《The Naem of Raine》


 Prologue

    ¡°¡­ Now, go. Protect he who will rattle the hearts of men and beasts alike¡ªhe who announces his presence to the world with a pillar of light. For I have blessed you to become a great warrior¡­¡±


    Ash fell from the sky, blanketing the ground like snow and covering a land that once teemed with life. Now, only death remained.


    Baron walked down the street, his piercing red eyes drawn upward to a sky shrouded in thick black smoke. Today was just like the day before¡ªand the day before that¡ªmarked by relentless ashfall from a perpetually darkened sky.


    Despite the constant annoyance of the ash, Baron would be lying if he said he wished it weren''t there. Without the ash, there¡¯d be no smoke, and that meant the sun would shine all day. And if the sun came out, he¡ªand no other demon in this great city¡ªcould continue on with their lives.


    While the sun didn''t kill demons outright, it burned them as if they were set on fire. Baron had felt that searing heat a few times in his life, and each time he vowed it would never happen again.


    With a sigh, he continued toward the massive black castle that loomed against the mountain at the back of the city. Today was supposed to be a great day¡ªfilled with the scent of looming war and blood, something he craved.


    But as soon as he stepped through the kingdom¡¯s walls, screams of horror and cries of pain echoed through the streets. That ruined his mood, even though, in most cases, he actually loved those sounds¡ªthey were exhilarating to him. But whenever he heard the cries of newly captured slaves¡ªthose he couldn''t kill as he wished¡ªit enraged him.


    He glanced to his left and saw several wagons being emptied into a small courtyard, isolated from the street by a large iron gate. Humans were being forced out, each linked by a long line of iron chains. Many screamed and pleaded for mercy, while others moved like living corpses, devoid of life.


    As he advanced, he continued to watch. The slave traders held back their massive demon hounds¡ªmassive compared to the humans¡ªeach barking and snarling as they struggled against the chains that restrained them. They zeroed in on the most terrified person passing by.


    It wasn¡¯t long before one of the humans attempted to resist and run, despite being chained to the others. It was natural for some to try, and Baron knew that. But he also knew that fear was what killed most people.


    ¡°I said stay in line!¡± one of the demon slave traders growled, kicking the human woman half his size forcefully back toward where she¡¯d come from. The blow sent her tumbling past the line of her fellow slaves and straight into the snapping jaws of the hounds that had frightened her.


    Her scream rang out, sharp and panicked, before being swallowed by the frenzy of growls and thrashing. The hounds lunged, dragging her down in a chaotic tangle of bodies. The other slaves shuffled away from the hounds as far as they dared as the struggle ended too quickly, leaving behind only the sounds of gnashing teeth and the coppery scent that thickened the air.


    What little remained of the woman twitched for a few seconds before her lifeless eyes glazed over. The screams of the rest of the slaves were all that could be heard now as they witnessed the horrendous act, forced to keep moving even as strands of the woman¡¯s torn flesh still dangled from the chains between them.


    ¡°Lucky,¡± Baron muttered to himself, shaking his head at the scene. ¡°The hounds get to have all the fun this early, and what of me¡­?¡±


    He looked up at his destination and frowned. Walking''s too slow...


    Baron leaned forward, channeling energy into his legs. He pushed off powerfully with the first, then the second, then the third¡ªthree strides later, he was sprinting at full speed down the street.


    He was nothing more than a blur to the other demons who he dashed past, his only signals a cape billowing behind him like tearing canvas and the steady thud of his boots hitting the ground, silently demanding everyone to get out of his way.


    He ran until he was about halfway to the castle, then launched himself with a powerful thrust of his legs that sent him careening into the dark sky. His aim was perfect¡ªhe reached the peak of his leap before beginning his descent, landing squarely in the center of the expansive terrace overlooking the kingdom below.


    Baron straightened up and looked back over the kingdom. The ashfall draped the horizon in a shroud of gray, though it barely obscured the city within the walls.


    Turning toward the doors leading out to the balcony, he pushed them open and entered a large room dimly lit by enormous urns of fire lining its perimeter. The demon guards stationed just inside the doors stumbled aside in surprise, readying themselves to attack¡ªbut they quickly composed themselves once they recognized Baron.


    Paying them no mind, he strode further into the room, leaving the doors open behind him.


    ¡°Baron!¡± a demon barked as he rose from his chair at the long table in the center of the room. ¡°How many times have you been told to enter this place the proper way?¡±


    Baron rolled his eyes as he walked over and took his seat along the right side of the table, a few chairs down from his accuser.


    ¡°Why waste my time walking when I can get in that way much faster?¡± he retorted, glancing past the assembled demons toward the far end of the table. ¡°Would you not agree, my lord?¡±


    Baron then watched the demon seated at the head of the table¡ªunchanging, obviously bored as he leaned to one side, resting his head on a closed fist.


    ¡°Just because you¡¯re one of us now,¡± another demon, seated directly across from Baron¡ªfive seats on his side and five on Baron¡¯s¡ªwith the king of demons presiding at the head, said. ¡°There¡¯s still a hierarchy you must follow. You can¡¯t just waltz in, sit at this table, and speak so casually to the king.¡±


    Baron sighed dramatically as he leaned back into his chair, assuming a posture reminiscent of the Demon King, which cast a hush over the room. The first demon general, who had argued with him, promptly sat down as well, waiting for their king¡¯s words.


    None of the ten demons around the table dared question why they had been summoned¡ªexcept the one seated directly to the Demon King¡¯s right. From the corner of his eye, Baron watched as the highest-ranking demon slowly bowed his head, exposing the tops of his horns in a gesture of respect to the king.


    ¡°What news do you bring us, my King?¡± the demon asked, his voice slow and humble yet deep enough to send chills down Baron¡¯s spine¡ªalmost as chilling as the King¡¯s own tone.


    Even compared to Baron¡¯s strength, the five highest-ranking generals clearly possessed power that overshadowed him, each one immensely more powerful than the last. Yet showing humility or weakness was completely against everything in Baron. He sat in silence like everyone else, watching as the Demon King straightened on his throne and surveyed them all.


    ¡°The humans and their cities are growing into a power I can no longer ignore,¡± the Demon King began, his voice so deep that Baron could feel it in his chest. ¡°The time for sitting idly by is over.¡±


    A sinister smile spread across Baron¡¯s face¡ªand he wasn¡¯t alone. Every demon present craved those words, and for a long time, they had waited for them.


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    Baron froze as he watched the King rise from his throne, crossing his arms behind him. His immense presence loomed over the ten generals as he looked down on them. His rack of spiral horns, attached to the sides of his skull like those of all demons, soared high¡ªa testament to the power he wielded, despite his physical body showing no sign of age.


    ¡°Our raids on these petty cities are over,¡± the Demon King continued.


    Rezo, one of the demons seated in the middle of the table opposite Baron, slid from his chair and knelt humbly before the King. ¡°My lord, are you suggesting that we attack the great human cities?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± the Demon King replied, drawing surprised stares from most of the higher-ranking generals around the table.


    The kneeling general bowed even lower. ¡°My Lord, forgive my rudeness, but we have tried attacking those cities many times with no success. What makes you so sure that this time will be different?¡±


    The Demon King said nothing for a long moment as he stood, surveying the generals. Then he turned to his right and walked to the opposite side of the room, toward two large doors mirroring those at the other end.


    ¡°What makes this time different is that our God has given us gifts...¡± he explained, stopping halfway between the table and the doors. He signaled to the two demon guards stationed at the base of the doors, who then drew them open.


    The doors heaved open with a heavy groan, revealing a room cursed with darkness. Beyond, nothing could be seen except the light from the fires in the main room, though sound carried clearly through the threshold. Shortly after the doors groaned to a halt, screams erupted from the room¡ªscreams that sounded like humans pleading for their lives, begging for help as they passed from one person to another: first male, then female.


    These sounds spurred Baron to stand in excitement and anticipation, but his attention was quickly diverted. He glanced to his left at the clatter of iron hitting the floor and saw a human slave woman collapse beside a platter of food. Her mouth hung agape, her eyes wide with tears, yet she made no sound¡ªonly stared blankly toward the door.


    Baron observed the same thing happen to another slave behind her. He focused on the manservant in particular because, unlike the woman, he began crawling toward the door.


    Baron watched as the human man quickly sprang to his feet and ran toward the other room.


    ¡°No! No, God! Please, no!¡± the man screamed.


    Baron saw him dash past the woman, seemingly snapping her out of her trance. She too quickly gathered herself and ran toward the source of the screams from the other room.


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Baron mused, curiosity plaguing his mind as the human servants ran right past the Demon King as if he weren¡¯t even there. Very interesting¡­


    Baron continued to watch, his focus as intense on the room as on the fleeing humans.


    The manservant crossed the threshold separating the large room from the chamber of darkness. The moment he stepped over, an ear-splitting crunch echoed through the chamber as a giant pair of elongated jaws dropped from above, clamping shut around him. What remained of his lower legs collapsed to the ground like thrown bricks, hitting the floor with a wet slap as the rest of him vanished into the beast¡¯s maw.


    His muffled screams quickly turned into wet gurgles as the jaws clenched tighter, crushing his ribs like brittle twigs¡ªleaving the woman to witness the horrifying fate of her companion.


    She stumbled backward as a scream ripped from her throat. Tears blurred her vision as she scrambled away from the door, but her panic made her movements clumsy. She tripped, slamming into the stone floor.


    Desperate, she clawed her way back to her feet and turned toward the Demon King, but the moment she moved, the jaws struck again. They snapped shut around her midsection, her shriek cutting off into a choking wheeze as her spine crunched between the beast¡¯s teeth. Then the beast wrenched its head back and swallowed the woman whole.


    Baron¡¯s eyes grew as wide as his toothy smile. He studied the massive, winged creature as it stepped out of the room. Even compared to the Demon King himself, this beast was enormous¡ªdwarfing everyone around it, its head standing four times taller than the Demon King¡¯s. Yet it showed no aggression, instead lowering its head as it stepped toward the Demon King, deliberately making itself appear smaller.


    Baron was so captivated by the creature that he barely noticed the other generals rising to their feet, their smiles echoing his own in varying shades of awe.


    ¡°This is the gift God has given us,¡± the Demon King announced, turning back toward his generals. ¡°The tall walls of the human cities will no longer be a problem for us.¡±


    ¡°My Lord... is that a Sablecrest!?¡± one general asked, stepping forward in awe. ¡°I thought they were only legends!¡±


    Baron¡¯s admiration for the creature deepened as he recognized the similarities between it and the ancient texts describing the Sablecrest¡ªa giant beast as dark as the blackest night, bearing two pairs of wings that stretched from horizon to horizon and crowned with red gemstones, earning it the title of king of demon beasts.


    Its scaly armor was as dark as midnight, blending into the shadows of the room. It boasted four wings: the upper pair folded tightly along its back, and the lower pair used to crawl along the floor like forelimbs. Notably, the creature had six eyes that glowed a bright red even in the dim light. Its neck stretched high above its back, yet remained proportional to its long, mostly hidden tail trailing behind in the other room.


    Baron didn¡¯t need anyone to confirm his assumptions¡ªthis was indeed the Sablecrest, the embodiment of fear itself.


    ¡°They are very much real,¡± the Demon King confirmed, patting the top of the beast¡¯s head twice, prompting it to lift its head off the floor and stand tall.


    ¡°But how!?¡± another general exclaimed.


    The Demon King raised his hand and gestured toward the demon general seated second in line opposite Baron. ¡°Kezor found the dungeon that opened in the heartland, and these beasts were pouring out of it.¡±


    All the generals turned their gaze toward the demon ranked second. He stood with his arms crossed, paying little attention to the others.


    ¡°Demons ruled all the lands in the days when these beasts lived. And now, we will rule again,¡± the Demon King declared as he began walking back toward the throne at the head of the table. ¡°However, it will take time. These beasts are still wild.¡±


    ¡°Well, training them to obey us shouldn¡¯t take too long,¡± Varek¡ªthe demon who had first objected to Baron¡ªoffered, as he and the other generals resumed their seats. ¡°We could start our attacks as soon as we have a good number of them under control.¡±


    ¡°Yes...¡± the Demon King replied as he took his seat. ¡°And with that being said, I have decided that the human city of Veltra will be our first kingdom of conquest.¡±


    Once again, nervous stares passed among the higher-ranking generals, but the Demon King didn¡¯t give them much time to object.


    ¡°With their presence left undisturbed, my plans will not proceed as I want them. The other kingdoms will be easier to take over in time, but Veltra will only grow stronger,¡± he explained.


    ¡°With them harboring those beast folk, and the Vegans providing protection, I want Veltra to be the first kingdom we wipe off the map! I don¡¯t want them accumulating any knowledge against us that they can use later on. So, if we destroy them first...¡± The Demon King continued, grabbing his large cup and hurling its contents across the table all the way to where Baron sat. ¡°The rest of the world will fall behind them... leaving only the damn Vegans and Rameshians to deal with in the end.¡±


    Baron glanced around as the generals slowly adopted pleased smiles, visibly agreeing with their lord. In reality, the Greater Beast races were the only ones with a real chance against the demons.


    With most of the human race turning against them¡ªharboring nearly as much hatred as they do for demons¡ªthey had nearly pushed two of the four Greater Beast races to extinction. The only races still standing strong were the Vegans, who guarded their own island with strict authority while aiding a few human kingdoms that accepted Greater Beast refugees, and the Rameshians, a Greater Beast race dwelling in the arid south.


    The Saiyakins, once inhabitants of the arctic north, had been driven nearly to extinction in their native lands by both humans and demons. They now sought refuge among the few human kingdoms that accepted them¡ªor, failing that, as slaves in human cities. The same fate had befallen the Trojans, who once ruled all the lands now mostly controlled by humans. Veltra was the largest and most powerful kingdom that harbored the Greater Beasts, utilizing them on a tremendous scale. Baron knew that if any human kingdom posed the greatest threat to them, it was Veltra.


    That also made it the most logical target to attack first.


    I love this plan... he thought, baring a wide, toothy grin as he fantasized about the bloodshed to come.


    ¡°A reasonable number of these beasts are already tamed,¡± the Demon King continued, before turning his gaze down the length of the table toward Baron. ¡°So, I want Generals Baron, Neroz, and Varek to lead the attack on Veltra.¡±


    The other demons snapped their heads toward the three lowest-ranking generals, then back to their lord.


    ¡°But, my Lord, Veltra is a powerful human city, just as you said... Should you not have one of your higher-ranking generals lead the attack?¡± asked Drazek, who sat across from Baron.


    ¡°I have more important matters to address later,¡± the Demon King replied, shifting his focus back to Baron and the two demon generals beside him. ¡°As long as they proceed with strategy, they will be able to catch even the most experienced Vegan soldiers off guard. No one would expect the Sablecrest to attack... Veltra is the one city that could adapt the fastest to such a threat. With that in mind, I¡¯d say three of the most powerful demons in the land are more than adequate to take one city.¡±


    Baron felt his lord¡¯s gaze narrow, locking onto him directly.


    ¡°I want you to move quickly, for tonight marks the beginning of a new age.¡±


    Baron, Neroz, and Varek rose to their feet and knelt on one knee before their lord, accepting the roles bestowed upon them and the heavy responsibility that followed.

 Chapter 1

    ¡°That¡¯s it, that¡¯s it!¡± Vlad encouraged as he continued to parry his little brother¡¯s barrage of strikes on the family training grounds. ¡°Keep going, Naem!¡±


    Naem gritted his teeth in determination. I can''t find an opening¡­!


    WHACK! WHACK!... WHACK!


    The repeated slamming of their wooden training swords rang in his ears. He felt the energy of each strike radiate from his hands through the rest of his body. If he didn¡¯t land his sword just right, the numbing sensation alone made his hands throb. Yet, no matter what angle of attack he used or how many times he struck, he could never get close enough to land a hit on his brother.


    I just want to land one strike on Vlad. That would at least make me feel like I¡¯ve made progress since the last time we sparred.


    He pushed his body forward, ignoring the burning pain in his muscles.


    Naem watched as Vlad effortlessly kept pace with him, blocking every strike with ease, almost as if he predicted every move. It was clear his brother wasn¡¯t going to give him an opening¡ªNaem would have to create one himself. But deep down, he knew he wasn¡¯t skilled enough to pull that off... not yet.


    After a few more failed attempts, his body finally gave out. The fire in his muscles forced him to stop, and he stumbled back, gasping for breath. Naem raised his sword into a defensive position, taking a brief moment to catch his breath. He watched as his brother lowered his own blade to his side in response to Naem stepping out of strike range.


    ¡°Come on, Naem.¡± Vlad urged as they began to circle each other. Only the crunch of snow beneath their feet broke the silence, but their eyes never wavered from each other. ¡°Do you want to keep being the disgrace to the Vegan name that everyone thinks you are?¡±


    Naem gripped his sword tighter, frustration boiling inside him, but he said nothing.


    Silence wasn¡¯t what Vlad wanted. He widened his eyes, tilting his head and cupping an ear toward his little brother.


    ¡°¡­ Well~?¡±


    ¡°No, Brother.¡±


    ¡°Then standing around in the middle of a duel isn¡¯t going to change anyone¡¯s mind.¡± Vlad noted curtly. ¡°You start at the academy next year, and believe me, they¡¯ll treat you like trash because of your lack of Manacalling. If you don¡¯t make up for it with the sword, you¡¯re in for a whole world of¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know, Brother!¡± Naem yelled, fighting back tears. He already knew he was pathetic. He¡¯d heard it a thousand times before, but coming from Vlad, it always hit differently. In a world of enemies, his brother was one of the few he could call an ally.


    Vlad frowned, clicking his tongue as he looked away. ¡°Tsk¡­ I¡¯m just trying to prepare you, Naem. Give you an edge over everyone else¡­ I won¡¯t always be there to stand up for you.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°We can call it a day if you¡¯re tired¡­¡± Vlad stopped circling, planting his feet and folding his massive tawny wings into a relaxed position. He glanced up at the clear sky. The sun hovered near the top of the distant Veltran wall, casting long shadows over the horizon. ¡°We¡¯ve gone later than usual anyway.¡±


    Naem¡¯s body screamed for him to stop, but the sight of his brother letting his guard down before officially ending the match was too tempting. He steeled himself, eyes scanning Vlad up and down. Then, with a powerful thrust of his wings, he launched forward, sword raised high.


    ¡°Ahaaaaaa!¡± Naem bellowed as he flew through the air, closing the short distance between him and his older brother in almost an instant. Yet time seemed to slow as he watched his brother tilt his head back in his direction with disappointed eyes¡ªeyes so sharp they could cut if they had a physical edge.


    The momentum from Naem¡¯s downward sword swing was diverted to block the arcing counterstrike.


    CRACK!!! Their swords collided so fiercely that Naem was sent flying to the right. Only a last-second decision to pour all his strength into pushing against his sword saved him from Vlad¡¯s swing colliding with his arm and chest. The cost was a furious vibration radiating from his wooden sword into his hands, leaving them painfully numb.


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    I can still catch him off guard¡­ he thought as he skidded across the snow-covered stone blocks of the training ground. He launched himself forward again with a powerful thrust of his wings. Instead of entering Brother¡¯s striking zone, I¡¯ll stay as low as I can! With his sword drawn to the side, Naem made a direct flight toward his brother¡¯s legs.


    A leg strike is technically cheating in a duel, he mused, glancing up at his brother¡¯s face. But any means of winning in war is allowed, isn¡¯t it, Brother?


    Vlad¡¯s face was hidden behind the feathers of his powerful wings as he turned to face Naem, creating a large blind spot.


    I can get this! Naem thought as he swung his sword to cut at Vlad¡¯s lower leg. I can get a¡­ huh¡­?


    WOMP¡­ Naem¡¯s sword halted instantly, wedged between the bottom of Vlad¡¯s foot and the stone ground, forcing him to lose his grip. His body contorted around the unmoving sword, flipping end over end once before he saw his brother¡¯s other foot rocket toward him.


    THUD!! ¡°Ack!!¡± Naem¡¯s chest felt as if struck by a hammer. There was no time to avoid or brace for the blow. His arms and legs flew limply forward as Vlad¡¯s powerful kick sent him reeling. His body rolled to a stop several paces behind his brother.


    ¡°KHOFF KHOFF KHOFF!!!¡± Naem''s body convulsed, unable to decide whether to cough or gasp for air. Instinct pushed him to get to his feet, even as his arms and legs felt utterly limp.


    ¡°And that¡­¡± Vlad began as he strode toward his brother.


    At the sight of Vlad¡¯s socked feet coming closer, Naem forced his eyes open to meet his brother¡¯s gaze, expecting the worst. Instead, he saw only Vlad¡¯s looming shadow towering over him, framed by the setting sun¡¯s fiery golden halo.


    ¡°¡­would have just bought you a one-way ticket back home.¡±


    Naem shut his eyes, bracing for retaliation. After several seconds of silence, he looked up at Vlad¡¯s outstretched hand and then at his face for reassurance. The raised brow told Naem all he needed to know. He reached up and took the helping hand, allowing himself to be hoisted to his feet.


    ¡°I¡ªI''m¡­ sorry, Brother¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry with me. Be sorry with yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Brother. Sorry, Brother.¡±


    ¡°I mean, what kind of attack was that? You left yourself far too open on the first strike, and your second was plain stupid. You¡¯re lucky I stomped your sword instead of your head¡ªyou¡¯d be dead if I were an opponent with Tank Skill like¡­ umm¡­¡±


    So, he¡¯s not even mad about cheating, just my form? Naem wondered as he retrieved his sword and followed Vlad back to the weapon rack, watching him visibly struggle to recall the name of Naem¡¯s best friend back home in Vega.


    ¡°¡­Hayden?¡±


    ¡°Yes, him!¡± Vlad snapped his fingers. He replaced his training sword on the wall rack and turned to face Naem. ¡°Other people won¡¯t follow the rules in a duel when you¡¯re out breaking them. In the end, you¡¯re dead¡ªbecause only the weak cheat. And that doesn¡¯t just apply at the Academy.¡±


    Naem always thought Vlad spoke as if he were thirty, not eighteen¡ªlike someone who¡¯d lived a long life and learned the hard way.


    ¡°That also doesn¡¯t just apply to others,¡± Vlad continued, drawing Naem¡¯s slipping attention. ¡°If anyone ever does to you what you did to me¡­ you better make them know their place.¡±


    ¡°But won¡¯t I be expelled!?¡± Naem asked defensively. ¡°You just said that cheating like I did would¡ª¡±


    ¡°Would you rather deal with the repercussions of that event, or with me¡­?¡± Vlad asked, crossing his arms. ¡°And pick wisely.¡±


    The look in his eyes made Naem visibly shrink back, which was all the answer Vlad needed. ¡°Furthermore, you do nothing wrong defending yourself. It only matters if you started the cheating. As long as you didn¡¯t, you¡¯re fine by me.¡±


    Naem nodded thoughtfully, but his attention was quickly drawn by their older sister Veyra entering the training grounds.


    ¡°Veyra¡­¡± Naem said, watching as Vlad turned to face her and bowed his head in respect.


    ¡°It¡¯s rare to see you near that doorway,¡± Vlad teased, prompting Veyra¡ªa slightly older, winged woman¡ªto scoff in mild annoyance.


    ¡°Please, as if I¡¯d waste my day sweating to hone abilities that I have no use for,¡± Veyra began, smoothing out a wrinkle on her dress¡ªthough Naem doubted there even was one.


    ¡°More importantly, we have guests arriving shortly,¡± she said, narrowing her golden eyes. The look of disdain didn¡¯t quite match her usual posture, but it was obvious to the brothers¡ªa look she only adopted when discussing certain people.


    Naem immediately understood who she meant, and he returned her scornful expression, though his ten-year-old self couldn¡¯t hide it as well as his older, more experienced sister could. It didn¡¯t take someone as keen as Veyra to notice his change in attitude.


    ¡°Fix your face,¡± Veyra demanded, snapping Naem back to attention. ¡°The humans may not be pleasant, but if you show them disdain, there will be nothing any of us can do for you. Know that well.¡± She then eyed Vlad. ¡°Now go and make yourselves look at least somewhat presentable. Father and Mother are waiting.¡±


    Both Vlad and Naem bowed their heads to their sister. With that, she turned and disappeared down the corridor. Naem could barely lift his head before Vlad began to speak.


    ¡°She is right,¡± Vlad said as he climbed the steps to the door behind which Veyra had vanished. ¡°You should keep your feelings and beliefs about the humans to yourself¡­ always.¡±


    With that, Vlad spared a glance over his shoulder at Naem before disappearing in the same direction as their sister.

 Chapter 2

    Naem slid open the wood and paper door and stepped out of his room. The stiff cloth robes he wore were far more formal than his training attire. Stitched from the purest black and gold thread, they signified his place among the Soren household, while the deep red Vegan crest embroidered on his left shoulder marked his allegiance to the Vegan Empire. Yet even at his young age, Naem knew that the title given at birth was merely a fa?ade that would fade with time.


    It didn¡¯t take long for him to reach the greeting hall¡ªnot the largest room on the estate, but one of the most important. Its elongated design housed the estate''s main entrance on the far left and seated the Soren family heads on the far right. Despite its significance, Naem found the room one of the least enjoyable spaces in the estate.


    Aside from its dullness, the hall was used only every few days. The family often had to sit for hours while their father conferred with officials governing Veltra. Needless to say, no one ever sought Naem¡¯s input, nor did he desire it. All he wanted was to be doing something else¡ªlike today.


    ¡°If only I had quit training sooner, I could be gone by now¡­¡± Naem muttered under his breath, disappointed as he stood before the hall¡¯s doors. ¡°Stupid humans... I¡¯ll have to tell Sakura and the others I¡¯m sorry tomorrow.¡±


    From the end of training until sunset was the only free time he allowed himself. This meeting could cut into the time he had set aside to meet his friends.


    With a sigh and hopes for a quick meeting, he slid through the doors and entered the greeting hall. He walked straight and quietly along the wall. Neither his father nor his mother spared him a glance as he shuffled over to his seat beside Vlad at the far end of the arching, bow-like seating arrangement.


    Being the youngest, he sat at the end of his father''s left-hand side¡ªfollowed by Vlad and then Veyra. The three seats mirroring them on his father''s right were vacant, as his three oldest brothers were fulfilling their duties as generals overseeing the Vegan soldiers guarding Veltra''s outer walls.


    Vlad and Veyra sat patiently on their heels, eyes closed, with wings draped gracefully behind them. Naem assumed the same position. Glancing at Vlad, he noticed his older brother sneaking a peek at him. Naem guessed Vlad was checking his posture, as his eyelids soon closed in an almost affirmative manner.


    Just then, the doors at the other end of the hall were pulled open by two Vegan guards. Naem watched as numerous human guardsmen entered the hall. Clad almost entirely in metal, except for the two at the forefront in decorated military attire, the group moved with purpose.


    Naem recognized the two men leading the group; they had come on several occasions to discuss matters with their father, but never with such a large contingent. This piqued his curiosity and made him anxious about why they were all here.


    It might actually be serious this time, he thought as the human footsteps grew louder. That could explain the odd meeting time, but why the guards?


    ¡°Soren!¡± The man at the front announced, his voice growling with anger.


    ¡°Captain Peek,¡± Valric Soren began. At the sound of their father, Naem and his older siblings looked up. ¡°What matter of urgency brings you here at this hour?¡±


    Captain Peek and his Lieutenant stopped roughly in front of Vlad, with guards a few paces behind. ¡°I received several reports from my men about an incident early this morning. They say screams were coming from the base of the east wall just before sunrise, then quickly faded into the sky. Later, a distressed mother of three came into my office, claiming her husband hadn¡¯t returned from work. Further investigation revealed he never showed up, and large amounts of blood were found in the street near the reported site¡ªclose to his home.¡±


    Valric exhaled heavily. ¡°That sounds very similar to reports my men have given over the past few days. Several Saiyakin and Trojan Beasts have disappeared in a similar manner, shortly before sunrise and after¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do you honestly think I care about the outcome for you beasts?¡± Captain Peek interrupted, his voice slow and laced with disgust.


    No matter how hard Naem tried to ignore it, his brow furrowed. You stuck-up piece of filth! Of course, you humans only care when one of your own is affected.


    ¡°Perhaps not...¡± Valric murmured after a pause.


    ¡°No,¡± Captain Peek replied curtly, ¡°the only thing I care about is how you¡¯ll take responsibility.¡±


    Naem was livid. He glanced at Vlad, but only received a narrow, warning look. It was clear Vlad didn¡¯t want him to say or do anything. But how could he remain silent?


    The disrespect! Naem seethed, feeling as though he were boiling inside. Why should Father take responsibility?


    Valric narrowed his gaze, but his wife Avara, sitting beside him, spoke up before he could. ¡°And why do you believe we should be held responsible? Do you think we commit such atrocities against our own? And against the human race at that?¡±


    ¡°Name me another race of beast that can carry its victims and vanish into the sky,¡± Captain Peek said, his tone suggesting he already knew the answer. ¡°The east wall is lightly guarded by my men because it¡¯s out of the way. Yet your men atop it guard it regularly. Combine that with the well-known fact that you Vegans despise us humans¡ªeven though we give you sanctuary in our great Kingdom¡ªand it¡¯s proof enough to me that your men are responsible.¡±


    Peek¡¯s gaze darkened as he turned toward Veyra. ¡°I will have someone make an example out of you.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a chance these disappearances are linked to the demons¡ªnew dungeons have been opening up all around lately...¡± Valric began, but he was cut off.


    ¡°You¡¯d blame the demons to cover up your hideous crimes?¡± Captain Peek scoffed with a whimsical laugh. ¡°The screams disappeared into the sky! The only beasts that can fly are you Vegans. If demons could fly, what good are the walls that we surround ourselves with...? Anyway, take the girl.¡±


    Naem watched as the human captain flicked his fingers dismissively toward Veyra.


    ¡°W¨CWhat!?¡± she stammered, rising to her feet, confusion and fear on her face as two iron-clad guards advanced toward her. She fought herself on either to run or fight before looking over to her father for reassurance, but he only closed his eyes and looked away. ¡°Father!?¡±


    Naem¡¯s heart pounded in his ears. He glanced from his father to Vlad, but his brother sat quietly with his eyes closed. The painful look of regret in his sister¡¯s voice grew. ¡°Brother!?¡±


    Why? Why aren¡¯t you doing anything? Naem thought, then looked up at his parents again. Why is no one doing anything!?


    ¡°No! Please no!¡± Veyra screamed as the guards grabbed her and began dragging her toward the captain. She resisted fiercely. Using her powerful wings to push back, she struggled until a quick jab to the side of her face made her yield. Naem could take it no longer.


    ¡°Leave her alone!¡± Naem screamed. He flapped his wings powerfully and shoved the closest guard holding Veyra. The man stumbled and fell as Naem moved to the other human.


    ¡°Naem, no!¡± Veyra pleaded as she tried to stop him, but he ignored her cries. Gritting his teeth, he swiftly moved past his sister. Using a tactic Vlad had taught him, he struck the ball of his foot against the inside of the guard¡¯s knee. However, the guard stood firm¡ªas if Naem had kicked a brick wall¡ªand the snap of bones in his foot confirmed it.


    Pain flared in Naem¡¯s foot, and before he could react, the guard returned a powerful kick that sent him flying backward. He landed on his back near Captain Peek¡¯s feet. With his wings flared out, he clutched his injured foot, fighting back a scream.


    ¡°My, my¡­¡± Captain Peek remarked, glancing down at Naem. ¡°It appears your kind is more animal than I thought.¡±


    Naem locked eyes with Peek. Get up! I''ve got to get up!


    Naem rolled onto his side, only to see the guard one pace away with his foot reared as if about to kick a ball. He tightened his core and guarded his face, but the impact was far stronger than expected. The iron boot left him breathless as he was sent flying into the rest of the guards.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Naem!¡± Veyra exclaimed as he rolled toward the feet of the remaining guards. Naem did not even have time to cough or gasp for air before the guardsmen encircled him and began to beat and kick him while he lay on the ground. Strike after strike landed all over his body. He tried to protect his head for a moment, but his arms weakened after only a few blows.


    I won¡¯t give in to the pain, he thought, staring past the guards above him to the ceiling. I will not give them the pride of breaking me.


    A kick to the side of his face blurred his vision, but Naem could still see through the iron-clad feet of the guardsmen. His gaze landed on Vlad, who still sat on his heels, though this time, he was glaring at Naem with anger.


    Brother... help me... Naem thought as tears rolled down his face. He looked past Vlad and saw Veyra still on the ground, one of the guards standing on top of her. He pinned her down by her wings as she tried to crawl away. Why don¡¯t you help Sister? Why are you just sitting there?


    The pain coursing through his body seemed to drift away as Naem¡¯s vision blurred further. He looked back up at Vlad, who now had his head hung low, eyes clamped shut.


    Ahh... I guess this is my fault... Naem thought as he looked back up toward the ceiling.


    There will be nothing any of us can do for you...


    You should keep your feelings and beliefs about the humans to yourself¡­ always...


    The voices of his brother and sister echoed in his mind.


    I charged in without thinking again... he thought, watching as one of the guards drew a gun and pointed it between his eyes.


    He closed his eyes. Damn humans...


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    <h3 style="text-align: center">¡ù ¡ù ¡ù


    Vlad stood with his left hand stretched out toward his brother and the guardsmen around him. He watched as the guard quickly threw the gun aside and grasped Vlad''s hand to try and soothe it. The gun clattered across the ground and came to a stop at the end of the rug¡ªthe red-hot barrel searing the rug briefly before beginning to cool.


    All the eyes in the greeting hall were on him, but he did not care. He lowered his hand, gripping it closed to numb the stinging pain left by the flames, and saw that Naem was rolling onto his side.


    Good, he¡¯s alive at least... he thought, then looked toward Captain Peek. It had been a while since he had used his mana, and he knew his eyes had become dull in color¡ªthough that would change now. He intended to use it to his advantage.


    ¡°Vlad! How dare you turn your powers against the humans!¡± Valric announced angrily as he stood. ¡°What manner of¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stand quiet, Father,¡± Vlad said, his bright golden eyes focusing intently on him. ¡°I have not turned my powers against the humans, but upon the gun that was drawn against my brother.¡±


    He knew his father was filled with internal rage, but submission was the only option¡ªboth knew it would be a one-sided fight if it broke out. Even though Valric was the head of the Soren House, if Manacalling abilities were in the form of a spear, Vlad would be the tip and Valric the butt, even with Valric being a high-ranking A Rank Beast.


    Vlad turned and looked at the guard standing over Veyra. The guard visibly stiffened at the sight of Vlad¡¯s golden stare but stood firm.


    ¡°Get off of her, or you will die where you stand,¡± Vlad demanded. After a moment of hesitation, the guard took several steps back and allowed Veyra to gather herself.


    Vlad turned back to Peek, who was now facing him directly.


    ¡°So, it was you all along...¡± Peek started, the puzzle pieces fitting together in his head. ¡°The rumors of a Vegan who could bend fire to its will... supposedly one of the strongest Beasts alive.¡±


    ¡°What of it?¡± Vlad demanded.


    Peek shrugged. ¡°Nothing in particular, other than the fact that S Ranked Beasts bring quite a high bounty in other kingdoms. It is smart of you to hide in a place where they wouldn¡¯t hang your wings on a wall... I thought it might have been the old geezer over there, but I was never sure.¡±


    ¡°What was it that they called this guy, Lieutenant?¡± Peek asked over his shoulder to the other officer.


    ¡°The Hand of Vuldran, Sir,¡± Lieutenant Maelor said.


    ¡°Oh, yes. I guessed it had something to do with one of those spirits they worship,¡± Peek replied.


    ¡°Enough of your babbling,¡± Vlad interjected. ¡°You¡¯ve made your point. As Father said, we are already gathering information about the attacks. Once we have a lead, we will present it to the Marshall. However, it would be in your best interest to leave before doing something regrettable.¡±


    ¡°And what could I do that would be regrettable?¡± Peek asked mockingly. ¡°Kill the boy? Maybe the young lady?¡±


    ¡°Any further action will result in the legion of Vegan Soldiers guarding your walls flying back to our homeland,¡± Vlad affirmed. ¡°Every manner of Demon will be clawing their way in once they see the Vegans no longer guard this land.¡±


    ¡°There is no way you could make that happen,¡± Peek said.


    ¡°The members of the Soren House are their Lords,¡± Vlad answered, stepping closer until he was eye to eye with Peek. ¡°We rule over them, not the humans. If we decide to go back to Vega, some will come to replace us, yes, but your city will be in ashes by then, I am sure.¡±


    Vlad watched the anger grow in Peek¡¯s eyes until it overtook his face. The officer bared his teeth like an animal, but Vlad paid it no mind. He turned and began walking back to his previous position, knowing what was coming next and readying himself for it.


    Six shots rang out behind him, but he felt nothing. Vlad turned to see Peek¡¯s face riddled with confusion, just before his gun crumbled in his hand into tiny cubical pieces. The officer looked down in a mix of horror and anger, then back up at Vlad.


    ¡°Monsters... You all are monsters!¡±


    ¡°As it stands now,¡± Vlad said calmly, ¡°you can walk out of here less two guns and a handful of bullets¡­ though I will not be so careful with my aim moving forward.¡±


    Captain Peek clicked his tongue and bared his teeth, but before he could react further, Lieutenant Maelor placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°I do believe we have done enough, Sir. We didn¡¯t come here with the intent of shedding blood.¡±


    Captain Peek stood for a moment, glaring at Vlad. Then he turned toward the door. ¡°Something better must come out of this recent attack, or it will result in all your heads on stakes,¡± he announced as his guards cleared the sides to let the two officers pass through.


    Vlad watched the group of humans exit the room, then turned his gaze to Naem, who stood limply off to the side. His face was covered in scuffs and bruises, but it was the look of betrayal that pained Vlad the most.


    ¡°Why...?¡± Naem asked, his voice raw with emotion, tears streaming down his cheeks as Veyra stepped around the back of Vlad toward him. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you help Sister... but you helped me?¡±


    Vlad watched as Veyra knelt beside their brother, looking him over. He didn¡¯t have an answer he could give right now, so he remained silent.


    ¡°You...¡± Valric snarled as he descended the few stairs toward Vlad. ¡°You dare defy me? In my House?¡±


    ¡°So says the one without a backbone,¡± Vlad retorted, turning to face his father. ¡°How can you just sit there and watch your children be beaten? How can you not react when a gun is drawn to their heads!?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go...¡± Veyra whispered to Naem, gently guiding him out of the greeting hall.


    ¡°Do you expect me to go against the humans and risk our House¡¯s stability?¡± Valric shot back. ¡°It is because of that child that we are here in the first place and not back in Vega.¡±


    ¡°Just because he was associated with that girl does not make him at fault,¡± Vlad argued. ¡°That is just the excuse that everyone¡ª¡±


    The slap cracked through the hall, its sharp pop echoing off the walls.


    Vlad caught his mother¡¯s sharp glance out of the corner of his eye, but she quickly looked away, as if she had seen nothing. He let out a slow breath, then lifted his gaze back to his father, who bore down on him with a wide-eyed, furious glare. Vlad bit his tongue, refusing to say another word. He narrowed his own eyes in response, knowing full well that his father understood he was right¡ªbut was too prideful to admit it.


    ¡°You will be punished for speaking out against my will,¡± Valric declared before turning and exiting through the opposite side of the hall. His wife rose silently and followed him out without a word.


    Vlad sighed before turning to check on Veyra and Naem. He walked the corridors for a while before arriving at Veyra¡¯s room, assuming she had taken Naem there.


    Vlad knocked on the wooden and paper door. ¡°Veyra, it¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Enter.¡±


    He slid the door open and saw only Veyra, gathering bloodied pieces of cloth from the floor. His eyes swept over the plainly decorated room, but Naem was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°You should have just kept to yourself...¡± Veyra said, drawing Vlad¡¯s attention back to her as she stood.


    ¡°I held back for as long as I could.¡±


    ¡°Still, it¡¯s only by the hand of the Spirits that things worked out the way they did,¡± Veyra noted, tossing the bloody cloth into a basket in the corner. ¡°Otherwise, we all might have¡ª¡±


    ¡°That would never happen,¡± Vlad interrupted, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe and crossing his arms. ¡°Spineless and prideful¡ªthat¡¯s all they are. None of them can do anything, not when they¡¯re as powerless as they are.¡±


    Veyra narrowed her eyes at her younger brother before sitting down at the small desk in the center of her room, returning to her studies. ¡°You may not be spineless, Brother, but you are prideful.¡±


    Vlad met her gaze before glancing around her room again. ¡°I¡¯d call it ¡®confidence in my abilities¡¯ rather than prideful... Nonetheless, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, yes.¡±


    ¡°And what about Naem?¡±


    Veyra gestured over her shoulder toward the basket with the bloodied clothes. ¡°I healed his foot and the deeper cuts, but he left before I was completely done. You just missed him.¡±


    Vlad nodded, though his mind was elsewhere.


    He probably went to find his friends... Though, it¡¯s getting late, he thought, standing in silence for a few moments longer. Straightening up, he brushed out the wrinkles in his uniform. I¡¯ll go find him later after I¡¯m done¡­


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m off to receive retribution,¡± Vlad said, sliding the door shut behind him. ¡°Wish me luck.¡±


    ¡°Vlad...¡± Veyra said, turning back around to face her brother. She waited until he pulled the door back open just enough to see her. ¡°Thank you...¡±


    Vlad smiled. ¡°I only finished what Naem started.¡±

 Chapter 3

    Naem flew east. The darkness of the sky before him was slowly starting to push back the light from the setting sun behind him. And with the growing darkness came the chill of the brisk winter air that cut along his face, shoulders, and the leading edge of his white and black speckled wings. He squinted to try and ward off the stinging from the rushing air, but the tears building in his eyes only made his face that much colder as they streamed toward his ears.


    He brushed away his tears with the hem of his clothes, trying to clear his head and forget about what had happened, and tried to look only forward. Though, he could not will his mind to drift to something else.


    Why? Why is this world so cruel¡­? Why is it that a race with no power rules over races with great power!? He thought angrily, ¡°And why is it that I''m the one STUCK between both¡­!? What sense does that make?¡±


    Naem flew for a short while across the open plains of Veltra¡¯s third ring before coming to a less-than-ideal landing. The frozen snow that blanketed everything crunched beneath his feet as he started his short walk toward the large entrance gate separating the kingdom¡¯s middle and outer rings. Typically, Naem would rather there be no snow¡ªit reminded him too much of Vega¡ªthough today he saw it as a silent blessing. For what it¡¯s worth, the cold numbed his body enough that the pain was not overwhelming in the parts he had not allowed Veyra enough time to heal. He could manage that for a little while.


    Naem looked up and saw soldiers high atop the wall, stationed at specific points as far as the eye could see in both directions. He watched two of the stationed guards near the top of the entrance walk toward each other and meet in the middle of their posts, and after a second, he watched the one on the left heave himself over the top of the wall and spread his giant brown wings.


    Every time¡­ Naem thought as he watched, the Vegan soldier glided down toward him and came to a thundering stop a couple of paces in front. His iron boots crashed into the snow to avoid slipping, unlike Naem, who had neglected to do so earlier.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty late, kiddo,¡± Akiby stated, assuming a more formal posture before Naem, retracting his wings, and sliding off his pearl-white helmet that matched the rest of his armor. His blackened hair was cut shorter than most Vegan men¡¯s¡ªit was long enough to pull up into the signature Vegan topknot but did not leave much behind.


    It was a haircut Naem swore he would one day have. The traditional long hair of Vegan command that he was forced to wear¡ªalongside the rest of his family¡ªalways got in the way as he sparred or engaged in other fast, reflexive activities. The shorter hairstyle still kept with tradition and culture but was far more practical, in Naem¡¯s opinion.


    If the man¡¯s towering stature was not enough to show his strength, his sharp facial features and gruff-sounding voice¡ªwhich greatly betrayed that he was only the same age as his sister¡ªwere enough for Naem to imagine the man being able to wrestle a horse and win. Akiby was a prime specimen of a man wielding the Tank skill, a skill Naem often dreamed of having.


    Akiby tucked his helmet under his arm; his arm held a large shield, which he then drew closer to his chest. He then looked down at Naem. ¡°I had assumed you wouldn¡¯t be coming today.¡±


    ¡°Training went a little longer today, and then there were other matters I needed to be present for,¡± Naem said as he tried to hide his limp.


    Akiby cocked an eyebrow. ¡°Damn, sir. Vlad put you through the wringer, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Naem¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°It wasn¡¯t my brother¡­¡±


    About that time, both Naem and Akiby fell silent for a moment, listening to the slowly growing roar of hooves approaching the entrance to the kingdom¡¯s middle ring. They looked back to see a convoy of around a dozen horses thundering up the trail.


    Soldiers clad in Veltran silver armor from helmet to boot rode atop the horses that were not pulling the covered carriage in the center of the group.


    Naem had no doubt that this was the group that had just left his residence. Even though the curtains on the carriage were drawn closed, he knew that was where the two officers were riding.


    Naem and Akiby both watched as the convoy barreled past them, with the handful of guards stationed at the base of the gate all clearing out to the sides to let the convoy pass through without ever needing to stop.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Akiby said with a nod, quickly building a mental picture of what exactly had happened. ¡°I guess that old captain wasn¡¯t too happy this time around. Are you all right?¡±


    Akiby looked Naem up and down before starting to lead him toward the gate. ¡°Did Lady Veyra not heal you up?¡±


    ¡°She healed the wounds that crippled me,¡± Naem said as he followed behind Akiby as strongly as he could, ¡°but she was taking too long, and it really doesn''t hurt too much right now... I just wanted to get out of there.¡±


    Abiky nodded slowly, ¡°Hmm... That¡¯s understandable.¡±


    Naem bit his tongue for a moment, debating whether he should say anything else, but eventually gave in.


    Abiky and Brother are friends. I bet he knows exactly how he is... He thought. He probably knows more about Brother than I do anyway...


    ¡°He didn''t do anything...¡± he murmured under his breath.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Abiky asked, hearing Naem enough to know he said something but not enough to understand what.


    ¡°Brother... He just sat there like, Father.¡± Naem explained, his words shy as he second-guessed himself for saying this. ¡°He didn''t do anything to help Sister and was just going to let them take her away.¡±


    Abiky let out a boastful laugh, throwing Naem for a shock. ¡°Now, do you really think that he would have let them do that?¡±


    ¡°W-Well, he didn''t do anything!¡± Naem said. ¡°Even when they got me, he didn''t do anything until they were about to kill me...¡± Naem thought back to see Vlad¡¯s face filled with anger as he looked down at him through the legs of the guardsmen beating him. ¡°If anything, he looked angry with him as he sat and watched.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I guarantee you he was angry. Though, I doubt it was with you,¡± Abiky said. ¡°You must remember the situation, Sir. Vlad and Sir. Valric would have been in. As badly as they might have wanted to, standing up and fighting against those bastards would have been the wrong thing to do. Honestly, it was probably what they were hoping to happen...¡±


    This was where Naem really bit down hard on his tongue. No way am I telling him that.


    ¡°For him to stand up to them in the end meant that there was no other way around it,¡± Abiky continued. ¡°If there was another way, I am sure he would have rather gone down that path. But I know that Sir. Vlad would have never let anything happen to you or Lady Veyra. Hell! You know him¡ªhe was probably using it as some sort of test against the both of you or something... He would have had his reasons. That''s just the way he is.¡±


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Naem watched as Akiby gave an understanding nod but said nothing further. For as long as Naem had known Akiby, that was how he had always been. He had always seen him as the third wheel to Vlad and Veyra in their friend group. Veyra had the smarts, Akiby had the bronze, and Vlad dominated them both in their respective categories.


    However, even though he knew Akiby was from a higher-ranking and well-respected house like himself, he never showed a sense of pride in himself or did things in a way that suggested he wanted to outshine them. The only thing he ever saw Akiby take pride in was whenever he talked of Vlad and Veyra¡ªand occasionally when he talked of his younger sister.


    Even when it came to his current position in the Vegan Empire, he was placed directly under Vlad¡¯s command, yet he always came down and greeted him each day with a smile. Naem knew that he should realistically be commanding his own group of men, not simply guarding a wall where there was no action.


    ¡°Ehh, cheer up, kiddo,¡± Akiby said as he placed the firm grip of his hand around the back of Naem¡¯s neck and jerked him as if waking him from a trance. Naem hadn¡¯t even realized, but the man had fallen back a few paces to walk side by side with him.


    ¡°They only hate us because they fear us. Sadly, though, they only pick on you because they see you as weak.¡±


    Naem¡¯s frown returned as he looked up at the man beside him. ¡°I''m sorry, but in what way is this supposed to make me feel better, Abiky?¡±


    Abiky smiled. ¡°Most people only look at and judge another by what¡¯s on the surface level. Rarely do they ever take the time to break through the ice to see the life that teems underneath it.¡±


    ¡°Humans are the worst at this, but beasts like ourselves are not innocent either,¡± he continued as they drew closer to the group of guardsmen stationed at the base of the gate. ¡°You might be weak in some aspects, yes, but I don''t need to know that Lady Veyra is teaching you to see that you are a very smart young man. It¡¯s very apparent in the way that you talk and think. And Sir. Vlad talks highly of you and how much you have progressed in swordsmanship¡­¡±


    ¡°Having book smarts and a deep knowledge of the sword alone will get you much farther through the academy than you may think.¡± Akiby tightened his grip around the back of Naem¡¯s neck, and both of them stopped as they got within earshot of the human guardsman at the gate. ¡°But on top of both of those things, you also have friends here and back in Vega¡­ The rather unhealthy relationship you have with humans right now doesn¡¯t help much either. My sister, for example¡ªshe is very smart, she''s excellent with the sword, and she does have very strong manacontrol¡ªbut she lacks the other two things that you have. And for that, I worry about her.¡±


    ¡°Knowledge, combat, and magic. That is what the academy is all about,¡± Naem protested to Abiky. ¡°What good is it to be great at two of the core subjects if you need all three to graduate like your sister?¡±


    ¡°Magic is nothing more than a spiritual divider that separates us from them,¡± Abiky stated as he jabbed his thumb back in the direction of the human guardsman. ¡°Some see it as a status quo or a way to label different races based on the gifts that the Spirits gave them, but that''s just pathetic. Just trust me when I say that as long as you stick to the same morals you have now, I believe you will be more likely to graduate than most everyone else.¡±


    Naem narrowed his eyes in confusion, but Abiky patted him hard on the back with a smile and began to lead him again toward the guardsmen before he could say anything else. ¡°Come on. Let''s get you to your friends before it gets too dark.¡±


    Naem walked patiently in silence as Abiky checked him in through the gate and then led him into the city. Even with it being rather late in the day, the city still bustled with an activity that was drowned out rather well by the walls.


    Naem took off as fast as the pain throughout his body allowed him toward the crowd that cluttered the street and waved back to Abiky behind him. ¡°Thank you, Abiky!¡±


    He watched Abiky bring his free hand up and place it over his heart with a bow of his head before turning back to the gate.


    Vendors here and there, who had set up shop on either side of the wide, snow-covered, stone street, hollered out to passersby as they proffered some of the goods they were selling. Food, jewelry, weaponry, and armor were only a few of the things that Naem could make out in their stalls.


    ¡°What a great choice, my Lady!¡± one of the vendors cried out, drawing Naem¡¯s attention. ¡°That there is a, uh, Bellion Red apple. The sweetness of them is so good, it tastes like it was grown in the King¡¯s backyard itself! Trust me, it is well worth the ten bronze shekels...¡±


    Another scam... Naem thought, turning away. I bet it is just a normal apple, probably with wax on it as well to give it the shine.


    Most of the buildings around this part of the city were designated more for trade, with the few odd shops here and there. It was a good spot to have places where farmers from the outer ring would come and sell their goods, or where hunters could sell their catches from outside the outer wall to the guilds¡ªwhether it be beast or demon¡ªall without traveling too far into the city... something that all the vendors clearly tried their best to exploit.


    Naem weaved his way around the people who clumped together in little social units of both humans and Greater Beasts. Saiyakins and Trojans mingled in great numbers, with the occasional civilian Vegan in their mix, but rarely did Naem catch a glimpse of a Greater Beast and a human tangled up in conversation. At first glance, it would look as if there was a sense of fellow camaraderie between the Beasts and humans, though if you looked closer, the little things were always easy to pick out.


    The Beasts always shuffled out of the way of the humans and tried to avoid eye contact for fear of retribution. Not only that, but for the most part the humans always dressed in much finer clothing than any of the Beasts, whose clothes were usually much duller and shaggier by comparison.


    That was something the entire city seemed to adopt. The buildings that lined the main road cutting through the heart of the city to the inner ring were all kept well maintained, slowly starting to look more and more expensive the closer they got to the inner wall where all the high-ranking officials lived.


    That, however, was not the direction Naem was heading. He cut to the right down an alleyway and into another side street. It was far less crowded than the main street. The snow that covered it was not beaten down so much that it had nearly turned to ice like the other, making it much easier to walk on.


    They are all probably down at the river by now. Naem thought, and he jogged as fast as his body would allow him to. He cut down several other alleyways while heading in the same general direction.


    Each street he crossed felt like he was stepping further and further into another city entirely. The buildings became noticeably older and more run down, along with the streets. Missing stones created large holes that collected water that was not frozen. But it was not just the infrastructure that got worse¡ªthe humans and Beasts that wandered around before dark looked more and more miserable as well. Many groups outside huddled together around a small fire to keep warm and converse, while animals ran free here and there.


    Naem stopped in his tracks as a group of little Saiyakin boys chased each other with sticks, running right in front of him as if he were never there. He watched them run further down the street before a group of men sitting around a fire drew his attention. All of them sat on crates with blankets draped over their heads or shoulders to block the cold, and they were all staring right at him.


    It took him a second to realize why he was attracting the stares. He looked down at the black and gold uniform he was wearing with regret.


    I forgot to change back into my training uniform. he thought before looking back in the opposite direction. In the distance, he could see the river where his friends usually played at the end of the street. Should I just go back home...?


    The training uniform he usually wore served several purposes. It was one of the few pieces of clothing he had that he did not fear getting dirty or accidentally tearing when he played. Also, it was not nearly as expensive looking as the Soren House Uniform he wore now. His current clothes did not stand out as much back on the main street; however, here in the back alleys, they made him stand out... a lot.


    Naem looked over to see a bundle of cloth on top of a few crates further down the street. I would probably hide my uniform there, or cover it up...? What good would that do? It would get stolen for sure if I left it there, and covering it up would be too annoying...


    After a moment, Naem sighed with closed eyes, his breath forming a puff of steam in front of his mouth. ¡°I will just meet up with them tomorrow.¡±


    He turned back the way he came, grabbing his left arm, which began to hurt more and more. He did not want to show up in front of the others wearing the clothes he had on anyway.


    Naem opened his eyes to a shock, his body jolting back a painful step with white wings flared. The blue eyes of the Saiyakin girl a few steps in front of him were drawn wide in surprise. Her wolflike ears stood straight up on the top of her blonde-haired head; however, the rest of her hunched-over body refused to move. Her hands were drawn up with claw-like fingers and knees bent just enough to send her flying forward into a powerful leap.


    All the characteristics of a hunter that had been spotted by her prey.

 Chapter 4

    ¡°Sakura, come on! He¡¯s not coming today~!¡± Sakiri complained as she looked back to the rest of her friends playing down by the riverside. ¡°We need you to play so there''s a Demon.¡±


    Sakura flattened her ears in annoyance and looked over her shoulder at her twin. ¡°He''s just running late. He''ll be here soon¡­¡±


    She turned back the way she had looked before and rested her chin in the palm of her socked hand. She liked her spot, perched atop what was now a partially standing wall left over from the collapse of a building. If she sat the way she was now, she had a clear view down the old street, but if she sat the other way, she had a pleasant view of the river that cut through the city nearly as far as she could see. This spot was also a place where the others could not easily reach her and only had enough room for one¡ªlegs dangling over one side and her blonde tail draping over the other.


    ¡°Besides,¡± Sakura grumbled, ¡°I said that I don''t like playing that game. I''m always the demon. Somebody else can be it for once.¡±


    ¡°Because none of us can be the demon! You know that they can''t use Spirit arts like the rest of us,¡± Sakiri complained further, her voice growing more and more whiny. ¡°If any of us were to play, it would be breaking the rules.¡±


    ¡°I can use Spirit arts too, you know!¡± Sakura retaliated.


    ¡°Yes, but having a good memory and the Healing skill isn''t much of a combat art,¡± Sakiri said, before looking up to see her sister¡¯s peering, blue-eyed glaze cutting down toward her. ¡°But that''s what makes you a great demon! Besides, everyone else is too slow, so the game ends quickly. Pleeeeeaaaassssse¡ª¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on!¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°UGH!¡± Sakiri turned in frustration and began to storm back to the group. She stopped after a couple of steps as one of the other Saiyakin girls in the group paused her playing and stepped forward. The smug look on her face hinted at trouble brewing.


    ¡°Don''t worry about your sister, Sakiri,¡± the girl said teasingly. ¡°It isn''t the game she doesn''t want to play. She just wants to wait for her boyfriend~.¡±


    Sakura craned her head around so fast and so far that her neck threatened to snap. ¡°W-What!?¡±


    All of the other kids burst into laughter.


    ¡°Look!¡± one of the Trojan boys laughed. ¡°Her face is so red now¡­¡±


    ¡°No, it''s not!¡± Sakura argued, becoming more angry than embarrassed.


    ¡°Is too!¡±


    Sakura bared her teeth with flattened ears, but before she could lash out, she caught a glimpse of the figure standing up from a pile of crates stacked against the side of a building a few paces away from the group.


    ¡°That''s enough,¡± the figure said, his words rolling off his tongue with a subtle growl hidden within them. It was apparent he wore the same fur skins and cloth as Sakura and Sakiri, but the only real details that could be made out were the piercing blue of his irises, shining brightly in the darkness. And with them came a sense of weight across all the kids in the group, both Saiyakin and Trojan, making them all fall silent as they watched the figure step closer.


    ¡°I''m not in the mood for all your bickering today,¡± Relker continued as he walked out of the shadows toward the girl who had first stepped out of the group. His taller and more toned stature gave a sense of security to the kids when they played together each day. However, his birth defect cursed him with a bad limp in his left leg, forcing him to rely on a wooden brace that squeaked like the wheels of a cart with each step. It was something he was constantly made fun of for, but he rarely took it to heart.


    The closer he got to her, the more she leaned back onto her heels. ¡°W-What¡­? Do you want me to apologize to her or something?¡±


    Relker stopped just before her, his eyes closed and his socked hand raised in front of him, bare fingers straight. ¡°Yes, I do, Sakaya,¡± he said, right before dropping his hand in a chopping motion straight to the center of the girl''s head.


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    Sakaya grasped the top of her head, ears flattening and tail tucking for a moment, before realizing that the chop was not nearly as painful as she had expected¡ªor made it out to be. If anything, it just annoyed her more.


    ¡°Well, she''s your sister. Could you at least tell her to come and play!?¡± she argued, turning her eyes back up to Relker¡¯s with fury.


    ¡°If she wants to sit up on the wall the entire time, that''s her prerogative,¡± Relker said, his tone a lot gentler as he looked down at the girl¡ªthe loose strands of his blond hair, escaping his twine tie, falling around his face. ¡°I''m not going to force her to play something you all always drag her into. You could apologize and play something else that she enjoys as well if you want her to be part of it.¡±


    Sakaya sighed audibly before turning back toward Sakura sitting on the wall. ¡°¡­Huh? She''s gone.¡±


    Relker and Sakiri both looked back, along with the rest of the kids in the group, to see that Sakura was missing from her perch high on the wall.


    Relker let out a deep sigh of dread. ¡°Not again¡­¡±


    <h3 style="text-align: center">¡ù ¡ù ¡ù


    Sakura cut her way through the side streets and alleyways toward the main strip. She was upset but tried not to let the anger get the best of her.


    ¡°Healing is a combat art. Every fight needs a healer¡­¡± she said to herself before jumping over a puddle of partially melted snow. ¡°They would all be lost without me, always coming and asking for help.¡±


    Sakura made her way up to the main strip, shielding her eyes from the last bit of sunlight that passed over the middle wall. The number of people was immense, even at this time of day, causing her anxiety to rise a little. She hated large crowds but seemed to get a little more used to them the older she got. Still, she was one to avoid them if at all possible.


    She looked to her left at the large entrance to the metal ring and began making her way toward it, keeping to herself as much as she could. She nearly hugged the many stalls erected at the base of the buildings.


    I''m sure he''s already here. Probably hung up helping somebody, she thought with a little giggle¡ªrecalling a time when she caught Naem giving a begging mother with a crying child a couple of loaves of bread and a pocket pouch full of silver shekels. She remembered the tears of gratitude that streamed down the Trojan mother''s face as she thanked Naem and the smile on his face that he usually kept hidden.


    ¡°I wonder if he even knows how much money that was that he gave her?¡± she asked herself, her smile slowly softening as her mind flooded with more memories of Naem.


    She started digging into the folds of her clothes, trying not to elbow anybody as they passed by her. It didn¡¯t take her long to find the relic she was after. Pulling her socked hand out from under the fur shawl, she peeked open her bare fingers just enough to see the large silver coin that took up most of the space in her palm.


    Her smile returned. ¡°Though, he''s never really been one to care.¡±


    She read the words Silver Talent engraved around the outer edge of the coin¡¯s face and then closed her fist again to conceal it. It was hard for her to believe sometimes that something so small could be worth so much. A thousand times more valuable than a silver shekel, this coin alone could feed her and the rest of her family for months. But that fact alone made her feel guilty for keeping it all to herself. There was just something about this coin that made her feel like it was worth more than gold.


    Sakura stuffed the coin back into her clothes and forced herself to pay attention to where she was going. The last thing she wanted was for Relker to jump down her throat again about how dangerous it was to run off alone.


    However, her focus didn¡¯t last too long.


    The sight of several wooden figures on the vendor¡¯s stall up ahead quickly drew her attention. She quickly ran over and leaned across the front of the booth to get a closer look.


    ¡°Wow! They''re all so pretty¡­! And detailed!¡±


    The Trojan man running the booth turned away from his whittling to greet Sakura, but he laughed at the sight of her tail wagging furiously back and forth before he could say anything. He stepped forward, controlling himself as he bent down to rest the palms of his hands on his booth.


    ¡°Why, thank you, little lady. I carved them myself,¡± he said with a proud smile.


    Sakura¡¯s blue eyes beamed, her ears standing high on her head as she looked up at the vendor in awe. ¡°Amazing! You''re really talented.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you get better at something the more you do it,¡± the man said as he stood up straight, taking one of the figures Sakura was marveling over and studying it with pride. ¡°Though, I also believe the Spirits help you in what you''re doing, as long as it¡¯s for them and their best interests.¡±


    Sakura¡¯s smile grew wide as she looked back down at the figures in front of her. ¡°I believe that too.¡±


    Four statues represented the Four Great Spirits, each one resembling one of the four Greater Beast races. Isla, the spirit of water, nurturement, and life, looked like a beautiful Saiyakin woman walking along a river''s edge as she lovingly cradled a baby in her arms.


    Veyrin, the spirit of air, sanctuary, and loyalty, looked like a Vegan man dressed in robes and metal armor as he hovered in the sky with his sword drawn to the side and an enlarged shield held out before him.


    Sylvara, the spirit of earth, abundance, and growth, also resembled a Trojan woman, her pointed ears peeking out around the beautiful long hair that blew in the wind as she walked through a meadow, flowers, shrubs, and vines growing tall behind her.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The last of the four figures was Vulcan, the spirit of fire, power, and honor. He resembled a man dressed in armor and cloth, though he bore giant outstretched wings like that of a dragon and held out a ball of fire that was intricately crafted to look as if it was floating above his open palm. He was meant to represent the Rameshians, the fourth race of Greater Beasts that dwelled in the arid south. Though, Sakura had never seen one with her own eyes¡ªonly in books she had read.


    She watched as the Trojan man set back down the fifth figure he was holding in the center of the other four, but it was not nearly as intricate as them. It resembled just a large stone, a little taller than the rest of the figures, with the simple inscription ¡®GOD¡¯ engraved into its front. There were several more lines of wording engraved toward the bottom of the figure, but they were too fine for Sakura to make out. Her best guess was that it was a passage of scripture.


    ¡°You know,¡± the Trojan man started, crossing his arms in front of himself, ¡°you can take one of them home with you. They cost three silver shekels each, but if you wanted to buy the entire set, I would knock them down to two silvers each.¡±


    A gold shekel for all five of them!? Mother and Father would kill me! Sakura thought as she bounced herself off the man¡¯s booth and bowed in respect.


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m sorry. I don''t have any money on me,¡± she said before lifting her head. ¡°Would you mind if I just prayed to them?¡±


    The vendor arched a brow at Sakura¡¯s request, his gnarled fingers tapping a slow rhythm against the wooden countertop. His green eyes, sharp and weathered from years spent haggling in the market, softened slightly as he took in the sincerity on the young Saiyakin¡¯s face. A bitterly cold gust of wind, thick with the scent of roasting meat and fresh bread, passed between them, fluttering the edges of her fur-lined shawl.


    ¡°Pray, huh?¡± he murmured, leaning onto the counter. The candlelight from his stall flickered across his features, casting deep grooves in his tanned skin. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he let out a short chuckle and gestured to the statues. ¡°Go on then, little lady. Just don¡¯t take too long, alright? I don''t want you keeping away potential customers...¡±


    Sakura¡¯s ears perked up with a smile. ¡°Of course! Thank you.¡±


    She clasped her hands together in gratitude before stepping closer to the wooden figures. Standing up straight, she brought her hands close to her chest and bowed her head. The surrounding noise of the marketplace dulled in her ears, drowned beneath the quiet rhythm of her breathing.


    ¡°God, Creator of all things,¡± she began, her voice steady but quiet, ¡°I give thanks for the strength You have given me, for the breath in my lungs, the warmth of my family, and the friends You have given to me.¡±


    She drew in a slow breath, focusing her thoughts and remembering the prayer that had been passed down through many generations of her family. ¡°God, I am but a humble servant of Your will. I don¡¯t ask for my strength but for Your guidance through those You have appointed to aid me. May the Great Spirits, Your devoted servants, act as instruments of Your wisdom. May Isla teach me patience and serenity; may Veyrin grant me clarity and steadfastness; may Sylvara nurture compassion and resilience within me; and may Vulcan instill courage and honor in my heart. Let them not shape me for my own sake, but so that I may serve You better and walk in Your light with purpose and humility¡­¡±


    She remained still for a few lingering moments, absorbing the peace that settled in the wake of her words. Then, raising her head, she bowed once more before looking up at the vendor. ¡°Thank you for letting me pray,¡± she said softly.


    The Trojan man merely grunted, though there was an unmistakable glint of approval in his gaze. ¡°Go on now,¡± he said with a flick of his wrist. ¡°Before the crowd swallows you whole.¡±


    With a grateful nod, Sakura turned, slipping back into the stream of bustling bodies. She needed to find Naem and get back before Relker got too mad.


    The market was growing thicker with the evening rush. Merchants shouted over one another, advertising their products, the mingling scents of spiced meats, sweet treats, and strong perfumes all twisting through the crisp winter air. She maneuvered carefully between the people, keeping her ears perked for any familiar voice or figure. But just as she moved around a cluster of merchants and customers, her shoulder collided with something solid.


    She had walked into something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªunmovable.


    A sharp intake of breath hit her ears, followed by an immediate, irritated scoff. She barely had time to step back before a firm hand gripped her upper arm.


    ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going, beast!¡± a cold voice sneered.


    Sakura¡¯s breath locked in her throat as she looked up. A human man stood before her, dressed in finely woven fabrics lined with silver embroidery. His face carried the weight of arrogance and authority, his brown eyes pinning her down like an insect beneath his boot.


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m sorry,¡± she said quickly, lowering her gaze. ¡°I wasn¡¯t watching where I was going.¡±


    ¡°Obviously.¡± His grip tightened. ¡°You creatures have no sense of respect. Walking around here like you belong, brushing against people like me without a second thought.¡±


    Sakura said nothing, keeping her posture submissive, ears flat against the top of her head and her tail tucked between her legs, forcing herself to remain still. The crowd had taken notice¡ªhumans watching with entertained smirks, while the few Greater Beasts present stood in uncomfortable silence. She could see a Saiyakin woman at the edge of the market, clutching her child close, her expression one of conflicted worry.


    The man scoffed, shaking his head. ¡°Filthy animals should know their place.¡±


    Then, without warning, a loud pop rang throughout the area.


    Sakura yelped, mostly in surprise, as the man¡¯s hand struck hard against the side of her face. The sharp, stinging pain that coursed through her cold skin burned enough to bring tears to her eyes. She refused to react any more than she already had. Refused to meet his gaze. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, but she forced herself to steady it.


    Don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t show them weakness. It will just get worse if they see you crying... She screamed to herself inside her mind, recalling several past incidents similar to this one all too well.


    ¡°Please, sir. She didn¡¯t mean it. It was just an accident.¡± A small, trembling voice broke through the tension.


    Sakura barely turned her head in time to see the Saiyakin woman step forward hesitantly, her furred ears low against her head. ¡°She apologized. There¡¯s no need for this.¡±


    The humans in the crowd responded with immediate disdain, their jeers cutting through the cold air.


    ¡°Oh, look at this¡ªanother one stepping out of line,¡± one of them laughed.


    ¡°Keep talking, mutt, and you¡¯ll be next.¡±


    The woman froze, then quickly bowed her head and retreated into the shadows of the market like the others.


    The man exhaled sharply as if she¡¯d wasted his time, then shoved Sakura hard enough to send her stumbling back through the street until she fell.


    ¡°Get lost before I decide against letting you go.¡± The man sneered before turning on his heel and disappearing into the sea of people.


    Sakura swallowed down the tightness in her throat, turned, and ran, passing through the crowd that began to stir back to life as if nothing had happened. Her feet eventually slowed as she neared the edge of the city. She sighed shakily, lifting her gaze¡ªjust in time to see a familiar figure slipping into an alleyway.


    Naem! she thought, her chest tightening with relief. She could make out the white of his wings in an instant, even against the snow-covered backdrop that painted the remainder of the city before her.


    ¡°Naem!¡± she called, but he was too far; her voice was swallowed by the chaos around her.


    She pushed forward, her breath growing ragged as she weaved through the thickening crowd, her heart pounding in her chest. She slipped between clusters of merchants and customers, dipping her shoulders to avoid knocking into anyone, her body moving low, carefully, and deliberately before following him into the alley.


    Cutting through several side streets, she ran down an alleyway, getting closer and closer to where she thought he was each time. After sprinting through several more streets, she finally spotted him at the other end of the last alleyway.


    He wasn¡¯t in a hurry. His steps were steady¡ªin fact, almost too slow¡ªas if his mind was elsewhere. That was good. That meant she could catch up.


    She cleared the length of the alleyway in little time, sneaky thoughts starting to run through her head the closer she got to him. She recalled all the times before when he had managed to sneak up behind her¡ªsurprisingly good at it¡ªand get the jump on her. This was the perfect opportunity for revenge.


    He would never expect me here, Sakura thought as she took in a breath, nearing closer. Just a little closer...


    Then, suddenly, he stopped.


    Right at the mouth of a narrow alleyway, his figure stilled, his posture stiff as she watched two little Saiyakin kids cut in front of him. But instead of continuing, he just stood there, staring down the street. Something about his stillness sent a chill up her spine.


    Did he notice me? Sakura thought briefly before dismissing the idea. Nah, there¡¯s no way. I was too quiet. He couldn¡¯t have noticed me.


    Sakura adjusted her stance, instincts taking over. She slowed her breathing and carefully placed her footsteps. Just like before. Just like the countless times she had thought of sneaking up behind him and laughing when he¡¯d spin around too late, scolding her for being too quiet.


    Almost there...


    After a moment, Naem sighed, his breath curling into a puff of steam. ¡°I¡¯ll just meet up with them tomorrow.¡±


    Sakura¡¯s body locked up as he turned back toward her. She was still too far away to jump-scare him but too far out in the open to retreat to cover. CRAP!


    She watched as Naem¡¯s eyes widened in shock, his body jolting back with his white wings flaring. She couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her failed attack before watching his expression settle into something more neutral.


    ¡°Sakura?¡± His gaze flickered over her face, and his expression darkened. ¡°What happened to your face?¡±


    She hesitated, reaching up instinctively to her cheek. She had forgotten to heal herself.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she lied, the sting on her cheek suddenly returning as if it were still fresh. With a small pulse of magic, the bruise faded away before his eyes.


    ¡°What about you?¡± she continued, gesturing toward the bright purple and nearly black bruises across his face.


    Naem exhaled deeply through his nose, shaking his head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Sakura¡¯s face grew somber as she stood in silence for a moment. ¡°Was it the humans again...?¡±


    She watched Naem¡¯s frown deepen as he looked away, though only with his eyes. That alone was enough of an answer.


    The humans seemed to be the source of most of their pain lately. Still, Sakura felt privileged to live inside the walls of Veltra. She knew that wasn¡¯t something Naem or the rest of her friends could feel at their age, but the terrors she had lived through because of the demons¡ªbefore moving here with the rest of her family¡ªwere not something she could forget.


    It was something she could only share with Relker and her parents. Sakiri had long forgotten those memories five years ago, and Naem would never understand. That was why she never tried to reason with him about the humans.


    ¡°It was that stupid captain,¡± Naem started in a low voice, pulling Sakura out of her thoughts. ¡°There have been some things happening here in the city lately, and as soon as it involves the humans, he has a problem with it. He came trying to put the blame on my father and the rest of us... and I ended up in the middle of it.¡±


    Sakura listened quietly as he spoke until he finished. He did not look like he wanted any words of comfort or reasoning. She had learned from the last time he opened up and talked about what had happened to him that he was not looking for anything in return. He merely wanted an ear to listen, which Sakura always felt she was good at giving to people.


    You are still hurting, though... she thought while studying him for a long moment. The way he held his arm and seemed to favor his left leg over his right, she knew he was still in pain no matter how much he would try to deny it.


    Sakura swallowed deeply before stepping closer, gently reaching out her hands toward his face. ¡°Let me heal you.¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine,¡± he said quickly, stepping back away from her. ¡°My sister helped with all the bad bruises. I just want to go play with the others now... it¡¯s already late.¡±


    Sakura frowned but didn¡¯t press too hard. ¡°At least let me take the worst of it away from your face. You know the others will be asking about it and won¡¯t play until they get an answer.¡±


    Naem furrowed his brow. ¡°Is it really that bad?¡±


    ¡°Worst...¡± Sakura said without hesitation. ¡°It looks like you fell into a blackberry bush.¡±


    Naem hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Finally, he sighed. ¡°Fine. But please make it quick.¡±


    Sakura¡¯s expression dropped, her ears drooping.


    ¡°You know I am not that good at Manacalling and the other arts,¡± she said before leading Naem over to a pile of crates off to the side of the street. ¡°So don¡¯t rush me when I¡¯m trying to help you.¡±


    Naem followed her in silence and sat on the crate with her. Crossing her legs, she reached out with both of her hands and held them to either side of his face, hovering close but not touching. She closed her eyes and concentrated, and after a few seconds, the small space between her palms and Naem¡¯s cheeks began to glow with a brilliant green light.


    After a moment of concentration, feeling like she was in control, Sakura opened her eyes and began to move her hands slowly over all the spots that she felt needed healing on Naem. Still trying not to let her mind wander, she could not help but watch the tension slowly leave her friend¡¯s face. His eyes closed as he began to relax back into his spine. She couldn¡¯t hold back her shy smile.