CHAPTER 92 - REBELLION

Elias woke up with the sound of his phone beside him. He quickly picked it up and saw one of his men's names. He stood up and glanced at Siel who was still lying on her bed. It was four in the morning.

“What?”

“Sir, you’re brother planning on ambushing and killing nobles.”

Elias’s eyes widened. “WHAT?!”

Siel flinched and her body quickly stood up without any delay. She just came back from Ashriel’s wedding and was tired from all the swaps she made with Ashriel.

“I think you must call Siel back, Sir. Or else she’ll be in danger.”

Elias eyebrows frown. “What? What do you mean?”

“I saw her entering Austere a moment ago, Sir. But since I couldn’t enter the city, I was not able to warn her.”

Elias froze for a moment and glanced at Siel who was alarmed. “Are you sure?”

“A hundred percent, Sir.”

“Very well. I’ll fetch her myself then.” Elias ended the call and before Siel could ever move, Elias pointed his gun at her.

“Who are you?” He asked with his crisp voice. Siel tossed her hand in the air but remained silent.

“Tell me who the hell are you?” Elias asked again, angrier.

“I’m Siel.”

Elias grinned. “One of my men said she saw Siel at Austere. Now you’re telling me you’re Siel?”

He stopped when Siel sniggered. “I see. I wonder why Young Master still disguises herself.”

“W-What?”

Siel sighed deeply and was about to speak when she heard her name being called through her earpiece.

“Siel.”

“Yes, Young Master?”

Elias scowled and his head tilted.

“Are you in his room?”

“Yes.”

“Put him on the line.”

Siel frowned as well but followed Ashriel. She clicked something on his earpiece and said, “All set.”

She glanced at Elias whose face was filled with confusion. What the hell is happening?

“Elias, I know you’re listening.” Elias' eyes widened. How did she know? And wait.. Her voice.

“I want you and Siel to go back to Aparctias as soon as today, you understand?”

“Y-yes, Your Highness.”

“Good.” Ashriel ended the call.

“You heard her so-”

“Tell me what the hell is happening.” Elias demanded, lowering his gun. “How did she know you’re with me?”

“You haven’t noticed it yet? How come you reached this far?”

“Just answer me!”

“Fine, no need to shout. Jeez.” Siel tied her hair and fixed herself before answering Elias.

“Since the hotel incident, if you can still remember, we’ve been switching places. Sometimes, you’re with me and sometimes you’re with her. She used my identity to wander around Seiron and Sephtis freely.”

Elias gape wider. Now everything makes sense for him. That’s why sometimes he felt as if Siel was being capricious or something he couldn’t explain. Even during sparring, sometimes he wins but sometimes she’s extra stronger than him and more witty.

Suddenly, he remembered her first night. Heat rose on his cheeks. Did he just kiss Her Highness?!

“T-Tell me… which among the two of you…” He stopped, almost unable to continue his sentence. Siel waited impatiently. “Is the woman I kissed?”

Siel’s face soured and her blood suddenly boiled. “Seriously? We’re on a serious matter he-”

“Just answer me.”

“Unfortunately,”

Elias gulped.

“That was me.”

Elias sighed in relief. If he learns it was Ashriel, Nathan and Leon will kill him. Ah, no. He’ll probably kill himself first.

***

“Mother!”

Lady Beatrice flinched when Leon raised his voice.

“What’s wrong? Are you ill?” Leon quickly leaned to his mother, feeling her temperature through her forehead. Lady Beatrice felt her son’s warm palm.

“Your temperature’s normal. Oh heavens, mom, tell me you’re not ill. Tell me you’re feeling well.” said Leon, more like pleading. He always had a soft heart when it comes to his mom. But what would he do if he knew that the mom he loved oh so dearly is the enemy of the woman he swore his life to protect?

Lady Beatrice released a nervous chuckle, taking her son’s hand from her forehead. Despite everything, she is a mother. And she loves her children so much.

“My health’s not deteriorating, my boy. Seriously? How come a wolf ring bearer and the future Head of House Norton be this softhearted?” She teased him.

Leon sat back and ate the cookies his mom baked. “You’re my mother so that’s an exemption. Oh well, the Boss, Oriana, and my siblings are exempted as well. Couldn’t help it.” He chuckled.

“I can’t be hard on the people I love the most.”

Hearing his son’s remark, Lady Beatrice bit her lower lip as the smile on her face disappeared. Leon saw it and his eyes narrowed.

“Mom, do you want to say something? I bet you wouldn’t just call me here for a cookie break. You’ve been acting weird as well since the Boss came back alive. What’s the matter?”

Suddenly, Lady Beatrice’s heartbeat doubled. She glanced at her screenlock wallpaper and looked at her late husband’s lively eyes. Tears started to form in the corner of her eyes. She loved her son dearly that she doesn’ want him to be hurt but she had no choice.

“Mom-”

“A-About Oriana,” she stuttered. Leon straightened his back.

“What’s with her?”

“I ah… I…” She bit her lower lip and Leon somewhat felt nervous. “I want you to… cut ties with her.”

Leon’s eyes widened in shock. “W-What?”

Lady Beatrice’s hands trembled so she hid it under the table. “Cut ties with her.” She repeated with a firmer tone.

“M-Mon, I think… I think I mishear-”

“You heard me right, Leon.”

Leon gaped. “What are you talking about?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Mom.” He called with a tone Lady Beatrice hated. “What’s wrong with you?”

“She’s your sister.”

Leon dropped the teacup, shattering it to pieces. His lips turned pale and Lady Beatrice started to palpitate.

“S-She… She’s what?”

Lady Beatrice bit her lower lip as her nails dug her palm, causing it to bleed slightly. She felt agitated.

Leon looked directly at his mother’s eyes that started to shed tears. Anger started to rise as he felt his hand and lips trembled.

“O-Olivia knew?”

Lady Beatrice nodded slowly, lowering her gaze. Leon crumpled his fist as he didn't know what to do. His emotions started to mix and was about to ask how when his phone rang. It was Natsuki.

He took a few deep breaths before picking it up.

“S-Sir?”

Natsuki frowned. He felt the gloom radiating from Leon’s tone.

“Something happened?” He asked but received no answer from Leon. Strange. He was never like that.

“Well, whatever that is, let’s talk about it. Let’s go to the cliff at the top of the mountain where Zillian rests. Olive prepared a picnic for our team.”

Natsuki heard a few deep breaths from the other line before Leon spoke.

“Is Oriana there?” He asked gloomily. Natsuki frowned. Did they fight? He asked himself.

“She will be, so get your butt here. I’m waiting outside your villa.”

“Yes sir.”

Natsuki was shocked when Leon ended the call.

“Weird. He never ends the call first.”

After some time, Leon went down and seeing his face, Natsuki said he would drive, not wanting any accidents to happen. He laughed but Leon didn’t, nor utter any word until they reached the place.

“There you are!” It was Kate who greeted them. “What took you so long?”

“Sorry for that. Where are the others?” Asked Natsuki and glanced at Leon who still didn’t spoke a word nor the gloominess left his aura. Something really bad must have happened for him to act like this.

Natsuki sighed in distress. It was his reaction when he heard of Ashriel’s demise. The only difference is that his anger that time reached the peak that he put holes in almost everything he saw including the training hall’s thick wall.

“Lady Venice and Lady Tory said she’ll be late since they were having some Doctor’s conference.” Kate answered. “She’ll be here in a minute, for sure.”

“I doubt that.” Natsuki laughed but seeing Leon’s gloomy face he patted his back hard, causing Leon to whimper.

“For heaven’s sake cheer up, will you?!’

He grabbed Leon before he could even say anything and let him go only when they reached the cliff where everyone gathered.

“The last time I came here was after the meeting, proclaiming that Oriana will be a part of the First Rank Nobles.” Ashriel mentioned, sniffing the fresh air she always liked. She closed her eyes and imagined Meredith, making her smile.

“Second General and Colonel are here!” Kate announced.

Oriana glanced at them and her eyes met Leon’s eyes which were full of emotions she couldn’t comprehend. Leon stared at her for a while before quickly walking towards her and grabbing her wrist.

“H-Huh? Colo- wait!”

Leon pulled her with force he never used towards her until they reached the dangerous side of the cliff, a few meters away from everyone.

“Huh? What’s with them?” Kate asked.

“LQ, probably.” Raith laughed. “Take care, you two! One wrong move and you’ll fall!” He added.

“Sister! Walk the talk, eh?” Olive sniggered.

“Why are you always calling her ‘sister’?” Xieaniel asked, wrapping his hands to her waist.

“Leon’s my brother so it’s only right for me to call her tha-” She flinched when Xieaniel sniffed her nape and kissed it. That kiss was something she can never get used to.

“What’s the matter?” Oriana asked carefully. Since Leon took her a few meters away from others, she knew it’s something he doesn’t want anyone to get involved in.

Leon bit his lower lip and tightened his grip to Oriana’s wrist. He was about to speak when Olive raised her voice.

“Boss, may I ask you something?” Olive’s tone was somewhat mocking, taking Leon’s attention.

“What is it?”

“Why… Did you even come back?”

Xieaniel and the rest were shocked. “Ruby, what the hell are you-”

“I’m not talking to you, Xieaniel. And for hell’s sake don’t call me that.”

Xieaniel’s eyes widened as he swallowed his tongue. It was as if… he was talking to a different woman.

“My plan was about to be completed. Everything was moving according to my plan so why… Why the hell did you come back?!”

“Olive-” Leon stopped when Oriana grabbed his hand. “Huh?”

“Leon.” She called, causing Leon to freeze. She never called him that. “Do you really think you can hide it forever?”

“W-What?” His attention diverted from Olive to Oriana.

“Do you really think I wouldn’t know that your bastard father killed my parents?!”

“What the hell is happening?!” Raith shouted, unable to remain calm.

They stopped when Olive’s phone rang. She grinned and answered it. No one moved. It was as if their bodies were paralyzed.

“Oy, boss?”

Raith and Kate’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was the same tone she used when they were bickering at the Royal Kitchen. By “boss,” who is she pertaining to now that the “Real Boss” is in front of her?

“Catch her? Oh well, lemme give it a try.” Olive grinned and fished out a dagger. Everyone became alarmed, especially Leon. He was about to run to cover Ashriel but Oriana grabbed him. Olive glanced at them.

“You really are a fool… brother.”

“Oria-”

“Colonel Leon!” Kate shouted when Oriana pushed him to the cliff as strong as she could.

Leon’s eyes widened and felt his world turn silent.

“Diana! Ezekiel!”

“Dang it!” Kate and Raith hissed before running down the mountain into the ocean to save Leon who was probably… dead.

“Oriana what the hell?!” Natsuki exclaimed and fetched his gun but stopped when Olive threw the dagger at Ashriel. Nathan’s eyes widened and was about to run but,

“Argh!”

“Xieaniel!”

Olive’s eyes popped out and her hand trembled. The dagger went straight to Xieaniel’s back when he covered Ashriel. Dark red fluid started to drip.

“Call Venice!” Ashriel shouted and only then did Olive come back to her senses. Natsuki quickly called his twin and Nathan assisted Xieaniel.

“Lady!” Oriana shouted, grabbing Olive’s hand. “Let’s go!”

Olive glanced at Xieaniel who was bleeding heavily for the last time before running down the other side of the mountain where she prepared their escaping car.

“Carsillion.” With Ashriel’s cue, Nathan quickly run and followed the two. “Follow him, brother.”

Natsuki hesitated and looked at Xieanile.

“Follow him for pete’s sake, I can handle this.”

He nodded and ran to follow the three deep in the mountain. Xieaniel groaned. The dagger dug deeper than she anticipated.

“Hey, don’t sleep.” Ashriel said, slapping Xieaniel’s cheeks. She felt her heartbeat double but she ignored it. She needs to be calm.

“Silly, I can dodge that easily. Why did you catch it for me?”

Xieaniel released a faint chuckle, silently groaning. “W-What will happen n-now?” He stuttered, feeling a little weak.

“You didn’t realize you’re in the worst shape now? Don’t think about that for now and stay alive.” She commanded but it was more like pleading.

She turned her head when she heard quick footsteps from behind.

“We lost them!” Natsuki shouted angrily.

“Lock the gate-” Ashriel stopped, suddenly remembering Xieaniel who was assigned to the security system was here, and Oriana who was assigned to the air forces betrayed them. Olive, who knew almost everything, betrayed them as well.

“Crap. Call the Elders and inform Lady Kitori to lock the gates.”

Suddenly, a helicopter hovered above them. Venice and Tory quickly jump out followed by John and Shadrach. Seeing his brother’s condition, John quickly ran towards Leon. His face was filled with anxiousness.

“What on earth happened?!” Venice shouted, panicking.

“He’s alive but I think his left hand was fractured.” Raith reported, pushing his hair back. “Please treat him as soon as possi- what the heck?!” He cursed upon seeing Xieaniel lying in his chest with a dagger dug on his back, and dragged inside the helicopter.

“I’ll explain later. Save them.”

Venice and Tory nodded and quickly went inside the helicopter. The rest traveled by land.

“They escaped via helicopter. Oriana used her position, I suppose.” Natsuki hissed.

***

Everyone was in turmoil with the sudden betrayal of the two and with Xieaniel and Leon’s condition. For safety precautions, Lady Beatrice and some Elders were sent back to Thrascias despite their protest.

Ashriel remained silent outside the operating room, silently praying for the two’s safety. She never thought this would happen.

“Lady Kitori, make sure the air and land security were doubled. Do the same with Thrascias.” Ashriel said without looking at her.

Worry was clearly visible with Lady Kitori’s eyes but she managed to remain calm.

“I will, Your High-” She stopped and so did everyone when Venice, Tory, and Spencer stepped out with repressed looks.

“How are they?”

The three sighed. “They’re stable now. Xieaniel’s wound was deep but thank God the dagger didn’t damage his spine nor reach his heart or lungs. Else, it’ll be a great danger. Leon broke his left arm but it was not as critical as we thought. He can recover soon.” Spencer explained.

With that, everyone’s body slumped in relief. Despite the damage, what’s important is that none of the two died.

“Thank God.” Raith exhaled, followed by Kate.

Ashriel’s ringtone took everyone by surprise and by the way, Nathan gave it back to her.

“It’s me.” Ashriel greeted as soon as she answered the call.

“Young Master- hey!” Ashriel frowned when Siel exclaimed. “Your Highness, it’s me Elias. My brother was planning on ambushing heaven knows what city. He was planning on taking down the nobles.” Elias reported with a little hint of panic. Ashriel hissed.

“That dog. Keep yourself safe then.”

“We will.”

Ashriel’s eyes dimmed. “Who was that?” Nathan asked.

“My informant.” She answered swiftly. “Brother, prepare our men from all cities. Do the same, Carsillion. That bastard Luis was planning on ambushing heaven knows what city. He was planning on taking down nobles.”

“What?!”

Ashriel nodded. “Make sure the whole Empires are safe. Call Sir James and tell him to send some Thrascias troops from his men as well.”

“Noted.” They replied.

“How about Amber and Chaster? I think they are in danger now.” Venice asked, removing her masks and cap.

“I’ll meet with them personally and transfer them here.”

“No. Olive was your secretary so for sure, she knew all of our plans. Remember she’s clever so stay here and talk with the Elders regarding our plans. I’ll fetch the two.” Venice said.

“Bring John with you.”

Venice shook her head and glanced at John who was about to protest.

“Take care of Bri and besides, Leon will be needing his brother when he wakes up since…” She gulped. “He lost his sister and… lover.” She smiled sadly. “You understand me, dear, right?”

John sighed in defeat. “I do.”

“Okay then. Take many guards with you and take care.” Ashriel said, hugging her sister before Venice left.

It was already dusk and the security really tightened, especially when the betrayal of the two were announced. Venice sighed deeply while waiting for the two to arrive.

“What happened to the two of you? Ha… I never imagined this.”

“Even I never did.”

Venice’s soul almost jumped out of her body when two heads popped in front of her. It was Amber and Chaster. She held her chest.

“Seriously? Don’t scare me like that.”

“Ha-ha. Sorry sis.” Amber chuckled, rubbing her tummy that looks like a normal tummy if it wasn’t touched.

Venice flinched again when her phone rang. It was Ashriel. She put it on speaker.

“I met them just now, Zi. They’re here with me.” Venice said as soon as she answered the phone. “You’re on speaker, by the way.”

“Ha-ha. I just want to congratulate you two, Amber and Chaster. By the way, I was greatly surprised with the news.”

The couple laughed. “Thanks, Zi. Congratulations on your wedding as well. Though I already congratulated you during the actual wedding.”

“Yeah. Let’s talk here later. Take care.” With that, the call ended.

“Come now, we’ll travel for an hour and it’s getting late.”

The two nodded. “Seat with me.” Venice opened her door for the two to come in but Chaster remained outside.

“I’ll drive our car and will lead the way.” He said.

“You sure?” Amber asked. He smiled and kissed her dearly.

“Yes. Stay safe.” He kissed her again and reached for her tummy, rubbing it gently.

“Behave, my dear Jasper, okay? Daddy and mommy love you.” He leaned closer and kissed Amber’s tummy, making her heart flutter.

“Jasper? You said you didn’t conduct an ultrasound. How come you know he’s a boy?”

“I just felt he is.” Chaster laughed and closed the limo’s door. “I’ll get going now. Stay safe.” He was about to turn away when Amber grabbed his hand. “Hmm? What’s wrong, baby?”

“Give me one more.” She smiled and pulled Chaster towards her. Chaster smiled unknowingly and kissed her more deeper than the previous one.

“Seriously? It’s not as if Zillian will pull you apart, eh? You’ll meet at Austere after an hour” Venice murmured with a laugh. “I didn’t know you two are like this.”

“Sorry, sis. Pregnancy craves more than I thought.” Amber laughed, pinching Chaster’s cheeks. “Take care as well. I-no, we love you.” She smiled, rubbing her tummy. Chaster smiled like a madman before finally entering his car and driving in front of them.

“I didn’t know you crave crazily.” Venice chuckled. “Oh well, your brother-in-law turns wax during my pregnancy with Bri as well. I understand you now.”

The two chuckled, filling the atmosphere with their laughter. Reaching the first border, Venice glanced at her wristwatch. It was time for the patrols to swap. She sighed. The night was pitch black.

Suddenly, a helicopter hovered around them. Venice became alarmed.

“Contact Chaster.” She commanded, reaching for her machine gun. She opened the window to instruct the driver. “Drive fastly.”

Her bodyguards also prepared their guns. Suddenly, her heart beats faster. She hated it. She reached for her phone and contacted Natsuki.

“Chas, don’t stop and drive faste-”

BANG! BUGSSH!

Amber and Venice gasped when their limo suddenly swung on the other side, hitting the huge tree. Venice even bumped her head on the window but managed to hold Amber’s shoulder, protecting her baby.

“What the-” Her eyes widened upon looking outside and suddenly, everything became silent until,

“CHAS!”

Venice flinched and came back to her senses.

“NO!”

Chaster’s car exploded. Venice gasped and followed Amber who got out of the car. Her bodyguards did the same but unfortunately, her driver died on the spot.

“NO! NO! PLEASE! AAHH!” Amber shouted in agony, seeing Chaster’s car turning to ashes. Venice covered her mouth as tears rolled down her cheeks.

“N-No… Chaster.” She whispered, followed by another tear. Amber was about to run to his car but Venice pulled her and wrapped her arms around her.

“Call Natsuki!” She commanded and one of his guards called Natsuki panickly.

Venice was alarmed when two cars suddenly roared beside them. Her bodyguards were about to shoot them when they pointed their guns at Venice and Amber. Venice grinned her teeth and cursed under her tongue.

“Are you Quislings?” She asked sharply and suddenly, a mocking laugh was heard. She looked at the man who went out of the pitch black car and her blood boiled. It was Luis.

“Long time no see, my baby girl.” Luis sniggered. Seeing him, Amber’s eyes turned darker.

“You asshole! You’ll pay for this!”

“Oh shut up, you bitch. I’m not scared with your puppy wails and your father doesn’t even care about you.” He spat, causing Venice’s blood to boil more.

“How dare you do this. You’ll pay for this.” The anger in Venice's voice was cruel. She wanted to destroy Luis to pieces but she knew she stood no chance in the situation she was in.

“What the hell was wrong with you?” She asked sharply, wanting to buy more time for Natsuki’s men to arrive. But Luis was clever. He smirked.

“Apparently, your trick of buying time won’t work this time, baby girl. Come with me now or that woman will die.” Luis pointed Amber his gun and grinned. Venice clenched her jaw in anger.

“N-No, sis. No. Don’t listen to-”

“Or do you want your precious child or husband to die?”

Hearing his words, Venice’s anger burst.

“Dare to touch anyone from my family and I swear I’ll destroy you to pieces, asshole.”

Luis’ lips quivered. “That’s why I’m still obsessed with you.”

Venice’s nails dug her palm, causing a few blood to drip. Amber tried to convince her not to go but she hesitated. She completely knew Luis can never touch Bri nor John, especially if they’re in the Palace but Amber was now vulnerable. She’s her sister and as the eldest, she must not let any of her family suffer.

“You will let Amber and the rest go freely.” Venice commanded. Amber’s eyes widened. No, she couldn’t take it anymore if two precious people to her sacrificed their lives for her sake. She was about to protest but Venice squeezed her shoulder.

“Trust me.” She whispered. “Report everything to Zillian. Everything. And take care of Jasper.”

Amber’s tears betrayed her again so she bit her lower lip. She hates it when she’s weak. But for the sake of Jasper, she will be strong.

Venice didn’t wait for her to respond and pushed her to her bodyguard before walking towards Luis with dagger eyes. Luis leaned closer and smelled her like a dog before pulling her inside the car and drifting faster than the wind.

As Luis promised, they let Amber and the bodyguards live.

Venice remained silent throughout the entire ride. Luis tried to touch her from time to time but she either turned her head or body away, or pushed Luis away from her. Despite everything, Luis continued to enjoy her unwilling company.

Venice silently prayed for everyone’s safety and for her risky plan to be successful. Luis put her in the same dungeon he used to torture Oriana and after a few minutes, he came back.

“I know you missed me.” Luis said, closing the gate. Venice remained silent, cursing him silently. “Com’on. Don’t treat me like we never had any relationship in the past.”

Venice didn’t reply nor glanced at him. She just bit her lower lip and Luis grinned, stepping closer to her.

“You didn’t even change your mannerism, eh? Still biting those sexy lips of yours whenever you’re nervous.” He cupped her cheeks and squeezed them with one hand.

“Don’t worry, my love. I’ll be gentle as I shred you to pieces before presenting your beautiful face to John and that bitch.”

Only then did Venice meet his dark brown eyes. Her cold eyes sent shivers down his spines.

Venice gently touched his face and traced his lips with her finger. Luis smiled as his body started to heat up.

“I knew you misse-mph.”

Venice wasted no time and kissed him roughly - which Luis quickly responded. He then broke the kiss and licked her ear then bit it. Venice flinched. Seeing her reaction, Luis pinned her to the nearest wall.

He brushed his hand inside her cloth and felt her warm, soft skin. He rubbed her back slowly and pulled her closer. His hand traveled down her waist then he lifted her up, pushed her against the wall, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Venice flinched again when Luis squeezed it.

She dug her nails at his back angrily but it only caused Luis to push his chest to her more.

“Com’on, baby girl. Hurt me more.”

Venice never talked and only scratched her nails to his back.

“So, you really want to taste me after all this time huh?” Luis grinned like a madman and kissed Venice’s collarbone down to her chest as his finger slowly unlocking the lock. But before he could do it, Venice pulled his hair and kissed him dearly on the lips again.

Venice heaved when Luis pulled away, making her fall on the floor, and Luis quickly dropped himself above her, pinning her to the floor. Venice grinned and wrestled with him until she was finally the one on top of Luis.

He smiled. “I can always make you superio-omph.” He stopped when Venice traced his teeth with her finger and slid her finger inside, playing with his tongue. Luis found pleasure until Venice kissed him again but this time he felt something warm flowed down his throat. Venice quickly got up when he started to cough.

“What the hell was that?!” He shouted between his coughs. So that’s why Venice never spoke.

“You’re still using your old methods so I thought you’ll like it when I use the same. Don’t worry. I chose to show you a little mercy in hope that you’ll change, so I used my favorite one. It’s painless.” She explained and wiped her lips roughly. Only John can do that to her. No more, no less.

“Poison?!”

Venice smiled. She always carries small bottles of poisons and antidotes with her wherever she goes.

“First and foremost, I never missed you and our relationship was purely friendship. Secondly, I never wanted to taste you since I know you tasted like shit and lastly, you’re twenty minutes started.”

“You wench!” He stood up and quickly grabbed Venice but stopped when a firm hand grabbed him from behind, slamming him on the nearest wall.

It was Elias. “Brother stop this.” He said, grabbing Venice behind him. “This is not the brother we used to have.”

Seeing Elias, Luis fumed. “You bastard! The hell I care about you!” He quickly took his gun but stopped when Elias pointed him his gun.

“You know I don’t want to do this, Brother. So please, sto-”

“Damn you! I don’t care about weak people like you and that bitch!” Luis didn’t hesitate and clicked the trigger but Elias grabbed Venice down and the bullet hit his shoulder. Elias’ finger clicked the trigger. His eyes widened when Luis flinched and his eyes widened as well, followed by blood from his mouth.

“N-No!”

Luis fell flat on the ground with wide eyes and a pool of blood spreaded in no time. Elias trembled and ran towards his twin with tears streaming down his face.

He knelt. “N-No.. Brother… I-I’m sorry…” His tears burst and his eyes caught the hole in his heart up to his back.

“El…ias.” With that, Luis released his last breath.

Elias shed another tear before closing Luis’ eyes. Venice walked slowly towards him and slowly rubbed his back.

“I’m… sorry…” She whispered before drinking the antidote she took from her inside pocket.

Elias slowly shook his head and washed his face with his palm.

“It’s my fault since… I’m my brother’s keeper.”