The party (4)

As Erik left the room, his mind swirled with all that had happened. He had always known that his father's two-year absence was tied to the military, but to hear it confirmed by the man himself was jarring. Besides, Becker made it very clear that he intended to use him somehow, greatly making him fear for his future.

As he walked back towards the ballroom, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The power and authority that General Becker exuded were intimidating and still lingered in his mind.

He knew that if the General wanted, he could even take him out of the Red Palace tomorrow and send him to some heavily controlled location with no way out to train and be brainwashed.

Erik never wanted to be involved with Frant's military, and that was exacerbated as he learned what would await him once he was told he was an awakener.