Rufus ran at Danteus with a drawn sword. Quickly, Danteus stopped the blow by bracing his sheathed rapier against the oncoming sword. The men leaned into their strikes, weapons trembling beneath the clash of ferocity. “I don’t see why you’d want to side with those filthy monsters. You’re better than that, you’re better than them.”

“Don’t you think you’re a little too old for name calling?” Danteus remarked, with a twisted smile. His smile shifted into a frown when he failed under Rufus’s strength. Danteus wrenched Rufus’s sword aside, slipped his own blade free, and drove the pommel of the sheathed sword into his sternum. Rufus doubled over with a cry and staggered backward.

“Bastard.” Rufus growled.

“Sorry, but I’m no bastard.” Danteus remarked, with a coy smile. “You should know that better than anyone.” Danteus blocked and countered another attack with his sheathed rapier. Anton and Maximus dashed toward Danteus to assist, but stopped when he raised a hand to halt them. Danteus observed Rufus and declared, “Tell us what you know. Where’s Garret?”

“Even if I knew. I wouldn’t tell you!” Rufus called rushing at Danteus, who quickly side stepped the assault, and punched him hard in the face, breaking his nose.

“Here’s an idea. Why don’t you tell us what we want to know, and you won’t receive any more injuries?” Danteus beckoned. His expression, serious.

Rufus laughed and pointed his weapon at Danteus his eyes deadly. Danteus spread his feet, bracing himself as he reached for the sword in his hand. “Why don’t you turn around and go home, then I’ll forgive your idiocy.” Rufus warned again before lunging at Danteus. Danteus unsheathed his sword and deflected the attack. Steel on steel echoed throughout the silent alleyway while both men blocked, deflected and parried each other’s attacks.

Danteus ducked under Rufus’s horizontal strike and quickly swept his legs, sending the man crashing onto his back. Danteus leapt and stabbed the ground where Rufus had been before. Rufus flipped out of the way in time avoiding Danteus’s attack. Danteus dodged Rufus’s next attack while Anton and Maximus watched on in awe. “And here I thought we were awesome.” Anton declared, and Maximus crossed his arms as Danteus deflected attacks with his scabbard and his sword.

“We will be . . . one day.”

Not before long the fighting ceased, and Danteus stood over Rufus with his sword pointed at the other man’s throat the sheath of his sword in the opposite hand. “Well?” Danteus declared.

“You forget this battle isn’t over.” Rufus declared and held up his hand. Ice permeated the air from his fingertips. The air chilled and mist surrounded them. Danteus swept his free hand through the air, sensing the cold, and instantly knew Rufus was no longer where he had been. “And if you want Garret, be sure to check the Southern District. Until next time, Danteus.” The dry ice receded, and the air returned to normal.

“The arrogance of that man,” Danteus muttered, clipping his scabbard to his waistband and re-sheathing his sword.

“Now we head to the Southern District.” Anton declared. The men shared a glance and headed to the Southern District.

* * *

Gothalia’s mind turned at the recent events and cursed when her body ached, staring at the ceiling above, she was aware Anaphora and L’Eiron had gone to bed not too long ago on the upper level. Though, she contemplated where Anton and Maximus had gone and knew deep down it was after her attackers. That was who they were—they watched out for her especially when everyone worked to hurt her. That thought alone made her smile before her once kind smile turned into a grimace. Why were they taking care of her and not her taking care of them? Was it because she was a woman, and they felt the need to take care of her or was she not taking care of them because they were men and she hoped they possessed L’Eiron’s strength?

Gothalia’s frown deepened.

What did the gender of the role matter anyway? She brushed the thought away—it was trivial. They were her family, the only ones she had left, and she would do whatever it took to protect them.

Gothalia pulled herself out of bed, her gaze falling on the neatly folded clothes and fresh bandages on the nightstand. She knew Anaphora had left them there, a silent gesture of care alongside the work of the doctor who had treated her.

Gothalia entertained the thought of why that doctor even considered helping her let alone actually doing it. “Maybe he has an ulterior motive.” Gothalia muttered thoughtfully and stood feeling the cold hard floor beneath her feet. It felt strange and foreign to her. Gothalia had always known warmth and heat, so to feel such cool temperatures made an unfamiliar shiver run through her. Gothalia released a subtled sigh, then vacated the room.

She drifted through the winding corridors until she reached a room she hadn’t stepped foot in since that day—the day she, Anton, Maximus, Anaphora, and L’Eiron lost everyone. Memories rushed in, vivid and unbidden, centering on her parents’ smiling faces. Fragments of a life she refused to let slip away.

Her brows furrowed, and her lips tightened.

“Why did they take you from us?” she muttered beneath her breath as she entered the master bedroom, tears finally carving silent paths down her cheeks. Her muscles throbbed and screamed with exhaustion, but the physical agony was nothing compared to the raw grief of her parents’ absence—a weight that hadn’t lightened even after all these years. Staring at the bed they once shared, she felt the familiar, gaping hole in her chest, a void she knew could never be filled.

She remembered racing into the room as a small child, she and her brother scrambling onto the bed to wake their parents in the soft light of early morning. Other times, they’d drift off right there in the evening warmth, staying just long enough to be carried back and tucked into the beds of their shared room.

Eventually, the tears ran dry. She hesitated at the foot of the bed before finally climbing in, surrendering quickly to exhaustion. This time, when the dreams came, they weren’t sharp with pain. Instead, they were filled with a radiant warmth—the very same love she remembered feeling when her parents were still by her side.

* * *

Danteus, Anton, and Maximus drifted through the lower district streets, their casual stride masking a sharp-eyed search for Garret. Though, everywhere they had looked so far. They couldn’t find him. “I swear if Rufus is lying. He’ll be sorry.” Anton muttered, annoyed.

“I’ve known Rufus to not be much of a liar, but I guess there’s a first time for everything,” Danteus remarked unbothered, glancing along the road.

“You can go home.” Maximus prompted. “You’ve done enough.”

“And give up the fun. Never.” Danteus smirked.

“Good to know you’re up for a little adventure,” Anton replied somewhat concerned, his eyes on the street ahead as they moved past the more vibrant citizens of New Icarus. Their charisma and glee dropped at the sight of them. Anton noticed how they watched him and kept their distance. It irritated him to no end, but he knew he had to keep his cool, it was only appropriate they kept their distance. He understood it wasn’t their fault—they were simply uninformed and only trusted gossip.

“Always,” Danteus remarked. His jade eyes drifted over a face in the crowd. He recognised it and caught Anton’s attention. “I think we found him.”

“Are you sure?” Maximus inquired, scanning the faces in the distance that Danteus pointed out. Until he recognised Garret. Anger burned within Maximus’s stomach. “That’s him.”

Danteus, Anton and Maximus crossed the road and followed Garret who wandered the streets with his friends. Anton kept his eyes on his back as he overheard, “Did you hear how she screamed when I shot electricity through her. It was only a small voltage, but she shrieked as if she were in agonising pain. The Valdis were always weak.” Garret laughed and Maximus sped up closing the distance between him and Garret.

Quickly, Maximus gripped Garret’s shoulder and spun him around. Wide-eyed Garret stumbled back when Maximus’s fist connected with his jaw. “Only a coward harms a woman the way you did.”

“Who are you calling a coward, you filthy demon?” Garret muttered wiping his bloodied jaw. “Oh, I get it, you’re here for revenge, aren’t you?” Garret’s golden eyes blazed with triumphal satisfaction. “Tell me how is precious Gothalia doing? Still in pain? I have that effect on women you know.”

“I’ll kill you.” Maximus snarled.

“I’d like to see you try.” Garret remarked, and his grin grew. Until another man caught his attention. “Danteus is that you? What are you doing? Why are you with those people?” He observed Danteus carefully then frowned when Danteus smiled.

“Helping them find you of course.” Danteus replied, with a cheeky grin.

“Why?” Catching Garret’s curiosity. “Rufus thought highly of you. Or do you just not care?”

“Honestly, it’s out of curiosity. I wanted to see why you’ve made the Valdis mad enough to hunt you down. It’s not like them to react this way and for you to be speaking to them like you have. Makes me wonder what you’ve done to warrant such fury. Was it something unforgivable or close to it? So, I ask. What did you do Garret? And don’t lie to me.” Danteus stared him down, searching for deceit.

Garret regarded Danteus carefully, refusing to flinch beneath his intimidating glare. Anton stepped between Danteus and Garret. “Remember me?” he inquired, in a deep voice.

Garret’s gaze narrowed on Anton. “I remember you. The lucky shot.”

“It wasn’t luck asshole you just weren’t paying attention.”

“Oh, don’t you worry I won’t forget to pay attention this time.” Garret articulated, with a look in his eyes that unnerved Danteus who in return steeled himself.

“Good to hear,” Maximus declared, and cracked his knuckles.

“Take ’em!” Garret growled, at those words, his friend’s descendants of Regalis blood rushed towards Danteus, Anton and Maximus. Lightning, ice, water, and earth erupted the streets. Quickly, Danteus, Anton and Maximus avoided the attacks but not without a few mild scratches. “What’s wrong? Not quick enough?”

“You’re not allowed to use your elemental power on civilians.” Danteus remarked, horrified. “We use it to protect them. Not harm them.”

“We don’t protect the Valdis. We eradicate them.” Garret remarked.

“Then you leave me no choice.” Danteus uttered, with regret. A fast fissure of earth erupted along the ground and towards Danteus, at inhumane speed. It paused when Danteus held up his hand. Cancelling the attack. “Your élanocytes have no power over me. I hail from both Nero and Drausus clans, my count is naturally much higher than yours Edna.” Danteus’s gaze lingered over the Centurion woman who revelled in shock and understanding. “You really don’t want to go against me.”

“Don’t listen to him Edna!” Garret yelled, glaring at Danteus. “Your family is the distinguished Remus clan. Both the Grand Elders and the Royal Family has ranked them this year’s strongest amongst Earth utilisers. You shouldn’t let his mind games get to you and besides both the Nero and Drausus clans haven’t been number one for a while. It’s kind of pathetic.”

Danteus’s gaze narrowed on him.

“You’re right Garret.” Edna murmured confidently, her hazel eyes on Danteus. “I shouldn’t fear a man who’s weaker than me.” At that, Danteus braced himself. While Anton and Maximus avoided the attacks from the water utiliser, the lightning utiliser and ice utiliser. The Water utiliser threw Maximus into a wall who and leapt out of the way when lightning travelled along the same trail of water and towards him. The wall later charred from the attack.

“Why won’t you hold still?” Andre called, while water pooled at his feet as his deep blue eyes narrowed on Maximus before drifting to Anton who had disappeared in a cloud of smoke and re-appeared behind the water utiliser. Andre blocked the attack, but the force of Anton’s kick sent him into the wall beside him. Anton vanished again, when the lightning utiliser’s hand lit up and struck the air where he once was.

Maximus vanished in a cloud of smoke and punched the lightning utiliser in the face. The golden-haired man flew across the street and into Edna before Danteus could retaliate forcing her from him. Danteus eyed both Maximus and Anton as they stood over their defeated opponents. “Well Garret looks like it’s only you left.” Danteus declared, and Garret glanced over at Maximus and Anton as the smoke died down, and their crimson eyes locked onto him. “I think it’ll be best to apologise.”

“Never!” Garret yelled, fear strangling his voice and lining his contorted features. Anton and Maximus moved to Garret who stepped back terrified of the crimson eyes and the anger on their faces.

“Well then, you accept your fate.” Danteus remarked, shrugging his shoulders and turning away when Anton and Maximus launched themselves at Garret with unimaginable speed. The power of the Valdis flowing through their veins. Before Garret’s agonising scream permeated around the once silent streets.

* * *

When Gothalia woke the next morning, her body was not as tender as it once was. She knew she healed, as fast as any Excelian if not faster and climbed out of her parent’s bed. She remade it before exiting the room with one final longing look within. Striding through the silent halls, Gothalia smelt Anaphora’s cooking in the distance. Picking up her pace she wandered the large manor before entering the kitchen where she found Anaphora, L’Eiron, Anton, Maximus, and a man she never met before sitting at the kitchen counter. “There she is. How are you feeling?” L’Eiron questioned, worried.

“I’ve healed.” Gothalia remarked, scrutinising the green-eyed man who gently smiled at her with a tender expression she wasn’t used to. Her gaze returned to L’Eiron. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Anaphora’s famous honey bacon and poached eggs. With your favourite beans.” L’Eiron replied.

“I’ve made a plate for you.” Anaphora declared, with a gentle smile, placing it on the countertop between L’Eiron and Anton. Gothalia forced a smile. Crossing the room, slipped into her seat and began eating. However, not without cautiously eyeing the Centurion on the other side of L’Eiron.

Silently, she ate while everyone chatted. Her thoughts drifted from the conversation at first until she noticed Anaphora’s friendly yet respectful demeanour towards the stranger. L’Eiron and Anaphora must’ve known him well. Even if she did not. She knew by now; it wasn’t her place to question who Anaphora and L’Eiron spoke to. Even if, his presence still unsettled her as the memories of yesterday’s events re-played over in her mind.

Gothalia observed the man at the counter at the corner of her eye once again. When she looked up however, she spotted Anaphora watching her with a small smile on her face. Gothalia looked away. Conflicting emotions flashed across Gothalia’s features before she abandoned her meal and climbed from her seat. “Where are you going?” Anaphora asked, concerned. Her dark eyes settled on Gothalia’s barely touched food.

“I’m done eating.” Gothalia replied, without looking at her.

Everyone watched Gothalia. Until Anton teased. “So, what you don’t say ‘hi’ to us?” She turned her gaze on him, and worry etched his features.

She didn’t meet his gaze at first then managed. “Um . . . hi?” Anton and Maximus regarded Gothalia. Her smile did not reach her eyes as it normally did, and their frowns deepened. “That didn’t sound very convincing.” Anton added, more considerately.

Everyone watched her while a thick silence developed between them. The only person she noticed that didn’t stare at her was the stranger. He seemed more focused on eating. Not that she blamed him. This wasn’t something he needed to see.

“I’m sorry.” Gothalia replied, at last. She wasn’t in the mood to talk. Turning her heel, she vacated the room. Everyone stared after her until the door opened and closed behind her.

“She’s not taking it well, is she?” Maximus eventually remarked. His dark pain filled gaze drifted to Anaphora who frowned at his comment. Her eyes lingered over the door Gothalia exited.

“Would you?” she questioned, at last.

At a quick pace, Gothalia strode the halls of the silent manor then stopped. Her black eyes captivated by the artificial training ring outside the long wide window. Without little thought, she exited the open hall and marched to the ring in the courtyard.

When Gothalia entered the small control room, set up the artificial environment and her opponents. Pulling on the combat gloves and headset that everyone kept in the draw. She exited the room and entered the ring. In seconds, the white courtyard tiles with lush green trees, patches of mowed grass and tamed shrubs shifted into a dusty foreign collosseum. A roar from the artificial surrounding crowd captured her attention and she grinned. She knew it was fake. She was still technically home. However, she knew if she wasn’t careful her opponents could still harm her.

When her adversaries appeared, she readied and lowered her stance. The gladiators didn’t move as the timer counted to zero. Once it was time, her enemies launched themselves at her and she in return threw herself at them.

Quickly, the battle erupted. Gothalia blocked, countered, deflected and dodged their spontaneous attacks. As quickly as she could, she removed her first adversary that rapidly faded from the simulation before running at the next with a small round shield.

Her opponent jabbed a spear at her, and she avoided it before deflecting it with her sword, then disarming him. Just as fast, she dodged the strike of the round shield he used as a weapon. Gothalia rolled over her shoulder and out of the way. Firmly, she kicked him in the back of the knee, and he lost his footing. He jabbed the shield into the ground, where she once was, and steadied himself before charging at her.

Immediately, the simulation faded, and she climbed to her feet—confused. Her heated gaze tapered on the control room. There stood the stranger she saw at the counter with Anton. “Level forty? Really?” Anton questioned.

Gothalia frowned, removing her head piece and walked to them. “What? You’ve done fifty. Your point?”

The brunette man regarded Anton. “That makes sense,” he praised.

“What do you mean?” Gothalia asked, her attention on the brunette-haired man.

“It’s nothing,” Anton cut in, entering the arena. “Do you feel better?”

“No.” Gothalia growled, storming past him. In the control room, she moved to the panel by the window and began resetting the environment. Immediately, Anton’s hand covered hers. “Why are you stopping me?” She glared at Anton. He didn’t remove his hand until she did with vigorous frustration.

“Because I need to tell you something,” he admitted, regarding her hostility as if it didn’t bother him.

“And what’s that?” Gothalia enquired facing him. She crossed her arms and raised a brow as she stared him down.

“The Grand Elders . . . They’re asking for you.”

All the anger she had, evaporated and instead was replaced with fear. “Why?” Gothalia inquired, regarding Anton. She knew the Grand Elders summoned no one unless it was serious enough to capture their attention and considering the Valdis side of her—she worried more than she realised she should’ve. Even as she waited for Anton’s answer.

“They didn’t say,” Anton replied.

“They rarely let anyone know the reasons for their summons,” the stranger put in and Gothalia regarded him, like she’d just noticed him.

“I’m sorry, I never caught your name. You are?”

“I’m Danteus Nero-Drausus.”

“Oh?” Gothalia responded, with a raised brow and a coy smile. “What would the esteemed Nero-Drausus heir be doing here?” There was an air of sarcasm dripping from her lips that Anton didn’t approve of, not that she cared.

Danteus fell silent, before adding, “Making friends.” His green eyes studied her.

“With us?” Gothalia queried surprised, her sarcasm dried up. Confusion swept across her features.

“Can you not interrogate him, Talia.” Anton uttered with a sigh, almost exhausted by her line of inquiry.

Gothalia crossed her arms. “I’d be happy to. Once you tell me when I’m expected to meet the Grand Elders.”

“Now.” Danteus replied.

Gothalia regarded him for a moment, then her gaze drifted to Anton. “And you tell me now!” She took a deep breath and calmed herself before asking in a kinder tone. “Anyone feel like coming along for a ride?” Anton and Danteus smiled as she placed the headpiece and the gloves in the draw. Gothalia exited the control room after shutting off the system and locking the door behind her.

She moved to the vehicles parked in the garage and listened as the men casually spoke about things; she had no interest in. When she entered the garage, she noticed Anaphora leaning against one of the cars.

“Going somewhere?” she questioned, with a seriousness to her expression that Gothalia always found unsettling.

“Yes, to the Grand Elders.”

“So, you’ve heard?” Anaphora inquired, briefly glancing at the men behind her.

“Are you trying to stop me?”

“No. I’d be in trouble if I did.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“There’s no problem, I just came to warn you. You’re élanocytes—”

“Are unstable, I know.” Gothalia replied, opening the car door.

“No, your count is high—more than high enough to be a Centurion. So be mindful you three haven’t enlisted. You’re all of age. I wouldn’t be surprised if they expected you to become part of the ranks.”

“What? They can’t do that,” Gothalia replied, horrified. “We’ve already chosen our stations.”

“They can and they do. The Grand Elders choose scholars all the time. After all, brute force and numbers can’t always win a battle let alone a war.” With that Anaphora parted, leaving Anton, Danteus and Gothalia contemplating the Grand Elders potential next words.