Under The Divine Veil 【bxb】

CHAPTER I

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ONE

In this world, humans were the most common existence, running amok everywhere as if they owned the place. However, so did gods, demons, and even the genetically-modified.

I, Orion Saer, am one of those "existences", a result of genetic modification. Somewhere along the line, my ancestors decided to get involved in the Underground's hybrid trafficking ring for god-knows-whatever reason. Now, everyone in my family has these annoying canine ears and a very faint tint of blue in our jet black hair. Sure, we're one of the most powerful families in the Underground, but hybrid-trafficking is the Vind Family's thing, not ours.

As the first and only son of the Saer Family's current master, I've been assigned as the "heir" since birth. Although the title weighs heavily on my shoulders, it's been so long, I've almost grown accustomed to it. The ever-growing list of responsibilities, the eyes that watch me wherever I go, the heavy weight of my family's expectations, and the feeling of dread that washes over me whenever I think of becoming the master one day.

I heave a long, heavy sigh, closing the old book in my hands. With all of this worrying, how could I ever become the master? Am I truly a worthy heir?

I decide against thinking more on the topic, setting the book aside. I lean back into the plush chair beneath me, allowing the smell of old books to seep into my nose. I spent most of my time these days in my family's library, sticking my nose into books, desperately trying to learn everything I could.

All to be a good heir.

"Big brother! Rion, you're still here?"

A sweet, girly voice calls out. I open my eyes to see my little sister, Celeste, tapping me on the shoulder. Her hair is tied up into two cute pigtails, and her canine ears flap wildly.

A warm smile forms on my face, and I heave myself off the plush chair to face her. "Celeste? What are you doing here?"

The little girl pouts, crocodile tears forming in her eyes. "I can't visit my big brother? You study all the time, and never hang out with me anymore. I'm seven years old now, I'm old enough to hang out with you and the other big kids!" she wails.

I pat her head, trying to comfort her. "I'll come play with you, okay? I'm done with studying for the day, anyway," I say.

Celeste beams at me, a wide grin on her face. "Let's go, then! I want to invite the other big kids too. Can you ask them for me?"

I nod, putting the book I was reading back into its shelf. "Sure, Lucien and Xu Hua?" I ask.

She eagerly nods, grabbing my hand and dragging me out of the library. "Mom and dad won't mind if we hang out with them today, I already asked," she says as she leads me out of the manor.

How prepared, I think as I walk with Celeste to the Vind Manor. The houses of the three major families of the Underground are within walking distance of each other. Our families aren't "friendly" by any means, but we aren't hostile either. The Saer Family has learned a long, long time ago that we shouldn't place our complete trust in anybody, especially after the Great War.

We arrive at the Vind Manor shortly after. The guards standing at the gate recognize us, and they let us in after a few short questions.

Out of the three families, the Vind Family is the most powerful, and the Saer Family is the least. As expected, the Vind Family's manor is decorated with lavish architecture, a huge water fountain, and rows upon rows of flower bushes.

The door to the manor opens after a few short knocks. A twelve-year-old boy stands in the doorway, his features slightly obscured by a few strands of dark hair. Although he's only two years older than me, he always acts like he's so much more knowledgable and mature.