Cye

Kai POV

"Kai. You know you don't have an option in this. I am your best course. Choose Legionna." The man persuaded, holding his head up high.

But something struck me wrongly. Was he really going to let me join? A kid who couldn't even defend himself properly against a group? A kid who showed pity towards a friend?

How was I suitable for a spy from what he had heard from his followers? 

It wasn't going to be this simple, was it? It's a trap behind this cooperation if I agree. But..I can't refuse this offer. What choice do I have?

To refuse? To refuse is to die. I know this situation all too well.

If I had taken and obeyed Aurora, it would've been a 50/50 chance of her agreeing. And if she didn't like my offer, she'd tell Victoria. I have no doubts about that.

Legionna is strong just like the fairytales. I could tell from my brief fight and encounter with them. They were dimensions above me in skill.

In order for me to join, I have to reach that state too, don't I? That was the trap.

"How long..are your plans going to take?" I asked.

The man smiled, seeing as how I have taken an interest in his plans. "The bombing in the coastal city will stop merchants and goods from being transported across the two lands for atleast a week or two. And the bombs we have used, belonged to Kinoi. You're smart, you should know what I mean, right?"

I warily nodded and put my head down. There was no need for aggression, I already figured. 

I could sense that half of these people in this specific room are already on Victoria's level since I last saw her. And she was absurdly strong.

The moment I tried to check their mana core, they shot me a glance. I couldn't see their level as they were higher than me but they could see mine.

Even without seeing the colour of their core, I could tell just by their aura and their reaction time. I was the weakest here, despite my efforts.

"If I join you, does that mean my freedom is forfeited?" 

"You're smart. Yes it will, but if you complete certain conditions, I'll let you out once in a while." 

"When the time comes, the Whitlocks are mine to mess with. You have to give me and promise me that."

The man smiled. "Of course. And when you're under me, my orders are absolute. You'll heed to my orders like an obedient dog."

I gave it a thought. Was this really how my life was going to go? Just like this? I felt like I was hanging on by a thin thread. It was thinning even then.

Everytime was going all too peacefully recently, wasn't it? God really detests me. 

"How long would you like our contract? 10 years? But what after the 10 years when I'm in power, shall I kick you out?" The man asked, it seemed as if he was having the time of his life.

While I was struggling to keep afloat. 

The man flicked his finger and one of his servants came up to him with a piece of paper. 

He already knew I was going to agree. He knew me all too well.

"I want you to be in my assets as soon as possible. So tell me, how long are you going to stay under me?" 

I gritted my teeth and glared at him. "Until the day I die." I wasn't going to live a long life. That I know. That's why I must.. quicken the process.

The man seemed to be shocked by my answer as if out of his calculation route. "Then you should know the name of the master you serve. Come closer."

Slowly, without the help of my hands, I stood up. My body felt heavy, each step felt like I was drowning my legs in mud. 

"Lord Vernon Uer Devoir." 

I looked at the piece of paper that was to be the contract, they handed it to me on the ground. I skimmed through the paper and I instantly felt a sense of dread.

I was not in control of anything. As it should be to them. 

However, there were a few conditions that may end up in my favour if I used them right. It just all depended on me. I felt another burden being added to my shoulders.

Seeing as there were no pens nor stamps, I lifted my hand and raised it to my mouth. I placed it between my teeth and bit. The sound of my flesh tearing resounded in my head.

Blood dripped down my thumb as I lifted it up and secured the location of placement. There was no going back. It all happened too fast for someone like me to process.

I was too incompetent to make it on my own. That's why I have to resort to this method. As I'm weak. Like I've always been, nothing has changed.

Suddenly, the national pledge of Iotux sparked in my mind as if it was a warning. 

How hilarious.

I stamped my fingerprint onto the paper and filled it with my blood.

The paper was snatched away immediately and sealed. I could hear laughter filled with satisfaction or mockery. 

"Kai. I do like that name, it's short and sweet. But you're no longer related to Whitlock. You belong to Legionna." He declared.

I could smell burnt smoke arising from the contract paper. Normally, contracts aren't burnt. But this is a foreign country, what am I supposed to know?

"Imprint for the contract has to be made. I get to take one of your body parts if you break the oath." Lord Vernon leaned down and took a close look at my face. His long hair draped over his throne.

And I had an instinct I knew what he wanted.

"I like your eyes. Especially the one with the scar, it adds a bit of personality to you, doesn't it? The scar looks like it's going to fade. But I like it on you, what ever shall I do?" 

He is insane. 

"You can make a deeper scar, if that is what you'd like." I offered with gritted teeth as I gently hovered my hand over my left eye.

The person who had taken the contract earlier was now closing in on me with a red essence in his hand. "Don't move."

I started breathing heavily as my heartbeat started pumping and accelerating as if the brakes had torn off. I wanted to scream but my throat went dry.

Their hand pressed onto my left eye. A hot sensation devoured the left side of my face. I wanted to let out a scream. Whether it was from the contact or the pain, I wasn't sure. 

I just knew I wanted to run. Run away from this hatred I have running through my veins. Run away from this 'responsibility' of mine.

"Cye has a nice wing to it too. Don't you think so?" 

"Yes."