Xiran sat in his private jet, his hand resting under his chin as he stared at the clouds outside, lost deep in thoughts. He thought back to the conversation he had with his father on the phone. The man was furious because Xifin had tattled to him about the incident. Xiran knew this day would come sooner or later, he had been mentally preparing himself. He could have erased the memories of him beating Xifin up but he wanted him to feel the pain and wrath for the rest of his life.

His father was one main reason he avoided any serious relationship. He knew his father would take great pleasure in destroying whatever happiness he may find especially if it was someone he loved. So he had always kept everything casual, taking pleasure and letting go. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Until now, he was not ready to let her go. And his father had threatened to visit him and kill the girl which acted as a source of conflict between the brothers. Xiran had told his father that Xifin killed her but his father didn’t believe him. He said he will carry out his investigation on the matter. Xiran had no choice but to hide her and visit his father as requested. He knew he would be severely punished but that didn’t bother him, he was used to his father’s abuse. What worried him was his finding out about her and the consequences.

He closed his eyes at the mere thought, it clutched at his heart. ’No, I will not let him find or harm her.’ He fisted his hands in desperation, his nails dug into the skin of his palms.

"Señor, we are about to land." The pilot announced and Xiran gathered himself up and put on a blank face. The airport of Grithos which was the Capital City of Continent Anthos was coming into view. This was Xiran’s birthplace and where his father’s house was located. He hated this city and everything about it. From its extremely cold temperature to the monstrous acts which took place here.

They landed in a short while and Xiran stepped out of his silver jet while straightening his black coat. A black car with a chauffeur was waiting for him, who slightly bowed to Xiran and opened the car door for him. Xiran nodded and got in the back seat. His lips formed a thin line and veins popped up in his hands from the constant clutching of his hands.

The city lacked warmth as he observed people going on about their businesses. There was less happiness and more gloom on their faces. The atmosphere was wrapped in the ominous sighs of innocent, who were butchered here for their blood to satiate the needs of the majority vampire population. The human and elven life had no value in this city, unlike his where everyone was free.

No rules applied to vampires here, they could kill, rape, slave, and torture other species freely. No one batted an eye for no one cared. This was a dark sinister place and Xiran dreaded visiting it each time.

The car finally stopped outside the grim mansion and a wave of despair washed over him. His beautiful grey orbs held disdain and agony for the childhood memories came down in torrents and soaked him to his soul. He shuddered for he knew the tiny trace of warmth this place held was long gone with his mother.

He stepped outside and walked on the stony grey path and reached the door. The white-haired butler was waiting for him at the door. His uniform was crisp as he stood upright.

"Welcome back, Master Xiran." He said while bowing politely.

"Thank you! Hozain. How are you?" Xiran stopped near him and asked politely. His expression, unreadable.

"Perfectly fine, Master." He replied in a respectable tone. Unlike Xifin, Xiran stopped and greeted the butler.

He opened the black wooden door so Xiran could enter the mansion. He felt like he was entering the gates of hell where the miseries of his past lay buried in every nook and cranny of this place.

Entering the living room he sat down on the comfy leather sofa, which provided him no comfort at all. The sofa scorched him while the air suffocated him and he found it hard to breathe. Too many painful memories swirled in his head and his legs began to fidget while his hands became sweaty. He took off his coat and placed it on the back of the sofa.

The dark brown curtains in front of the living room window hid any outside view. While his father’s portrait occupied the wall in front of him, it seemed to be scrutinizing him. He stared at the portrait, at the man he hated the most in this world, and yet he had to obey him. The man he was ashamed to call father. He closed his eyes and tried to take a deep breath, Aselia’s beautiful face flashed in front of her, her hand touching his face, soothing him and calming him down. He smiled, a small smile.

Rivan had texted him that Aselia was with him and she was safe but extremely pissed at him. He knew he had been unfair to her by dumping those harsh parting words at her. Her expression had said it all and then he left her like that. But he wasn’t wrong, he never knew with his father for he understood what he was capable of. He wanted her to be safe.

He deleted all his conversations related to Aselia and turned off his phone. There would be no communication while he was here. He wondered what she might be doing right now. Probably cursing him with that bratty mouth of hers and he smiled even more at the thought.

Just then a cold voice thundered from behind him and swapped that smile with a grimace. He knew that voice too well as it said:

"You finally decided to bless us with your wretched existence. How mighty of you?"