CLAIMED

4

“Kaz! Thank goodness you are alright!” Ezekiel sounded excited as he entered Kazan’s bed chambers. He’s in a good mood now that his sovereign is alive and seems to be in good health.

“Yes, thanks to you, my hero.” Kazan faked a smile. Even hours after learning about the troublesome situation he’s currently in. The thought of being claimed by a stray—or rather, that girl, whom grandmaster Dorian concluded to be of royal linage—is weighing heavily on his mind. And because of it, he barely had any sleep.

“I would have been here last night when I heard the good news, but my grandfather forbade me from doing so, which is why I chose to come see you now at day break.”

“Well, as you can see, I’m doing alright now. And again, thank you.”

“You’re my brother and sovereign. It is my duty and pleasure to keep you safe in any way I can.” Ezekiel still felt somewhat guilty about the tragedy that befell Kazan. But luckily, the almighty God of the universe answered his prayer and saved his sovereign’s life. “So, I guess grandfather told you that nonsense about being claimed by that stray. And I know he’s always right about things, being an elder and all. But not this. There is just no way something like that is possible.”

“You are right.” Kazan lied. He hates doing this, especially to someone he can trust with his life. His brother.” Elder Dorian told me he had mistaken my symptoms as a sign that I was being claimed by the stray. But that wasn’t the case.”

“I knew it.” Ezekiel cheered. Thank goodness. He can’t even begin to imagine what would happen if that were the case. Let’s just say it would be a nightmare. “Now, can we go execute that stray?”

“No!” Kazan replied way harsher than intended.

“No? Why not?” Ezekiel looked confused. He thought Kazan would be the first person to want her dead, with his bad temper and all. In fact, he’s surprised that Kazan didn’t execute her last night when he regained consciousness.

“Do I need to explain myself to you, Ziki?” Kazan asked sternly.

“Of course, not sovereign.” OK, he’s acting weird. Is this because he’s suffering from some side effects from his injury? Yes, that must be it. He hopes that will pass soon.

“I said the stray will not be executed, and that’s final. Do you understand?”

“Yes sovereign.”

“Now, if you excuse me, I need to go prepare myself for the scheduled morning spar with Grandmaster Dorian.” Kazan dismissed Ezekiel.

“Alright, see you later then. And don’t push yourself too hard.” Ezekiel lowered his head and left.

Immediately after Ezekiel left, Kazan made his way out of his bed chambers. However, he did not go to martial arts lessons, as he said he would, but to the dungeon. He knows that this is a bad idea, not to mention that Elder Dorian forbids him from seeing her. But for some reason, he just couldn’t help himself.

“I see you have survived my attack, and now you are here to kill me.” Leah, who was lying in a relaxed position on the floor of her cell, said as she sensed and smelled Kazan approaching. Honestly, she was a bit startled to see him in such good health—very surprised that he actually managed to survive her spirit attack. “Well, just get it over with quickly, please.”

“Are you really a surviving royalty from the White Clover Pack true lineage?” Kazan asked, but she didn’t show any sign of knowing anything about what was asked. He deduced that she was either good at controlling her emotions and body language or she’s really clueless. However, his claim mark is evidence that the latter is not the case.