The man grabbed Caelan's hand, gripping it firmly. He stared at Caelan with his dark eyes. At that moment, all the strength left his body.

  The man wore a long, ivory coat that fell to his boots like a mantle of authority, its fabric heavy, trimmed with fine gold embroidery that traced geometric patterns across his collar and sleeves. Beneath his coat was a fitted grey tunic, fastened neatly with brass buttons.

  A high collar rose to his jawline, framing his face like armour, whilst a white circular seal made of interlocking patterns rested on his chest, the symbol of the dominion.

  A leather belt crossed his waist, securing his coat and the scabbard. Dark gloves covered his hands.

  Caelan sweated. He was in no shape to fight. What did this man want? He was lost for words. It was the first time he had shown fear on his face.

  ----

  Orion grabbed Caelan's hand, flimsy and weak. He frowned at his strength, pitying him.

  He got up and took out a cigarette.

  "Do you know why I am here?" he said whilst lighting the cigarette.

  Caelan didn't reply. He continued to look in terror.

  Orion gazed at him.

  "Well, do you know who I am?" he asked whilst putting the cigarette in his mouth.

  Caelan hesitated.

  "Orion. Orion Whitlock," Caelan said.

  It was obvious he was scared.

  Was such a life really worth taking? Orion continued to ponder. But he had no choice in the matter. This decision wasn't his own.

  "Yes, and judging by your reaction, you know why I am here, correct?"

  Silence.

  Orion sighed, looking at the uneasy boy.

  He turned back and started walking down the stairs.

  "Come with me. Let's take this somewhere more… private."

  Caelan didn't follow up, but instead stared at Orion as he went down.

  "Oh, and don't try to run away. It won't end well."

  With that statement, Orion heard Caelan's footsteps coming down behind him.

  On the outside, he remained immaculately calm, but he felt deep sadness, even resentment. He had killed many before for the sake of the dominion. Sometimes, he even wanted to. But this was one of the cases where he resented it.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  They walked out of the academy, Caelan wary of Orion's presence. Orion didn't pay him any attention. He couldn't manage to look at him. Instead, he looked directly ahead.

  "So, my brother. Have you met him?" he asked.

  Caelan hesitated again before answering. Orion glared at him, indirectly telling him that it was okay to speak.

  "Yes, I have met him."

  The full moon hung low in the night sky. There was no one in sight. The sector was lit by city lamps hanging from poles and the lights coming from houses made from white stone.

  "What did you think of him?" Orion asked.

  "He's certainly… strong," Caelan said slowly.

  Orion coughed. Judging by the way he spoke and what he said, he seemed to despise him, or at least hold some hatred. But he didn't blame him. His little brother was known for crossing the line.

  They continued walking, their boots striking the stone ground.

  "So, how did you manage to beat him?"

  They walked into a narrow, quiet corridor.

  Caelan paused, contemplating what to say.

  Orion threw his cigarette on the ground, the sparks giving a brief contrast of light.

  He took out his curved sword from its scabbard.

  "And yes, I know what you are thinking. This is the day you are going to die."

  ----

  Caelan looked over at Orion, his heartbeat rising. His body was weak, to the point that even standing was difficult. He came to terms with what was going to happen to him.

  He breathed deeply and looked up at the night sky. The stars looked majestic.

  "So, this is it, huh?" he thought to himself.

  He didn't fear death, but he wished he had found more meaning in his lifetime. This world was hidden within secrets, and he was just starting to explore it. It was like trying to put a puzzle together, only to have just taken it out of its wrapper.

  Orion looked at him calmly, too calmly, as if he was pretending. There was misery behind his eyes and tiny fragments of regret. What was he going through?

  "I want to make this as painless as possible for you," he said firmly.

  "One quick stab to the heart should do the trick. What do you think?"

  Caelan looked down at the ground and thought about his question.

  "Yes, I agree. Normally, I would say beheading, but the dominion doesn't believe in that."

  Orion raised his eyebrows.

  "And you are not going to fight back?" he asked in confusion.

  "I would normally, but my body has given up on me."

  There was no need to hide anything now.

  Orion smacked his lips, gritting his teeth slightly.

  He began to walk towards Caelan in small strides.

  "Okay. This will only hurt for a few seconds."

  He pushed Caelan to the wall, aiming his curved sword at his heart.

  When he looked at Caelan, he saw no fear of this world. He had been mistaken in assuming he had any hatred earlier. How long had he been trying to survive?

  Caelan didn't reply. He felt the weight of the sword pointing at his heart. Instead of looking at it, he looked up at the stars. They looked so beautiful.

  Orion inhaled, and with one deep breath, he swung his curved sword forward. Caelan closed his eyes.

  Clang!

  What had happened? Caelan didn't feel any pain. He didn't feel the sharp edge of the sword cutting his skin.

  He opened his eyes. In front of him stood Orion, huffing rigorously. He looked Caelan in the eyes. Caelan looked at his body.

  Nothing. No scratch. No injury.

  He looked directly beside him. There it was, the sword, its tip hitting the stone wall. Caelan stared in astonishment.

  "Why?" he whispered to Orion.

  "Won't you be killed for this?"

  Orion looked at him again and stepped back. Sweat dripped down his face, not out of exhaustion, but out of panic.

  "No, not this way," he said.

  "This is not the right way to kill you."

  Caelan looked in bewilderment. Did he mean what Caelan thought he meant?

  "Here," Orion said, tossing his curved sword to Caelan.

  "Even if your body has given up, you can still fight."

  Caelan gripped it tightly, feeling the strong wooden hilt.

  "Give me everything you have got," said Orion as he got ready.