King Gnah

24- ARCHER III

STACY

"I know I'm probably the last person you want to hear this from," Ray spoke up. We were having dinner while Anya told us her suspicions about Gale. "...but I think this guy literally has nothing to hide. I just think the message means something else."

Anya looked deep in thought. She then started pacing around since she had not even bothered to take her seat in the first place. "There could be someone sent here to look into us." Then she had a dramatic pause.

We waited as her face went from a lightbulb moment to a defeated look.

"Should we be worried?" I asked.

Kenny was in his room, and Stephan and Tasha left a while back due to some emergency. We were all alone as a group, and I was certain that whatever this was, Anya would sort it out as always. I mean, I sound childish, but she always had a solution, and I trust her. Especially when Kenny needs her.

Anya took a deep breath, and you could tell that we all did too. "I chose to be at Royal Peak because it was the one remnant of the pre-barrier era. Which means that this place was standing long before the barrier was put up. That also means that no matter the barrier restrictions, Royal Peak can have portals opened at any time, by anyone, from anywhere." She grabbed a chair, sat, and covered her face in both hands, "I did not consider that we could be vulnerable here. Anyone can find us, and anyone can spy on us."

I personally felt how vulnerable Anya just made us. Maybe Kenny would agree with the twins. A weak barrier meant an attack. And it could happen anytime, anywhere. Like how Louis died.

Caleb spoke over the silence," Anya, we still have a long way to go before understanding all this." he looked to his sister, and she nodded. I just realised then that he had a slight Hispanic accent. He added, "But we want to know how we can help. It means a lot to us to get to investigate our bloodline. We never knew our mom. Just say the word."

"I'm with him, "Ray interjected, "my parents went missing when I was five. If they were from the barriers, I wanna know what life was like for them."

Willow had a guilty expression the whole time. Maybe because she had both parents, and they raised her, and she was with them when they passed. I felt that too...these guys had been through so much, and they were here listening to fairytales with a straight face on.

Anya nodded in understanding, "They probably went back to fight for their home during the clan wars. We'll find answers, but first," she got out her phone and dialled a number. After a few rings while we cleared the dishes, someone picked up. She then went into the hall to talk.

I sat at the table as I watched everyone get on with their evening. I missed my dad so badly at times like these. He was a private investigator, and his last mission was in South Africa. That was eight months ago. I could only write to him and pray that he replies.

After having had enough of my own sulking, I went to my room. I was right across from Ray, so I was expecting to see him in his room or something, so I could say good night (it was our thing by now), but I was caught off guard by the rage he used while talking on the phone.

His arms were swinging like crazy, and his Russian came out. I mean, I knew his mom was Russian, but that was all I knew. He sounded fluent...and angry. Before I could escape faster, he spotted me.

He looked a little startled, then quickly ended the call and headed toward me. I was frozen on the floor, so all I managed to say was, "For what it's worth, I don't speak Russian, so I got nothing." And I said this at practically the speed of light.

He reached his door, looked around to see if I was alone, then raised an eyebrow at me. I smiled. This felt awkward.

"That was my girlfriend...I guess I'm single now." He said.

Oh.

I had nothing to say; "I'm sorry..." was all I made out.

He chuckled in this low husky voice, "Yeah, me too. Sorry, I scared you. Good night."

I waved, "Good night." Then I escaped to my room.

I felt bad for him. He had this girl as his wallpaper, and he seemed loyal enough...he did not deserve a breakup, no matter how scary he looked.

Don't get me wrong, for a guy the size of a Kzachi warrior, you'd think a girl would wanna keep him.

The whole time I was baffled by these thoughts, I was getting ready for bed. I sent my weekend email to my mom, who would kill me if I missed even sending one. Then I went to sleep.

Sleep.

Sleep?

SLEEP!

Urgh! I was up all this time, and sleep just left me!

I looked at the time, and it was way past two in the morning. I had nothing lined up for the day, so I gave up trying to sleep and went to watch my favourite show on TV. You might think it's some kind of drama...well, for your information, you are correct. It's Bridgerton.

I grab my furry night robe and put on my slippers and sneak out so I don't wake anyone (which was useless because the rooms are soundproof and have door bells).

Now, picture this. You wake up to a green light in the centre of your living room, only to find out that it's your cousin, shirtless, sweating buckets and panting. He turns to look at you with this scared look, then he drops to his knees and starts sobbing. Tell me honestly...what do you do?

I took him in my arms and let him cry it out. Every sob rocked his body with brutal force, and it was hard to tell if it would ever stop. I just held him until he caught his breath enough to tell me, "Stacy, I saw the clan war. I fought it. I hated it. So many people died. I killed some. I don't wanna go back. Take it out. TAKE IT OUT!"

I asked him what I should take out. He let out this helpless half-sob and half-whine. "The gem, I can't carry it."

I had nothing to add to that; I just held him. I had no idea how long we were there, but I woke up to the sun pouring through the curtains and Kenny still in my arms. He held me like he expected me to leave.

Well, joke's on him. I was too lazy to go anywhere anyway.