The door slammed shut as Reyah spun, walked the short distance over to the bed, and flopped onto it with a heavy sigh. Keyvarah moved over to the window and sat in a chair, staring outside. She turned to look at Keyvarah and scowled, looking away immediately; the forlorn expression Keyvarah had grated on her nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ever since leaving the castle, a maelstrom of emotions continued to batter her whenever it involved that man. Especially last night when the scent of his blood wafted over to her. She had gone to investigate, not fearing for his safety, but out of curiosity. What she found had shocked her. The sight of June and Keyvarah entwined in bed like reunited lovers\u2014him allowing her to drink from his neck as he slowly, sensually made love to her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She didn’t want to admit it, but jealousy blazed within her in that moment. Even now, it still raged, and she hated herself for feeling that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What was going on with her? Why had the sight of them together gotten under her skin so much? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She feared the answer because she knew what it was. A part of her she was ashamed of, one she buried deep within herself. Yet June\u2019s presence had awakened it like the living dead crawling from its coffin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keyvarah’s voice pulled her back to the present. \u201cI’m not opposed to sharing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She turned to look at the Althori noblewoman, who continued to stare out the window. \u201cAll you have to do is ask,\u201d Keyvarah said, turning to lock eyes with her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot interested,\u201d Reyah said, sitting up and turning away from the insufferable woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, the wetness between her thighs betrayed her words, which she knew Keyvarah wouldn’t miss. She wasn\u2019t averse to the idea. Not at all. Her grandmother had a harem of over 100 men and women, and she, too, had partaken in such activities, not with her grandmother or her grandmother\u2019s consorts, but with her own partners. That was something that wasn\u2019t within her family’s proclivities, unlike the Aldetorre of the Althoric Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHave it your way,\u201d Keyvarah said, before an uneasy silence fell over the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She hated everything about the woman. How desperately she clung to June as if he were the last living creature with blood flowing through his veins. Or how eager she was to please him. If he had wanted it, she\u2019d happily fall to her knees and drain him dry for the world to see, and not of his blood but of his seed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reyah huffed a breath of irritation and did the only thing she could think of to clear her mind. She closed her eyes and delved into herself. Now was as good a time as any to Cultivate her newly acquired Soul Essence and Energy, courtesy of June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
June and Quin exited the inn and turned onto a narrow side street, heading straight for the Shining Arrow Guild House. Tall buildings surrounded the street, casting deep shadows, and June took advantage of this, channeling his True Soul. As he continued to walk, two clones of himself stepped to either side of him in tandem before vanishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quin glanced at him with a questioning look, yet she remained quiet. Instead, her voice sprang up in his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What was that for?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n June continued down the street as he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One is to keep watch over the inns. It\u2019s not like I can\u2019t be here within a second, but I\u2019d rather be safe than sorry. The second I sent to investigate House Dumar.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She went silent for a moment before she also summoned her own clone, which melded into the shadows. It was June\u2019s turn to give her an inquisitive look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I want to see where those thieves are operating out of and how organized they are.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He nodded in agreement. That was something he had planned on investigating, but it just wasn’t that high on his priority list at the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good idea.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n They exited the side street onto a main street, turning left toward an intersection lined with large, stately buildings that reminded him of the White House. It was the Guild District, home to the many Mercenary Guilds that operated out of Revelcroft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every city had a Guild District with its own unique Guilds. However, if a Guild was large enough and had the funds, it could operate out of multiple cities. Doing so was very beneficial because it gave them more access to Dungeons, allowing them to grow in power, influence, and wealth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, the Shining Arrow Guild wasn’t such a Guild. It was actually on its last leg. The mission to reclaim Castle Dumar was a last-ditch effort for their Guild to remain operational. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They really had fallen on hard times, <\/em>he thought as they stood outside of a dilapidated Guild House that hadn’t seen repairs in years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The life of a Cultivator isn’t an easy one, <\/em>Sarah said, her words igniting a spark of rage within him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn’t have to be. I understand that competition breeds growth and progress, but this isn’t that; this reeks of corruption and nepotism. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So it’s not all that different from pre-System Earth, <\/em>she quipped, and he couldn’t disagree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He knew that life on Earth had its flaws. Hell, even the United States wasn’t perfect. But he still believed in what it stood for. Freedom and liberty for all. That was why he enlisted. Not to fight for the bureaucrat’s agendas nor for the fight itself. He fought for his beliefs and to protect his family, because if he didn\u2019t, how could he trust others to do the same?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now thrust upon an alien world where the political landscape\u2019s fucked in his eyes, he couldn\u2019t just sit idly by and do nothing. Not when he had the power to change things. But he had to tread carefully. He and Quin weren’t the only ones in the Divine Realm. If he made one wrong move or pissed off the wrong person, everything he was planning would come to an ugly end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hinges screeched in agony as June pushed the door open. Inside was a reception desk at the back of a lobby. A single Vyshtani woman stood behind the reception desk. Her black feline ears stood prominently above her orange bob, and they turned to them as he held the door for Quin. Her head followed swiftly as her sparkling blue eyes with vertical pupils landed on them. The olive complexion of her brow creased as she stared at them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even from outside, his Aura Sense had mapped out the entire building, noting the several presences in the room beyond the door that stood behind the woman. Past that, in a room on the second level, were Urzenkeil and Merriam with two others. An Athori man stood tall beside an Althori woman seated at a desk. She had to have been the Guild Master they were speaking to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou must be the one Urzenkeil mentioned. June, was it?\u201d the receptionist asked, her eyes roving over his body before doing the same to Quin as they approached. \u201cAnd you, Quin-tel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am,\u201d June said, coming to lean against the reception desk and extending a hand. \u201cIt’s good to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The receptionist stared at it for a second before accepting it with a dainty hand. Her hands were as soft as silk compared to his battle-worn hands. He gave it a firm shake, the first proper handshake he had given since coming to Syrova, before releasing her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust Quin is fine,\u201d Quin said, also extending a hand, \u200cwhich the receptionist shook as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUrzenkeil had mentioned you’d both look\u2026\u201d she paused for a moment, thinking over her words carefully before continuing, \u201cdifferent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, that we are,\u201d he said with a hearty laugh, seeing the Althori man beside the Guild Master made his way down to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe also said that you’re here to meet with our Guild Master,\u201d she said, her eyes narrowing as her black tail whipped from side to side behind her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d he said with a nod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was just about to push himself from the desk and make his way to the door behind her when her words stopped him. \u201cI think it’s best you leave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked, confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur Guild Master already has enough on her plate that she doesn’t need riffraff like you taking advantage of her or wasting her time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, really?\u201d He chuckled dryly, feeling another \u201cDo we look like ruffians to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don’t know what or who you are!\u201d she hissed, baring her canines. \u201cThat\u2019s reason enough not to trust you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCome now, sweet Edora,\u201d an Althori man said, coming through the door behind her. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t treat them that way. They are our guests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Edora\u2019s face reddened as she spun around and bowed, her tail sagging along with her ears. \u201cForgive me, Master Baeorn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to forgive, Edora,\u201d Baeorn said, patting her on the shoulder as he stood beside her. \u201cBoth your loyalty and respect for our Guild Master are commendable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you, Sir,\u201d she said, lifting her head and turning to face June and Quin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou must be June and Quin!\u201d Baeorn said, his voice resonating through the empty lobby. \u201cMy name is Matil Baeorn. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matil was tall, even a few inches taller than Zeraiah. But he was the leanest Althori man he’d met. Not that the man was a twig. No, he was muscular. He just wasn’t a walking Hulk like most Althori men were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLikewise,\u201d June said, exchanging a handshake with Matil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Quin exchanged a \u200csimilar greeting with Matil before June continued. \u201cSo, can we meet your Guild Master now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course,\u201d Matil said with a smile that shone through his brown bushy beard. \u201cRight this way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matil pushed the door open as he and Quin stepped around the desk and through the open doorway. The room looked straight out of a fantasy tavern, with wooden tables lined in neat rows and a bar on the far left wall. A staircase on the opposite wall led up to a railed balcony that overlooked the entire bottom floor. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, with Fire Essence Crystals lighting the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People sat around eating what he assumed to be lunch or a late breakfast, but their numbers didn\u2019t even fill out a quarter of the room, reaching only a little less than two dozen. Nobody sat at the bar as a Vyshtani man stood behind it, cleaning glass cups before wiping down the counter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFollow me,\u201d Matil said, gesturing with a hand toward the stairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Matil led the way as he and Quin followed close behind. A few intrigued faces rose from their food to stare at them, mostly those who weren\u2019t on the mission to retake Castle Dumar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After making it halfway through the room, a door to the left of the bar swung open as Yisha and Draxxus walked through. Yisha had two trays of food balanced in either hand while Draxxus held another. His face scrunched in concentration as he followed his mother over to a table whose occupants were waiting for their food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you,\u201d the Althori woman of the group said when Yisha set the food down before them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Olivee,\u201d Yisha said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Draxxus plopped his tray onto the table, spilling a bit of the soup, and Olivee turned to him next. \u201cAnd thank you, Draxxus!\u201d she said in a cute baby voice, patting his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Miss Olivee,\u201d Draxxus said before his eyes landed on June and Quin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJune!\u201d Draxxus called as he scurried over to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHey there, Draxxus,\u201d he said as the boy ran up to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCan we train now?\u201d Draxxus pleaded, jumping up and down with the energy of an overzealous puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSoon,\u201d he said with a laugh, ruffling Draxxus\u2019s hair. \u201cAfter I\u2019ve had a chat with your Guild Master.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Draxxus\u2019s face fell, but that didn\u2019t take away the energy he still had. \u201cOkay then! I will be practicing out back!\u201d he called as he ran back to his mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June turned back to Matil, who had a raised eyebrow as he stared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat?\u201d June asked, stepping past Matil and up the stairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI’m just surprised\u2026 I didn’t think you’d be good with kids,\u201d Matil said, filling right behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy wouldn’t I be? I am a father after all,\u201d he said with a laugh before catching Yisha\u2019s gaze and giving her a wave. She averted her eyes quickly as her face became red. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d Matil said, glancing back at Quin. \u201cUrzenkeil and Merriam had mentioned that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat else have they mentioned?\u201d He asked, stopping at the top of the stairs, letting Matil retake the lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matil’s face remained as still as ice as he silently passed June. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The air remained charged as Matil led them down a hallway. They passed an intersection, and he glanced down the hall to his right. Rows of doors lined the walls on either side. They were clearly the Guild members’ sleeping quarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They continued past the intersection, coming to a single door at the end of the hallway. Matil knocked twice before a husky, feminine voice called out. \u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yisha smiled as she watched June speak with her son. A strange fluttering settled in her stomach every time June interacted with him, and she didn’t know why. It wasn\u2019t a bad feeling; in fact, elation soared through her rather than wariness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He wasn\u2019t the first to treat her son with kindness, as evidenced by Olivee’s prior greeting. But something about him just brought out unfamiliar feelings within her, and it bugged her to no end. It was becoming quite a problem as she found her thoughts drifting to him at the most random of times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s a looker there, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Olivee said, bumping her on the side with an elbow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat?\u201d she asked, Olivee\u2019s voice snapping her back to the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHim,\u201d Olivee said, pointing at June with her chin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yisha followed her gaze and found June climbing up the wooden steps. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, everything stopped. He waved at her with a smile, and she immediately averted her gaze. Heat rose to her head, so much so that she might have emitted steam if it were possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI mean, he\u2019s a bit small for my taste, but he\u2019s perfect for you,\u201d Olivee teased with a playful smirk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yisha was at a loss for words as her blush deepened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cQuit that, Olivee,\u201d Goram said from beside Olivee. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to tease the woman beyond what you already have.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yisha quickly collected the trays and bowed. \u201cEnjoy your meal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She rushed back to the kitchen with Draxxus quick on her heels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSorry, Yisha!\u201d Olivee called out with a laugh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The door swung shut behind her, and she set the trays down on the counter, her heart racing. She slumped against the cabinet door behind her and hugged one of her three fox tails to her chest, burying her face in it. What was going on with her?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beside her, Draxxus was busy punching invisible enemies, grunting and growling with every punch. Her heart calmed as she watched him. He had always been her rock that soothed her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Draxxus suddenly hopped to face her, a giant smile painted on his face. \u201cMamma! Can I practice out back?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, my cub,\u201d Yisha said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes!\u201d Draxxus yipped, throwing a hand into the air before scampering through the kitchen and out the back door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yisha giggled to herself as she followed him outside, putting the previous encounter out of her mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June stepped through the door that Matil held open, and the first thing his eyes landed on was the Althori woman sitting behind an ornate desk directly across from them. She had an elegance \u200cthat belied her haggard state as strands of her chestnut hair hung loose from the tight braid that ran down her back. Urzenkeil stood as rigid as a tree off to the right, while Merriam leaned on the edge of the desk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When they entered, Merriam hopped to her feet and ran over to hug Quin. \u201cQuin! You came!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course I did,\u201d Quin said, a little confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRight,\u201d Merriam said with a chuckle, \u201cI thought it was only going to be your father showing up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo, silly. Why would you think that?\u201d Quin asked with a light giggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her question gave Merriam pause. \u201cI\u2026 don\u2019t know\u2026 actually,\u201d she said, laughing nervously at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June stepped up beside Quin. \u201cHello, Merriam.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Merriam gasped softly and backed away from Quin. \u201cAh! Oh, right. Hello, June,\u201d she said, bowing quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, stop that,\u201d June said in a joking manner and rested a hand on her shoulder as she remained bowed. \u201cThere\u2019s no need for formality when we\u2019re already friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are?\u201d Merriam asked, raising her head slightly. \u201cFriends, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019d sure hope so,\u201d he said, lifting his hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Merriam straightened instantly, a smile on her face, and pulled him into a giant hug. \u201cThen it\u2019s so good to see you again, June.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June could only chuckle, patting her back before the Guild Master cleared her throat. \u201cMerriam, that\u2019s enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAww,\u201d Merriam said, releasing June. \u201cYou\u2019re no fun, sis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is no frivolous meeting, Merriam. Now, take your place beside Urzenkeil,\u201d the Guild Master snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Merriam rolled her eyes but did as her sister bade. Her sister\u2019s eyes tracked her until she stood at attention beside Urzenkeil before returning to June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet you,\u201d June said, reaching a hand out for a handshake. \u201cMy name is June Mikkelson.\u201dwhite<\/p>\n\n\n\n Merriam\u2019s sister stood, straightening her beige uniform, which reminded him of a WW2 officer\u2019s uniform, except with added flair. Her white and red over-the-shoulder cloak swayed with her movement as she grasped his arm in the Syrovan handshake. \u201cLayhanna Milliadry and the pleasure\u2019s all mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cQuin-tel Granwoad,\u201d Quin said, shaking Layhanna\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCharmed to meet you,\u201d Layhanna said, gesturing to the two leather chairs behind them before settling back into her own chair, her gaze fixed on June. \u201cI was informed that if it weren\u2019t for you and your daughter, my Guild members wouldn\u2019t be here today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d June said, sitting down casually, leaning back in the chair. \u201cBut their fates would have been much worse than just dying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo I\u2019ve been told,\u201d Layhanna said, throwing a glance at Urzenkeil and Merriam before turning to Matil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matil nodded in acknowledgment, and a moment later, June watched as a barrier made from Kinetic Essence surrounded the room. It blocked out all prying eyes and ears up to a certain power level\u2014those in the Mythic Realm or below. However, that wasn\u2019t enough for June as he layered a thin layer of Wind and Kinetic Essence over Matil\u2019s barrier, obscuring the room entirely from the outside world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna\u2019s eyes promptly landed on him, and he only shrugged in response. \u201cJust reinforcing it, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She scowled long and hard before speaking. \u201cAre you confident that Hivengel was working directly with his brother Ravengel?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d he said without expanding on his response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd how did you come by this information?\u201d Layhanna asked through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June tapped the side of his head. \u201cPsionic Essence and Lady Oltharin’s firsthand experience from being enthralled to Hivengel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut how can I take your word for it? From the information I\u2019ve gathered, you were the only one to have gone to Castle Dumar and killed Hivengel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, before she could continue, June butted in. \u201cIt was actually Reyah De\u2019 Altan who killed Hivengel. I just dealt with his Thralls.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna\u2019s glare deepened, her agitation clear on her face as she continued. \u201cWith no actual proof, I can\u2019t just trust your word alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019re not just my father\u2019s,\u201d Quin interjected, drawing Layhanna\u2019s attention. \u201cUrzenkeil and Yisha can attest to the fact that Vern Dumar had purposefully led your company into a trap that got most of them killed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quin turned to look at Urzenkeil. \u201cDo you not trust the word of your own guildmates?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do,\u201d Layhanna seethed through clenched teeth, \u201cbut now he\u2019s in a Soul Pact with your father, so I cannot just blindly trust him.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Quin frowned in confusion. \u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, June stuck out a hand, interrupting her. She turned to him, and he sent her a telepathic message asking her to trust him. She nodded and leaned back in her chair, but he cocked his head to the side, feeling a foreign Aura brush against his barrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t think I didn\u2019t notice that,\u201d Layhanna said, glaring daggers at him. \u201cThat little mental conversation you two just had. Schemers like you are highly untrustworthy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He split his attention, tracing the Aura back to its origins, and found an Althori man clad in black and gold robes and armor like a 12th-century crusader standing before an auspicious white-stone building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in the Guild house, he leaned forward with an easy smile. \u201cTakes one to know one.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, at the auspicious building, the man spoke with a woman, who addressed him as Lord Adjudicator. He filed that away as the man flew into the sky, only to land before a mansion in the center of the city, Garn Dumar\u2019s home. His clone should already be there, so he tasked him with watching the Adjudicator before his attention returned to the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The death stare Layhanna gave him would have killed him a thousand times over\u2014if only looks could kill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He chuckled briefly before suppressing it. Because now they could as Cultivators of the System. Unfortunately for her, a person only in the Mythic Realm, she wouldn\u2019t be able to achieve that. And most certainly not against him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Off to the side, Urzenkeil\u2019s body tensed as the veins on his temple bulged. Merriam\u2019s jubilant attitude shifted to one of shock before resting on fury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat’s the meaning of\u2014\u201d Merriam shouted, but a single wave of Layhanna\u2019s hand silenced her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d Layhanna growled, her eyes never leaving June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust a thought I had,\u201d June said, waving off her question. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her frustration with his nonchalant attitude nearly boiled over as she made to stand, but a firm hand from Matil on her shoulder kept her from exploding. She planted herself back in her seat and took \u200ca deep breath to calm herself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n June liked her more and more. He had been intentionally short and casual with her to see how she\u2019d react. She was easy to goad into reacting, but did well to stay composed. And when he had pushed her over the edge, she had a competent subordinate, whom she trusted and listened to, to reel her back. She had all the right makings of an excellent leader, and with a bit of guidance, she\u2019d be just that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n June stood and bowed low; she was just the person he had been hoping she was. \u201cForgive me, Lady Milliadry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n His sudden shift in behavior caught all but Quin off guard. \u201cI meant no disrespect. I just wanted to see what kind of person you were when tested.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna\u2019s mouth struggled to find the words as it opened and closed multiple times. When her brain finally caught up with the situation, she had only one question for him. \u201cYou were testing me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d June said, lifting his head and assuming a military posture. \u201cI needed to see what kind of person you were, to know what kind of leader you are when under pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy?\u201d she asked, her frustration and anger evaporating into cautious curiosity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat was the very reason I wanted to speak with you in the first place,\u201d he said, sitting back down in his seat with a sigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd that reason being?\u201d Layhanna queried with a raised brow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBefore I answer that, would you be willing to answer a question of mine?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna looked at Matil, who nodded in response. \u201cVery well, ask away,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs I understand it, from my conversation with Urzenkeil, you’re trying to regain your family’s noble status by completing the quest to retake Castle Dumar. Correct?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna hesitated for a second before nodding in affirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut to what end?\u201d June continued. \u201cAt the end of the day, wouldn’t you essentially be pledging your fealty to Ravengel, the man responsible for the near-total demise of your Guild and the deaths of your Guild members?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot necessarily,\u201d Layhanna said, but was unwilling to elaborate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Silence permeated the room as he waited for her to speak, but it was Matil who stepped forward and spoke instead. \u201cSir Mikkelson, would it be presumptuous of me to assume that you were once a soldier from your kingdom?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot at all,\u201d June said with a light chuckle, \u201cand yes, I was once. A very long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He hadn\u2019t bothered to clarify that the USA wasn’t a kingdom.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen, may I ask what a man such as yourself is doing in the Empire, or Lysia, for that matter?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quin looked at him, and he contemplated the best answer to give them. He wouldn’t tell them the truth; he knew that much. It was still too dangerous for that, and their ignorance would serve as a better shield for the time being. Perhaps someday he’d tell them, just not today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe were just passing through when we came upon your company,\u201d June said, lying through his teeth. \u201cWe were honestly a little lost before that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou were\u2026 lost?\u201d Matil asked with a skeptical look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYup, hadn\u2019t the faintest of clues where we were.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd where were you coming from?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA Dungeon,\u201d June said, throwing some truths in with his lies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhich one?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne that appeared not two days ago, a few miles from where your company made camp.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Matil scowled at him, clearly annoyed. \u201cAnd where were you going?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome place that no longer exists.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matil snorted in derision. \u201cYou seem to have an answer for everything. Answers that are quite vague and some that are frankly too convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTrue,\u201d June said with a nod, \u201cwe\u2019ve only just met.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd yet you expect us to share our life story to you while you keep yours close to your chest?\u201d Layhanna spat, butting into Matil\u2019s impromptu interrogation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t expect you to. It was a genuine question. Whether you choose to trust me and share that information is up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd how are we supposed to trust you when you won\u2019t even trust us?\u201d Layhanna countered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, Urzenkeil and I formed a Soul Pact with one another, so he has an idea of which Realm Quin and I are in. It takes a great deal of trust to form one with others, even more so when it’s with a stranger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m well aware. It was the only thing Urzenkeil refused to tell me,\u201d Layhanna seethed, hurt from his supposed betrayal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course he did,\u201d June said with a snort. \u201cIt was part of the Pact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He then turned to look at Urzenkeil. \u201cUrzenkeil, if I were an enemy of your Guild, is there anyone here powerful enough to stop me from killing you all?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna stiffened upon hearing his words, while Matil\u2019s scowl transformed into open hostility. June could see Matil\u2019s Soul Essence flow into his spatial device, a bracer he wore on his right arm, before Urzenkeil\u2019s voice caused him to pause in summoning his weapon. \u201cNo one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both Layhanna and Matil turned and frowned at Urzenkeil as June continued. \u201cAnd if I were an enemy of Lysia, is there anyone capable of stopping me in the kingdom?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo one,\u201d Urzenkeil repeated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow, Urzenkeil, can you think of anyone who could match me in combat in the Empire? Oh, and you don\u2019t have to give a name, just nod your head,\u201d June said, releasing a bit of his Aura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They both froze when Urzenkeil nodded, and their faces paled when June\u2019s Aura descended upon them. The pressure in the room spiked as the entire room creaked and strained. The power, despite it only being a fraction of his true strength, behind his Aura suffocated the four Althori\u2019s souls. If he had wanted, he could have dominated them or crushed them in an instant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, as quickly as it came, his Aura disappeared, and the four members of the Shining Arrow Guild all released a collective breath. Those standing stumbled back a step while Layhanna slumped back into her chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou see, Lady Milliadry, I\u2019ve already afforded you a lot of trust just by being here. All I ask is that you share \u200cmy trust,\u201d June said casually, as if he hadn\u2019t just briefly assaulted their souls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna pushed herself up on unsteady arms. \u201cWho\u2026 who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June flashed her a charming smile. \u201cJust a man and his daughter, looking to build a new home.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The door slammed shut as Reyah spun, walked the short distance over to the bed, and flopped onto it with a heavy sigh. Keyvarah moved over to the window and sat in a chair, staring outside. She turned to look at Keyvarah and scowled, looking away immediately; the forlorn expression Keyvarah had grated on her […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-155","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-sfw","pmpro-has-access"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_hostinger_reach_plugin_has_subscription_block":false,"_hostinger_reach_plugin_is_elementor":false,"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/author\/authorderekyanggmail-com\/","display_name":"authorderekyang@gmail.com"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 6 mois il y a","modified":"Mis \u00e0 jour 6 mois il y a"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 le novembre 27, 2025","modified":"Mise \u00e0 jour le novembre 28, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 le novembre 27, 2025 8:58 pm","modified":"Mise \u00e0 jour le novembre 28, 2025 10:15 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":null,"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-08 17:54:21","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=155"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/155\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":262,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/155\/revisions\/262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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