The Way To Dawn: End of Days

By Charles Lee

Afearia has fought her way through Terra for the sake of returning order. While her heart is in the right place, she’s come to question herself repeatedly with one thought. How much good is she really doing?

Afearia’s quest to bring down the government has proven to be a more daunting task than she had hoped. For each life she saves, thousands more are doomed. No victory in the king’s kingdom goes without its destructive consequence.

The Elites paint her as Terra’s coming disaster. Those in favor of Derexen’s leadership seek to have her apprehended and executed. But Afearia’s actions have not gone unnoticed. Derexen seems to think little of her efforts while carefully having her monitored. Others conspire to use her as an instrument to advance their hidden agendas.

With every battle. With every decision. With every life simply swayed by the swing of her sword, Afearia must carefully determine which choices on Terra are truly worth fighting for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charles Lee
• Release date: Jan 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310423871

Charles Lee

Charles Lee has always been a fan of stories with greater meaning than what the surface portrays. His love for profound fantasy began at a young age. His growing interest in thought-provoking stories ranged from a gamut of different areas of literature. These are experiences he’s cherished and evolved with for over a decade. It’s his key drive for creating compelling, unique, philosophical stories.When he decided to begin his own novel, The Way To Dawn, he originally had no intention of pursuing writing as a career. But when he fell in love with his own characters, he became inspired. He was so proud of his creations that he wanted to share this part of himself with others. In no time, writing soon became more than just his way of expression, it became his wings.

Book preview

Karma & Decision

Chapter One

For the past ten days, Afearia and her young companions have been traveling to the far south. The three of them are currently traveling on a wagon to Midas town. The kids sleep tightly together while Afearia sits across from them.

Afearia watches them in her white eye patch with a stitched, spiral design in the top right and bottom left corners. Her dress is a fresh duplicate of her previous one from her battle with Glenn.

The skies have been turning gray with a pour of rain soon to follow. The man driving the wagon leans his head back. You’ve got cute kids.

I’m sorry? Afearia says.

You have cute children, I said.

Oh, no, they’re not mine.  They’re just a couple of lost children I’ve decided to help.

That’s nice of you. With the way things are nowadays, the children tend to be forgotten. Shamefully, things like this happen more often than not. Kids in their shoes tend to die in weeks or end up as slaves somewhere. But most of the time, they just disappear.

She looks to the kids with a sadden expression. What would the average Terraian do if they saw homeless children?

Pity them and move on. She looks to the driver with slight disgust. It’s sad, but true. We can’t help everyone, we’re only human. People help if they can or if they want to, but kids have a higher chance of being helped than an adult.

Afearia turns her head out toward the wagon slit. That’s a weak excuse, she says under her breath. But not surprising, she thinks.

Hours later, they arrive at Midas town. Afearia raises the wagon cloth and climbs out. The gray clouds overhead precipitate a light drizzle that increases irregularly.

She turns and taps the kids’ foreheads until they open their eyes. We’re here, guys. They lean off each other and climb out the wagon. Good, there are no Demis in the area, she thinks while looking around.

The driver walks toward the back and receives his payment. Afearia, Adrian, and Veronica enter the town and find an inn not far from the entrance.

The town is worn down and deserted. Spacious dirt roads leading to boarded up buildings and blocked alleys overflowing with garbage that litters the town due to strong winds. The buildings and stores are mostly abandoned with broken windows and doors unhinged. The buildings’ bricks appear to have been wearing from years of heavy weather. Midas town has long been dried up. A community that has completely collapsed economically.

Afearia talks to the innkeeper and gets a room for two. Her and the children head to their room around the corner on the first floor. When she opens the door for the kids, they lie sluggishly across the bed.

The room’s as bad as the town. It has two beds in the main room and an old wooden chair by the slanted table near the wall. No extra furniture besides a dresser with a chipped lamp and a dusty ceiling fan missing blades.

Afearia shuts the half hinged door scuffing the floor and begins looking around the room. If you two are still tired, you can sleep now. We probably won’t leave here no earlier than tomorrow morning. I’m trying to avoid traveling at night.

They crawl under the holey, faded blue quilt and lay horizontally in the bed. Afearia grabs the chair from the table and puts it by the windowsill in the next room. She opens the window and stares out at the decaying land behind the inn.

It’s so quiet here, Afearia thinks. Not many humans live here as well. A small town with an even smaller population. Ideal for a runaway like me, I suppose. I guess the south isn’t as popular as it was twenty-five years ago.

Anya, Veronica’s head pops out from the quilt, what do you plan to do once your journey’s over?

Afearia leans her head on her propped arm. That’s a good question. I don’t know. Where do attack dogs go once their owners no longer need them? Adrian pops his head out with a confused expression. They rot. They bark in an abandoned prison with no food, no water, no light to see beyond their cries… No purpose. It’s a sad fate, but in my case, I guess the good outweighs the end result. I’m fine with giving everyone on Terra something better to look forward to.

I don’t understand, Adrian says. Are you calling yourself a dog?

Figuratively, I am. A friend of mine told me to start thinking more for myself. But mental exploration only causes more misery, she says while exhaling. Her eye saddens once the rainfall increases. I’m the one who’ll sacrifice themselves to save the humans on Terra. But—there are times when I watch them and think, are they really worth saving? They can be so hurtful while also being the sweetest things ever. I reason with myself saying that humans are fundamentally good. Then you turn the corner and see what a lifeless body looks like with a pulse after being spiritually broken by human hands. Your people do better than kill… They maim.

She runs her finger slowly across the wet windowsill before standing up and moving toward the bed. I didn’t ask for this, Afearia says under her breath. I didn’t ask for any of it. Afearia climbs under the covers with none of her limbs outside the faded burgundy quilt. She removes her eye patch from underneath and drops it on the floor.

The children heard her last comment and glance at each other. Anya? Veronica says with worry.

Afearia doesn’t respond until Veronica sits up on the bed, preparing to approach. Sorry, guys, she replies in a low voice. I’m turning in early.

Adrian climbs out the quilt and stands by her bedside. Anya, can we have some money to go eat? Afearia drops money into his hand without counting or showing herself. Thank you, Anya.

Adrian gestures with his head for his sister to follow him outside. They stand in the lobby and wait for the rain to lighten up. The grim innkeeper looks up from his magazine and sees them standing by the doors. With his nonchalant attitude, he shrugs and continues reading. Once the rain slows, they leave the inn and walk further into town.

Adrian, why are we out here? Veronica asks. I’m not even hungry, are you?

No. We’re out here to do something nice for Anya so she can feel better. I think the rainy weather’s making her feel down.

Maybe Anya’s just sleepy.

Probably from being depressed. Now help me think of something.

Maybe something that makes her pretty eyes pop out.

Sounds good, but she doesn’t like her eyes.

Clothes?

We don’t have a lot of money. Let’s just look around. The area will be easy to search since we’ve been here before. As they move through the town, they realize how much of it is no longer operational. It looks like a lot of places closed down since last time.

Another lost location, Veronica says. Do you think our home is like this now?

Adrian doesn’t answer her. Up ahead, they find a soon-to-be out of business military surplus store. They go in and walk down adjacent aisles, slowly looking through all the nearly empty shelves.

Veronica picks up a can of food and sighs. Brother, there’s nothing here.

I guess so. Let’s move on. As they pass the counter, they notice something twinkle and quickly stop. They look at each other and giggle.

After several minutes, they leave the store looking satisfied. Now that we have her gift, Adrian says, we should get food to eat for later.

I think the food stores are down that way, Veronica says while point and proceeding toward the east side of town. Fortunately, they find two stores that happen to still be in business. I want a sandwich.

Adrian gives her some money. You go to the deli while I get something else from the other store.

Adrian walks elsewhere while his sister enters the deli. As she enters, Veronica looks to the counter and sees no one. She proceeds through the aisle while lightly humming before hearing something from behind. She quickly looks back, seeing no one in sight. Veronica shrugs off her suspicion and continues moving toward the back.

Standing before the deli fridge, Veronica opens the door with the plastic wrapped sandwiches and continues humming while deciding which to get. She takes a sandwich and cheerfully walks up the aisle until a man roughly grabs her wrist.

Back for more, I reckon!? the angry store manager says.

Veronica drops the sandwich and struggles. Get off, you’re hurting me! Help! Help!

She breaks free, but is quickly knocked down after being pulled to the floor by her hair. He drags her to the back of the store while she screams.

Adrian walks out of the minimart with an open bag of donuts. He slowly walks to the deli, happily munching on his snack until he hears a faint scream.

Veronica? He begins to walk faster toward the store and hears her again. Veronica!

He drops his bag and runs inside. Adrian hastily moves down the aisles calling her name while stepping through knocked over food products. He reaches the back of the store and finds an open door leading downstairs.

Adrian slowly walks down the steps. Veronica, are you down here? he says with fear in his voice.

When he reaches the bottom, he sees his sister crying as the manager holds her close to him with his hand over her mouth. The man stands next to a cage with angry eyes on Adrian. I knew it was you two, he says. I don’t take crimes lightly, you brats.

I don’t care what you’re saying, Adrian says. Let my sister go.

Oh, you don’t remember either? Even though it was two years ago, I did not forget your faces.

What are you talking about?

Two years ago, you came into my store saying you needed help reaching an item. And being a gentleman, I helped you get the item you requested. And when I walked you back to the register, he tugs Veronica upward, I see this one stealing money out my cash register! The moment I go to chase her, you trip me and I break my front teeth on the floor. Adding insult to injury, you little bastards steal food before fleeing my store. Veronica and Adrian suddenly recall what they’ve done. Remember now!?

Adrian slowly moves closer. I’m sorry. Me and my sister were homeless and desperate for food. We were so desperate that we would’ve done anything to survive. We’ve lost our home and family with nowhere to turn. Whenever we asked for help, no one would. People even tried to do horrible things to us, so we started taking care of ourselves. I’m really sorry we stole from you. Please let her go, she’s frightened.

The manager shakes her. I’ve got a better idea.

He takes Veronica and tosses her into the small animal cage. He takes a rope off the top of the cage and rushes to grab Adrian. He takes him by the shoulder and slams him against the wall. He ties Adrian’s hands together and ties the other end of the rope to the pipe in the wall.

I know exactly how to make you brats pay for your thievery. Wait here, he says before walking upstairs.

He slams the door, taking away most of the light in the basement. The only light remaining comes from the small window above Veronica, and the swaying bulb in the middle of the room.

Adrian tries to wiggle his hands out the rope while Veronica tries to force her hand through the little gap to open the cage. Adrian hears his sister and sees she’s rubbing her skin raw from the constant turning and pushing.

Veronica, stop it, Adrian says. You’re hurting yourself. She doesn’t listen as she whimpers and starts forcing it through with both hands. Veronica, stop!

I don’t want to die here, she says in a weepy voice. I told him sorry, but he kept shaking me and shouting. Veronica becomes rough as she desperately tries to get her hand through. "I have to get out, I need to get out!"

Veronica!

She stops, shaking her head with tears on her cheeks. I wish Anya was here.

Adrian frowns. Me too… But Anya shouldn’t have to deal with our mistakes. We need to escape on our own, without Anya knowing about this. Adrian notices that the skin on Veronica’s wrist has become puffy and bruised, still trying to get through. Veronica, take your wrist out before it gets stuck! I’ll get us out, okay? Big brother will get us out of here.

Big brother was the one who came up with the plan to rob that man!

Yes, I know, he says with disappointment. I’m sorry, Veronica. You told me not to do it, but I didn’t see any other option for us. I couldn’t take another day of watching you pass out from not eating. I just couldn’t. I’m sorry.

Veronica pulls her hand out and calms down. It’s okay… She looks to Adrian. Big brother? I trust you—and always will.

He lightly smiles at her. Thanks, that means a lot. Veronica kindly smiles back.

Back at the inn, Afearia lowers the quilt from her face and glances around the darkened room. She leans up with a joyless expression and turns her head to the window. Where are they? she thinks. They’re taking a long time just to get food. She pushes the quilt off and picks up her eye patch before leaving the room to search for them.

In the deli basement, Adrian continues to wiggle and pull until his rope, burned hands squeeze through the tie. He quickly gets his other hand out before rushing to free his sister. Veronica, you see that window above us? he says. If we stack boxes on this cage we can climb up and escape.

As quickly as possible, they stack the heavy boxes atop the cage. With Veronica leading, they begin to climb toward the window. She pushes and bangs on it, but it doesn’t open.

It’s stuck, she says.

Adrian climbs around her and tries to help her pop it open. They suddenly hear the basement door. In a panic, they begin slapping and punching the window until it finally opens. Adrian pushes his sister through as the manager rushes down the stairs. The man shouts at them and quickly pulls the cage from under him.

Before Adrian falls, he jumps to the windowsill and grabs hold. Veronica helps him up and pulls her brother through. As the two of them quickly flee, the manager runs up the stairs to catch them. Veronica suddenly runs in the direction of the inn while Adrian goes the other way.

Veronica, what are you doing!?

We need Anya!

I thought you trusted me!

She hesitates before running back toward her brother. They race past several closed shops until they are cutoff by the manager holding a baseball bat. He swings his bat and almost hits Adrian. Adrian crawls backward while his sister tries to rush him to his feet.

I thought of a punishment for you two, the manager says while approaching them with violent intent. I think I’ll smash her hands for stealing from me, and break your teeth for what you did to mine. Adrian stands up and grabs his sister before running off into the nearest shop. You won’t get far in there, you brats, he says while slowly following them.

The children move quietly to the back as fast as possible. When they reach the back, they find the back door to the store’s storage area. Adrian opens it and Veronica drops a can down the stairs. The manager hears the can drop and rushes to the back.

I found you, you little—

The kids emerge from behind two shelves and push him down the stairs. They shut the door and run behind the shelf to push it over and block it. Adrian grabs his sister and runs out the store.

Veronica tries to pull from him. Wait, what if he can’t get out!? He’ll die down there!

Veronica, come on! he says as he tugs her.

But—

Let’s go!

They run through the store and back on the open street. The two of them race back toward the inn and turn the next corner, bumping into Afearia.

There you two are, Afearia says with some relief. She looks at their exhausted faces and notices the bruising on their hands and wrist. She looks closer at Veronica and sees the finger markings on her arm. What happened to you two? she asks with sternness in her voice.

Nothing, Adrian replies. We were fighting over food again.

Afearia gently grabs Veronica’s arm. These are the prints of a man grabbing too tightly. I should know. I’ve seen it many times. Who hurt you, Veronica, and where are they now?

Can we just leave this place? Veronica asks. We just got carried away.

Let’s leave this place, Anya, Adrian says. We’re fine.

Afearia begins to look a little upset. Just tell me who did this. I want to speak with them.

Adrian grabs Afearia’s hand. Let’s just go, please! Let’s travel at night. We’ll stay close and not bother you with questions. We’ll do whatever you say. Please, Anya, let’s just go, he pleads with scared eyes.

Afearia sees the urgency on their faces. Alright, we’ll leave right away.

They walk closely to her and proceed out the town. The three of them begin walking past the store where they barricaded the store manager. When they notice the front door’s open further than when they left it, they unknowingly walk closer to Afearia. Afearia looks over to the abandoned shop and knew something was wrong, but doesn’t ask them any questions about it.

Once they left the town, the children remain paranoid and continue glancing at each other and the town behind them. Afearia decides to try and get their mind off the situation.

Veronica, remind me to get you a comb for your pretty hair, she says positively.

You like my hair? Veronica asks with a puzzled look.

Of course. It’s a beautiful blend of gold and brown. Veronica smiles. Afearia looks to Adrian and musses his hair, And your dark hair has a strange way of maintaining itself. Cute and wild, like a cat.

Adrian tries to hide his smile. Thanks, Anya, but I think your hair is the best.

She chuckles. That’s because you’re crazy. She swings her hair into her hand. Although it’s natural, my hair is far too red. Like rich blood. No hair should be that red.

But it’s pretty though. It makes you want to sleep in it! he says with excited arms over his head.

Afearia chuckles. You are too much.

Veronica watches her laugh and stares at her eye patch. Anya, why do you still hide your eye from us? she asks.

It’s just better. Besides, you never know when we’ll run into a human. Humans fear the appearance of my eye, and they should.

Why?

Think of it as a warning label that tells others to keep their distance from me.

Isn’t that what you want? Adrian asks.

It is, but not when I’m undercover. I would hate to lose my friends over this

Can we see it again?

Maybe later.

Adrian pulls out the flyer he got from Glenn. He and his sister look over the dates on it. Sis, look. There’s more than one free public concert. One of them is a tribute to Yadee from her band and other musicians. This is awesome.

Veronica nods. She looks great in this picture, don’t you think?

Suddenly, a drop of water hits the flyer, with the rainfall quickly beginning to increase. Afearia summons Nebulous. Keep us dry.

She waves her sword in a slow arc over their heads. The rain drops that should be hitting them are now hitting a thin bubble dome. With each drop, the dome uses the water to expand and shield them from the rain. They are still able to continue walking while within the rippling bubble.

Cool! Adrian says as he prepares to touch it.

Don’t touch it, Afearia says. You’ll mess up the balance and cause it to collapse. It is perfectly providing us with oxygen while keeping us dry. As they walk onward, the kids are looking around as if to be seeing the world in a new way because of the bubble’s rippling colors. Afearia looks down at Adrian’s flyer. You guys still looking forward to that thing, even though the government’s involved?

It’s true that the government is not something we enjoy, Adrian says. But we would risk the trouble just to hear her sing. He rereads the flyer and becomes excited. Veronica!? One of the concerts is near the location we’re taking Anya! It’s in three days!

Veronica gives a faint smile. I wish we could go.

Who’s stopping you? Afearia says. You guys can go if you want.

But we don’t want you to leave us behind.

Adrian nods in agreement. We rather stick with you and catch the concert another time.

Hmm, is this rumored government member before or after the concert location?

There should be two towns before we reach Alexander. The concert’s going to be located halfway between them… I think.

Afearia takes the flyer from him and looks it over. I guess we could drop by. But if there are any signs of danger, you two need to get out of there. The kids jump up hugging each other and screaming. Don’t scream in this bubble!

Sorry, Anya, they say less loudly. Thank you, Anya.

Long after departing Midas town, the rain finally stops. Afearia uses her sword to gently pierce the watery dome above them. As they walk, the dome’s hole gradually expands to slowly descend into the ground.

We should stop here, Afearia says, stopping before the kids. You two haven’t really rested since we left town. Even if we travel at a nearly nonstop pace, we would make it to the next area by the end or the start of the third day.

Good idea, Anya, Adrian says. We should rest before we reach the dark border.

What’s a dark border?

You don’t know? Veronica says.

It’s where the natural sky meets with the dark sky created by the generators, Adrian says.

Afearia puts her thumb to her bottom lip. Then that must mean there are at least four, one in each corner of the world.

I think there’s more than four, Veronica says. If we continued further west toward the north, we would have seen another dark border.

Do either of you know where the generator in the south is?

No, but maybe there’s a generator map.

If there is, I’m certain only the elites carry them. For now, let’s just reach our next destination safely. I’ll deal with the realm’s balance when the time comes.

Adrian smiles before looking ahead. Anya’s really going to fix everything, he thinks. She really sounds like an amazing hero.

Veronica suddenly pokes her brother’s cheek to get his attention. He chases her while they run around laughing, being careful not to stray far from Afearia.

Meanwhile, at Derexen’s palace, the government pillars hold an unscheduled meeting. Everyone is accounted for and on time for the coming discussion.

Afternoon, Derexen greets. I’m aware we are all busy, so I’ll try to keep this as brief as possible. First, the artist, Yadee is being honored at a public concert and has asked for government security during the event. I have appointed myself, Glenn, and Valerie. During that time, those of you closest to Glenn and Valerie’s home locations shall be looking over their areas, as well as your own. Any questions? Assessing the room, no one had anything to say. I’ve recently received word over current events turning into potential revolt.

What location? Yadeira asks.

Woodhaven. Their unfortunate breach of contract was due to irresponsibility from Afearia’s meddling, but they’ve changed their tune and feel we are to blame.

Glenn crosses his arms and looks down from the table. And it’s only the beginning if you don’t do something about it, he mutters with a hint of irritation.

A brief silence takes the table as Derexen stares in Glenn’s direction. Valerie happens to also be looking at him with mild intensity in her stare. In regard to our issues with Afearia, Derexen resumes. Glenn has already combated her.

Jodi looks to Glenn. Did you kill her? Bonnie and Agonda calmly look over to Glenn, awaiting his response. Glenn, tell us what happened! Glenn does not respond.

Valerie rolls her eyes. We don’t have time for this. He failed to kill her due to impairment. He has reported that she wields another sword called Bastion. Although it’s a massive weapon, she’s able to swing it with ease while using one arm. The sword’s abilities remain unknown. He believes the chances for the weakest member to defeat her are at best, fifty-five percent.

You’re kidding? Jodi says with a surprised look.

Kyoto lowers his mask. Bastion? How many swords does this girl have?

I’ve never heard of a guardian owning so many Empyrean Blades, Agonda adds.

The stress on a guardian’s body using one Empyrean Blade is great, Derexen says. The strain varies from blade to blade and wielder to wielder. But to use more than one is life threatening. Even being chosen more than once is just as uncommon as a guardian’s body being able to handle such raw power. Her existence—is a rare one.

That may explain why she only uses one at a time.

Glenn grunts with growing annoyance. Two, he says.

What?

Her current record of present swords is two.

Kyoto lifts his mask. S-s-s-she’s quite in-in-timidating, he stutters.

Makes sense, Bonnie says. If she was sent here to counter us, she would need a lot of different powers to do so.

Agonda nods, But still. Forty-five percent in her favor is high. Not high enough for us to sweat over though. Glenn grips his bicep and clenches his jaw from Agonda’s cavalier remark.

Aquarius shakes his head. I honestly expected higher, he says. Glenn lightly grunts with bunched brows.

Weak girl, Minerva says in a lifeless daze.

Everyone, this is only an educated guess, Valerie clarifies. It could be higher.

Regardless, Derexen says. I have made my decision about Afearia, Everyone except Glenn, look over to Derexen for his answer. I have no plans to mobilize any of you against her. However, if you have taken care of your current duties and have time on your hands, then you may hunt her. If you see her during a mission I set for you or during one of your regular jobs, drop everything and kill her.

I can’t believe that’s your answer, Glenn says with suppressed frustration. Derexen, I just told you not long ago that she must be dealt with. He turns to Derexen. How is this going to benefit the government’s standing!?

Glenn, do not raise your voice at lord Derexen! Valerie shouts. Have some manners!

Derexen gestures for her to calm down. Glenn, I have carefully thought this through, and you missed something. Glenn grits his teeth. She’s coming for us. Even if you are hunting her, she is also hunting you. To waste so many resources over someone so small is irresponsible. In time, she’ll come to us.

Glenn slams his fist on the table. You’re missing the point! You are jeopardizing the government! The woman is causing damages internally and externally! If you can’t see that, then what good are you!?

Suddenly, a flat, silver throwing knife pins the sleeve of Glenn’s robe to the chair. Everyone looks over to see Valerie standing with her arm extended toward Glenn.

You have been warned once, she says with a deadly gaze. "This is your last warning. Continue speaking out of turn—and you will suffer the consequences."

Kyoto nervously shakes in his seat as his eyes dart back and forth from Glenn and Valerie. He lowers his mask and becomes completely composed while watching them.

Glenn pulls out the knife and throws it to the floor. That’s pretty big talk coming from a girl who doesn’t come close to outranking me in battle. Maybe if you took your eyes off your king and look around you you would see what I’m talking about.

And you think he isn’t observing the situation? He’s making the best decisions possible out of a pile of bad ones! Derexen sits back while putting his foot up on his knee and hands joined before his mouth.

Bullshit! Glenn shouts. He can spare a day to take the head of this potential threat!

Did you hear yourself? Potential threat. In other words, no need to send the whole government to stomp out one girl. If need be, the king will order her death when necessary.

Glenn’s face becomes enraged as he balls his fist. This is ridiculous! he shouts before knocking over his chair upon standing and storming off.

Glenn, you have not been dismissed! Glenn!

Enough, Valerie, Derexen says calmly. I see his point. I will discuss this further with him later.

Is it me, or was he a bit touchy today? Aquarius asks.

He’s always like that when he feels the government is being threatened, Jodi replies while cleaning his nails.

Are his statements accurate? Bonnie asks.

They are, Valerie says, but so are mine. He’s a bit off base, but it isn’t for nothing.

Are there any questions about your upcoming duties or matters with Afearia? Derexen asks his elites.

Agonda raises his hand. What should lower ranked members do if they see her?

My answer is the same to everyone, if you don’t feel like being bothered with her, then don’t. But if you insist and you are of low rank, contact a higher ranked member.

Hmph, that’s insulting, Jodi says.

Yeah, it’s kind of like they’re too weak to be considered useful, Aquarius says with false sincerity.

Derexen glances at Aquarius before addressing Jodi’s comment. The nine of you are called elites for a reason. As a king who must always preserve his power, I can’t gamble the chances of losing power just to protect your pride as government officials. Valerie nods in agreement to his statement. If there is nothing else, this meeting is closed.

Everyone stands up with several of them vanishing while others, including Derexen, choose to walk out the room.

Derexen proceeds to his private bedroom located on the highest floor of the palace. He pushes open his double Jacobean mahogany doors and walks inside.

His room has a king-sized canopy bed placed in the far corner of the room with a navy blue quilt spread and fluffy white pillows. Around the bed is dark red velvet curtains that can be moved all the way around it. Centered in the room is a thin, navy blue rug with diamond patterns, stretching to nearly all corners of the room.

Derexen’s black marble floor shines gently under the sunlight coming through the four long frame windows to the left of the doorway. He has two wardrobes adjacent to each other and a bookshelf to the right of the doorway.

Derexen walks past his wardrobes and up the three steps leading up to his bed. He calmly stands in front of a tall, black oak cabinet against the wall from the foot of his bed.

Three blue rings silently come together by the doorway, revealing Glenn staring intently at Derexen’s back before quietly moving closer.

When Derexen prepares to open his cabinet, a shot is fired. Derexen evades it by aggressively tilting his head with less than a second before the bullet impacted his skull. He turns around and sees Glenn standing by his bed, holding a .44 magnum revolver with a light blue luster, and a long barrel.

His gun has a soft, lighter blue glow around it like a fading star. The gun’s barrel is cased in thick, heavy steel with the word Sentry engraved on it in script. Above the engraving are four rectangular cavities with a fifth one placed at the far end. Inside the last cavity are four small holes on the inner barrel.

As Glenn prepares to draw another gun while firing a second shot, Derexen’s eyes change with burning pentagrams surfacing on them. Before the bullet can reach him, the entire room goes pitch black.

In the blink of an eye, the room returns to normal. Somehow, Glenn is now standing where Derexen was. The bullet previously fired by Glenn, enters his arm and prevents him from drawing his second gun. He grunts and turns toward the bed while holding his wounded arm. Suddenly, Derexen, who’s standing where Glenn once was, rushes toward him.

Glenn tries to raise his gun to him, but is too slow. Derexen punches him in the kidney and follows up with a spinning backhand to his face, slamming Glenn to the ground. Glenn scrambles and grabs his dropped gun and prepares to aim until his arm suddenly becomes too heavy to lift. What the hell? he thinks. Derexen stomps his bullet wound and looks down at him with his burning eyes.

At the palace lobby, Valerie is a few feet from passing through the doors when she suddenly stops. Glenn is still here, she thinks. What is he doing in the lord’s room? Her face becomes surprised. He’s angry. And the lord’s presence has become darker than usual. She immediately bolts toward the stairs.

Glenn lies on the floor, looking up at Derexen with anger. He glances toward the bullet hole in the cabinet. Don’t bother, Derexen says, making Glenn a little more upset. Your execution was poor, and so were your intentions. Glenn stares at the bullet hole once again. You can try it, but I won’t hesitate to kill you. Glenn’s eyes narrow on the hole as a light blue glow appears, vibrating the cabinet. The glow slowly fades along with the vibrations as Glenn turns his head to the side in defeat.

That’s what happens when people become angry, Derexen says. They no longer think clearly and make far too many mistakes to consider their actions rationally. Derexen leans forward with his weight pressing down on Glenn’s wound. You’ve apparently forgotten who’s in charge around here, so let me remind you.

Though I respect your concern about the government’s order in regards of Terra, Derexen continues, you seem to have missed something. I am the world’s king. My word holds more power than any man or woman who ever believed they had the right to wear my title. I am beyond power. I am strength—absolute.

Glenn grunts as he clenches his jaw from the pain being inflicted by the opposing Derexen. Killing all who remotely threaten the government is not how things are done, Derexen explains. The fact you believe I have to explain this to you is absurdity held to the highest level of imbecile. We’ve had this conversation before, remember?

Derexen puts more weight on him. Graggh! Glenn screams.

Derexen twists his foot. You tried to kill me today. He presses down harder, making Glenn groan loudly. "Those were not warning shots. That second bullet was aimed for my heart. Imagine if I did a perfect substitution? But for your past