Chapter 16: Mend a Broken Soul

Lanterns hanging over the streets dimly lit the night market. Shops placed on the side of the road sell all sorts of nick-nacks. From cuisine to jewelry to antiques, the night market is the premiere place to get all sorts of goods if you're not planning to visit Mercatura Town.

"So, this is the night market," said Daegal.

"Yes, sir, it is a series of streets and alleys where merchants sell their goods," said Anton.

"They also have really good food," said Orphelin.

The market was crowded with people. But Daegal can't seem to help but notice that everyone here has at least some form of entourage. Whether it be bodyguards or accountants, it seems everyone here is very rich.

"I do hope I don't stick out too much," said Daegal as he tipped down his hat to hide his eyes.

"Do not fret, boss. You blend in just fine; you have an entourage of your own," said Anton.

"Yeah! And if they start throwing hands, we'll just beat them to a pulp!" Orphelin said gleefully.

They continued walking around the night market, stopping whenever they saw something interesting.

"Look at this machination, boss," said Anton as he walked into a shop.

Anton was holding something in his hand. It was rectangular in shape and had glass cut in a circle pasted on one side of it.

"Oh! That's a camera!" Said Daegal.

"Ca-me-ra?" Orphelin said, confused.

"You take pictures with it," said Daegal.

"Pic-tures?" Anton said, confused.

"I'll explain it later," said Daegal.

They continued to walk around the night market. They even found a few things that they could sell in their shop. The haul was successful, and they treated themselves to some food.

"Are you sure this place is good?" Asked Daegal.

"Trust me, we've been here a lot with our past owners," said Anton.

Daegal took a seat and waited for his food. Anton and Orphelin soon came back with a few portions of food.

"Alright, boss, this is Ryujin soup," said Anton.

"And here's some rice," said Orphelin.

"Wait, Ryujin?! As in the giant snake?" Daegal said baffled.

"Yep, it's expensive and a delicacy. Be sure to enjoy it," said Orphelin.

The soup looked odd. The broth looked like it was filled with scum; it was not see-through. There were some greens on top and mixed into the soup.

Daegal mustered up the courage and tasted the broth.

"You know..." said Daegal.

"How is it?" Asked Anton.

"...It's not that bad," continued Daegal.

Daegal kept eating the soup and rice. Anton and Orphelin also ordered some food for themselves. Daegal was satisfied with the food.

"Right, I got the bill," said Daegal.

"B-But," said Orphelin, trying to interrupt.

"It's fine; I got it," said Daegal.

Daegal promptly paid the bill. They left the night market and returned to the shop. Near his shop, there was a poster that caught Daegal's attention.

"The audacity of some people pasting a poster on our window without permission," said Anton.

"Wait, what's this about a ball?" Daegal asked as he read the poster.

"Oh, Deimos' annual ball. He holds a ball every year and invites all the rich people!" Said Orphelin.

"Mostly company executives and close friends. I'm pretty sure the heralds can invite some guests too," said Anton.

The Continental Ball is a biggest ball that happens every year. Deimos and his heralds invites some of the most powerful and richest people in the continent to talk about the future. However, the ball being corrupted by nature, all they ever talk about is how to make more money for themselves.

"Is Abaddon attending?" Asked Daegal.

"Most probably. He's a herald after all," said Anton.

Anton ripped the poster off of the window and crumpled it into a ball. Daegal went into the shop to make some more preparations. They displayed all the stuff they were able to get.

It was getting late, and Daegal was tired.

"Master, it's getting late. I think you should rest for today," said Orphelin.

"You're right; thank you for your hard work today," said Daegal.

"No problemo~! Tomorrow will be a much better day," said Orphelin.

"Rest well, boss. We'll see you tomorrow," said Anton as he bowed.

Something wasn't adding up in Daegal's mind.

"Where are you guys sleeping, if I may ask?" asked Daegal.

"Upstairs," said Orphelin.

"Master Abaddon made sure that the second floor of this place had sleeping quarters," said Anton.

"Alright, then, I'll be off now. Good night," said Daegal.

Daegal walked out of the door and headed to the mansion where Abaddon had arranged a room for him. Anton walked up to the door and locked up the shop from the inside. Orphelin walked up to him from behind.

"He's kind," said Orphelin.

"Yes, he is. Truly, he is a human," said Anton as he turned the lights off.

They headed upstairs and went inside their sleeping quarters. Meanwhile, Daegal was walking to the mansion. The guards guarding the mansion let him in with no hassle. He walked up the stairs.

His room was right next to Aine's. Daegal got close and knocked on Aine's door. He knocked it three times. There was no response.

"Aine, it's Daegal. Can you let me in?" He said.

No response. Daegal decided to just leave her and walk away. But before Daegal got too far, the door to Aine's room opened ever so slightly. Daegal walked back to the door and entered the room.

The room was dimly lit. The window was closed and covered with the drapes. Daegal looked around the room. Aine was sitting curled up on the bed.

"Hey, Aine," said Daegal.

"..."

"Are you doing alright? Eating well?"

"..."

Aine's deadpan eyes spoke a million words. She was not okay. The bread given to her was barely touched and so was the water. Daegal looked at her bed sheets, it was tinted red.

"Aine? Show me your hands," said Daegal.

"I-I'm... sorry," Aine said lifelessly.

Daegal took Aine's left hand. There were multiple knife scars along her arm. Daegal looked at the bread that was on the table, there was a knife that came with it to help cut the bread.

"Aine... why?" Said Daegal.

"I..."

Daegal can't help but blame himself. Daegal was mad at himself; if only he had protected Aine better at that moment.

"I-It's not your fault," said Aine with a teary eye.

Daegal looked at Aine.

"I can stay with you. If you'd like that," said Daegal.

Aine nodded. Daegal took off his hat and shoes and sat on the bed with her. Aine's coat was on the floor. Daegal picked it up.

"At least wear your coat," said Daegal.

Aine nodded and put it on. Daegal sat on coat with his back against the wall. Aine scooted over and rested her head on Daegal's shoulder. Aine began to calm down and eventually fell asleep.

Something was here to greet her.

"Why is she crying?!" A panicked female voice shouted.

"This is completely normal, it happens sometimes," said a male voice.

"No, it's not. She's..." said the female voice as it faded.

Her eyes sprung open. She was breathing heavily.

"Hey, you okay?" Asked Daegal.

"Mhm," said Aine as looked to the side.

Abaddon was also in the room. He was sitting on a chair and was talking to Daegal before Aine sprung awake.

"Sorry I walked into your room. I wanted to check on you, but then Daegal was already inside and the door was unlocked," said Abaddon.

"I didn't dare move, especially when you were sleeping so soundly," said Daegal.

"W-What time is it?" Asked Aine.

"It's 5 AM," said Abaddon.

Aine scratched her head.

"Back to the topic at hand, Deimos' ball is happening in the near future, and I want to invite you," said Abaddon.

"I'm good to go; I'm worried about Aine over here," said Daegal.

"..."

"The first herald will obviously attend the ball, and that's where our problem lies," said Abaddon.

Aine stayed silent throughout the whole conversation.

"Aine, do you want to attend the ball?" Asked Abaddon.

"..."

"Well, why not leave her invitation here first? How many days till the ball?" Asked Daegal.

"It's in about a week," said Abaddon as he placed Aine's invitation on her table.

Deimos' Ball was in a week, and Kali will be attending. Will Aine be attending the ball? She was an honored guest after all.

"Anyways, I won't be able to check on you for the next week," said Abaddon.

"W-Where will you be going?" Asked Aine with a deadpan voice.

"Don't worry, I only have to make preparations for the ball," said Abaddon.

"It's fine, Aine; I can come here every day after work if you want to," offered Daegal.

Aine rested her head on Daegal's shoulder.

"Please," said Aine.

"Alright," said Daegal.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now. If you want any specific food, Aine, please don't be shy to ask for it," said Abaddon.

Aine nodded.

"Alright, I have some work to do. Good-bye," said Abaddon as he left Aine's room.

It was only Daegal and Aine now.

"Are you hungry?" Asked Daegal.

Aine nodded.

"Anything you'd like?" Asked Daegal.

"Pie," said Aine.

Daegal got up. Aine was still sitting lifelessly on the bed. Daegal went outside for a bit and told a guard that Aine wanted a pie.

"Pie? Which pie?" Asked the guard.

"Uhm, Aine, which pie?" Shouted Daegal from outside the room.

Aine got on her feet and peaked her eyes around the door.

"Apple," she said quietly.

"Apple pie it is; I'll be back shortly," said the guard as he bowed and then walked away.

Daegal walked back into her room. Aine sat back on the bed. Daegal turned the lights on brighter.

"You should go shower, Aine. Clean some of the blood on your hands," said Daegal.

"Okay," said Aine quietly.

Aine walked into the bathroom and closed the door to it. She began taking a shower. She stripped and took a dip in the tub. Her left arm was lined with scars. She felt disgusted at herself and at Cyrus. But ultimately, she came to the conclusion that Kali was the one behind it and her one true enemy.

She got out of the shower refreshed.

"Feeling better?" Asked Daegal.

"Yeah," said Aine.

"Your pie's here; go ahead, dig in," said Daegal.

Aine took a slice of the pie and sat on the bed. Daegal also helped himself to a slice. Aine began eating her pie. Time passed as Aine continued to eat more slices of the pie, and Daegal held a conversation with her.

"Aine, can you promise me something?" Asked Daegal.

"..."

"Don't harm yourself anymore," said Daegal.

"..."

"I'm here to help you. I know deep down you want things to go back to normal. So, take it the first time and don't commit suicide," said Daegal.

"...Okay," said Aine with a deadpan voice.

Daegal wanted to help Aine get better with all his might. What happened to her was unfortunate and incredibly traumatic. However, Daegal believes that she can get out of this depressive episode she's having. However, Daegal has to balance both Aine and his shop. And now, duty calls as the clock strikes 7 a.m.

"Right, I have to go now," said Daegal.

"Where?" Asked Aine.

"Work; I have a shop now," said Daegal.

"..."

"Don't worry, I'll come back tonight and bring you some dinner," said Daegal.

Aine nodded. Daegal put his hat back on and left the mansion. Aine looked out the window of her room for the first time. She saw Daegal walking out of the mansion and into a coach. The horse-drawn coach then went to the city.

Aine looked at the coach going into the distance and thought, "I don't understand why he's so nice to me."

"What a human," said Aine to herself.

Aine looked around her room. There was a notebook and pen on the shelf of her table. She took them both and began writing. She decided to use the book to vent her emotions instead of keeping them to herself, causing her suicidal tendencies to rise.

Aine wanted to get better. She knows that Kali will continue to haunt her; however, she wants to try and move past it. Her end goal is to be able to attend the ball and ultimately get her revenge on Kali. This thought alone filled her with determination.