Novel-novel oleh Onlyeh

Ajax worked quickly, wrapping gauze around the gunshot wound on Caius’ side. The bleeding had already stopped, and the wound was clean. “Good thing it wasn’t fatal,” Ajax said as he secured the bandage. “He only fainted because he lost too much blood.” Isis didn’t answer. His eyes were fixed on the blood bag hanging from the IV stand. “This is enough, correct?” “Yes, my Lord.” Ajax stood straight. “It was easy to request blood from the Confederacion Head Quarter. Since I have medical experience, everything went smoothly.” Isis let out a slow breath and looked down at his brother. Caius lay unconscious on the bed, pale and still. Isis sat beside him, leaning against the headboard, gently combing Caius’ hair with his fingers. His face remained blank as he stared up at the ceiling. After several quiet seconds, Isis spoke. “I wonder why he is here.” Ajax straightened. “My source said he got injured after stealing something from a Triad sub-Head Quarter here in the country.

Isis woke up feeling unusually calm. Something warm was resting on his chest, and it felt… good. He never felt this at ease. Usually, he woke irritated or completely numb.Opening his eyes, his heart nearly jumped out of his chest.It was Xanthe.She was asleep, her head resting on his chest, her face turned toward him. So close. His heart pounded loudly.Would she hear my heartbeat?He bit his lower lip, thinking of how to adjust their positions without waking her. Her face was dangerously close, and he couldn’t stop his mind from wandering.He knew the position was probably uncomfortable for her, but she was so sleepy that she didn’t seem to care.Fuck! How can I be so selfish?He glanced at his wristwatch. 5:25 a.m.Motherfucker! I didn’t expect to sleep this long! He was used to sleeping only thirty minutes to an hour, without pills. And last night, he hadn’t taken any.His gaze returned to Xanthe’s peaceful face. I actually fell asleep on her lap… as a pillow… and slept well. Tha

That day, Isis left the café early. It was the first time he went home early, and Xanthe was secretly pleased. At least he had listened and was finally resting properly. Isis had been working at her café for a week now. And she could say one thing: he was hardworking. No matter the task, he never complained. Even though his face rarely showed emotion, he worked well and efficiently. “I’ll go ahead, boss,” Aiofe said, getting into a taxi. “Okay.” Xanthe smiled and waved. “Take care, Aiofe. Good night.” “Good night, boss,” Aiofe replied before closing the taxi door. “Is it okay, boss, that we leave early?” Juls asked, riding on his motorcycle with Josh as his passenger. “It’s getting late.” Xanthe smiled at them. “I’m fine. I can handle myself.” “Alright, boss. Take care.” “You too.” After they left, Xanthe gazed at the dark sky, waiting for a passing taxi. She hugged herself against the chill and clenched her fists. Even after seeing many therapist

Xanthe blinked as she saw Isis outside her café early in the morning. They were just about to open, but he was already there. What was he doing? “I told you to rest, didn’t I?” she asked immediately as she approached him. He just smiled, took the keys he was holding, and opened the café’s roll-up door. Worry crept into her chest as she watched him force it open. “Careful! Your wounds…” she started, but he waved her off. “It won’t kill me,” he said cheekily, moving to open the glass door. “See? I’m still alive.” She grabbed the keys from him. “Why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to rest? You promised me yesterday.” “I did rest. And you only told me to rest. You didn’t say how long. I followed your instructions.” She sighed. “Smart-ass.” Isis grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment. Anyway… I’m here because I want to help. I’ve always wanted to be a waiter and—” “Isis,” she interrupted, narrowing her eyes. “You’re not doing this just to pay me back, right?” He pa

Isis had been trained to speak perfectly, to act like a proper nobleman. He knew what to say, how to move, how to socialize. He had mastered the art of communication. But now… when the woman’s eyes met his, he froze. His mind went blank. He was speechless. His tongue felt tied. His heart raced. His palms sweated. What the hell is happening to me? Seconds passed, and his brain still refused to work. Was he in shock? He just stared at her, unable to speak. “Aiofe,” the woman in front of him said, looking at another woman behind the counter. “Feed the kids, please.” “Yes, boss,” the girl said, taking the children away. So she was the owner of this café? Isis blinked. The woman’s eyes returned to him, and she took a step closer, observing him. She was so near, and his mind scrambled. “You look better,” she said, smiling gently. “I’m glad.” His eyes widened. It’s really her… it’s her voice. “You really remember me? I mean, you were unconscious.” “I heard you and r

Isis felt numb. So numb he couldn’t even feel pain. He had lost count of how many lashes had struck his back while his hands and feet were chained. He knelt in the center of the punishment hall, silent, motionless, yet fully conscious. Why hadn’t he passed out? What had he done wrong this time? He couldn’t remember the rule he broke. His mind was full of pain, anger, guilt, and confusion. Madness crept in slowly, taking his sanity bit by bit. He wanted to scream, to call for help, but he didn’t. He had been taught never to beg. He was taught to be above everyone. Another punishment would come. And he was tired. Tired of being punished for simply existing. Tired of being an obedient dog. Tired of trying to be a good brother. Tired of being a monster. Tired of pretending. “I’m just… so tired… of living,” he whispered. His lips moved, but no sound came as the last lash struck his back. “I’m sorry,” he heard Colter say softly while removing his chains. “I’m just following orde