THE THIRD RETURN OF THE NECROTIC MAGIC ARMIGER

Note: This story continues from my previous novel. Due to some contractual issues, the earlier chapters are no longer available there—but the tale lives on here.

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On a cold, silent night, two figures darted through the shadows of the city streets. At first glance, they looked like an ordinary couple out for a late stroll—but a closer look revealed a crimson trail seeping from the man's shoulder, the mark of a recent blade.

Both of them panted heavily, as though they had just escaped a relentless pursuit. The man scanned the area with sharp eyes before nodding toward the next street. His wife followed close behind, clutching something tightly against her chest, wrapped in layers of cloth and desperation.

Their pace slowed as they neared a tall iron gate. A sign hung overhead, weathered but still clear:

The Heaven's Garden

Within the walls, moonlight illuminated faint outlines of swings, seesaws, and slides—a playground waiting for laughter that had long since gone quiet. It was an orphanage. A large, well-maintained one.

Jenny hesitated. "Honey… are you sure about this? What if they find him here?"

Jake glanced at her, his expression firm. "They won't. I know this orphanage well. The director is a good man—and more importantly, he has real influence in this city. Those bastards wouldn't dare make a move here. I promise... once it's all over, we'll come back for him."

Jenny bit her lip, clearly unconvinced. "I believe you... but if anything happens to him, Jake, I swear I'll never speak to you again."

"I know," Jake said with a weak chuckle. "I'd deserve it. But right now, we need to leave. We're not safe."

He pushed open the smaller side gate, guiding Jenny inside. The area was quiet, no signs of pursuit.

They reached the entrance swiftly. Jenny unwrapped the cloth with trembling hands, revealing a sleeping baby boy. His tiny brown eyes were shut, a tuft of black hair barely visible beneath the blanket.

"He looks just like you," she whispered, brushing her fingers gently against his cheek.

"No," Jake smiled softly. "He's got your eyes. That same softness... that same warmth. He's going to be a heartbreaker."

Jenny rolled her eyes and bumped his chest with her shoulder, making him stumble back. "Don't get cheesy on me now."

"Okay, okay, I surrender," Jake grinned, holding up his hands. "But there's something I need to give him."

From his coat, he pulled out a small cuboidal pendant attached to a silver chain. On one side, a single name was engraved: Evan. On the other: Windstone.

"I've had this made for weeks," Jake said. "Evan means 'Great Warrior.' I hope... one day, he lives up to it."

Jenny's eyes softened. "That's actually... a good name. Wow. I was ready to mock you."

"Hey, I've matured. Living with you fixed a few of my bad habits."

"Mmm... barely," she teased, touching the bridge of her nose.

Jake leaned down and gently placed the pendant around Evan's neck.

"It's time," he said quietly.

"Just a little longer, please?" Jenny's voice cracked. "I don't know how long it'll be until we see him again… or if... we ever will."

Jake clenched his fists but nodded. "One minute."

Jenny held Evan close, rocking him gently. "My baby… please stay safe. Don't get into trouble, okay? Mom and Dad will be back soon… and we'll never leave you again."

Jake placed a hand on his son's small chest. "I'm sorry, son. For leaving you like this. But I swear—when I return, I'll make you the happiest kid in the world. That's a promise from your father."

Then, he reached out and pressed the bell.

Moments later, soft footsteps echoed from within the building. The door creaked open, revealing a man in his fifties with graying hair, and beside him, a kind-looking woman—his wife.

They looked around, puzzled.

"No one...?" the man murmured.

Just as they were about to close the door, the woman gasped. "Dear! Look!"

At their feet, wrapped in warm cloth, was a sleeping baby.

She knelt and picked him up. "Oh my god, he's freezing. Who could've done this...?"

Her husband frowned, scanning the dark street. "To leave a baby like this... what kind of people—?"

"Inside. Now," she interrupted, already rushing toward the bathroom. "We need to warm him up or he'll get sick."

With a final glance at the gate, the man followed after her.

Not far from the orphanage wall, Jake and Jenny stood hidden, watching everything through a narrow gap.

Jake exhaled deeply. "They'll take care of him. Let's go."

Jenny nodded slowly, tears in her eyes. With one final glance at the now-closed door, she turned and followed her husband into the darkness.

Author's Note:

✨ Behold my latest creation! ✨As mentioned in my other novel, this story picks up where the last one left off. Are you ready for a brand new adventure?

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