The private corridors of the arena were eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the thunderous cheers and cries that had erupted moments earlier. The sound of the roaring crowd, still faintly audible through the thick walls, reverberated like a distant storm.
Aiden followed closely behind his father who strode forward with his usual unshakeable composure, the acrid smell of burning flesh and smoke lingered faintly in the air, even in the exclusive corridors.
Well," Orion said, adjusting his cufflinks with a practiced ease, "a rather primitive method, but effective nonetheless."
Aiden stayed silent, his jaw tightening. The vision of the Magi screaming in agony as the flames consumed them replayed in his mind, no matter how hard he tried to suppress it.
Let's keep moving," Orion added, glancing over his shoulder at Aiden. "We've no need to linger."
The boy quickened his pace, and he fell into step with his father. But before they could reach their private car waiting discreetly in the back, a voice called out from the other end of the corridor.
"Orion Chase. Leaving so soon? And without a word to an old friend?"
Orion stopped mid-stride, his hand instinctively resting on Aiden's shoulder.
Turning slowly, they were met by the sight of a man in a sharp navy suit, his grey hair slicked back impeccably. His hawk-like eyes glinted with amusement, his smile sharp and calculating.
Beside him stood his daughter, Kacela, her black gloves matching the severity of her father's attire. She carried herself with the same air of superiority, her dark eyes taking in Aiden with an almost predatory curiosity.
If looks could kill, Aiden would have been devoured long ago.
"Evander Jäger," Orion greeted, offering a slight bow of his head. "I wasn't aware you'd be attending."
"One doesn't miss such a display," Evander replied with a smirk. "It's been some time since we've seen a Magi burned alive. Poetic, don't you think? Fire against fire."
Orion's expression remained unreadable. "A method that has stood the test of time, though not one I'm particularly fond of."
Evander chuckled, his laughter low and condescending. "Ah, ever the diplomat, Orion. But you know as well as I do that the flames are necessary. The people need a reminder of what we're fighting against. And what better way than to let them hear the Magi scream?"
Aiden felt a chill creep down his spine at the casual cruelty in Evander's tone. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the bile rising in his throat.
Orion's lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "Indeed. Fear is a powerful motivator."
"And who is this?" Evander asked, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Aiden. "The heir to the great Chase family, I presume. Aiden, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir," Aiden replied, his voice steady despite the unease curling in his stomach.
"Ah, I see the resemblance," Evander said, his sharp gaze darting between father and son. "Tell me, lad, what did you think of today's display? Did the fire stir something in you? A sense of pride, perhaps?"
Aiden hesitated, his throat suddenly dry. He swallowed hard before forcing an answer. "It was… effective," he said, choosing his words carefully.
"Effective, indeed," the girl beside Evander interjected, her voice smooth and confident. "The screams carry far, don't they? Far enough to remind people what happens when they step out of line. The fire does what it's meant to do: purge the weak and remind the strong of their purpose."
"Kacela," Evander said with a touch of pride, gesturing to the girl, "my daughter. Quick-witted, sharp-eyed, and with a mind as sharp as any blade."
Kacela extended a gloved hand to Aiden, her dark eyes studying him intently. "A pleasure, Aiden. I've heard much about the Chase family. I imagine expectations weigh heavily on you."
Aiden shook her hand briefly, her grip firm and unyielding. "I manage."
She smirked faintly, withdrawing her hand. "We'll see."
"Well," Orion said, breaking the tension, "it's always a pleasure, Evander, but we must take our leave. The day's been long, and there's much to attend to."
"Of course, of course," Evander replied, stepping aside with a sly smile. "Do give my regards to your wife and the younger Chase. And, Aiden," he added, his voice dropping slightly, "remember this moment. One day, it'll be you standing before the flames, commanding them, not fearing them."
Aiden didn't reply, his eyes fixed on the ground as Orion steered him away. He felt Kacela's gaze burning into his back as they walked down the corridor, her smirk lingering in his mind like a shadow.
Once inside the sleek black car waiting for them outside, Orion leaned back against the leather seat, his expression unreadable.
The car glided through the streets, the hum of the engine the only sound as Aiden stared out the window, his thoughts a whirlwind of flames and screams.
His reflection flickered against the glass, pale and tense, and beside him, Orion sat stiffly, his gloved hands resting on his knees.
Orion finally broke the silence after a few long minutes, his voice sharp and calculated.
"The Jägers," he began, his eyes fixed ahead, "are a family that thrives on manipulation. They play games, twist narratives, and push their agendas. It's not loyalty that motivates them, Aiden- it's ambition."
Aiden glanced at his father, unsure if he should respond.
Orion continued, his tone clipped. "They've wanted to lead the Hunters for decades, always circling, always waiting for a moment of weakness. Evander likes to pretend we're allies, but make no mistake, he would seize power in an instant if given the chance."
Aiden frowned, the memory of Evander's sharp smile flashing in his mind.
"Is that why he was so... eager? Talking about the flames like they were some kind of spectacle?"
"Exactly," Orion said, his voice lowering, though it carried the weight of conviction. "To men like Evander, the pyre is more than punishment. It's a show, a means to stir fear and rally people to his side. He wants to make himself indispensable, to have others believe that only he can protect them from the Magi threat."
Aiden shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his hands clenching on his lap. "And Kacela?" he asked hesitantly. "She... she seemed like she was trying to provoke me."
Orion let out a short, humorless laugh. "She's her father's daughter. Always probing, always looking for cracks. Don't rise to her bait, boy. That's exactly what they want-weakness, something to exploit."
"But why?" Aiden pressed, his voice tinged with frustration. "We're supposed to be on the same side, fighting the same fight."
"Power," Orion said simply, turning to look at his son. His eyes were cold, calculating. "In their eyes, it's not enough to fight the Magi. They want control over the Hunters, over the narrative, over everything. And if you're not careful, they'll drag you into their games and use you as a pawn."
Aiden swallowed hard, the weight of his father's words settling heavily on him. "So what do I do?"
"You learn," Orion said firmly. "You watch, you listen, and you don't let them get to you. We're Chases, Aiden. We don't play games- we end them. That's what sets us apart from the Jägers."
Aiden nodded slowly, his father's words echoing in his mind. But as the car sped through the city streets, the memory of the pyre still burned in his thoughts, and he wondered if he could ever truly stomach the weight of leading the Hunters.