Jay's eyes fluttered open, his vision hazy.

  He found himself seated across from Pi, who was quietly inspecting his blade, its edge gleaming in the dim light.

  Pi broke the silence without looking up, "He's different now. The last time I saw him, he was like a shadow of himself. This time, it felt like I was speaking to someone entirely new. I didn't expect it to go this way... but I'm glad it did."

  Jay coughed violently with his body shaking.

  He tried to steady himself, but his legs buckled beneath him.

  Pi rose quickly, offering a hand.

  Jay waved it away, attempting to stand on his own, "I'm fine," he muttered through gritted teeth, though his trembling frame betrayed his words.

  Pi sighed, stepping back, "You remind me of myself once," he began. "I was stubborn. I pushed everyone away, refused to let anyone help. It felt weird at the time, but it wasn't. Every time someone left my life, I realized it was the price of my pride."

  Jay stared at him, silent but seething, his anger clearly not aimed at Pi.

  Pi continued, his tone firm yet understanding, "I know what the side effects of this fight have done to you. And I know you want to prove yourself to the organization. But listen to me: one of the greatest strengths you'll ever have is allowing others to help you. If you refuse that, it will become your greatest weakness. You'll make mistakes... and the people you love will pay for them."

  This time, when Pi offered his hand, Jay didn't refuse. He took it, and the two walked together toward the sanctuary.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  The silence stretched between them until Jay finally spoke, "What now?"

  Pi's response was calm, almost casual, "That depends on her—on that Becca girl. Maybe they'll come after us, lock us all up. Or maybe, just maybe, they'll help us take Kurtis down. Either way, I'll be waiting. My blade is always ready."

  Jay smirked weakly, his voice steadier now, "Same here. It's the least I can do."

  ---

  In the kingdom of Sungalepore, chaos reigned outside the palace walls.

  Riots raged in the streets as enraged nobility and commoners alike clashed with King Kurtis' soldiers.

  The chants of the crowd echoed like a relentless drumbeat:

  "WE WANT ACTION. WE WANT JUSTICE."

  King Kurtis stood at the window of his throne room, his figure silhouetted against the golden light of the setting sun.

  He watched the chaos below with a hardened expression, his lips curling into a grim line.

  "Justice," he muttered, almost to himself. "The word is a tool for those who refuse accountability. An organization that preaches justice never admits its own faults. Rebellious ideologies only breed more injustice, perpetuating a cycle that destroys everything it touches."

  From behind the velvet curtains, a figure emerged—his son, Shadow.

  Shadow approached slowly, his voice steady, "And what will you do about it?"

  King Kurtis's hands tightened into fists, the brown glow of the symbol on his bandaged arms intensifying as he turned to his son.

  "I'll do what I've always done," Kurtis said, his voice filled with resolve. "I'll fight. I'll protect Sungalepore, no matter the cost. And I'll mount the heads of every Lost Brotherhood member as a warning to anyone who dares defy this kingdom."

  The chants of the people grew louder, their fury shaking the very walls of the palace.

  Beside him, Shadow gripped his shield, the teal glow of his ring illuminating his clenched fist. He knelt before his father, his eyes burning with determination.

  "As the prince, I won't allow criminals to harm our people any further," Shadow declared. "Let me stand with you, Father. Together, we'll bring these criminal to justice and show them the price of rebellion."

  Kurtis slowly walked to his son, approving smile spreading across his face, "Allowed. Show them the consequences of defiling the Kurtis family name. Let them witness the wrath of Sungalepore's throne."

  The glow of their symbols intensified as father and son prepared for the storm to come, their resolve unshakable amidst the roar of rebellion.