Phoenix prepared barbecued catfish as the appetizer, baking it in the oven for a succulent outcome. Presenting it, he placed the fish fillet at the center of a pristine plate, surrounded by sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce leaves, drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing and sprinkled with parsley.For the main dish, Phoenix displayed his culinary artistry by shaping rice into a cube, one side featuring fried rice and the other jollof rice. Beneath the rice, he arranged a fresh salad with plantain pieces and two succulent pieces of turkeys. For dessert, Phoenix served a creamy banana and pineapple smoothie in a transparent glass cup with a dome cover. A slice of ripe banana and fresh pineapple adorned the top.As Phoenix prepared to serve the feast, Astrid eagerly joined him, helping to arrange the dishes on the dining table.At the center of the table, three gleaming domes took their place, flanked by two refreshing smoothies and a glass jar for refills. A selection of wi
Phoenix placed his fingers on his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall a distant memory. "Do you believe me now? Your mother looks incredibly familiar. I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before, but I just can't pinpoint where." Astrid's heart raced, her eyes widening as she gazed at him with growing apprehension. "Maybe you just think she looks like someone you know," she offers, her voice tight with anxiety. "It happens all the time. People often resemble each other." Phoenix shook his head slowly, clearly unconvinced. "No, it's more than that. It's not just a resemblance. I sense that there's a connection, something significant that I just can't put my finger on. It's like a memory that's right on the edge of my mind." Astrid swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure. "I suppose it's possible," she utters, her voice trembling slightly. "Maybe she attended some events or places that you might have been to as well. It's a small world, after all." Phoeni
Phoenix chuckles. "Yep. Blaze told me that Dexter once tried to make spaghetti and somehow ended up with noodles stuck to the ceiling. And there was the infamous chili incident, where he didn't realize the importance of balancing spices. The result was so fiery, even Blaze couldn't handle it."Astrid covered her mouth, laughing. "I can't imagine Dexter admitting to any of that.""Well, he doesn't. He loves to pretend he's always been perfect in the kitchen. But whenever he gets too smug, Blaze and I remind him of his 'learning phase.' It usually shuts him up pretty quick."Astrid giggles, picturing Dexter's embarrassed reaction. "I bet it does.""And it's a good reminder that everyone starts somewhere. Even Dexter had to go through his share of burnt dishes and culinary catastrophes to get where he is now.""It sounds like you all have countless great memories together, even if they involve a few kitchen disasters."Phoenix beams, his eyes reflecting the fondness he felt for his frien
"What about your own weirdness, Phoenix?" she asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "You can't be surrounded by all that and not have a few quirks of your own." Phoenix paused, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Oh, I've got my fair share of weirdness, believe me," he admits. "For one, I have this bizarre habit of sleep-cooking. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and start making elaborate meals. It's not unusual for Dexter or Blaze to find me in the kitchen at 3 a.m., halfway through a soufflé." "Once, I made a five-layer cake at 3 AM. Didn't even remember doing it until I found the kitchen covered in flour the next morning." Astrid laughs, eyes wide with surprise. "Sleep-cooking? That's next level! What do you do with all the food you make?" "Usually, Blaze and Dexter eat it. When they are not around, I just give it to Titan and Ember and the others," Phoenix says, laughing. "They've learned to expect midnight snacks. Though, Dexter once found me trying to make s
"You mentioned that you nearly faced death twice before your ascension. How did that happen?" Astrid questions, her eyes wide with curiosity.Phoenix hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with the memories of those perilous times. The room seemed to grow quieter, as if the very air held its breath, waiting for his story."It's alright if you would rather not tell me about it," Astrid adds gently, sensing his reluctance."No, I do want to tell you," Phoenix answers, his voice steadying. "After all, it's an integral part of my journey, a testament to the trials that shaped me.""The first time was just an hour after Blaze and Dexter had rescued me. I was still reeling from the initial shock of being saved, and getting to know my new companions better, when danger struck again.""Apparently, Cade had anticipated the possibility of my survival and had devised a contingency plan for such an eventuality. It seemed he had considered every angle, preparing for the off chance that I migh
"Glad to have you back, Phoenix," Dexter exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine relief and joy. Phoenix blinked in surprise, his eyes wide with disbelief. "How is this possible? I feel completely fine. A healer wouldn't be able to completely heal damage that extensive.""I'm no ordinary healer," Blaze said simply. Overcome with euphoria and gratitude, Phoenix moved to hug Blaze tightly. "Thank you so much, Blaze." Blaze stiffened slightly at the unexpected embrace, a flood of mixed feelings washing over him. As Phoenix held on, Blaze instinctively raised his hand to pat his back, but stopped just before making contact, his fingers hovering awkwardly.Feigning discomfort, Blaze grunted, "Careful, Phoenix. You're pressing on my wound."Phoenix immediately pulled back, worry etched across his face. "I'm sorry, Blaze! I didn't mean to—"Blaze chuckled, shaking his head. "Don’t worry about it. Just glad you’re okay," he said, a rare softness in his eyes betraying the tough exterior he
Blaze's gaze turned sharp as he appraised Phoenix from head to toe. "You've got little to no muscle mass," he began, his tone blunt and unapologetic. "If you want to earn a place under my wings, you're going to have to build those muscles. "Your martial arts skills are decent, but they're far from exceptional. I don't accept weaklings, you have to be as tough as forged steel. My sisters, for instance, are absolute badasses. I'm confident they could knock you out without breaking a sweat.""Is he always this brutally honest?" Phoenix mused aloud, the corners of his lips twitching with a wry smile. "It stings a bit, I won't lie, but I suppose there's a certain respectability in his unfiltered candor."Dexter, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, nodded. "Yes, he always says what's on his mind. But that's how you know he's being honest with you.""You've barely scratched the surface of what it means to be under my tutelage," Blaze remarked, his tone a blend of authority and
The warriors approached him. They brought out a set of silver, thorny handcuffs, their sharp edges glinting ominously in the light. With a harsh click, they snapped the cuffs onto Phoenix's wrists. As the cold metal pressed into his skin, the thorns pierced deeply, causing blood to gush from the wounds. Phoenix winced, feeling the searing pain radiate up his arms, but he remained silent, his gaze unflinching. Bound and bleeding, Phoenix was led through the grand halls of the palace, his head held high despite the throbbing pain in his wrists. The air was thick with tension as they reached the throne room. There, seated with an aura of authority and anger, was his father, King Alaric Decker. His expression was a storm of fury and disappointment as Phoenix was forced to kneel before him. The King's eyes blazed with anger, his voice shaking the walls. "How could you murder your own brother? I know you two were not on good terms, but I never expected you to be this heartless." Phoe