Haunting Shadows (Book 2)

Chapter 8

“Kalen Dragonov, now why does that name sound so familiar,” the man said as Kalen entered the room. The man blew out a puff of smoke and turned slowly to face his guest.

“Ah, so you’ve heard of me,” Kalen said as he closed the door behind him.

“Please, sit,” the man said, gesturing to the seat opposite his desk.

Kalen nodded his head in thanks. “I assume you’ve been informed why I am here today,” he started off as he made himself comfortable.

“I’m not entirely unaware, but feel free to fill me in regardless.” The man said, resting his legs upon his desk. Kalen wondered at his lack of formality. Why exactly was this man so at ease? IF he had heard about Kalen as he had suggested, he shouldn’t be so relaxed. Kalen Dragonov was a name commonly synonymous with Andreas Scott Grigoli. While he hadn’t quite reached that level yet, he was not far behind in tales of misdemeanor.

Kalen narrowed his eyes and crossed his leg over the other in an attempt to reciprocate the relaxed feel. He had a sense that the mood could get tense any second depending on how this man reacted to his inquiries. “You know everything about anything here in Gynae. I was hoping you could help me.”

“I do indeed know everything that goes on in Gynae. Though I’m curious how my information can help you Mr. Dragonov.” There was a sly smirk on the man’s face, one most people would’ve missed. But Kalen wasn’t most people.

Kalen narrowed his eyes, but was careful not to look as suspicious as he felt. The man already knew his purpose, he was some of it. He was, after all, someone who prided himself in knowing everything that happened in this kingdom, Kalen would hardly have been lucky enough to escape his notice. The man was a feline that enjoyed playing games with those he deemed lesser than himself. Perhaps Kalen’s reputation from Eerea hadn’t made its way over to Gynae quite yet. Kalen enjoyed the thought that he might know something that the notorious James Wilston did not.

“You must’ve heard of my quest to find my family. I haven’t exactly been subtle about it during my stay here,” Kalen challenged. Maybe if he was able to put James on edge, he would be able to get the information he sought.

“And what makes you think that information lies within Gynae, Mr. Dragonov? Have your search not brought you no leads? No real information? How sure are you that your family ever even was in this kingdom?” Kalen judged the man’s expression carefully. He was trying to bait him, make him uncertain of himself. But why? What could this man know that he didn’t want Kalen to find out?

“I spent four years in Gynae with my uncle when I was still a toddler before we moved to Eerea because he claimed it would be safer. He told me that my family owes its origins to Gynae and he would return if it was safer. So I’m quite sure my family history is hidden somewhere within these borders,” Kalen replied, his demeanor turning more serious, the earlier casual air forgotten.

James on the other hand, remained as he was, not reacting to Kalen’s tone at all. “If your uncle knows so much, why not ask him?”

“He died when I was eleven,” Kalen started bluntly. He kept the emotion from his voice, not letting on how much that memory still hurt.

“My condolences,” James said me then finally assumed a more formal position. “Look, I understand the desperate need for family… needing to discover that someone who share your blood is still alive. I understand that need for a connection, to know you aren’t alone. But sometimes knowing the truth is not worth it. Some things are better left in the past where they belong. Digging up old graves is only going to cause you more pain.”

“So what you’re saying is that you do know what happened to my family, you just refuse to tell me?” Kalen accused.

James took a deep breath in exasperation. “If I told you they were dead, would you stop this search? It’s for your own good, Kalen.”