Sword of Vengeance (Bjorn and Zyro #2)[COMPLETED]

26: Training With Father

The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the city as the night deepened. Inside a dimly lit training room in Godfrey's hidden headquarters, Zyro stood across from the ancient vampire, sweat dripping down his brow. The intense training session had pushed him to his limits, but Zyro was used to challenges—especially when they came from Godfrey.

Godfrey moved with a fluid grace that only came with centuries of battle experience. He circled Zyro, his eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. "You're improving," Godfrey commented, his voice low but sharp. "But you're still holding back."

Zyro wiped the sweat from his brow, narrowing his eyes. "I'm giving it everything I've got."

Godfrey shook his head. "Not everything. I've seen what you can do, Zyro. But there's more power in you—power you've yet to unlock."

Zyro clenched his fists, ready to go another round, but then Godfrey's tone shifted. "I'm going to need you to be stronger than ever soon. The civil war is coming, and when it does, I need all the pieces in place—including the Ghost Alpha."

At the mention of Conrad, Zyro froze. His eyes darkened, and a cold anger seeped into his voice. "What do you mean by that?"

Godfrey met his gaze without flinching. "Conrad is a key player in this war. Whether you like it or not, the Ghost Alpha must be at my disposal."

Zyro's heart pounded in his chest, anger flaring hot and fast. "Conrad is not some weapon for you to use in your war, Godfrey! He's my friend—and he's been through enough. I won't let you control him like that."

Godfrey raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but firm. "This isn't about control, Zyro. It's about survival. Conrad is more than just a friend; he's the Ghost Alpha, and his power could turn the tide in this war."

Zyro stepped forward, fists clenched at his sides. "I don't care what you think he is. Conrad has already suffered more than anyone should. I won't let him be dragged into your games."

Godfrey's eyes flickered with a dangerous intensity. "This isn't a game, Zyro. This is war. And in war, we use the tools we have. Conrad is powerful—perhaps even more powerful than he realizes. You can't shield him forever."

Zyro's voice grew low, shaking with emotion. "I'm not trying to shield him. But I know what happens when people like you use others for your own ends. Conrad deserves more than that."

For a moment, there was silence between them. Godfrey's expression softened ever so slightly, though his eyes still held their ancient wisdom. "I understand your loyalty. But you need to understand that this is bigger than you, bigger than Conrad. If we don't win this war, none of us will survive."

Zyro's jaw tightened, his chest heaving with the weight of his anger. "I don't want to hear it, Godfrey. You don't get to decide what's best for him. Conrad's been through hell, and I'll be damned if I let you drag him back into it."

Godfrey studied Zyro for a long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. I won't force Conrad into anything. But know this: when the time comes, we may not have a choice. The Ghost Alpha is part of this war, whether you like it or not."

Zyro turned away, his mind spinning with frustration and fury. Conrad's face flashed in his mind, the pain his friend had endured, the battles they had fought together. The thought of Godfrey using him as a pawn made his blood boil.

As the weight of Godfrey's words settled in, Zyro couldn't shake the nagging feeling that things were spiraling out of control. He couldn't let his father manipulate Conrad—he had to find a way to protect his friend, no matter the cost.

 "Zyro, I care about you. I cared about your mother too. But there are forces at play here that even I cannot fully control. All I'm asking is that you be ready when the time comes."

Zyro didn't answer, his mind already spinning with thoughts of how to protect Conrad from whatever plans Godfrey had in mind. The Ghost Alpha was powerful—too powerful—and if Godfrey intended to use him, it wouldn't be without a fight.

****

The hallway was dimly lit as Zyro stood outside Conrad's door, his hand hesitating for a brief moment before he finally knocked. There was a shuffling sound from inside, and soon the door creaked open to reveal Conrad, looking a bit disheveled but alert. He raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Zyro? Everything okay?"

Zyro nodded, though his mind was still heavy from the conversation with Godfrey. He tried to push the thoughts aside for now. "Yeah, I just... I needed some air. Was thinking maybe we could go for a walk?"

Conrad's expression softened, sensing that something was weighing on Zyro. "Sure. Let me just grab my jacket."

Moments later, they were outside, the cool night breeze sweeping through the streets of Taguig. They walked in silence for a while, the city's nightlife bustling around them, the sounds of cars and distant laughter filling the air. Finally, they reached a nearby Starbucks, its warm lights and the familiar scent of coffee offering some comfort.

They ordered their drinks, and after a few moments of quiet, Zyro finally spoke up.

"Conrad, there's something I need to ask you," Zyro said, his tone more serious than usual.

Conrad leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink. "What's on your mind?"

Zyro hesitated, not sure how to bring it up. "I... I was wondering if you could summon her again."

Conrad's face tensed slightly, his eyes flicking away from Zyro's. He knew exactly who Zyro meant. "You want to see your mom again?"

Zyro nodded, his voice quieter now. "Yeah. I know it's a lot to ask, but I just... I need to talk to her. There are things I need to understand."

Conrad studied Zyro for a moment, his expression conflicted. "Zyro, you know that summoning spirits—it's not always easy. And your mom... she's tied to some powerful things. But if it's what you need, I'll do it."

Zyro offered a small, grateful smile. "I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. I just need to hear her voice again."

Conrad set his drink down, nodding slightly. "Okay. We can do it tonight if you're ready."

Zyro took a deep breath, the weight of what he was asking settling in. But he nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and hope. This could be the only chance to get the answers he'd been looking for.

As they finished their drinks, the world outside Starbucks felt distant, almost surreal. They were about to delve into something neither of them could fully control, but Zyro was ready—he had to be.

"Let's do it," he said quietly, determination lining his voice.

Conrad gave a small, reassuring nod. "Alright. Let's go find your mom."