, and his golden eyes flicked to Akihiro.


    Akihiro stepped forward, placing a hand on Tomoya¡¯s furred head. ¡°You¡¯ve done well,¡± he said softly, his smile both proud and cruel.


    Tomoya licked the blood from his muzzle, his wolfish form trembling as Akihiro¡¯s touch lingered. The alleyway was silent except for the soft rustle of rats weaving through the carnage.


    ¡°We¡¯re one step closer,¡± Akihiro said, his voice calm. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    Home was an apartment tucked away in a quieter corner of bustling Tokyo, atop a narrow building with an apothecary on the ground floor. The shop below exuded an air of mystery, its shelves lined with glass jars holding dried herbs, mysterious powders, and potions in shades of emerald and crimson. The faint, earthy scent of medicinal roots and incense drifted upward, mingling with the cooler night breeze.


    Their home at the very top of the building was a startling contrast to the humble apothecary below. The apartment was lavishly adorned with luxurious furnishings and carefully curated decor. Silk wall hangings in vibrant hues of gold and deep red framed the space, while intricate calligraphy scrolls detailed poems and proverbs that seemed to hum with power. Large, ornately painted portraits of women with ethereal beauty¡ªpale skin, dark eyes, and intricate hairstyles¡ªhung on the walls, their painted gazes following anyone who entered. The polished wooden floors were softened by handwoven rugs, their patterns intricate and mesmerizing.


    They sat together in the small but finely crafted kitchen, where lacquered cabinets gleamed under the soft glow of a single lantern. A maid, dressed in a crisp white apron over her pale blue kimono, entered with graceful steps, carrying two steaming bowls of yakisoba and a teapot of sweet ginger tea. She placed the food before them with a slight bow before retreating silently.


    Tomoya relished the first bite of noodles, savouring the mix of savoury soy sauce and sweet vegetables. The tea¡¯s warmth spread through him, soothing the edges of his nerves. It was a rare moment of peace.


    Akihiro broke the silence, his tone measured yet heavy with meaning. ¡°Tomoya,¡± he said, setting his chopsticks down with care, ¡°I need you to take down Father.¡±


    Tomoya froze, mid-sip of tea, as Akihiro continued, his pale eyes locking onto him. ¡°I want to take control of the Eclipse Order. I¡¯m gathering the manpower I need to succeed. I don¡¯t just want to kill Father; I want to take his empire from him.¡± His voice sharpened, the weight of his ambition palpable. ¡°Are you with me?¡±


    Tomoya hesitated for a moment, his fingers tightening around the teacup. He wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. What else could he do? The cage in Hakone was a vivid memory, a nightmare he couldn¡¯t forget. Anything was better than that.


    ¡°I¡¯m with you,¡± he said softly, his voice lacking the conviction he thought Akihiro wanted. Then, with a glimmer of hope, he added, ¡°Is there a forest I can run in?¡±


    Akihiro¡¯s expression softened into a rare smile. ¡°Plenty,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to them, whenever you want.¡±


    For Tomoya, those first few months in Tokyo were like a dream. He ate more than he had ever imagined possible, indulging in bowls of hot ramen, grilled skewers of yakitori dripping with sauce, savory okonomiyaki stuffed with seafood, and endless plates of sushi that practically melted on his tongue. Sweet treats like mochi and taiyaki filled his evenings, and rich cups of matcha grounded his mornings.


    Beyond the food, there were the people. Beautiful fairies with sparkling kimonos and long, fluttering lashes charmed him in tea houses and moonlit festivals. They flirted with their soft, musical voices, brushing against him as they laughed. For the first time in a long time, he felt alive.


    But that joy was fleeting. The killing loomed over him like a shadow. Without warning, Akihiro would call his name, his voice carrying an unspoken command. In those moments, Tomoya¡¯s humanity dissolved. The wolf would rise, and he would tear through human flesh and bone as though they were made of paper. The blood always haunted him¡ªmetallic on his tongue, seeping into his dreams. He would wake in a sweat, the phantom screams of his victims ringing in his ears.


    Years passed in a haze of conflicting emotions. At sixteen, at eighteen, at twenty-two, the taste of blood lingered even when he bit into harmless noodles. The guilt etched itself deeper into his soul with each kill, each life snuffed out by his claws. Yet Akihiro was always there, his touch tender, his presence commanding. Tomoya loved him deeply, irrevocably. But Akihiro scared him, too.


    Akihiro¡¯s possessiveness was like a cage of its own. He watched over Tomoya with hawk-like intensity, always knowing where he went, who he spoke to, and how long he was gone. When Tomoya stayed out too late one night¡ªhis head spinning with alcohol, his laughter echoing in a gambling den filled with courtesans and gamblers¡ªAkihiro came for him.


    The doors to the den burst open, and the revelry screeched to a halt. Akihiro stood in the doorway, his eyes blazing with fury, his fangs gleaming in the dim light. Without hesitation, he descended on the room, draining the life from every courtesan and gambler in his path. Blood painted the walls, the air thick with the metallic scent of death.


    Tomoya watched, frozen in terror and guilt, as Akihiro wiped the blood from his mouth with a chilling calm. ¡°You belong to me,¡± Akihiro said, his voice soft but unyielding. ¡°You come home when I tell you to. Don¡¯t ever forget that.¡±


    Tomoya was trapped in a vicious cycle¡ªone of love, fear, and bloodshed. No matter how far he tried to run, he always found himself back in Akihiro¡¯s grasp. And though he longed for freedom, there was a part of him that couldn¡¯t imagine a life without his brother¡¯s shadow looming over him.


    ******


    The air in the apartment was thick with the cloying scent of herbs and bitter medicines. Tomoya lay sprawled on the futon, the thin mat beneath him barely cushioning his aching frame. The apothecary below had been generous with their tinctures and powders¡ªAkihiro always made sure his money flowed like water¡ªbut they dulled little more than the sharpest edge of his restlessness. His body was here, but his mind roamed like a shadow slipping through cracks.


    Akihiro had been gone for weeks. Retreating to Hakone, Tomoya imagined, to sit at their father¡¯s feet, to whisper conspiracies with a face as serene as carved stone. Tomoya had once asked him what Masanori thought of his absence.


    ¡°I told him you were dead,¡± Akihiro had said without a trace of emotion, as though recounting the weather.


    Now, Tomoya shook off the memory and reached for the piece of parchment lying on the low wooden table. It bore a single word, written in bold, unfamiliar strokes: Asakusa.


    The name stirred something in him¡ªmemories of crowded marketplaces, the scent of incense curling in the air, and the constant buzz of human life. He folded the paper carefully, tucked it into his robes, and set out into the night.


    The streets of Tokyo were alive in their own quiet way. Lanterns swayed in the breeze, their orange glow spilling over tiled roofs and casting long, trembling shadows on the ground. Tomoya trudged along, his eyes heavy with the weight of sleepless nights. His robes, borrowed from Akihiro¡¯s ample collection, hung loosely on his lithe frame. He felt like a ghost haunting the edges of a city he no longer belonged to.


    When he reached Asakusa, the streets were eerily empty. The air was thick, the mist clinging to his skin like a damp veil. For a long moment, nothing stirred.


    Then, a shadow descended.


    The man landed with the grace of a bird, his long coat billowing like wings. But it was his actual wings that made Tomoya freeze. They were wide and dark, sweeping arcs that seemed to drink in the light. The man straightened, revealing Western features¡ªpale skin, sharp cheekbones, and eyes the color of cold steel. British, perhaps, or American. His hair, black and unruly, framed his mocking smile as he gave Tomoya a theatrical bow.


    ¡°You came!¡± he said, his voice rich with amusement.


    Tomoya instinctively stepped back. ¡°What do you want?¡± His voice was hoarse, the remnants of restless nights and reluctant screams. ¡°Am I to kill you?¡±


    The man raised a hand, his smile widening. ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t do that. I think you¡¯re rather remarkable, Tomoya.¡±


    Tomoya stiffened at the casual familiarity. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The man spread his arms, wings unfurling slightly as he spoke. ¡°Rupert Lowe, at your service. And I come with a proposition¡ªa rather exciting one, if I may say so.¡± He stepped closer, his boots clicking softly on the stone. ¡°What do you think about joining the Aetherwing Brigade?¡±


    The name was like a jolt through Tomoya¡¯s fogged mind. The Aetherwing Brigade. The elite military organisation that flew steam powered airships, their influence spreading across continents like wildfire. He¡¯d heard of them in whispers and tavern tales¡ªdaring missions, unthinkable technology, a life that promised escape from anything and everything.


    But not this. Not him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Tomoya stuttered, his voice faltering. ¡°Akihiro would come for me.¡±


    Rupert tilted his head, his sharp grin curling further at the edges. ¡°Akihiro, yes. The doting, obsessive brother. Always watching, always pulling the strings.¡± His voice dripped with mockery. ¡°But here¡¯s the thing, Tomoya. Do you know what happens to a puppet when the strings are cut?¡±


    Tomoya stared at him, his heart thundering in his chest.


    Rupert stepped closer, his steel-gray eyes locking with Tomoya¡¯s. ¡°It doesn¡¯t collapse. It learns how to stand.¡±


    With a flourish of his wings, Rupert leapt into the air, the sound of his laughter trailing behind him as he disappeared into the night.


    Tomoya stood there, the empty street suddenly feeling impossibly vast. His hands trembled as he clenched them into fists. For the first time in a long while, the cage Akihiro had built around him felt unbearably small. Could he ever dare to break free?