REALM OF MIDNIGHT

CHAPTER 17- CHANGES

Nacht stepped out of the shower, the steam from the hot water enveloping him like a comforting embrace.

Droplets of water cascaded down his body, tracing rivulets along the lines of his toned muscles as he reached for a towel. Wrapping the towel around his waist, Nacht approached the mirror, his eyes fixed on the reflection of his newly dyed white hair-a visual reminder of the change he had chosen to embrace.

But as he stared at himself, a wave of frustration washed over him. Despite his outward transformation, he couldn't shake the feeling of discontent that lingered within him, gnawing at him, a constant reminder of the battles he fought within himself.

With a growl of frustration, Nacht clenched his fists, his nails biting into the flesh of his palm. Blood welled up from the small punctures, staining his skin with crimson droplets. For a moment, he stood there, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he wrestled with the turmoil raging inside him.

Then, with a primal roar, he lashed out, his fist connecting with the unforgiving surface of the mirror. The glass shattered on impact, shards raining down around him as he staggered back, his hand throbbing with pain. He leaves the bathroom leaving his hand blooded.

Hastily pulling on a fresh set of clothes, Nacht clenched and unclenched his fist, blood dripping from his knuckles.

As he made his way towards the door, a sharp gasp echoed through the hallway. One of the household servants stood frozen in the doorway, her eyes widening in alarm at the sight of Nacht's bloodied hand.

"Master Nacht, what happened?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with concern.

Nacht met her gaze with a steely stare, his expression unreadable as he tried to mask the turmoil raging within him.

"It's nothing," he replied dismissively, his tone clipped and cold.

"Just a... minor accident."

He continued walking and found solace in the familiar embrace of his favorite spot in the house-the window overlooking the expansive gardens. With a cigarette between his fingers, he leaned against the frame, gazing out into the sky as wisps of smoke curled lazily around him. The light casting a silvery glow on his newly dyed hair, which cascaded around his shoulders in untamed waves.

Lost in his thoughts, he was startled when Morgen appeared beside him, a questioning look in his eyes.

"Brother, why did you dye your hair white?" Morgen asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

He took a long drag from his cigarette before answering, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

"Just felt like a change," he replied nonchalantly, masking the deeper reasons behind his decision.

Morgen raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by Nacht's casual response.

Before Morgen could inquire further, Yami's voice echoed from the doorway, announcing his arrival with a boisterous laugh.

"Yo! What's up with the new look, Nacht?" Yami asked, grinning as he approached the window.

Nacht swiftly composed himself, masking any trace of his inner turmoil behind his usual stoic expression.

With practice ease, he schooled his features into a mask of calm indifference, concealing the anger that simmered beneath the surface. He turned to face him, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I could ask you the same thing, Yami. You're looking more like a magic knight every day," Nacht teased, his tone laced with amusement.

Yami chuckled, running a hand through his unruly hair.

"Me, a magic knight? Nah, I prefer to leave the heroic part to Morgen," he replied, flashing a mischievous grin.

Nacht's smirk widened. "That's the smartest thing you've said all day. Magic knights are too uptight for a guy like you."

Yami laughed, nodding in agreement. "You're not wrong there, Nacht. Honestly, I'm still wondering how I ended up on a magic squad."

Nacht raised an eyebrow, genuine curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Seriously, why did you end up there?"

Yami shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Beats me. Maybe they needed someone to lighten the mood, or they just felt sorry for me."

Nacht chuckled, taking another drag from his cigarette. "Just try not to embarrass yourself too much, magic knight."

Yami grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Oh! By the way Morgen! Mission time," Yami said to Morgen before looking at Nacht.

"Nacht, don't get caught up in trouble again, or you may end up in prison," Yami warned him before leaving.

"Nah, whatever," Nacht responded dismissively.

" See you later brother!" Morgen said before he turned his back.

Nacht watched Yami and Morgen leave, feeling a twinge of jealousy. He couldn't help but think they were better suited for each other.