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Jerome went still. Completely still.Beside him, Lazarus froze.How had he failed to notice that his Lord was not with them? Was he worthy of his Lord’s trust?But unlike Lazarus, Jerome didn’t stay that way for long. He snapped out of his inner chaos, analysing every eventuality as he slowly lifted his head and looked at the bewildered faces before him. His gaze settled on Thomas.The young man had a tight, guilty expression, one that was anything but innocent.“Speak.” Jerome narrowed his eyes. That expression seemed to scream… ‘I am an equal partner in crime’. He knew it well… not on Thomas, but on his brother’s accomplice. Jerome shook his head as the thought came unbidden.Like father, like son.Thomas exhaled, defeat already written across his face, silently apologizing to Jack.“They wanted to ride to Stranton’s place to seek the healer, so we wouldn’t waste time fetching her once we reach Southamberston.” He shrugged lightly. “What we don’t have right now is the luxury of time
By dawn the next day, Jack and his entourage had arrived at the ice cave. This time, there were no surprises… they knew the drill.Zelda was at her last straw when Jack arrived.She had forgotten just how insufferable those two could be… or rather, how insufferable they became when their sworn brother was hurt. Any longer, and she might have ended up blowing the two of them…and this entire place apart…“Do you have a plan?” Zelda asked, her expression midway between enthusiasm and exasperation. She had never felt so desperate as in these 24 hours… even the decade long frustration of not being to find a cure couldn’t compare…Jack cocked an eyebrow towards Thomas, taking in Zelda’s state.“That’s my father for you…” Thomas muttered. He leaned forward and whispered, “Add godfather Cornelius into the mix… I am honestly impressed this place is still standing.”“The children have a plan.” Jerome shrugged; he wasn’t convinced but there wasn’t anything much he do either.Zelda turned her att
Back in the privacy of their room, Jack had just finished taking a bath when Mira began her negotiations.“Husband, can you listen to me?” she asked, slipping into his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck. Her eyes blinked up at him expectantly, “I have worked out a way, without getting into trouble.”“My dear wife, I know what you want to do…” he paused. “Or at least I think I do… and that’s dangerous. We are no longer on our own. There are people all around us.”“I know… I know…” Mira covered his mouth “Just listen to me first.”Jack sighed helplessly, gently pulling her hands away and pressing a kiss to them. “Alright. I will listen… but you have to listen to me if I feel it’s dangerous.”Mira pouted as she looked at him. Her gaze slowly turned sly. Behind her back, she made a small gesture, as if nullifying whatever promise she had just made, before nodding obediently.“Alright.”She explained her plan to Jack in detail, carefully leaving out one critical detail- the cost. Th
Jack couldn’t bear to stay angry with his beloved wife.But anger didn’t simply disappear. It lingered, coiling tighter, sharper, demanding release. And he knew what awaited him when he returned… the conversation would continue.So, he went to the one place where he could vent without guilt- the training field.At first, the soldiers were thrilled.Training with their lord- sparring, no less, in one-on-one combat. They rushed forward, eager to prove themselves, competing for the honour.Then the first man hit the ground. Hard.The second lasted longer, just long enough to realise his mistake.By the third, the mood shifted.They realized that this wasn’t a simple training session.This was a storm wearing a man’s skin. And they were standing in its path.Their lord was venting his anger, and they, the little shrimps, were no match for the lion.The clever ones began to disappear, quietly, quickly, remembering urgent duties elsewhere.The slower ones learned the hard way.Jack spent th
“Enough about me…Tell me what’s got my pretty ward worried?”Mira told Eldora about Jack’s parents and her dilemma. She sighed heavily as she finished “I know… I know… no pain, no gain… that’s heaven’s will.”“Yes… but…” Eldora’s lips curled slyly “there are always exceptions.”“Huh?” Mira lifted her eyes towards Eldora, within them, confusion slowly giving way to hope.“You have used heaven’s gift or rather second chance wisely.” Eldora explained. “You’ve earned a few merits.”She paused, then added, “Merits help you cheat heaven’s will… without the consequence.”“Me???” Mira shook her head, guilt creeping into her voice. “I haven’t done anything other than help myself.”“And in doing so, you have also changed the lives of many, in a good way for the deserving.” Eldora answered softly.Mira blinked… once… twice…However, Eldora didn’t explain further. Instead, she feigned ignorance under Mira’s curious gaze. “So,” she asked lightly, “What were you planning?”“Well…” Mira hesitated, t
Mira ducked into the space once she was on her own. She sat by the stream, staring at the fish swimming happily in the water.“How can I resolve this without bringing trouble upon myself?” she mulled softly. “Am I being greedy, wanting to hold on to my happiness?”“Greedy… yes.”Mira jumped in fright at the aged—yet soft, almost soothing—voice. This was her space. How could anyone get in here? She nearly fell into the stream, but a firm arm caught her in time.“Clumsy too…”Mira raised her head, part fear, part curiosity, as a low chuckle reached her ears.“Eldora…?” she asked cautiously, her eyes widening in wonder.“Child, how much longer are you going to stay in my arms?” The amused smile never left Eldora’s face.“You… you have a body… You’re not an apparition anymore?”“Yes… thanks to you.”“Me?” Mira pointed at herself, tilting her head. Her eyes slowly filled with understanding as she recalled Eldora’s words from their first encounter.“Is it because you’ve rested enough?” Mira
“Come... come… let’s talk inside.” Matthew invited everyone inside.“Dad…” Almera stood up in surprise as she saw the newly arrived guests “Why are you here?”“Have you finished dinner?” Aldrin asked Jack before anyone could respond.“Um” Jack chuckled although he was curious why the Dulstons were here
Mira ignored him and continued to ask Thomas hinting at the extra guests “Should I get Harrison to entertain them while we go down?”“Big sister” Tyson called smiling sweetly shocking Almera and Thomas. When did the little devil turn sweet?“I will be bored if I sit with you all. Are there kids in my
“What case?” Martin turned around curiously before realizing that he was the butt of the joke and sitting back crossing his arms resentfully.“Hur…hur…hur….” Oden and Jack burst out laughing along with Mira “Puchi….”In the evening, everyone started arriving as planned. First Matthew and Harry arrived
“I don’t think I heard anything confidential that warrants his fear.” Oden knitted his brows as he opened his mouth for the first time since he entered the room.Jack nodded to agree but Mira pursed her lips and knitted his brows.“What is it love?” Jack noted that she didn’t agree.“Maybe… maybe not…”







