Own Time

Chapter 41

??? POV

As the child disappeared, leaving the mansion behind, I cast my gaze downward at the unconscious man dangling from a tree branch. A slow grin curled at the edges of my lips as I tilted my head, amused by the pathetic display before me.

"What a weakling," I murmured, my tone laced with mockery. "Knocked out by a single jab to the neck."

Effortlessly, I leapt onto the very branch he had collapsed from. With deliberate malice, I pressed my foot down onto his hands, waiting for the satisfying sound of cracking beneath the pressure. The same fate met his legs, the corners of my mouth lifting as I relished each moment. Grasping him by the neck, I hoisted him up, staring into his limp, almost lifeless form.

"They sent you to eliminate him? How foolish. Underestimating the people of Estevel... Tsk. I won't let you spoil my fun just yet."

A swirl of black smoke seeped from my fingers, wrapping itself like a collar around his neck. The air grew colder as the dark tendrils tightened.

"But first, I must ensure your silence. You won't be needing that voice of yours any longer," I said softly, savoring the moment. "Now off you go, and let your body serve as proof of your failure."

With a flick of my wrist, I hurled him skyward. Black smoke consumed him, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished, leaving nothing behind.

"Both of them are finally in motion," I whispered, a thrill running through me. "I can't wait to see who will emerge victorious."

A smile played on my lips once more before I, too, vanished into the thin air.

.........................

Aidan's POV

As I sat down to dinner with my mother, I recounted the day's events, omitting only the plan I intended to share with Sir Rowan. She listened intently, a satisfied smile spreading across her face when I mentioned my newfound friendships with Travis and Zayah. Her delight was visible as she acknowledged the day had unfolded without any hiccups.

"Since your first visit was a success, which family will you be visiting next?" she asked, her voice warm and encouraging, though her focus remained on her meal, glancing up at me between bites.

It was evident that she had come to fully trust me, confident enough in my judgment to let me decide the next family to approach. Meeting her gaze, I took a moment before responding, ready to share my thoughts on the matter.

"Oh, I have a family in mind," I said, enthusiasm bubbling within me. "I was planning to visit them first, before you suggested I start with Sir Rowan's family. I'm thinking of visiting the Fervent Family next..."

Before I could finish my thought, my mother suddenly coughed, food spilling from her mouth, and both of us jumped in alarm. Vel rushed to her side, quickly refilling her glass with water. My heart raced as I watched her take small sips, gradually calming herself.

"Mother, are you okay?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

"Yes, I'm fine. My apologies for startling you," she replied, her tone steadying as she set the glass down and dabbed at her mouth with a handkerchief.

"Is there something wrong with what I said?" I inquired, my brow furrowing with concern.

I had chosen the Fervent family because, at my sixth birthday celebration, they were one of the few families who treated me with genuine kindness, never looking down on me when we spoke.

"No, it's not that," my mother replied, though her smile felt forced. "Are you sure you want to visit them?"

"Yes," I affirmed, recalling the conversation I had overheard. "I remember you and the head of the Fervent family talking during the Frisu and my celebration. I thought you were allies. Am I mistaken?"

My voice carried a hint of worry. Were they not who I believed them to be? I truly hoped they were on our side.

"You're not wrong about that. We became allies shortly after I joined hands with the Bedaim family. It's just that their family is a bit, ummm..." My mother hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

"Affectionate," Vel interjected, his tone matter-of-fact.

"Yes, that's it," my mother agreed, though uncertainty still lingered in her voice. I looked between them, confusion knitting my brows together.

"What's wrong with that? Sir Bedaim's family is affectionate too, and I don't see that as a problem," I said, a smile creeping onto my face.

"Oh, I suppose you could say they take the word 'affectionate' to an abnormal level," my mother clarified, leaving me still puzzled by her meaning.

"How about this, young master? They're the most abnormally romantic family in all of Norouca," Vel explained, a hint of amusement in his voice.

The mention of the Fervent family stirred memories of a book I had read about the symbols of each family. The Fervent family's emblem was a fox, creatures known for their cunning and intelligence, often using trickery to deceive others. Did they employ romance or affection as a means to manipulate people?

"Oh, forget it," my mother sighed, rolling her eyes. "They're just weird perverts, especially Ember."

Ember? That was the name of the head of the Fervent family—the very person I had seen my mother conversing with. The pieces began to click together, leaving me both curious and wary about the family I intended to visit next.

"Well, if they're not bad people, then I think I can manage talking with them," I said cheerfully, trying to ease my mother's worries.

"One last chance, kid. Are you really sure? Maybe you're just exhausted and not thinking straight. You still have tomorrow to decide—perhaps it's just jet lag," she replied rapidly, her concern evident.

"I don't know what that is, but no, I'm not exhausted, and yes, I'm certain about visiting them," I reassured her, determined to put her at ease despite her lingering doubts.

"Alright, if that's what you want, but I need to add someone to accompany you on your visit," my mother said, tilting my head as curiosity arouse within me.

"Who?" I asked, intrigued.

"I'll tell you once I've spoken to that person. Let's just say you'll need a thorn by your side while I'm not with you. Crade and the guards won't be enough... nothing will ever be enough," she replied, her upper lip curling slightly as she looked at me.

"Don't worry, Mother. I can handle it," I said with a wide smile. She chuckled, patting my head and nodding, her own smile reassuring me. "And besides, how bad can it be?"

.........................

"It's bad. It's really, really bad," I muttered, staring at what lay before me, my eyes and mouth agape in disbelief.

Would I ever manage to stay sane until the end?