Lucas POV
The fight was over, and I had won. A rush of wind behind me made me glance over my shoulder. Dennis and Sarah stood at the edge of the clearing, their faces etched with a mix of shock and disbelief as they took in the scene.
"Lucas... what the hell is this?" Dennis was the first to approach, his voice tense.
"I assumed that Trevor sent you here?" I then dragged Carter's limp form closer before dropping him at their feet.
Blood trickled from his wounds, staining the ground below him. I healed him enough to make sure he didn't die since the guy needed to learn a little lesson.
"He's responsible for Jacob Sanders' assassination and the destruction of the palace. He's also working with Trevor. Investigate him."
"Trevor? You're saying he's involved? That's...that's a lot to accuse someone of, Lucas." Sarah commented.
"We heard rumors about you," Dennis replied, "About how you've changed since the war, but...this?"
He gestured to Carter's beaten form.
"We're comrades, Lucas. We fought side by side. We were brought into this world together." Dennis continued, "I know that you're mad about not being able to go back, but you shouldn't take your anger out on Carter, even if he's a bit rash."
"And I'm telling you that your good friend Trevor isn't what you think he is. Look into it. Or don't. It's up to you...as for this guy, I made sure that he won't come after me again."
"Why the hell are you being so cold?! We voted to go back home, the same as you did."
"I am not."
I remembered the vote clearly. Dennis, Sarah, Jacob, and I had all stood on the same side that day. Only 4 out of 10 of us wanted to go back. But it wasn't enough. It was apparently easier to summon us here than send us back, the energy required didn't exist, not naturally. The only way was divine intervention, and the gods wouldn't intervene without a unanimous decision.
4 votes weren't enough to convince them.
"Look, the only reason I'm a bit mad was that this guy wanted to do inappropriate things to my wife, that's all. Since this guy being a hero stop him from being imprisoned, just lecture him and make sure it never happens again. And investigate Trevor like I asked. That's all, bye."
*****
I knocked softly on the door, the cool night air brushing against my skin. The door creaked open, and Mr. Pierce, the mayor, stood there, his familiar smile warm but tired.
"Come in, Lucas," he said, stepping aside to let me in.
Inside, the house was cozy, filled with the faint scent of pinewood and something freshly baked. My eyes immediately went to the couch where Lisa sat between Harper and Ramona. Her legs swung idly as she clutched a book, looking up at me with a shy smile.
"Hi, Mr. Lucas." Lisa greeted.
"I hope you don't mind us staying here for a while. Hiding outside of town won't work."
I just told the mayor that some bandits tried to get revenge and we wanted to hide my family here since they wanted me specifically, he didn't ask too many questions and he and his wife welcomed my family in with open arms. Carter's got enhanced senses, like the eyes of a hawk. He'll spot us before we even make it out of sight. And Riley already sensed some of his men lurking near the town, so leaving wasn't an option since we wanted to handle things quietly.
"It's no trouble at all, Lucas. You've done so much for us by dealing with those bandits. Think of this as repayment." He chuckled softly, "Besides, I enjoy the company. Especially Lisa. I haven't had children in the house for a long time."
My gaze drifted to a framed portrait above the fireplace. It showed a younger Mr. Pierce with his wife and 4 children. As I sat down, I reassured my wives about my well-being before they then went to help Mrs. Pierce cook our dinner, leaving me alone with Mr. Pierce.
"Your children?" I asked, pointing at the painting.
"Yes, of course. This house used to be a lot livelier back then." He answered, "3 sons and a daughter."
"Where are they now?"
"They served in the war." he answered.
"...How does it feel? Losing them like that?"
"You're the first to ask me that." He chuckled, "You know, people usually say I must be proud. They tell me, 'Your children died heroes, sacrificing themselves to protect so many lives.' But to me...there's no glory in death, Lucas. None. I've heard all the stories. How brave they were, how they saved countless people. They even sent medals, official letters, the whole lot. But at the end of the day, none of that means much to me. It's hard to feel pride when the only thing you want is for them to come home. That's all I ever wanted, for my kids to come back, alive and safe.
"I'm not that old, you know. I shouldn't have to bury all four of my children already. But here I am. This house feels so much bigger now...and so empty." he sighed, "I appreciate Lisa's presence, if I had known about her situation, I would have taken her in, but...her parents were great people too, but I guess it's true when they say that demons make themselves beautiful to deceive humans."
"I've never heard that one before."
"You served too, didn't you?"
"...I did...And if you want, I'll have Lisa visit you often."
"Of course, she's very welcome."
"I'll bring her tomorrow since she's having a holiday anyway."
"Might was well stay here till then, we got room."
"Sure. Thank you."
"It's the least I can do."
*****
Carter POV
Every breath I took reminded me of how close I had been to the brink of death. My body seemed to be healed, but I could still feel it aching. The room was dim and the scent of herbs lingered in the air. My head pounded as flashes of what happened rushed back to me.
That bastard Lucas...
I tried to move, but my body felt heavy and sluggish. And the pain just gave me bits and flashes of that stupid spell of his.
"You'll live. But in exchange for your life, you'll serve under me for the rest of it. Those are the terms." he said.
At the time, I didn't have a choice. My pride wouldn't have let me beg, but survival was instinctive. I remembered nodding faintly, agreeing because I didn't want to die there. I stared at the ceiling, my mind replaying bits and pieces of that conversation. Lucas's voice had been calm, almost eerily so, but there was no mistaking the edge beneath his words.
"Continue doing what you're doing. It doesn't matter to me how you choose to live, though I'd prefer it if you're living a regular and peaceful one. But if something important comes up, you'll report it to me using any reasonable method. Investigate Trevor for me, and none of this si to ever come out of your mouth, you being my slave will be our secret."
I hadn't thought someone like him could have such a terrifying side. My fists clenched weakly at my sides. I wanted to hate him, but a small part of me...Fuck. The spell has already taken effect...I shouldn't have went there with my guard down.