As the group emerged from the granary, the night air greeted them with an icy chill. Tales let go of Raja the moment they were outside, letting the man stagger. For all he cares. The men who's fine without any injuries immediately positioned themselves in the periphery to guard and observe the surroundings incase an ambush will happen again. “See? Still standing,” Raja said, spitting BS despite the blood seeping through his side. “Barely,” Tales retorted, brushing dirt off his hands. Raja side eyed him for doing that but didn't say anything. “You should’ve dropped back there and saved me the trouble.” “Oh, don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy holding me up,” Raja teased, his smirk widening. "You're worried about me, that's why you came back." Tales stiffened, his eyes narrowing. “Enjoy? You’re lucky I didn’t just leave you to bleed out.” Tales didn’t even turn around. “ And come again? Worried?" He ask as if trying to make it clear that Raja really did say that. " Maybe I am... Worri
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
The tension was thick, suffocating, pressing down on the factory like a weight no one could lift off.Tales gripped his knife tightly, his breathing steady but his pulse drumming loudly in his ears. Ria stood just behind him, eyes darting between Raja and Jake. Curious of what their relationship is and what kind of people are they. The tension in the air intensifies even more as sharp as a blade.Raja’s smirk had long since vanished, replaced with something colder. His fingers twitched at his sides, itching to move, to strike. He look at Jake with much disdain. Jake stood at the entrance, his stance relaxed but his presence undeniable. Unshaken. Like he had expected this moment. And they way his lips curled for a smirk, it looks like he was excited of the way this activity unfolded.And then—Jake sighed. “Don't look at me like that, you too. Aren't you happy to see me?” his head turned towards Tales direction and give him a playful look. "Didn't you miss me, my love?"Tales immediat
The air around them shifted.It was like the world had gone silent for a brief moment before the storm.Tales gripped the phone whom he immediately snatched away from Raja, staring at the image on the screen. Ria—bound, bruised, with her eyes showing exhaustion yet with defiance. She wasn’t broken. Not yet.However they'll do anything to make her submit.And that was enough to make Tales' blood run cold.He turned to Raja, eyes asking for his opinion—no... A help. And looks like, Raja will honor his request. The barely restrained fury. The dark promise of violence lurking behind his unreadable expression.They immediately called the suspect to ask for their location or what they want however, no on pick up the call that made them feel even shitter. Then—Raja’s phone vibrated.A message.> Unknown: Stop calling for information. Let Tales save the girl.Tales' entire body went rigid. His jaw clenched as his fingers tightened around the phone.Another text.> Unknown: Don’t look so pis
The air was laced with the scent of blood and smoke as Raja and Tales stepped out of the ruined hideout. Their boots left behind dark footprints, but neither of them looked back. Raja immediately called Claren to ask for a clean up of the area. Authorities might suspect and investigate them. He can no longer be complacent now that he's planning to cut ties with father."Alright. On the way."Now, it was done.The past had been confronted. The ghosts had been silenced.But at what cost?Tales' hands were still trembling, the weight of the knife lingering in his grip even though he had already wiped it clean. His body felt light, almost numb, like he was drifting between reality and something else. He didn't feel any remorse yet the emotions he felt now is so deep that he can't really ignore it.Raja walked beside him, silent, his presence a steady force against the storm inside Tales’ chest.For a long time, neither of them spoke. The surroundings around them felt unnaturally quiet, as
“Raja.”A voice.Familiar. Firm.He stopped.Slowly, he turned.Tales stood a few feet away. His face was tense, his eyes locked onto Raja like he was trying to read him. His breathing was steady, but there was something behind it—something controlled, like he was forcing himself to stay calm. Raja on the other hand was surprised. But he chooses not to let Tales' know through his expression.Raja raised an eyebrow. “You followed me.”Tales stepped closer. “I’m not an idiot.” and walked slowly towards where Raja and Clein is. Tales’ gaze flicked to Raja’s hands—his sleeves, stained with blood. His expression darkened. “You found them.”Raja didn’t answer because it's obvious.Tales clenched his fists. “You killed them.”Raja shrugged. “Of course, I did.”Tales stared at him, his throat bobbing. He don't know what to feel. He's thankful but at the same time he's uneasy. “I never asked you to do this.”Raja let out a quiet laugh, one without humor. “You didn’t have to.”Silence. Tales f
Raja stood in the alley, surrounded by bodies. The air smelled like blood, thick and full of tension. The fight had been quick—too easy. They had begged, made excuses, tried to run. For Raja, it didn’t matter.They were dead now.He rolled his shoulders, wiping the back of his hand against his cheek. A smudge of blood smeared across his skin, but he didn’t care. His focus was elsewhere."In order for me to locate them, tell me your location."Raja can't believe what he was hearing. Apparently, Zaden thinks that he's a fool. Wow?! Licking father's ass made his head got bigger, huh?"Where are you?" Zaden's voice was indifferent, accompanied by the faint clacking of a keyboard in the background.Raja smirked slightly. "Close."More typing. "That's not an answer.""Don't need to answer if you already know," Raja muttered, his tone just as flat.A brief silence as if proving Raja's words. Then, Zaden continued. "You're near the location. Their boss is hiding in an old gambling den—still a
Raja moved through the crowd, his pace slow, unhurried to avoid being notice. But inside, his blood was boiling. His hands itched to wrap around the throats of the men walking ahead, completely unaware that death was already watching them.Then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. His eyes flicked down as he be look at the screen. Zaden.He answered without breaking stride. “What did you find out?"Zaden’s voice is still professional and cold. “Right. You told me to dig into the gangs operating around Tales’ hometown. See if any of them were involved in… well, you didn’t give me details, but I assumed it was bad.” A pause. “I found something.”Raja’s grip on the phone tightened as if he had been waiting for this moment. “They were known as the Crows. They ran the underground trade in that area. Small-time, but brutal. They sold people off for slavery in illegal auctions , extorted businesses, took what they wanted. Word is, a woman with a gambling problem sold her own kid to them.”Raj
That voice—He turned, eyes widening slightly.Ria.She stood a few feet away, her expression shifting from disbelief to relief.“Tales!” She hurried toward him, looking him over like she couldn’t believe her own eyes. She immediately wrap his slender arms towards Tales' body out of excitement.Tales stiffened. “Ria?”Ria clench his teeth. She don't know what to say to Tales but one thing she knows is that she doesn't want to let go of Tales. She look up as if to touch his face, then hesitated, her brows furrowing. “I’ve been looking for you!”Tales blinked. “Looking for me?”'Why would she look for me when I clearly told her that I'm moving out?'Raja, who had been silent until now, tilted his head slightly, his sharp gaze settling on the woman in front of them. He don't what he's feeling but he's sure it's not happiness. He's not happy in the slightest to see this woman.Ria finally seemed to notice him, her eyes flickering to Raja.And then… narrowing slightly.Her entire posture s
The sun hung lazily in the sky as Raja and Tales drive through the road, their pace was neither fast not slow. The world they passed by bustled with life—vendors shouting, children laughing, the scent of street food filling the air.Tales leaned against the window, watching the scenery shift from clean roads to rougher neighborhoods. He exhaled slowly, fingers tapping against his thigh.Raja, on the other hand, was anything but tense.He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other casually resting on Tales’ knee.Tales glanced at him. “Hands. Off.”Raja just chuckled and didn't take his hands off. Instead his fingers enveloped to Tales' fingers too. Tales had already guessed where they were going. The familiar roads and infrastructure give away hints. And as much as he didn’t want to set foot in that house again, he didn’t resist when Raja tugged him along.Surprisingly, Tales didn’t hate it.He's being insufferably clingy.He leaned into Tales’ space with every opportunity he got li
The tension in the dining hall had evolve into something heavier— anticipation to achieve freedom but dreadful to the chance that they'll not survive. However, the decision had been made. They would all follow Raja and severe ties with Father. But now came the true test of their resolve.But before Raja could begin discussing strategies, an uneasy voice broke the silence.“Um…”All eyes turned toward Liam, one of the younger members of Unit 1. He was usually quiet, never one to speak up in these meetings. His fingers fidgeted against the rim of his cup indicating how frightened he is but at the same time, he wants to know. His face was slightly pale, as if he had been holding in his question for too long.“Liam?” Raja prompted, raising an eyebrow.Liam hesitated, clearly regretting speaking up after meeting Raja's cold gaze. He swallowed hard, avoiding eye contact. “I—uh—about the… the six punishments…” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, rubbing the back of his neck.Raja’s eyes na