This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken or decisions made based on the content of this story. Readers are encouraged to interpret the material responsibly and understand that it is intended for entertainment purposes only.
Father’s hand cruelly wrapped around Tales’ throat, lifting him without much effort off the ground. Tales gasped, his fingers burrow at Father’s strong grip as his legs kicked frantically in the air. “You should’ve learned your place,” Father hissed, his tone is frighteningly mad and full of monstrosity. “But I suppose fools like you only understand pain.” Without waiting for a response, he slammed Tales against the wall. The thud echoed through the room as Tales let out a strangled cry, his face screams pain, a bead of tear fall from the end of his eyes, and blood trickling down from the fresh wound on his temple. Raja's men closed their eyes as their brows furrowed. They don't like how it is going but they can't do anything. They're afraid of 'father.' Raja stood sternly, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His expression remained cold and emotionless, but his eyes and jaw betrayed him. “Nothing to say, Raja?” Father’s voice was taunting, his grip tightened more on Tales’
The chirps of the nocturnal insects and the faint sound of waves were all they could hear from outside. The small room felt like a cage made to trap animals; its walls were cold and bare, the air is stuffy and suffocating. In the corner, a child sat curled up, his shoulders are shaking as tears streamed down his face. His sobs broke the silence—sharp, irregular and the only noise in the cramped room. Near the door, an older boy sat with his brows furrowed and fists clenched tight. His eyes were filled with annoyance, and his patience was running thin as he looked at the boy who was crying. Clearly, the crybaby was from a privileged background. Judging by his clothes, he might be the son of a wealthy businessman. “Stop crying,” he snapped, his voice sending a warning. “It’s not going to help.” He looked out the small window and saw that they were far from urban areas. This place was most likely isolated. Outside, gunmen patrolled, keeping watch for any signs of rebellion. The younge
Tales' heart fastly beats as Jake's words sank in. The room seemed to close in around him and the air became heavy with suffocating tension. He scooted back into the bed, trying to distance himself with the crazy person."Do you have a screw loose?" Tales muttered, his voice filled with disdain.Jake’s grin widened, his eyes sparkle with a strange, unpredictable light. He settle himself casually on the edge of the bed, as if this was just a friendly chat. "Insane? Oh, Tales, what a harsh word. Can’t we just call it... eccentricity? It’s charming, don’t you think?" He leaned closer, lowering his voice creepily . "I mean, who wouldn’t fall for you after that feisty glare you shot at Father? It was mesmerizing, like watching a handsome storm roll in."Tales feel abhorrence towards him, his expression is twisting in disgust. "Don’t you dare—"Jake laughed by Tales reaction, throwing his head back, the sound is sharp and nettle.'How amusing.' "Dare? Oh, Tales, I don’t need to dare. I jus
Tales' pulse quickened as Raja suddenly stepped into the room. Raja's face was so different from before. His face looked troubled. He had dark circles under his eyes, and it was obvious he hadn't been sleeping well. His face immediately filled with questions.' Why is he here again? What does he want this time?'But Tales squeezed his eyes shut, noticing the tension that had overtaken the room between Raja and Jake. 'Damn this.' The shift in atmosphere was insane, as if someone had cranked the AC to full blast. Tales stiffened, holding his breath. He knew Raja was trouble, but tonight, the man was pure menace. The way he looked at Jake—Tales felt like Raja could kill him at any moment.'Yet what's with Jake? He's smiling even more widely.'Jake glanced up, his lips curving into that cocky grin. “Well, well, the prince himself. I was starting to think I’d be the only one having fun around here.”Damn. Now, we're doomed!Raja didn’t speak; he didn’t need to. His lips pressed together, a
As Tales watched Raja walk away from him, he clenched his jaw. He closely observed his every move. Although he truly despised and hated him, he still needed to find out who Raja really was."Raja Madrigal," he said, asking for any reaction. It wasn't loud, nor was it soft—just enough for his words to be heard. Raja stopped walking but remained with his back turned."The name is the same as yours," Tales carefully stated. "Do we have any other connection besides this one?"A moment of silence. Neither spoke. But when Raja turned around, Tales did not expect his reaction. He thought Raja would get angry at him or perhaps laugh and admit he had been playing him all along, but there was no reaction on his face. It was flat and blank."Raja Madrigal," Raja repeated, looking up at the ceiling. "We don't have any connection, Tales," he said coldly before walking away completely.Tales sighed. "I'd rather believe him than uncover the truth myself. I'd rather live in ignorance. I don't want to
Tales woke up drenched in sweat. His eyes were wide and glaring. He swallowed hard and squeezed his eyes shut tightly. "That damn dream again."He rubbed his face out of frustration. "Why do I keep having these nightmares?" he murmured. Then he stopped as he realized something. It wasn't like this before, but ever since 'father' came—though he didn't really know who he was—his bad dreams had started."Don't tell me, it's because of the bastard 'father?" He unbelievably ask himself. No way! How could it be!He sat hunched on the edge of the bed, his right palm was pressed to his temples while his left one is on his thigh. The dark circles beneath his eyes show how rough and restless his night is, yet even when be heard the footsteps and when the door burst open with a smiling penguin, he didn't flinch. He just look at Jake plainly. 'Looking at him is making my head hurts more.'"Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" Jake’s voice was bright and exaggerated, almost sing-song, and immediately ra
"Let's have sex." Tales’ voice was sharp, unyielding despite the fire burning in his chest. It is suffocating him. He's tired. He's exhausted. He just wants to be alone but everything is just messed. He feels like if he'll really stays with Raja, he'll discover something devastating about him. And he's not ready for that. “If we fuck, does that settle the debt? How many times do I need to let you have me before this is over?” Raja froze, the weight of those words slamming into him like a ton of ores. Silence ensued as he directly stare to Tales who's so serious and his face shows conviction. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of his own shallow breathing. Then, slowly, his lips twisted into something dangerous—half a grin, half a snarl. “Say that again.” His baritones voice was barely a whisper, hoarse not with shock, but with something darker. Something feral. He felt like Tales just woke something in him. Tales stood firm, staring him back despite the suffocating air R
They entered the house, and Tales immediately noticed Jake’s absence—who should have greeted them with a smile. The living room was empty and quiet. They immediately ascended the stairs and entered the red room. Raja shut the door behind them, his presence oppressive as always. The red room looked more like a dungeon inside. It felt suffocating. The walls were a deep, matte red, engrossing the dim glow of a small chandelier that barely lit the space. Metal hooks and brackets lined the walls, bearing an assortment of restraints, chains, and other items that Tales couldn’t immediately identify or fathom. The air smelled of something Tales couldn’t recognize, but it irritated his nose. In the center of the room stood a large bed covered in smooth, black satin sheets. The bedposts were equipped with heavy metal rings, likely for restraints. To one side, there was a sleek black cabinet, its doors slightly open to reveal rows of neatly arranged items—blindfolds, cuffs, and an assortment of
Two Years LaterIt was early morning, the sun only just beginning to spill its gold over the horizon, casting soft light on the water that glistened like starlights. Gentle waves rolled onto the smooth, pale shore with a hush-hush rhythm, as though the ocean itself was content, no longer raging.The scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the open windows of the small kitchen. A warm, golden glow filled the room as the sun streamed through the window, catching on the various plants that hung from the rafters. The air smelled like saltwater and fresh herbs, mingling together creating a very fragrant smell.Tales stood at the kitchen counter, his hands moving expertly as he kneaded dough, humming under his breath. The simple rhythm of the task was grounding for him, a reminder of how far he’d come from the chaos that had once filled his life.Behind him, Raja was leaning against the doorframe, watching with a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. His hair was ruffled becau
"I promise."Tales’ breath hitched, eyes searching Raja’s with raw desperation. His voice trembled, barely more than a whisper.It wasn't enough. He need more assurance. He needs to know that this is not just a dream.“Say that you love me.”Raja didn’t even pause. His answer came fast—like it had been sitting on the edge of his tongue for far too long. His eyes were shining from the faint street lights as he said those words.“I love you.”The air between them shifted—thick, electric, impossible to ignore. It feels like Tales' saw millions of stars in Raja's eyes. His heart beat fast and he can only clench his hands on Raja's chest before surged forward, clasping his hands on Raja's nape. This kiss wasn’t soft.It wasn’t hesitant.It was fire and hunger and every unspoken word finally released. Their mouths collided with much urgency, lips crashing together like they’d been starved—like they were desperate to claim, to prove, to feel. Hands tangled in hair, fingers fisted in clothes
"Are you out of your damn mind?!"Tales blinked because of the familiar voice. He rubbed his eyes to get a clear view of who it is and when he confirmed who it was, he immediately turned his face away. It's Raja!“Why are you... here…” Tales managed to rasp, his voice thick with the weight of everything unsaid, all the pain that had built up in his chest. "You should've just stayed hidden. You tormented me so much and now you appeared and act like a hero? If you don't love me anymore, then don't bother. Do you take me for a pushover?!"But even so... even if I am a pushover —I missed you.Raja’s gaze softened for just a second, but it was gone almost as quickly as it came. He shook his head, his voice dropping to a more dangerous tone. “You’re an idiot, you know that? You think drowning yourself in alcohol will bring me back? It won’t.”Tales stared at him, his breath coming in short gasps. His mind reeled, trying to process everything. Raja was here. Raja was standing in front of hi
Hah. Hah. Hah. Tales stopped running in the middle of the road as he put his two palms on his thighs. He was out of breath and his sweating buckets. His heart was pounding so much from running and the information he acquired. 'Oliver Ortega, even now, you're still hunting me and making me miserable.'Does Raja knew? Why? Why would he want me to know that Oliver is my father? When he could just bury it for the betterment of us. Even now, the taught of Raja's disappearance seems to bury the weight of the recent information he just acquire.Call... I should make a call—Oh.Tales crouch in frustration. He don't have a phone, and even if he had, be don't know Rajas personal number. Still, if he had, he could have ask his unanswered questions. Why hadn’t he called? He could’ve at least sent a message, some sign that he wasn’t lost to him forever. But he had vanished. Not just physically, but emotionally, disappearing without a trace, leaving him with nothing but the ache of abandonmen
Tales stand up and patted his pants before walking back inside the headquarters. He went into his room and find out that his belongings are still there. He clench his teeth. This hurts like hell. He may not want to admit it but Raja's disappearance leave a bitter taste. He packed his belongings but he stop midway when he heard that he's not alone. Who is it?Is it—It couldn't be him—The sound of footsteps echoed down the empty hallway of the headquarters. Tales immediately towards the terrace and looked down from above. His hand grips the rails tightly anticipating the person who's here but to his disappoinment it wasn't him but—“Tales?”He blinked, caught off guard by the familiar voice. Then his vision become clearer—“Ria?”She stood in the base of the staircase, a little out of breath, holding a paper bag in one hand and a curious look in her eyes. Her long black coat fluttered as she stepped inside. For a second, she didn’t move. Then she smiled.“Wow. You’re really here.”Ta
A Month Later.Tales had healed—physically, at least. The bruises had faded, the wounds had closed. He hadn't been discharged, he was just given pain meds and instructions to rest to avoid stress. But resting was impossible.Because Raja never came back.At first, Tales had understood. He told himself Raja was busy. That he was handling his men, making sure they had shelter, rebuilding what was lost.But a week turned into two. Then three. Then a full month.No visits.No calls.No messages.Tales tried to ignore it. Tried to pretend it didn’t hurt, that it didn’t eat away at him every time he glanced at his phone and saw nothing.But it did. It really did.He hated how much it affected him.How much Raja’s absence felt like a wound all on its own.Tales feels like waking up in the aftermath of a storm that only he remember—where the sky looks calm, but everything inside him is in ruins. It’s like carrying around a wave of silence in your chest, every breath echoing against his jumbl
The hospital was colder than Raja expected. Too white and too sterile. The scent of antiseptic seems to clung desperately to his skin, mixing with the dried blood in his body. He hadn’t moved from his spot beside the bed since the doctors had taken Tales in.He will not leave. Not until Tales opened his eyes.If Tales were to... No. That can't happen. It shouldn't happen or else he'll really follow him to hell.When he had first stormed into the emergency room, carrying Tales’ limp, bloody body in his arms, the entire hospital had gone silent as if the scene they're witnessing straight out of the movies. The nurses had frozen in place, their eyes widening as they took in his disheveled state."Get me a fucking doctor!" Raja had roared, his voice slicing through the silence like a blade."Sir—" one of them had started hesitantly."Put him into the bed. Now." One of the personnel that seems like a doctor shouted to gain the attention of the people who's in dazed and is hesitant to appro
Back to the present.The air smelled strongly of blood. It soaked the concrete of the building, pooling around the bodies of Jake’s men, their throats slit, skulls broken, guts spilling out onto the floor. Raja stood among the massacre with his chest heaving and sweat mixing with the splattered blood that coated his skin. His blade dripped, each drop of blood falling with a rhythmic pat against the ground.Jake on the other hand sighed after his long flashback of memories. He's irritated of why he remembered that now. He look at Raja who's attention is not on him but on Tales. “You really like him huh,” he mused, gazing towards Tales direction. “Didn't really know you like used products." He dissed.Raja flinches and his aura darkened, but after sometime, his facial expression is relax. "You can't get anything by saying such nonsense, Jake. You still have to die." He says while his focus was still on Tales. His body. His breathing even though it was shallow and faint. Too faint."Oh
Jake’s resentment festered like an untreated wound.For years, he swallowed the bitterness, forced himself to held his head high in front of Oliver, forced himself to play the loyal unambitious son, even as something in him curdled and rotted with every passing day.He should’ve given up. He should’ve accepted it. Raja became Oliver’s favorite. Raja became the chosen one. Raja was the one who mattered.But Jake wasn’t built to accept. He wasn’t built to be cast aside. He was trained for survival. So if Oliver didn’t see him as his son—Then Jake would make sure Oliver had nothing left to see at all. If he couldn’t be Oliver’s greatest creation, he would be his greatest failure.However, that alone wasn’t enough to burn Oliver’s empire to the ground. Being a disgrace would only give a little to no impact towards Oliver and the organization. No—Jake wanted to carve it apart, piece by piece, while Oliver was still alive to witness it crumble.And so, he planned.He started with Victor.