The gates of Kharzad had barely closed behind them when the first cries rang out.

  A woman, human, middle-aged, apron still dusted with flour, spotted a young beastkin boy among the freed captives and froze mid-step. Her basket slipped from her hands; apples rolled across the cobblestones. Then she ran. “Jaren!”

  The boy, maybe twelve, ears drooping, collar scar raw around his neck, looked up. His eyes widened. “Mama?”

  She crashed into him, arms wrapping tight, sobbing into his fur. He buried his face in her shoulder, tail thumping weakly against her back. More followed.

  A dwarf with soot-blackened hands shoved through the crowd and dropped to his knees in front of an older dwarf woman chained in the second wagon. “Mira… gods, Mira, you’re alive.” She touched his face with trembling fingers, tears cutting tracks through the dirt on her cheeks.

  A human father lifted his daughter from the third wagon - tiny thing, no older than six, still clutching a rag doll. He spun her in a circle, laughing and crying at the same time. “My girl. My little girl.”

  Beastkin mothers found sons. Sons found fathers. Sisters found brothers. The air filled with names shouted in relief, in disbelief, in joy so raw it hurt to hear.

  Alex stood off to the side, hood up, watching. His throat felt tight.

  Veyra stepped beside him. Her tail brushed his leg once, soft, grounding. “They thought they’d lost them forever,” she said quietly.

  Alex nodded. “Yeah. I know the feeling.”

  One reunion stood out: an older wolfkin man, the same gray-furred one who’d cheered Veyra during the mine raid, walked up to a younger wolfkin woman who’d been in the last cage. She looked like she hadn’t slept in weeks. He didn’t speak. Just pulled her into a hug so tight her feet left the ground. She buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed.

  The man looked over her head at Alex. Eyes shining. “Thank you,” he mouthed. No sound. Just the words.

  Alex gave a small nod. Turned away before anyone could see his own eyes burn. The feeling of saving people, the reason he became a cop, moved up the ranks to become a detective, it was worth all those sleepless nights to save and reunite people as he could. It was the best feeling anyone could ever feel, anyone had hope to accomplish. At least in his shoes.

  He looked over at Veyra, who happened to have a small but visible stream of a tear escape her right eye. Just like him, she shared that same sentiment, feeling emotional for bringing her people back together. He got closer, shifting his hand over her face, cleaning the fleeing tear that had escaped her and ever so brightly gave her a smile. “We did good today.”

  She grabbed his hand with hers, keeping his rested on her cheek, smiling right back at him. Subtle but intimate as one can express themselves. “Thank you so much for this moment.”

  “And I’m happy to share it with you.” They looked back at the happy families, basking in the their achievement of goodness.

  *It’s a nice feeling, ain’t it?* Acting proudly as the third wheel, Author finally decided to speak.

  *Thanks for not butting in too early,* Alex’s moment with Veyra, he’s glad it wasn’t interrupted. *I appreciate that. I appreciate this whole moment. I really do, so thanks.*

  Alex could feel the Author’s jaw drop. *Is that gratification?* He can hear the surprise in his voice, almost a tad bit pitched high from his regular voice. *Well I appreciate that too, told you I wasn’t a total sadist.*

  *Alright, alright, I guess you’re not a total asshole.* Alex chuckled.

  After that heartfelt moment, Alex, Veyra and their captive, Kane, walked beyond the gates of Kharzad, entering the castle. The soldiers around surrounded Kane, following his every move as the group moved elsewhere. They were escorted straight to the citadel’s lower cells - warded iron, damp stone, single torch.

  Alex knew what this was, it maybe be different from his world, but this was no doubt an interrogation room.

  Veyra’s father, King Kharos, waited in the observation chamber overlooking the cell. Tall, silver-scaled, crimson eyes sharp as broken glass. Beside him stood General Korrath, the same man who showed Alex his new branded bounty. And someone new.

  “Lady Sereth.” Veyra knew who she was. Lady Sereth, lithe, white-haired, the only one in the room wearing the crimson seal on a ring.

  “Ah, Lady Veyra,” she greeted right back. She and Veyra, hugged, happy to see one another. “Its good to see you well, I’ve heard you were saved by my uncle, your father, Kharos. Had to see for myself. “ Her eyes met Alex’s. “Ah, and this must be the Butcher.”

  Alex held his hand out, ready to shake hers. “I prefer to be called Alex if that was okay?” He said, nervously.

  “Alex, eh?” She got closer, gazing over his entire body. Alex blushed and very noticeable too, with a bright red face as Sereth touched around his body.

  “Uhm, pardon?!” His voiced, a pitch lower, showing his nervousness grow as Sereth continued her finger inspection of him.

  “Lady Sereth!” A hint of jealousy was in Veyra’s voice, her cheeks blushed just as much as Alex’s.

  Sereth finally came to a halt with her curiosity. “Wow, you are tough,” she came to that assessment. “When I heard you beat my uncle in a duel, I had to come and see for myself what you were made of. And I’m thoroughly impressed. It’s no wonder those fools in Valthar couldn’t stop you.”

  “Uh, thanks I guess?” Confusion set in Alex’s mind, wasn’t sure if that was a genuine compliment or not.

  “And I can see why Veyra favors you as well,” she smirked, eyes now averted to Veyra, who continued to be as red as a strawberry. “You really have to be a strong individual to even favor her attention. Bravo.”

  “LADY SERETH!” Jealousy became embarrassment as Veyra yelled her name out for her uncalled assessment of her.

  “Lady Veyra, please do invite me to your wedding, I’ll bet it’ll be marvelous.” She continued with her teasing.

  “W-WEDDING!?” Steam came out of Veyra’s ears, embarrassed as ever with her cousin’s constant teasing.

  Alex couldn’t help but laugh at the situation as both cousins continued with their banter of a sort. *Wedding huh? Maybe when all this over, perhaps that wouldn’t be a bad idea.* He thought to himself.

  *Oh I can hear it now, the bells in the background, Veyra’s family crying as you whisk her away in your arms.* Author was back, sarcastically as ever. Mocking even.

  *You’re mocking me and I don’t like it,* Alex’s mood suddenly turned sour, of course the Author just had ruin his train of thought. *You know what? You’re not invited.*

  *I’m automatically your +1, you ain’t getting rid of me that easily pal.* He laughed.

  *Whatever dude.* Alex’s attention was back towards Veyra and Sereth.

  “Actually, I’m surprised you’re also down here, Lady Sereth, how come?” Curiosity had peeked over Alex, confused at her summons here in the cells.

  “Oh that’s right, I didn’t get a chance to tell you but my cousin, Lady Sereth, is one of my father’s advisors,” Veyra explained her family members presence here in the cells. “She is the one that handles treason and treachery in our kingdom, if any noble, be it family or not, she’s the one person I can count on to help us investigate this ordeal with the collars, the slaves and every foul deed that has spread in Kharzad.”

  “Yes, that’s pretty much why I’m here with Uncle Kharos and General Korrath,” Sereth added. “Whatever this bounty hunter has to say, any clues, I also wanted to be present, help in any way.”

  “Of course, if Veyra vouches for you, then you have my support as well.” Alex trusted Veyra and if her word meant something, he knew right away to trust it.

  “Ahem,” King Kharos coughed, making sure he wasn’t an afterthought. “Shall we proceed with this?”

  Alex, Veyra and Sereth, all nodded in unison. The next part was coming.

  Alex stood at the bars. Veyra beside him. Kane chained to the wall opposite, wrists and ankles bound, head bowed. The way the guards prepared him. He continued to stay quiet, since the ride here to Kharzad.

  Kharos spoke first. Voice low, regal, tired. “Speak, bounty hunter. Tell us of the one who sent you.”

  Kane lifted his head. Looked at Alex, not the king. “I’ll only speak to the Butcher. Maybe his pretty little dragon too.” He smirked, knowing he’s got so much leverage in the palm of his hands despite his current condition.

  Alex opened the steel door, stepped closer to Kane. Voice calm. Good-cop calm. The voice he used in interview rooms when the suspect was on the edge of breaking. “Kane. You said you’d talk. So talk. Who’s making the collars? Who keeps capturing people and making them into slaves? Who is this Master?”

  Kane’s eyes flicked to the royalty, his eyes on Veyra, Kharos, Sereth, then back to Alex. “You really want to know? You’re not gonna like it.”

  Alex leaned in slightly, not threatening, just close enough to make it feel personal. “We can fight again but I know you’re as worn out as I am. I didn’t have Veyra slay you where you laid when I defeated you. You owe me that much at least.”

  Veyra moved forward. Flames licked along her arms, low and controlled, but the heat rolled off her in waves. Her tail lashed once, cracking against the stone floor. “You owe him nothing,” she said, voice low and dangerous. “You owe me. For every collar you helped place. For every life you took in the purges. Speak, Kane. Or I will burn the truth out of you.”

  Kane had no reaction. He wasn’t scared, he didn’t even have nervous sweat come down either. He just looked. Looked at her. “Right, I can see why you would be so interested in that information. Crimson Terror, the first one to ever have a collar. How did it feel, being mindless while you had it?” He chuckled.

  That struck a nerve. Veyra instantly went for a flaming punch. Pure instinct after Kane hit the right buttons to anger her. Alex raised a hand, stopping her from doing something she’ll immediately regret. “Easy, Veyra.” Alex’s hand burned, not bothered with her flames that burned his skin. “I know what he just said was totally uncalled for but we really need that information he has. If you kill him now, that’ll only set us back more. Let’s give him a chance to do the right thing.”

  She looked at Kane, with so much anger, holding it. Her pot was about to boil, but then she looked at Alex, how he was right about the given situation. The water stopped boiling in her, calmed herself as her fist returned to her. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Let me heal your hand.” She gazed once more at Kane. “Thank Alex, for this is the only time I’ll ever hide my fangs.”

  He turned back to Kane, as Veyra healed his hand. Voice softer now. “Remember what you told me after our fight? How you, yourself, was just as much of a pawn, giving out the wrong justice? How you felt so used for needlessly killing those without question? Those 3 kids you said you killed. Did they deserve justice your associates have been dishing out? You said you didn’t have a choice but you do now. Help us end this madness.”

  Kane’s shoulders sagged. He looked at the floor. Then up at Alex. He swallowed his saliva, his pride. Everything he said was true. His decision was his own for once. “The Master… it's not just a person. It’s a parasite. Spreading amongst the people. The people you think you trust. An organization, that’s been growing right underneath your noses.”

  General Korrath leaned forward. “Names. Give us names.”

  Kane’s gaze drifted. At Kharos, at Veyra. “You know this person. Or once knew them.”

  Veyra stepped closer. Flames engulfed her body, flaring brightly. The air shimmered with heat. “Say the name, Kane. Or I swear by the gods, I will tear it from your throat.”

  Kane laughed but that quickly changed, flinching, trembling. Looked at Alex, scared for what’s to come.

  Alex kept his voice steady. “You looked at Veyra, at the king. This person must be close to them. Who is it?”

  Kane exhaled. Voice barely above a whisper. “The one in charge… orchestrating everything behind the scenes… the one you call Master - ” The rune on his temple flared violet. Kane’s eyes widened. “Shit-”

  His head snapped back. Veins glowed under his skin like lightning trapped in flesh. Blood poured from nose, eyes, ears. A wet crack, bone giving way. His skull burst outward in a spray of violet light and red mist. The body slumped. Chains clinked. And whatever information they needed, pure silence.

  His blood splattered, painting the wall in red, painting those who occupied the room. It stained everyone in its crimson color. It was on Alex, around his face, who just looked at the one person who could have finally ended this goose chase, dead in front of him.

  Veyra’s flames died instantly. Her tail curled tight around Alex’s ankle - instinctive, protective.

  Kharos exhaled slowly. “Kill-switch. Must’ve activated when it knew he couldn’t keep the secret no more.”

  Alex continued to stare at the corpse, headless. Kane’s last words, everything up until he exploded, shook around Alex’s mind. He took a deep breathe and he let it all in. Every bit of info.

  Sereth spoke, wiping the blood that she too had over her. “He was about to name the Master. Convenient timing.”

  Korrath grunted. “Too convenient.”

  “He did give us one hint,” Alex broke his silence, his gaze on the body, shifted to Veyra and back at King Kharos. “He said you know who this is, or rather, knew who it is. Any idea who in your family might have something against you?”

  Kharos and Veyra both looked at each other. Silence for what seemed like an eternity until Veyra broke it. “No one comes to mind, no one should dare.” She said.

  “I know you don’t want to hear it,” Alex spoke. “But someone in your family, someone has turned coat. You knew this, ever since they started saying it, back at the mines, the caravan we saved when we made our trip here. It was a possibility. But now with what Kane said, that possibility is no more than truth now.” Alex turned away from the bars. Looked at Veyra. “You guys know. Maybe in the back of your heads and clearly, looking at Kane’s dead body, this is just the beginning.”

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  The silence was deafening. It was the only thing that was loud in that cell. Veyra was the first to break it. “You’re right,” she sighed, almost defeated at the thought. She looked at her father, at her cousin, now she had a determined look, sharp eyes that met Alex’s. “We shall make a list of all our family members. We’ll conduct thorough investigations. Get testimony on all of their activities.”

  “Right.” The king agreed, nodded at Veyra for her idea.

  “You can totally count me in to help as well!” Seretha said enthusiastically.

  They all, Alex, Veyra, Seretha, Kharos and Korrath, all agreed in unison. The spark of fighting back against this unknown entity of an organization, ignited and fueled their investigation.

  Their day had just begun however, as someone approached them. A soldier, one of Korrath’s trusted men. Came down and in a hurry too. “General. Movement in the lower districts. Warehouse district. Multiple sightings of cloaked figures moving crates after dark. Slavers. Fresh collars. Same markings as the mine shipment.”

  Korrath looked at Alex. “I trust your instincts and judgement Alex, care to join us on liberating these fiends off my lands?”

  Alex exhaled, excitedly so. “A raid huh? Sounds like fun. I’m in.”

  Veyra stepped forward. “I am also in. Wherever Alex goes, I go as well.”

  Kharos nodded. “Perfect, Korrath and his men will set up and meet you there at the location.”

  Korrath said nothing, nodded at his king’s demand. He was the first to leave the cell. Alex and Veyra soon followed foot.

  It wasn’t long before the duo met Korrath and his men, a group of 6 soldiers, ready at his helm. They quietly set up their ambush, as the approached the premises of the warehouse in question.

  The raid was clean.

  They hit the warehouse from three sides, Korrath’s shadows slipping through windows, Veyra’s fire lighting the exits, Alex moving in with drawn sword and glowing fists. Guards fell fast. Non-lethal where possible. Most surrendered the moment they saw the Butcher and the Crimson Terror together.

  Inside: dozens of collars in crates. Beastkin and humans chained in cages, hollow-eyed, waiting for shipment. They freed them all.

  Veyra stayed with the captives, calming them, directing the soldiers, her presence alone enough to keep panic down. Korrath coordinated the arrests, every human slaver bound and hooded.

  Alex moved deeper into the warehouse as the commotion unfolded in their direction.

  *Detective mode activated. What are we looking for, Sherlock?* Author finally decided to make his appearance in Alex’s thoughts.

  *Anything that isn’t obvious,* Alex muttered. *They don’t leave random names lying around. But they always leave something. I’m poking around until I find whatever sticks out.*

  As he stumbled around, he found what he was looking for, a room that seemed to resemble an office space. Head office, the label on the outside said. As he poked around further, he found it in a back, a locked drawer. He took his small dagger out, pried it open with ease.

  What he saw wasn’t what he expected: old wanted posters. Names crossed out. Faces he didn’t recognize. Dates going back decades. This was definitely planned out, far longer than he’s been around.

  And under them, a map of Kharzad. Jackpot.

  Three locations circled in red ink. One was the warehouse they just raided. The other two were marked in different districts. He wasn’t sure what they were exactly, but he can only assumed it’s more hideouts like this one. He’d have to continue to investigate.

  *Based on what’s been circled, I can only assume that these are just like this place,* Alex thought. *Or maybe landmarks perhaps?*

  *Could be, could be, you’re not gonna figure this out standing right here, you know?* The author couldn’t help but joke around.

  Alex folded the map. Tucked it into his hoodie. *Yeah, yeah, I’m already on it.*

  He stepped out of the office. Veyra was waiting. “Find anything?” she asked.

  “Leads. Two more places like this one. I want to check them.” He pulled out the map, showing her the marked locations.

  She instantly knew the landmarks. “This one, it’s a statue of Kukulkan, most people go there to pray in his name,” she pointed at the one on the left. Then she pointed at the one at the far right. “This one over here, it used to be a noble's mansion, I can’t exactly remember who, my cousin might have that information.” She said. “I know that it has long been forgotten though, abandoned.”

  “Neat, guess we’ll go and take a look, right?” Alex then folded the paper right up, placing it back in his pocket.

  “I won’t be able to go with you,” Veyra’s eyes sorrow, sad as she brushed Alex’s shoulder. “With everything that has been going around, I’m going to help my father and General Korrath start their interrogations on all of my family members and these slavers we’ve just caught. It’s better if we split up and cover more ground like that.”

  Alex can see Veyra, her fear of what’s to come next. He knew the next steps taken were going to be the hardest in Veyra’s direction. He grabbed her hand, pulled her in closely, and embraced, his warmth met hers. His head on her shoulder, hers on his. “I know these next couple of days are going to be the hardest, and I want you to know, that I am with you til the very end.” His words, comforting to her ears. “No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side, you can bet on that.”

  She couldn’t help but let one stream of tears come down, she pulled herself closer to him. Hearts racing, loving every moment of his reassurance. “Thank you so much,” she couldn’t help but reach his face, eyes met, his full of hope and hers filled with tears. She reached in for a kiss, gentle, polite. It meant everything for her, it meant everything to him. “I appreciate everything you’ve done so far to make me feel better. And I’m glad you’re the man I chose to be with. I’m glad you’re the one to free me, on that top of that mountain.”

  “I couldn’t have been the better person for that job,” Alex smiled, his heart raced even more. He pulled once more, another kiss. Her tail wagging, as the back and forth whipped up the dust around them. “Call out my name and I’ll be by your side swiftly.”

  “I’ll make sure to do that,” more of their smiles filled the room. Letting go of his hand, Veyra started to walk the opposite direction. “I’ll see you in a bit?”

  “For sure,” he replied. “Remember, keep your eyes open and your ears peeled. Mindful of who’s watching and listening, that includes your father and that cousin of yours.”

  She paused her movement, looking back at him. “Don’t trust them?”

  “I trust you.” Alex said.

  “Then I’ll be careful.” She nodded, he nodded back, concluding their conversation.

  Alex took out the map once more. From what Veyra said earlier, he mentally remembered what these red circles meant: one statue and one mansion, abandoned. Statue was the closest to him, so that’s where the next part of his investigation followed.

  As he exited the raided warehouse, so did Veyra and the general, along with all those arrested and freed. His roommate in his head finally decided to butt in, make it known he’s still there. *Pretty intense moment back there, eh buddy?”

  Alex wasn’t sure if there was any hint of sarcasm in that voice in his. *Oh, look who decided to finally say something. What? Bored being the third wheel?*

  *No, I just figured you both needed the room.* Author chuckled.

  *Hmm, I suppose you want me to thank you then?* Alex rolled his eyes. He done so already earlier when the got back from the mines.

  *No, its appreciated but I’m no affirmation seeker,* Author said honestly. *Just wanted to check in, I know a lot has happened. Wanted to see if you were holding up alright?*

  *Me?* Alex scoffed. *It’s not me you should worry about, you know?*

  *I’m literally your creator, I know what’s rattling inside that head of yours, you know?* Author replied.

  *Then enlighten me. What is it that is bothering me?* Alex rolled his eyes, to much of his annoyance.

  *Kane.* Alex stopped right in his tracks, the horizon gleaming with orange as the sun rose.

  *…* Alex didn’t reply. Only silence did.

  *I know, what I did to him was rather harsh but -*

  *Stop right there,* Alex interrupted him. *I know what I signed up for when I decided to indulge you in this story. What I signed up for back at Valthar, back in Chicago when I took the oath to become a cop. It’s the same now, it was the same back then. I can’t do nothing but move forward from here on out without lamenting on the past.* He held nothing back.

  *I see,* Author said. He paused for a moment, thinking of the next words. *Do you have any ill feelings of me? For what I did?*

  Alex thought about it for a moment. Then replied. *Oh where do I begin?* He started to laugh. *If I were to say what I wanted to say to you, to your face, you’d have to write a whole other novel for that. That alone would be pure punishment for you.*

  Author couldn’t help but mix in his laugh with Alex’s. *Well I guess you saved me the trouble of not doing that then.* His laughter dimmed away. *There will be times where you will hate more than you should, berate me for the things I’ll have you do, for every little thing that’ll make or break you. Lots more is coming, and I want you to be mentally prepared for that. You understand?*

  *I’ve faced a lot of that before coming here to Aetherra, if I have to villainize you to move forward, then so be it. Wouldn’t be who I am if that was the case.* Alex replied.

  *Fair enough.* And with that, Author went back into silence.

  As soon his conversation was over, Alex continued on towards the first marked location. As he made his way towards the statue, the sun was finally settling out, shining the streets of Kharzad.

  As soon as Alex approached, he realized how packed it was.

  The statue of Kukulkan. One of the dragon god brothers, worshipped in this city. With all the people here, praying or not, it was easy for Alex to blend in. He took his hoodie off, making sure he sat near a bench, staring, listening.

  “Did you hear what happened at the warehouse district?” “That’s where the raid took place right?” “Apparently they captured a bunch of slavers.” “Wow, I bet they were all humans too.” “No kidding, Valthar really knows how to make bad people.” One conversation Alex could distinguish.

  He got up from the bench he sat on, walked towards the food stalls that were around. He continued to listen, order food while he did.

  A chicken skewer and what seemed to be a orange type of juice later, he didn’t pick up anything else noteworthy of. He decided to approach the statue.

  Kukulkan. A statue made of stone and granite. The God that represented the humanity side of Dragons. A warrior with a unique headpiece that resembled a penacho, a headgear with feathers that stick out from the helmet. *Very Hispanic,* he thought. *Kinda reminds me of the Native American statue on 63rd and Pulaski.* Nothing seemed out of place, at least for now.

  *I’m not sure that’s appropriate.* The author butted in.

  *Hey, you made him in the likeness of him, take some responsibility. * Alex grilled him.

  *You know what? I don’t have to. Bye.* And the author retreated back.

  *Heh, scaredy cat.* Alex laughed, then he made his way to the next destination after following through with his investigation here by the statue.

  Took awhile before he made it to the next marked location, by then the sun had risen a bit more, this time instead of morning cold winds, the heat of the sun began to warm the air around the area.

  Out of the corner of his eyes, he finally noticed it. A mansion. Like Veyra said, it was abandoned. The moss around the building, the growing tall grass around, the out of shape gutters and the tiles of the roof missing, the gate completely sealing the place up. He can see it, blocked by the 8 foot, maybe 9, fence that enclosed the area. He’d seen these kinds of buildings, the once he used to explore with his older sister, Maria, who enjoyed scary stories and the supernatural.

  “Wow, this place is huge.” Alex stared, arms crossed as he inspected the outside.

  As he looked, he noticed a couple of posters that stuck out. *KEEP OUT* *HAUNTED, DO NOT CROSS.* **TURN BACK.* All very ominous.

  “Sir, what are you doing?”

  A voice from behind, taking Alex out of his deep thoughts. He turned and it looked like an old worn out citizen, a wolf kin. His fur, gray all over, a cane that helped his balance. A vest that didn’t cover much of his hair chest and torn pants, no shoes, just paws. “Oh, I’m just investigating this area is all, heard reports of unusual activity.”

  “Unusual? I haven’t seen much going on if I was being honest,” the man cleared his throat, approaching Alex closer, slowly. “My name is Ezekiel, I once was a servant to Sir Urzkin, head family of the Zion family, who used to live in this mansion before being casted a traitor to King Kharros and had him executed.”

  “Oh,” Alex didn’t realize how deep the lore behind the mansion was. “My name is Alex, any idea why they thought he was a traitor?”

  “My master had some words about the God, Kukulkan,” Ezekiel began to explain. “Those words were not in anyway good, he blasphemed, saying the side of the human was the weakest amongst the dragons that held that bloodline.*

  “Well, I don’t really know how freedom of speech is around here, I’m sure just being a blasphemous fool wasn’t just the only thing that rolled his head.” Alex scratched his cheek.

  “It was worse,” the old wolf continued. “After he was publicly humiliated by the King, the man and his family doubled down on their actions. Word spread amongst the families, some agreeing with his sentiment.” He sighed. He looked at that mansion, his face filled with nothing but sorrow. “In order for a coup d’ètat not to start, he was killed. A public execution, his family exiled from the kingdom. Servants were not allowed to follow. Those who did were thrown in jail for conspiracy.”

  “I see,” Alex and Ezekiel looked at the mansion. So much has happened. So much that wasn’t so different from his world, at least once upon a time. “Has anyone from that family ever got retribution for that?”

  “Even if they could, they wouldn’t. Whatever public sway they once had, it was all thrown out the moment the head of the family was killed,” Ezekiel explained. “They were cursed. If they ever stepped back into Kharzad, that curse would kill them. So it was impossible to say the least.”

  “Didn’t know they can cast curses like that, but I guess that’s their way of ensuring nothing can be plotted against them unless they used a third party,” Alex started to approach the gate, finally about to make his next step into his investigation. “Thanks for the information, Sir Ezekiel.”

  “Wait Sir Alex,” Ezekiel stopped Alex, at least for in that moment. “Are you going in?”

  “But of course.” Alex had his right hand and leg already on the fence ready to jump over it to advance.

  “Here,” Ezekiel pulled something out of his pocket. Some keys. “I have spares to the place. When everyone left, I continued to keep the place clean until I couldn’t no more. It was the least I could do since they took me in, fed and housed me. Please do take care of yourself, it’s been years since I’ve last set place in there.”

  Alex took the keys, he saw that each were labeled for their use, organized in a way that he could easily discern them. “Thank you and I will.”

  As he opened the gate, he looked back at the old wolf, saying his goodbye. He then turned to face the mansion, so much bigger behind the fence. The yard expanded so much so, it was aa big as parks, an old fountain, covered in moss, still running water. He walked on the uneven sidewalk, cracks and the weeds that grew in them. It had been a while since the last time any signs of life were here.

  As he approached the front door, he noticed something in the shade. He squinted for a better look.

  “Is that a dog?” A four legged canine was in front him, laying in the shade. Its form resembled that of a German Shepard dog. Ears perked up, head suddenly turned to look at Alex. Suddenly it opened it’s eyes, their dark red, crimson like jeweled rubies. “Oh crap.”

  It didn’t move, only it’s eyes followed. But as soon as Alex got closer, it got up, growling. Not just a growl, but one that sent shivers down Alex’s spine. It was familiar, but different, ominous. “Human.”

  Alex was shook, eyes wide opened as the dog spoke to him. “You can talk?”

  The dog suddenly stopped growling, approaching Alex, sniffing his scent. He walked around him, tail hitting the back of Alex’s leg. “You. You are not a human from this world.”

  “You can tell?” More surprises, Alex continued to be amazed now.

  “The humans here are all reeking with greed, deceit, death,” he continued. “Yours is different, your aura is strong. Very much so. I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or an even worse thing. Are you what they call an otherworlder?”

  “Yes.” Alex answered, truthfully. He had the idea of using his appraisal skill, like when he did with Veyra during their travel here

  ???

  Race: Hellhound

  Level: 85

  Class: Guardian Familiar

  HP: 18,500 / 18,500

  MP: 9,200 / 9,200

  Strength: 420

  Agility: 280

  Endurance: 380

  Magic: 310

  Skills: Hellfire Breath (S), Shadow-Step (A+), Soul-Tracking (S), Guardian Aura (A), Shapeshifting (A), Regeneration (S), more….

  Title: Ancient Gatekeeper / The Omen

  Contract: None

  “Woah, you’re a hellhound?” Alex couldn’t believe his eyes, his stats, almost as comparable as Veyra’s.

  “Indeed,” the hellhound started to wag it’s tail. It was happy? “Interesting, Humans usually don’t have that skill. So you are an otherworlder.” He repeated himself, with Alex’s answer. “In all my centuries of being alive, you’re the first Otherworlder I’ve ever met. The first that has approached me without fear in their minds”

  “Oh? Is that a common occurrence with the people in this world?” Alex asked, now more intrigued than ever.

  “Indeed, the people here fear me. In their eyes, I’m just a demon, nothing but a bad omen. They see only but a disaster. They think looking at me, with disgust and fear, they’ll get cursed. Or worse, die with my sudden gaze,” the hellhound described how he’s viewed. A perspective Alex knew as well. “It’s true, that my kind are a disaster, with power like this, who wouldn’t be afraid of what’s to come?”

  “Heh.” Alex couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Are you laughing me?” Smoke emitted around the hellhound, angered with Alex’s reaction.

  “No, no, nothing like that of the sort. It’s just,” Alex looked back, at his journey. How it started with a massacre of a kingdom. Trails of heads rolling. “You’re like me. When I was summoned, they wanted to use me as a walking grim reaper for genocide. Well jokes on them, I killed the King of Valthar, his army and his council.” He sighed, still vividly remembering that anecdote. “Unfortunately they had the last laugh, I too was called monster, butcher, bad omen, everything synonymous with it. No one like me, human, can look me in the eyes, all scared. Every bounty hunter, after my head. I’m just a walking calamity in their eyes.”

  The hellhound's demeanor quickly changed, sitting as he listened to Alex and his journey. “It seems you and I are not so different then human. What is your name?”

  “Alex, and yours?” Alex answered, quickly turning the question around.

  “I don’t carry one,” the hellhound responded. “I used to have one, many centuries ago, but my master, has long been perished. That name no longer suits me.”

  “Well, I know something about naming dogs.” Alex said.

  “Oh?” The hellhound’s ears perked up once more.

  “Before I was a detective back in my world, I used to be a K9 Handler. “ Alex explained.

  “What is this K9 Handler you speak of? Is it like a contract?” Hellhound continued with its questioning.

  “A bit like that, basically my partner is a dog like you. He protects me and return I protect him. Sadly, the last partner, the last friend I truly had, died protecting me when he and I chased after a couple of burglars. I still miss him to this day, he was a good boy.” Alex continued, a small flashback of his past.

  “That sounds like the same relationship I once had with my previous master,” it paused for a moment. Suddenly, it spoke once more “Alex, place your hand on my head.”

  “Pardon?” Alex raised an eyebrow at his request.

  “Place your hand on my head,” hellhound explained. “You intrigued me, share almost the same destructive path. I want you to make a contract with me.”

  “A contract… with you?” Alex, perplexed at the request of the hellhound’s.

  It simply nodded. Alex didn’t flinch, trusting his gut. He approached it, closer with every step. And he reached out his hand.