The sun's warm rays caressed the damaged village, stirring its residents to face another day of hardship. The air was alive with the sounds of reconstruction: hammers ringing out, saws cutting through wood, and the murmur of determined chatter. The scent of freshly cut lumber and the acrid smell of dust filled the air, a constant reminder of the village's fragile rebirth. Amidst the chaos, the people of Nefaria persevered, their faces set with optimism, hoping for a change in power that would bring peace to their beleaguered village.
Kevin stood outside, his eyes scanning the horizon as he prepared to set out. His concern for Rose gnawed at him; he had searched for her everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found. The warmth of the sun on his skin did little to alleviate the chill of uncertainty that had settled in the pit of his stomach.
Just as Kevin was about to give up hope, a faint rustling sound came from behind him. He spun around, his heart racing, and found Rose creeping up on him, her eyes fixed intently on his. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet.
"I thought you'd left when I came outside and didn't see you."
"I went for a walk," Rose replied, her eyes scanning the village. "I see you're set to leave."
"Yeah," Kevin said, shouldering his pack. "Are you still coming with me?"
Rose nodded. "Yup. So, where are we headed?"
Kevin gestured for her to follow him. "I work on a farm owned by one of the Lords. Josh gifted his trusted friends some land and titled them Lords."
As they walked, the village came alive around them. The sound of hammering and sawing filled the air, accompanied by the murmur of villagers rebuilding their homes.
"I see. What happened to your parents?" Rose asked, her curiosity piqued.
Kevin swiftly changed the subject. "When did you become a scholar?"
Rose's eyes narrowed slightly, but she let the topic slide. "Not too long ago. You'd be surprised to learn that your village will be my first subject."
Kevin's gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. "I hope you write something good about us."
Rose's smile was enigmatic. "I'll try my best. May I know what happened to your parents?"
Kevin's tone turned guarded. "Do you intend to put it in your writing?"
Selena's expression was innocent. "I'm just curious. You never mentioned them, and Samuel said he never met them."
Kevin's voice dropped to a whisper. "He was little when they died. My mother passed away giving birth to him, and my father… he died with the resistance."
Rose's expression softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry to hear that."
Kevin's gaze drifted away, his eyes clouding over as memories resurfaced. He nodded curtly, his jaw clenched in a mix of sadness and restraint. "Yeah."
The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken emotions. Rose's eyes lingered on Kevin's face, her expression a blend of compassion and curiosity. Kevin, sensing her gaze, turned away, his eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for a distraction.
As they crested a small hill, the outline of a farm came into view. Kevin's voice was flat, his tone neutral. "We're here."
As they crested a small hill, the conversation about Kevin's parents slowly gave way to the sights and sounds of the farm. The air was alive with the hum of activity: the clang of tools, the murmur of workers, and the occasional lowing of cattle. The scent of freshly turned earth and the sweet aroma of ripening crops filled their lungs.
Before them lay a vast expanse of fields, each plot teeming with workers. Towering above the fields, wooden watchtowers stood sentinel, guards stationed atop each one, their eyes scanning the workers below. Kevin nodded toward the fields. "This is where I work."
He strode toward a nearby building, the sound of his footsteps carrying across the field. Rose watched him go, her eyes taking in the bustling activity around her. Kevin returned moments later, a plough slung over his shoulder, his face set in a determined expression.
Kevin wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the field. "This is going to take a while. What do you plan to do?" he asked, his gaze drifting back to Rose.
Kevin wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of the field. "This is going to take a while. What do you plan to do?" he asked, his gaze drifting back to Selena.
"I'm going to look around the city," Selena replied, a hint of adventure in her voice.
Kevin's expression turned cautious. "But you don't have a guide."
Selena waved him off, a confident smile spreading across her face. "I can take care of myself."
Kevin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure?"
Selena's smile turned mischievous. "Yeah, I'm sure. I'm quite skilled," she said, winking at him.
Kevin raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "I'll see you later, then."
Selena nodded, turning to leave. "Alright."
Kevin gripped the plough's handles tightly, his muscles straining as he struggled to break through the hard, unyielding soil. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his breath came in ragged gasps. Twenty minutes passed before the plough finally bit into the earth, opening up the soil into neat furrows.
As he worked, an image flashed through his mind, unbidden and unwelcome. His father, standing on the gallows, the noose tightening around his neck. Kevin's anger and grief surged to the surface, and with a snarl, he slammed the plough's blade against a nearby rock. The handle shattered, splintering into useless fragments.
Kevin's eyes widened in horror as he realized what he had done. He frantically tried to hide the broken plough, but it was too late. A furious cry echoed across the field, and Kevin's heart sank.
"What are you doing, mongrel?" a voice bellowed from behind him. Kevin turned to face the speaker, his heart racing with fear. A burly man stood behind him, a razor-sharp whip coiled in his hand. "You broke the plough, didn't you?" the man spat, his eyes blazing with anger.
Kevin swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "I can explain…"
The whip cracked through the air, striking Kevin with a sickening thud. The lash tore through his skin, ripping flesh and muscle apart. Kevin's body arched in agony as the man delivered a series of relentless strokes.
"The Lord was too kind to employ wretches like yourself to work on his field, and this is how you repay him?" the man spat, his face twisted in rage. "Impudent scoundrel!" He kicked Kevin hard in the stomach, sending him crashing to the ground.
Just as it seemed the beating would never end, another guard stepped forward, grasping the man's arm. "Enough," he growled. "His pay will be used to replace the damaged plough. He should be grateful."
Kevin's voice was barely audible, his words slurred due to the blood running from his mouth. "Please…sir…the money I earn…it's not enough…to replace the plough…or feed my brother and me."
The guard's expression twisted in disgust. "Motherfucker still has guts to negotiate," he spat, a glob of saliva landing on Kevin's face. "You're in no position to make demands, know your place, vermin."
The guard's foot connected with Kevin's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground. The first guard delivered a vicious kick to Kevin's mouth, knocking out a molar. "Get another plough and finish your work. Be sure to damage it," he laughed, clearly enjoying Kevin's misery.
Kevin struggled to his feet, his eyes cast downward, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He shuffled toward the building to retrieve another plough, his movements slow and mechanical. The guard lands a hard kick to his ass which sent him stumbling, but he didn't react, didn't even flinch.
As he retrieved the plough, Kevin's eyes seemed to have lost their spark, his gaze dull and lifeless. He trudged back to the field, his movements robotic, his spirit seemingly extinguished. The guards' laughter and jeers followed him, but Kevin didn't react, didn't even acknowledge their presence.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kevin sat on the ground, his fingers gingerly probing his swollen mouth. Lost in his pain and misery, he didn't notice Rose and Samuel standing behind him.
Samuel's tap on his shoulder made Kevin jump, his heart racing with fright. He turned to face them, his eyes widening in surprise.
Rose's gaze fell upon Kevin's battered face, her expression a mix of concern and alarm. "What happened to your face?" she asked, her voice soft with empathy.
Kevin's instinct was to brush it off, to hide the truth. "It's nothing," he muttered, looking away. But his voice cracked, betraying his emotions.
Before he could muster a convincing smile, Samuel's plaintive wail cut through the air. "I'm hungry, big brother!" The little boy's eyes welled up with tears, his face scrunched in distress.
Kevin's heart sank, his frustration and despair threatening to boil over. He felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to hold back tears. He didn't want to scare Samuel or show his vulnerability.
But as he looked into Samuel's hungry eyes, Kevin felt his resolve crumble. He pulled Samuel into a tight hug, trying to comfort him. "I'm sorry, little brother," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I'll find a way to get us food, I promise."
The little boy's eyes only welled up with more tears, his face a picture of disappointment and hunger.
Kevin didn't get paid today because of the plough he broke. The guards refused to pay him, he hoped that if the Lord heard what happened, he would still give him his pay but the guards beat him up some more after he asked to speak with the Lord. They plan to drink and spend his money on women—bastards that deserve to die. Samuel wouldn't stop wailing.
Rose playfully jabbed him on the shoulder, trying to distract him. "Hey, little one." Her face scrunched up in a playful pout. "Big brother asked me to buy food and candy for you, but silly me forgot," she said, her voice dripping with mock remorse. "Could you ever forgive me?" She batted her eyelashes, trying to coax a smile from Samuel.
Samuel's face lit up with a beaming smile. "Yes!" he exclaimed, graciously forgiving Selena.
Kevin's expression turned bewildered. "I did?" he asked, clearly bamboozled.
Rose winked at him. "Remember, in the morning, before we left?"
She gestured for them to leave. "If you're done here, let's go."
With Samuel serving as their guide, they made their way to the emporium. Standing at the entrance, Kevin pulled Rose aside.
"Things sold in here are very expensive, and I'm serious about not having any money," he whispered urgently.
Rose's smile was enigmatic. "I know. To be honest, your money isn't needed, even if you had any."
She took Samuel's hand, and together they walked into the emporium, leaving Kevin staring at their backs in confusion.
As they stepped into the emporium, a bell above the door rang out, and the scent of exotic spices and sugary delights enveloped them. The air was thick with the aroma of roasting nuts and the sweet, floral scent of honey. Samuel's eyes widened as he gazed upon the treasure trove before him.
Rows of shelves stretched towards the ceiling, laden with an assortment of colorful sweets, gleaming jars of honey, and baskets overflowing with an array of exotic fruits. Glass cases displayed an array of delicate pastries, their intricate designs sparkling with sugar crystals. Samuel's fingers trailed over the glass, his eyes fixed longingly on the treats within.
Kevin tried to rein in his little brother's enthusiasm, cautioning him against getting too much. "Samuel, we can't afford—"
But Selena intervened, her smile indulgent. "Don't bother him, Kevin. Let him pick whatever he wants." Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched Samuel's antics.
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up as Selena handed over a pouch of coins. The currency of the Shadow Realm was highly valued, and the shopkeeper's smile grew even wider as he realized the wealth that lay before him.
As they gathered their purchases, the rustle of paper and the clink of glass filled the air. Selena's hands moved deftly, packing their treats into bags. Kevin shouldered three of them, his eyes scanning the emporium as if searching for something more. Samuel, meanwhile, clutched a single sweet treat, his eyes shining with excitement as he devoured it in mere moments.
As they stepped out of the emporium, a horde of soldiers awaited them, their armor glinting menacingly in the fading light. The air was heavy with tension, the silence oppressive. Samuel's eyes widened in terror as he darted behind Kevin, clinging to his brother's leg with a desperate grip.
Lucy, the leader of the soldiers, stepped forward, her eyes blazing with a cold intensity. Her bald head gleamed in the sunlight, and her thick eyebrows seemed to bristle with hostility. Her slender frame was clad in a long grey overcoat, cinched at the waist with a black belt that seemed to cut into her hips. Black high-heeled boots added to her imposing stature, the heels clicking ominously on the stone pavement.
Kevin's eyes narrowed as Lucy's gaze locked onto his, the tension between them crackling like a live spark. "Kevin Wayne, you are under arrest for breaking the property of your Lord and for assaulting the guard meant to supervise your work," she declared, her voice dripping with malice.
The soldiers closed in, their movements eerily synchronized. Kevin's eyes darted between them, his mind racing with desperate calculations. Samuel's grip on his leg tightened, the little boy's body trembling with fear.
Rose's eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity as she watched the scene unfold. "This is the opportunity I have been waiting for," she thought, her mind racing with strategy.
Kevin's face twisted in indignation. "I didn't assault anyone," he protested. "They were the ones who assaulted me."
One of the soldiers sneered, his fist clenched. "You dare lie against us?" he spat, swinging a punch at Kevin's jaw. The air whistled with the force of the blow, the soldier's fist hurtling towards Kevin's face with a menacing whoosh.
But before the soldier's fist could connect, Rose darted forward, her movements lightning-fast. She deflected the punch with a swift flick of her wrist, the soldier's fist glancing off her forearm with a dull thud. Then, in a fluid motion, she landed a precise elbow strike on the soldier's temple. The impact was a sickening crunch, the soldier's head snapping sideways as he crumpled to the ground, knocked out cold.
Kevin's eyes widened in shock, his mouth hanging open in stunned surprise. He stared at Rose, his mind reeling with questions. _Who is this woman? How did she move so fast?_
But before Kevin could process his thoughts, the other soldiers regrouped, their faces twisted with anger and fear. "Take her down!" one of them shouted, charging towards Rose.
Rose stood her ground, her eyes flashing with a fierce determination. She cracked her knuckles, a fierce grin spreading across her face. "I've been waiting for this," she said, her voice dripping with anticipation.
Lucy's expression remained impassive, her voice firm as she ordered, "Seize them both. They're under arrest for treason against the Lord."
Ten guards surged forward, their faces twisted with anger. Rose let go of the bag containing their purchases, and before it could hit the ground, she had already taken down the guards. They crumpled to the floor, groaning in agony.
Rose smiled sweetly at Kevin, who stared at her in shock, his eyes wide with amazement. "I told you I can take care of myself," she said, her voice dripping with confidence.
But Kevin's shock was short-lived. In the brief distraction, Lucy had slipped behind him, snatching Samuel from his grasp. Now, she held a knife to the little boy's throat, her eyes glinting with malice.
"If you don't surrender, I'll kill the boy," Lucy spat, her voice venomous. Samuel's eyes went wide with terror, his small body trembling with fear.
Rose's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. Her gaze locked onto Lucy, her eyes burning with a fierce determination. "You'll never leave this place alive," she growled, her voice low and deadly.
Kevin's eyes were wide with desperation as he pleaded, "Don't hurt him, please. I'll go with you, just don't hurt him." He dropped to his knees, his hands clasped together in a desperate prayer.
Rose's eyes blazed with fury as she took a step forward, her fists clenched. "If a strand of hair falls off his head, I swear I'll murder you slowly," she threatened, her voice dripping with venom.
Lucy sneered, her eyes flashing with contempt. "Tell your girlfriend to surrender," she spat.
Kevin's eyes darted to Rose, his face twisted in a desperate plea. "Please, Rose, stop," he begged.
Rose's gaze locked onto Lucy, her eyes burning with intensity. "I'm not his girlfriend," she stated, her voice firm and detached.
For a moment, the two women locked eyes, the tension between them crackling with electricity. Then, with a subtle nod, Rose allowed herself to be captured, her wrists bound by the guards.
As they entered the palace, Selena's eyes scanned the opulent décor, her gaze finally settling on Josh, who lounged on the throne. The air was thick with the scent of incense and something sweeter, more decadent. Rose's nostrils flared in disgust.
Josh was engrossed in a lewd display with a naked woman, her breasts covered in whipped cream. Josh's tongue danced across her skin, licking off the cream with sensual slowness. The woman's eyes were closed, her face contorted in a mixture of pleasure and pain. Rose's gaze narrowed, her lips curling in revulsion.
Kevin's face was pale, his eyes wide with shock and embarrassment. He looked like he was about to be sick. "What the…?" he trailed off, his voice barely audible.
The guards threw them to the floor, Selena's wrists and ankles scraping against the cold marble. Kevin groaned, his palms scraping against the ground. Rose's eyes locked onto Josh, her gaze burning with intensity.
"I brought him, My Lord," Lucy said, bowing deeply.
Josh's eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked at Kevin. "Good work, Lucy. Who is the fine lass with him?"
"Her name is Selena Remmick of the Shadow Realm. She is here under the alias, Rose, a scholar. I believe her mission is to assassinate you, My Lord," Lucy replied, her voice neutral.
Josh chuckled, his eyes glinting with interest. He smacked the naked woman on the ass, and she walked away, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
Josh strolled over to Selena, his movements casual. He reached out and stroked her hair, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
"I like your hair," he said, his voice low and husky.
Selena's eyes blazed with fury as she tried to bite his hand off. "Get your filthy paws off me!" she spat.
Josh laughed, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "She is feisty, I like her. Do you want to be my bride? I'm sure Kevin wouldn't mind," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Fuck off!" Selena roared, her voice echoing off the marble walls.
Josh chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You are quite the character, Miss Remmick," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
He turned his attention to Kevin, his expression darkening. "Wayne, Wayne, Wayne! You are making me out to be a bad guy. Haven't I been nice to you and your brother? Even after using your stupid old man as an example, you still cause me problems. Why?"
Selena's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking to Kevin. "What's he talking about, Kevin?" she asked, her voice low and even.
Kevin's face paled, his eyes darting to Josh before returning to Selen