The Angel of Death

Part - 9

"The old saying is right after all. An apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Tiatan said as Stefan sat by him.

"What do you mean?" Stefan asked.

"Well, you are following your dear brother's foot steps, falling for a human girl? Really Stefan?"

"I am not falling for Tessa. She needs a place to stay and I am just helping her"

"Do you think anyone would believe that?"

"I don't care if anyone believes it or not, its the truth"

"The truth bull shit. You are so utterly in love with that girl that you was ready to risk your life for her." Tiatan said and Stefan's heart missed a beat, but he laughed and said "Oh that I did because I knew you wouldn't hurt me"

"It didn't looked like that to me"

"It wasn't meant to. Anyways why are you here and how did you find me?"

"That's not important. I've come to take you back"

"How many times do I have to tell you I am not going back, not today not ever. I must live the rest of my life in exile."

"Why? Just because Darian has cast you out?"

"Yes, and what he did was right. I deserved it"

"You have started talking like Darian"

"I would take that as complement" Stefan said smiling before he stood up, dusting his hands and ready to end this conversation.

"Alyken is alive." Tiatan blurted, desperate to stop Stefan.

"What? Uncle is alive?" Stefan asked, feeling relieved that at least his uncle was safe. All though it was Alyken who made him lead the wrong way of life but he still cared for him. Whatever he knows today was all learned from him apart from the new found goodness in his heart.

"Yes. He escaped from the royal dungeon."

"Oh... where is he now?"

"At Nomanland. Recovering from the wounds given to him in prison by Darian." Tiatan said looked at Stefan. Who looked little uncomfortable for a moment then shrugged. " What do you want from me?"

"I want revenge. I want you to help me and Alyken to enter Xaincia."

"Forget it Tiatan, I would do no such thing. We got what we deserved, we must learn to accept our punishment"

"When did you became so righteous? What happened to the fire that burned into you?"

"It died five years back."

"So you are refusing to help us?"

"I am refusing to help anyone who wants to destroy Xaincia. I may not go there again but its still home" Stefan said unable to feel sad and miss Xaincia.

"Is it your last decision?"

"Yes."

"Fine. Then don't be so sure next time that I won't hurt you"

"There wouldn't be a next time"

"Don't be sure about that too. We will meet again" Tiatan said and vanished into thin air.

*******************************

Stefan entered the house and closed the door behind him. As he turned, Tessa flew in his arms and hugged him tightly "Oh thank god you are okay. That monster didn't hurt you. Did he?"

"No. I am fine. See?" He said and held her close.

"I was so scared for you. First the pack of beasts came to attack me...."