After the clinic visit, Zigh drove his father back to the family mansion. As they approached the perimeter, the security guards recognized the car and signaled the gates to heavy open immediately. Zigh pulled the vehicle up, parking it right at the grand entrance.
As he stepped out, an elderly servant with salt-and-pepper hair approached him, his expression a mix of surprise and concern.
"Young Master, you should have sent word of your return," the man said.
Zigh offered no response.
The servant's eyes widened as he caught sight of Zigh's battered face. "Good heavens... are you alright, young master?"
"It's nothing major," Zigh muttered. He opened the rear door, where Vaston remained slumped across the back seat.
The servant clutched his chest, his breathing hitching at the sight of his master. "What... how did you and the Master end up in this state?"
"Stop talking and help me get my father to his room. Now."
"Of course, Young Master."
With the servant's help, Zigh hoisted Vaston's weight. They carried him toward the master suite, with Outer following silently, a constant shadow just one step behind. Once they laid Vaston onto the bed, Zigh turned to the servant.
"Vin, leave us. I need a moment with my father."
Vin nodded solemnly and hurried out of the room.
Zigh stood by the bed, observing the man who raised him. Why is he so quiet? This isn't like him at all.
"Was it that scrawny brat?" Vaston's voice suddenly cut through the silence. "The one who caused the chaos at the game center?"
Zigh's eyes snapped open. "What are you talking about, Father?"
Vaston smiled, though his gaze remained ice-cold. "Did you think I wouldn't find out what you've been up to?"
Zigh let out a tired sigh. "We were just playing..."
Vaston clicked his tongue in disdain. "Playing? Then how do you explain the fact that I'm paralyzed like this?"
Zigh's fists clenched. Beside him, Outer bared its rows of sharp, white teeth, sensing the tension.
Vaston let out a dry chuckle. "You're so afraid of him, aren't you? It's written all over your face... Zigh Eosvile."
Zigh turned his head away, biting his lip until it nearly bled.
"That boy... he has an unusual gift, doesn't he?" Vaston mused.
Zigh took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Father, get to the point."
Zigh's reflection mirrored in Vaston's pupils as the older man's lips curled into a predatory grin. "You want to use his power, don't you?"
Zigh's green eyes darkened, the intensity adding a grim contrast to his bruised face. "So you finally realized..."
"Fine. If that's your game, I'll let you play around with that scrawny kid for now."
"His name is Lian, Father."
"I don't care what his name is."
Suddenly, the temperature in the room plummeted. Zigh glanced around, his heart racing. Is Outer doing this?!
He looked back at his father, his voice firm. "Don't ever try anything with Lian. I'm his bodyguard now."
"Oh, so that's the role you're playing? I see. Go on then, play your part. I'll be in touch."
Without another word, Zigh turned and walked out.
Vaston closed his eyes, a final thought echoing in his mind: That boy is already tethered to Zigh... If I can seize that power for myself, no one will be able to oppose me again.
***
Zigh marched toward his car, Outer trailing behind. Dammit... I can't escape either of them. Not my father... and not Lian.
"Young Master, where are you going?" Vin asked as Zigh reached the driveway.
"I still have work to do."
He didn't look back. Vin watched the car doors close, a heavy sadness in his eyes. Mistress... forgive me, the old servant thought. I've failed to be the pillar the Young Master needs.
Zigh ignited the engine and tore out of the Eosvile Mansion grounds at breakneck speed. "Why was I even born into this world?" he muttered, before shaking his head aggressively. "No. I can't let myself spiral like this."
The sun was high in the sky by the time Zigh reached the building where the incident with Lian had occurred. He parked and headed straight for the management office. Outside the game center, news crews with various station logos were already swarming.
Zigh ran both hands through his hair. If only I hadn't let my pride get the better of me yesterday...
He took a long breath and entered the office, only to be blocked by a security guard. "Can I help you?"
Zigh pulled out a business card and shoved it toward the man. The guard took it with a sneer, but as he read the name, his face went pale.
"Eosvile?!"
Zigh clicked his tongue. "Get your manager. Now. We need to discuss what happened at the game center."
"Ah, my apologies! Right away, sir. Please, come in and have a seat."
Zigh sat down, catching his reflection in the window. I'm not in my official attire... no wonder he gave me attitude.
A moment later, a man in a black suit hurried in. "Sir, I am so sorry for the wait."
"It's fine."
The manager sat down, studying Zigh's face for a long moment. "Sir, are you here to investigate the case?"
"I am."
"It's... it's very strange, sir. The technicians found no gas leaks or anything that should have caused respiratory distress in the center yesterday."
Zigh closed his eyes briefly. If I told him it was Outer, they'd haul me off to an asylum, he thought.
"Moving past that for a second, were there any reported casualties?"
The manager bowed his head. "No, thankfully. But the patrons are demanding compensation..."
"I'll cover twenty percent of the compensation costs. Is that enough?"
The manager's eyes welled with tears. "Yes! That is more than enough. Thank you so much, Young Master!"
Zigh stood up. "That's enough. You have my card. Contact me with the details later."
"Yes, sir! Thank you again!"
Zigh left the office and headed back to his car. At least no one died, he thought with a small sense of relief.
***
"Next stop, the Edelweiss residence," Zigh murmured as he started the car.
Once he hit the main road, he engaged the vehicle's flight mode. Mechanical wings extended from the sides, and the wheels shifted from vertical to horizontal. The sports car surged into the air, streaking toward Rhea's estate.
He landed in a secluded area near the property, letting the car revert to its ground configuration before driving up to the gates. As he stepped out, his eyes drifted to the second floor of the west wing. Repairs are still underway, I see.
Rhea emerged from the house shortly after. Zigh walked up to meet her.
"Good afternoon, Miss Edelweiss."
"Ah, good afternoon, Mr. Zigh."
Zigh offered a small smile. "Do you have a moment?"
Rhea returned the smile warmly. "Actually, I have something to discuss with you as well. Please, follow me to the drawing room."
They walked inside, with Outer following behind. Once they were seated across from each other, Zigh let out a sigh.
"Miss Edelweiss, do you know which hospital Nox and Ron Eosvile are being treated at?"
Rhea's peridot-colored eyes dimmed. "Why do you ask?"
"Lian asked me to go see them."
"I see... but before I answer, I have a question of my own." Rhea leaned in slightly. "What exactly did you do to Master Lian at the game center?"
Zigh looked away. If I tell her I gripped his arm so hard it left bruises, she'll be furious, he thought.
"Mr. Zigh...?"
Zigh forced himself to meet her gaze. "I hurt him."
"And then? Did Master Lian punch you in the nose?"
Zigh's face flushed red, his hands tightening. "How... how did you know that?"
"You weren't the first."
"Nox, right?"
Rhea remained silent for a moment.
"It seems Master Lian has shared quite a bit with you."
Zigh tapped his finger rhythmically against the table. "Lian said he has other bodyguards."
Rhea gave a faint smile. "Then it seems you've joined their ranks."
Zigh lowered his head. "Mm-hmm."
"Do you intend to use Master Lian's power?"
Zigh looked up at the ceiling.
"I don't know... I just... at the very least, I need to see Nox and Ron as soon as possible."
"I understand. Please, wait a moment."
Rhea stood and left the room. Zigh glanced out the window as the orange glow of sunset began to bleed through the glass. Wait... if she calls him Master, then Lian's status… I see now.
Rhea returned shortly with coffee and snacks. "Please, help yourself."
"Ah, you didn't have to trouble yourself. I'll be on my way as soon as I have that address."
Rhea smiled and picked up an empty ceramic cup. Then, without warning, she let it drop.
CRASH!
The sound of a shattering cup rang out, leaving fragments strewn across the floor.
Zigh flinched, his eyes wide. "What are you doing?"
Suddenly, Rhea's peridot eyes began to glow with an ethereal light. Zigh's jaw dropped. "Your... your eyes..."
The ceramic shards vibrated and then moved toward a single point as if drawn by a powerful magnet. Slowly, each fragment joined with one another to form a ceramic cup, until it returned to its original shape before it shattered.
Zigh stood up abruptly. "How did you do that?"
"If you promise not to exploit Master Lian's abilities," Rhea said, her voice calm but firm, "I will tell you everything, Mr. Zigh."
To be continued...