Chapter 35 Chapter 35
"Do you truly believe those four took the lives of our own kind, Yfraim?" Ryuk asked his brother.
They were in a room within the citadel, surrounded by wolf warriors on the outside to ensure no one could enter. This private conversation was necessary, especially in the wake of the catastrophe they had just faced.
"And you, brother, what do you think really happened? Do you believe Leron and the others are capable of such a thing?" the King asked in return.
"No. Aside from the fact that we know the cousins' bloodline, I believe Leora when she says Gray was with her the night the killings occurred. We know Leora, Yfraim... She has never taken the side of evil."
"How about Aurora? What about what she and Sapiro said? Does that mean the father and daughter are lying?" Yfraim wanted to know his brother’s take on the matter. He needed a second opinion for an incident of this magnitude.
"I believe them as well. We’ve known Sapiro for a long time, and we’ve seen how he embraced change since he fell in love with Laura. As for Aurora, she has no reason to lie. Those four helped them when they were in danger; based on Aurora’s character, we know she is grateful, but we also know she has the strong convictions of her parents."
Everything his brother said was right, and it mirrored his own beliefs. Both parties were telling the truth.
No one was lying.
"If that’s the case, then what really happened that night?" Yfraim rotated his chair to face his brother, who was casually eating meat.
"Someone entered our territory without our knowledge. Whoever entered this forsaken forest has the ability to mimic someone's personality. The Kataw of the Seventh Sea were experts at mimicry, but their race was wiped out long ago. I know of one other creature skilled in deception: the race where Leora originated. The Elemental Demons."
"You are correct in everything you've said, Ryuk. What we must do now is monitor everyone here within the mountain."
"What about our youth?"
"We’re going to break the rules this time, brother. We need to prioritize teaching the new generation over following the regulations of the elders. Later, I will call a meeting to begin the steps I need to take."
His brother smirked at him. "You have us, Yfraim; you don’t have to carry this burden alone. We’re willing to help. I can even take charge of the youths' training."
"Sapiro will handle the training. I have something else for you to do."
"What? Is it more important than the welfare of our next generation?"
"Yes, Ryuk. I want you to follow Aurora. We need to ensure the safety of the Sakot while her full abilities have yet to manifest. The Island of Garantiara is dangerous for them."
"That’s why you’re sending me there? Oh, come on! Have a heart, brother," Ryuk said with a laugh. He stretched, his back bones popping. "I thought I’d just rust away here in your palace, Yfraim. I’m dying to follow those two, but I was worried about your situation here. I didn't want to leave you with all these problems; I wouldn't have peace of mind."
"Thank you for worrying about me, brother."
Ryuk approached him and patted his shoulder. "That’s what true brothers do. We’ve been in this mess before—or rather, we’ve seen worse. This time, we need to do what we did back then: watch each other’s back. Just promise me you’ll be alright here."
"Don’t worry about me, Ryuk. This mountain is safe for us. Whoever dared to kill in our territory will not leave here alive."
Ryuk wanted to feel at ease, but he couldn't. He had lingering doubts about leaving and feared for his brother. For the first time, it felt as if something was holding him back. He felt a sudden fear that if he left, he might never see his brother again.
"If you believe the four of them, why do you have them imprisoned?" Ryuk asked the King. He didn't want to show his anxiety because the Alpha in front of him was proud and dominant.
"Because the four are safer in Alabaskar, away from the rage of our kin."
"But there are others who believe in them, Yfraim. In the days Rafuza spent with Gray, he knew he could be trusted." Rafuza was Leora’s uncle, a thousand years their senior. "He even gave them his blessing, and you know Rafuza. He’s hard to please, especially since he can read the intentions of those he faces."
"I’ll do what I can for those four."
Ryuk simply shrugged. "I’m going to visit them first before I leave this place. I’ll speak with Rafuza as well."
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, Ryuk." The King looked at him. Ryuk was a seer; he could glimpse the future of a being. "Are you seeing something, Ryuk?" Ryuk didn't answer. "Don't lie about it, little brother. I know you too well."
He hesitated. But he had to be honest; it was the only way to protect his brother. "What I see is blurry, but I have a bad feeling, Yfraim. There's—" He didn't even want to hear the words come out of his own mouth.
"Spill it..."
"There will be an attempt on your life, right where you are sitting, Yfraim."
"Have you seen me die?"
"No—"
"That’s enough." The King smiled at him. "If you’re worried about me, then return immediately after you find the seven. I promise you that while you are gone, I will do everything to stay alive." He held out his hand. "A promise is a promise, little brother. I’ll keep mine, so make one too..."
Ryuk took his hand. "I promise we will return immediately with the other immortals—the seven might not be complete, but I'll ensure the three we bring back are trustworthy."