Saint and Aegir were just watching Anthony walking back and forth, his expressions laced with anxiety and sweat streaking down his brows. He was feeling uneasy, his new book entitled, 'The Feline's Chaotic Contract' will be released on Thursday, two days from now. He was able to finish his tasks somehow even though he had to balance it with his dual life - the other one, dealing with life threatening battles and even grave stressful situations.
Saint took a handful of popcorn from the snack bowl placed on the glass table in front of him. Munching the snacks, he pointed his index finger to Anthony's direction. "Why don't you sit down? You're making us dizzy, you know? " But Anthony didn't listen, he was even mumbling some things over and over again like he was memorizing some lines for a speech.
Saint tilted his head to Aegir's direction who was yawning, with a glass of strawberry juice in his hand. "You aren't worried or getting distracted seeing him like some crazy dude over there? " He pointed his finger back again at Anthony, Aegir stared at Saint boredly, one of his eyebrows shot up.
Saint knew that he needed to brace himself, he's sure that Aegir would roast him. Was Aegir angry at him because of those spam messages before? Or he just thinks he's a nuisance to them? Perhaps he's jealous?
Saint chuckled at the thought, making Aegir's lips frown. For Aegir, it seems that Saint was making fun of him and he doesn't like it!
"Why are you worried? You are just someone who crashed our home again like a... gate-crasher! " Aegir's expression and voice showed annoyance and if he could hiss at Saint, he would definitely chase him out. Aegir just finds this man annoying, always an uninvited guest.
Saint placed his hand on his chest and acted like he was in pain by Aegir's words. It was also that time that Anthony stopped walking back and forth, with his hand on his hip, he agreed with Aegir. "Yeah, right. Why are you here, anyway? " Anthony shot back, Saint gripped his chest tightly and fakely moaned in pain. Anthony, who was getting irked, took the pillow from the seat next to him and threw it in Saint's direction. Anthony aimed it precisely, careful not to hit Aegir in an accident.
Saint was able to catch it, laughing loudly. He placed the pillow on his lap and took another bite of the popcorn he was eating. "I am just here to get some news from you, I heard you fought in a war and damn, that's so cool, man! " There was excitement in Saint's voice like a child eagerly watching a kid's show about his favorite hero.
Anthony scoffed and massaged his forehead. If only he knew that Saint was just here for this, he should've kicked him the moment he saw him outside their house. But as usual, Aegir was the most vocal in terms of roasting Saint, "Do you have anything to do other than to gossip? Where did you hear it anyways? " Saint's laughter grew louder, he wiggled his eyebrows and replied, "From Vin, where else? It takes a little bribe to get some information from him, y'know? " He winked.
Aegir sent some exasperated look at his master, it felt like he was urging Anthony to make Saint go away. Anthony sighed. Before he could say anything else, Saint spoke, now more seriously than he originally was. He placed his hands onto his lap and cleared his throat, "But, damn! I was truly worried y'know! Vin said that a very scary person was there. And I am actually glad that you both made it alive. " That was the first time Saint became honest and the words sat differently in his mouth. It felt like a foreign, exotic flavor.
Saint lowered down his head and spoke low, almost whispering, "I am your friend... ofcourse, I am worried. " Saint doesn't want to look at Anthony and Aegir because whatever he's saying feels embarrassing.
Anthony could hear the sincerity in his voice, it touched him that Saint still cared even if he learned about all this unreal stuff. And Saint even considered him as a friend, it felt surreal... one of your favorite authors to become your most annoying friend.
He heaved a sigh once again and walked towards the sofa where Saint and Aegir were currently seated. He sat next to Aegir who immediately smiled brightly when he did.
"Well... " he started speaking, "...that day was so tiring. After the battle, we immediately proceed to the trial. That was more draining than the fight itself, " he continued, his brows crumpled as if everything that had happened was still fresh.
Aegir's expression also changed, mirroring that of Anthony. There was also apprehension etched on his orbs, his jaw clenched as he spoke, "It was so tiring to deal with those people. We made it somehow but they were too close minded... " Aegir's nose crinkled, he was trying his best not to roll his eyes.
Aegir raised his hand and mimicked a mouth talking. "It's always... 'you're a traitor or a sinner'. We didn't do anything but all the blame was on us even though they were the one worthless. '' Saint was listening intently, he got what they were saying, it felt like home to him but the difference was he's always seeing the worthless one almost everyday, barging in his condo and his life.
Sometimes, he just wishes his father, Mr. So gone. If only he could ask Anthony and Aegir if he could live in their house but he's sure Anthony's 'wifey' would surely flip. But good thing, sometimes he could just bribe Vin and he wasn't that half bad.
"Things turned out fine, eventually, right? " he asked them. Anthony nodded but there was still a sullen expression in his face. "Are there other things that have happened there? " he questioned them again, it really sounded like he was interfering but his curiosity got the better of him and he would really want to know what caused them to be troubled even though he hated dramas. That's how a friend should act according to the website he had read.
Honestly, he doesn't know how but if learning it would guarantee that they'll stay... he will do it.
But for Anthony and Aegir, what had transpired after the trial was a mixture of surprise and something overwhelming. It was Anthony who started to tell the tale...
The tension in the grand hall crackled like a burning flame. Anthony released a shuddering breath, finally letting go of the air he hadn't realized he was holding. His entire body thrummed with nervousness, sweat clinging to him like a clammy second skin. Beside him, Aegir leaned heavily against his shoulder, an obvious fatigue etched across his face.
The remnants of the trial lingered in the air: the displaced elders, herded away like defeated cattles, the accusation-laced whispers from the gathered representatives that still reached their ears, but they're too tired to care. Anthony just wants to go home and rest. It's all that he wished for.
Yet, the murmurs continued. Anthony understood their hesitance. After all, having Trace, his uncle—an enemy before by their side now is really questionable. But hadn't they just risked their lives fighting? What more proof do they need?
Anthony felt like whatever words he'll speak, they will never listen. Anthony was at the point of giving up. What more can he do? Their stares were suffocating him. He just wants to run away.
Across the vast chamber, a different storm brewed. Draugnir, the imposing vampire protector, boomed his displeasure, his voice echoing through the hall. "We accepted these two because of their potential," he argued, slamming his fist on the table. "But Trace? There's no place for him here!" A chorus of agreement rose from the other protectors and the gathered representatives.
Artemisia's gaze held their attention. Her voice, though calm, carried an undeniable weight of authority. "We are at a crossroads," she declared. "You all know Hale's plans and how grave it is if he succeeds. We need every advantage we can muster to hamper it."
The room fell silent, her words hanging heavy in the air. A palpable tension settled between the protectors, their loyalties and anxieties warring within their hearts.
Saxon, the wounded cat-folk representative and next-in-line chief of their race, cleared his throat, his voice tight with nervousness. "I apologize for my earlier rudeness," he began, the other people present in the room turned their attention to him. "While I understand your worries regarding Trace, I believe Anthony can control him. I personally witnessed his valor in battle, fighting not only against his former comrades but even a general!" A murmur rippled through the hall. "Give them a chance," he pleaded, his head hung low in a bow.
Saxon's sudden intrusion pushed Aegir to open his eyes and place his attention towards his brother. Aegir also decided to speak for Trace, he also saved his life before. He stood up and bowed towards the crowd. "He's right! I can also vouch that! He gave me his remaining life force before turning to my Master's feather! "
Alucard who was beside Artemisia also decided to step up, with his arms crossed, he placed it on top of his chest, an oath unique to his race. "I, Alucard, a proud member of the Fenrirs, one of the divine beasts swear by my name and honor that what they say was true. Trace also supervised Anthony's training that he used during the war. If he meant harm, the Cat's Coven will not be saved! " Alucard was one of those people that loathed Trace, he still hated him but for the sake of his Mistress and Anthony, he would speak for him.
It was that moment that somehow Anthony felt that they still had people that believe in them. His eyes stung, he was moved. Anthony also surged from his seat and bowed. "I will try my best to reach your expectations. My uncle will also help so, please... " His voice was now almost a whisper. "Give us a chance... "
Eyes full of reluctance were still present. They were talking against each other with judgements placed on their voice.
A hush fell over the room as Aimee entered, her form etched with fatigue and marred by bruises. She limped noticeably, as if something had happened before she came here. Her voice, though rough, rang with conviction. "Give my brother, Anthony, a chance!" she boomed. "Give my uncle, Trace, a chance! You've afforded those elders countless opportunities, and they squandered them all. They imprisoned me, preventing me from coming here sooner!" Gasps erupted from the assembled crowd. The revelation that their most prized warrior was Anthony's sister, and Trace her uncle, was something they never expected to hear.
Aimee's words struck Anthony with equal force. Tears welled in his eyes as their gazes met for the first time in what felt like an eternity. A choked cry escaped his lips. "Sister!" he exclaimed, a wave of relief washing over him. Joy swelled up in his heart knowing that his sister was well. He was itching to embrace her now, badly.
It was a reunion he never expected.
Saint blinked repeatedly upon hearing. His index finger pointed at Aegir. "Whoa! You also have a brother? To think that he's next in-line to being the chief, that makes you like a prince or something, right? " He alternately stared at Anthony and Aegir. Anthony could feel it in his bones that the next comment this bastard will say is something he wouldn't like.
Saint placed his fist on his palm as if he realized something. His head tilted to Anthony's direction, his lips were twitching, controlling his best not to laugh. "That's sick! That makes you the Prince's peasant! " Laughter erupted from his throat. Anthony glared at him.
Aegir also sent daggers at Saint, he didn't like it that his Master was called a peasant. "Hey, my master is not a peasant! How dare you! "
Saint stopped laughing, holding his belly. He leaned close to Aegir but not so close that Anthony would decide to murder him. He sent Aegir meaningful glances which Aegir was clueless from. "You really don't want Anthony to serve you like those peasants in movies? Kissing the back of their king's hand then swear undying loyalty to them? "
Aegir's eyebrow crossed. Aegir's reply was quick and confident, "I don't need that status! He's already doing it. " Aegir's nonchalant reply made Anthony's face red as a tomato. Saint who heard it, covered his mouth and feigned a gasp. He gave Anthony the look while laughing.
"So, that's how it is. You've been enlightened! Hallelujah! " Anthony's hand went to reach Saint who immediately rose up from his seat to prevent Anthony from retaliating.
Saint was still laughing but the mirth in his eyes was there. His smile reached his eyes, he was genuinely happy for Anthony. "Well, I am glad that you're now enlightened and of course you already found your sister. And... " he paused, still smiling, "Let me add another good news! Soon, a lawyer will talk to you to pass the ownership of the company back to you. So, you better be ready! " He informed Anthony who just looked at him confused.
"Wait, you told me there's still a need for a trial or something? " Anthony asked. Saint winked and replied, "Suppose, yes. But, that'll be time consuming so... I just did some background check on your aunt and her actions then I used it to threaten her to give back what yours and not to come at you ever again! " Saint beamed as if what he has done is a normal happy thing. It took for a while for Anthony to digest what he said before he just looked at Saint dumbfounded.
"What?! "
Saint didn't wait for Anthony to say something further and continued, "I just happen to have the time for it. And I knew that it'll help you guys bigtime. Of course, my help is not for free - that'll come with favors. " Saint's smile didn't wear off, making him look suspicious. There's something in his smile that Anthony doesn't like.
Anthony could feel a bad feeling about this. Saint sounded like Mr. So on this.
Speaking of his goblin editor, Anthony suddenly remembered that he still needed to call Mr. So about his book's promotion.
Dealing with these two is sure a handful.
-
In a high-end condo's floor lie two dead bodies. They were placed side by side with each other. One of the bodies, a man with a large build, was wearing nothing but his underwear. He was bathed in his own blood, his enormous belly was cut open, blood spurting continuously and his insides in full show. His eyes were opened, quite shocked as if he saw something terrifying other than his own face. The man's mouth was wide agape, his tongue missing - thrown somewhere in the room. While the woman was wearing skin tight lingerie, her forehead was drilled with a large hole.
A man was standing near them, his clawed hands drenched in blood. It was no other than Hale or Dr. Gregory. His eyes were laced with no emotions as he stared at the now dead... Mr. So. "You left me no choice, you bastard! I was not in the mood for you but you just offered yourself to me as a means of stress-reliever. " Dr. Gregory's voice was grim as he stepped on Mr. So's foot, crushing it with a loud crack.
Mr. So's phone lying next to him rang. Dr. Gregory stopped from further mutilating Mr. So's body and went to take the phone. A satisfied smirk spread all over his face as he saw Anthony's name registered as the caller.
"You should thank me, Anthony. I also cleaned your problem. You owe me now. I'll make you take Trace's place... sooner or later. "
-
I didn't cover all the trial because it'll be too underwhelming.