Category: Heart Of Stone

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 100&101&102

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 100&101&102

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 100&101&102

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★a

    A bright blinding light erupted from their disappearance, and a lot of people had to cover their eyes to kill the effects of the light, but Pearl saw it as an opportunity.

    She had promised to die with him anyways, so it’s just perfect.

    She jumped into the light, disappearing too.

    Sage and Cheyenne jumped into the light next, both determined to go extinct with their lord.

    Mercury jumped in too, completely forgetting about her mother.

    Lilith pulled Granny Jojo, but the old woman resisted.

    “You’re almost two thousand years old, Granny. Even as an Eternal, your life is short already. We can’t miss this opportunity, I want to be reborn too and I can’t leave you here!” Lilith scolded, pulling her inside just before the light went off.

    “That motherf+k£r, that f+kin skunk!! F+k!!!” Caspian yelled, crashing out beside Rivera.

    Faye and Astor faced each other, looking neutral.

    Rumi is still kneeling where she is, and she’s still holding Xena’s body.

    Xena might be soaked in blood, but her eyes are slightly open, and she’s crying too.

    Dominika walked up to them, kneeling in front of her daughters.

    “M…Ma?” Xena spoke through the blood in her mouth.

    Dominika nodded with a smile despite the tears in her eyes.

    “I’m sorry I came late,”

    Xena closed her eyes completely, more tears sliding out.

    Dominika placed her palms above her body, healing her wounds.

    Eternus marched to them, squatting with the three.

    “I told him. I warned him, but he was too stubborn. But on the other hand, I think it was meant to end like this. I mean…this lifetime was meant to end this way.” He said.

    “What do you mean?” Rumi asked.

    “The next lifetime might be in ten or thousand years, but it’d happen, just not here cos Luminaria is in chaos already. It’s desolate, and people are leaving the city, travelling to the human realm.” Eternus said.

    “Next lifetime? ten thousand years?” Dominika started crying again.

    “Mightn’t be up to that, just guesses.” Eternus smiled bitterly, joining Dominika to heal Xena’s wounds.

    By now, Caspian and Rivera are gone.

    Faye and Astor are gone, too.

    The rest of the crowd are starting to depart from the ruins.

    Luminaria is presently decaying and crumbling. Every building. Every form. Everything.

    It’s like the existence of the gods is the foundation of the city, so everything fell down.

    “We have to leave,” Dominika said.

    Rumi helped Xena up, and thankfully, she can walk now.

    Teleporting, they went to the Crossover Command Building where they met lots of people who’re struggling to get down.

    It’s crowded, like the airport of a plaqued city in the human world.

    Everyone’s trying to escape.

    They waited patiently for their turn, and in fifteen more minutes, they’re part of the  last set of people to get on the ascension ladder.

    As the door closed behind them, Luminaria got destroyed completely as if it was never there.

    **

    **

        [A Thousand Yrs Later, Russia]

    [Morozov Residence]

    It’s not a very big house, not even a mansion but a small flat.

    It’s at least comfortable for Dominika and her daughters.

    Since joining the human realm, they’ve all been working hard to put food on their table. Everyone including Dominika herself.

    Rumi works at a mental hospital for relapsing drug addicts. She’s quite good at taking care of them.

    Xena is a ballerina, an important part of a ballet group called “Foxx”

    Dominika herself is a florist. She has a pretty big flower shop, selling flowers and blue roses.

    Though, aging took it’s toll on the woman, and she’s starting to grow strands of grey hair, but she’s still strikingly beautiful.

    Human world has become inhabited by Luminarians, and they seem to be multiplying everyday especially the spell casters like Rumi.

    They use their spells in banks mostly to rob, and the robbery cases never ends. It’s an everyday occurrence.

    It’s a really cold morning in the house, and Dominika was wearing clips in her hair as she emerged from her room, ready to go to work.

    “You didn’t wear mittens!” Rumi scolded from the living room where she stood with her arms akimbo.

    “Darn! I forgot!” Dominika gasped.

    “And later today, you’ll start complaining about how you caught the flu! It’s November and outside is practically freezing! You have sensitive hands!” Rumi continued scolding.

    “I’ll go wear them, stop nagging…urg!” Dominika waved a dismissive hand, going back into her room to wear her mittens.

    By the time she came back, Rumi was already holding a bowl of cereal.

    “You and your love for cereal. Anyways, see you when I get back!” Dominika kissed her cheek.

    “I’ll be back late. I have too many special patients so don’t wait for me at dinner” Rumi replied.

    Dominika went to the dinning where Xena has been sitting, busy on her laptop screen.

    She kissed her cheek too.

    “Alright, bye mum. Mhua!” Xena kissed back without looking at her.

    Dominika got her car keys and left the house.

    “The hell are you looking at on your laptop screen! You’ve been staring since like 5am!” Rumi went behind her to peek at her laptop screen.

    “Katherine Pierce?” She read the name on the screen. “You’re still obsessed with this lady?”

    “Who wouldn’t?” Xena looked up. “She’s the most popular, the baddest ballerina in this city. She has been dancing ballet, going on exclusive concerts since she was ten, and yet, no one has seen her face! She performs with a mask on, always!”

    Xena stood at this point, and Rumi shifted back.

    “Now, she turned 26 today, and she’s finally having an exclusive concert tonight where she’d be dancing without a mask on. My role model will be dancing without a mask on and you’re telling me I didn’t get a ticket to the concert? Meaning I won’t be seeing my baby’s face? Gawd!! Just kill me!” Xena sat sprawled on the ground dramatically.

    “And you know the worse part? No one is allowed to snap pictures at the concert so only the people who’ll go will get the chance to see her! Her team said she’s so fuckin beautiful I can’t miss it! I’m gonna cry!!”

    “What’s this unhealthy obsession with Katherine Pierce? The only good thing about her is her insane ballet dance talent, but even her team are saying she’s rude and very wicked, and she hates kids.” 

    “I won’t tolerate you talking absolute shit about my idol like that! So what if she’s rude or hates kids? We Katherine addicts don’t care!” Xena attacked, and Rumi shook her head, already looking tired of her twin.

    Xena said nothing anymore, she just continued sitting there, sulking.

    “Anyways, I’m gonna borrow your short burgundy wig, I hate the longness of my hair and I’m planning to trim it when I get back from work today, but for now, I need that short wig!” Rumi said, rushing inside.

    Xena got up too, but she didn’t go inside.

    She picked up a rat food nylon from the center table, and she went out of that angle, opening the second door beside the study.

    Inside the door, there are two more doors which she walked through before jumping down a window which led to a backyard.

    There, there’s a smaller room where a rough iron sheet cage is.

    She opened the cage and was about to pour the rat food inside, but she had a change of mind.

    She poured the food into a plate and lowered her p@nt$, peeing on the food. She mixed it with her pee very well before dropping the plate inside the cage.

    The rate ate like it has been starving for months which is true. It hasn’t been fed for two months now.

    Anatoli.

    Xena was smiling as she watched him eat the pee-soaked food, and when he finished eating, she injected him on the belly and went ahead to place him on a gummy surface so he couldn’t move when the pains from the injection shot up his head.

    The stomach swelled till he started vomiting the food, but as he vomited, he ate again, not wanting to lose any of it cos only gawd knows when next he’s gonna be eating again.

    Xena grinned, satisfactorily.

    “You’ve suffered in our hands for how many years now? A Thousand? But it’s nothing compared to what Ryker would do to you if he luckily reincarnates.” She muttered.

    “Do you think there’s really a chance for him and Shayla to reincarnate?” Rumi entered the room too, wearing the burgundy wig already. “It’s been a thousand years, and I’ve not seen a single dead person from Luminaria get reborn.”

    The rat was squirming and crying in the cage, so Rumi slapped it, and the poor thing went flying to the cage body. The iron sheet cut it’s limbs, and he cried harder, bleeding to the smelly stinking sawdust inside.

    “Let’s leave this room, or I might just kill this mad man.” Rumi sighed, walking out of the room.

    She’s dressed corporately for work already, so her heels are clinking the marbles sassily.

    “I don’t believe they’re gone just like that. Mom is still alive, that’s enough reason to tell you that Ryker will be back. I don’t want his forgiveness, I don’t deserve it, but I just want to see him torture Anatoli.” Xena replied, following her out of the room.

    There was quite as the two girls walked back to the living room, but Rumi is aware of what’s on Xena’s mind, so she talked…

    “I know what you’re thinking, don’t say it out.”

    “Katherine Pierce’s concert!!” Xena screamed, hanging her arm on Rumi’s neck tightly in a neck lock.

    “Stop!” Rumi struggled.

    “Put your obeisance spell on Katherine’s company for me let them just give me one ticket!” Xena cajoled.

    “In your dreams! Mom said I can never use my ability for evil, and I’m respecting her!” Rumi pushed her away, but Xena ran to her again.

    Rumi ran away.

    “You’re lucky you got your ability back even when Anatoli is still alive, but me…my ability deals with animals and he’s currently an animal so I can’t get it back unless he dies totally! If I had my ability, I’d have sent Sensei to steal a ticket for me so now you’re my only hope! Steal a ticket for me before tonight!” Xena insisted, running after her.

    She’s in front of the couch, and Rumi is at the back of it, both breathing heavily like they’ve been marathoning.

    “I’m very late for work, you can’t be doing this.” Rumi panted.

    “Give me what I want then,” Xena spread her palms.

    “I’m not stealing for you! I only did that in Luminaria and old things have passed away. You’re a bad influence!” Rumi scoffed.

    “Rumi please!” Xena jumped the couch, but Rumi backed up.

    “Xena!!!” A new voice screamed into the house, the twins stopped, facing the door as Faye came in.

    Faye is also a member of the ballet group that Xena is in.

    Since they left Luminaria, Faye and Astor have been good friends to the twins and Dominika.

    Also, Astor works close to Dominika’s flower shop, so they’re very close like real family friends.

    “Finally someone to save me from this crazy bîtch” Rumi fanned herself with her hands.

    “Faye, are you telling me we’re really not attending the concert?” Xena wailed with a pout.

    “Tada!” Faye pointed up two black ticket cards with KATHERINE’S DARK UNIVERSE ONLY, printed on it in gold blood letters.

    “The tickets!” Xena snatched them from her quickly, eyes so wide.

    “I’m a snake, are you kidding? Duh, I only had to transform last night into my smallest form. I sneaked my way into Katherine’s team office, and here!” Faye replied.

    “Girl, I love you! I love you! I might love you more than my sis at this rate!” Xena hugged Faye tight.

    “You both are like 1,300+ years old, do you know that? Your young youth faces is only deceiving you, so stop being kids and let this house rest with Katherine Pierce stuff,” Rumi said, grabbing her bag and car key.

    “A former drug addict who’s now doctor for relapsing drug addicts, of course you’d be jealous of ballerinas!” Faye said savagely.

    “I really hate when you talk,” Rumi gave her the middle finger as she stepped out of the house.

    “Did she dye her hair burgundy?” Faye asked confusedly.

    “No. She’s wearing my burgundy wig for now! Babe, we need to go shopping for our concert tonight, seems we’re the only ones who’re going in our group! I want Katherine to notice me! I’ll get an autograph, a picture, and maybe a collaboration!” Xena pulled Faye inside.

    Sensei met her at the room door, and she carried the big old rabbit.

    “No pictures, we’ve been warned. Katherine hates pictures so you could be arrested. Beware.” Faye replied, rubbing Blaise’s core in her pocket.

    [Morregan Health Hospital]

    The hospital hummed with sounds of ward machines and the running feet of doctors who’re attending to the present emergencies.

    Morregan is the best hospital here in this part of the city, so schedules are always tight for doctors, especially for the most brilliant one… Doctor Blaise, the redhead.

    He has over fifty patients who’re here for checkup, and they’re all seated with anticipation in front of his office 

    Kasia is one of the sitting patients suffering from ulcer.

    She has been on her phone, pinging to kill time without noticing what’s happening around her till the girl sitting beside her whimpered painfully.

    “Are you ok?” She asked, dropping her phone to face the girl who’s currently clutching at her tummy.

    “Yeah, just a little discomfort with my stomach ulcer. It acts up when I take too long to get my checkup.” The girl replied with a little smile.

    “I’m suffering from ulcer too, and each time the unbearable pain comes, it feels like something important is missing inside me, creating a void. I can’t quiet explain.” Kasia said freely.

    “Exactly! I feel same! Like an emptiness is inside me, a big hole. As if someone stole my organ.” The girl replied.

    “Same…” Kasia held her hands.

    “Just rub a warm towel on your tummy whenever it happens again, it’ll reduce the pain. Also, eat lots and lots of cake to fill up your stomach everytime. Never go hungry, that should be a no-brainer.” Kasia said.

    “Thank you, I’ll try the warm towel thingy when I get home, you talk like my mother.” The girl smiled.

    “Stop it, I’m just 25, a teacher at daycare.” Kasia smiled.

    “I’m 23, and my name is Winona. I’m a college student, studying to be a police officer.” The girl replied, and they shook hands.

    “The ulcer cases?” A nurse called them in, and they quickly got up, entering the doctor’s office.

    Doctor Blaise sat behind his desk, his red hair falling in sprinkles over his clean glasses, and a thin smile hung on his handsome face as he welcomed them warmly.

    “It’s the two ulcer patients who don’t come for checkup till the 30th of every month, always late. It’s an habit at this rate,” he joked.

    Winona and Kasia gasped soundlessly immediately. They exchanged glances, saying he got hotter before taking their seats.

    Their examination and checkup was fast. Dr. Blaise was extra kind to them, he even offered them takeaway coffee before they left to get their medications at the pharmacy.

    “He’s hot, damn. I can’t stop saying this everytime I see him,” Kasia commented as they rushed down the hall together, their prescriptions safe in their palms.

    “You took the word outta my mouth, I admit he’s hot, but too bad I’m into girls,”  Winona winked.

    “Oh?” laughed.

    “Yeah,” Winona replied.

    “I don’t discriminate, you’re pretty enough to pull any girl,” Kasia said, and Winona chuckled.

    They went down the pharmacy, and a minute after, Eternus appeared from the hall corner, smiling with a nod as he watched their back views.

    “Finally I saw Luminarians who got reborn, but too bad they have no memories of their first lives. Does that mean if Ryker got reincarnated, he’d have no memory too?” He muttered, shaking his head.

    “Nahh…Ryker is too stubborn to lose that memory.”

    [A Jazz Bar, 6PM]

    As people filed into the bar to drink, they’re also promised with a good jazz play to make their nights sweet.

    They drank from their expensive cups, and at the same time they watched the drummer drumming aggressively on stage, sending the jazz tunes banging on the walls, breathing on the ground.

    Just drums. No music, but it’s enough to drive anyone crazy.

    Also, the lady behind the drum is pretty as fûck, so it’s understandable.

    Her long manicured red nails added to her mean girl aesthetic as she drummed madly, sweating and shaking her head along.

    Cheyenne.

    A lot don’t even come to drink. They come to watch her performance. She’s an entertaining drummer, both in her first life and this life.

    She got reincarnated into a rich family of tycoons, but she still chose to drum. It’s an obsession.

    She was reincarnated with memories of her past life, maybe because she was a loyal knight in her last life, but she has every memory.

    She missed Ryker, missed Shayla. She has no idea if they even got reincarnated, but she has been searching for them.

    She misses Sage, too. Madly so.

    No idea where that crybaby is right now. If he’s in Russia or beyond.

    Only gawd knows.

    She dropped her drumming sticks on the ground, scratching her palms with her nails as her guards rushed inside to get her out.

    Sweat danced on her skin.

    “Young Miss, you can’t just sneak out of the castle to drum everytime, your guards bear beatings from your parents everytime and it’s bad!” They complained, wanting to pull her up.

    “I can walk by myself,” she pushed them off, standing.

    One of them placed her leopard print fur coat on her shoulder as they led her out of the bar, opening the Lamborghini door for her.

    She hopped in, and she was taken away.

    Almost immediately, a Porsche came to a screeching halt in front of the bar, and Sage came out of it, madly handsome and more manly.

    He got reincarnated with his memories too, into another rich as hell family.

    His guards came down from the car with him.

    “You shouldn’t jump out of the car like that, sir.”

    “Sorry, I just thought I saw someone, but I guess I was wrong.” He replied, looking at Cheyenne’s car that’s driving off the roundabout.

    He sighed, casting a glance at the billboard opposite the jazz bar.

    Caspian Yusluv’s picture displayed, and he hissed out.

    Ryker is the one who’s supposed to be on that board, but only gawd knows if Ryker got reincarnated too.

    Frost H2O doesn’t even exist anymore, and it’s so painful.

    “Young Master? We’re gonna be late for dinner.” His guards said, urging him back into the car.

    They drove off.

    [7PM, KATHERINE DARK UNIVERSE ARENA]

    ‘Full’ would be an understatement for the arena right now.

    It’s nearly tearing with the insane crowd, all for Katherine’s ballet concert, the baddest ballerina bîtch of all times. (BBBOT)

    Despite the fullness of the arena, fans are still filing inside, wearing the most cûnty outfits ever, occupying the staircases and every tiny space available inside.

    Some even sat on the rails.

    Any space is ok, so far they’re gonna be seeing their idol tonight.

    A girl sat on one of the sold out seats in the middle, but a guy tapped her immediately, and she looked up.

    “Yes?”

    “That’s my seat,” the guy deadpanned.

    The girl peeked at her own ticket, then she stood.

    On the ticket, Sadie Robertson 777 was written, but she’s sitting on 778

    The boy showed her his own ticket.

    Soren Harland 778.

    “Sorry, I missed it up. I was too excited.” She smiled.

    “No problem,” he smiled back, and they exchanged seats, sitting calmly.

    “I’m planning on joining the Foxx ballet group soon, I love ballet a lot, and Katherine is my idol. I love her madly.” Sadie said.

    “I’m already a member of Foxx ballet group, but I haven’t been attending practices. Will start tommorow though, and I love Katherine, too. She’s my celebrity crush.” Soren replied, and Sadie smiled.

    It’s as if they’ve known each other for years. There’s this camaraderie feeling that refuses to leave.

    Faye and Xena got one of the middle seats too, luckily, but they’re very far from Sadie and Soren’s angle.

    They’re both dressed to kill, ready to meet their idol.

    Xena is flooding her insta with their pictures already, with captions like…

    →Finally meeting my idol tonight.

    →I haven’t seen a single ugly face here tonight, we Katherine’s addicts are too pretty and handsome, especially me.

    →I can’t wait to feed my eyes! I’ll bark if Katherine tells me to! I’ll crawl!

    “Rumi was right, are you in love with Katherine? Are you gay?” Faye said beside her, looking stunned.

    “Leave me to my delusions!” Xena replied, and Faye chuckled, then everyone got a text on their phones from Katherine’s team group.

    • Concert will start at 8, Katherine would come late by one hour, she has a quick issue to take care of.

    Comments flooded under that post almost immediately.

    Two minutes, 10 thousand plus.

    ✓ She can even come at 1, we don’t care she has all our time!

    ✓ She can do no wrong!

    ✓ Katherine please come by 5am and we’ll sleep here waiting for you!

    ✓ This obsession is real! Girl can literally make me kill for her!

    ✓ Who noticed haters aren’t talking? They know how toxic Katherine addicts can be!

    ✓ They dare not! Katherine is that girl! Queen Of Ballet!

    “I’m so happy my idol is so loved,” Xena said excitedly.

    “Me too, she deserves all the love, and right … We can wait here for a year if it means we’ll see her face!” Faye bursted out.

    “Yass!!” Xena added, and they stuck hands crazily, hitting their hips on each other too.

    [7:15, Rado Cuisine]

    Apart from coming to eat and cure hunger, the restaurant is exclusive for business meetings, so it’s filled with businessmen in suit every night.

    Office men who came for company dinners, cooperate ladies who came for business meals, and formal dinning time or dates.

    The atmosphere is tense this night though.

    At the back of the most exclusive room, a business is about to crash.

    A young man and a lady are standing in front of an old man.

    Seems the old man is angry about his job not well done, and he’s ranting.

    “6.5! I paid 6.5 million rubles for the event planning of my daughter’s birthday, only because I heard you’re the best event planner around, but what did you do? You ruined it by serving a cake with too much sugar! I told you my daughter hates sugar!!” He yelled, raising his walking cane furiously at the young man’s face.

    “Calm down, sir,” the young man replied calmly. 

    He’s the event planner.

    The old man spranged up angrier than before. He grabbed a cup of wine from the table, pouring it all on the event planner’s face.

    He grabbed the second one and poured it too, from his hair to his suit and dress shirt.

    He was about to pour the third glass when the lady stopped it. She looks like the planner’s assistant.

    “You don’t do that to my boss! Fine, he made a big mistake with the birthday cake but we’ve been begging and begging! What else do you want!” She shouted protectively.

    “You poor penniless thing! I should have known he’s a hungry mongrel judging by his faded suit! He only wears one suit around and never changes tie! How could I make the mistake of giving him the job!” The old man continued ranting, raging.

    “Do you want repayment?” the planner said calmly again. Even calmer than before.

    “Is he insane? Why the hell is he calm after ruining the birthday! You’re the worse planner ever! And I’ll make sure you never get recommendations again you pauper! Get out of my damn way!” The old man pushed him out of the way with his walking stick.

    He left the restaurant angrily.

    “That…that old thing,” the assistant muttered, facing her boss.

    “Are you ok, sir? Gosh, you’re wet with the wine. Even your he hair. Why the hell would you even ask if he wanted a repay? Did you forget we payed half of your debt with his payment already?” She said.

    The planner took his seat, sighing as he pushed his wet hair away from his face, revealing himself.

    Ryker.

    He was reincarnated thirty years ago, currently thirty years old.

    Same face, same expression, but a poor man.

    He has done series of jobs, but he always ended up in debt.

    He was once a hotel manager 

    Once a concierge.

    Once a gas station attendant.

    Once a model

    Once a fisherman in the suburbs.

    But they all ended in ruins.

    Now he’s an event planner, looks like this isn’t his way either.

    But he doesn’t care. He hasn’t even suffered enough for what he did to Shayla and their baby.

    To him, he hasn’t even started suffering. He wants more. He craves more suffering.

    He reincarnated as a human, so it’s hard, but he wants it even harder.

    He thought killing himself with Shayla would make both of them go extinct for life, but seems he was wrong, and he’s not smarter than the heavens after all.

    Here he is, living again.

    Despite dying by the godslaying sword, he reincarnated again.

    Caspian Yusluv is now the richest man alive while he’s a poor faded event planner who receives insults and vile words everyday.

    Even his face card can’t save him. It’s like everyone hates him.

    And he’s sure Shayla is alive somewhere.

    He’s sure…

    “Boss, you have to get changed, we have another customer to meet in this restaurant remember?” His assistant said, dragging him out of his train of thoughts.

    He looked up at her.

    Lilith.

    She reincarnated as his assistant, and though she has no memories of Luminaria, but at least she’s good, and she’s tall now.

    “What were you saying?” He sighed tiredly, undoing the first button of his dress shirt.

    “We came here to meet two customers. The first one is gone, but the second one is yet to arrive and you’re soaked with wine! If they see you like this, they’d never want to give us the job. Boss, you don’t even have gas in your car so we have to get this planning job, and yunno what? It’s a darn wedding. We’re planning a wedding this time,” Lilith opened the catalogue she’s holding.

    “A wedding?” Ryker frowned.

    “Yes, I was telling you last night but you were spacing out as usual. Caspian Yusluv personally contacted our services for his wedding!” Lilith replied excitedly.

    That name did it.

    “Caspian? I’m planning Caspian’s wedding?” Ryker stood immediately.

    “Yes! The proposal is twenty million for a start, and he’ll soon be here with his fiancee to discuss the terms. Boss, you have to change your soaked shirt and suit!” Lilith said.

    “I don’t have a second suit, you know it,” Ryker replied, and Lilith gasped.

    “That’s true! Loan sharks took away your suits collection last month gosh! What are we gonna do!” 

    Suddenly, every businessman in that room started taking their leave, and that grabbed their attention.

    “What’s going on?” Lilith muttered.

    “This whole restaurant has been rented for all tonight. Caspian Yusluv is eating here with his fiancee, and he wants everybody to vacate.” A server told them.

    “Geez! He’s here!” Lilith faced Ryker.

    “You heard when I said this place is rented out, so you both have to leave now!” The server said.

    “Calm down, we’re here cos of them. I’m Lilith, and this is my boss Ryker, an event planner for Caspian’s upcoming wedding.” Lilith replied, showing the meeting card with Caspian’s signature.

    “Then is it true his fiancee is Katherine Pierce? He’ll be marrying the BIG Katherine?” The server quickly asked.

    “Who knows?” Lilith grinned.

    “They’re here!” The server rushed off when he heard the entry of heels into the sleek black door.

    The other twenty servers lined up respectfully with their heads bowed. They were all blindfolded to keep them from seeing Katherine’s face, and all CCTV was shut down.

    Ryker stood there, not changing position and not blinking, but there’s a sudden feeling inside him.

    Dread. Fear of the unknown. Anxiety.

    Like something that’d break him is about to happen, and it really happened, a manifestation.

    Like a fever dream, madly rich Caspian really entered with his FIANCEE.

    Katherine Pierce.

    But she’s not on mask, so her blank unfeeling emotionless face is out.

    Tall on her heels, s+×y short black gown beside Caspian.

    Caspian’s arm is on her slim waist, and her dark long hair is wavy.

    She smells like spice and cinnamon combined.

    Ryker staggered.

    He fell back on the chair, and saliva dried in his trembling throat as her name fell off his dry peeled lips…

    “Sh….

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 61&62&63

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 61&62&63

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 61&62&63

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

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    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    #Unedited 

    During her stay in that cold cage, Shayla has heard muffled gossips about carnal pleasures a lot of time, but none of them included this one.

    She had no idea a god’s mouth on a kitty would be this head-turning, but here she is, enjoying every bit of it.

    She was gripping the sheets again before she knew it. Now it has become an habit.

    The back of her legs rested on his back, and her throats let out careless m0ans which she didn’t care about whoever might be hearing.

    Every part of her body is so turned on, so ready.

    Shaking, breathless, empty-headed, she moaned again.

    “Ry…mmm” 

    It was small, but that make him eat more. Her cl+t cried into his mouth, and his eyes didn’t even close.

    He was staring at her princess parts as he ate softly, giving her the chance to relish every thrust of his tongue.

    His hands held her hips, fingers instrumenting her skin as his sweet mouth licked her, tonguing her slit apart. He entered her with his tongue, dragging higher.

    “Please don’t stop…ohh my!” She dripped on his tongue as the emotions choked her, hanging her on a thread and leaving her to dangle, pleasure-trapping her.

    Her throat felt dry even though her m0ans had been minimal. 

    Her stomach tightened, legs rubbing his back again as her hands rested on top her own br+à$ts.

    “Ahhh….” She hit the bed with her small fist when the hotness came flooding again.

    She dripped on his tongue for the second time, her taste wetting his buds with the likeness of a nectar.

    He came up, held her face and kissed her, letting her have a taste of herself.

    Her eyes snapped shut, and she enjoyed it, making sure to chase every taste.

    As they kissed, he stripped himself, sliding his c+ck inside her ready core without warning.

    “Ohh…you’re so …”

    “Big?” He interrupted, their eyes mirroring deeply as she layed still under him.

    “No. I wanted to say sweet.” She replied, and he kissed her again.

    He might be addicted to her lips, and she can’t deny that she feels the same.

    She can’t get enough. She’s always hungry and craving.

    Always wanting.

    When he started f+kin her, moving fast—in and out, inserting and removing it wetly, she was already gasping for breaths.

    “Ry! Geez!”

    “More… please more.” 

    He’s not too fast, not too slow, just in-between the line, and now she understands what he meant by ‘their first s+x was just a preamble’

    This feels different, hits different. He’s banging the places she likes, and she’s rewarding him with sweet moans which upped the thrusts.

    Arms entangled around his neck, legs collaring his waist, eyes into each other, he pulled out and rubbed her cl+t for a teasing minute, pleasuring her with his fingers before knocking his c+ck back inside, reaching another high.

    “Yes Yes Yes! Please don’t stop!” 

    “Yes!” She cried, inching up.

    “Love it when you scream, that fuckin tiny voice would ruin me.” He whispered deeply, planting kisses on her face.

    “I love it when you do me, too.” She shyly said, cheeks flushed.

    “Well?” He replied proudly, and she smiled widely, caressing his neck.

    He tinted up a bit, staring at their midsections where they’re conjoined.

    She did the same, glancing at his cock inside her pink core.

    “Beautiful, isn’t it?” He teased, bringing his forehead to hers. Their noses kissed.

    “Very beautiful” she replied, and he chuckled, sounding more lively than he has ever been.

    “Was I in your past life?” She asked.

    “As my rose gardener. I tortured you openly and healed you secretly. Pearl saw that, and she went mad.” He replied without filter.

    “But… she was…”

    “Don’t say wife. She wasn’t a wife if she stole the mantle from you back then.” He cut her off, rubbing his lips on her eyelashes.

    “So…me. Am I your girlfriend now?” She asked, and he went silent.

    “Will I become your girlfriend when your heart starts beating for me?” She asked again, eyes so expectant.

    “You wanna be?” He replied, rubbing her face delicately.

    “I…dunno. But I love the sound of it.” She replied, softly.

    He held her chin, inching up her lips but he didn’t kiss. He just stared at it.

    “You have the prettiest lips ever, and t+ts, and cl+t. Face is a ten, too.” he said, ogling.

    She licked his finger, and he chuckled, readjusting himself before starting to f+ck her again.

    Her sweet tight p+ßsy embraced him, strangling his c+ck and taking him so good. He has never felt this insatiable. He kept thrusting.

    Kept taking her, giving her exactly what her body needed.

    Her mouth fell apart, moans spilling with deep grunts for over an hour.

    By the time they were done, she was already so tired…so exhausted.

    Ryker ran her a cold bathwater, and he bathed her by himself. She was even already sleeping before her body hit the bathtub.

    He gave her the best bubble bath and dressed her up in a long white singlet which stopped on her knees.

    He had a warm shower too, changing his robe to blue.

    He covered her up in bed and placed a kiss on her hair, inhaling her scent addictively from her skin.

    He placed his nose there for long before he could move away.

    He left the room, meeting his knights at the middle balcony.

    “Xena is back at the servants quarters,” Sage reported.

    “Here, the park news.” Cheyenne handed him her phone.

    Ryker took it, seeing that the news about the four burnt guys is already flying around, and a lot of people recognize Shayla as the 150 billion slave, his partner.

    There’s no stop to it. The news is out and Zeke has probably heard it right now which is good.

    “Won’t this put a hitch in your plan? You wanted to lay low, but now that everyone found out about her fire, what’s gonna happen?” Sage asked.

    “More reason to lay low and make them believe I’m a slacker who’s doing nothing. Let them soak in the news and make more plans in the dark for the next one week.” Ryker said, resting his palm on the rail.

    “Does that mean we’re spending the next one week in Russia?” Cheyenne asked eagarly.

    “We’re not returning to this city till the eve of the Feast.” Ryker replied flatly, facing the two.

    “Your lordship, the plan is still the same, right?” Sage asked.

    “Wouldn’t change plans without telling you both,” Ryker’s brows dipped. “On the night of the feast, a member of the Millions Family is dying, and you already know who my target is. They’ll start paying for their sins that night, and I’m killing one by one. One per year.”

    There was silence after he said that.

    “Travel is tomorrow morning, you might wanna go repack. I need to get to the slaves kitchen.” He continued.

    They both didn’t argue, they left the balcony, and Ryker left for the kitchen.

    He didn’t bother teleporting. He walked his way there.

    [A Far-off Cornfield]

    Sadie send Mercury home, so she’s the only one who brought Rumi here.

    She claimed that Soren is her brother, so she’s the only who who has the right to punish her for trying to steal him away.

    She tied Rumi to the ground, connecting the ropes to the root of the only oak tree in the middle of that green cornfield.

    She was holding a slanted bottle of alcohol as she strolled around in front of the bound girl, and Rumi’s eyes refused to open.

    Her mouth is currently gagged, and her face is down.

    Sadie took a sip from the alcohol bottle before ripping the gag away from Rumi’s mouth.

    She threw her hand to her face, slapping her soundly.

    Her fingers printed on Rumi’s cheek, and her face shot up. Her mouth opened, and she cracked it, resetting the cheekbones.

    Sadie slapped her again, so the cheekbones went dislocated.

    Again, Rumi cracked her mouth, resetting the bone.

    Sadie raised her hand for the third slap, and Rumi looked up.

    “Has anyone ever told you how cute you are when displaying your madness? It’s swoon-worthy.” She said, crowning the words with a big smile despite her burning cheek.

    “Xena Morozov,” Sadie scoffed. “You’re braver than I thought, and now you’ve got the nerves to talk back at me?”

    “Sadie Millions, I swear to Satan…no one’s scared of you,” Rumi laughed, looking around mockingly before settling her gaze back to Sadie. 

    “Who exactly do you think you are? You’re the weakest of the twins and you have no use. You’re the useless one but you’ve failed to see that! You’re stupid!” Rumi snarled.

    Sadie’s hand went down, she angrily pulled Rumi up from the ground, thudding her on the oak tree.

    “Say that again! Repeat that you scum! Say that again!!” She kneeled Rumi in the pu+*y.

    Rumi groaned out, laughing despite the pains.

    But her laughter didn’t last long. She suddenly opened her mouth, casting a sleeping spell.

    Black flames hit Sadie’s face, and Sadie fell on the ground, sleeping off.

    Rumi untied the ropes from herself, dumping it on the ground and kicking Sadie’s body out of the way.

    “Killing you would be a waste of my energy, Sadie. Would have killed Mercury if you had brought her with us. At least, she’s a soul shifter and I could siphon her ability, but you? You’re as empty as a shell, all you have is this unending hatred that’s not gonna give me money.” She kicked Sadie’s body again and again.

    Five times in total before walking out of the cornfield, stepping out to the main road.

    She dialled the line and dusted her gown.

    “I came to the palace, but the twin girl captured me. I left her consciousness in a cornfield though, casted a sleeping spell on the dummy.” She said.

    “You came to the East Palace without telling me? Rumi!” The voice scolded.

    “I wanted to see Soren, don’t blame my crave. He’s the only thing we both care about yunno? We need him more than anything.” Rumi replied, stopping in the middle of the road when she saw a truck driver approaching.

    She slid a small knife out of her bra, throwing it forward.

    The blade sliced into the truck window, and before the driver could reverse, he got stabbed in the neck.

    Rumi dragged his body out and hopped in the car, driving away.

    She held the phone to her ear with her shoulder.

    “Let’s meet for coffee tomorrow, been a while since we drank together.”

    “Promise me you won’t come to the palace again, it’s dangerous.” The voice replied.

    “I’ll wait till Monday to see him, i have no plans to step the palace again till the feast day.” She said.

    “We meet tomorrow, the usual bar.” The voice quipped, hanging up.

    [West Palace, Faye’s Room]

    Faye has been staring at her phone screen since she got the short text, and no matter how long she ruminates about it, there’s only one person in her mind.

    She stared at the text again…

    • I know what you are, Faye.

    “Rumi? It better not be you sending this, or else I’ll submit your dead body to your twin sister by myself.” She muttered.

    She stood in front of her full mirror, the agonizing screams of her viper clansmen sounded in her two ears, filling her with rage.

    She rested both palms on the mirror, glaring at herself.

    Their screams continued coming.

    “Please don’t kill us!”

    “We’re too peaceful for this! We did nothing wrong!!!”

    “Faye! Faye run!!!!”

    “Mother! Father!!!”

    The more she remembered, the angrier she became.

    Angrily, she slammed her forehead on that mirror, hurting herself badly.

    “Faye!” Blaise entered the room, his eyes widening when he saw what had happened.

    Fates blood pooled at her feet as it bled from her forehead to her face and clothes.

    She stood there, staring at him without moving.

    “F+ck, Faye why?” He muttered, looking scared.

    Five minutes later, he has already wiped the blood away from the ground.

    He made her sit in bed and called Winona to come heal her.

    “Why the hell would you slam your own head on the mirror, you recalcitrant girl.” Winona scolded.

    “Sorry, I just got a really manic episode of something personal.” Faye replied, and Winona sighed.

    “Even though, what if it was 12? Then you’d have to suffer in pains till daybreak before I’d be able to heal you.” Winona said.

    “I’ll be more careful.” Faye smiled.

    “Better,” Winona rolled eyes. “I was planning to come tell you about the latest news…Apparently, Shayla got her fire already.”

    “Seriously?” Blaise and Faye chorused

    Winona handed them her tab, and they both scrolled through the news.

    “Yes!!” Blaise jumped.

    “It really f+kin worked!” Faye said.

    “I know, right? Now we only have to wait for Ryker’s next action. Hoping it’d favor us.” Winona said.

    “Where is mother?” Blaise asked.

    “And father?” Faye added.

    “They’re both drinking at the lobby” Winona said.

    “Are you sure it’s the right time to celebrate? We still haven’t found out the reason for your midnight curse, and someone ripped off three pages from the journal, so…” Faye said.

    “That can wait till tomorrow, but tonight, we celebrate!! Helping the demigod deserves a medal!” Winona screamed, rushing out.

    Blaise was already following her when he remembered Faye, so he turned back.

    “Not coming?”

    “Says who?” She rolled eyes, walking past him and going out of the room.

    “Can never get used to her unfriendliness.” Blaise commented, exiting too.

    [Vega Mansion, Sword Room]

    Esme wore a yellow flowing robe which matched the aesthetics of the room she’s in, and she strolled it with a wine cup sitting on her hand.

    She looks too deep in thoughts.

    Every godslayer has a sword, and this sword room was designed to be the house of the sword, but the sword is not ready yet, so the sword hanger is still empty by the wall.

    Esme rested her back on the only shelf in the room, taking the book of gods from the shelf.

    She was about to flip it open when Mercury entered the room, looking angry.

    “You clearly said you were going to spend the night at the East Palace with the twins.” Esme said, dropping the book and glass.

    “We caught Xena coming out of the twins room where she went to s+duce Soren, and we took her to a cornfield to torture, but Sadie sent me away, saying she’s Soren’s sister and she’s the only one who has the right to torture Xena. Bull, she doesn’t even know how I feel about Soren. Is she going gatekeep her brother for life?” Mercury ranted, taking the glass and draining the wine at a go.

    “Maybe it’s hightime you let go of your feelings for Soren, you know how territorial Sadie can be, and if she finds out, she’d hate you.” Esme said, drawing closer with a convincing smile.

    “You can’t ruin your friendship with Sadie cos of your likeness for Soren.” She continued, and that was replied by the crashing of the wine glass.

    Mercury threw it against the wall, sending the pieces around.

    “Mercury!” Esme held her two ears in horror, and Mercury walked fast to her as if possessed.

    “Give up? It’s been years! I’ve been in love with him since we were kids! Do you know how hard it is to keep bottling my feelings just so Sadie wouldn’t find out?” 

    “Mercury Vega!” Esme cautioned, looking shocked.

    Mercury hasn’t crashed out like this before.

    Mercury touched her neck, giving it scratches without getting a itch, then she stepped back, panting..

    “Focus on your godslaying ability, how to get the godslayer sword and how to wield it! Don’t interfere in my love life!” 

    She left the room after that, and Esme blinked multiple times, resting on the shelf again.

    “When did my daughter become this psychotic? Oh my days!”

    [East Palace, Slaves Kitchen]

    Serving the slaves dinner took longer than usual today, so at 10, Old Chef is still busy doing dishes.

    Xena joined him after she arrived from the park earlier, and she kept looking at the time, wondering if Soren is waiting at the attic already.

    It’s already past 10.

    “You still haven’t told me where the Grand Supreme took you to in the morning.” She said suddenly.

    Old Chef removed his hands from the lather water, wiping it on his apron.

    “It’s nothing, Xena. They didn’t hurt me, and that’s what’s more important.”

    “They didn’t hurt you, but they did something to you. you’re keeping secrets.” She replied, facing him.

    Old Chef sighed, wanting to hold her shoulders, but that was when he came inside the kitchen.

    Ryker.

    One minute, Xena and Old Chef were standing in front of each other, and in another minute, Old Chef was thrown into the fireplace in the kitchen.

    “Father!!!!!” Xena screamed, dragging him out of the fire with his legs.

    Half of the hair on his head is already burnt by now, and it’s smelling like an animal grill.

    “Oh no. Oh no….” Xena cried, kneeling in front of the old man and wrapping a piece of clothe on his half burnt head, but it wasn’t over.

    Ryker pushed him again. He didn’t have to touch him, his mind is enough.

    Old Chef slipped away from Xena’s hand, and he landed back into the fire, the mark on Ryker’s back glossing sharply.

    “Father!!!!!” Xena screamed again, dragging him out of the fire again. The smell of burnt meat took over the kitchen, more thick than the first.

    By now, all of Old Chef’s hair are gone, and his head is madly burnt. He looks like an horror movie character.

    “Anatoli” Ryker muttered his name, and Old Chef looked up, crying.

    “I swear they made me sign the marriage pact forcefully, it wasn’t my fault!!”

    Houseflies and bees suddenly filled the kitchen, and Ryker didn’t need anyone to tell him before he knew it’s Xena’s handiwork.

    He frosted the kitchen atmosphere, and the low temperature made the bees and houseflies drop dead on the ground at the same time.

    They filled the ground with no floor space at all.

    Xena stood, coming from Ryker.

    She stood on a stool and raised her hand to his face to slap.

    Ryker grabbed that hand, tightly, and their livid eyes bored into each other.

    “You might hate him like mad, but he’s still our father! Also, you might be taller and a powerful demigod, but I’m still older than you heartless bastard!” Xena sat angrily.

    “Took you long enough to call me that with everyone else.” Ryker smirked.

    “That night when father left pregnant mother at home and went to the bar to drink, it was because he was fed up! Do you know how broke he was when mother was pregnant with you? You’ve been drinking blood since you were in the womb, bastard!” 

    “Mother was always short of blood when you were inside her so she was always on blood transfusion! There was even a time when she drank directly from a blood bag cos she was going crazy! Father sold too many properties to buy blood always! He could barely feed us! On that fateful day, he left mother at home and went to the bar cos he wanted to go drink with his last cash and commit suicide, but he made the mistake of touching Azura cos he was drunk!!” 

    “If your pregnancy didn’t come, all of that wouldn’t have happened! If mother didn’t get pregnant with a bloodthirsty devil like you! If she had just stopped with I and Rumi, then she’d still be alive by now so stop trying to project your fault on father! Stop hurting him!!”

    As the words left Xena’s mouth, she wasn’t blinking nor stopping.

    She said everything as if she had been pregnant with the words and just waiting for today to spill it all out to his face.

    Ryker’s hold on her hand got rougher, and the blue in his eyes went down. His palm went cold.

    She could feel his blood flowing through him.

    He bent her wrist backward, breaking it before breaking the stool beneath her feet.

    Xena fell from the stool to the ground, groaning.

    Despite Old Chef’s head pains, he grabbed her to himself, both looking so helpless as Ryker started walking out of the kitchen.

    Almost all the Millions family members are by the door already except Jude and Sadie.

    “What a lovely, lovely family history.”  Granny Tara commented.

    “Are you just knowing he’s a bloodthirsty devil?” Zeke laughed, his hands in pockets.

    Azura said nothing, Soren said nothing too. He’s just holding his rabbit in his arms, looking at Xena with different eyes.

    “Ryker,” Granny Jojo called, but he looked at no one at all.

    “Finally got to meet the demigod, but too bad he’s not in a good mood” Granny Tara spoke again.

    With a wave of his hand, he got Tara out of the way.

    Tara fell in Zeke’s arms, and they both sneered as Ryker went out of sight, his robe dragging.

    “For saying all of that to him, I’ll give you a reward tomorrow,” Zeke laughed, facing Xena.

    “Whoa! This made my night.”

    “Are you gonna continue going around with your stung wrist?” Granny Tara faced Soren.

    “Fine, you don’t have to kiss the snake, I’ll make you some pills and—”

    “I don’t need your pills, I’m good.” Soren cut her off, leaving the kitchen.

    “Rude” Tara said.

    “Looks like he found a way to cure himself, let’s leave.” Zeke said, leaving with her.

    “Now that her fire is out, what next?” She asked as they walked side-by-side.

    “Doesn’t change anything. Everything is set for the feast. Don’t panic.” Zeke grinned.

    Azura and Granny Jojo are still in front of the kitchen, staring at Xena and the chef.

    “You’re one ungrateful little bîtch, Xena.” Jojo muttered, walking away eventually.

    “It’s been two hours, and Lilith still isn’t back with any news.” Azura said, following her.

    “She asked for five hours, so chill.” Jojo replied.

    Xena helped Old Chef up, holding his burnt head carefully. Her broken wrist is shaking.

    “I’ll get you to the West Palace and see if they can heal burns.” She said.

    “You shouldn’t have said that to him.” Old Chef cried.

    “Let’s just go” Xena dragged him out.

    [Underground Realm]

    After leaving Mount Zhitomir, Pearl had led Jude to her realm, just the two of them.

    According to her, her palace is underground, and they’ve been searching for hours.

    It has been locked and hidden for centuries, so finding it is a heinous task which they’ve been dragging themselves through all day.

    They haven’t rested.

    Ground through layers of sand, dust, rocks, water and dead bones.

    “Even if I’m not telling you about my tiredness, you should already know I’m fed up. I mean…how many hours do we have to search for?” Jude yawned behind her.

    “You agreed to follow me on your own, but there’s still a chance for you to leave if you’re not comfortable with this,” Pearl faced him squarely.

    “Every god to his or her own palace. Do you think Ryker has no palace too? His ice palace is just still hidden.” She said.

    “And Shayla?” Jude asked.

    “Of course she does, the most uncomfortable palace ever. I mean… who’d live in the middle of burning fire all day and night. She’s definitely planning to stay with my husband at his ice palace later, but I’ll make that impossible.” Pearl said.

    A low crackling sound behind them caused the two to turn.

    Right in front of them, a large iron gate appeared, and Pearl smiled satisfactorily.

    Waving her robe arm, the gate slipped open, revealing her underground palace to their eyes.

    “So…it really does exist.” Jude nodded, his eyes settling on the waiting throne.

    “Be my first visitor, and plan chaos with me.” Pearl faced him, inviting him inside with a hand gesture.

    “What card do you actually have?” Jude asked curiously.

    “Don’t rush, there’s still enough time to introduce you to darkness.” Pearl smiled, leading him inside.

    [Next Morning]

    Shayla stirred to a new feel beneath her, and she just knows this is different from what she slept on last night. It’s different from what Ryker did it with her on.

    Her eyes flipped open, she sat up, and her environment confirmed her suspicions immediately.

    She’s in a glass house.

    This room if even larger than Ryker’s bedroom in Heartless Tower.

    Treasures hung on the wall and decorated the ground, there are displays of the glittering gold and silver crawling around the glasses like snakes.

    The ceiling tile and flooring are sparkling white that it feels not right to step on them.

    There are jade rose baskets hanging on the walls and the ceiling tiles too, with few flowers in the middle, and they smell so good that she inhaled.

    Bright white lights with faint blue in their middle, and the door feels like a country apart as it’s so far from the large bed.

    She sat on the edge of the bed, taking another look at the room.

    More confusion.

    Judging by the treasures everywhere and the luxury wealthy style, this place belongs to Ryker, but this is surely not the Heartless Tower.

    She looked down at her body, seeing she’s wearing aong singlet. Her subconscious knew he bathed her after they did it, so he must have wore this for her?

    She finally stepped down from the bed when she saw her phone lying on the bedstand beside an alarm clock.

    She picked it up, checking the date…

    “10? Did I sleep for two days?” She gasped loudly.

    Then she started hearing voices from the other side of the door.

    She calmed, straining her ears to listen more. 

    “Cheyenne and Sage?” She muttered, rushing out of the room barefooted.

    The grounds of the mansion is glass too, and there’s a whole aquarium there with several goldfishes swimming around the flooring.

    It looks unreal and too good to be true, but she focused on tracing the voices to a kitchen-like room.

    Cheyenne and Sage sat there, eating different Russian dishes on the same table, facing each other.

    Cheyenne was the first to see her, and when she saw how her nîpples are poking through the singlet she’s wearing, she quickly covered Sage’s eyes.

    “Why would you cover me?” Sage moved her hand.

    “Close your eyes, she’s here and her clothe is thin.” Cheyenne replied.

    Sage understood immediately. His eyes snapped shut.

    Cheyenne picked a jacket from the backrest of her chair, coming to Shayla to cover her chest with it.

    “Where are we?” Shayla asked in a mutter.

    “Russia.” Cheyenne replied, and Shayla gasped.

    “Welcome, to the human realm.” Sage joined them.

    “Oh my gosh!” Shayla screamed, rushing out of the kitchen.

    “Your footwear!” Sage shouted, quickly going to get it.

    “You better not hurt that leg, Goddess!” Cheyenne went after her as she raced to the first balcony she saw.

    Standing there, she gasped as Russia air hit her skin, filling her with new sensations and mood.

    She can’t see the city from here cos this glass mansion is enclosed, but at least she could feel the change in air and vibes.

    “If you’re lucky to have a date with boss, he’ll take you round the city.” Cheyenne said, arriving with Sage.

    Sage dropped her footwear, and Shayla slipped her feet into the two.

    “Where’s he? How did I even get here? How come today is tenth?” Shayla inquired.

    “Boss is in Moscow, he has been in Moscow since we arrived yesterday. There’s a whole lot of meetings and conference to be at. His business headquarters is in this country.” Cheyenne explained.

    “Moscow?” Shayla asked.

    “Capital of Russia, just thirty minutes flight from here” Cheyenne replied.

    “And yes, we came here when you were sleeping. We were supposed to wait till daybreak, but Xena did something terrible, so boss made sure we left Luminaria that night.” Sage answered the second question.

    “And… today is tenth cos we’re in the human world. Their time is faster here so we’ve been here since two days ago. In Luminaria, the date is 9th.” Cheyenne said.

    Shayla calmed, grateful for that clear explanation.

    “When…is he returning?” Shayla asked slowly.

    “He’ll return any day he’s done at the headquarters, and we’ve been assigned to take care of your needs, your ladyship.” Sage bowed funnily.

    “Stop it…” Shayla blinked. “I’m just Shayla.”

    “More than just, please don’t say things boss hates” Sage replied, and Cheyenne smiled.

    “Tell me what you’d like to have for breakfast, I’ll make it while you go clean up.” She said, handing her a iPad.

    Shayla took it, scrolling through the different Russian meals which she could already smell their deliciousness through the screen

    She clicked three randomly, and true to Cheyenne’s words, the meal esd ready before she finished cleaning up.

    Cheyenne is fast with food, and she wondered where she learnt it from.

    She ate her fill of the breakfast, and after she was done, she rested and then followed the knights to the practice room in the mansion.

    There are unlit candles sitting in thin plates everywhere, then there are so many unlit fireplaces too.

    “The practice is for me?” Shayla asked.

    “Who else? You burned four guys cos you can’t control your fire yet. You need to learn control seriously.” Cheyenne replied.

    “They touched Xena inappropriately, and though I feel bad for doing that, but they were being scummy.” Shayla explained.

    “Can you stop mentioning Xena?” Sage said behind her.

    “What exactly did Xena do?” Shayla asked.

    “We don’t wanna talk about it” Cheyenne said.

    Shayla sighed, looking at the array of candles and fireplaces.

    “I know you’re a lazy bone who only wants to spend time with boss and slack off, but you can’t escape this.” Sage said strictly.

    “I know,” Shayla said, going closer to the middle of the room.

    “Good. Boss can manage his ice, and that’s why he can freeze and unfreeze anytime he wants. You should also be able to put out your fire if you’re not in the mood to kill a scum completely.” Cheyenne said.

    “You should close your eyes now, and try putting fire on these candles one by one.” Sage said.

    Shayla’s eyes went shut, and she dragged in a breath, focusing.

    Every single candle caught fire. Even the fireplace lit up, burning bright.

    “Oh…well. She’d burn everyone in Luminaria. At this rate, you’ll never be able to control.” Sage muttered.

    Shayla shut her eyes back, determined to put out the fire one by one, but she felt a slight drop underneath herself.

    She understood immediately, and she moved to Cheyenne.

    “Want anything?” Cheyenne asked.

    “Period. My period.” She whispered, trying not to sound embarrassed.

    “Come here, I’ll get you pads.” Cheyenne pulled her out of the room.

    [Moscow, Frost H2O Headquarters]

    It has been one product showcasing to another since yesterday. There has been no rest since the products are detailed and very much.

    Not only the Russian ones, but his branches from the other parts of the world are also sending in samples for his knowing eyes to check out.

    He’s on the third showcasing today, and as he sat in the middle of the large glittering room with his treasure team and shine men, he looks as different as he always looks whenever he’s in a suit.

    It’s orange color this time, but the trousers are the usual loose, and he’s extra smart, hot.

    His eyes aren’t blinking under his fallen dark hair strands as he accessed the jewelries rolling in through the show glasses one after the other.

    “That one’s too small”

    “Get that one off the glass”

    “Not that one… it’s too bleak”

    “Replace the sapphire with jade.”

    “Get that one across the branches.”

    “Reduce the crystal on this one”

    Those were his unending comments as he scrolled past the items, and as he picked and dropped, his active team followed the orders.

    The showcase hasn’t even reached the middle when he felt the mark on his back glowing.

    It doesn’t only glow when he’s mad, it also glows when Shayla bleeds, so he was alerted immediately.

    Confirming his suspicions, Cheyenne’s call rang on his phone immediately.

    He raised an hand, and that was enough to stop the shine team.

    They paused the scrolling glass, and Ryker picked the call.

    “Tell me she’s not really bleeding, or I’ll make you and Sage bleed times twenty of whatever she bleeds.” He deadpanned.

    “She’s bleeding, but it’s her period, and I dunno…i think it’s because she just got her mark. Her temperature went high the moment the bleeding started, and she has vomited the breakfast she ate cos of irritation. She’s very sick, Boss.” Cheyenne reported.

    Before she could even finish speaking, Ryker was already on his tall feet.

    “You can’t leave yet, Mr. Morozov. We’ve barely distributed to ten branches, and you’re yet to check over five hundred products. There’s still a lot to do.” The team leader blocked him.

    “Scram, this is more important.” Ryker replied, still flat in the face but already getting angry.

    “Boss, your exit means we’ll lose billions across the branches, and you know it.” The leader insisted.

    “My baby needs me, alright?” Ryker pushed him out of the way savagely.

    “Your…baby?” The leader said in confusion, having the same confused face as the rest of the thirty members of the team.

    Ryker looked back at him over his shoulder, smirking.

    “Oh…you wouldn’t understand what that means. I mean…My Girlfriend.” He finished him completely.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 61&62&63

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 61&62&63

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 61&62&63

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    #Unedited 

    During her stay in that cold cage, Shayla has heard muffled gossips about carnal pleasures a lot of time, but none of them included this one.

    She had no idea a god’s mouth on a kitty would be this head-turning, but here she is, enjoying every bit of it.

    She was gripping the sheets again before she knew it. Now it has become an habit.

    The back of her legs rested on his back, and her throats let out careless m0ans which she didn’t care about whoever might be hearing.

    Every part of her body is so turned on, so ready.

    Shaking, breathless, empty-headed, she moaned again.

    “Ry…mmm” 

    It was small, but that make him eat more. Her cl+t cried into his mouth, and his eyes didn’t even close.

    He was staring at her princess parts as he ate softly, giving her the chance to relish every thrust of his tongue.

    His hands held her hips, fingers instrumenting her skin as his sweet mouth licked her, tonguing her slit apart. He entered her with his tongue, dragging higher.

    “Please don’t stop…ohh my!” She dripped on his tongue as the emotions choked her, hanging her on a thread and leaving her to dangle, pleasure-trapping her.

    Her throat felt dry even though her m0ans had been minimal. 

    Her stomach tightened, legs rubbing his back again as her hands rested on top her own br+à$ts.

    “Ahhh….” She hit the bed with her small fist when the hotness came flooding again.

    She dripped on his tongue for the second time, her taste wetting his buds with the likeness of a nectar.

    He came up, held her face and kissed her, letting her have a taste of herself.

    Her eyes snapped shut, and she enjoyed it, making sure to chase every taste.

    As they kissed, he stripped himself, sliding his c+ck inside her ready core without warning.

    “Ohh…you’re so …”

    “Big?” He interrupted, their eyes mirroring deeply as she layed still under him.

    “No. I wanted to say sweet.” She replied, and he kissed her again.

    He might be addicted to her lips, and she can’t deny that she feels the same.

    She can’t get enough. She’s always hungry and craving.

    Always wanting.

    When he started f+kin her, moving fast—in and out, inserting and removing it wetly, she was already gasping for breaths.

    “Ry! Geez!”

    “More… please more.” 

    He’s not too fast, not too slow, just in-between the line, and now she understands what he meant by ‘their first s+x was just a preamble’

    This feels different, hits different. He’s banging the places she likes, and she’s rewarding him with sweet moans which upped the thrusts.

    Arms entangled around his neck, legs collaring his waist, eyes into each other, he pulled out and rubbed her cl+t for a teasing minute, pleasuring her with his fingers before knocking his c+ck back inside, reaching another high.

    “Yes Yes Yes! Please don’t stop!” 

    “Yes!” She cried, inching up.

    “Love it when you scream, that fuckin tiny voice would ruin me.” He whispered deeply, planting kisses on her face.

    “I love it when you do me, too.” She shyly said, cheeks flushed.

    “Well?” He replied proudly, and she smiled widely, caressing his neck.

    He tinted up a bit, staring at their midsections where they’re conjoined.

    She did the same, glancing at his cock inside her pink core.

    “Beautiful, isn’t it?” He teased, bringing his forehead to hers. Their noses kissed.

    “Very beautiful” she replied, and he chuckled, sounding more lively than he has ever been.

    “Was I in your past life?” She asked.

    “As my rose gardener. I tortured you openly and healed you secretly. Pearl saw that, and she went mad.” He replied without filter.

    “But… she was…”

    “Don’t say wife. She wasn’t a wife if she stole the mantle from you back then.” He cut her off, rubbing his lips on her eyelashes.

    “So…me. Am I your girlfriend now?” She asked, and he went silent.

    “Will I become your girlfriend when your heart starts beating for me?” She asked again, eyes so expectant.

    “You wanna be?” He replied, rubbing her face delicately.

    “I…dunno. But I love the sound of it.” She replied, softly.

    He held her chin, inching up her lips but he didn’t kiss. He just stared at it.

    “You have the prettiest lips ever, and t+ts, and cl+t. Face is a ten, too.” he said, ogling.

    She licked his finger, and he chuckled, readjusting himself before starting to f+ck her again.

    Her sweet tight p+ßsy embraced him, strangling his c+ck and taking him so good. He has never felt this insatiable. He kept thrusting.

    Kept taking her, giving her exactly what her body needed.

    Her mouth fell apart, moans spilling with deep grunts for over an hour.

    By the time they were done, she was already so tired…so exhausted.

    Ryker ran her a cold bathwater, and he bathed her by himself. She was even already sleeping before her body hit the bathtub.

    He gave her the best bubble bath and dressed her up in a long white singlet which stopped on her knees.

    He had a warm shower too, changing his robe to blue.

    He covered her up in bed and placed a kiss on her hair, inhaling her scent addictively from her skin.

    He placed his nose there for long before he could move away.

    He left the room, meeting his knights at the middle balcony.

    “Xena is back at the servants quarters,” Sage reported.

    “Here, the park news.” Cheyenne handed him her phone.

    Ryker took it, seeing that the news about the four burnt guys is already flying around, and a lot of people recognize Shayla as the 150 billion slave, his partner.

    There’s no stop to it. The news is out and Zeke has probably heard it right now which is good.

    “Won’t this put a hitch in your plan? You wanted to lay low, but now that everyone found out about her fire, what’s gonna happen?” Sage asked.

    “More reason to lay low and make them believe I’m a slacker who’s doing nothing. Let them soak in the news and make more plans in the dark for the next one week.” Ryker said, resting his palm on the rail.

    “Does that mean we’re spending the next one week in Russia?” Cheyenne asked eagarly.

    “We’re not returning to this city till the eve of the Feast.” Ryker replied flatly, facing the two.

    “Your lordship, the plan is still the same, right?” Sage asked.

    “Wouldn’t change plans without telling you both,” Ryker’s brows dipped. “On the night of the feast, a member of the Millions Family is dying, and you already know who my target is. They’ll start paying for their sins that night, and I’m killing one by one. One per year.”

    There was silence after he said that.

    “Travel is tomorrow morning, you might wanna go repack. I need to get to the slaves kitchen.” He continued.

    They both didn’t argue, they left the balcony, and Ryker left for the kitchen.

    He didn’t bother teleporting. He walked his way there.

    [A Far-off Cornfield]

    Sadie send Mercury home, so she’s the only one who brought Rumi here.

    She claimed that Soren is her brother, so she’s the only who who has the right to punish her for trying to steal him away.

    She tied Rumi to the ground, connecting the ropes to the root of the only oak tree in the middle of that green cornfield.

    She was holding a slanted bottle of alcohol as she strolled around in front of the bound girl, and Rumi’s eyes refused to open.

    Her mouth is currently gagged, and her face is down.

    Sadie took a sip from the alcohol bottle before ripping the gag away from Rumi’s mouth.

    She threw her hand to her face, slapping her soundly.

    Her fingers printed on Rumi’s cheek, and her face shot up. Her mouth opened, and she cracked it, resetting the cheekbones.

    Sadie slapped her again, so the cheekbones went dislocated.

    Again, Rumi cracked her mouth, resetting the bone.

    Sadie raised her hand for the third slap, and Rumi looked up.

    “Has anyone ever told you how cute you are when displaying your madness? It’s swoon-worthy.” She said, crowning the words with a big smile despite her burning cheek.

    “Xena Morozov,” Sadie scoffed. “You’re braver than I thought, and now you’ve got the nerves to talk back at me?”

    “Sadie Millions, I swear to Satan…no one’s scared of you,” Rumi laughed, looking around mockingly before settling her gaze back to Sadie. 

    “Who exactly do you think you are? You’re the weakest of the twins and you have no use. You’re the useless one but you’ve failed to see that! You’re stupid!” Rumi snarled.

    Sadie’s hand went down, she angrily pulled Rumi up from the ground, thudding her on the oak tree.

    “Say that again! Repeat that you scum! Say that again!!” She kneeled Rumi in the pu+*y.

    Rumi groaned out, laughing despite the pains.

    But her laughter didn’t last long. She suddenly opened her mouth, casting a sleeping spell.

    Black flames hit Sadie’s face, and Sadie fell on the ground, sleeping off.

    Rumi untied the ropes from herself, dumping it on the ground and kicking Sadie’s body out of the way.

    “Killing you would be a waste of my energy, Sadie. Would have killed Mercury if you had brought her with us. At least, she’s a soul shifter and I could siphon her ability, but you? You’re as empty as a shell, all you have is this unending hatred that’s not gonna give me money.” She kicked Sadie’s body again and again.

    Five times in total before walking out of the cornfield, stepping out to the main road.

    She dialled the line and dusted her gown.

    “I came to the palace, but the twin girl captured me. I left her consciousness in a cornfield though, casted a sleeping spell on the dummy.” She said.

    “You came to the East Palace without telling me? Rumi!” The voice scolded.

    “I wanted to see Soren, don’t blame my crave. He’s the only thing we both care about yunno? We need him more than anything.” Rumi replied, stopping in the middle of the road when she saw a truck driver approaching.

    She slid a small knife out of her bra, throwing it forward.

    The blade sliced into the truck window, and before the driver could reverse, he got stabbed in the neck.

    Rumi dragged his body out and hopped in the car, driving away.

    She held the phone to her ear with her shoulder.

    “Let’s meet for coffee tomorrow, been a while since we drank together.”

    “Promise me you won’t come to the palace again, it’s dangerous.” The voice replied.

    “I’ll wait till Monday to see him, i have no plans to step the palace again till the feast day.” She said.

    “We meet tomorrow, the usual bar.” The voice quipped, hanging up.

    [West Palace, Faye’s Room]

    Faye has been staring at her phone screen since she got the short text, and no matter how long she ruminates about it, there’s only one person in her mind.

    She stared at the text again…

    • I know what you are, Faye.

    “Rumi? It better not be you sending this, or else I’ll submit your dead body to your twin sister by myself.” She muttered.

    She stood in front of her full mirror, the agonizing screams of her viper clansmen sounded in her two ears, filling her with rage.

    She rested both palms on the mirror, glaring at herself.

    Their screams continued coming.

    “Please don’t kill us!”

    “We’re too peaceful for this! We did nothing wrong!!!”

    “Faye! Faye run!!!!”

    “Mother! Father!!!”

    The more she remembered, the angrier she became.

    Angrily, she slammed her forehead on that mirror, hurting herself badly.

    “Faye!” Blaise entered the room, his eyes widening when he saw what had happened.

    Fates blood pooled at her feet as it bled from her forehead to her face and clothes.

    She stood there, staring at him without moving.

    “F+ck, Faye why?” He muttered, looking scared.

    Five minutes later, he has already wiped the blood away from the ground.

    He made her sit in bed and called Winona to come heal her.

    “Why the hell would you slam your own head on the mirror, you recalcitrant girl.” Winona scolded.

    “Sorry, I just got a really manic episode of something personal.” Faye replied, and Winona sighed.

    “Even though, what if it was 12? Then you’d have to suffer in pains till daybreak before I’d be able to heal you.” Winona said.

    “I’ll be more careful.” Faye smiled.

    “Better,” Winona rolled eyes. “I was planning to come tell you about the latest news…Apparently, Shayla got her fire already.”

    “Seriously?” Blaise and Faye chorused

    Winona handed them her tab, and they both scrolled through the news.

    “Yes!!” Blaise jumped.

    “It really f+kin worked!” Faye said.

    “I know, right? Now we only have to wait for Ryker’s next action. Hoping it’d favor us.” Winona said.

    “Where is mother?” Blaise asked.

    “And father?” Faye added.

    “They’re both drinking at the lobby” Winona said.

    “Are you sure it’s the right time to celebrate? We still haven’t found out the reason for your midnight curse, and someone ripped off three pages from the journal, so…” Faye said.

    “That can wait till tomorrow, but tonight, we celebrate!! Helping the demigod deserves a medal!” Winona screamed, rushing out.

    Blaise was already following her when he remembered Faye, so he turned back.

    “Not coming?”

    “Says who?” She rolled eyes, walking past him and going out of the room.

    “Can never get used to her unfriendliness.” Blaise commented, exiting too.

    [Vega Mansion, Sword Room]

    Esme wore a yellow flowing robe which matched the aesthetics of the room she’s in, and she strolled it with a wine cup sitting on her hand.

    She looks too deep in thoughts.

    Every godslayer has a sword, and this sword room was designed to be the house of the sword, but the sword is not ready yet, so the sword hanger is still empty by the wall.

    Esme rested her back on the only shelf in the room, taking the book of gods from the shelf.

    She was about to flip it open when Mercury entered the room, looking angry.

    “You clearly said you were going to spend the night at the East Palace with the twins.” Esme said, dropping the book and glass.

    “We caught Xena coming out of the twins room where she went to s+duce Soren, and we took her to a cornfield to torture, but Sadie sent me away, saying she’s Soren’s sister and she’s the only one who has the right to torture Xena. Bull, she doesn’t even know how I feel about Soren. Is she going gatekeep her brother for life?” Mercury ranted, taking the glass and draining the wine at a go.

    “Maybe it’s hightime you let go of your feelings for Soren, you know how territorial Sadie can be, and if she finds out, she’d hate you.” Esme said, drawing closer with a convincing smile.

    “You can’t ruin your friendship with Sadie cos of your likeness for Soren.” She continued, and that was replied by the crashing of the wine glass.

    Mercury threw it against the wall, sending the pieces around.

    “Mercury!” Esme held her two ears in horror, and Mercury walked fast to her as if possessed.

    “Give up? It’s been years! I’ve been in love with him since we were kids! Do you know how hard it is to keep bottling my feelings just so Sadie wouldn’t find out?” 

    “Mercury Vega!” Esme cautioned, looking shocked.

    Mercury hasn’t crashed out like this before.

    Mercury touched her neck, giving it scratches without getting a itch, then she stepped back, panting..

    “Focus on your godslaying ability, how to get the godslayer sword and how to wield it! Don’t interfere in my love life!” 

    She left the room after that, and Esme blinked multiple times, resting on the shelf again.

    “When did my daughter become this psychotic? Oh my days!”

    [East Palace, Slaves Kitchen]

    Serving the slaves dinner took longer than usual today, so at 10, Old Chef is still busy doing dishes.

    Xena joined him after she arrived from the park earlier, and she kept looking at the time, wondering if Soren is waiting at the attic already.

    It’s already past 10.

    “You still haven’t told me where the Grand Supreme took you to in the morning.” She said suddenly.

    Old Chef removed his hands from the lather water, wiping it on his apron.

    “It’s nothing, Xena. They didn’t hurt me, and that’s what’s more important.”

    “They didn’t hurt you, but they did something to you. you’re keeping secrets.” She replied, facing him.

    Old Chef sighed, wanting to hold her shoulders, but that was when he came inside the kitchen.

    Ryker.

    One minute, Xena and Old Chef were standing in front of each other, and in another minute, Old Chef was thrown into the fireplace in the kitchen.

    “Father!!!!!” Xena screamed, dragging him out of the fire with his legs.

    Half of the hair on his head is already burnt by now, and it’s smelling like an animal grill.

    “Oh no. Oh no….” Xena cried, kneeling in front of the old man and wrapping a piece of clothe on his half burnt head, but it wasn’t over.

    Ryker pushed him again. He didn’t have to touch him, his mind is enough.

    Old Chef slipped away from Xena’s hand, and he landed back into the fire, the mark on Ryker’s back glossing sharply.

    “Father!!!!!” Xena screamed again, dragging him out of the fire again. The smell of burnt meat took over the kitchen, more thick than the first.

    By now, all of Old Chef’s hair are gone, and his head is madly burnt. He looks like an horror movie character.

    “Anatoli” Ryker muttered his name, and Old Chef looked up, crying.

    “I swear they made me sign the marriage pact forcefully, it wasn’t my fault!!”

    Houseflies and bees suddenly filled the kitchen, and Ryker didn’t need anyone to tell him before he knew it’s Xena’s handiwork.

    He frosted the kitchen atmosphere, and the low temperature made the bees and houseflies drop dead on the ground at the same time.

    They filled the ground with no floor space at all.

    Xena stood, coming from Ryker.

    She stood on a stool and raised her hand to his face to slap.

    Ryker grabbed that hand, tightly, and their livid eyes bored into each other.

    “You might hate him like mad, but he’s still our father! Also, you might be taller and a powerful demigod, but I’m still older than you heartless bastard!” Xena sat angrily.

    “Took you long enough to call me that with everyone else.” Ryker smirked.

    “That night when father left pregnant mother at home and went to the bar to drink, it was because he was fed up! Do you know how broke he was when mother was pregnant with you? You’ve been drinking blood since you were in the womb, bastard!” 

    “Mother was always short of blood when you were inside her so she was always on blood transfusion! There was even a time when she drank directly from a blood bag cos she was going crazy! Father sold too many properties to buy blood always! He could barely feed us! On that fateful day, he left mother at home and went to the bar cos he wanted to go drink with his last cash and commit suicide, but he made the mistake of touching Azura cos he was drunk!!” 

    “If your pregnancy didn’t come, all of that wouldn’t have happened! If mother didn’t get pregnant with a bloodthirsty devil like you! If she had just stopped with I and Rumi, then she’d still be alive by now so stop trying to project your fault on father! Stop hurting him!!”

    As the words left Xena’s mouth, she wasn’t blinking nor stopping.

    She said everything as if she had been pregnant with the words and just waiting for today to spill it all out to his face.

    Ryker’s hold on her hand got rougher, and the blue in his eyes went down. His palm went cold.

    She could feel his blood flowing through him.

    He bent her wrist backward, breaking it before breaking the stool beneath her feet.

    Xena fell from the stool to the ground, groaning.

    Despite Old Chef’s head pains, he grabbed her to himself, both looking so helpless as Ryker started walking out of the kitchen.

    Almost all the Millions family members are by the door already except Jude and Sadie.

    “What a lovely, lovely family history.”  Granny Tara commented.

    “Are you just knowing he’s a bloodthirsty devil?” Zeke laughed, his hands in pockets.

    Azura said nothing, Soren said nothing too. He’s just holding his rabbit in his arms, looking at Xena with different eyes.

    “Ryker,” Granny Jojo called, but he looked at no one at all.

    “Finally got to meet the demigod, but too bad he’s not in a good mood” Granny Tara spoke again.

    With a wave of his hand, he got Tara out of the way.

    Tara fell in Zeke’s arms, and they both sneered as Ryker went out of sight, his robe dragging.

    “For saying all of that to him, I’ll give you a reward tomorrow,” Zeke laughed, facing Xena.

    “Whoa! This made my night.”

    “Are you gonna continue going around with your stung wrist?” Granny Tara faced Soren.

    “Fine, you don’t have to kiss the snake, I’ll make you some pills and—”

    “I don’t need your pills, I’m good.” Soren cut her off, leaving the kitchen.

    “Rude” Tara said.

    “Looks like he found a way to cure himself, let’s leave.” Zeke said, leaving with her.

    “Now that her fire is out, what next?” She asked as they walked side-by-side.

    “Doesn’t change anything. Everything is set for the feast. Don’t panic.” Zeke grinned.

    Azura and Granny Jojo are still in front of the kitchen, staring at Xena and the chef.

    “You’re one ungrateful little bîtch, Xena.” Jojo muttered, walking away eventually.

    “It’s been two hours, and Lilith still isn’t back with any news.” Azura said, following her.

    “She asked for five hours, so chill.” Jojo replied.

    Xena helped Old Chef up, holding his burnt head carefully. Her broken wrist is shaking.

    “I’ll get you to the West Palace and see if they can heal burns.” She said.

    “You shouldn’t have said that to him.” Old Chef cried.

    “Let’s just go” Xena dragged him out.

    [Underground Realm]

    After leaving Mount Zhitomir, Pearl had led Jude to her realm, just the two of them.

    According to her, her palace is underground, and they’ve been searching for hours.

    It has been locked and hidden for centuries, so finding it is a heinous task which they’ve been dragging themselves through all day.

    They haven’t rested.

    Ground through layers of sand, dust, rocks, water and dead bones.

    “Even if I’m not telling you about my tiredness, you should already know I’m fed up. I mean…how many hours do we have to search for?” Jude yawned behind her.

    “You agreed to follow me on your own, but there’s still a chance for you to leave if you’re not comfortable with this,” Pearl faced him squarely.

    “Every god to his or her own palace. Do you think Ryker has no palace too? His ice palace is just still hidden.” She said.

    “And Shayla?” Jude asked.

    “Of course she does, the most uncomfortable palace ever. I mean… who’d live in the middle of burning fire all day and night. She’s definitely planning to stay with my husband at his ice palace later, but I’ll make that impossible.” Pearl said.

    A low crackling sound behind them caused the two to turn.

    Right in front of them, a large iron gate appeared, and Pearl smiled satisfactorily.

    Waving her robe arm, the gate slipped open, revealing her underground palace to their eyes.

    “So…it really does exist.” Jude nodded, his eyes settling on the waiting throne.

    “Be my first visitor, and plan chaos with me.” Pearl faced him, inviting him inside with a hand gesture.

    “What card do you actually have?” Jude asked curiously.

    “Don’t rush, there’s still enough time to introduce you to darkness.” Pearl smiled, leading him inside.

    [Next Morning]

    Shayla stirred to a new feel beneath her, and she just knows this is different from what she slept on last night. It’s different from what Ryker did it with her on.

    Her eyes flipped open, she sat up, and her environment confirmed her suspicions immediately.

    She’s in a glass house.

    This room if even larger than Ryker’s bedroom in Heartless Tower.

    Treasures hung on the wall and decorated the ground, there are displays of the glittering gold and silver crawling around the glasses like snakes.

    The ceiling tile and flooring are sparkling white that it feels not right to step on them.

    There are jade rose baskets hanging on the walls and the ceiling tiles too, with few flowers in the middle, and they smell so good that she inhaled.

    Bright white lights with faint blue in their middle, and the door feels like a country apart as it’s so far from the large bed.

    She sat on the edge of the bed, taking another look at the room.

    More confusion.

    Judging by the treasures everywhere and the luxury wealthy style, this place belongs to Ryker, but this is surely not the Heartless Tower.

    She looked down at her body, seeing she’s wearing aong singlet. Her subconscious knew he bathed her after they did it, so he must have wore this for her?

    She finally stepped down from the bed when she saw her phone lying on the bedstand beside an alarm clock.

    She picked it up, checking the date…

    “10? Did I sleep for two days?” She gasped loudly.

    Then she started hearing voices from the other side of the door.

    She calmed, straining her ears to listen more. 

    “Cheyenne and Sage?” She muttered, rushing out of the room barefooted.

    The grounds of the mansion is glass too, and there’s a whole aquarium there with several goldfishes swimming around the flooring.

    It looks unreal and too good to be true, but she focused on tracing the voices to a kitchen-like room.

    Cheyenne and Sage sat there, eating different Russian dishes on the same table, facing each other.

    Cheyenne was the first to see her, and when she saw how her nîpples are poking through the singlet she’s wearing, she quickly covered Sage’s eyes.

    “Why would you cover me?” Sage moved her hand.

    “Close your eyes, she’s here and her clothe is thin.” Cheyenne replied.

    Sage understood immediately. His eyes snapped shut.

    Cheyenne picked a jacket from the backrest of her chair, coming to Shayla to cover her chest with it.

    “Where are we?” Shayla asked in a mutter.

    “Russia.” Cheyenne replied, and Shayla gasped.

    “Welcome, to the human realm.” Sage joined them.

    “Oh my gosh!” Shayla screamed, rushing out of the kitchen.

    “Your footwear!” Sage shouted, quickly going to get it.

    “You better not hurt that leg, Goddess!” Cheyenne went after her as she raced to the first balcony she saw.

    Standing there, she gasped as Russia air hit her skin, filling her with new sensations and mood.

    She can’t see the city from here cos this glass mansion is enclosed, but at least she could feel the change in air and vibes.

    “If you’re lucky to have a date with boss, he’ll take you round the city.” Cheyenne said, arriving with Sage.

    Sage dropped her footwear, and Shayla slipped her feet into the two.

    “Where’s he? How did I even get here? How come today is tenth?” Shayla inquired.

    “Boss is in Moscow, he has been in Moscow since we arrived yesterday. There’s a whole lot of meetings and conference to be at. His business headquarters is in this country.” Cheyenne explained.

    “Moscow?” Shayla asked.

    “Capital of Russia, just thirty minutes flight from here” Cheyenne replied.

    “And yes, we came here when you were sleeping. We were supposed to wait till daybreak, but Xena did something terrible, so boss made sure we left Luminaria that night.” Sage answered the second question.

    “And… today is tenth cos we’re in the human world. Their time is faster here so we’ve been here since two days ago. In Luminaria, the date is 9th.” Cheyenne said.

    Shayla calmed, grateful for that clear explanation.

    “When…is he returning?” Shayla asked slowly.

    “He’ll return any day he’s done at the headquarters, and we’ve been assigned to take care of your needs, your ladyship.” Sage bowed funnily.

    “Stop it…” Shayla blinked. “I’m just Shayla.”

    “More than just, please don’t say things boss hates” Sage replied, and Cheyenne smiled.

    “Tell me what you’d like to have for breakfast, I’ll make it while you go clean up.” She said, handing her a iPad.

    Shayla took it, scrolling through the different Russian meals which she could already smell their deliciousness through the screen

    She clicked three randomly, and true to Cheyenne’s words, the meal esd ready before she finished cleaning up.

    Cheyenne is fast with food, and she wondered where she learnt it from.

    She ate her fill of the breakfast, and after she was done, she rested and then followed the knights to the practice room in the mansion.

    There are unlit candles sitting in thin plates everywhere, then there are so many unlit fireplaces too.

    “The practice is for me?” Shayla asked.

    “Who else? You burned four guys cos you can’t control your fire yet. You need to learn control seriously.” Cheyenne replied.

    “They touched Xena inappropriately, and though I feel bad for doing that, but they were being scummy.” Shayla explained.

    “Can you stop mentioning Xena?” Sage said behind her.

    “What exactly did Xena do?” Shayla asked.

    “We don’t wanna talk about it” Cheyenne said.

    Shayla sighed, looking at the array of candles and fireplaces.

    “I know you’re a lazy bone who only wants to spend time with boss and slack off, but you can’t escape this.” Sage said strictly.

    “I know,” Shayla said, going closer to the middle of the room.

    “Good. Boss can manage his ice, and that’s why he can freeze and unfreeze anytime he wants. You should also be able to put out your fire if you’re not in the mood to kill a scum completely.” Cheyenne said.

    “You should close your eyes now, and try putting fire on these candles one by one.” Sage said.

    Shayla’s eyes went shut, and she dragged in a breath, focusing.

    Every single candle caught fire. Even the fireplace lit up, burning bright.

    “Oh…well. She’d burn everyone in Luminaria. At this rate, you’ll never be able to control.” Sage muttered.

    Shayla shut her eyes back, determined to put out the fire one by one, but she felt a slight drop underneath herself.

    She understood immediately, and she moved to Cheyenne.

    “Want anything?” Cheyenne asked.

    “Period. My period.” She whispered, trying not to sound embarrassed.

    “Come here, I’ll get you pads.” Cheyenne pulled her out of the room.

    [Moscow, Frost H2O Headquarters]

    It has been one product showcasing to another since yesterday. There has been no rest since the products are detailed and very much.

    Not only the Russian ones, but his branches from the other parts of the world are also sending in samples for his knowing eyes to check out.

    He’s on the third showcasing today, and as he sat in the middle of the large glittering room with his treasure team and shine men, he looks as different as he always looks whenever he’s in a suit.

    It’s orange color this time, but the trousers are the usual loose, and he’s extra smart, hot.

    His eyes aren’t blinking under his fallen dark hair strands as he accessed the jewelries rolling in through the show glasses one after the other.

    “That one’s too small”

    “Get that one off the glass”

    “Not that one… it’s too bleak”

    “Replace the sapphire with jade.”

    “Get that one across the branches.”

    “Reduce the crystal on this one”

    Those were his unending comments as he scrolled past the items, and as he picked and dropped, his active team followed the orders.

    The showcase hasn’t even reached the middle when he felt the mark on his back glowing.

    It doesn’t only glow when he’s mad, it also glows when Shayla bleeds, so he was alerted immediately.

    Confirming his suspicions, Cheyenne’s call rang on his phone immediately.

    He raised an hand, and that was enough to stop the shine team.

    They paused the scrolling glass, and Ryker picked the call.

    “Tell me she’s not really bleeding, or I’ll make you and Sage bleed times twenty of whatever she bleeds.” He deadpanned.

    “She’s bleeding, but it’s her period, and I dunno…i think it’s because she just got her mark. Her temperature went high the moment the bleeding started, and she has vomited the breakfast she ate cos of irritation. She’s very sick, Boss.” Cheyenne reported.

    Before she could even finish speaking, Ryker was already on his tall feet.

    “You can’t leave yet, Mr. Morozov. We’ve barely distributed to ten branches, and you’re yet to check over five hundred products. There’s still a lot to do.” The team leader blocked him.

    “Scram, this is more important.” Ryker replied, still flat in the face but already getting angry.

    “Boss, your exit means we’ll lose billions across the branches, and you know it.” The leader insisted.

    “My baby needs me, alright?” Ryker pushed him out of the way savagely.

    “Your…baby?” The leader said in confusion, having the same confused face as the rest of the thirty members of the team.

    Ryker looked back at him over his shoulder, smirking.

    “Oh…you wouldn’t understand what that means. I mean…My Girlfriend.” He finished him completely.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 49&50&51

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 49&50&51

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 49&50&51

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    #Unedited 

    The absence of Ryker’s lips made Shayla’s lashes separate, her eyes opened, catching his own.

    He looks the same, but there’s a small tilt below his right brow.

    “Moy Vladika, are you ok?” She asked the first question that came to mind.

    He kept looking at her as if there’s something hanging on her face.

    The moonlight shattered between them, brightening the island more, but she has no business with that beauty right now.

    Something isn’t right.

    “Huh? Are you…ok?” She asked again, lifting her palm to his forehead to touch gently.

    “But your temperature isn’t too cold” she muttered confusedly.

    Ryker took her hand away, sitting back on the chair. He gave her smallest finger a slow caress before letting it go.

    “Explore, it’s all yours.” He said point blank.

    Shayla did her slow blink. “But you suddenly broke the…kiss.” she drawled carefully.

    “What? You wanna continue?” He leaned in sharply with that smug expression again.

    Shayla stepped away before he could reach her. A cute chuckle filled her lips as her steps fell afar.

    “No. I’m just worried, you seemed to be zoning out.” she said, subtly biting the inside of her mouth.

    The NO was a lie. 

    None of their kisses has lasted as long as she wanted, and that hurts.

    Maybe she’s the greedy addicted one, or maybe he’s the one not giving enough, but all she knows is that once his lips separates from hers, she’d be wanting more, and more.

    Ryker lowered his hand, taking a cup of alcohol from the table, but he poured it away without drinking.

    No idea why, but the smell of food and drinks just have a way of irritating him, but he ate the salad from her the other time, and he took a bite from her strawberry earlier without getting that irritation.

    She’s really effortlessly making him do these things.

    A smirk formed on his lips, and his mind zoned to what happened some minutes ago. 

    The foreign surge inside him. 

    Last time he felt this surge was 200 years ago, he got so weak without a reason, and he had to go into seclusion for a year. 

    The surge is like a premonition of bad things, meaning he has to heighten his carefulness.

    He looked ahead, and he squinted a bit when he saw Shayla inside the island river already.

    The water reached her knees, not very deep.

    She’s looking at the river with the stare of an huntress, and he sighted what she’s hunting for—a octopus.

    She has been chasing it around the water for minutes now, but her warmth is driving the sea animal away from her.

    She went down to catch it again, and Ryker secretly stretched two fingers forward, freezing the octopus.

    Shayla was finally able to catch, and the smile that rubbed on her face afterwards was priceless.

    She looked up, raising the animal as she walked out of the water.

    Her boots are completely wet with the water, even the down parts of her jean pants. They’re all dripping as she came back to him with a little run.

    “Look, I got it.” She said, breathing heavily and dangling it.

    “Messy, are you gonna eat that?” He frowned.

    “No! It’s just fun catching it. When I was young, I had no friends or playmates, and I’ve always wanted to go on play outings to the park, but all I got was beatings and ill-treatment from Ma, so don’t be mad at me if I get messy sometimes. I guess my inner child is still breathing.” She said, face going down.

    “Who said you could go sad?” Ryker talked.

    She looked up quickly. “You’re really not angry about it?”

    “You’re cute when you play childish.” He replied seriously, and she smiled wide with a huge blush to crown it.

    “What are you going to do with that?” He asked, looking at the octopus. “Kill it?” He lifted his hand.

    “No! Everything isn’t about killing please! I’ll return it to the water!” She quickly rushed two steps back to the shallow water.

    She threw the octopus back inside, and as she rushed back, Ryker waved his arm.

    Their chic outfits changed to robes. Black and pink respectively. On the waist of Shayla’s robe, there’s a tiny scent bag hanging there.

    “Whoa! The more I know you, the cooler you turn out to be, Boss.” Shayla said, jumping a bit so her robe flowed with the air.

    “Don’t call me that, or I’ll really kill you.” He deadpanned, walking ahead of her.

    Shayla was skipping her legs behind him till she got in front of him.

    She faced him, walking backwards.

    “Why can’t I call you that, Boss?” She intentionally asked with a warm teasing smile.

    He didn’t reply, so she stopped walking, till he walked past her.

    “Boss, you really don’t like the name? Huh?” She went after him again, holding the tip of his robe with that tip of her fingers.

    Ryker smiled secretly, but Shayla saw it, and she chuckled, staring at him with with eyes full of admiration.

    Suddenly, Ryker stopped, facing her.

    She let go of his robe tip.

    “Get a different name.” He said.

    “Boss?” She replied.

    “I’ll seriously kill you” he glared, his deep voice tickling her ears.

    “Moy Vladika?” She said, getting serious too.

    “No. You have three days to form one, your highness.” He replied, taking her hand and pulling her over the bridge.

    “Three…days? That’s too small.” She complained.

    “I don’t care.” He replied, caging her to the bridge rails suddenly. Their lips almost touched.

    Her breaths hitched, and she expected something steamy again, but Ryker just teleported with her.

    [West Palace, 11PM]

    Everyone is sitting down.

    Kasia and Astor on a couch.

    Winona on a single couch.

    Faye and Blaise on another couch.

    Rumi is sitting on a stool in the middle of everyone of them, and there’s a permanent smile on her face.

    Her gun is still in her right hand.

    On the left hand, she’s eating a gumbo soup which she scooped from their kitchen.

    “You better decide who’s gonna die first, cos if I finish this soup without any decision from y’all, I’ll kill everyone using the same bullet. It’ll go from one body to another.” She said, bringing another spoon of the soup to her mouth.

    Faye is exchanging signals with Astor, using her eyes.

    Blaise is communicating with Winona and Kasia too with his body.

    “And if you think this is an ordinary cartridge gun, then you’re wrong.” Rumi continued, raising the gun.

    Her badass smile spread to her eyes as she stared at the gun like her priceless treasure.

    “I cast a spell on the bullet, one can kill at least seven people at once. It doesn’t matter if you’re Eternals or not, it’d cut your lives short.” She stood, dropping the soup plate.

    She faced Faye, stretching the gun to aim at her.

    “You shouldn’t have gone to my client’s house, Faye.

    “Shoot me, if you dare!” Faye spranged up suddenly.

    Rumi didn’t waste time after hearing those daring words.

    She fired.

    The echoing sound of gunshot blasted through the silent air, causing everyone else to stand up.

    “Faye!!” They shouted collectively, horror and terror accumulating.

    Faye fell on the couch, her shot chest bleeding to the ground, but she made no sound, just there like a dead weight.

    “I’ve lived for hundreds of years, and for those years, I wrecked havoc everywhere I went. They know my history in every non-human city I visited. Eclypseria, Solaria, Vekkar, Kelara! just name it! I kill families and murder friends to shred attachments, and you…a mere snake… you wanna act as a stunt in my way? You’re way too full of yourself.” Rumi scoffed.

    But her expression experienced a breach when Faye suddenly stood from the couch like she wasn’t the one who just got shot.

    She brought her palm to her mouth, vomiting the bullet on it.

    Rumi’s eyes snapped.

    “A mere snake?” Faye smiled too, psychotic and dark. “That’s where you’re mistaken, bî+ch. I’m a white viper, and your spelled bullet is a poison I can easily neutralize. I’ve been eating poison since long ago, so you’re the one who should be scared, cos I show no mercy to your kind!” 

    “Thank you Faye!” Blaise hailed from the other end of the room.

    Just one second, Faye transformed, her snake form nearly took over every part of the living room.

    Winona disappeared into the wall.

    Blaise’s red hair shone in waves.

    Kasia and Astor stood side by side, and they successfully trapped Rumi in the middle.

    Unluckily for her, the gun only has one bullet, so it’s useless now.

    She grabbed their mop stick from the ground, bringing it to her knees to break away the woolen part.

    She kept the stick, defending herself with it from the whole family, but she’s no match.

    Winona bursted out of the wall behind her, giving her a hit at the back of the neck which sent her flying to Blaise.

    Blaise’s hair strands messed with her eyes, but she was able to smack Blaise with her stick twice before she went down flat.

    From there, Kasia and Astor mind-lifted the center table, bringing it down on her body. 

    The table shattered to bits on her body, sending glasses across the lobby. Rumi’s blood flooded the middle, and now it’s Faye’s turn.

    She crawled aggressively to that middle, wrapping her tail on Rumi’s body. She threw her off that angle, and Rumi’s body travelled to the railings where she hung like a rag.

    She spit hot blood to the ground, and she jumped down the bloody railings with heavily bruised body.

    From there, she went out of the top window, bursting out of it. She left with the breeze.

    Faye transformed back, and Blaise quickly took off his jacket to cover her naked body with, but Winona stopped him.

    “Close your darn eyes, pervert.” She rolled eyes, snatching the jacket from him to go cover Faye with.

    “But I covered her in Eclypseria, nothing I haven’t seen.” Blaise muttered.

    “That was a great warmup.” Kasia smiled at Astor.

    “I know, right?” He chuckled.

    “All thanks to Faye” Winona said.

    “Of course” Blaise nodded.

    “To get her mark back, she has to travel back to the past, into her own memory.” Faye said calmly.

    “I’ll text Ryker. He rarely checks texts, so let’s hope he sees this.” Kasia said, getting her phone.

    Rumi was staggering as she walked the last street that leads to the city. Her arms are on the wall, dragging with her heels on the ground.

    Her blood was drawing on the wall, and she’s still vomiting blood.

    The wounds on her body still bleeding.

    She entered a alchemist shop, and the alchemist stood shockingly at her sight, wondering where she got thrashed so much.

    “Painkiller herb” she ordered, leaning on the counter.

    She held her bleeding rib.

    The man gave her a strange look before taking out a small bottle which he handed to her.

    Rumi drank it all at a go, wiping her lips with her palm.

    “That’d be two thousand nyx.” The alchemist said.

    Unfortunately, those were his last words.

    Rumi stabbed his neck with the rim of the bottle, and she exhaled as his bloody body dropped at her feet.

    She got a whole pack of the painkiller herb before stumbling out of the shop.

    Her pains lessened already by now, and she can walk without holding walls, but her mouth still tastes metallic with blood.

    Cracking her neck, she pulled out a small phone and dialled a line.

    “The secret got out, and knowing how desperate Ryker is, he’d want to make her travel back in time into her memories to get the mark back, and that’s where I’ll wait at. I’ll kill her inside her memories.” She said.

    “How exactly did the secret get out?” A low voice asked from the other end

    “Faye, the stupid snake from West Palace. She’s stronger than I think, can’t believe my spelled bullet failed on that bî+ch.” Rumi stood upright.

    “Get me everything you can find about her origin. If I’m gonna kill her, I’ll have to rummage through her background first.” 

    She hung up and poured another bottle of the herb down her throat, then she dipped her hand into the back pocket of her trousers.

    She pulled out a small picture of Soren, staring at it as she walked into a dark boulevard.

    [Next Morning, King Mansion]

    Liza started her day with money packaging.

    She was sweating as she threw the wads of cash into a tall black bag inside her workroom.

    She has vowed to never give Rumi even a stipend anymore, but she can’t let her ruin her plan now that the Feast is close. 

    She can’t risk it.

    She threw the last bundle into the bag and was about to zip it up when she saw Kade standing by the door, staring at her with spite.

    Had she forgotten to shut the door?

    “Kade… you’re ready for school?” She ineptly said, smiling.

    “The more I see you, the more I wish you weren’t my mother. Why did you have to give birth to Shayla too? Why!!!” He yelled.

    “Kade—”

    “I’ll go in search of additional powers wherever it is. I only have to wait for the right time and opportunity, and find a way to create a rift between her and the demigod.” He threatened and left the room, shutting the door with a loud slam.

    Liza ignored his rants and zipped up the money bag. She got her phone and dialled Rumi.

    “Money is ready, let’s meet at the park as planned. I have all you need to keep your mouth shut!” 

    “Deal’s off, the secret is open.” Rumi replied bluntly.

    “What are you talking about!” Liza demanded.

    “Faye from the West was at your mansion last night. She’s a slithering viper snake, and she heard our conversation.” Rumi explained.

    “What!!” Liza sat on the bag, tension taking over her body. “Now what? What’s next?”

    “I’ll wait inside the memories for Shayla, and I’ll kill her.” Rumi replied.

    “Rumi!” Liza stood immediately.

    “What? Shocked? My brother Ryker deserves to spend his long life in freezing cold. When I helped you put the spell on her, I had no intention of ever removing it, so it is what it is. I always have a plan A, B, C for my shit, even plan D and E. I’m always prepared, and I’ll end everything myself.” Rumi sighed and hung up.

    “Darnnn” Liza growled, running out of the room.

    [Vega Mansion]

    “Miss, your congee is ready. I added meatballs like you wanted.” The only maid in the mansion said as Mercury came out of her room.

    Mercury ignored the old woman.

    She just walked to the dinning, had her seat and started eating.

    “Baby, you’re ready?” Esme stepped downstairs, looking beautiful in her fitting skirt and feathery fur blouse.

    “The Feast ballet practice gets harder today, so I have to be in school in time to balance my bowels.” Mercury gave her a peer.

    “Proud of you, you’re as hardworking as your mother.” Esme smiled, settling beside her.

    “Tell me Shayla and Xena aren’t really gonna be at the center.” Mercury said, her fake lashes battling in the middle of the dark mascara.

    “What center? Trust me it’s just a matter of time, wait till the feast.” Esme scoffed. “And how was the meal I helped you with? You didn’t tell me if it was good or not.”

    “Sadie poured it away, she didn’t let Soren eat it.” Mercury explained.

    “I don’t understand.” Esme gave her a quick stare.

    “It was for Soren.” Mercury admitted.

    “Why would you cook for Soren?” Esme frowned.

    “Cos I love him, isn’t it obvious? Don’t be slow.” Mercury dropped her spoon, taking her jacket and bag from the maid.

    “I’ll go first” she smiled at Esme and left the house.

    Esme blinked thrice, trying to get it all together.

    This isn’t happening. At all.

    “No. It’s just infatuation. She’s going to get over him.” She told herself.

    Her phone hummed, and she was already smiling before picking it up, knowing it’s definitely Zeke.

    Sweetheart: Mother wants dinner with you tonight. Pick the menu, and mother will pick the time.

    Esme typed a reply immediately.

    [East Palace, Back Field]

    A power training has been ongoing since daybreak.

    Everyone obeyed the call of Granny Tara including Zeke.

    The only people who aren’t here is Azura and Granny Jojo.

    Soren seems to be focused again, and that made Sadie so happy.

    They’re still winning against Jude, but Jude’s energy level has increased so much that he’s nearly on par.

    Jude’s nature is insanely strong, and that’s why glasses break when he holds them too tight.

    Seems he has been practicing in secret, cos his improvement is shocking.

    Lilith is by one side of the field, drilling a hole on the ground with her scream.

    The hole is already wide, she’s currently working the depth.

    “Careful with the ground, it might just swallow you.” Pearl walked past.

    “Now stop talking like you know so much about grounds.” Lilith replied.

    “Of course I know nothing about grounds, you’re closer to it than me.” Pearl replied scornfully, and Lilith gritted her teeth, unable to do anything since she’s at the base of the hierarchy chain here anyways.

    “I should be killing you for putting your mark on me, but nah… you’re still somehow useful for the family, so I’ll let you go. Newsflash for you, I’m getting married to him secretly tomorrow.” Pearl said.

    Lilith’s eyes widened “What!”

    “Yeah, feel free to wail about it. Y’all don’t know what I am,, but I’m a patient person. I’ll patiently wait for y’all to figure out my big role.” Pearl grinned, but her grin wasn’t permanent.

    It wiped off in a whim, and she gave Lilith a heavy strike. Lilith rolled into the pit she had dug.

    Granny Tara bursted into a impressed laughter up the field.

    She’s standing there with Zeke who’s also grinning.

    “This is the great child your wife nearly killed?” Tara scoffed. 

    Pearl was laughing beside the pit too, resting her palms on her knees.

    Jude suddenly knocked off the twins, they both landed with a loud thud to the dry field.

    Sadie’s ankle sprained.

    That’s the first time Jude actually brought them down.

    “The hell?” Zeke faced them.

    “Soren has a sting on his wrist from Granny’s snake bite! The venom is slowing him down and if he slows, it affects me too!” Sadie complained.

    “You got bitten by my snake? And you didn’t tell?” Tara went closer, appalled. “Kiss the snake, it’d suck the venom out of you, else you’d get drained completely.”

    “I’d rather die” Soren rolled eyes and waltzed out of the field.

    Sadie looked at Jude before running after Soren.

    “You did well, big brother.” Pearl pat Jude, leaving with him too.

    Lilith crawled out of the pit with her hands and knees.

    She has so many scratches and cuts. She threw off her socks and left the field angrily too.

    “Soren is now very different, madly so.” Tara said.

    “Not really, he has always been a little bit empathic. I mean … He’s the same person who cried when his pet rabbit died when he was 8, but Sadie already killed that empathic side of him, dunno why it’s arising again.” Zeke sighed.

    “Keep an eye on the Old Chef’s daughter, I’m telling you.” Tara insisted.

    “Morning here…” Granny Jojo’s voice broke into their discussion.

    Mother and son turned to see Jojo coming with Azura, side by side.

    “Oh…it’s the mirror watch.” Tara said, clearly ridiculing Jojo.

    “Oh…it’s the wife of the snake.” Jojo replied, using the same tone.

    “I see you’re finally awake from coma.” Tara said as Jojo halted in front of her.

    “And I see you’re finally awake in the brain after it slept for donkey centuries.” Jojo replied savagely.

    Tara attempted to pull out her snake for a bite, but it’s unavailable, so she just kept glaring at Jojo.

    Jojo glared back.

    “Is this really necessary?” Zeke faced Azura.

    “Your mother can’t be the only Matriarch here, sweetheart. You want power struggle? I’m giving you just that.” Azura faced him too.

    Zeke snickered.

    [Heartless Tower]

    Shayla is all ready for the ballet school, even Xena is here, ready too.

    They had eaten the pancakes made by Cheyenne together,but now that it’s time to leave, she’s finding it really hard cos she hasn’t seen Ryker this morning at all.

    Last she saw him was last night when they left Pink Island together and he dropped her in her bedroom to sleep.

    She kept looking at the blue hallway for any sign of him when she was eating at the balcony, but he didn’t show up till she was done with Xena.

    Sage said he’s in his Phoria, and whenever he’s in there, he hates being disturbed, so she really can’t see him before going to school.

    There are places she still can’t enter in this tower, he still limits her accesses, and she understands…

    He’s not used to her intrusion yet.

    Cheyenne took her and Xena to the garage, and she looked at the direction of his Phoria again before getting in the car.

    Cheyenne drove them out.

    Meanwhile, in the Phoria, Ryker sat in the middle of a fogged water which has sweet-smelling roses scattered around it.

    This water is different from the one in his Groove.

    This one is for subtle relaxation, he only uses the Groove when things get intense with his ice.

    He wore a white bathrobe, but his chest is completely bare, and his eyes her closed as the treated fog simmered into his white skin.

    He revealed his right hand after a while. Shayla’s earring sat on it. He tilted his head as he rubbed the gold with his fingers.

    It fell from her ear again when they teleported last night, and he just kept it. She’s clumsy without even realizing, and it’s entertaining.

    He revealed his second hand.

    On that one, he’s holding the neck of a snake—Granny Tara’s snake.

    “Took you long enough to come say hi after entering this palace.” He said.

    The snake stretched out it’s tongue to sting, but Ryker froze it’s neck, so it stopped moving.

    He threw the serpent on a low white rock not far from the fog.

    “Idiot.” He muttered.

    The visitor alert sounded by the Phoria door, and Ryker left the warm water, fog oozing out of him as he walked barefoot on the ice ground till he got to the door which opened without him touching it.

    Sage came to view.

    “Your phone, it kept buzzing in the bedroom.” He offered.

    “From the human world?” Ryker asked, face flat.

    “No. From the West Palace, it’s about the goddess.” Sage replied.

    Ryker took the phone, and the moment he opened the message, he looked up.

    “Her her back… from school.” He ordered, and Sage left to do that.

    [Black Swan Ballet School, Elite Practice Hall]

    Music rolled in from the blinking multicolored walls, heat wafted in the room from the wild energy of ballerinas, tunes curling with their smooth moves.

    The hall breathed with life, thumped with ambitions, feels like a universe on it’s own.

    Xena and and Shayla are at the center 

    Soren isn’t far from Xena at the left, and they’re going to make some moves together.

    By the left, there’s a new girl beside Shayla too.

    At the near back, there’s Mercury and Sadie who look murderous, they did the dance with spite.

    They both hate the sight of Soren near Xena, and at the same time, the sight of Shayla in the exact middle.

    Shayla and Xena might be the center, but Shayla has more spotlight, it’s a obvious fact.

    She’s making her moves too easily. She dances with her heart and mind, her body just interpretes beautifully.

    And she’s wishing Ryker was here, maybe she’d do better than this? She really wants those frosty blue eyes to be watching her right now, but he’s probably still in his Phoria.

    Xena and Soren’s body touched again, and their eyes met as their moves synchronized.

    She clearly saw the small swell mark on his wrist as a result of the snake bite, she wondered if he’s ok.

    He’s not looking at her at all. He’s too focused on his dance to care.

    Esme and she rest of the teachers and co-judges are in front of the room.

    They might not say it, but their eyes are full of admiration for Shayla in the center.

    Even Esme can’t deny it.

    Her flexibility is peak. 

    Her body is too soft that it looked like it’d break whenever she moved her legs up.

    The first dance practice session ended at 10, and immediately Esme dismissed them, Pearl entered the hall, causing whisperings from the resting dancers.

    “The former blind one?”

    “Don’t tell me she’d be here too”

    “I’ve heard about her, she’s cunning!”

    “But she’s pretty!”

    “Pearl Millions here. Let’s get along!” She waved at the ballerinas.

    Sadie and Soren left like they don’t even know her.

    Mercury followed, and she’s still looking shocked as she walked past Pearl.

    Shayla and Xena were making their exit too when Pearl blocked them.

    “Move!” Xena glared.

    “I have nothing to say to you, move out of the way.” Shayla said.

    “But I have something to say to you,” Pearl chuckled, leaning closer to her ear to whisper…

    “Do you know this is actually my second life? I only reincarnated this time. When I got my sight back at Mount Zhitomir, I got memories of my first life back, and guess who was my dear husband in my first life?” 

    Shayla went rigid.

    “Yes. It’s exactly who you’re thinking, that irresistible god.”  Pearl whispered again.

    “Goddess!” Sage entered the hall.

    “Sage?” Shayla moved.

    “I am to take you back home” Sage said.

    “Huh? Why?” Shayla asked.

    “It’s about your mark. Come, no time.” Sage replied.

    Shayla followed immediately, Pearl’s words heavy on her mind.

    When she got to the door, she looked back at Pearl, and Pearl winked cunningly at her.

    She left with Sage eventually.

    Cheyenne appeared beside Xena. “I’ll be your guard then.” 

    “About last night, I just don’t want to leave father—”

    “I’m not talking to you, Miss Xena. I’ll only guard you.” Cheyenne cut her off, and Xena nodded.

    They left the hall.

    [East Palace, Heartless Tower]

    Seeing Ryker after missing him all morning should be blissful, but Shayla couldn’t even thinking about anything except Pearl’s words.

    She’s inside her room, laying in her bed presently.

    Sage and Ryker are inside with her, and they’re saying things about how they’re going to send her back to the past to get her mark back, but she’s just following with her head, not her mind. Her mind is somewhere else.

    “You’re going to follow her into your memories? No, My Lord. I’m never allowing that. You both haven’t bonded, so you going into her memories with her will wound you and send you to sleep for years, you’ll have to go into seclusion and it’s dangerous. You might even get lost in there.” Sage said, and that snapped her out of her thoughts.

    “That’s really going to happen?” She sat up.

    “Yes, goddess. I believe in you, I trust you’re not weak. You can do this alone so he really can’t follow you when you both haven’t bonded.” Sage explained.

    “There’ll be villains of the past, she can’t do it alone.” Ryker insisted.

    “I’ll do it alone.” Shayla replied, and he faced her, eyes meeting.

    “Trust me, I’ll try my best.” She assured, reaching for his robe to hold gently.

    “Your best isn’t enough…give it your all, and get it.” Ryker deadpanned, sounding like a threat.

    “Yes, I will.” She replied, laying back on the bed.

    “You’re going back to the day your mother saw your mark. What were you doing?” He asked.

    “I was bathing in the rain” she replied.

    “You’ll stop yourself from entering the rain that day.” Ryker said, and she nodded.

    “Yes” she quickly corrected.

    “I was four years old, and it was a week before I turned 5” Shayla said, shutting her eyes.

    Ryker placed two fingers on her forehead, waiting for a second before a blue beam flashed.

    Her soul followed the beam, travelling with the blue light into her memories.

                 {Shayla’s Memories}

    Shayla landed back in the living room at Liza’s mansion.

    The weather is already blackening outside. Clouds are already gathering, meaning it’s going to rain soon.

    The rain will soon fall.

    Shayla pulled her eyes away from the open window, and her younger version ran out of the storeroom.

    Her 4 year old self, wearing that faded singlet and black knickers.

    She looked so eager to bath in the rain already, and she began praying for the rain to fall.

    “There are marks on my back from Ma’s beatings. Maybe the rainwater can calm it down a bit.” She stood by the window, watching the clouds, impatient for the downpour.

    Shayla climbed the couch with her quickly.

    “You can’t bath in the rain. You shouldn’t take off your clothes.” She whispered.

    Little Shayla turned around, wondering where the voice is coming from.

    She’s not seeing Shayla.

    “Who was that?” She mumbled.

    “It’s me. I’m from the future. You can’t bath in the rain, else your Ma will sight your mark and cover it.” Shayla whispered again.

    “Who are you?” Little Shayla replied, jumping down from the couch and looking around.

    “You can’t see me, but I see you” Shayla replied, wanting to touch her, but she can’t.

    “She’s a bloody lair, you should bath in the rain. Don’t you love it?” Another voice popped out.

     

    Shayla was utterly shocked to see Rumi entering the house. She recognized her with her blonde curls 

    “Rumi?” She muttered in disbelief.

    “Welcome to your death, demigoddess of fire.” Rumi smiled eerily.

    “Who are you both? Why am I not seeing anyone?” Little Shayla turned around again on a spot, her confusion running deeper.

    “You have to go bath in the rain, now!!” Rumi pushed her.

    “Stop it! What exactly are you after!” Shayla got in Rumi’s way.

    “I’ll still kill you, don’t rush and get out of my way!” Rumi pushed Shayla out of her way.

    Shayla fell on the sofa, and Rumi faced little Shayla again.

    She tore off her knickers.

    “What…why are you tearing my clothes!” Little Shayla stumbled, looking scared.

    “Tear off your singlet too and enter the rain, or I kill you!” Rumi threatened.

    Little Shayla swallowed.

    “Don’t!! You can’t go inside!!” Shayla yelled, picking two glass cups from the table.

    She threw them at Rumi, but Rumi easily waved them away.

    Little Shayla is already taking off her singlet by now, and that was when Shayla got it.

    Rumi put her under a spell.

    “No!!” Shayla rushed forward, but Rumi dragged her back, falling on the sofa with her.

    Shayla picked one of the broken pieces of the cup, shoving it into Rumi’s eyes.

    Crap. It didn’t even enter.

    “We’re inside your memory, Shayla. You’re the only one who can get brutally hurt you fool!” Rumi laughed, flipping her away.

    Shayla rolled off, and before she could stand, Rumi already kicked her in the face, slapping her three times one after the other.

    Shayla’s lips bled, but still…she stood.

    By now, little Shayla is already stepping outside, about to enter the rain.

    “Mini me!!” Shayla yelled, flipping the door open to go out.

    Rumi pulled her back again, slamming her head on the wall.

    Shayla bled all-over the face, tasing it in her mouth too.

    Her eyes burned with tears, and she slumped on the floor where Rumi held her down at.

    “Mini me… please…” She struggled against Rumi’s unyielding hold as she watched little Shayla entering the rain. At the same time, Liza appeared.

    “Where’s that rape product?” She muttered, opening the door to step outside too.

    Shayla’s eyes widened on the floor, going beyond their limits.

    Rumi’s smile widened, but just as Liza’s hand touched the door to open, she remembered what she’s cooking in the kitchen.

    “My porridge!” She gasped, rushing back inside.

    At the same time, the rain pouring outside got replaced by a ice shower.

    Big ice chunks fell from the sky, sounding heavily on the roof.

    “What’s going on?” Rumi muttered confusedly.

    Little Shayla rushed back inside, and that small body merged with Shayla’s grown body.

    The wounds on her face closed up, and the blood wiped off on it’s own. Her body felt the blazing change.

    It was so high that she collapsed, but before she could fall, another presence entered the memory.

    Ryker’s.

    Her body fell into his right arm, and his deep blue eyes glared up at Rumi who’s already walking backwards.

    “Bastard!” Rumi cursed, opening the door to escape, but…

    Shayla’s gold-rimmed eyes opened at that same moment, her aura infusing with the air.

    So hot. Mad hot.

    Her hand went up angrily.

    The burning millennial fire erupted, catching Rumi by the door.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 29&30

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 29&30

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 29&30

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    #Unedited

    Was that the wind?

    Definitely has to be the wind, cos ain’t no way Ryker would speak that casually to her after she entered his sacred pool.

    His large arms is even around her, too. He hugged her back? Why isn’t he tearing her apart instead?

    Last time she entered this Groove without even stepping into the pool, he killed her if not for the entrance of Cheyenne, now she entered the pool and he’s talking this simply?

    She unwrapped her legs from his body, and her arms fell from his skin. She slipped her shoulder away from the weight of his head, moving away from him.

    She made sure there’s a large gap between them before she looked up, her eyes catching the deep darkness of his own.

    He looks the same, but the ice is gone from his skin. Now that she’s seeing him up close, she wasn’t wrong about the most attractive parts of his body.

    His fingers are hella fine. Also, his skin is richly clean. That’s expected from someone who stays cold and iced most of the time. He’s unconventional.

    When she realized how long she has been ogling shamelessly for, she pushed her wet hair away from her face, and her face went down.

    “I heard you were sick, and I heard my warmness could help, so I offered to come share it with you. Cheyenne and Sage allowed me in here, I didn’t come without permission so don’t hurt me like the last time.”

    She could hear the tremble in her own voice as she talked.

    “I was sick?” Ryker’s voice attacked that statement immediately. She looked up to see the glare on his face, and it’s obvious he took offence.

    Is that not the right word?

    “I…I heard you were freezing. Yeah, freezing.” She quickly corrected.

    “I might have to give you the list of words to use and to not use around me, Firefly. I’m never sick, even in my weakest moments, no one in this city or beyond can defeat me. I’m not some useless furry puppy.” He continued, and Shayla found herself smiling inwardly.

    Of course, that’s more like him. He’s very arrogant, and he doesn’t even try to hide it.

    She snapped out of t when she remembered she’s wearing only a thin underwear and lace panty.

    Her eyes went down her chest, and she let out another gasp at what she saw.

    Her small n+pples are puckering through the thin material of the underwear.

    She looked around to find her dress floating not far from her, and she walked there quickly.

    The pool whirled turbulently around her till she arrived, but before she could pick up the dress, it drowned.

    She dipped her hand underwater, but she found nothing.

    “Where did it go?” She asked herself, her breathing irregular as she dipped her hand underwater again.

    “I’ve never been a fan of lousy colour pink, Cheyenne must be out of her mind to pick out this dress for you.” Ryker’s voice said behind her, causing her head to shoot up.

    He’s with the wet dress, holding it up and giving it a stare of disapproval.

    How did that even get to him?

    “That’s mine!” Shayla pointed. 

    By now, the pool water has plastered her underwear to her skin, the whole shape of her bre+sts has been carved temptingly on her chest.

    “I know,” Ryker faced her. 

    She gulped, covering her chest with her arms.

    “You were all-over me some moments ago, whispering intimate things to wake me up, and now that I’m up, you’re suddenly shy?” His head angled, a smirk trying hard to pull his lips down.

    “That was because you were freezing! Now that you’re alright, I need my dress back.” She pointed her palm forward, using her second hand to brush her wet hair back.

    Darn, she’d have to find a band to tie this stupidly long hair. She’s not used to long hairs. 

    When we was still in the Dark Room, her head was shaved every year, so her hair has never grown longer than shoulder level, but now it’s reaching the middle of her back which she’s not comfortable with.

    “Here, come get it.” Ryker pointed the dress at her, water dripping from it back to the now steamy pool.

    She looked at the dress, then at his mischievous face. No one knows what he’s thinking with that foxy head of his, it’s hard to pinpoint.

    Nevertheless, she moved to him, but he dropped the dress back in the water before her hand could touch it, and he grabbed her wrist instead.

    She was with him again in another before she could talk, and she had to use her hand to push his chest so her own won’t slam on it.

    She looked up, their eyes meeting with a ferocity she can’t plot.

    “Did you wonder how your wounds healed? How your face lost all scars, how your hair regained healthiness and how you have so much vitality coursing through you?” He whispered, surprising her.

    Ryker is whispering?

    “I…yes. I was—”

    “Don’t stutter, it’s boring. Aren’t you always so bold with me?” He interrupted, his hold on her fragile wrist so tight that she feared it might break into two.

    “I was told you healed me, and I was planning to say thank you.” She said, looking up at his face again to hold eyes with him, boldly.

    “Good. Get stronger, your warmness is becoming insufficient. You have to get stronger and reveal your fire mark on your own. Accumulate more warmness.” He told her directly.

    “Am I really…your partner? Is that why I didn’t freeze when everyone froze last time? Am I a demigoddess like Sage said?” She blinked.

    “Does it sound good to your ears?” He stares deeper. She blinked again.

    “I just thought…I should ask.”

    She looked down, but his second hand went below her chin. He held it firmly like an egg, forcing her face back up.

    “You look at me whenever we’re conversing.” He said seriously.

    “Yes sir…I mean…yes, Moy Vladika.” She said, unable to fight her own nervousness.

    His hands on her wrist and chin is making her heart pound with fear.

    A smile lingered on Ryker’s lips at her silliness, but Shayla didn’t get to see it before it dissipated.

    “You’re to stay in my tower from now on. You can’t go out without Cheyenne or Sage, and the only person who’s allowed to come see you is Xena. I’ll make an exception since you both formed a rapport.”

    She smiled brightly. “Really?”

    “And stay away from every member of the family, including Jojo.” He said.

    “But she’s not bad, she’s—”

    She stopped talking when she saw the unrelenting glare on Ryker’s face.

    “I’ll stay away.” She said quickly.

    He let go of both her chin and wrist, and she quickly took her dress from the water. She slipped it on easily.

    At the same time, they both heard a loud crashing sound from the tower, their eyes went that direction.

    “What’s going on?” Shayla muttered.

    “Go back to the tower, and stay in the room you woke up in.” He instructed.

    Shayla didn’t argue.

    She just nodded and walked out of the pool, slipping her shoes back on before rushing away.

    Ryker made sure she was already so gone before lifting his left palm to look at the two cut wounds.

    Shayla’s warmness might have healed his freezing coldness, but it did nothing to heal his internal wound, and that’s why the cuts are still there.

    The crash they heard earlier means the family is here to tackle him in his weak state. 

    He expected this.

    He walked out of the pool, grabbing his robe jacket from the side.

    [Tower, Center Space]

    There’s just Sage and Cheyenne in front of the Millions Family clansmen.

    Azura and Zeke are the only direct family members among them. There’s no children or Granny Jojo.

    “Are you both willing to die in place of your master?” Azura said proudly, raising her chin and shoulders.

    “Attacking when he’s weak just shows how feeble you are. Why not come when he’s on all prowls?” Sage spat.

    “Handover the partner, and this fight won’t happen. We might take you both in as one of the royal guards since you’re from reputable family of Knights anyways, and as for Ryker himself, he’d be dying with his partner the moment we split their FrostOrb and FireStone.” Zeke smiled, his pride matching Azura’s.

    “Such heavy arrogance, and you both are still drawing power from his FrostOrb to survive. Whatever is making you think you can actually take the partner away from this place today has to be the most foolish thing ever! It isn’t even the start of the heat yet, so stop getting ahead of yourselves. Two old fools.” Cheyenne insulted.

    Azura flashed a sudden thunderbolt at her, and Cheyenne was flung to the wall, but she stood her ground, wiping the slim line of blood from the middle of her lips.

    “Is that all you’ve got, Azura? Your thunder ability that’s useless unless you eat souls? Pathetic.” She laughed.

    It was Zeke who retaliated to that speech. He plowed at the metal wall behind Cheyenne, and the metal went in, pulling Cheyenne inside the wall, but Sage intervened.

    He dragged Cheyenne away from the closing wall and rolled the two of them over the sleek ground.

    The wall lost Cheyenne, so it took one of the clansmen instead, drawing him inside before closing up like a mouth.

    “There’s a mark of death on the partner’s body, I’m sure you’ve seen it, so it’s either you hand her over and let her die for a good cause at least, or you both and your master dies with her.” Azura declared.

    “Funny how you think a demigoddess aura will bow to the mark of a lowly banshee.” Sage laughed. “She might not possess the mark yet, but she’s not going to bow!” 

    He removed the bracelet on his wrist, and it grew longer to his rope. 

    Cheyenne’s long nails grew, too.

    “Well then…as you wish.” Zeke nodded at his wife and the rest of the clansmen. 

    They attacked the knights, two against a large number. 

    The fight was tough, relentless.

    Thunder cracked from Azura.

    Grounds broke with Zeke’s powers.

    The rest of the clansmen stood in a circled formation, protecting the couple from the hits of the knights.

    It’s Azura against Cheyenne, Sage against Zeke.

    Azura sent the third thunder strike to Cheyenne, and she laughed when Cheyenne fell on the ground again, getting wounded on the ribcage.

    “What was your motivation before you decided to face me?” Azura asked, the mock so heavy.

    “The fact that you won’t be leaving this place with the partner. Moron!” Cheyenne groaned, pushing herself up from the ground and leaping to the air so fast.

    Azura did the same, summoning her thunder again, but she wasn’t so lucky this time.

    Cheyenne’s nails met her back, the nails venom sank deep into her flesh as it peeled.

    She staggered in the air, blood soaking her robe.

    “Azura!” Zeke yelled from the ground, but Sage didn’t give him the chance to leapt up.

    He threw his rope at Zeke’s neck like a noose, pulling it from behind and nearly taking his head away from his neck. The rope left venomous imprints on his neck.

    The clansmen strengthened their formation, and Azura fell from the sky to the ground.

    She gave Sage a merciless dash, and he unwillingly let go of Zeke.

    Zeke sped to Azura’s side, both conjoining their abilities. Their eyes lost all white, it turned dark with the lids, and the skies rumbled angrily.

    “They’re going to conjure acid rain?” Sage muttered.

    “Cowards!!” Cheyenne yelled, but none of them ran.

    The rule is not to ever run no matter how hard the trial is.

    Help will always come, and help indeed came cos the dark clouds suddenly brightened.

    The weather cooled down,  Azura’s thunders stopped. The tower turned silent except for the rumble coming from the dark skies.

    “My Lord?” Sage and Cheyenne chorused, and he answered with his domination appearance.

    Ryker stood midair, looking casual in his bathing robe which is getting blown by the morning air.

    The moment he landed on the ground and waved his hand, the acid rain started, pouring only in the clansmen side of the tower.

    They didn’t escape. They began melting away like plastics in scorching blaze. 

    “What do you think you’re doing!” Zeke yelled.

    “Exactly what you were planning to do to my knights before I arrived. You don’t like tasting your own cup of tea?” Ryker smirked.

    “You abomination of nature!” Azura spat, summoning a strike together with her husband.

    Ryker dodged, but it wasn’t fast enough. He got slightly hit, and his head lurched forward weakly. His lips turned slightly pale.

    “Lord Ryker!” His knights chorused fearfully, but he dispelled their worries immediately.

    He turned back, throwing a pile of thorny ice at the couple.

    It split into two, going for each of them. Azura escaped her share, but Zeke didn’t.

    The ice thorn delved into his belly, and he went down, rolling bloodily on the ground till a pillar took the weight of his body, stopping him.

    “Zeke!” Azura slipped to him, bending beside his bleeding body to hold him.

    “Zeke!!”

    He was already bleeding profusely, and he’s not even talking despite the fact that his eyes are open.

    Azura looked behind and saw every clansmen they brought had been melted down by the acid.

    She bit herself hard before looking at Ryker who looks madly unapologetic.

    “This isn’t over, Ryker Morozov.” She told him in a tone that says it really isn’t over.

    She carried Zeke’s body and vanished into the morning.

    “Their clansmen were too much, I think. And that’s why they decided to come waste the lives of some of them here.” Sage said, taking a look at the melted bodied on the ground.

    “My Lord!” Cheyenne turned back with him, and they ran back to Ryker who’s still standing where he is.

    “My Lord, are you ok?” Sage asked, his concern glued to his eyes.

    Ryker held his chest, and their eyes widened when he spat out blood.

    “Why is it still like this? The ice is gone from your skin!” Sage said.

    “Must be the internal wound. That one won’t heal unless his palm wounds heal.” Cheyenne said.

    “Then we have to act fast and find solutions. No one can know he’s wounded internally till we solve this. Else, they’d take the opportunity to do their deeds.” Sage said.

    “How weak do you think I really am?” Ryker faced him with a angry glare, and his head went down.

    “I don’t mean it that way, I’m just too worried. If they take her, then it’s over.” Sage said.

    “No one’s taking her. She can step out once a day, and Xena is allowed to come visit her here after thorough inspection.” Ryker said.

    “Understood.” Cheyenne said.

    “Do you really know where Xena’s lifeline is?” Sage asked, and Ryker’s hard eyes met with his own.

    “Eternus had a heart to heart chat with you both?” 

    “We just want to know the truth. If you know where her lifeline is, it means we can actually leave this palace without issues, but you’re not trying to do that, which means you’re after something in his palace. What could that be?” Cheyenne asked.

    “Later today, we’re visiting Liza, her mother.” He said, ignoring her question.

    They went quiet.

    “And no one is to interrupt my rest session. I’ll be at the Phoria.” He said.

    “Not even her is allowed to come see you?” Cheyenne asked.

    “I said no one.” Ryker stressed hard on the last word.

    “And clean this melted mess.” He pointed at the acid rain victims before vanishing off.

    “Heard that?” Cheyenne faced Sage.

    “Not even Tiny is allowed to come see him at his Phoria, cos I know you. You’d want to send her there at any slight opportunity.” 

    “I thought you were starting to like her?” Sage scoffed.

    “She’s my master’s partner, so I’m still trying to like her. The process is still ongoing.” She replied, walking off.

    “Can you be less intimidating?” Sage went after her with a smile.

    [Shayla’s Room]

    Before Shayla even arrived back in her room earlier, her pink dress already dried up, thanks to her body warmth.

    She sat in her new room, following Ryker’s instructions. 

    She was there throughout the fight, and though she didn’t witness the fight, she knows Ryker won, which is why she’s still here, breathing.

    She’s by the window of the room, and just like the room at Granny’s place, this room has a wind chime by the window too, this one is pure gold. 

    There’s a really fancy dreamcatcher too, and she hasn’t been able to stop touching both. She’s in love with them.

    She has been trying to calculate just how many billion treasures are in this room alone, talk more of the whole tower. It’s too wealthy.

    What kind of job does he do that he’s as filthy-rich as this? 

    She just doesn’t get it.

    Also, if she’s the partner, does that mean they might get entangled romantically in the future?

    That thought made her slap herself, and she blinked back to the present.

    Romantically? With Ryker? That god looks like he doesn’t even know what romance is, and her?

    She has no idea too, what would she probably know?

    She sighed out and left the room, using the door she sighted at the left exit. She found herself in an orchard, and couldn’t blink as she checked it out. There are various fruits trees.

    Apple, plums, tangerines, even berries.

    If she had a long stick, she’d have loved to have an apple, but she didn’t want to overdo, so she gave up.

    Luckily, there’s a swing chair in the middle of the trees, she sat on it and began swinging herself softly.

    She didn’t last at Granny’s side, what if she doesn’t last here too?

    What if one day she does something to really annoy  him, and he hurts her so much or even kills her?

    That thought made her hold her chest. The imagination of his anger is dangerous, and it made her scared.

    He told her to get stronger, that her warmness is becoming insufficient.

    Does that mean she’s supposed to be warmer than this for him, but her hidden mark is stopping that?

    The mark is really doing a good job hiding her powers. Who’d have known she’s a goddess.

    Maybe she’d ask Cheyenne for power practices? That’s if the wicked lady would even agree.

    “Shay!!” The unmistakable hyper voice broke into the orchard.

    She stood from the swing chair.

    “Xena!” She shouted back.

    Xena sprinted towards her, and her eyes turned wide when she saw her.

    “Wait…are you real? Are you really my friend? What happened to you!”

    “What do you mean? Is there something on my face?” Shayla touched her face gently.

    “You look mad different! From the hair, to the skin, to the dress. You smell nice too! Did you get reborn?” Xena said, her shock palpable.

    Shayla smiled.

    “It’s your brother…he did some things and I woke up to see myself like this. They said I’m his partner.”

    “I heard about it in the palace and I was doubting, so it’s real? Omg!” Xena  jumped twice.

    “There’s a lot of stories” Shayla said.

    “Tell me everything! And I have plenty gists too!” Xena sat with her on the swing chair.

    “Gists on?” 

    “I nearly got raped.” Xena said.

    “What!”

    [Main Castle, FrostOrb Hall]

    Azura set Zeke down on the table when she arrived.

    The ice thorn is inside him, and it’s not even melting. It’s not gonna melt unless Ryker decides to let him go.

    Zeke isn’t gonna wake up till it melts.

    Despite the fact that Ryker went to face shadow wraiths in the condemned land, he’s still that strong? Was the wraiths resentment not enough to weaken him?

    She’s trying her best to understand how he works, but it seems he’s smarter than everyone here, and it’s not making any sense.

    They took him from his mother the day he was born, they killed his mother and brought him here with his father and sister. They watched him grow powerful, so why is he still so closed off and unrideable?

    Why is he still hard to grasp?

    She looked at the FrostOrb, and she felt a sharp tang of pain from her back, remembering how Cheyenne’s nails wounded it.

    She cussed under her breaths, then she healed herself with the orb, casting out the venom.

    She healed Sage’s rope venom from Zeke’s neck too, but that’s all she can do for him.

    He can only lay here and absorb power from the orb so he won’t fall in coma. She’d have to find away to bring him back to consciousness.

    His Channeler Shell shone in his pocket, and she brought it out…

    “Who’s it?” She spoke into it, but no voice came. The shine on the the shell stopped.

    “Who was that?” She muttered.

    “My Lady!” Two guards came inside, holding Jude tight.

    There are several nails on his body, and on his face. He’s barely alive.

    “Jude!” Azura nearly fell. “Jude!!”

    “He appeared in front of the castle and lost consciousness. Judging by thick the dark aura surrounding him, he probably went to the land of the condemned using his soul as collateral to enter.” Lilith said, entering the hall.

    “What!!” Azura staggered.

    [Granny’s Chamber]

    Jojo sat in front of her mirror, but she’s not doing anything.

    Not communicating with her shadow or trying to learn techniques from her reflection.

    She’s just lost in a haze, and her mind is refusing to leave how Ryker had shot her last night.

    She’s well aware that she hasn’t completely earned his trust. 

    Ryker doesn’t anyone.

    He doesn’t even trust his knights, so why would he trust her, a Granny of the Millions Family?

    He works alone, and his plans are only known to him.

    The kindness he showed her were all fake with no crumbs of sincerity underneath.

    But one thing is for sure, she has never taken him for granted, and she really loves him sincerely more than her grandchildren.

    She’d never betray him. Staying still and not fighting for Shayla was because her fight would have amounted to nothing.

    She’s not even as strong as the twins, not to talk of Azura and Zeke.

    “Granny?” Pearl came out of the inner chamber, leaning on the wall to keep her legs steady on the ground.

    Jojo turned around to her.

    “I heard from some passing guards that my parents were defeated by Ryker. Isn’t it so sweet to hear? Their defeat?” She said.

    “Weren’t you boldly providing information about his partner at the family meeting?” Jojo stood.

    “That’s because I want her gone. You don’t even understand me.” Pearl scoffed, finding a chair with her hands. She took her seat.

    “You want her gone, so you lied that she took you out? How were you able to get a phone to upload yourself on the lumi web that fast if not that you’ve been planning this for a long time, and she’s just a tool you wanted to use!” Jojo said.

    Pearl stood back.

    “Lilith said you once took that slave in here like your daughter, are you seeing me like her replacement? A slave replacement? I am Pearl Millions, might be blind but still a member of this family! Did you forget?” She seethed.

    “Pearl!” Jojo snapped.

    “I want the demigod! If it means sacrificing my soul to get my sight back just to see that handsome face and kiss his fingers, then I’d do it! You don’t even know the arousing wet dreams I get about this man so shut up if you have nothing beneficial to say!” Pearl shouted.

    “Oh…girl. You’ve gone insane.” Jojo muttered.

    [City, Vega Mansion]

    It’s 6pm, and Mercury just finished dressing up.

    She’s going to be visiting the Lumi park with the twins and several dancers from the ballet school will be coming, it’d be fun.

    Been a while since they last had fun together, and she’s eager.

    She dressed to kill, making sure her skirt is shorter than normal. Her makeup is hot tonight, too. And her bóobs are popping out of her bra cups. Many necklaces rested on it, and her earrings are big.

    All for Soren.

    She sprayed herself, and she had a look in the mirror, making sure it’s all too much before leaving the room.

    By the door, she got a call from Sadie, and she picked excitedly.

    “Hey, bestie. Are you at the amusement park already?” 

    “Yeah, and I think they’re going to turn it to a party or something. Be fast, I and Soren are already waiting. Also, the idiots from West Palace are here… I’m talking about Blaise and Faye. I’m not seeing Kade the bastard anywhere but I’m sure he’s coming. You know the night will be fun already, don’t forget the ashes.” Sadie said all at once and hung up.

    “Yes! I’ve not had fun since long. It’s finally time.” Mercury gleamed, walking past the study where her mother Esme is standing.

    “Your dress is everything. I love it.” Esme smiled.

    “Thanks mother, don’t feel lonely without me. Will be back before daybreak.” Mercury kissed her cheek before exiting the house.

    Esme sat on the sofa, her right leg going over the left one as she took a glass of wine, staring at her Channeler Shell on the table.

    “Why waw she the one who talked on his shell earlier? Is he ok?” She wondered worriedly.

    [East Palace, Heartless Tower]

    After talking for what looks like forever and ever, Xena was ready to leave the tower at past 6 to go cook dinner, and Shayla was rumbling as she prepared to take her leave.

    “I’m sure there are lots of things to play with in this tower, it’s full of treasures anyways. You’ll see me tomorrow morning.” Xena said.

    “Fine, tommorow morning it is.” Shayla let go of her hand.

    “By the way, you haven’t mentioned your twin sister’s name before.” Shayla said.

    “Rumi. Her name’s Rumi, and we look exactly the same, except she has blonde hair.” Xena replied, then she left the tower.

    “Rumi? Xena? Doesn’t sound like twins name though.” Shayla said to herself as she returned inside.

    She could feel the emptiness and silence immediately.

    If Cheyenne or Sage are in here, she’d feel the aliveness instead, but this place feels dead right now, meaning even Ryker isn’t around.

    Where did they go?

    She took a tour around the visible parts of the tower for five times, and when she got tired, she went to the kitchen and picked a huge bar of osmanthus candy from the freezer.

    She has no idea what it is, but she opened it and ate one. She liked it immediately.

    She came back outside, sitting by the orchard and eating the candies one by one, melting the taste in her mouth.

    But most importantly, where did Ryker go? This loneliness is heavy.

    If his face is around, he’d surely be his intimidating self, but at least he talks to her, so is it safe to say she wants him here?

    If he’s still not back by the time she eats every of this candy, then she’d go have her bath and sleep. So she waited.

    By the door.

    [City, Kings Mansion]

    The news of Shayla’s survival hasn’t reached the city. Everyone is still under the belief that she’s dead, but Liza could feel her healthiness.

    She’s her mother anyway, and there’s a thin string connecting them together, so she could feel that she’s fine, and that’s why she’s able to eat this evening.

    She had a small sip from her vinegar tea, and her phone screen lit up on the table. She picked it up, it’s her manager.

    “Yes?”

    “The voting poll for the most beautiful woman in Luminaria is out tonight in preparation for the Feast, and as usual, Esme Vega is the first to register before others. Do you want to contest with her again this year?” The manager asked.

    Liza paused, looking at her flashy pink nails.

    She’s the first woman to start using this adult flashy nails style, but Esme stole the inspo, and she’s shamelessly claiming rights.

    Esme is a thief, not only good at stealing her styling ideas, but also good at stealing men.

    She’s in a secret affair, she can’t just prove it yet. She’s very sure Esme is dating someone’s husband.

    And this year’s contest? Maybe it’s time to make a difference.

    “Register for me, I’m going against her again.” She told the manager and hung up flat.

    The moment she dropped the phone, Kade appeared on the chair beside hers.

    He has been upstairs, dressing up for the amusement party.

    He took her teacup and was about to have a drink from it when three other presence joined them in the house, and they both rose to their feet, looking overly stunned.

    Ryker and his knights stood by the door, their presence so powerful that Liza quickly went on her knees, interlinked her fingers in a respectful kowtow.

    “My Lord.”

    “You already know why I’m here.” Ryker spoke calmly, but there’s a lotta danger under that tone.

    “Will you start talking, or should I give you a reason to talk? Cheyenne can can flay your facial skin and hang it on your gate to dry.” he continued.

    Cheyenne sighed behind him.

    “And Sage can snap your neck without lifting a finger.” He said. 

    Sage smiled, and Liza gulped thrice—one after the other, her fingers are badly shivering.

    “I don’t have to touch you to torture you, and you know, but I just thought of awakening your brain.” Ryker sat on the edge of a couch, staring down at the woman on her knees like she’s an ant he could end her life under his shoe soles.

    “My Lord!!” Kade suddenly fell on his knees too, his eyes full of respect like he just met his mentor.

    “The 150 billion slave is her daughter, and she’s your partner! Mother hired a spell caster to hide her mark! I’ve been wanting to meet you to tell you this just so you could kill her, but when I heard she has been sent to the land of the condemned, I was overjoyed that the slût is finally gon…….”

    Kade couldn’t say more, cos he bit his tongue, but it wasn’t a mistake. Ryker made him do it.

    He was bleeding from the mouth before he knew it, and Sage grabbed him by the hair, bringing his face to the dinning table where he slammed it down on the glasswares.

    More blood, but Kade couldn’t even cry. In fear, he covered his mouth with his palm.

    “Fuckwit! You do not interrupt him when he’s talking!” Sage crashed Kade’s head on another set of glassware, harder.

    “Please…. please!!” Kade begged loudly, finally finding his voice. His blood cascaded into his mouth.

    Liza is still down, trembling.

    Ryker is still sitting, calmly. Cheyenne is still behind him, impatiently.

    “I really hired a spell caster to hide her mark cos I was scared! I was scared you were going to kill her the moment you knew her identity! She might be a product of rape, but she’s still my daughter. I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to offend your lordship!” Liza talked, shaking her head as she fearfully looked at Ryker’s poker face.

    “The spell caster, who was it? Who cast the spell to cover the mark?” He asked without stress.

    Liza lifted herself slightly on her knees, her damp palms going to her laps to stay.

    “I haven’t seen her since then, but her name was Rumi. Rumi Morozov.” 

    TBC.

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    The Millions Family are heartless folks. Even if some are better than the rest, their heartless side is never completely buried.

    Shayla has spent her few weeks here learning that, but she never expected it to stretch to this level.

    As she stood glued by the door of the basement, staring at the blind helpless girl in the corner of the room, her heart broke for her. 

    If she’s an Eternal like the rest of the family, she must have been trapped in this dusty, rusty, cold room for hundreds of years.

    The hell?

    “But… there’s the FrostOrb. They could have used it to open your eyes. I heard the orb can do anything.” She spoke up softly, making sure to keep it in a low hush.

    Pearl dropped the bottle of water she’s holding, then she opened the plate of food and took from the pie.

    It’s pie and custard? That’s what they serve maids, servants and slaves here.

    So they consider Pearl a servant?

    Shayla couldn’t even talk, she just watched with pity as the pretty girl took a large bite from her pie.

    With the way she’s smoothly taking the pie and the water from the tray, it’s hard to detect her blindness.

    “Yeah…the legendary FrostOrb can do anything, but not my eyes. My blindness is a curse I inherited from my mother’s womb, so it’ll only leave when the curse lifts on it’s own.” She explained.

    “I don’t understand.” Shayla’s face lined in a hard squeeze.

    “I was supposed to be triplets with the twins, but they both came out before me. They escaped mother’s womb on the same day, and I stayed in the womb for one extra year before mother was able to birth me. That extra year I spent is my curse.” Pearl explained.

    “I’m so sorry…” Shayla crouched, her pity for this female increasing.

    “It’s nothing.” Pearl took another bite from her pie, smiling. “At least you came, and I got to feel warmth for the first time in years.”

    “People often say I’m warm.” Shayla smiled a little.

    “Of course you are…I guess you’re special. What’s your name?” Pearl asked, smiling too.

    “Shayla, a slave.” Shayla introduced.

    “Oh… Who was my food deliver before? She has never entered.” Pearl asked, drinking water again.

    “Xena. She’s my friend, the Old Chef’s daughter, and Lord Ryker’s sister.” Shayla cleared.

    “Lord Ryker…How handsome is he?” Pearl asked, and Shayla blinked. 

    She didn’t expect that one.

    “I might have been trapped here all my life, but the cleaner maids pass by the top of this basement, and I hear their whisperings. He was forced to be a part of this family with his sister’s lifeline, but despite that…he’s the most feared demigod here, also the most goodlooking.” Pearl smiled, her admiration so obvious.

    “Yes… right.” Shayla stood, sounding awkward.

    “Have you seen him up close before? What’s the most beautiful part of his body?” Pearl asked another weird question.

    Shayla frowned, snapping out of it and remembering she’s not even supposed to be inside this basement in the first place.

    Xena specifically told her not to enter. What was she thinking?

    “I need to go now.” She stepped back, her shoes marching the broken concretes on the floor.

    “You came here and gave me warmth, but now that I ask a simple question, you’re running away? You really don’t know what your answer would do for me…” Pearl maintained the smile.

    ‘Isn’t she smiling too much?’ Shayla thought. It’s odd for someone who has been suffering since birth.

    But then, that soft side of her refused to heed to that suspicion, so she said what’s on her mind.

    “His hands… Fingers.” 

    “Hands?” Pearl repeated.

    “Lord Ryker’s fingers are the most beautiful part of his body. His hands as a whole, they’re attractively perfect, and his skin…” Shayla rushed, opening the door to get out…

    “An advise for you, Shayla.” Pearl said suddenly, and Shayla turned. 

    Pearl is still smiling.

    “Never trust any member of the Millions Family. Never.” She said. 

    Shayla didn’t miss the foreboding undertone of that statement.

    “Shay!” Xena’s voice rang from the basement top, and with thrumming chest, she left the room and slammed the door shut.

    A minute after she was gone, Pearl dropped the bottled water back in the tray, her hand folding for a moment before she slid it behind her head to untangle the rope of her eye cover.

    She took the cover away from her eyes, and an obsessive smile appeared on her lips.

    Shayla might have closed the door when she was leaving, but right now, the door is open again.

    “What took you so long? I was getting worried!” Xena held Shayla when she climbed up the staircase.

    “The place looked stuffy and strange, so I was awed.” Shayla lied.

    She regretted it, but what would Xena think if she tells her she actually entered the room?

    “Tell me, you didn’t enter the room, right?” Xena asked, and Shayla gave her lip a bite on the inside.

    “Why did I even ask that?” Xena grinned suddenly. “Of course you can’t enter. That door has been sealed by Azura for years, and no one can remove the seal except her. I dunno who’s inside, but it’s a big secret they’re keeping with their lives.” 

    “You don’t know who’s inside?” Shayla gulped.

    They’re already walking down the side stairs which leads outside.

    “How would i know when I’ve never entered the room? But I know someone is inside.” Xena shrugged.

    And that only heightened Shayla’s fear. Does that mean she opened the door? How?

    If Azura sealed it for years, then how was she able to open it?

    She was still on the wheel of thoughts when she was hauled to a solid pillar by strong, unyielding hands.

    A gasp tore out of her throat, and that was enough to snap her out of her thoughts as her eyes clashed with Cheyenne’s.

    “Cheyenne?” She muttered.

    “Don’t call my name with your unworthy mouth, you sl+t!” Cheyenne spat, raising her hand. 

    Her eyes are glaring evidences that she has not even the slightest likeness for Shayla. The hate is bloody.

    “Cheyenne!” Xena shouted behind, but it’s like a dog’s bark to her. She wouldn’t care.

    She brought her hand down to Shayla’s face, and Shayla closed her eyes quickly, expecting the nails.

    But they never came. 

    Cheyenne’s nails stopped a little before it’d get to her face, and her eyes are slightly wide.

    She has touched Shayla once when she tore her with the nails at Granny’s corridor, but maybe her anger back then didn’t make her feel what she’s feeling right now—her warmness.

    She could feel it as she held her arm, and that made her stop. 

    Slowly, she let go.

    Xena quickly pulled Shayla to herself.

    “If you had dared to hurt her again, I’d have begged my brother to bash you to the dust even if it means kneeling in front of his tower for months. He might be a Millions by force, but he’s a Morozov by birth, and you’re nothing but his knight who has no last name.” She said angrily.

    Cheyenne stayed still, her awed eyes still on Shayla.

    “You can hurt me all you want, but stop calling me a sl+t at any chance you get. I’m not lusting after Lord Ryker, I wouldn’t dare. I’m just a lowly slave who was given a chance.” Shayla said, then she left with Xena.

    Cheyenne stood there, confused and shocked as her eyes drooped.

    “She’s definitely not the partner. If it’s her, Lord Ryker would have told I and Sage, so who’s she? Why this rare warmness?” She muttered.

    Answers didn’t appear, so she sighed, calming down.

    [Clouds Castle]

    It’s a golden building which sat somewhere in the deepest clouds of Luminaria, and there’s no rival to it’s beauty. It stood there alone, and it shone alone, day and night.

    The gold is rimmed with white at some few points, but not enough to dim the golden rays which reached the roof and floors and even the olive branches surrounding it.

    There are fog fountains around, and they’re pouring pureness into the heavenly harem

    Eternus is a seer, the oldest and wisest in Luminaria. He sees into the future and peers into the past with one quick glance. 

    He’s got long white hair and calm, pure presence. Always in a flowing white robe and a peaceful smile.

    He stays alone in the castle, and that’s why he came to open the entrance door by himself when Ryker arrived with Sage.

    “Look who finally paid a visit after about 100 years.” He said, his smile not breaking. His white hair fell in two long gentle curls on his shoulders.

    “105 years.” Ryker corrected, stepping inside the castle. His black robe is a contract to Eternus’ white one.

    The door seemed to embrace him as it closed behind him and Sage.

    “Saying the wrong number was on purpose. I know you have an obsession with exact numbers. You didn’t change.” Eternus replied, walking beside him.

    Sage is behind, looking around the unending richness. 

    Eternus isn’t on Ryker’s level of rich, but he likes showcasing his riches just like Ryker, so his harem is vainglorious.

    “If Ryker isn’t Ryker anymore, then who’d blow Luminaria out of existence when it’s time?” Ryker replied, giving him a glance.

    “Of course, that’s what you’d say.” Eternus tilted his head.

    They entered a room where a small plum garden is, and they sat in the center of the trees, on thick glass chairs with the desk between them.

    Sage left them to go arrange a room for their night rest.

    “Why the sudden visit? You didn’t give me a heads-up this time.” Eternus asked.

    “There’s a female,” Ryker started. Eternus leaned in, eyes wide.

    “Your partner finally?”

    “She has the warmness, but not the mark.” Ryker explained.

    Eternus pulled back on the table. “Not the mark? Then she’s not. Maybe she was just gifted with the warmness.” 

    “I ate her meal, I held her, I can hear her voice even when I don’t want to. I have never saved anyone…my nature only kills but I saved her from the banshee!” Ryker’s voice went up.

    “Oh…” Eternus leaned in again. “I heard of how you killed generations too, cos they bullied her?”

    “Cos I needed to attain the second stage. Don’t twist this.” Ryker rolled eyes shortly.

    Eternus sighed.

    “Her mother Liza is still alive. She wasn’t killed like other rule-breakers cos the human who impregnated her did it with force.”

    “You made your findings? Good.” Ryker pressed his back softly to the backrest.

    “She’s not your partner…” Eternus repeated, getting serious.

    “And it’s not like anyone hid her mark from me on purpose?” Ryker raised his lashes.

    “Liza’s powers were stripped from her the moment she got raped by a human, so there’s no way she hid the mark. Even if she did, do you really think there’s anyone in this world who can hide anything from you?” Eternus gave him a respectful look.

    “Zeke is hiding Xena’s lifeline from me, and it’s still hidden in the shadows till now. You might wanna write that down.” Ryker deadpanned.

    “You can fool everyone else with your plans, Ryker, but not me. You really want me to believe you don’t know where Zeke hid her lifeline? You?” Eternus laughed shortly.

    “You got more annoying.” Ryker muttered with another eye roll.

    “Can we not ruin the night with your partner talks? You’re spending more than one day here, so there’s still time to talk. You said you ate her meal, why not eat mine too?” Eternus waved his hand.

    The plum trees in the room vanished, getting replaced by several additional tables of lavish extravagant dishes. 

    Colourful chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and beautiful decorative flowers bloomed on the walls, completing the dinning mood.

    “I’m not eating your food.” Ryker stood from the glass chair.

    “Sit back.” Eternus said from his seat.

    Ryker went for the door, but the glass slammed close before he could touch it, so he turned back to face the sneaky old man.

    Eternus is already holding his sword, ready for a duel.

    “You should have asked for it nicely. Don’t blame me if I strip you out of your skin.” Ryker muttered with deep resonance, summoning dry ice on his right palm.

    The rare black jewels on his robe were moving with his steps.

    “I missed this” Eternus smiled.

    They went for each other at the same sharp time, and their big duel started.

    In one short minute, the room is in fatal irreparable ruins.

    Shattered chandeliers, tables, mashed dishes, smashed chairs, broken grounds and walls. Falling ceilings.

    Sage opened the door slightly, peeping inside to see the chaos ongoing. 

    “I guess they’re going to do this till tomorrow morning.” He smiled.

    His Channeler Shell brightened in his pocket, and he pulled it out quickly.

    “Cheyenne?” He spoke into it.

    “She’s warm, the slave.” Cheyenne said straight to the point.

    Sage paused.

    “Warm?”

    “I think she’s a fill-in till the real partner would be found, fair enough. That warmness saved her, I was gonna tear her face earlier.” Cheyenne continued.

    “Try to be nice sometimes, Cheyenne.” Sage sighed as he walked away from that door.

    [Loco Conference Rendezvous]

    The ambassadorial conference didn’t take as long as Granny Jojo predicted.

    At 10am, they were already done.

    She wasn’t able to leave early as the other ambassadors were overfilling her with greetings like they do each time they attend the conference like this. They accord her great respect as the East Palace Granny which she hates, but she can’t avoid it.

    Now there are just two people left in the room with her, and as they came forward to give their greetings, she raised her brows at them.

    Kasia and Astor.

    “You West Palace folks just don’t know when to stop.” She said.

    “We’re not here to tackle you, Grandmother. We’re here to seek cooperation.” Kasia assured.

    “On what?” Jojo scoffed, grabbing her bag already.

    “You know exactly what, Granny.” Astor said.

    Jojo’s eyes slipped to him for a second.

    “I know you’re not happy with the power abuse of Azura and Zeke, I know you’re not fine with the unstoppable attitude of the twins. We just need you and Lord Ryker on our side, and on the night of the Feast, we’ll do the needful. We only have to get the FrostOrb.” Kasia explained.

    “Nice explanation,” Jojo stood. “I assume you spent days practicing that line before coming here, but sorry… You’re not worthy of my cooperation, talk more of Ryker’s.”

    She was glaring as she pushed Kasia’s chair out of her way, and she nearly walked past her when Kasia stood suddenly.

    She pulled Jojo back, holding eyes with her without blinking.

    “You’ll connive with us in the West Palace, you will convince Ryker to join us too, and you both will help us steal the FrostOrb on the night if the Feast.” She compelled.

    Everything went still for a second, but then like an unexpected wind, Jojo’s palm smacked Kasia’s face.

    The slap was brutal, and it sent Kasia to the ground at Jojo’s feet.

    She tried standing, but she can’t. Jojo held her there magically.

    Astor attacked Jojo with a strike, trying to save his wife, but his strike was only able to shake Jojo subtly before she pulled a relic mirror out of her bag, throwing it at him.

    His ear got a big cut, and the poisonous mirror reflection made his eyes black. He fell on the ground too.

    The mirror came back to Jojo, she caught it smoothly.

    “Granny! Granny stop!!” Kasia yelled fearfully on her knees.

    “How dare you try to compel me! Is this pride? If you have this much pride, you should have fought Azura and Zeke when they were trying to kill your son Blaise!” Jojo yelled.

    “We’re no match for those two, we know that very well!” Kasia defended.

    “But you think you’re a match for me?” Jojo laughed. “I might not be sucking powers from the FrostOrb, but I’m not weak. You can’t even face me, but you’re dreaming of going against the whole of the East Palace? You both are fools!”

    “Before you think of going against The Millions, first find out why you lose your powers at midnight. Solve that mystery before planing, cos if you make any move without preparations, then even Jude is enough to tear you both and your kids apart with your mediocre powers that can’t lift a stone.” Jojo continued, then she left the room.

    Kasia was finally able to stand up. She rushed over to Astor and helped him up. His black eyes are back to normal, but his ear is bleeding very much. The cut part is on the ground.

    “Her mirror technique got crazier.” He muttered.

    “She was right, we made a senseless move. Now I lost her trust.” Kasia said regretfully.

    “I told you. Didn’t I?” Astor sighed, holding his bleeding ear.

    [Black Swan Ballet School]

    It’s a full house.

    Shayla and Xena didn’t expect the crowd, they kept multiplying.

    It’s like everyone in Luminaria came for this audition, so it’s definitely gonna be a tough one.

    Luckily, Shayla and Xena are among the ones who came early, so they’re number 20&21 respectively.

    They’re sitting outside with the others, and they’re the only ones wearing black nose masks to conceal their identities.

    Also, they’re doing all they can to keep their heads low since the evil twins are inside the building.

    If Sadie gets them, she’s going to kill the both flatly.

    They’re both holding hands, avoiding talks too so their voices won’t leak.

    Luckily, there are people from poor families among the others, so they’re not the only ones wearing cheap poor clothes, and that got them covered.

    “20 and 21!” The call-in teacher yelled from the door.

    They both raised their number tags, and they were called in.

    Getting to the dressing room, fear gripped Shayla again.

    The ballet outfit is a no for her.

    The leggings and tutu is enough to cover her feet completely, but the leotard is tight and short on the arms, so she won’t be able to wear that.

    If she does, it’d expose the wounds on her back and arms, and that’d give her away.

    She just wore only the provided ballet shoes, then she entered the main audition hall with Xena.

    Inside the hall, Esme sat proudly with ten other teachers who’re the Judges. She’s in their middle with her usually flashy extravagant clothes and yellow over-painted nails.

    The moment she saw Shayla, her countenance froze.

    “Do you think this is a joke site? You’re wearing a mask, and the only ballet stuff on your body is the shoes!” She snapped angrily, then she faced Xena too.

    “And you, thankfully you’re wearing the complete ballet wears, but why the mask?” She questioned.

    “I have wounds on my body, and it might stain the white leotard if I put it on.” Shayla spoke.

    “And about the masks, we have our personal reasons. But we promise we won’t disappoint you.” Xena added.

    “You both!!” Esme slammed her palms on the desk.

    She was about to stand when one of the teachers spoke.

    “Director, why not give them a chance? If they soil it, then we’ll hand them over to the punishment camp. They’ll clean sewages for a year, and they’ll starve like street dogs.”

    “Fair enough…” Esme sat back, smiling interestedly. “Play Cruel Symphony Classical. Let them dance to it for me.”

    “Cruel Symphony? Mercury your daughter and the twins who’re the baddest dancer here haven’t even mastered that.” A judge said.

    “Do what I asked.” Esme insisted.

    The song was slid into the background speakers, and the moment the tunes started flooding into the room, the girls started their moves, rawly.

    Fortunately, it’s the same dance they saw the twins practicing at Starr balcony, and Shayla fell into the strings, becoming one with the song.

    Xena isn’t as perfect, but she followed Shayla’s fast lead, and she didn’t lag. She matched her pace.

    Their arms flew in symphony, legs stretched in sync.

    Their laps spread equally. They went back to back at the same time, slid on pointe multiple times then raised their weights to land on different spots before coming together again, then they went down, rolling back to each other and smiling.

    By the time they stood, the entire judge are on their feet plus Esme herself, and they all have wide mouths and popped eyes.

    Esme has mad shock in her eyes.

    Xena caged Shayla from behind, and Shayla’s slim body went slanted, then they went apart again…

    “This is….” Esme gasped, dropping her pen.

    She was clapping before she knew it.

    “Awesome!!” The teachers joined her clappings.

    “I’ve never seen this before!”

    “Who are they?”

    “Mama Mia!”

    “Whoa!!”

    By the time the girls made the last move and went on pointe again, the clappings were thundering around the room so hard.

    “Can you both at least show your faces?” Esme went closer to them.

    “Not yet, ma’am.” Shayla said under her mask, sweating a lot.

    “Fine…fine. Next week is the final audition like you both know, and you both have to come.” Esme took tag 1 and 2, giving it to them.

    “You both have to definitely show up, please.” 

    “Sure, we won’t disappoint.” Xena smiled under her mask, leaving the room with Shayla.

    The moment they got back to the dressing room, they hugged tight.

    “We’re so lucky! I love you so much Shay!” Xena gushed.

    “I love you too” Shayla smiled.

    [Gymnasium]

    Since the teachers are busy with auditions right now, dancers are here, just chilling out.

    Each to their own side of the place.

    Sadie and Mercury are sitting at a side, their legs are mounted arrogantly, and their soy milk bottles are held to their lips. 

    They’re drinking with straws, and they’re glaring at two people in particular…

    Kade and Blaise.

    Soren is currently at the washroom, so he’s not glaring with them.

    “After their deaths, let’s go break-in tonight. It’s been long, and I have a mansion in mind.” Mercury said.

    “Sure, but I’m going to ask you one question.” Sadie faced her.

    “I’ll never lie to you.” Mercury shrugged.

    “Are you in love with my brother?” Sadie asked flatly.

    For the next minute, Mercury was blank, then she laughed, unable to keep her awkwardness low.

    “In love with Soren? That’d be betrayal and I’ll never do that to you. I know what’s going to happen if one of you should fall in love, so that’s never happening.”

    “You won’t mind if I tell Soren to rape Xena and touch her right in front of you?” Sadie asked craftily, taking her milk straw away from her dark lips.

    “Why would I care? In fact, it’d be sweet to watch.” Mercury replied, wiping her sweaty hand secretly on her leggings.

    “Great, then give me the ashes I told you to bring.” Sadie stood.

    “Right!” Mercury brought her dead father’s ashes pack out of her bag. She was about to hand it over to Sadie when Faye came in.

    She’s holding her phone, smiling as she read out a news from lumi web.

    “The Millions Family have to be the craziest family existing. Locking in their last daughter cos she was born blind? Precarious!” She laughed.

    Sadie and Mercury gasped, shooting up from their seats at the same time. 

    Soren came in, staring at his phone too. He has seen the news.

    Sadie snatched the phone, and when she saw it, she gasped.

    Kade, Blaise and the other dancers drew closer, converging around the twins who look obviously shaken.

    “Oh…so there’s a fourth child to the Millions family? And she’s blind? I get the shame, her lock up is normal.” Blaise chuckled.

    “It’s the news of the damn century. The oh-so-mighty Millions Family from the East Palace have a blind chic as the baby of the house. She’s completely powerless? What a jinx!” Kade grinned.

    “I bet she’s ugly too.” Faye added, popping her gum, and that made many dancers laugh.

    Kade pushed everyone out of his way till he got to the middle to face the twins who’re still dumbfounded.

    “Your insane family isn’t only power-drunk, but y’all are also lying crooks? That’s unacceptable.” He slammed his rigid chest into Soren’s.

    [Millions Family Exclusive Store]

    The first thing Lilith came to check out is new clothes since she’s a new member of the family now, and she’d be becoming Ryker’s secret wife too.

    She was humming excitedly as she shopped alone with enough assistants behind her who’re pushing the carts of her plenty picked items.

    Her makeup could paint two gigantic mansions right now.

    “I feel so empty, I guess I’m eating next.” She nodded with a pout, facing an assistant.

    “Call the upper floor, I need carbonara in like twenty minutes.” She ordered.

    “Yes ma’am.” The assistant bowed, leaving to do what Lilith asked.

    “Lilith the dwarf?” Jude entered the store, looking utterly shocked at what he’s seeing.

    This place is exclusive, so how?

    “Hey, upcoming big brother! I should have known we’d be becoming family the moment I got your jacket.” Lilith waved.

    Unexpectedly, Lilith gripped her neck, throwing her over to the other side with planned harshness.

    “Why the hell are you in the family store you short irritating witch!” He demanded furiously.

    “You damn thing!” Lilith stood, opening her mouth to scream, but Winona’s entrance stopped her.

    “Jude!! ” She entered with a laugh, flashing her phone screen at his face.

    “You haven’t heard about the ongoing chaos? Luminaria is burning with the news of BBOTEP.” She laughed again, enjoying the jest.

    “BBOTEP?” Jude blinked.

    “Blind Baby Of The East Palace! Your last sibling Pearl Millions is out in the open! Y’all are psychos in that family and I get the chills just thinking about it! F+ck!” Winona laughed louder, flipping her sleek healthy hair.

    “What!” Jude gasped.

    [East Palace, 6PM]

    Azura and Zeke look so out of it as they ran their restless races into the main castle, their breaths chasing each other till they were inside.

    They heard clattering sounds from the dinning, and they followed, meeting Pearl there.

    She sat majestically, eating like a royal that she is. She’s wearing one of Sadie’s black dresses, and though the eye cover is away from her eyes, her blindness is obvious with the way her hands missed the plate few times.

    “Mother? Father? I can smell your presence.” She said, pushing a small cut tiramisu into her mouth with her plastic fork.

    One dangerous hit from Zeke made the dinning table break down, sending glass splinters everywhere.

    “How where you able to come out? How!!!” He roared.

    “That’s not a good way to welcome the baby of the house.” Pearl smiled innocently, sitting still.

    Azura dragged her up with her dress, and Pearl grunted.

    “How were you able to get out? It’s a question!”

    The twins barged in at this point, followed by Jude and Granny Jojo.

    “It’s true.” Soren muttered, his shock settling in better.

    “She’s even wearing my goth dress? That blind sorrow is wearing my dress!!” Sadie shouted.

    “How are you out?” Jude spoke, bewildered.

    “Pearl…” Granny Jojo muttered, her eyes wide too.

    “A slave named Shayla saved me from the basement. She came and opened the door for me, and she gave me directions to come out. She did it, said she was doing me a favor which I didn’t reject.” Pearl said.

    “Shayla?” Azura and Zeke chorused.

    “Shayla?” Jude and Granny Jojo chorused too.

    “That damn animal!” Sadie growled.

    Soren’s fists clenched.

    Meanwhile, Old Chef is listening by the opposite wall.

    He covered his mouth to block his gasp as he rushed off.

    [Granny’s Chamber]

    Shayla leaned gently on the window of her room, rubbing her fingers on the wind chime and humming the Cruel Symphony song she danced to earlier at the audition.

    She didn’t meet Jojo at home when she arrived earlier, so she’s alone here, accompanied by nothing but the scent coming from Ryker’s embroidered handkerchief.

    With a slim slice of smile on her face, she brought out the handkerchief from her gown pocket, pushing it to her nose to sniff.

    “Wonder where he travelled to.” She whispered, sniffing again.

    “Shay! Shayla!! Shay!!” Xena’s trembling voice rang from outside. 

    “Xena?” Shayla left the window, and Xena came in tearfully.

    She’s with Old Chef.

    “Shay, don’t lie to me. Did you really open the basement door like Pearl said? She just confessed that you did! Please say you didn’t! They’re going to kill you!!” She cried shakily.

    Shayla’s eyes widened too much.

    “Pearl? Is…out?”

    “Talk to me!” Xena snapped.

    “The door opened when my body touched it, and I went in. We talked for a moment and I left after shutting the door back.” Shayla confessed fearfully.

    “This won’t work, they’ll be here to take you any moment from now.” Old Chef said with urgency.

    Another person came in, making them turn. It’s Cheyenne.

    “Get here” she strictly ordered, but Shayla didn’t understand, so she didn’t move.

    With powerful force, Cheyenne pulled her, and Shayla found herself in front of the wicked lady.

    Cheyenne took her hand surprisingly, and she started taking her out of the room, but the royal guards were already at the door.

    At once, they all attacked.

    Cheyenne pushed Shayla behind herself, brandishing her nails at them. She tore two at a time, their flayed skins gumming to her bloody nails before they fell off to the ground.

    Red stained the walls, and Shayla’s heart thundered faster than it has ever done all her life.

    The cries of the two torn guards wasn’t enough to scare off the rest. They charged forward.

    Cheyenne pulled off her hat and flung it forward, cutting off one head with it.

    Blood sprayed the ceiling, then her legs left the ground. She leapt up fluidly and kicked the door metal away from the hinges.

    The metal slammed into the faces of two others, and she landed back on her feet, her hair covering her eyes.

    She took Shayla’s hand again, attempting to escape, but this time, Azura and Zeke entered.

    Cheyenne was pushed back with the brute force of their boiling anger, and her body easily rolled out of the room through the window.

    “I didn’t release her, I didn’t even know how the door opened!” Shayla shook her head, shifting back.

    Her organs shivered inside her as if detached from her hot insides.

    “Keep quiet, slave.” Zeke muttered, his rage affecting her from his voice.

    Shayla staggered.

    Azura immediately raised her hand up, waving it from from the dark skies to the ground.

    A single thunder cracked in obeisance to her powers.

    The thunder slipped into the house through the open window and hit Shayla’s legs cruelly.

    Every bone her legs crushed within that fleeting second, and her screams were louder than a banshee’s as she went down, falling on her face flatly.

    The twins came in with a black coffin which they dropped beside her, the weight so impactful on the ground.

    Together, they threw Shayla’s slumped body inside the coffin.

    “The thunder arena is ready, the pinnacle is cold, waiting for her blood.” Sadie said mercilessly.

    “Great news, let’s get it started.” Azura’s voice echoed darkly.

    The coffin was carried out, Shayla’s blood dripping out of it like water.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    The Millions Family are heartless folks. Even if some are better than the rest, their heartless side is never completely buried.

    Shayla has spent her few weeks here learning that, but she never expected it to stretch to this level.

    As she stood glued by the door of the basement, staring at the blind helpless girl in the corner of the room, her heart broke for her. 

    If she’s an Eternal like the rest of the family, she must have been trapped in this dusty, rusty, cold room for hundreds of years.

    The hell?

    “But… there’s the FrostOrb. They could have used it to open your eyes. I heard the orb can do anything.” She spoke up softly, making sure to keep it in a low hush.

    Pearl dropped the bottle of water she’s holding, then she opened the plate of food and took from the pie.

    It’s pie and custard? That’s what they serve maids, servants and slaves here.

    So they consider Pearl a servant?

    Shayla couldn’t even talk, she just watched with pity as the pretty girl took a large bite from her pie.

    With the way she’s smoothly taking the pie and the water from the tray, it’s hard to detect her blindness.

    “Yeah…the legendary FrostOrb can do anything, but not my eyes. My blindness is a curse I inherited from my mother’s womb, so it’ll only leave when the curse lifts on it’s own.” She explained.

    “I don’t understand.” Shayla’s face lined in a hard squeeze.

    “I was supposed to be triplets with the twins, but they both came out before me. They escaped mother’s womb on the same day, and I stayed in the womb for one extra year before mother was able to birth me. That extra year I spent is my curse.” Pearl explained.

    “I’m so sorry…” Shayla crouched, her pity for this female increasing.

    “It’s nothing.” Pearl took another bite from her pie, smiling. “At least you came, and I got to feel warmth for the first time in years.”

    “People often say I’m warm.” Shayla smiled a little.

    “Of course you are…I guess you’re special. What’s your name?” Pearl asked, smiling too.

    “Shayla, a slave.” Shayla introduced.

    “Oh… Who was my food deliver before? She has never entered.” Pearl asked, drinking water again.

    “Xena. She’s my friend, the Old Chef’s daughter, and Lord Ryker’s sister.” Shayla cleared.

    “Lord Ryker…How handsome is he?” Pearl asked, and Shayla blinked. 

    She didn’t expect that one.

    “I might have been trapped here all my life, but the cleaner maids pass by the top of this basement, and I hear their whisperings. He was forced to be a part of this family with his sister’s lifeline, but despite that…he’s the most feared demigod here, also the most goodlooking.” Pearl smiled, her admiration so obvious.

    “Yes… right.” Shayla stood, sounding awkward.

    “Have you seen him up close before? What’s the most beautiful part of his body?” Pearl asked another weird question.

    Shayla frowned, snapping out of it and remembering she’s not even supposed to be inside this basement in the first place.

    Xena specifically told her not to enter. What was she thinking?

    “I need to go now.” She stepped back, her shoes marching the broken concretes on the floor.

    “You came here and gave me warmth, but now that I ask a simple question, you’re running away? You really don’t know what your answer would do for me…” Pearl maintained the smile.

    ‘Isn’t she smiling too much?’ Shayla thought. It’s odd for someone who has been suffering since birth.

    But then, that soft side of her refused to heed to that suspicion, so she said what’s on her mind.

    “His hands… Fingers.” 

    “Hands?” Pearl repeated.

    “Lord Ryker’s fingers are the most beautiful part of his body. His hands as a whole, they’re attractively perfect, and his skin…” Shayla rushed, opening the door to get out…

    “An advise for you, Shayla.” Pearl said suddenly, and Shayla turned. 

    Pearl is still smiling.

    “Never trust any member of the Millions Family. Never.” She said. 

    Shayla didn’t miss the foreboding undertone of that statement.

    “Shay!” Xena’s voice rang from the basement top, and with thrumming chest, she left the room and slammed the door shut.

    A minute after she was gone, Pearl dropped the bottled water back in the tray, her hand folding for a moment before she slid it behind her head to untangle the rope of her eye cover.

    She took the cover away from her eyes, and an obsessive smile appeared on her lips.

    Shayla might have closed the door when she was leaving, but right now, the door is open again.

    “What took you so long? I was getting worried!” Xena held Shayla when she climbed up the staircase.

    “The place looked stuffy and strange, so I was awed.” Shayla lied.

    She regretted it, but what would Xena think if she tells her she actually entered the room?

    “Tell me, you didn’t enter the room, right?” Xena asked, and Shayla gave her lip a bite on the inside.

    “Why did I even ask that?” Xena grinned suddenly. “Of course you can’t enter. That door has been sealed by Azura for years, and no one can remove the seal except her. I dunno who’s inside, but it’s a big secret they’re keeping with their lives.” 

    “You don’t know who’s inside?” Shayla gulped.

    They’re already walking down the side stairs which leads outside.

    “How would i know when I’ve never entered the room? But I know someone is inside.” Xena shrugged.

    And that only heightened Shayla’s fear. Does that mean she opened the door? How?

    If Azura sealed it for years, then how was she able to open it?

    She was still on the wheel of thoughts when she was hauled to a solid pillar by strong, unyielding hands.

    A gasp tore out of her throat, and that was enough to snap her out of her thoughts as her eyes clashed with Cheyenne’s.

    “Cheyenne?” She muttered.

    “Don’t call my name with your unworthy mouth, you sl+t!” Cheyenne spat, raising her hand. 

    Her eyes are glaring evidences that she has not even the slightest likeness for Shayla. The hate is bloody.

    “Cheyenne!” Xena shouted behind, but it’s like a dog’s bark to her. She wouldn’t care.

    She brought her hand down to Shayla’s face, and Shayla closed her eyes quickly, expecting the nails.

    But they never came. 

    Cheyenne’s nails stopped a little before it’d get to her face, and her eyes are slightly wide.

    She has touched Shayla once when she tore her with the nails at Granny’s corridor, but maybe her anger back then didn’t make her feel what she’s feeling right now—her warmness.

    She could feel it as she held her arm, and that made her stop. 

    Slowly, she let go.

    Xena quickly pulled Shayla to herself.

    “If you had dared to hurt her again, I’d have begged my brother to bash you to the dust even if it means kneeling in front of his tower for months. He might be a Millions by force, but he’s a Morozov by birth, and you’re nothing but his knight who has no last name.” She said angrily.

    Cheyenne stayed still, her awed eyes still on Shayla.

    “You can hurt me all you want, but stop calling me a sl+t at any chance you get. I’m not lusting after Lord Ryker, I wouldn’t dare. I’m just a lowly slave who was given a chance.” Shayla said, then she left with Xena.

    Cheyenne stood there, confused and shocked as her eyes drooped.

    “She’s definitely not the partner. If it’s her, Lord Ryker would have told I and Sage, so who’s she? Why this rare warmness?” She muttered.

    Answers didn’t appear, so she sighed, calming down.

    [Clouds Castle]

    It’s a golden building which sat somewhere in the deepest clouds of Luminaria, and there’s no rival to it’s beauty. It stood there alone, and it shone alone, day and night.

    The gold is rimmed with white at some few points, but not enough to dim the golden rays which reached the roof and floors and even the olive branches surrounding it.

    There are fog fountains around, and they’re pouring pureness into the heavenly harem

    Eternus is a seer, the oldest and wisest in Luminaria. He sees into the future and peers into the past with one quick glance. 

    He’s got long white hair and calm, pure presence. Always in a flowing white robe and a peaceful smile.

    He stays alone in the castle, and that’s why he came to open the entrance door by himself when Ryker arrived with Sage.

    “Look who finally paid a visit after about 100 years.” He said, his smile not breaking. His white hair fell in two long gentle curls on his shoulders.

    “105 years.” Ryker corrected, stepping inside the castle. His black robe is a contract to Eternus’ white one.

    The door seemed to embrace him as it closed behind him and Sage.

    “Saying the wrong number was on purpose. I know you have an obsession with exact numbers. You didn’t change.” Eternus replied, walking beside him.

    Sage is behind, looking around the unending richness. 

    Eternus isn’t on Ryker’s level of rich, but he likes showcasing his riches just like Ryker, so his harem is vainglorious.

    “If Ryker isn’t Ryker anymore, then who’d blow Luminaria out of existence when it’s time?” Ryker replied, giving him a glance.

    “Of course, that’s what you’d say.” Eternus tilted his head.

    They entered a room where a small plum garden is, and they sat in the center of the trees, on thick glass chairs with the desk between them.

    Sage left them to go arrange a room for their night rest.

    “Why the sudden visit? You didn’t give me a heads-up this time.” Eternus asked.

    “There’s a female,” Ryker started. Eternus leaned in, eyes wide.

    “Your partner finally?”

    “She has the warmness, but not the mark.” Ryker explained.

    Eternus pulled back on the table. “Not the mark? Then she’s not. Maybe she was just gifted with the warmness.” 

    “I ate her meal, I held her, I can hear her voice even when I don’t want to. I have never saved anyone…my nature only kills but I saved her from the banshee!” Ryker’s voice went up.

    “Oh…” Eternus leaned in again. “I heard of how you killed generations too, cos they bullied her?”

    “Cos I needed to attain the second stage. Don’t twist this.” Ryker rolled eyes shortly.

    Eternus sighed.

    “Her mother Liza is still alive. She wasn’t killed like other rule-breakers cos the human who impregnated her did it with force.”

    “You made your findings? Good.” Ryker pressed his back softly to the backrest.

    “She’s not your partner…” Eternus repeated, getting serious.

    “And it’s not like anyone hid her mark from me on purpose?” Ryker raised his lashes.

    “Liza’s powers were stripped from her the moment she got raped by a human, so there’s no way she hid the mark. Even if she did, do you really think there’s anyone in this world who can hide anything from you?” Eternus gave him a respectful look.

    “Zeke is hiding Xena’s lifeline from me, and it’s still hidden in the shadows till now. You might wanna write that down.” Ryker deadpanned.

    “You can fool everyone else with your plans, Ryker, but not me. You really want me to believe you don’t know where Zeke hid her lifeline? You?” Eternus laughed shortly.

    “You got more annoying.” Ryker muttered with another eye roll.

    “Can we not ruin the night with your partner talks? You’re spending more than one day here, so there’s still time to talk. You said you ate her meal, why not eat mine too?” Eternus waved his hand.

    The plum trees in the room vanished, getting replaced by several additional tables of lavish extravagant dishes. 

    Colourful chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and beautiful decorative flowers bloomed on the walls, completing the dinning mood.

    “I’m not eating your food.” Ryker stood from the glass chair.

    “Sit back.” Eternus said from his seat.

    Ryker went for the door, but the glass slammed close before he could touch it, so he turned back to face the sneaky old man.

    Eternus is already holding his sword, ready for a duel.

    “You should have asked for it nicely. Don’t blame me if I strip you out of your skin.” Ryker muttered with deep resonance, summoning dry ice on his right palm.

    The rare black jewels on his robe were moving with his steps.

    “I missed this” Eternus smiled.

    They went for each other at the same sharp time, and their big duel started.

    In one short minute, the room is in fatal irreparable ruins.

    Shattered chandeliers, tables, mashed dishes, smashed chairs, broken grounds and walls. Falling ceilings.

    Sage opened the door slightly, peeping inside to see the chaos ongoing. 

    “I guess they’re going to do this till tomorrow morning.” He smiled.

    His Channeler Shell brightened in his pocket, and he pulled it out quickly.

    “Cheyenne?” He spoke into it.

    “She’s warm, the slave.” Cheyenne said straight to the point.

    Sage paused.

    “Warm?”

    “I think she’s a fill-in till the real partner would be found, fair enough. That warmness saved her, I was gonna tear her face earlier.” Cheyenne continued.

    “Try to be nice sometimes, Cheyenne.” Sage sighed as he walked away from that door.

    [Loco Conference Rendezvous]

    The ambassadorial conference didn’t take as long as Granny Jojo predicted.

    At 10am, they were already done.

    She wasn’t able to leave early as the other ambassadors were overfilling her with greetings like they do each time they attend the conference like this. They accord her great respect as the East Palace Granny which she hates, but she can’t avoid it.

    Now there are just two people left in the room with her, and as they came forward to give their greetings, she raised her brows at them.

    Kasia and Astor.

    “You West Palace folks just don’t know when to stop.” She said.

    “We’re not here to tackle you, Grandmother. We’re here to seek cooperation.” Kasia assured.

    “On what?” Jojo scoffed, grabbing her bag already.

    “You know exactly what, Granny.” Astor said.

    Jojo’s eyes slipped to him for a second.

    “I know you’re not happy with the power abuse of Azura and Zeke, I know you’re not fine with the unstoppable attitude of the twins. We just need you and Lord Ryker on our side, and on the night of the Feast, we’ll do the needful. We only have to get the FrostOrb.” Kasia explained.

    “Nice explanation,” Jojo stood. “I assume you spent days practicing that line before coming here, but sorry… You’re not worthy of my cooperation, talk more of Ryker’s.”

    She was glaring as she pushed Kasia’s chair out of her way, and she nearly walked past her when Kasia stood suddenly.

    She pulled Jojo back, holding eyes with her without blinking.

    “You’ll connive with us in the West Palace, you will convince Ryker to join us too, and you both will help us steal the FrostOrb on the night if the Feast.” She compelled.

    Everything went still for a second, but then like an unexpected wind, Jojo’s palm smacked Kasia’s face.

    The slap was brutal, and it sent Kasia to the ground at Jojo’s feet.

    She tried standing, but she can’t. Jojo held her there magically.

    Astor attacked Jojo with a strike, trying to save his wife, but his strike was only able to shake Jojo subtly before she pulled a relic mirror out of her bag, throwing it at him.

    His ear got a big cut, and the poisonous mirror reflection made his eyes black. He fell on the ground too.

    The mirror came back to Jojo, she caught it smoothly.

    “Granny! Granny stop!!” Kasia yelled fearfully on her knees.

    “How dare you try to compel me! Is this pride? If you have this much pride, you should have fought Azura and Zeke when they were trying to kill your son Blaise!” Jojo yelled.

    “We’re no match for those two, we know that very well!” Kasia defended.

    “But you think you’re a match for me?” Jojo laughed. “I might not be sucking powers from the FrostOrb, but I’m not weak. You can’t even face me, but you’re dreaming of going against the whole of the East Palace? You both are fools!”

    “Before you think of going against The Millions, first find out why you lose your powers at midnight. Solve that mystery before planing, cos if you make any move without preparations, then even Jude is enough to tear you both and your kids apart with your mediocre powers that can’t lift a stone.” Jojo continued, then she left the room.

    Kasia was finally able to stand up. She rushed over to Astor and helped him up. His black eyes are back to normal, but his ear is bleeding very much. The cut part is on the ground.

    “Her mirror technique got crazier.” He muttered.

    “She was right, we made a senseless move. Now I lost her trust.” Kasia said regretfully.

    “I told you. Didn’t I?” Astor sighed, holding his bleeding ear.

    [Black Swan Ballet School]

    It’s a full house.

    Shayla and Xena didn’t expect the crowd, they kept multiplying.

    It’s like everyone in Luminaria came for this audition, so it’s definitely gonna be a tough one.

    Luckily, Shayla and Xena are among the ones who came early, so they’re number 20&21 respectively.

    They’re sitting outside with the others, and they’re the only ones wearing black nose masks to conceal their identities.

    Also, they’re doing all they can to keep their heads low since the evil twins are inside the building.

    If Sadie gets them, she’s going to kill the both flatly.

    They’re both holding hands, avoiding talks too so their voices won’t leak.

    Luckily, there are people from poor families among the others, so they’re not the only ones wearing cheap poor clothes, and that got them covered.

    “20 and 21!” The call-in teacher yelled from the door.

    They both raised their number tags, and they were called in.

    Getting to the dressing room, fear gripped Shayla again.

    The ballet outfit is a no for her.

    The leggings and tutu is enough to cover her feet completely, but the leotard is tight and short on the arms, so she won’t be able to wear that.

    If she does, it’d expose the wounds on her back and arms, and that’d give her away.

    She just wore only the provided ballet shoes, then she entered the main audition hall with Xena.

    Inside the hall, Esme sat proudly with ten other teachers who’re the Judges. She’s in their middle with her usually flashy extravagant clothes and yellow over-painted nails.

    The moment she saw Shayla, her countenance froze.

    “Do you think this is a joke site? You’re wearing a mask, and the only ballet stuff on your body is the shoes!” She snapped angrily, then she faced Xena too.

    “And you, thankfully you’re wearing the complete ballet wears, but why the mask?” She questioned.

    “I have wounds on my body, and it might stain the white leotard if I put it on.” Shayla spoke.

    “And about the masks, we have our personal reasons. But we promise we won’t disappoint you.” Xena added.

    “You both!!” Esme slammed her palms on the desk.

    She was about to stand when one of the teachers spoke.

    “Director, why not give them a chance? If they soil it, then we’ll hand them over to the punishment camp. They’ll clean sewages for a year, and they’ll starve like street dogs.”

    “Fair enough…” Esme sat back, smiling interestedly. “Play Cruel Symphony Classical. Let them dance to it for me.”

    “Cruel Symphony? Mercury your daughter and the twins who’re the baddest dancer here haven’t even mastered that.” A judge said.

    “Do what I asked.” Esme insisted.

    The song was slid into the background speakers, and the moment the tunes started flooding into the room, the girls started their moves, rawly.

    Fortunately, it’s the same dance they saw the twins practicing at Starr balcony, and Shayla fell into the strings, becoming one with the song.

    Xena isn’t as perfect, but she followed Shayla’s fast lead, and she didn’t lag. She matched her pace.

    Their arms flew in symphony, legs stretched in sync.

    Their laps spread equally. They went back to back at the same time, slid on pointe multiple times then raised their weights to land on different spots before coming together again, then they went down, rolling back to each other and smiling.

    By the time they stood, the entire judge are on their feet plus Esme herself, and they all have wide mouths and popped eyes.

    Esme has mad shock in her eyes.

    Xena caged Shayla from behind, and Shayla’s slim body went slanted, then they went apart again…

    “This is….” Esme gasped, dropping her pen.

    She was clapping before she knew it.

    “Awesome!!” The teachers joined her clappings.

    “I’ve never seen this before!”

    “Who are they?”

    “Mama Mia!”

    “Whoa!!”

    By the time the girls made the last move and went on pointe again, the clappings were thundering around the room so hard.

    “Can you both at least show your faces?” Esme went closer to them.

    “Not yet, ma’am.” Shayla said under her mask, sweating a lot.

    “Fine…fine. Next week is the final audition like you both know, and you both have to come.” Esme took tag 1 and 2, giving it to them.

    “You both have to definitely show up, please.” 

    “Sure, we won’t disappoint.” Xena smiled under her mask, leaving the room with Shayla.

    The moment they got back to the dressing room, they hugged tight.

    “We’re so lucky! I love you so much Shay!” Xena gushed.

    “I love you too” Shayla smiled.

    [Gymnasium]

    Since the teachers are busy with auditions right now, dancers are here, just chilling out.

    Each to their own side of the place.

    Sadie and Mercury are sitting at a side, their legs are mounted arrogantly, and their soy milk bottles are held to their lips. 

    They’re drinking with straws, and they’re glaring at two people in particular…

    Kade and Blaise.

    Soren is currently at the washroom, so he’s not glaring with them.

    “After their deaths, let’s go break-in tonight. It’s been long, and I have a mansion in mind.” Mercury said.

    “Sure, but I’m going to ask you one question.” Sadie faced her.

    “I’ll never lie to you.” Mercury shrugged.

    “Are you in love with my brother?” Sadie asked flatly.

    For the next minute, Mercury was blank, then she laughed, unable to keep her awkwardness low.

    “In love with Soren? That’d be betrayal and I’ll never do that to you. I know what’s going to happen if one of you should fall in love, so that’s never happening.”

    “You won’t mind if I tell Soren to rape Xena and touch her right in front of you?” Sadie asked craftily, taking her milk straw away from her dark lips.

    “Why would I care? In fact, it’d be sweet to watch.” Mercury replied, wiping her sweaty hand secretly on her leggings.

    “Great, then give me the ashes I told you to bring.” Sadie stood.

    “Right!” Mercury brought her dead father’s ashes pack out of her bag. She was about to hand it over to Sadie when Faye came in.

    She’s holding her phone, smiling as she read out a news from lumi web.

    “The Millions Family have to be the craziest family existing. Locking in their last daughter cos she was born blind? Precarious!” She laughed.

    Sadie and Mercury gasped, shooting up from their seats at the same time. 

    Soren came in, staring at his phone too. He has seen the news.

    Sadie snatched the phone, and when she saw it, she gasped.

    Kade, Blaise and the other dancers drew closer, converging around the twins who look obviously shaken.

    “Oh…so there’s a fourth child to the Millions family? And she’s blind? I get the shame, her lock up is normal.” Blaise chuckled.

    “It’s the news of the damn century. The oh-so-mighty Millions Family from the East Palace have a blind chic as the baby of the house. She’s completely powerless? What a jinx!” Kade grinned.

    “I bet she’s ugly too.” Faye added, popping her gum, and that made many dancers laugh.

    Kade pushed everyone out of his way till he got to the middle to face the twins who’re still dumbfounded.

    “Your insane family isn’t only power-drunk, but y’all are also lying crooks? That’s unacceptable.” He slammed his rigid chest into Soren’s.

    [Millions Family Exclusive Store]

    The first thing Lilith came to check out is new clothes since she’s a new member of the family now, and she’d be becoming Ryker’s secret wife too.

    She was humming excitedly as she shopped alone with enough assistants behind her who’re pushing the carts of her plenty picked items.

    Her makeup could paint two gigantic mansions right now.

    “I feel so empty, I guess I’m eating next.” She nodded with a pout, facing an assistant.

    “Call the upper floor, I need carbonara in like twenty minutes.” She ordered.

    “Yes ma’am.” The assistant bowed, leaving to do what Lilith asked.

    “Lilith the dwarf?” Jude entered the store, looking utterly shocked at what he’s seeing.

    This place is exclusive, so how?

    “Hey, upcoming big brother! I should have known we’d be becoming family the moment I got your jacket.” Lilith waved.

    Unexpectedly, Lilith gripped her neck, throwing her over to the other side with planned harshness.

    “Why the hell are you in the family store you short irritating witch!” He demanded furiously.

    “You damn thing!” Lilith stood, opening her mouth to scream, but Winona’s entrance stopped her.

    “Jude!! ” She entered with a laugh, flashing her phone screen at his face.

    “You haven’t heard about the ongoing chaos? Luminaria is burning with the news of BBOTEP.” She laughed again, enjoying the jest.

    “BBOTEP?” Jude blinked.

    “Blind Baby Of The East Palace! Your last sibling Pearl Millions is out in the open! Y’all are psychos in that family and I get the chills just thinking about it! F+ck!” Winona laughed louder, flipping her sleek healthy hair.

    “What!” Jude gasped.

    [East Palace, 6PM]

    Azura and Zeke look so out of it as they ran their restless races into the main castle, their breaths chasing each other till they were inside.

    They heard clattering sounds from the dinning, and they followed, meeting Pearl there.

    She sat majestically, eating like a royal that she is. She’s wearing one of Sadie’s black dresses, and though the eye cover is away from her eyes, her blindness is obvious with the way her hands missed the plate few times.

    “Mother? Father? I can smell your presence.” She said, pushing a small cut tiramisu into her mouth with her plastic fork.

    One dangerous hit from Zeke made the dinning table break down, sending glass splinters everywhere.

    “How where you able to come out? How!!!” He roared.

    “That’s not a good way to welcome the baby of the house.” Pearl smiled innocently, sitting still.

    Azura dragged her up with her dress, and Pearl grunted.

    “How were you able to get out? It’s a question!”

    The twins barged in at this point, followed by Jude and Granny Jojo.

    “It’s true.” Soren muttered, his shock settling in better.

    “She’s even wearing my goth dress? That blind sorrow is wearing my dress!!” Sadie shouted.

    “How are you out?” Jude spoke, bewildered.

    “Pearl…” Granny Jojo muttered, her eyes wide too.

    “A slave named Shayla saved me from the basement. She came and opened the door for me, and she gave me directions to come out. She did it, said she was doing me a favor which I didn’t reject.” Pearl said.

    “Shayla?” Azura and Zeke chorused.

    “Shayla?” Jude and Granny Jojo chorused too.

    “That damn animal!” Sadie growled.

    Soren’s fists clenched.

    Meanwhile, Old Chef is listening by the opposite wall.

    He covered his mouth to block his gasp as he rushed off.

    [Granny’s Chamber]

    Shayla leaned gently on the window of her room, rubbing her fingers on the wind chime and humming the Cruel Symphony song she danced to earlier at the audition.

    She didn’t meet Jojo at home when she arrived earlier, so she’s alone here, accompanied by nothing but the scent coming from Ryker’s embroidered handkerchief.

    With a slim slice of smile on her face, she brought out the handkerchief from her gown pocket, pushing it to her nose to sniff.

    “Wonder where he travelled to.” She whispered, sniffing again.

    “Shay! Shayla!! Shay!!” Xena’s trembling voice rang from outside. 

    “Xena?” Shayla left the window, and Xena came in tearfully.

    She’s with Old Chef.

    “Shay, don’t lie to me. Did you really open the basement door like Pearl said? She just confessed that you did! Please say you didn’t! They’re going to kill you!!” She cried shakily.

    Shayla’s eyes widened too much.

    “Pearl? Is…out?”

    “Talk to me!” Xena snapped.

    “The door opened when my body touched it, and I went in. We talked for a moment and I left after shutting the door back.” Shayla confessed fearfully.

    “This won’t work, they’ll be here to take you any moment from now.” Old Chef said with urgency.

    Another person came in, making them turn. It’s Cheyenne.

    “Get here” she strictly ordered, but Shayla didn’t understand, so she didn’t move.

    With powerful force, Cheyenne pulled her, and Shayla found herself in front of the wicked lady.

    Cheyenne took her hand surprisingly, and she started taking her out of the room, but the royal guards were already at the door.

    At once, they all attacked.

    Cheyenne pushed Shayla behind herself, brandishing her nails at them. She tore two at a time, their flayed skins gumming to her bloody nails before they fell off to the ground.

    Red stained the walls, and Shayla’s heart thundered faster than it has ever done all her life.

    The cries of the two torn guards wasn’t enough to scare off the rest. They charged forward.

    Cheyenne pulled off her hat and flung it forward, cutting off one head with it.

    Blood sprayed the ceiling, then her legs left the ground. She leapt up fluidly and kicked the door metal away from the hinges.

    The metal slammed into the faces of two others, and she landed back on her feet, her hair covering her eyes.

    She took Shayla’s hand again, attempting to escape, but this time, Azura and Zeke entered.

    Cheyenne was pushed back with the brute force of their boiling anger, and her body easily rolled out of the room through the window.

    “I didn’t release her, I didn’t even know how the door opened!” Shayla shook her head, shifting back.

    Her organs shivered inside her as if detached from her hot insides.

    “Keep quiet, slave.” Zeke muttered, his rage affecting her from his voice.

    Shayla staggered.

    Azura immediately raised her hand up, waving it from from the dark skies to the ground.

    A single thunder cracked in obeisance to her powers.

    The thunder slipped into the house through the open window and hit Shayla’s legs cruelly.

    Every bone her legs crushed within that fleeting second, and her screams were louder than a banshee’s as she went down, falling on her face flatly.

    The twins came in with a black coffin which they dropped beside her, the weight so impactful on the ground.

    Together, they threw Shayla’s slumped body inside the coffin.

    “The thunder arena is ready, the pinnacle is cold, waiting for her blood.” Sadie said mercilessly.

    “Great news, let’s get it started.” Azura’s voice echoed darkly.

    The coffin was carried out, Shayla’s blood dripping out of it like water.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 23&24

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    The Millions Family are heartless folks. Even if some are better than the rest, their heartless side is never completely buried.

    Shayla has spent her few weeks here learning that, but she never expected it to stretch to this level.

    As she stood glued by the door of the basement, staring at the blind helpless girl in the corner of the room, her heart broke for her. 

    If she’s an Eternal like the rest of the family, she must have been trapped in this dusty, rusty, cold room for hundreds of years.

    The hell?

    “But… there’s the FrostOrb. They could have used it to open your eyes. I heard the orb can do anything.” She spoke up softly, making sure to keep it in a low hush.

    Pearl dropped the bottle of water she’s holding, then she opened the plate of food and took from the pie.

    It’s pie and custard? That’s what they serve maids, servants and slaves here.

    So they consider Pearl a servant?

    Shayla couldn’t even talk, she just watched with pity as the pretty girl took a large bite from her pie.

    With the way she’s smoothly taking the pie and the water from the tray, it’s hard to detect her blindness.

    “Yeah…the legendary FrostOrb can do anything, but not my eyes. My blindness is a curse I inherited from my mother’s womb, so it’ll only leave when the curse lifts on it’s own.” She explained.

    “I don’t understand.” Shayla’s face lined in a hard squeeze.

    “I was supposed to be triplets with the twins, but they both came out before me. They escaped mother’s womb on the same day, and I stayed in the womb for one extra year before mother was able to birth me. That extra year I spent is my curse.” Pearl explained.

    “I’m so sorry…” Shayla crouched, her pity for this female increasing.

    “It’s nothing.” Pearl took another bite from her pie, smiling. “At least you came, and I got to feel warmth for the first time in years.”

    “People often say I’m warm.” Shayla smiled a little.

    “Of course you are…I guess you’re special. What’s your name?” Pearl asked, smiling too.

    “Shayla, a slave.” Shayla introduced.

    “Oh… Who was my food deliver before? She has never entered.” Pearl asked, drinking water again.

    “Xena. She’s my friend, the Old Chef’s daughter, and Lord Ryker’s sister.” Shayla cleared.

    “Lord Ryker…How handsome is he?” Pearl asked, and Shayla blinked. 

    She didn’t expect that one.

    “I might have been trapped here all my life, but the cleaner maids pass by the top of this basement, and I hear their whisperings. He was forced to be a part of this family with his sister’s lifeline, but despite that…he’s the most feared demigod here, also the most goodlooking.” Pearl smiled, her admiration so obvious.

    “Yes… right.” Shayla stood, sounding awkward.

    “Have you seen him up close before? What’s the most beautiful part of his body?” Pearl asked another weird question.

    Shayla frowned, snapping out of it and remembering she’s not even supposed to be inside this basement in the first place.

    Xena specifically told her not to enter. What was she thinking?

    “I need to go now.” She stepped back, her shoes marching the broken concretes on the floor.

    “You came here and gave me warmth, but now that I ask a simple question, you’re running away? You really don’t know what your answer would do for me…” Pearl maintained the smile.

    ‘Isn’t she smiling too much?’ Shayla thought. It’s odd for someone who has been suffering since birth.

    But then, that soft side of her refused to heed to that suspicion, so she said what’s on her mind.

    “His hands… Fingers.” 

    “Hands?” Pearl repeated.

    “Lord Ryker’s fingers are the most beautiful part of his body. His hands as a whole, they’re attractively perfect, and his skin…” Shayla rushed, opening the door to get out…

    “An advise for you, Shayla.” Pearl said suddenly, and Shayla turned. 

    Pearl is still smiling.

    “Never trust any member of the Millions Family. Never.” She said. 

    Shayla didn’t miss the foreboding undertone of that statement.

    “Shay!” Xena’s voice rang from the basement top, and with thrumming chest, she left the room and slammed the door shut.

    A minute after she was gone, Pearl dropped the bottled water back in the tray, her hand folding for a moment before she slid it behind her head to untangle the rope of her eye cover.

    She took the cover away from her eyes, and an obsessive smile appeared on her lips.

    Shayla might have closed the door when she was leaving, but right now, the door is open again.

    “What took you so long? I was getting worried!” Xena held Shayla when she climbed up the staircase.

    “The place looked stuffy and strange, so I was awed.” Shayla lied.

    She regretted it, but what would Xena think if she tells her she actually entered the room?

    “Tell me, you didn’t enter the room, right?” Xena asked, and Shayla gave her lip a bite on the inside.

    “Why did I even ask that?” Xena grinned suddenly. “Of course you can’t enter. That door has been sealed by Azura for years, and no one can remove the seal except her. I dunno who’s inside, but it’s a big secret they’re keeping with their lives.” 

    “You don’t know who’s inside?” Shayla gulped.

    They’re already walking down the side stairs which leads outside.

    “How would i know when I’ve never entered the room? But I know someone is inside.” Xena shrugged.

    And that only heightened Shayla’s fear. Does that mean she opened the door? How?

    If Azura sealed it for years, then how was she able to open it?

    She was still on the wheel of thoughts when she was hauled to a solid pillar by strong, unyielding hands.

    A gasp tore out of her throat, and that was enough to snap her out of her thoughts as her eyes clashed with Cheyenne’s.

    “Cheyenne?” She muttered.

    “Don’t call my name with your unworthy mouth, you sl+t!” Cheyenne spat, raising her hand. 

    Her eyes are glaring evidences that she has not even the slightest likeness for Shayla. The hate is bloody.

    “Cheyenne!” Xena shouted behind, but it’s like a dog’s bark to her. She wouldn’t care.

    She brought her hand down to Shayla’s face, and Shayla closed her eyes quickly, expecting the nails.

    But they never came. 

    Cheyenne’s nails stopped a little before it’d get to her face, and her eyes are slightly wide.

    She has touched Shayla once when she tore her with the nails at Granny’s corridor, but maybe her anger back then didn’t make her feel what she’s feeling right now—her warmness.

    She could feel it as she held her arm, and that made her stop. 

    Slowly, she let go.

    Xena quickly pulled Shayla to herself.

    “If you had dared to hurt her again, I’d have begged my brother to bash you to the dust even if it means kneeling in front of his tower for months. He might be a Millions by force, but he’s a Morozov by birth, and you’re nothing but his knight who has no last name.” She said angrily.

    Cheyenne stayed still, her awed eyes still on Shayla.

    “You can hurt me all you want, but stop calling me a sl+t at any chance you get. I’m not lusting after Lord Ryker, I wouldn’t dare. I’m just a lowly slave who was given a chance.” Shayla said, then she left with Xena.

    Cheyenne stood there, confused and shocked as her eyes drooped.

    “She’s definitely not the partner. If it’s her, Lord Ryker would have told I and Sage, so who’s she? Why this rare warmness?” She muttered.

    Answers didn’t appear, so she sighed, calming down.

    [Clouds Castle]

    It’s a golden building which sat somewhere in the deepest clouds of Luminaria, and there’s no rival to it’s beauty. It stood there alone, and it shone alone, day and night.

    The gold is rimmed with white at some few points, but not enough to dim the golden rays which reached the roof and floors and even the olive branches surrounding it.

    There are fog fountains around, and they’re pouring pureness into the heavenly harem

    Eternus is a seer, the oldest and wisest in Luminaria. He sees into the future and peers into the past with one quick glance. 

    He’s got long white hair and calm, pure presence. Always in a flowing white robe and a peaceful smile.

    He stays alone in the castle, and that’s why he came to open the entrance door by himself when Ryker arrived with Sage.

    “Look who finally paid a visit after about 100 years.” He said, his smile not breaking. His white hair fell in two long gentle curls on his shoulders.

    “105 years.” Ryker corrected, stepping inside the castle. His black robe is a contract to Eternus’ white one.

    The door seemed to embrace him as it closed behind him and Sage.

    “Saying the wrong number was on purpose. I know you have an obsession with exact numbers. You didn’t change.” Eternus replied, walking beside him.

    Sage is behind, looking around the unending richness. 

    Eternus isn’t on Ryker’s level of rich, but he likes showcasing his riches just like Ryker, so his harem is vainglorious.

    “If Ryker isn’t Ryker anymore, then who’d blow Luminaria out of existence when it’s time?” Ryker replied, giving him a glance.

    “Of course, that’s what you’d say.” Eternus tilted his head.

    They entered a room where a small plum garden is, and they sat in the center of the trees, on thick glass chairs with the desk between them.

    Sage left them to go arrange a room for their night rest.

    “Why the sudden visit? You didn’t give me a heads-up this time.” Eternus asked.

    “There’s a female,” Ryker started. Eternus leaned in, eyes wide.

    “Your partner finally?”

    “She has the warmness, but not the mark.” Ryker explained.

    Eternus pulled back on the table. “Not the mark? Then she’s not. Maybe she was just gifted with the warmness.” 

    “I ate her meal, I held her, I can hear her voice even when I don’t want to. I have never saved anyone…my nature only kills but I saved her from the banshee!” Ryker’s voice went up.

    “Oh…” Eternus leaned in again. “I heard of how you killed generations too, cos they bullied her?”

    “Cos I needed to attain the second stage. Don’t twist this.” Ryker rolled eyes shortly.

    Eternus sighed.

    “Her mother Liza is still alive. She wasn’t killed like other rule-breakers cos the human who impregnated her did it with force.”

    “You made your findings? Good.” Ryker pressed his back softly to the backrest.

    “She’s not your partner…” Eternus repeated, getting serious.

    “And it’s not like anyone hid her mark from me on purpose?” Ryker raised his lashes.

    “Liza’s powers were stripped from her the moment she got raped by a human, so there’s no way she hid the mark. Even if she did, do you really think there’s anyone in this world who can hide anything from you?” Eternus gave him a respectful look.

    “Zeke is hiding Xena’s lifeline from me, and it’s still hidden in the shadows till now. You might wanna write that down.” Ryker deadpanned.

    “You can fool everyone else with your plans, Ryker, but not me. You really want me to believe you don’t know where Zeke hid her lifeline? You?” Eternus laughed shortly.

    “You got more annoying.” Ryker muttered with another eye roll.

    “Can we not ruin the night with your partner talks? You’re spending more than one day here, so there’s still time to talk. You said you ate her meal, why not eat mine too?” Eternus waved his hand.

    The plum trees in the room vanished, getting replaced by several additional tables of lavish extravagant dishes. 

    Colourful chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and beautiful decorative flowers bloomed on the walls, completing the dinning mood.

    “I’m not eating your food.” Ryker stood from the glass chair.

    “Sit back.” Eternus said from his seat.

    Ryker went for the door, but the glass slammed close before he could touch it, so he turned back to face the sneaky old man.

    Eternus is already holding his sword, ready for a duel.

    “You should have asked for it nicely. Don’t blame me if I strip you out of your skin.” Ryker muttered with deep resonance, summoning dry ice on his right palm.

    The rare black jewels on his robe were moving with his steps.

    “I missed this” Eternus smiled.

    They went for each other at the same sharp time, and their big duel started.

    In one short minute, the room is in fatal irreparable ruins.

    Shattered chandeliers, tables, mashed dishes, smashed chairs, broken grounds and walls. Falling ceilings.

    Sage opened the door slightly, peeping inside to see the chaos ongoing. 

    “I guess they’re going to do this till tomorrow morning.” He smiled.

    His Channeler Shell brightened in his pocket, and he pulled it out quickly.

    “Cheyenne?” He spoke into it.

    “She’s warm, the slave.” Cheyenne said straight to the point.

    Sage paused.

    “Warm?”

    “I think she’s a fill-in till the real partner would be found, fair enough. That warmness saved her, I was gonna tear her face earlier.” Cheyenne continued.

    “Try to be nice sometimes, Cheyenne.” Sage sighed as he walked away from that door.

    [Loco Conference Rendezvous]

    The ambassadorial conference didn’t take as long as Granny Jojo predicted.

    At 10am, they were already done.

    She wasn’t able to leave early as the other ambassadors were overfilling her with greetings like they do each time they attend the conference like this. They accord her great respect as the East Palace Granny which she hates, but she can’t avoid it.

    Now there are just two people left in the room with her, and as they came forward to give their greetings, she raised her brows at them.

    Kasia and Astor.

    “You West Palace folks just don’t know when to stop.” She said.

    “We’re not here to tackle you, Grandmother. We’re here to seek cooperation.” Kasia assured.

    “On what?” Jojo scoffed, grabbing her bag already.

    “You know exactly what, Granny.” Astor said.

    Jojo’s eyes slipped to him for a second.

    “I know you’re not happy with the power abuse of Azura and Zeke, I know you’re not fine with the unstoppable attitude of the twins. We just need you and Lord Ryker on our side, and on the night of the Feast, we’ll do the needful. We only have to get the FrostOrb.” Kasia explained.

    “Nice explanation,” Jojo stood. “I assume you spent days practicing that line before coming here, but sorry… You’re not worthy of my cooperation, talk more of Ryker’s.”

    She was glaring as she pushed Kasia’s chair out of her way, and she nearly walked past her when Kasia stood suddenly.

    She pulled Jojo back, holding eyes with her without blinking.

    “You’ll connive with us in the West Palace, you will convince Ryker to join us too, and you both will help us steal the FrostOrb on the night if the Feast.” She compelled.

    Everything went still for a second, but then like an unexpected wind, Jojo’s palm smacked Kasia’s face.

    The slap was brutal, and it sent Kasia to the ground at Jojo’s feet.

    She tried standing, but she can’t. Jojo held her there magically.

    Astor attacked Jojo with a strike, trying to save his wife, but his strike was only able to shake Jojo subtly before she pulled a relic mirror out of her bag, throwing it at him.

    His ear got a big cut, and the poisonous mirror reflection made his eyes black. He fell on the ground too.

    The mirror came back to Jojo, she caught it smoothly.

    “Granny! Granny stop!!” Kasia yelled fearfully on her knees.

    “How dare you try to compel me! Is this pride? If you have this much pride, you should have fought Azura and Zeke when they were trying to kill your son Blaise!” Jojo yelled.

    “We’re no match for those two, we know that very well!” Kasia defended.

    “But you think you’re a match for me?” Jojo laughed. “I might not be sucking powers from the FrostOrb, but I’m not weak. You can’t even face me, but you’re dreaming of going against the whole of the East Palace? You both are fools!”

    “Before you think of going against The Millions, first find out why you lose your powers at midnight. Solve that mystery before planing, cos if you make any move without preparations, then even Jude is enough to tear you both and your kids apart with your mediocre powers that can’t lift a stone.” Jojo continued, then she left the room.

    Kasia was finally able to stand up. She rushed over to Astor and helped him up. His black eyes are back to normal, but his ear is bleeding very much. The cut part is on the ground.

    “Her mirror technique got crazier.” He muttered.

    “She was right, we made a senseless move. Now I lost her trust.” Kasia said regretfully.

    “I told you. Didn’t I?” Astor sighed, holding his bleeding ear.

    [Black Swan Ballet School]

    It’s a full house.

    Shayla and Xena didn’t expect the crowd, they kept multiplying.

    It’s like everyone in Luminaria came for this audition, so it’s definitely gonna be a tough one.

    Luckily, Shayla and Xena are among the ones who came early, so they’re number 20&21 respectively.

    They’re sitting outside with the others, and they’re the only ones wearing black nose masks to conceal their identities.

    Also, they’re doing all they can to keep their heads low since the evil twins are inside the building.

    If Sadie gets them, she’s going to kill the both flatly.

    They’re both holding hands, avoiding talks too so their voices won’t leak.

    Luckily, there are people from poor families among the others, so they’re not the only ones wearing cheap poor clothes, and that got them covered.

    “20 and 21!” The call-in teacher yelled from the door.

    They both raised their number tags, and they were called in.

    Getting to the dressing room, fear gripped Shayla again.

    The ballet outfit is a no for her.

    The leggings and tutu is enough to cover her feet completely, but the leotard is tight and short on the arms, so she won’t be able to wear that.

    If she does, it’d expose the wounds on her back and arms, and that’d give her away.

    She just wore only the provided ballet shoes, then she entered the main audition hall with Xena.

    Inside the hall, Esme sat proudly with ten other teachers who’re the Judges. She’s in their middle with her usually flashy extravagant clothes and yellow over-painted nails.

    The moment she saw Shayla, her countenance froze.

    “Do you think this is a joke site? You’re wearing a mask, and the only ballet stuff on your body is the shoes!” She snapped angrily, then she faced Xena too.

    “And you, thankfully you’re wearing the complete ballet wears, but why the mask?” She questioned.

    “I have wounds on my body, and it might stain the white leotard if I put it on.” Shayla spoke.

    “And about the masks, we have our personal reasons. But we promise we won’t disappoint you.” Xena added.

    “You both!!” Esme slammed her palms on the desk.

    She was about to stand when one of the teachers spoke.

    “Director, why not give them a chance? If they soil it, then we’ll hand them over to the punishment camp. They’ll clean sewages for a year, and they’ll starve like street dogs.”

    “Fair enough…” Esme sat back, smiling interestedly. “Play Cruel Symphony Classical. Let them dance to it for me.”

    “Cruel Symphony? Mercury your daughter and the twins who’re the baddest dancer here haven’t even mastered that.” A judge said.

    “Do what I asked.” Esme insisted.

    The song was slid into the background speakers, and the moment the tunes started flooding into the room, the girls started their moves, rawly.

    Fortunately, it’s the same dance they saw the twins practicing at Starr balcony, and Shayla fell into the strings, becoming one with the song.

    Xena isn’t as perfect, but she followed Shayla’s fast lead, and she didn’t lag. She matched her pace.

    Their arms flew in symphony, legs stretched in sync.

    Their laps spread equally. They went back to back at the same time, slid on pointe multiple times then raised their weights to land on different spots before coming together again, then they went down, rolling back to each other and smiling.

    By the time they stood, the entire judge are on their feet plus Esme herself, and they all have wide mouths and popped eyes.

    Esme has mad shock in her eyes.

    Xena caged Shayla from behind, and Shayla’s slim body went slanted, then they went apart again…

    “This is….” Esme gasped, dropping her pen.

    She was clapping before she knew it.

    “Awesome!!” The teachers joined her clappings.

    “I’ve never seen this before!”

    “Who are they?”

    “Mama Mia!”

    “Whoa!!”

    By the time the girls made the last move and went on pointe again, the clappings were thundering around the room so hard.

    “Can you both at least show your faces?” Esme went closer to them.

    “Not yet, ma’am.” Shayla said under her mask, sweating a lot.

    “Fine…fine. Next week is the final audition like you both know, and you both have to come.” Esme took tag 1 and 2, giving it to them.

    “You both have to definitely show up, please.” 

    “Sure, we won’t disappoint.” Xena smiled under her mask, leaving the room with Shayla.

    The moment they got back to the dressing room, they hugged tight.

    “We’re so lucky! I love you so much Shay!” Xena gushed.

    “I love you too” Shayla smiled.

    [Gymnasium]

    Since the teachers are busy with auditions right now, dancers are here, just chilling out.

    Each to their own side of the place.

    Sadie and Mercury are sitting at a side, their legs are mounted arrogantly, and their soy milk bottles are held to their lips. 

    They’re drinking with straws, and they’re glaring at two people in particular…

    Kade and Blaise.

    Soren is currently at the washroom, so he’s not glaring with them.

    “After their deaths, let’s go break-in tonight. It’s been long, and I have a mansion in mind.” Mercury said.

    “Sure, but I’m going to ask you one question.” Sadie faced her.

    “I’ll never lie to you.” Mercury shrugged.

    “Are you in love with my brother?” Sadie asked flatly.

    For the next minute, Mercury was blank, then she laughed, unable to keep her awkwardness low.

    “In love with Soren? That’d be betrayal and I’ll never do that to you. I know what’s going to happen if one of you should fall in love, so that’s never happening.”

    “You won’t mind if I tell Soren to rape Xena and touch her right in front of you?” Sadie asked craftily, taking her milk straw away from her dark lips.

    “Why would I care? In fact, it’d be sweet to watch.” Mercury replied, wiping her sweaty hand secretly on her leggings.

    “Great, then give me the ashes I told you to bring.” Sadie stood.

    “Right!” Mercury brought her dead father’s ashes pack out of her bag. She was about to hand it over to Sadie when Faye came in.

    She’s holding her phone, smiling as she read out a news from lumi web.

    “The Millions Family have to be the craziest family existing. Locking in their last daughter cos she was born blind? Precarious!” She laughed.

    Sadie and Mercury gasped, shooting up from their seats at the same time. 

    Soren came in, staring at his phone too. He has seen the news.

    Sadie snatched the phone, and when she saw it, she gasped.

    Kade, Blaise and the other dancers drew closer, converging around the twins who look obviously shaken.

    “Oh…so there’s a fourth child to the Millions family? And she’s blind? I get the shame, her lock up is normal.” Blaise chuckled.

    “It’s the news of the damn century. The oh-so-mighty Millions Family from the East Palace have a blind chic as the baby of the house. She’s completely powerless? What a jinx!” Kade grinned.

    “I bet she’s ugly too.” Faye added, popping her gum, and that made many dancers laugh.

    Kade pushed everyone out of his way till he got to the middle to face the twins who’re still dumbfounded.

    “Your insane family isn’t only power-drunk, but y’all are also lying crooks? That’s unacceptable.” He slammed his rigid chest into Soren’s.

    [Millions Family Exclusive Store]

    The first thing Lilith came to check out is new clothes since she’s a new member of the family now, and she’d be becoming Ryker’s secret wife too.

    She was humming excitedly as she shopped alone with enough assistants behind her who’re pushing the carts of her plenty picked items.

    Her makeup could paint two gigantic mansions right now.

    “I feel so empty, I guess I’m eating next.” She nodded with a pout, facing an assistant.

    “Call the upper floor, I need carbonara in like twenty minutes.” She ordered.

    “Yes ma’am.” The assistant bowed, leaving to do what Lilith asked.

    “Lilith the dwarf?” Jude entered the store, looking utterly shocked at what he’s seeing.

    This place is exclusive, so how?

    “Hey, upcoming big brother! I should have known we’d be becoming family the moment I got your jacket.” Lilith waved.

    Unexpectedly, Lilith gripped her neck, throwing her over to the other side with planned harshness.

    “Why the hell are you in the family store you short irritating witch!” He demanded furiously.

    “You damn thing!” Lilith stood, opening her mouth to scream, but Winona’s entrance stopped her.

    “Jude!! ” She entered with a laugh, flashing her phone screen at his face.

    “You haven’t heard about the ongoing chaos? Luminaria is burning with the news of BBOTEP.” She laughed again, enjoying the jest.

    “BBOTEP?” Jude blinked.

    “Blind Baby Of The East Palace! Your last sibling Pearl Millions is out in the open! Y’all are psychos in that family and I get the chills just thinking about it! F+ck!” Winona laughed louder, flipping her sleek healthy hair.

    “What!” Jude gasped.

    [East Palace, 6PM]

    Azura and Zeke look so out of it as they ran their restless races into the main castle, their breaths chasing each other till they were inside.

    They heard clattering sounds from the dinning, and they followed, meeting Pearl there.

    She sat majestically, eating like a royal that she is. She’s wearing one of Sadie’s black dresses, and though the eye cover is away from her eyes, her blindness is obvious with the way her hands missed the plate few times.

    “Mother? Father? I can smell your presence.” She said, pushing a small cut tiramisu into her mouth with her plastic fork.

    One dangerous hit from Zeke made the dinning table break down, sending glass splinters everywhere.

    “How where you able to come out? How!!!” He roared.

    “That’s not a good way to welcome the baby of the house.” Pearl smiled innocently, sitting still.

    Azura dragged her up with her dress, and Pearl grunted.

    “How were you able to get out? It’s a question!”

    The twins barged in at this point, followed by Jude and Granny Jojo.

    “It’s true.” Soren muttered, his shock settling in better.

    “She’s even wearing my goth dress? That blind sorrow is wearing my dress!!” Sadie shouted.

    “How are you out?” Jude spoke, bewildered.

    “Pearl…” Granny Jojo muttered, her eyes wide too.

    “A slave named Shayla saved me from the basement. She came and opened the door for me, and she gave me directions to come out. She did it, said she was doing me a favor which I didn’t reject.” Pearl said.

    “Shayla?” Azura and Zeke chorused.

    “Shayla?” Jude and Granny Jojo chorused too.

    “That damn animal!” Sadie growled.

    Soren’s fists clenched.

    Meanwhile, Old Chef is listening by the opposite wall.

    He covered his mouth to block his gasp as he rushed off.

    [Granny’s Chamber]

    Shayla leaned gently on the window of her room, rubbing her fingers on the wind chime and humming the Cruel Symphony song she danced to earlier at the audition.

    She didn’t meet Jojo at home when she arrived earlier, so she’s alone here, accompanied by nothing but the scent coming from Ryker’s embroidered handkerchief.

    With a slim slice of smile on her face, she brought out the handkerchief from her gown pocket, pushing it to her nose to sniff.

    “Wonder where he travelled to.” She whispered, sniffing again.

    “Shay! Shayla!! Shay!!” Xena’s trembling voice rang from outside. 

    “Xena?” Shayla left the window, and Xena came in tearfully.

    She’s with Old Chef.

    “Shay, don’t lie to me. Did you really open the basement door like Pearl said? She just confessed that you did! Please say you didn’t! They’re going to kill you!!” She cried shakily.

    Shayla’s eyes widened too much.

    “Pearl? Is…out?”

    “Talk to me!” Xena snapped.

    “The door opened when my body touched it, and I went in. We talked for a moment and I left after shutting the door back.” Shayla confessed fearfully.

    “This won’t work, they’ll be here to take you any moment from now.” Old Chef said with urgency.

    Another person came in, making them turn. It’s Cheyenne.

    “Get here” she strictly ordered, but Shayla didn’t understand, so she didn’t move.

    With powerful force, Cheyenne pulled her, and Shayla found herself in front of the wicked lady.

    Cheyenne took her hand surprisingly, and she started taking her out of the room, but the royal guards were already at the door.

    At once, they all attacked.

    Cheyenne pushed Shayla behind herself, brandishing her nails at them. She tore two at a time, their flayed skins gumming to her bloody nails before they fell off to the ground.

    Red stained the walls, and Shayla’s heart thundered faster than it has ever done all her life.

    The cries of the two torn guards wasn’t enough to scare off the rest. They charged forward.

    Cheyenne pulled off her hat and flung it forward, cutting off one head with it.

    Blood sprayed the ceiling, then her legs left the ground. She leapt up fluidly and kicked the door metal away from the hinges.

    The metal slammed into the faces of two others, and she landed back on her feet, her hair covering her eyes.

    She took Shayla’s hand again, attempting to escape, but this time, Azura and Zeke entered.

    Cheyenne was pushed back with the brute force of their boiling anger, and her body easily rolled out of the room through the window.

    “I didn’t release her, I didn’t even know how the door opened!” Shayla shook her head, shifting back.

    Her organs shivered inside her as if detached from her hot insides.

    “Keep quiet, slave.” Zeke muttered, his rage affecting her from his voice.

    Shayla staggered.

    Azura immediately raised her hand up, waving it from from the dark skies to the ground.

    A single thunder cracked in obeisance to her powers.

    The thunder slipped into the house through the open window and hit Shayla’s legs cruelly.

    Every bone her legs crushed within that fleeting second, and her screams were louder than a banshee’s as she went down, falling on her face flatly.

    The twins came in with a black coffin which they dropped beside her, the weight so impactful on the ground.

    Together, they threw Shayla’s slumped body inside the coffin.

    “The thunder arena is ready, the pinnacle is cold, waiting for her blood.” Sadie said mercilessly.

    “Great news, let’s get it started.” Azura’s voice echoed darkly.

    The coffin was carried out, Shayla’s blood dripping out of it like water.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Episode 17&18

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 17&18

     

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Episode 17&18

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    Shayla’s breaths went cold, everything came to a standstill. Her upper lips refused to embrace the lower one.

    She quickly covered her br+àsts with her palms, but the girls didn’t stop their harassment.

    “Stop it!!!!” She cried out, her skin stinging with the various cruel hands on her body.

    “The hell is going on!” Her kitchen teacher came out, beyond shocked.

    “Get away from her! Are you girls deaf? Get the hell away!” She shouted, pushing most of them off.

    She removed her jacket and covered Shayla’s open chest with it, then she took another jacket from one of the other teachers. She covered Shayla’s open tummy with that one.

    She shoved Shayla behind herself, facing the bullies.

    “What do y’all think you’re doing? She was brought here by Lord Ryker himself, and you’re doing this? You guys are tired of living?”

    “It doesn’t matter. She’s a slave and nothing will change that fact. Not some expensive shoes or the pretty face. She’s a slave! So what if Lord Ryker brought her here? I’m sure the purpose was for us to teach her a lesson which we did. He’ll be proud of us.” Their ringleader said.

    “I have nothing more to say to y’all. Nothing at all.” The teacher said, rushing down to where they threw Shayla’s shoes.

    She got the pair and came back to take Shayla’s hand, pulling her into her own office where she sat her down.

    “I think I have a spare dress in my car, I’ll get you that. They ruined your dress completely.” She said gently, but Shayla is still hiccuping, she couldn’t reply.

    She left and came back shortly with the dress for Shayla.

    She gave her privacy, and Shayla changed into the bright pink dress. Its got thin sleeves, the tail spread from her waist to her knees.

    Luckily it has inbuilt bra like the torn dress, so her b👀bs are well covered.

    Shayla wore the shoe back too, then she sniffled and faced the door.

    “I’m done.”

    The teacher came back in with a smile. “Whoa, you look good in it”

    “Thank you.” Shayla said, still trying to stop her sniffles.

    “I’m sorry for coming late to get you. Those girls are ruthless, I should have known this would happen. Tell me what you’d like to eat. I have some cake in my freezer and some juice, would you have them?” The teacher offered.

    Shayla almost said yes, but she controlled herself.

    She might love food, but there’s a limit to her craves.

    “No. I’m fine.” She said, and she saw the teacher’s disappointed look immediately.

    “Can you not tell Lord Ryker what happened here?” She asked.

    Shayla looked up.

    “Please I’m begging you earnestly. He wouldn’t move with just anyone, and the fact that he brought you here himself means I’m in trouble if this gets out. I’m talking about big trouble. If he freezes this school, then I’m done for. My career would be over and I can’t afford that. So please…can you do that for me?” The teacher continued, holding her hands.

    Shayla blinked slowly, eyes still red from the tears she shed.

    The teacher quickly got wet tissues, pressing them on her eyes to quell the redness.

    “Please don’t tell.” She begged again.

    “It’s ok…” Shayla took the tissues from her, resuming the quelling herself. “I won’t tell.”

    “Seriously?” The teacher smiled in relief.

    Shayla nodded simply.

    “Thank you! And are you sure you’re not interested in the cake? I promise it’s not bribe.” The teacher touched her hair.

    “I’m seriously fine.” Shayla nodded.

    They left the office at 12, returning to their kitchen where they met the other girls chatting and laughing beside their cookers.

    They stopped chatting when Shayla entered, and her eyes stayed up, never going down as she stared back at them.

    Twelve girls bullied her, and she knows their faces, so she was returning their looks till she got to her cooker at the back of the class, but even the cooker has been messed with.

    The wires got cut already, obviously the work of the mean girls.

    The teacher didn’t talk about it. She replaced it with another cooker, and it was Shayla herself who put fire on it from the lighter.

    The second half of the class started, and everyone cooked their delicacies with the remaining hours of the night.

    By 6am, they were done. 

    Shayla cooked all ten dishes she was taught in the manual, and they were all ready for tasting at 6pm too.

    She set her meals on the table like the other girls, and the teacher called in tasters from other kitchens.

    The tasting started.

    Shayla stayed anxious till they got to her side, tasting her dishes one after the other.

    “How many hours did you prepare these ten dishes for?” One of them asked her with mouthful of meat.

    “6 hours.” Shayla replied, her anxiousness growing.

    “You’re not only excellent, but time-efficient and know how to effortlessly merge the taste of food with the aromas. Just by smelling the scent, I know what to expect, and your beef and chicken? They’re tender and I feel like I’m eating jelly. It melts.” The taster said.

    Shayla smiled widely.

    “Thank you, and it’s all thanks to my teacher.”

    “Leave teacher out of this, young girl. When did you start cooking?” The taster asked again, eating from the salad.

    “This is my first cooking” Shayla replied.

    “That can’t be true…” The taster said with disbelief.

    “It’s her first, she’s a fast learner.” The teacher intervened.

    By now, the other girls are glaring at Shayla, wishing they had torn her apart earlier. How dare she take all the praises here?

    “Then would you like to work in my kitchen? I operate the second largest kitchen in this city, and I serve exclusively.” The taster offered.

    “Huh?” Shayla said unbelievably.

    The girls at the back gasped, jealousy mixing with their hatred.

    “I’m afraid she can’t.” The teacher said.

    “Why can’t she? She’s good, and you know I pay my workers well.” The taster insisted.

    “I’m…a slave” Shayla muttered, and that was enough to kill any interest the taster had in her skills.

    “Oh…I… didn’t know. Your pink dress didn’t give you away.” He said awkwardly.

    “Lord Ryker brought her here by himself, and she was trained to cook for the Granny only.” The teacher explained.

    The kitchen emptied out as the tasters took their leave, and the teacher handed a packaged buffet to Shayla, containing the several dishes she made.

    With a thankful smile, Shayla took it and left the kitchen, going back to the front of the school to wait for Ryker.

    It’s 7am, so the day already broke. She could feel her own hunger, rumbling through her empty stomach.

    She had cooked all night, perceiving different aromas without tasting, so it’s normal to feel the pangs.

    She set the food package down and squatted beside it before opening it, picking from the sliced cake.

    She covered the package and took a large bite from the cake while still squatting there.

    She moved some of her greasy hair away from her face as the strands are trying to enter her mouth.

    She had another bite, and just as she was about to start chewing that, Ryker’s voice sliced through the morning air.

    “Is it that delicious?”

    She spranged up, her cheeks still swollen with the cake.

    Ryker stood there, in his robe, right arm slightly raised and the left one staying fluidly beside him, covered almost completely by the large robe sleeve.

    “My Lord” she smiled her usual cheerful one.

    He faced her, and she quickly swallowed the cake in her mouth, wiping her lips to get rid of the crumbs.

    “Why are you in pink?”

    “Oh…” She said slowly, looking at her new dress then back at him…

    “I spilled stew on my dress during the cooking, so the teacher gave me this to change into.” She lied.

    His eyes gave her a gaze she doesn’t quite understand, and she started wondering if he caught on.

    Did he somehow figure out that it’s a lie?

    “And the class?” He asked. 

    That somehow lifted her worries, and her smile returned to her face.

    “It was enjoyable. The tasters commended me, and I really cooked the best dishes. They gave me a full buffet package.” She said, lifting the package from the ground.

    His expression turned so sour as if the sight of the food package irritates him.

    “Do you not eat?” She asked.

    “I don’t have to eat to live, I never get hungry.” He replied, spreading his palm for her.

    “There are many beneficial peaks for being a demigod.” She said, placing her palm on his own.

    They teleported back to the palace—granny’s chamber.

    “Finally back?” Jojo stood from her bed, smiling as she welcomed Shayla in her arms.

    “How was it?” She asked.

    “Nice” Shayla nodded, showing her the food package.

    “You really can’t do without food, can you?” Granny laughed.

    Ryker’s nose picked up the smell of urine, and he went inside, tracing it to Shayla’s room.

    Soren’s pee got cleaned by the maids, but it’s still smelling a lot.

    “The twins…they barged in and did this.” Jojo came in, and Shayla followed behind her.

    Ryker scanned the room silently without allowing an hint in his eyes—as if what Jojo just said meant nothing.

    Shayla couldn’t even talk. What would she say? She has no choice, maybe she’s gonna return to the slaves hall.

    “But it’s all good. There are more rooms, and she can stay in the one at the back. I built a barrier around it with my blood, so the twins won’t be able to enter.” Jojo said again.

    “Good.” Ryker faced Shayla.

    “You know the timetable.”

    “Yes. I’ll clean the chamber first, then cook breakfast.” She replied.

    Ryker left the room, and she stared at his back view till he was outta the door.

    “Come with me, I’ll show you to your new room.” Jojo said, leaving the room too.

    Shayla went to the pee-soaked bed and lifted the pillow.

    Luckily, the handkerchief is still there…dry.

    It’s unaffected by the pee.

    She took it, tucked it inside her gown pocket before following Jojo.

    Her new room isn’t far from the ruined one, and this one is more spacious. The bed is larger too.

    By the window, there’s a wind chime with a fire-shaped suspension.

    Shayla sat on the bed after dropping her package on the ground.

    “You like it?” Jojo asked.

    “Thank you for everything. This is the largest kindness I’ve ever received all my life. It almost feels unreal.” Shayla said, looking emotional.

    Jojo sat beside her in bed, stroking her shoulder for a second.

    “I just like you, and though I dunno why. But I know my soul likes you too. And I hope we stay good forever. Don’t disappoint.”

    “I won’t. I promise.” Shayla smiled.

    “Yunno what? You don’t have to clean. Just cook and go to sleep. You didn’t sleep last night so you need it.” Jojo said.

    “No. I must clean. I really don’t want anything to anger Lord Ryker.” Shayla stood.

    “Well then, as you wish.” Jojo gestured, and Shayla left the room with a chuckle.

    [Soul Hall]

    Azura dropped her arms after about an hour of raising them above Lilith’s body in bed.

    She finished replacing her broken ruptured organs already, so she fused them with her powers to make them merge with her body.

    It’s now done, and all that’s left is for Lilith to wake up.

    She picked a cup of wine from the table behind her, drinking it all at a go. Zeke entered immediately she lowered the cup from her lips.

    “How’s it going?” He asked.

    “You’re always absent, and I’m tired of asking you where you went.” Azura glared at him.

    “This morning is the maidens check, and I had to select the guards who’d stay around the Groove to see how it goes. I wasn’t slacking, so chill.” Zeke replied at once, staring at Lilith.

    “She’s ready. The organs already merged with her body, she only has to wake up.” Azura said.

    “How many days do we have to wait for?” Zeke asked.

    “She should be up in some hours.” Azura sat in front of him.

    “After she wakes, what next?” She asked.

    “She becomes our unmatched messenger of death, what else?” Zeke replied, and Azura filled her glass.

    [Heartless Tower]

    Ryker stood between the two treasure shelves of artifacts and antiques in the middle of the tower.

    His eyes are roaming around the shelves, from one to another. And his demeanor is madly calm.

    He reached for the left shelf and picked a wrapped paper from it. He unwrapped it and threw something like candy in his mouth.

    “That’s the blood poison.” Cheyenne said, entering the room.

    “Are the maidens here?” Ryker asked, ignoring her first words.

    “You just swallowed the blood poison.” Cheyenne said again.

    “Are the maidens here? You either answer this time, or I force you to swallow the blood poison too.” Ryker replied, and though his calm demeanor is still intact, it’s eerie.

    “Yes. The two hundred maidens are here. Sage is currently leading them to the Groove.” Cheyenne replied with reluctance.

    “Go join him, I’ll be there in ten.” Ryker instructed.

    With a bow, Cheyenne left the room, and Ryker left too.

    He didn’t go straight to the Groove. He went to the main castle, sliding into the FrostOrb Hall.

    He gave himself a cut and wet the orb with his poisoned blood, very well.

    He was about to exit the room when the twins came in, their eyes still heavy with sleep.

    It’s obvious they came here immediately they woke up.

    But their sleep flew off immediately they saw Ryker, and their expressions bittered up.

    “It’s the infamous bastard, been awhile since I ran into you like this. What have you been up to? Have you been sleeping around with the slave? Or plotting treason with granny?” Sadie said, her arms going crossed across her chest.

    “I go for the first one. I mean…she might be a slave, but I must admit she’s a little fine. I understand if you’re laying with her, but getting her involved with our granny? I won’t take that! I will never!” Soren stepped forward, getting in Ryker’s face like they’re mates.

    “Step back.” Ryker ordered with absoluteness, and Soren frowned, his bravado falling flat at his feet.

    “Stay back?” He repeated.

    Sadie pulled Soren away from Ryker’s path, and Ryker left the room.

    “Why did you pull me that way?” Soren asked.

    “I mean… he’s a bastard who’s held down here cos of his sister’s lifeline, but still… going against him in this FrostOrb Hall would be senseless. He owns all the aura in here, and we only share by absorbing.” Sadie replied.

    “That’s new, Sadie is actually scared of someone?” Soren scoffed.

    “It’s not fear. It’s called giving what belongs to Cesar to Cesar.” Sadie rolled eyes.

    They entered the room fully, both shutting their eyes and embracing the aura of the orb. They absorbed the power they’d be needing today.

    [Bamboo Groove]

    Nothing is more enjoyable to Cheyenne right now than the bored look on Ryker’s face.

    He’s already checking out the maidens, and as he checked them out nakedly, they file out of the Groove through the side exit.

    Cheyenne is the one controlling the exit, and Sage is controlling the entrance.

    Ryker’s knuckles are rested on his temple as he watched them with disinterested eyes.

    He has checked 50+ maidens already, but none bears that stupid fire mark.

    He’s aware that Grand Supreme’s men are surrounding this Groove, but when if the partner would be among these maidens, the probability that they’d get her before him is zero. He’s not that dense.

    Grand Supreme’s men would only see what he wants them to see, and that’s why they can’t even see the fact that he checked the slave for the mark.

    When the 60th maiden entered for her check, Ryker closed his eyes, getting extra bored.

    “I cooked pasta for breakfast. I hope you enjoy it, Granny.” Shayla’s voice entered his ears, and his eyes opened slowly.

    “My Lord, you still have 140 maidens to check. Time is running.” Sage urged.

    The maidens resumed their entries, and Ryker resumed his check.

    For the next one hour, he didn’t stop, making sure he got over the boring check once and for all.

    “Again, we got nothing. Where the hell is the partner hiding?” Sage groaned tiredly.

    “Can’t believe we gathered maidens all night only to end up with nothing.”

    “And the most painful part? They’re all so hot. I was wishing one of them would be.” Cheyenne said, both standing in front of Ryker.

    “But My Lord, why did you swallow the blood poison earlier?” Cheyenne asked.

    “He swallowed what?” Sage gasped.

    “You know what it’s for, stop with the annoying news fishing.” Ryker snapped.

    “You wet the orb with your poisoned blood so first two people to absorb energy from it today would get wounded internally? But why?” Sage said.

    “Wait… first two people would be the twins. They’re always the first so they’ll be the victims. Is it because of what they did to the slave’s room? Did you do it cos of the slave?” Cheyenne said, her eyes darkening with rage again.

    “What slave?” Ryker glared up, and she batted her lids.

    “The room they ruined is in Granny’s chamber, they deserve more than internal wounds.” Ryker continued.

    Cheyenne and Sage went silent.

    “Find me the whereabouts of twelve particular girls.” Ryker suddenly said, and their eyes went back to him.

    “Twelve girls?” They chorused.

    “And their families.” Ryker added.

    [Granny’s Chamber]

    Jojo is done eating her breakfast of pasta, and she fell into a peaceful nap afterwards, so Shayla is currently cleaning the places she left out.

    She’s eating from the snacks in her buffet package as she wiped dust from Jojo’s treasury with a napkin.

    Xena sat on a stool not far from her. She’s eating the snacks with her, and they’re chatting at the same time.

    “What’s your age?” Shayla suddenly asked.

    “353. Three years older than my brother.” Xena replied, and Shayla sighed.

    “You guys that are gifted with long life and everlasting youngness are the luckiest.

    “Luckiest? You really dunno how many times I’ve wished for death just to get out of this hellhole, but I can’t even die cos my lifeline is with that wicked Grand Supreme.” Xena replied, munching her cake.

    “Do you think it’s right to keep things from Lord Ryker?” Shayla asked the question that has been bothering her.

    “Don’t try it. He dislikes lies. Just tell him what’s up. By the way, what are you hiding?” Xena asked.

    “Nothing. Just to be safe.” Shayla smiled awkwardly, returning to her cleaning.

    She dropped her cleaning napkin when she came across a treasure tv, and Xena stood too.

    “Does that still work?” She asked, pressing the button in front of the TV.

    Surprisingly, it came on. There’s only one TV station in the whole of Luminaria, and it either shows news about fashion, beauty, ballet, richness, royalty or power..

    That’s how crazily vain they are.

    And right now…a fashion show is ongoing, with the most fashionable diva in this city on the red carpet.

    “That’s Liza! Liza King! The fashion diva. I swear I’ve been hoping to meet her one day. Apart from ballerina, I’m hoping to really meet this woman. His son Kade is so hot too and I have a crush on him! I heard she’s attending the Upcoming Feast so I can’t wait… maybe I’ll be able to see her!” Xena gushed like an obsessed fan girl.

    Shayla sat there, watching the TV with folded emotions that are trying to ripple out.

    Liza King is her mother.

    And every Luminarian who gets pregnant for a human is supposed to get executed, but how Liza is still alive today is a story Shayla isn’t ready to think about.

    She turned off the tv, and Xena faced her.

    “I was watching my idol!” 

    “Can we practice ballet instead?” Shayla went to the middle of the room where she began making her moves, standing on her toes to do the dance just the way she saw the twins doing it.

    “You’re a witch, aren’t you?” Xena gasped, coming closer.

    “What?” Shayla laughed.

    “I only made you watch the twins with me once, and you already know this much moves? Give me your brain!” Xena held her head, and Shayla laughed again.

    They both eventually turned the treasury to a practice room, secretly doing their dance without grabbing attention.

    [Lumi Fashion Show]

    The show is majorly for showing off the most fashionable women in the city, and there are many wannabes but none can ever stand beside Liza.

    Liza doesn’t have to try. She tops the fashion chain here, owning the major styling websites in the city where citizens pay millions to get her to style them. She’s crazy about it.

    The show ended as early as it started, and the fashion divas began leaving the red carpet, returning to their cars.

    Liza was getting greeted by the others as she neared her car, but as usual, she didn’t reply. She never replies.

    She’s beautiful too, and that gets into her head too much.

    She competes yearly with Esme for the crown of beauty.

    She entered her car where her son—Kade sat, eating apples.

    “You weren’t with apples when I was leaving this car.” Liza said.

    “Don’t act like I’m a powerless fool like your daughter.” Kade replied, and another apple appeared on his palm. He took a fresh bite from that one and grinned.

    “Stop mentioning the daughter, you never listen.” Liza sighed.

    “I just can’t help it. I mean… she’s a slave and it’s interesting to tell. I’m just glad you didn’t birth us for the same father, I’d have hung myself.” Kade sighed.

    “Kade…” Liza warned again.

    “I’m curious, what spell did you put on her to cover the fire mark? How powerful is the spell that even the insane demigod hasn’t known who she is?” Kade leaned forward.

    “Must you do this?” Liza faced him.

    “Tell me…or I’ll announce to everyone that she’s your daughter.” Kade said seriously.

    “I’ll tell you when we get home, now shut that smart mouth.” Liza rolled eyes, purring the car engines to life.

    Kade was smirking as she drove them home. The fact that Shayla is even still alive is bad.

    Meaning he’s not the only child of Liza? Bullshit.

    May Shayla die in that place palace soon, and may her stupid powers remain buried.

    [West Palace]

    Faye looked mad as she came out of the castle. She just got in her car and rode out of the gate.

    Same with Blaise. He came out and screeched off, nearly bursting his car tyres.

    At the same time, Jude drove in, his car nearly colliding with Blaise’s.

    He halted at the small park and came out, scoffing as he watched the back view of Blaise’s car.

    “Is he always angry? That red hair must be driving him nuts.” He shook his head, throwing a glance at the castle.

    He was about to proceed inside when Winona came out, holding the gift package she had gotten for Shayla.

    She handed it to Jude who took it with a sneer.

    “Try to put some respect on the texts you always send. I risked my life to come here, my parents mustn’t find out. You should thank me.” 

    “Thank you, and make sure it gets to my girl. She’d like what I prepared.” Winona smiled.

    “Sure… helping the helpless is fruitful.” Jude smiled back, and Winona sent him middle fingers.

    He returned raised his middle fingers too before getting back in his car, driving out of the castle.

    Kasia joined Winona outside the castle, and she let out a heave beside her.

    “You were right, Jude might be helpful too.” 

    “I told you, so when are you gonna start making your move? I seriously can’t wait to get my girl.” Winona faced her.

    “Calm down, we can’t do this in a hurry. Relax for me.” Kasia said.

    Meanwhile, Jude hasn’t driven far from the castle when he tossed Winona’s gift package out of his car window.

    “Give it to her? If only you know how crazy I am about the slave too.” He smirked, driving his way back to the East Palace.

    [Black Swan Ballet School]

    The weather became too cold, and the air turned even colder before Blaise and Faye got to school.

    They both came out of their respective cars and pulled their pullovers over their heads.

    Blaise covered his own head completely with the cap, and the coverage even spread to his face cos he doesn’t want attention from the students.

    Despite the fact that he escaped the thunder punishment, they’re still gonna mock him.

    He could feel Faye’s steps faltering behind him as they walked into the building together, and he doesn’t even care.

    It’s good that she’s keeping her distance, or he might just tell her something to make her hang.

    They curved the corridor that led to their practice hall, and they had to move out of the way cos things are happening.

    The school is in chaos.

    The twins are crying in pains. They’re both holding their bellies, rolling on the hallway ground.

    They’re bleeding too, from their bellybuttons. And it’s the strangest bleeding spots ever.

    Mercury is crying as she knelt in-between the two of them.

    “What’s really happening? Someone call the palace! Sadie! Soren!!!”

    Blaise left the corridor, going outside to see the cold weather is getting worse. Now the clouds are even turning black like it’s gonna rain.

    And just as he thought about that, the rain began falling as if it’s monitoring his mind and thoughts.

    [East Palace, Royal Office]

    Azura and Zeke are reviewing the tax documents that Jude worked on, and they both look hella bus.

    They’re not even looking at each other.

    They don’t even care about the black atmosphere or the pouring rain.

    A guard ran into the office without knocking, and Zeke was ready to strike him down, but the news he brought was more important.

    “The twins, they’re in danger in school.” 

    “My babies?” Azura stood, throwing away the pen she’s using.

    Another guard came inside, and that one looks terrified than the first one.

    “The bastard…he entered the city, and we followed him like you instructed. We thought he wanted to go in search of Xena’s twin again, but then he started gathering girls. Twelve girls from the culinary school, but not only the girls, he also gathered their families—parents, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and grandparents. He slaughtered them all at Mount Zhitomir. They’re over 300.” He reported.

    “He what???” Zeke and Azura chorused, their eyes widening.

    [Granny’s Chamber]

    Xena was panting as she ran inside, and she’s very wet from the rain cos she held no umbrella here.

    The weather is still dark, and the rain is still very heavy.

    She met Granny at the outer chamber, and she’s communicating with her mirror.

    “Xena?” Jojo stood.

    “Grandma, where’s Shay?” She asked breathlessly, and Shayla came out of the inner chamber, her hair twisted and dress crumpled cos she was sleeping before Xena came.

    “What happened at the culinary school yesterday? Be honest with me. You said something about lying to my brother.” Xena rushed to her.

    “Nothing happened” Shayla said, determined to uphold her promise to the teacher.

    “Stop lying! If nothing happened, then why did he gather twelve girls from the school and their family generations to slaughter ?” Xena said.

    “What!” Shayla’s eyes widened.

    “Slaughtered?” Jojo stood.

    “I started suspecting the moment it started raining suddenly. But now it has been confirmed. The news is everywhere. He killed them all.” Xena said breathlessly.

    Shayla swallowed twice and thrice, trying to digest everything.

    Twelve girls bullied her last night, and he killed twelve girls and their families today.

    He knew? 

    He f+ckin knew?

    She must have been so silly to think he wouldn’t find out.

    He’s the feared demigod, so what was she thinking?

    She rushed out of the chamber, refusing to listen to the callings of Xena and Jojo.

    She doesn’t even know the location of Heartless Tower in this palace, but she heart it’s in the middle, so she found her way to the middle after ten minutes of rallying round in the rain.

    She was soaked by the time she arrived there, but she vet Cheyenne and Sage in front of the tower, and she just knows it’d be hard especially with Cheyenne.

    “Is Lord Ryker back?” She asked.

    “Now that you got a little room at the chamber, you’re suddenly asking of him? Damn, I hate your guts.” Cheyenne went forward, but Sage pulled her back.

    “Let me go I should put this sl+t in her place!” Cheyenne pulled back.

    “I’m not a sl+t, stop calling me that. Call me a slave instead.” Shayla replied.

    “Did she just talk back? Seriously? Sage I need to end her life, now!” Cheyenne spat, wanting to move again, but the rain suddenly stopped, though the dark weather still stayed.

    “My Lord?” Sage blinked as Ryker appeared behind them.

    Cheyenne relaxed too, inhaling deep.

    With a soft turn, Shayla faced him too, and she wasn’t surprised with his appearance.

    Bloody face, again. More bloody than she has ever seen on him.

    Even his robe is dripping with blood as if he bathed with it.

    His hands are bloody, too. Down to his feet.

    He signalled to his knights, and they both went inside. Cheyenne was glaring obviously at Shayla till she was out of sight.

    Ryker stepped Shayla aside, walking past her on the paved ground without sparing her a glance.

    “She begged me! The teacher begged me not to tell, so I had pity and didn’t tell!” She quickly said.

    With an unexpected twist, Ryker whipped around, facing her. There’s no warmth in his eyes again. There has never been.

    “Pity? I’ll kill you if you mention that one more time in front of me. I took you there, and they did that, meaning they lost regards and fear. How dare anyone touch what I planted? And you thought it was natural to let it go and have pity on the teacher by not telling me? I badly want to kill you right now. So shut up, and don’t make it come to pass.” He said, easily as if death is his favorite chant.

    The words shoved a jagged ice to Shayla’s mind, and despite the induced fear, she looked him straight in the eye, her palms getting sweaty even with the rainwater on her skin.

    Ryker resumed his walk, but just as he was about to get to the main door, she went after him again, boldly grabbing his bloody hand.

    Ryker stopped, his face turning back and his eyes landing on the hand she’s holding.

    Her warmness wrapped around him again like a second skin, spreading from that arm to his chest, his back…

    “I’m sorry, Moy Vladika. I won’t lie to you anymore.” She said softly, meaning every word.

    Moy Vladika means My Lord in his family language.

    He looked up, his eyes catching hers.

    “Let go of that hand, now!!” Cheyenne bursted out, coming for them with her long red nails.

    A wave of Ryker’s free hand landed Cheyenne on the floor. She passed out like a lump.

    Shayla held Ryker’s hand with her second hand too, feeling his intense coldness deep under her skin.

    TBC

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • Heart Of Stone – Prologue

    Heart Of Stone – Prologue

    HEART OF STONE

    Heart Of Stone – Prologue

     (..Sold•To•The•Pit•Of•Hell..)

    All rights reserved 

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025.

    By: Naomi Cindy B.

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

    Luminaria is a world beyond humans, a world for cruel people with magic. Heartless beings who live on power and feed insatiably on it. 

    They stomp on the weak without mercy, shed their blood with celebratory grins.

    Citizens of Luminaria are forbidden from having affairs with humans. 

    If such happens and a pregnancy occurs between a Luminarian and a human, then the child is born powerless and weak and automatically becomes a slave for sale in The Dark Room while the parents gets executed.

    Shayla grew up in one of the coldest slave cages of The Dark Room. Born of a human father and a Luminarian mother, her fate has been sealed since birth—destined to be a slave.

    Now in Luminaria, there are two ruling families. 

    The Millions—main owners of the city. They control the Grand Palace and are the most powerful beings existing. Pride is their armor, wickednes is their food, richness is their sign, and that even showed through their name. MILLIONS.

    The Spectres—second owners of the city. They were the original owners, but they weren’t as powerful. They completely lose their powers at midnight every night.

    For this reason, The Millions family snatched the city from them, and they were made second-in-command.

    The more slave a family has, the more their status elevate, and that’s why both families are the major visitors of The Dark Room monthly to compete at the auctions.

    Shayla’s sale day finally came,, her cage was dragged out for auction in the Dark Room.

    She watched the two families fight over her price, bidding hatefully with their bid-paddles, bloody voices and brutal utterances.

    For the first time in years, The Spectres won over The Millions in the auction, but just as Shayla was about to get handed over to the Spectres, there was a turnaround.

    A turnaround which reshaped her life—for worse, flinging her into the abyssal depth of darkness.

    Are you curious? I know you are.

    C’mon, let’s dive in.

    Don’t dare miss out!

    **

    Next Episode