"What are you looking at?" A pair of arms wrapped tightly around his chest, a chin resting against the curve of Ren’s neck.
Ren smiled faintly, his hand reaching up to pat the man’s hair with quiet affection.
"Look at those children," he said, voice low.
The corner of his lips dipped as his gaze lingered through the window with its cold iron bars. His soft gaze trailed the small figures’ shadows cast inside the room.
Outside, a group of children ran barefoot across the dirt, laughing, their joy unshaken by the world. Free from any worries. Free from any harm.
"What about them?" The man leaned closer, following his gaze.
"They look so happy."
The man hummed, his hand drifting down to the curve of Ren’s stomach, palm warm yet cold fingertips against him.
Ren hissed, twirling to the side slightly but not pushing him away.
"Not happier than our child."
The silver-haired young man blinked, his expression faltering in confusion.
"Don’t look at me like that, my love." He cupped Ren’s face, his thumb brushing the corner of his lips before leaning in, pressing a kiss against him. His smile was gentle, but his words left no room for doubt.
"He will have us—both of his parents. A child without those will always be incomplete."
Ren let out a quiet laugh. Almost forced. The sound cracked around the edges.
The man’s hand tightened against him, pulling him closer.
"How could that be? You have me."
Ren didn’t reply. When his legs moved, a soft groan escaped him despite himself. Ankles bounded. Dark and thick iron chains.
Last night, Ren walked out of the room without waiting to be dismissed like his usual self. He gave Eiran and Zayden time to spend together before they left, leaving the child alone within these tall walls.
However, he still couldn’t comprehend why he meddled in this matter in the first place. As a servant, his duty was to serve his masters without question. Yet, he dared to intervene in their personal matter.
Perhaps it was because lately, memories of the past had been haunting him. Like something from the past was to return—something that shouldn’t be forgotten. However, he knew that was impossible.
Standing in front of Zayden’s bedroom, he inhaled, holding a tray on which a warm cup of tea was set carefully.
Titling his head to the side, he knocked once more.
Only silence answered again.
Gently pushing his shoulder against the door, he swung it open. The force stronger than he wanted. His gaze wandered around the room–neatly arranged for once. Grip tightening around the tray, he placed it on the table, like always.
The was no trace of the General in the hall, only the messy bed he left behind. And for once, Ren didn’t want to clean after him.
Did he return to his chamber last night?
After searching and making sure Zayden wasn’t in his room, Ren stepped out, closing the door behind him, bringing back the tray with him. He walked through the hallways, wondering where he might have been gone.
His steps faltered when a voice caught his attention.
"He left?!" A maid cried.
A few servants gathered at the corner of the corridor, brooms in their hands.
"What do you mean?!" Another asked, voice pressed low.
"I woke up late at night because I was thirsty. When I was heading back to the servant’s quarter, I saw the Lord leaving the mansion. I thought he was heading for a walk, or he needed something. When I asked, he said he will not return until the banquet."
Ren frowned. For someone reason, he was almost certain this time, Zayden would bring him too. Mostly now that he had been forcing him to train under him. Maybe he thought he was not competent enough. After all, he excelled in magic, spells, not physical abilities.
Hadn’t he force me to train, I wouldn’t be able to hold a sword.
"But where did he go?"
"But for the Lord to leave without informing the headmaid or the butler is rare..."
"I am certain something big must have happened."
Ren tilted his head, also curious. Zayden didn’t precise the reason behind his departure.
"I mean maybe a dragon went on a rampage again! Remember last time? He didn’t even have breakfast and headed there!"
Hearing that, Ren stepped backward. He turned, walking away. Why did he care where he went, and for what reason?
Even if I have been working under him... Nothing changes the fact that he was once my enemy. He has killed my people—
What people? He scoffed inwardly.
The next few days passed in a blur. Before Ren realized it, the banquet had already arrived—seven nights long, with nobles gathering from every corner.
Some had come a week earlier, staying at the General’s mansion. In Zayden’s absence, the head maid and butler took charge of their needs. The rest, those who lived nearby, remained in their own estates, waiting until the day itself to attend.
Standing at the door, Ren inhaled deeply. Today was the last day he would be by Eiran’s side. Tonight, he will leave this place, grasping the first opportunity he found. At worse, he would create one. He stayed here for too long. Discover more novels at novᴇlfire.net
When he opened the door, Eiran was sitting at the dressing table. The boy wore a dark blue shirt beneath a black suit, paired with fitted black pants. His silver hair had been neatly combed back, resting at the top of his head.
Ren’s chest squeezed. He looked far too grown for his age, and yet... the smile on his face wasn’t bright like before. It was dull, empty—a smile Ren knew all too well, one he had worn for most of his life.
Do people start smiling as they grow?
"You look so handsome, Young Master," a maid complimented.
"Papa," the boy turned. He had already sensed Ren’s presence the moment he entered the.
"Very handsome," Ren stepped closer, putting a thin red string around his wrist.
"What is this?" a servant asked, tilting his head.
"I know!" another explained. "I heard about it. Humans do this to make sure non-humans don’t cast an evil eye on—" he paused, the corner of his lips dropping.
"Huh?! Ren? Is that what you think of us?" a maid teased.
"Of course not. But it does not hurt to be careful. There will be a lot of people coming just to see him. What if they have evil intentions toward him?"
"Sometimes, I doubt you are single. You act like a mother of three kids," a servant chuckled.
"You must believe in the Gods because you are human but, frankly this is not—"
"I do not," his voice was sharp, his eyes steady. "I do not believe in them." He smiled politely.
His hands landed on Eiran’s shoulders, smiling, looking at their reflections on the mirror.
"It is time to attend the banquet."
"When will Dad come?"
Ren froze. He didn’t have an answer to that question.
"He must be on his way," Ren lied. At this point, he turned into a liar, who rarely spoke the truth. "We should go and verify if he has already arrived," he smiled.
Guests had already begun to arrive, waiting to meet the Imperial General’s son.
Eiran nodded, smiling brightly.
Ren clenched his fist, unsure if Eiran should call him this at the banquet. However, what concerned him the most was whether he would be able to escape the child.
I should stay away and leave when I can... It can be dangerous if someone recognizes me in the banquet...