Greyson closed his eyes, feeling the spiritual energy he had been cultivating, flow through his body. Every extremity and digit tingled as the current of power surged through him like a vortex. Again, he tried to channel it, focusing on the element of wind, instead of his own water. He strained, beading sweat on his forehead. There was so much going on within him already; the disguise of Lord Lytro being maintained, chief among them. The constant drain on his power had become second nature though, and he dared not release the spell, lest he lose its current precision. Adding to the burden on his power was this latest endeavor, matching the Dunamis of his disguise. The real Lord Lytro used the power of wind against him when they fought all those months ago. And Greyson, in order to maintain his ruse, had been training every spare moment to increase his mastery of a second element.

  He knew it was possible, as he had read about it being done in some of the Libreos, special schools of the Dunamis. For the last several weeks, he had been coming to the royal training ground early in the morning, once his ability to control the element was more stable. He sat now, in a lotus position, practicing the extent of not just his control, but the overall intensity of his power as a Dae-Jin.

  He let out a breath, slowly opening his eyes to see a massive vortex of wind, swirling around him like a tornado. He smiled at the accomplishment, before he sensed the presence of an uninvited guest just outside of his power. With an inward groan of irritation, he released the ability, clearing his vision to see Genmei’s attendant, the thin violet-skinned girl who he couldn’t remember the name of. She was standing awkwardly at the entrance of the training circles, fidgeting nervously.

  “Yes?” Greyson asked, standing and dusting his clothes off.

  “I… Lord Lytro, my apologies for disturbing you!” She bowed her head, then scurried over to him and held out a stack of leather binders and parchment. She bowed again, deeper this time, before elaborating. “This is from Lady Genmei, she is requesting that you go over the latest intelligence reports from Eleutheros.”

  Greyson eyed the items suspiciously, before taking them from her and setting them on a stone bench that was next to him. “Why don’t you give me the summery… eh…”

  “Lady Sazumi…” She finished for him, wincing slightly.

  “Lady Sazumi! That’s it.” Greyson nodded, “would you mind?” He had been practicing reading and writing, but didn’t at all feel comfortable enough for a stack that large. In fact, most of the reports and heavy lifting were done through his butler, Dorik.

  “Of course.” She began, clearing her throat. “It appears that Dominicia has formally declared war on the joint kingdoms of Eleutheros, beginning their campaign with a naval assault against the kingdom of Exous. The Southern most territory of Eleutheros.”

  “They really did it, huh?” Greyson sighed, “what else?”

  “The Dominician forces were repelled… by a swift counterattack, lead by none other than the demon, known as prince Daniel… of house Pierce.”

  “Daniel…”

  “Yes… he apparently was hit many times… but is immortal… no matter what was thrown at him, or how horrible the injury… he just wouldn’t fall. He is said to have summoned an ancient spirit of the deep as well, which ultimately led to the Dominician retreat.”

  Greyson scoffed. “Is that so~”

  “Yes, my Lord. That is why Lady Genmei needs you to review these reports earnestly. The emperor will be desperate for an edge against these creatures. And seeing as how you are the only Dae who is confirmed to have killed… not just one, but three of these creatures! Lady Genmei believes you will be instrumental to the empire…” Her eyes blazed with intensity, then drifted down to the sand. “I do too…”

  “Hmm.” Greyson rubbed his chin, mulling over the information he had just received. With Daniel throwing his weight around like that, the emperor will think twice about declaring all out war with Eleutheros. He needs to be sure that we stand a chance. He cursed inwardly, knowing full well this meant he would be right in the thick of it. I wish I could have foreseen this bullshit. God, what a pain in my ass.

  “Are you alright, Lord Lytro?”

  Greyson nodded, then saw the expression of the girl while she looked at him. Great, he thought. Just what I need, a Dae fangirl. “I’m fine. Go back to Lady Genmei and tell her that I will study these tonight and have a full report for her tomorrow morning. Tell her to meet me at my estate.”

  “Y-yes, my Lord.” She bowed, then turned and ran out of the training arena.

  “Boy…” Ashley’s voice rang from just behind him. “You got problems.”

  Greyson shook his head again, rolling his eyes in irritation as he turned to face her. “Since when were you here? I thought you’d be out practicing how to mind your own damn business.”

  Ashley reeled back. “And miss all this? Hell no. That little twig is in love with you, boy. I know that look.”

  “Yeah, well. She can keep dreaming.” Greyson picked up the stack of books and papers with a huff. “And we’ve got bigger problems than a Dae girl’s crush. Daniel is wreaking havoc again.”

  “I heard…” Ashley deflated at the mention of the man’s name. “As long as some other fool has to fight him, and not any of us, I don’t care.”

  “Yeah, well you might have to come to terms with that again soon. Because, we’re supposed to be the experts in that area.”

  “Well, we should just go ahead and tell them that we don’t know how to kill someone like that. That fucker is immortal or some shit.”

  Greyson raised an eyebrow. “You believe what she said about the battle?”

  Ashely shrugged, “I’ve made some friends of my own around here. Heard about this like an hour ago. They said their most powerful warrior cut his head clean off, but it just… came back and healed in an instant.”

  “That’s gotta be bullshit.”

  Ashley crossed her arms. “We better pray it is. Because I ain’t fighting him again, Unless I know we can kill his ass.”

  “Daniel isn’t our mission, Ash. You know that.”

  “He may not be our mission, Grey, but he sure as hell is our biggest obstacle.” Ashley breathed deeply, then shook her head, as if clearing the unclean conversation from her mind. “That’s not why I’m here though.”

  Greyson raised an eyebrow, looking at her suspiciously. “What’s up?”

  “We need to have a talk with Dorian.” She wrinkled her nose. “This whole business with his family is getting out of hand. He’s acting like…”

  “Like he’s really Kenji…” Greyson sighed. He was fully aware of this but hadn’t really found the right time to bring it up. Part of him was happy Ashley finally did.

  “So, you’ve noticed it too.” Ashley huffed, looking irritated. “Why haven’t you talked to him about it yet?”

  “There are bigger things going on than Dorian and his adopted family, Ashe. Like, I don’t know, a massive war that we’re supposed to be a part of? Looming on the horizon like a damn wolf at our door?”

  “It’s about conviction, Greyson!” Ashley spat, anger now blazing in her eyes. “If he starts to change the way he sees them, then he won’t have the stomach for what else is coming.”

  “I know.” Greyson grit his teeth, annoyed that she was right. He had dropped the ball and ignored it as something unimportant.

  “He’s at the estate now.” She pointed behind her with her thumb. “We need to take care of this, immediately.”

  Much to Greyson’s discomfort, he agreed, and they set out, back to his estate. Upon his return, he heard the distinct sound of laughter in the gardens that were wrapped around the left side of the main house. He and Ashley shared a glance, and started to follow the sound. The closer they got, it became clear that it was the sound of a child’s laughter, along with that of Dorian’s.

  Great… he thought, a pang of guilt jolting through his heart. When he turned the corner of a large hedge of sculpted bushes, he saw Dorian chasing his adopted daughter, Lunoki, around a large stone fountain. She giggled in glee as he caught her, tickling her and scooping her up with a playful growl. Greyson shook his head in disappointment, more so at himself than anything Dorian was doing, the man looked genuinely happy. His reflection was interrupted by a nudge from Ashley’s elbow, directly into his ribs.

  “Kenji!” He called out, waving as he and Lunoki turned to look at him.

  Dorian waved back, whispered something into Lunoki’s ear, and smiled as she scurried off toward the house. “I thought you’d be busy until our meeting tonight.” He said as he approached them. His demeanor changed as he must have noticed both of their expressions. “What’s wrong?”

  “You’ve got to get a hold of yourself.” Ashley spat, her face twisting into a grimace.

  “Hold on, Ashe; damn.” Greyson cursed, using his new power over wind to create an invisible bubble around them to keep any potential eavesdroppers from listening in.

  “What’s up you’re ass?” Dorian crossed his arms, all previous joy now completely gone. “We weren’t supposed to meet until tonight, Ashe. What the hell’s your problem?”

  “Grey!?” Ashley glared at him intensely, and Greyson sighed, knowing how this would turn out.

  “Look, we’ve just noticed you’ve become a little…” Greyson shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “A little close to your… adopted family. We’re just worried about you, alright? You need to keep the mission at the top of your lists of priority.”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Dorian reeled back, his expression turning even more sour. “What the fuck are you talking about, Grey? I’m just trying to enjoy my life a little bit while it lasts. And I don’t know what mission you’re talking about, because the only thing that I’M trying to do, is survive here.” He held up his fingers, counting them off as he continued. “Our benefactors? Gone! Dio’Mar!? Fucking gone too! We’re stuck in this fucking city, cut off from everyone and everything we thought we could count on, disguised as murdered Dae!”

  Greyson was stunned at the sudden outburst, he knew Dorian might push back a bit, but this was serious. He’d really struck a nerve. “Hey, man. Just relax a second, alright? We’re on the same side here.”

  “Are we?” Dorian narrowed his eyes at Ashley. “Because, the only thing I keep hearing from you guys is bullshit. You have a problem with me getting close to Dennia and Lulu? You can go fuck yourselves.”

  “They aren’t your family, you dumbass!” Ashley barked. “Don’t come out here yelling at us. We made a deal, with things you can’t say no to. All of us! It was our choice, and we need to do it. The Dae are our enemy, that’s about the only truth that still means anything here.”

  “To you.” Dorian seethed, turning eyes of rage at Greyson. “You can’t still believe all that shit, Grey. Can you? After all this?”

  Ashley shook her head, a sneer crossing her face. “I get it now. That Dae bitch seduced you or some shit. Is that it!? She must have some good p~”

  Dorian’s fist shot toward Ashley’s face with blinding speed. Greyson’s body reacted on its own, his hand catching the older man’s wrist just before he made contact with Ashley’s jaw. Ashely flinched back, readying herself in a battle stance.

  “Hey!” Greyson yelled, trying to bring order to the quickly spiraling conversation. The situation was really getting out of hand. “Both of you need to calm the fuck down!” Dorian glared at him and strained his arm against Greyson’s. Their strength was matched, but Greyson finally let go. “We’re not telling you to abandon them or anything, alright? Just that we know what’s coming, and they’re all doomed.”

  “Yeah?” Dorian laughed. “You really believe that shit still… Those demons aren’t coming back, Greyson. They’re gone. Either that, or they aren’t our friends anymore… Not like they ever really were to begin with.”

  “They weren’t demons!” Ashley shot back, her rage and denial spilling over like a broken dam.

  “They were, and you know it.” Dorian continued. “We all saw where they came from. Saw that portal to hell, and heard the screams that came from it. I was in denial too, Ashe, for a long time. But after spending time with Dennia, and Lulu… I know what life here can be. How these people really are…” He took in a deep breath, seeming to get a hold over his temper. “We’ve been wrong, and you know it.”

  “What are you suggesting then?” Ashely’s words came slowly, through tight lips.

  “I think, we should leave.” Dorian crossed his arms.

  “Yeah!?” Ashley laughed mockingly, spreading her arms out to her sides. “And where do we go, huh? Who would take us in?”

  Dorian hesitated for a moment, clearly struggling with what he was trying to say. Greyson knew though; knew what the older man was thinking before anything needed to be said. It was painted all over his face.

  “We go find Daniel…”

  Ashley’s expression immediately paled, going practically slack. “Y- you’ve lost your fucking mind, Dorian…”

  Greyson shook his head. “That is hard to even consider, my friend. I think that ship has sailed. After everything we did to them? After everything they did to us… to Lauren?”

  Dorian just shook his head, clearly holding back more that he wanted to say. “Then I don’t know, guys. The only thing I know, is that I killed that little girl’s father… Killed Dennia’s husband… and I… I can’t just sit here and torture them anymore. It’s driving me crazy.”

  At those words, Dorian turned and made his way back to the house. Greyson and Ashley were left in silence, watching as their once callous and steadfast companion left them, more lost and confused than he had ever seen. Even Ashley, who always had something to say, seemed completely at a loss for words.

  Later that night, Greyson sat alone in his study, contemplating everything on his plate. There was no meeting, like they had planned; Ashley arrived, on time for their scheduled gathering, but Dorian remained absent. She didn’t stay, opting to go back to her room, looking tired and morose.

  It was a sleepless night as well, as Greyson tossed and turned, wracking his brain with Dorian’s words. Were they actually demons? He pondered. At the time, he felt like there was a clear answer; they were spirits, from another plain, that’s all. They couldn’t actually be ‘demons’ in the same sense as Dorian was suggesting. They offered them a way home, and were responsible for summoning them. It was near dawn that a pulse of clarity surged through his mind. As if a veil had been lifted from his mind’s eye, no longer obscuring his vision. The revelation was nearly too much for him to bear, causing him to rush to his toilet and heave dryly into it.

  “What… have we done?”

  ~

  Genmei folded her hands across her desk, staring blankly at Sazumi after her report. This arrogant fool can’t be serious, she thought. Feeling her rage build within at blatantly being summoned by the lower noble. “He must be mad if he thinks I will just… be called, like some Cro’kan!” She slammed her fist into the table. “I am a daughter of house Kamakura! Not some Doulos to be beckoned at his whim!”

  Sazumi flinched at the outburst. “Yes, my lady. I apologize for upsetting you. I will let him know immediately that you will not be~”

  “Just~” Genmei growled, balling her hands into fists. “Let me go over a few things first before I make my decision, alright?” She let out an exasperated breath, before straightening herself and pressing forward. “What else was there to report?”

  “Um… your fiancé has requested a meeting as well, my Lady.” Sazumi winced again, in anticipation of another outburst.

  “What on Pelemont does he want now?” Genmei snipped. “Of all the things I don’t need at this moment, being pestered by him is high among them.”

  “I don’t know, my lady. But he seems rather insistent.”

  Genmei got her irritation under control, letting her more political side take over again. Her father had gone through extreme lengths to arrange for her betrothal, maneuvering to get her directly into the royal family. It was a masterstroke of political prowess, and something that would ensure their family’s position for the foreseeable future.

  All I have to do is… tolerate him, she thought grimly. The man she had been promised to, was none other than Prince Kazama, the emperor’s nephew. She barely knew the man, as they had been betrothed in the middle of his tenure at one of the Libreos. They had only met twice before it was made official, and they had only spoken once out of those. Now that he was back in the capital, he had been sending her requests almost every other day. Between that and the looming war, along with some other infuriating ‘things’ she was stretched to her limit.

  “What shall I respond to him, my Lady?” Sazumi’s voice came like a splash of freezing water, pulling her from her introspection.

  “Tell him, we will meet in the afternoon… after our meeting with Lord Lytro.”

  Sazumi’s eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. “I will let them both know, my Lady.”

  ~

  The next morning, Genmei begrudgingly made her way toward the Malfus estate. Lord Lytro had been growing bolder as of late. His constant quips and blatant insolence, were dancing on the edge of ‘inappropriate’ for one of his station. She believed that the endeavor he had endured was to blame; giving him a high level of self-importance. Not entirely unearned, but no less infuriating. His casual insistence that she meet him at his estate was his latest example of this behavior. Damn him, she fumed as the low noble’s estate came into view.

  Sazumi on the other hand, couldn’t seem to contain her excitement. Her younger cousin was practically bouncing with anticipation. Genmei rolled her eyes in disappointment as she caught the smile on her face. Their stone carriage slid to a halt just outside the gate, and she and her entourage exited hastily. She had another engagement after this, and one didn’t miss a meeting with their own betrothed, especially prince Kazama.

  Lytro’s servant opened the door and let them inside, again leading them to the terribly drab sitting area with the horrendous decorum. She sighed in disgust as she sat down on the cleanest looking chair, wondering what this man could be doing with all of his newfound wealth if not trying to improve his practically ragged furniture.

  “Sorry for the delay.” Lord Lytro announced, sauntering through the hallway toward them. “Difficulties sleeping last night, my apologies.” He said, sitting in a chair across from them.

  “Y—” Her insult caught in her throat as the man’s apology registered in her mind. It was actually the first time she had ever heard him say the words to her.

  “It is no problem, Lord Lytro!” Sazumi exclaimed, bowing her head. “We only just arrived!”

  Genmei turned an ireful gaze at her cousin, but chose to forgo any traded barbs with the man. She needed to make this quick. “Yes… Lord Lytro, it is no trouble at all. And I am happy to go over these items hastily, at my father’s command. I take it you were able to thoroughly assess the reports I supplied you?”

  Lord Lytro seemed to deflate a bit at the mention of the reports. Something is definitely wrong with him, she thought. Her irritation morphing into confusion, then curiosity.

  “I believe the report explains several things… I don’t fully understand.” He began, “for example, how the human was able to survive clearly fatal blows, or beckon the support of an ancient spirit of the deep.” He shook his head, for the first time since she had known the man, looking unsure of himself; vulnerable.

  “Are you alright, Lord Lytro?” Sazumi asked, leaning forward with a mask of concern on her face.

  Lytro chuckled awkwardly, “yes, I’m fine. Like I said, I had trouble sleeping last night.”

  “Well.” Genmei started, trying to keep the conversation moving forward. “Please tell me what you know, and if you have any further insight on them. Anything you add will be very helpful, I’m sure.”

  “Daniel seems the be the largest threat.” Lytro leaned back, rubbing his chin. “Followed closely by the other two.”

  “And the other two?” Genmei asked, looking at Sazumi who was taking the notes.

  “Other two?” Lytro looked at her in confusion. “Daniel, Katrina, and Robert are the only humans in Eleutheros at the moment.”

  Genmei’s face twisted back into a snarl of irritation. “No, my reports very clearly went over the other two who our spies had been evaluating. A demon named Lauren, and the newest addition, who happened to be in the battle at Daniel’s side, Angelo. Did you even read my—”

  “Lauren!?” He blurted out, leaning forward with that familiar fire in his eyes. I didn’t see anything about her in it!”

  “It is very clearly in here!” She fumed, picking up her copy of the report and flipping to the pages that detailed it.

  Lytro looked stunned, oddly so. Again, Genmei’s anger morphed into confusion, then curiosity. What in all the great spirit’s names is going on with this man!? her mind raced.

  “H- how recent are these reports?” He asked, his mouth moving dryly.

  “These are as recent as last week.” Sazumi chimed in, her expression now extremely concerned. “Lauren is a member of Vul De Rah’s high council now. Having been elevated by High King Alektor himself. She is responsible for rescuing the King of Lokkon, Telmos, from an evil spirit attack, and was even spotted wearing the crimson of Lokkon as well…”

  Lytro’s face split into a smile of joy as he seemed to process the words. “That’s…” He quickly coughed, his expression returning to normal, and nodded. “I see. I must have missed that. Again, my apologies.”

  Genmei and Sazumi looked at each other; Genmei, completely at a loss of words. “Although.” The man continued, his familiar tone coming back as though nothing was different. “The humans I fought were very durable, definitely not to that level. But strong, nonetheless.”

  “Do you think you’d be able to defeat Daniel?” Genmei asked, glancing at the timepiece on the wall.

  Lytro seemed to think hard on it, then shook his head. “I don’t know… If I’m being honest, I would not march our armies against him. He’s too powerful against large groups. His abilities are deadly, and the Rankin file would only be slaughtered. We would need to isolate him… surround him with our most powerful warriors. Kill him like you would a bear.”

  Bear? She thought, the unfamiliar word grinding against her mind.

  “I mean a… Krawl!” He chuckled, shrugging. “I don’t know what… anyway~ my statement stands. If you want to defeat him, you will need our help. And the help of the recruits we’ve been training, Lady Genmei.”

  Genmei eyed the man suspiciously, looking him up and down. He was most assuredly off today, but she didn’t have time to solve the enigma that was ‘Lord Lytro’ she would leave that to someone else. Her gaze shifted to her cousin, sitting at the edge of the couch next to her, shifting uncomfortably. “I appreciate your input, Lord Lytro. I will take this information to my father immediately. I will, however, request that my assistant, Lady Sazumi, remain with you today. I would like her to record any further insight you might have on the matter.”

  Lytro looked at her uneasily. “I’ve gone over everything I think—”

  “Nonsense~” Genmei interrupted him, “then train her a bit in the ways of battle. My Aunt and Uncle never took the time to do so, and war is coming. It might be very important in the near future.”

  Sazumi’s face lit up, and she gave her cousin a thankful nod. Genmei smirked, standing to make her way to her appointment with Kazama.

  Lytro let out a heavy breath, then nodded begrudgingly in acceptance.

  She made her way to the door, but turned to relay a final message. “Also, my father has ordered your presence in his office in the morning. There is movement apparently within our borders we didn’t expect, and he wishes to discuss it with you.”

  The man nodded again, giving her a halfhearted wave.