Smolder in the Afterglow | Tales of Luminozenko

Chapter 5| Death The Inevitable, Life The Cruel

We rounded the street a little longer until we turned to another street much wider, but with fewer people walking around. Houses came into sight, some smaller than the others and some bigger.

We walked for a good five minutes until we turned a corner and walked for a few more meters before we stopped in front of a two-story house. Morris knocked twice on the door and startled me with a shout. "Sir Bern! Delaney!"

A few seconds later, I heard steady footfalls coming from the inside and answered a boy who looked my age. He had chin-length black hair and bangs that were slightly shorter, emerald eyes, and fair skin. His pair of wings were as black as mine, but they looked slightly bigger.

Are men's wingspans bigger? I wondered. Well, I guess.

"Mor, you're back." The boy smiled with a sigh, appearing relieved and happy. They pulled one another in a hug, patting each other's backs gently until it started to get harder and harder.

Morris grunted and pulled away. "Hey, that hurt!"

"You started it," He protested. "And you smell disgusting."

Morris then slapped him with her wing and they began fighting like chickens, clucking curses at one another.

Wow.

"What on Luminozenko are you two doing?" A gruff voice yelled and a huge man emerged from inside the house.

He was about a couple of feet taller and his frame was twice as big as mine. His short brown hair stuck in all directions and his eyes were bright red. On top of his head were a pair of tiger ears and a striped tail whipped behind him. He had a huge scar across his forehead, a bit lighter than his dark skin tone, and his scowl could make someone with a faint heart pee and flee.

The two immediately came to a stop and stepped away from each other, keeping their wings, hands, and feet to themselves.

Although, the young man named Delaney gave Morris one last glare, before shifting his emerald gaze to me and going back to the lady. Then, they quickly returned and widened as they settled on me, the pupils dilating a bit.

I guess he's surprised to see me . . . ?

"So early in the morning and you two are already causing a ruckus?" He pointed out. "Moreover, Morris had come back just now and—" His eyes shifted down at me and I gave a smile.

"Good morning," I said in a small voice and clasped my hands behind me. I was right to wear heels.

"Guizde elasaz!" He gasped, yet quickly schooled his expression and relaxed his tensed body. "You're Miss Cyan, I presume?"

I nodded. "I am, Sir."

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Cyan Belladonna." His scarred and calloused hand flew over his heart and bowed before me. "I am Sir Bernard West, Millennium Glory of Nervas Army of Nerinvat. But please feel free to call me Bern, instead."

Doesn't Millennium Glory mean—holy shit, he's an army general?

I flashed him a grin and dipped my head slightly in return. "It's an honor to meet you, Sir Bern. Please, just call me Cyan."

He straightened his back, a bit of surprise and confusion on his face. Then, relief painted over, and next, he seemed glad. "Then, let us all proceed inside."

Mister Bern stepped into his house and opened the door widely for us. Morris pushed me in and she followed in with the boy before the older man closed the door behind us.

"I hope you don't mind my humble abode," said Mister Bern as I glanced around the house.

On our left, a couple of long couches were positioned across one another and a wooden center table was in between. Further, a fireplace was built, which has unused logs. I looked ahead, finding a staircase, leading to the second floor, and a hallway, which led to an arched doorway.