Vol.5 Ch.110-An Adjustment.

Arene "Ren" Maxwell's POV

I twiddled my fingers and looked around the room. I had never been to these offices before as I saw little reason to visit them. Typically, if my Sister was meeting someone, we would move to a more appropriate room to discuss matters. But Parker had insisted that we come to this place. If I'm not mistaken, this building will become an embassy to Arotal one day.

Our relationship with the Holy Kingdom of Arotal is tenuous at best, from what my mother was telling me. Arotal had an alliance with Brax and sent a marginal number of troops to fight during the war over the last few hundred years. Nothing more than a token of their "treaty".

But now that Brax was gone and we had replaced them…things haven't been great, stressing Lauren out even more. On top of the festival and the assassins…being here probably isn't helping her either.

Perhaps Parker is more comfortable here? Although…I don't see how that would be the case.

The building was unfinished and still in the middle of construction, including this office. Although it was furnished, it was…at the bare minimum. I doubt anyone would catch a princess doing business in a dreary room like this, but we've known Parker long enough to see that he means well. Besides, Sister did agree to his terms…

"I was thinking…what should I do to Parker for making me wait so long? Perhaps I should have him spanked by Lord Vasquez again," Lauren mused.

I suppressed a giggle just in case someone was listening. It seems like that happened so long ago…it's hard even to imagine that little boy growing up to be Parker. But I had to set an example… "Lauren!"

Lauren flicked her hair with a snicker and shrugged. "Just saying…"

Although Sister appeared to be acting normal, I could tell she was on edge. She had a tell where she would wrinkle her nose from time to time whenever she was stressed. A small enough tell that nobody would notice unless you spent a lot of time with her and well…I happened to do just that.

Lauren sighed and rolled her head towards me. "Why are you looking at me with pity? We haven't even begun…"

Haven't we, though? I believe we were both taught that negotiations start before both parties even enter the room. Per—

"Sorry to keep you waiting! We shall be there in a moment," Parker yelled from the other side of the door.

Huh…he sounds… different.

Lauren's nose twitched, and she scoffed. "You better hurry up, Parker! I didn't shake my guards and walk all the way here to be held waiting!" Lauren shouted back at him.

We didn't shake the guards…I did…but it seemed a lot easier today than usual.

I took a deep breath to avoid laughing at Parker's loud sigh. As time dragged on, Sister became antsier and antsier. She was tapping her fingers on the table and suddenly gave me a panicked look.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"Something is off about Parker…or am I reading too much into this?" Lauren mumbled.

"Perhaps he is on edge as well? School has been difficult for us, after all. But, on the other hand, you did come to him with a formal request, which isn't very typical of you, so he may be confused about that," I argued.

Lauren grunted in a very unladylike manner and started shaking her head. "The guards…why did they just let us go so quickly today? We usually have to make two or three tries before we escape. Things are just…too perfect," Lauren mumbled.

"Lauren, you are just being paranoid. There is nothing to be worried about," I told her.

Her fingers began to slow down, and her eyes went wide with panic. Lauren shot out of her seat and grabbed me by the arm. "We made a mistake…a big huge freaking mistake… I just know it! We need to leave this—"

I heard the door open, and I shook off Lauren to turn to look who was coming in, and my heart sank. Instinct and hours of training took over as I unsheathed my katana and sliced at the flying object in one swift motion. I cut into something soft, and green powder filled my vision.

It only took a single breath for my entire nose and mouth to start burning. My eyes watered and were nearly sealed shut by whatever this substance covering my face was. I tried to scream, but it only came out as a muffled choking. Then, somebody grabbed me from behind, and I barely managed to make out Lauren through teary eyes as she frantically reached for me.

I wanted to reach out to her as well but I heard somebody walking behind me. My mind went numb as I forced mana into my limbs. I thrust my sword in hopes of at least hitting someone or something. It was an odd feeling…it felt like I sent my sword through a fruit as a man let out a yell of pain.

I…I stabbed someone. This… isn't like training at all.

My blurred vision was only getting worse, and I felt light-headed from being unable to breathe. I tried to make out who I had just stabbed, but something hit me in the side of the head, and my vision faded.

Along with my consciousness.

—

My eyes fluttered open, and I instantly regretted even making an attempt to open them as a searing pain assaulted my head. My vision was blurry, and I collapsed when I tried to push myself off the cold ground. It felt like I was underwater, and looking into the room's lights caused even more splintering headaches.

"Ah…finally awake," Parker called out to me in a cold voice.

"Parker? Where are you what…hap…end…" I slowly said while rubbing my wet face.

Why…why am I wet? Wait…I'm completely drenched?

I tried looking just a little bit in front of me, but I was seeing double…a man stood in gold armor from head to toe and somebody was dangling from the ceiling by a rope. It looked…it looked like Lauren. They even had the same color dress but…why?

I heard something hit the ground, and it rolled towards me. "Open that up and shove it in your nose while taking a deep breath. Should help focus that dull mind of yours," Parker spat.

Why…why is he talking like this to me? What did I do to him?

I searched around for whatever it was I was looking for until my hand rested on something. I felt around it using my fingers, and it sort of felt like a waterskin. I found the cork at the end and, as instructed, held it close to my nose while taking a deep breath.

Pain seared through my head, and just when I didn't think I couldn't feel any worse, things went to a hundred percent in moments. I felt the contents of my stomach threaten to leave me, and I pushed it down with a sob. I was gasping for air, and as I was on my hands and knees, my vision slowly improved.

"Pathetic…" Parker mumbled.

The pain became a dull, numbing sensation all over my body, and I wiped the snot and tears from my eyes. For the first time since waking up, I could see clearly again, although any intense focusing caused the numbed pain sensation to scratch against my head.

"P—Parker? What…what are you doing?" I said in disbelief.

He was wearing a complete set of golden armor that I had sworn I recognized. Green gems were embedded into sockets along the neckline while a red and gold cape draped from his back. He had his sword in one hand and looked down at me with pure revulsion in his blue eyes. His usually handsome face was contorted into an ugly scowl. And Sister…

She was hanging from her arms from the ceiling…this room is made of a pure red metal…these glowing blue runes are Dwarven as well…what is this place? But his armor…I've seen it before…I know I have…but how? Why would he be wearing an old piece of Brax armor?

Parker reached from his back and tossed my sword towards me. It bounced and clattered across the ground, and I looked from it to him. "Get up," he ordered me.

My heart sank even deeper, and I went to my knees. My vision swam from moving too quickly. I didn't know what was happening but…we needed to get out of here and get help…

"Parker? What happened? What's going on? Why…why are you just standing there?" I asked him.

Parker narrowed his eyes at me and took a step away from Lauren. He swung his sword in a shallow arc and sliced Lauren across the chest. He gripped her still unconscious body by the face and yanked her head forward.

"PARKER! STOP WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" I screamed.

I tried to force mana into my body, but the fiery warmth refused to leave my chest. It wouldn't obey my commands…it was stuck…unmoving…and dormant. "I told you to get up. Grab your sword and get up," he demanded.

"Please! Please stop this, Parker! What is going on? What has gotten into you," I pleaded while slowly getting to my feet.

Parker let out a tired sigh and pointed his sword at me. "You are really starting to piss me off more than normal. Your beloved sister is in danger, and you are crying? Shouldn't you be protecting her?"

"Protecting her? I'm supposed to protect her from threats and enemies! You are her friend! Our friend. We've been together for years! We see you as a brother! You aren't…you can't be a danger to her…"I said weakly.

Parker ran his fingers down his face while letting out a borderline maniacal laugh. "Have I done such a good job that you can ignore reality, Ren? Or perhaps you just want to watch, huh?"

Parker reared back his sword for a thrust, and I couldn't do anything but watch in absolute horror as he cut into Lauren's side. Blood seeped out from her wound immediately, and he used his free hand to rip a giant gash in Lauren's dress, exposing her even more.

I tried to put mana into shaky legs, but once again, it failed to answer my call. I let out a scream and charged at Parker, only for him to spin around and backhand me with his gauntleted hand.

The numbing sensation rocked my mind, and I swear I could see stars as I sprawled out onto the ground. "You need to make up your mind, Ren. You can't do anything when I give you an order, then try to interrupt me when I'm busy."

I rubbed my face, and I could feel the swelling rising already. Blood pooled in my mouth, and I spat it on the ground along with a few white specs…my teeth.

Parker ran his hand through his curly blonde hair and sighed deeply. "This was supposed to be fun, but in the end, I just don't seem to care anymore. Perhaps if you hadn't fought originally, we could have avoided that head injury…but it all worked out anyway."

"Parker…please…stop this…it isn't too late. We can—"

"Shut up already!" Parker yelled. "Get up now, or I'm going to cut your legs off and make you spend your final moments watching me finish what I started…well, that's going to happen regardless," he said with a shrug.

Then Parker looked at me with a vile, disgusting smile. "You just get to choose if you have legs or not."

I frantically crawled for my sword and stood up with it. Once again, my vision rocked, and I staggered like a drunkard. "Why…why are you doing this…what did we do to you?"

"Everything," Parker stated coldly. "It was a shame all of this had to happen so soon…I was looking forward to doing this after graduating, but the plans changed. I'm going to take back what is rightfully mine, and I'm going to enjoy breaking the usurpers' daughters to their lowest before I do."

I removed my sword from its scabbard and wiped the tears from my face. "Please just stop this while you have the chance! What…what do you want from us!" Every word sent waves of numbed pain through my head.

And every second, my heart sank deeper. I wasn't sure what I was feeling right now…I'm not even angry…just…confused…

Parker swung his arms wide and let out a small chuckle. "I want my country back. My home. My nation…and to do that, I need you and your sister. I'm going to use both of you until I've had my fill, then I'll use what's left of you and your sister to get what I want."

Parker…

I gripped my sword even tighter. "And that is?" I asked, unable to hide the shakiness in my voice.

"Your treacherous whore mother's head on a stake for the entire world to see. I'm also thinking of having your turncoat father flayed and dragged through the streets. Ah… maybe we will have a parade with all your corpses. I'm sure everyone would love that," Parker said with a wide grin. Parker pointed his sword at me again. "But before that…I'm going to beat you in a sword fight. I'll show you that you really are nothing without your mana. Just some little tramp commoner masquerading as a princess."

"Lucky! I beat you in a fair fight!" I yelled back.

"Lucky? Do you not see how lucky you are to have such an extensive mana pool? You must be as dumb as I thought," Parker scoffed.

I bit down so hard I could feel my teeth crack. My fingers felt like tiny needles were poking them from gripping my sword so hard. I glared at Parker and his grin grew even wider. "Yes…YES!" he shouted into the air. "That is the look I've been waiting for! I take it all back…this was worth it…all of this was worth it…I'd do it all over again just to see that face again, Ren," Parker mused with a blissful smile.

My...face? What do I look like right now?

Parker taunted me with his hand, beckoning me to come at him. "It's time, Ren."

I let out a guttural screech and ran forward towards Parker. Our blades locked, and his grin grew—

Boom.

An explosion sounded off in the distance the second our blades clashed. Parker raised an eyebrow and looked off towards the noise. I took the opportunity and used a trick someone taught me a few months ago.

I punched Parker straight in the face.

I felt his nose flatten from the blow, but I winced at how little force I could manage. Words from the same person who taught me that punch floated through my mind. "Everyone has become too reliant on their mana," he said.

Wait, why am I thinking of him right now! I can't!

I went for a thrust into Parker's stomach, but he swung his sword and blocked it with ease. He stepped back and wiped the blood from his nose with a creepy smile. And I knew why he was smiling like that…

I'm so angry right now…I can't even stop my arms from shaking.

Parker rushed me, and I tried sidestepping him, but I was far too slow. Moving quickly also made my head spin, and I felt like vomiting with every sudden movement. I managed to deflect his thrust, but I failed to make any kind of follow-up as I tried to regain my bearings.

But Parker wasn't going to let me.

His assault was brutal as he swung down with all of his might with every blow. I was forced on the back foot, and my legs wobbled with every step backward. I was managing, but I was running on pure muscle memory, and it was beginning to fail me as Parker landed shallow hits across my arms and legs.

Every thrust or swing I attempted, I felt my body protesting in agony. My attacks were weak and slow compared to Parker's overwhelming speed and strength. My swings were wild and lacked substance, and I felt like a child learning to use a sword for the first time.

I was trying to dodge like I usually could, but I just felt so…slow. It was like time had turned to a crawl for me but not for him. I had been reduced to a shadow of my former self…

I've been taking Voker's training seriously…I was doing so much better! I was improving every day, but it was still not enough!

We continued to trade blows for a few moments as another explosion went off, much closer this time. We both ignored it as we continued attacking each other. Parker went for an overhead swing which I narrowly avoided. I brought my katana down in retribution, but he moved his arm out of the way with surprising speed.

I'm the better swordsman…I rarely lose to Parker these days! I've been getting so much stronger…I was…I was getting better! I am better!

I baited Parker into a thrust, and instead of avoiding it like I usually would, I let it cut into my arm. I ignored the wound as whatever Parker had given me numbed all the pain. I could see the momentary fear in Parker's eyes as I finally bested him. I never ever gave Parker free hits because all the points mattered in a spar.

Rage boiled in my heart at his betrayal, and my vision was clouded with tears. But I had learned that this is the difference between life and death fighting. I'll sacrifice my arm if it means stopping Parker at this point…if it means saving Lauren.

I spun around and swung straight for his chest, a guaranteed serious injury, and—clink.

My cobalt edge scraped around his armor with sparks, but there wasn't even so much as a scratch on his armor. I barely managed to chip away the golden sheen. I just didn't have any strength to cut into his armor…I was…I am useless.

Parker snickered at me and grabbed my sword with his hand. I fought against him, but he was just so much stronger than me. Finally, I managed to stop him from yanking my blade from me, but he pushed me away and brought his sword down..right onto my hand.

I didn't feel anything really. I had broken a few bones in my life, and this was pretty much how it was. I tried opening and closing my hand, and it felt like I could…just when I looked down, I didn't see my left hand anymore.

What an odd feeling. Is this—gah.

The wind was knocked out of me with a swift kick to the stomach from Parker. I didn't even have time to register anything as I rolled across the floor, head spinning and eyes blurry. I tried pushing myself off the ground, but once my bloody stump touched the floor the numbed pain overwhelmed me, and I collapsed.

I…can't even scream…why am I breathing so heavily…my heart feels like it's going to explode…

"And would you look at that? You barely managed to hold yourself together for a few minutes without your mana. Just as I told you," Parker said with a deep laugh.

He kicked me over and onto my back while smiling at me. He reached for something behind him, but I saw double again as Parker shoved something into my nose. I coughed violently for a moment, and I could feel the snot running down my face and into my throat… then…I didn't feel anything.

Parker pinned me down as if I was able to fight him. Instead, I just looked up at him with blurry teary eyes as he grabbed my arm with the missing hand and rubbed some brownish-red powder on it. The blood pouring from the stump stemmed for the moment as the powder seemingly stopped it.

Parker released me and stood up with a grin so wide I felt like his mouth had grown in a short time. "Can't have you bleeding out on me. Now, I want you to watch closely because you will be next. I expect you to at least provide some form of entertainment before you become even more useless."

I could barely make out Parker as he walked over to Lauren, who was still unconscious. I felt like I had to do something, but I just seemed so…light. Like I was floating away on a cloud.

Parker stopped about halfway and looked up. Explosions were going off above us, but they sounded sort of weird… kind of like baby explosions that stopped short. There were a bunch, but they didn't echo at all…they were just so…tiny and small…

But the explosions were getting close. At least, I think they were. It was just so hard to tell…I was so close to them, yet I was getting further away from them at the same time…I just don't know what to think anymore.

Mhm…is that screaming and yelling? It sort of sounds like it…

Boom. Crack. Boom. Crack.

My eyes drifted lazily over to what looked like a giant red door…it was sort of nice-looking…I guess…lots of red…and red…and uh…red.

Then somebody started banging on the door. The knocks echoed in the room, but maybe that was just me. "Open the door! Open up now! LET ME IN, PLE—"

I blinked away the blurriness and focused really, really hard on the door. There was a giant dent in the middle of the door now, and that person's yelling stopped…that's nice…they were loud like, really loud like those explosions.

I watched the door as three more explosions went off, followed by three more dents along the door's edge. Then another explosion went off, followed by another little dent in the corner. The sound of metal scraping against stone hurt my ears, so I tried to stop the sound, but it just wasn't working.

The corner of the door had been bent inwards, and all I saw was darkness on the other side. Something hit the ground with a thud, and I watched as a little baby brown ball rolled towards me…there were actually a few little baby brown balls…

Those brown baby balls kept rolling and rolling, and then they stopped. Then a bright flash went off, and I think I started yelling, but it was hard to tell because I couldn't feel anything other than my racing heartbeat. And my vision was nothing more than a white blur now because of those balls.

I'll never be able to see again, will I? What's it like to be blind?

I wiped and wiped my eyes until finally, I could see just a little. I felt confused, I think, as I looked toward the door, there was a man standing there, but I was pretty sure that man was Voker. His mask was covered in blood, and so was the rest of him…most of his shirt was tattered, revealing parts bare chest with tons of little baby red scrapes and lots of black marks.

Parker stood from the floor and looked at Voker with fearful eyes. "Voker?! What are you doing here?!" he demanded.

Ah….he's here…Voker is here…he can stop this…yeah…

Voker glanced at Parker and looked at Lauren. He took her in then I could feel his eyes move to me next. "What's going on here?" Voker said, his voice…sounded so… different.

And Voker looked different…his skin…looks kinda tight on him…almost like his skin is too small for his body…and all those veins…they are so big…I wonder if the ones on his neck hurt…

Parker started laughing. "I see! You…you want to join me, Voker! That's right! You are from Tel'an'duth, so you must hate Luminar just as much as I! Maybe even more! I bet you lost a family member in the assassination attempts!" Parker shouted enthusiastically.

Voker gave Parker a once over again. "Who said I was from Tel'an'duth?" he asked in an emotionless voice.

Parker recoiled from his tone and gave a strained smile. "Well…the details don't matter all that much…" he quickly. "Anyway! Look! You can have Ren right there! Take her…she is all yours! I'm sure a man of your tastes would enjoy her! I haven't even touched her myself!"

Voker looked at me and began walking toward me. I felt like I should move…or do something really, but I just…didn't want to…I was…yeah….

Voker knelt to the ground and gently grabbed my face. He turned my head side to side, then up and down. Then he placed a cold finger on my neck. "You drugged her. She is on the verge of overdosing, and you didn't even stop her bleeding all the way. So much for not touching her."

"Ah…well, that's nothing that can't be fixed! We can get her a light mage who can—"

"There is no light mage here," Voker stated. "What did you give her? That drug that you have been manufacturing?"

"What? What do you mean by that, Voker?" Parker asked. "And yes…I gave her Night Dust to stop the pain! I didn't want her to die!"

Voker dragged me away, set me against the cold metal wall, and crouched in front of me. He started rummaging around in a pack, and then bam, his arm was a blur, and I felt some numbness in my leg, so I looked down to see something sticking out from it. A glass container with some liquid had been shoved into my thigh…huh…I feel like that should hurt. It looks painful…where is the liquid going?

Voker started undoing his belt and ripped it off in one quick motion. I blinked a few times and really started to think…started to think…what?

"Hey! What are you doing you—"

Voker snapped his head back towards Parker, and my heart felt like it stopped for a moment despite its ever-increasing noise. "You said I could have her. You failed in your attempt to save her, so that's what I'm doing. Wait there, and we can talk."

He…wants me?

Voker ripped my belt off and thrust it into my face. "Bite down," he ordered.

"Wah…I…"

Voker moved closer to my face in an instant. "Bite. Down."

I…need to get away…I—I bit down on the leather. I…I don't want this…I…

"You are going to start feeling again very soon. So be ready," Voker said.

Ready?

He wrapped the belt around my upper arm and nodded his head. Then suddenly, white-hot pain scorched my body as Voker tightened the belt around me. Pain…wait. I can feel it. I can think…oh…OH!

Before I knew it, I was screeching again as pain wracked my body. I writhed in agony as, for what seemed like the first time, I was experiencing true pain. Finally, I was jolted out of my pain stupor by a bloodied, cold hand on my neck. "Calm down. You will give yourself a heart attack or a stroke if you don't start breathing normally."

Breathing?! I…

I took a deep breath of fresh air, and the only thing I smelled was blood and smoke. I kept breathing, filling my chest with air despite the awful smells. My head continued to clear, but the pain just kept getting worse. I wanted just to close my eyes and—

Voker slapped me.

"No sleeping. You've lost a lot of blood, and Sylas's antitoxin isn't perfect, so you can't close your eyes. You shouldn't die, but it's best not to risk it." Voker stood up, and tears filled my eyes as I bit my lip. The new pain there helped me forget the other places…if only a little.

He was looking down at me…his entire mask caked in soot and blood… …Voker…what is going on?

Parker started laughing nervously. "Well! That went well, right? She is all fixed up so we can—"

"Stop talking," Voker said. His voice sounded strained and monotone. It was almost like it wasn't Voker speaking.

Parker winced at Voker's words. "Ren, I'll be needing to borrow your sword. It appears I can't access my ring for some reason."

"You can't use magic or body enhancement! It won't work; this room is blocking it," I blurted out.

I immediately regretted yelling as pain rocked my head. Voker kicked my sword up and nodded. "Makes sense. It seems to be entirely made of Blood Iron with some runes…interesting."

"Wait! Voker, you can't fight him without your mana! So please don't, just run!" I shouted at his back.

Voker looked over his shoulder, and I tried backing up, but I was already against the wall. His gaze was so intense my body was screaming at me to run… just to get up and get out of here while I had the chance.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you and your sister," he stated. "And I don't need mana to do it either."

I swallowed a mixture of spit and blood. "You…you are going to protect us? Me?"

Voker rolled his shoulders and swung my sword around. "That's right."

Ah…my heart dropped in my chest. Nobody has ever said they would protect me before… it was always me saying that…I'm so…confused and conflicted I don't even know…I…

"Wait! Voker, we don't have to do this! We are on the same side!" Parker shouted while bringing up his sword.

Voker flicked back around to Parker and started walking faster towards him. His walk turned into a jog, then a sprint as they clashed. Voker wasted no time as he began swinging wildly at Parker.

I watched as the muscles in his back and arms rippled and the veins running along him seemed ready to burst with every swing. Parker was frantically trying to block every attack, but Voker just kept swinging repeatedly, never allowing Parker more than a single step backward before delivering another overwhelming strike.

Parker misstepped and Voker capitalized with a swing to his thigh. However, like my attempt, the sword bounced harmlessly off the golden armor.

Parker was breathing heavily, while Voker didn't even appear to be winded. "There is no point! You can't penetrate my armor with that inferior weapon! Just give up! I'll forgive yo—"

Parker stopped talking, and he watched Voker inspect my sword. A giant chip was missing in the center of the blue and red katana. Master was going to kill me…if I didn't die here first.

My head…my arm…it all hurts so bad…I just want to die.

Voker looked over to me, most likely feeling my gaze, only for him to turn back to Parker. He rushed toward Parker with another hectic swing. Parker was the better swordsman by far…but Voker wasn't fighting with a sword right now…he was just using it as a club to bash at Parker's blade. And it was only a matter of time before something or someone gave out.

And it just so happened to be that my sword broke first. Parker's Mythril-edged long sword bested my Cobalt. But that didn't stop Voker.

The second the blade broke, Voker stepped closer to Parker and used what was left of the blade and handguard to lock Parker's sword. Then, Voker's muscles bulged and rippled as he reached out with a free hand and twisted his body, wrenching Parker's sword down and ripping it from his hand.

Voker used the sword like a club once more, but this time he was holding the blade and not the hilt as he brought the weapon down at Parker's skull. Parker let out a frustrated groan and barely moved his head off out the way. The swing connected with Parker's shoulder piece, the edge shattered, and the long sword snapped in two.

Parker shoved Voker backward in a last-ditch effort to make some space. Voker casually tossed the broken sword to the ground, blood dripping from the fresh wound on his hands. "Inferior weapon," he grunted.

Parker was desperately trying to catch his breath. Sweat was pouring down from his face and getting in his eyes. But upon hearing Voker's taunt, Parker's face went red with outrage. "Y—you bastard! You…you broke my sword!" Parker stood tall and brought his fists up to his face, and snarled. "What hope do you have now without a weapon, Little Elf," Parker spat.

I could feel an intense, overwhelming aura leaking from Voker as he laughed. I had never heard Voker laugh before…it sounded strained, almost like it was hurting him. The atmosphere made me want to scream, but I could barely manage a gasp as it felt like the air was being sucked out of my lungs.

"W—why..why are you laughing!" Parker demanded frantically while taking many steps backward as he was no doubt being bathed by Voker's bloodlust.

Voker rolled his shoulders and ripped off what was left of his tattered shirt. His body was covered in minor cuts and gashes, all bleeding. But there was more.

His cream-colored skin was marked with scars, including a massive one going across his chest. His muscles rippled across his muscular chest, and his ears moved back, and for some reason, it gave me the impression that he was smiling behind his mask. And then his bloodlust increased even more.

"It's been a long time since somebody called me a Little Elf," Voker mused, his voice harsh. He spread his arms wide and flexed his fingers into a fist. "Let me show what this Little Elf can do."

And then I blacked out for a moment from his malicious bloodlust. Never have I felt such violent intent in my entire life. I was afraid…no, I was beyond terrified…I didn't even think this was possible. I needed to run, scream, hide and pray that whatever was happening was just a passing nightmare.

I felt like a trapped animal in a room with a monster.

How can one man have such an aura about him? What has Voker done to achieve this level of malice? I…I…this is just like our duel but far worse… back then, I thought it was because I had a head injury, and it was so brief I wasn't even sure what it was or if it was real…but now I know…

This was Voker's bloodlust…and it felt like death. Was this…was this what Sylvia was talking about?

I barely managed to move my head ever so slightly to look at Parker. I felt that if I couldn't see Voker, he may come for me next. Parker's legs were wobbling, and his armor was shaking on his body. Voker shrugged and bolted towards him.

The first punch landed straight into Parker's face. Parker tried defending himself, but for every punch he threw, Voker would toss two or three, all of them landing. Voker seemingly didn't care as he punched and kicked Parker everywhere, his armored stomach, sides, his face. It didn't matter that his fists were bloodied from the blows.

I've never seen anyone fight like this. Where did he learn these moves?

Parker went for a wide swing which Voker ducked under with practiced ease, the follow-up punch connected square into Parker's jaw, staggering him backward. Voker moved close enough to be face to face with Parker as he put his leg behind him and tripped him.

As he fell to the ground, Parker was a mess of limbs and armor. Voker didn't hesitate to pin Parker to the ground by putting his foot on the back of Parker's thigh. Next, Voker grabbed Parker's leg and cranked it up, only to step down with his free leg…I didn't know legs could bend like that…

My heart felt like it was in my ear, and I wanted nothing more than to just black out for real…for this all to be over…but the fear gripping my chest demanded that I watch…I couldn't look away no matter how much Parker was screaming.

Parker was rolling around on the floor, writhing in agony. Tears, blood, and snot all mixed together as he screamed like a dying animal. He dragged himself across the floor, his broken and disfigured leg hanging behind him. Voker ignored him and walked over to Lauren, I wanted to scream at him to stop, but no words came out…just a gasp.

He used a piece of my broken sword to cut Lauren down, and he caught her in his arms. He gently rested her on the floor, checked her neck with his hand, and nodded. He wrapped Lauren up in his cloak and then moved toward me.

I wanted to melt away…just disappear from his gaze, but I couldn't. My eyes were starting to hurt from keeping them open and all the pain I was feeling paled compared to the amount of fear coursing through me. Finally, Voker sighed audibly, and the bloodlust ceased instantly.

Air filled my lungs as I desperately tried to breathe. I tried wiping the tears from my face, but I only ended up smearing blood over me. Now that the fear was gone…it was just a numbness that dulled all my senses. I knew I was in pain, but I just couldn't feel anything. I felt like I had survived death…

Voker opened his pack on the floor and brought out a large red collar. I had unfortunately seen one before, so I knew it was a slave collar…but why would Voker be using a slave collar?

Why would he even have one on him?

Voker stood over Parker, blood dripping from his body as he rolled him over and onto his back. Parker tried swatting Voker away, but Voker gave him a swift punch to the face as he fit the collar around Parker's neck.

A clanking sound echoed off the quiet walls of this prison, followed by the distinct sound of flesh being pierced. Parker tried screaming again, but his voice was hoarse now, so it only came out as a croak.

"Stop making that noise," Voker ordered.

Parker stopped instantly.

Voker scanned the room and shrugged. "Kneel. Don't harm yourself or others in any way. You are to answer all my questions and answer all my questions truthfully. I forbid you from lying or withholding any valuable information from me. Do you understand?"

Parker thrashed around and tripped, trying to rip the collar off as blood seeped down from his neck. But the second he touched the collar, his swirling blue eyes went hollow. "Yes…"

"What is this place, and how do you know it exists? Who created it and for what purpose?" Voker asked.

"It is an old prison used by my father. This place was created to hold mages during the war. My father made this room to hold War Gods and Sentinels specifically."

"Your father, what is his name, and what position does he hold?"

"His name is Livius Randall, and he was the Captain of the Emperor's Guard."

Wait…. Livius Randall! He was a War God…how…he's supposed to be dead!

"A survivor…huh…" Voker mused. "What is the meaning of this? Why are you doing this?"

"To reclaim the throne from the usurpers. As the last surviving house of Brax, I am the rightful prince," Parker droned off.

"Are you Brax royalty?" Voker asked.

"No."

Voker scoffed. "Interesting, you are so delusional that you truly believe that to be the case, huh?"

Parker winced, and his jaw clenched. "Ye..yes…" he said through gritted teeth.

"What is your connection to the Holy Kingdom? You said you were from there but is that a lie? How old are you really?" Voker asked.

"I was born there, and I am seventeen. They are hiding my father and many other nobles from Brax who escaped the purge. I was sent here by my father to begin the reclamation."

"How long have you been planning this, Parker?"

"Since I arrived in this kingdom. For eleven years."

Eleven years…that's longer than we've known each other...it…no…

"Why are you acting now all of a sudden? What were you trying to achieve?" Voker asked. "And are you responsible for the assassination attempts on Ren and Lauren?"

"I was afraid we were being compromised as our connection to the Chapter of Despair had been severed recently and then the failed attempt on Tsarra's life. My goal was to use Ren and Lauren as bargaining chips to lure out the King and Queen and kill them. Therefore, I did not order the assassins to strike against Ren or Lauren."

"What…this was never going to work out…are you stupid?" Voker mumbled.

"No," Parker answered.

"What about the prince? Is he working with you?" Voker questioned.

"No, the prince is a fool and was working in our favor. Therefore, there was no need to touch him as he was playing his part without our meddling."

Oh…thank you…thank God you are not involved with this, Xander. It didn't seem to surprise Voker at all that brother wasn't involved, or maybe I just couldn't tell. I…thought I knew Voker…but…I…

"Now then…where is the Chapter of Despair?" Voker asked slowly.

"I don't know. I never go to them. They always come to me."

Voker let out a frustrated grunt. "Where is Alnwar Strongfold, and have you seen him in person? Where do you think he is?"

Alnwar Strongfold…that's…a wanted man, right? I've seen his bounty…

"I have seen him only once two years ago. Since then, we have never spoken in person. I don't have any idea where he is. Close enough to send letters, far enough away that I can't find him."

The muscles on Voker's arms flexed as he made a fist. Blood dripped from his closed hands. "Then where is his second in command? The Vampire? Do you know her?"

"Yes, I know, Jessine. We often talk and meet regularly. She is in the city somewhe—"

Voker grabbed Parker by the hair and yanked him up. Parker's mouth opened like he was going to scream, but only air came out. "Where is she?" Voker asked, his voice laced with malice.

"I don't know…somewhere in the city."

Voker let go of Parker and looked off into the distance. "Seems you were nothing but a pawn that jumped the gaun and ruined the operation. Do you have any documents or information hidden somewhere in a safe place?"

Gaun? G..u..what? What was that word? That didn't even sound Human…

"Yes, in my room, underneath the bed and the floorboards, is a safe. The key is underneath my desk inside in a secret compartment with a poison trap."

"Then that's all I need from you," Voker said with finality.

He reached down and grabbed Parker by the head, and I just knew he was going to kill him. My head spun, and my heart was overwhelmed with so many conflicting emotions. I didn't want things to end like this! I can't, I just…

"Voker! Wait! Don't kill him, please, I beg you!"

Voker stopped and turned his gaze to me. I jerked back into the wall, trying to escape his eyes, but there was nowhere for me to run. "What are you going to do with him?" he asked me.

"I..I..we—c—we can put him into prison! Find out more information! We can help him!" I shouted nervously.

"Wrong answer," Voker said in a cold voice. "This man will attempt to kill you and your family for as long as he lives. His children will hunt your children until one of you is wiped from this planet. You want to put him in a stone box as if that would keep you safe? The only way to guarantee those who would harm the people you care about is to put them in a wooden box underground."

"But we can try! I can change him.! It's not—"

"You can't change him, Ren. And I'm not so naive to think I can, nor am I trusting someone else to do it," he said, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"Please! I'm begging you, Voker, don't—"

Fear gripped my chest as Voker glared at me. I imagined his hateful eyes underneath his mask, trying to rip a hole through my heart.

"Do you think he would have listened to your pleas when he violated your sister in front of you? Did Parker care about your cries when he cut your hand off or when he nearly drugged you to death?" Voker asked, sounding somewhat perplexed. Voker looked down at me. "And do you believe he would have stopped violating you when you begged him to stop?"

I…I…

I tried talking, but no words were leaving my mouth. Voker waited for a few moments and shook his head. "Your silence speaks for itself. It seems you knew the answer without me even asking you. Besides, those who oppose me are my enemies, and I do not allow my enemies to live."

Voker dragged Parker up while he thrashed around violently. "You can't kill me! I'll become a martyr! Everyone will rebel if I die!"

"It appears you don't know the meaning of martyr. Nobody is going to remember you, Parker."

And then Voker yanked on the collar. Parker let out a muffled moan as whatever was stabbing into his neck was becoming more agonizing. Blood began to flow freely from him, and his eyes bulged in fear, but Voker continued pulling, heedless to his muffled cries.

I watched in absolute terror as Parker's head was ripped from his body. The metal collar around his neck had red spikes that were drenched in blood, and they had essentially chopped Parker's head off…I felt the bile reach to the top of my throat, and I immediately vomited.

That sound…I…oh no…please, I can't! No…no…no, this is all a bad dream! I can't…this can't be happening!

Voker dropped Parker's head to the floor and immediately came over to me. He gave me a once over. "Can you walk?"

I didn't say anything to him… I didn't even want to look into his masked face.

Voker grunted and went over to Lauren, slinging her over his back like a sack. He grabbed his bag and then looked down at me. He sighed, and it sort of sounded like he was pitying me. Voker picked me up with a single arm and put me into a similar situation as Lauren.

He didn't say anything to me as he trudged through the dark stone hallways. Finally, I caught a glimpse of the Blood Iron door, and there was a giant stone spear lodged into it…along with the remainder of a body. Voker went up the steps, and I got a look at where we were.

The building was destroyed, and a decrepit stone passageway with worn down cells and rusty iron bars lined the walls…they…they were littered with bodies. Some were missing limbs…others burned…most had fist-sized holes in their chests.

This wasn't a fight…it was a massacre…Voker…did he do all of this?

We passed through entire hallways of carnage. There were armed guards, but most of them had been obliterated. They were barely recognizable at this point. Small holes peppered the prison walls, and stone spikes the size of men littered the ground.

Nature had overtaken this place in the last three decades as vines snaked around corners and into rooms. It looked like the plants were bathing in the crimson pools that had begun to accumulate around the place.

My eyes darted to a room that had nearly collapsed and sprawled out in chairs were…they were people I recognized. The image of Wrena's father impaled into a chair was forever ingrained in my mind. I had seen Lord Hadena growing up for my entire life…yet there he was…dead in the same room as a few other familiar faces.

They…they were traitors…right? They…all of this can't be happening!

"Stop thrashing around," Voker ordered.

I stopped instantly...fearful that I may end up like everyone else…fear…I'm…I'm terrified of Voker.

Voker stopped suddenly, and his ears wiggled. He set me on the ground, and my head rocked. "There are people waiting outside, so this is where we part."

I just stood there, unsure what to even say to him.

Voker blew air from his nose and took back his cloak while putting Lauren onto my shoulders. I staggered slightly, trying to hold her limp body up, but it was a relief to know she was still okay…if anything. It was best that she was still asleep.

I opted to just drag her along. "Ren, I want to make something very clear. You are not to mention my name whatsoever."

"Huh? Bu—"

Voker silenced me with a burst of his bloodlust. "Sylvia and I can not be associated with what happened here today. If you feel any semblance of debt for me saving you and your sister today, you will not breathe my name regarding this incident to anyone."

"How…how am I going to cover this up?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"Figure it out, Princess." Voker was already walking back into the ruins when he stopped suddenly. I was facing away from him at the time, but my heart felt like it was being gripped through my back.

"Just remember, Arene, I left no survivors."

Ah…that…that is a threat…Voker…

All I could do was stand there as I listened to Voker walk away. My legs were shaking so bad but the dizziness was starting to settle in, and so was the pain. I dragged Lauren across the room and out some doors into a massive courtyard.

I caught a flash in the corner of my hazy eyes, and someone appeared before me as if stepping out of the darkness. She stood tall in her all-black armor, and her pitch-black spear seemed to disappear into the night. Her single purple eye observed me from behind her black mask.

"General Shadowstorm…" I muttered.

A cloud slid away from the moon for only a moment, and the entire area was bathed in the light. Seemingly appearing from the shadows were a dozen Dark Elves, all wearing similar armor and wielding spears. All of them masked and watching me intently.

General Shadowstorm brought her hand up and down for some kind of signal, and then…her companions vanished.

"Come then, Your Highness, we need to take you to the Paines."