Soft Spot → Sylus

Epilogue

Years have passed since the unfortunate event of Theia's kidnapping, and here you are, facing a similar situation.

Standing behind Sylus, you cast a glance over at Nerian from across the room. The man is nearly in his mid 50s now, his dark brown eyes reflecting the anxiety and fear, his body rigid as he stands upright. You notice the figure lingering underneath the shadow begins to move, stopping just before the light can reveal her identity, an ominous aura emanating from her.

"What do you want?" Sylus stands leisurely, staring at the figure with nonchalance.

"I want cash, or else your assistant over here will face my wrath," the figure speaks in a low tone, masking her usual high-pitched voice.

"Mister Sylus," Nerian nervously glances at Sylus, almost pleading. "Please, just do it. We're running out of time."

With a deliberate sigh, Sylus fishes his phone out of his pocket. "How much?"

"Ten million," the figure walks forward, the light illuminating her cherry red shoes. "Also, the best weapon you have in this warehouse."

Sylus cocks an eyebrow as he glances up from his phone's screen. "Honey, I've told you. No weapon is stronger than your Evol," tapping away on his phone screen for a moment, he stuffs the phone back into his pocket. "Besides, what do you need ten million for?"

"Dad," she whines, finally stepping into the light to reveal her identity; the light reflecting off her white hair, no longer than her shoulders, wispy bangs covering her forehead. Red eyes stare directly back at Sylus, her lips pouting at the nickname as she crosses her arms. "I've used up my savings to host the monthly all you can eat buffet in Sifnos. It's like the main attraction there, given the considerable low price."

"Hold on," you step forward, facing Sylus with furrowed brows. "You gave our 10 year old daughter full management of Sifnos Hotel?"

Sylus chuckles, a lopsided smile appearing on his face. "She begged me to teach her how 'to run things'. So I put Nerian as Assistant Manager and Theia as the General Manager," turning to face Theia, who has walked closer to you and Sylus, he crosses his arms with an unpleasant expression, both of you towering over the girl. "Though I must say that ten million is a very small amount. Are you sure you can survive with it for a month?"

"Dad, I don't spend my money on collectible antiques like you. So, yes, I'll survive," Theia walks towards you with a beaming smile, holding your hand. While she's only 10, she's slowly starting to outgrow you. Not only that, she's almost like a female copy of Sylus, just slightly more feminine style-wise; wine red sweater with white diamond shaped pattern going down the middle and a pair of black semi jeans — usually, she would bring the specially tailored leather jacket Sylus bought her on her 8th birthday, but you convinced her not to today.

"So, what do you spend it on?" you can tell that Sylus is interested, as he kneels down in front of the small girl.

"There's a limited edition plushie to celebrate the Great Zephyr's shop 8th anniversary," the aura around her turns joyful and lighthearted as she nearly pulls you along to the door of the warehouse. "I'm bringing mom. So, I don't need Mephisto stalking around."

Before either of you can step further away, Sylus grips your other hand, keeping both of you in place. "Oh, no, you don't. You had your fun with my wife while I was gone for two weeks, now's my turn," Sylus stands upright, his grip firm but gentle on your hand. You feel like a rope being tugged from side to side as the father of your child and your own daughter fights to win you like a prized doll.

"Your wife is literally my mom," Theia pulls your hand, yet again. For a 10 year old, she sure has quite the strength and nerve to talk back to Sylus. "And, she's been sooo busy for the past two weeks, I only spent a day out with her!"