Strangely Familiar - The Flaw in Time

Chapter 22

"Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not." - Oscar Wilde

***

Naina fought the urge to roll her eyes.

For all she knew, he could be Royalty too in a far-off land.

"You speak of Malsvov Theory?" Cian asked, a little intrigued, before exchanging glances with Shaurya. "Your little mage is quite the fast learner," He turned his gaze back to her, "but make no mistake, imitated magic is just as powerful as the real."

Shaurya said nothing. 

He resumed roaming his eyes around the room before they landed on Samraat and motioned him to come closer. 

Naina wanted to stop the interaction before it took place, but her brother stepped forward without hesitation.  

Cian was curiously looking at the design on the walls, carefully curated monochromatic designs, and types of equipment in the room. One would think they were simple designs, but Cian knew better. They were the souvenirs of his past winnings. 

"The collection is truly unique and exquisite. One would think you spend an eternity collecting them. Oh wait-"

He paused, throwing a cheeky grin. "You did spend eternity in here."

Shaurya ignored him. "I require your assistance."

"Mine?"

"Unless you are not the one the little naive girl talked about being by her side during her troubling times in the Mansion, yes."

Samraat returned a confused look. "What do you need me for?"

"I need you to break your ties." He commanded.

"What ties?" Naina stood beside her brother with folded arms.

"Excuse me!"

Their reaction was in synchronicity.

Shaurya smiled pleasantly at her. From her experience, she knew that smile was up to no good. He conveniently ignored her and carried on. Naina scowled at him, mentally promising that she would make him taste his medicine one day.

"Tell me, mortal, have you been feeling a little overwhelmed or tired recently?"

"His name is Samraat." Naina seethed. She does not understand Shaurya's hatred toward mortals. Sure he suffered at their hands, but he can't put everyone on the same platform, or ready to throw them under the bus. That just wasn't fair. 

A wave of cold rush washed over her, making her insides shiver. The cold air froze her movements, pinching the pores of her skin for a second before melting away. She let out a heavy breath at the sudden exposure.

The Royalty dropped his hand by his side, his lips twitched slightly. "Do shut up, Akira, or I assure you I can be highly creative."

Cian overheard them and snickered. "Yes, the moment he is free, he's gonna open a school of creativity, considering his previous records have been quite ingenious."

Focussing his attention back on the young man, Sharuya repeated, "Your answer awaits."

"I have, but only because I," Samraat paused, not known to be very vocal about his feelings, let alone with a complete outsider who was a force to be reckoned with.

He looked at him in anticipation. Samraat shook his head, slightly agitated at being interrogated by the man responsible for the twist in their lives. "I just felt hurt."