The Tyrant's Pet

[ PRESENT TIME ]

That was the last time Abel had a conversation with his little sister, Ameria, because days later, she snuck out of the mainland with her 'friends.' According to the letter she left, Ameria went out to find Soran because he hadn't returned since he left their land.

Knowing Ameria and those young nobles who left with her, the elders assumed it was just a foolish choice each of them didn't have second thoughts about. But deep in Abel's bones, he knew Ameria has a reason for leaving the mainland with those young lords from the powerhouses in the land.

All of those who came with her were heirs or heiresses. She had a plan and no one would know what it was actually since she perished as someone else's wife.

Maximus let out a yelp as Abel finally cornered him. Landing on his back with a thud, two swords on either side of him impaled into the ground, Maximus gazed at the thin pair of eyes hovering over him. Abel had his foot on Maximus' chest, his other foot on the side.

Unlike the usual fierceness in his eyes bearing his weapons, his eyes bore bitterness and sadness at the thought of his sister.

"She died…" whispered Abel without meeting Maximus's eyes. "And you have the audacity to speak her name as if you knew her."

He lifted his eyes ever so slowly, meeting Maximus's wicked eyes. "How I wished I visited her before her release. In that case, I would've heard a different last word." — although deep in his heart, he knew his sister would tell him the same words she uttered before fleeing the mainland.

Do not hate Marsella too much.

"If she can see the future, she should know that my current self is not the same Abel as she used to know." Abel pulled out the sword that was plunged into the ground. "Hatred… runs deep into my bones."

Maximus' breath hitched as Abel raised the blades, its tip pointing in between his eyes. "I… will kill Marsella after you —"

Abel swung his sword down to end Maximus, only to feel a force from his side before the tip of the blades reached the space between Maximus' eyes. With a loud boom, Abel was sent flying to the side, making Maximus breathe a sigh of relief.

"Ugh…" Abel rolled over the ground until he was able to stop his crash. Kneeling several meters from Maximus's position, he glanced up to see the figure standing near Maximus. "Marsella."

"Hello there, my brother dear." Marsella flipped her hair and her eyes fell on Maximus. "How pathetic, Max."

Maximus ground his teeth at the ridicule swirling in Marsella's eyes. He grunted, propping his elbow against the ground to sit up. Abel's other sword was still plunged deep into the ground beside Maximus, reaching across his shoulder to fix his broken bone.

"He's a Grimsbanne," said Maximus. "Would I need your help if I can take down the Grimsbanne that easily? I have yet gathered a portion of myself in that old body."

"What old body?" Suddenly, Conan's voice was heard not far away. His eyes were sharp, watching Maximus cast him a look. Conan stood from the other direction opposite Abel while Marsella and Maximus were in the middle.

"What is he doing here?" asked Maximus while holding his brother's eyes.

"Well, that boy is troublesome." Marsella scratched her head nonchalantly, setting her eyes back on Abel. "I'm done with him. After all, I don't think you will survive in a duel against that monster."

Marsella licked her lips. "He is mine to kill."

Maximus glared at Marsella, but couldn't argue with her. He had already given his all, but Abel didn't even have a scratch. Although Maximus had a reason and was in a weaker state because of the issue regarding the transfer of the host, he didn't dwell on it to prolong a conversation with her.

Instead, Maximus turned his head in Conan's direction. "He was the perfect vessel. Sadly, he was, indeed, a silly one."

"Don't kill him." Marsella hissed, watching Abel rise to his feet and open his free hand, making the sword plunged beside Maximus fly back to his grip. "That body is just too pathetic."

Maximus smirked, keeping his gaze on Conan. "His face isn't terrible as well. I can live with that."

Maximus slowly rose to his feet, standing back-to-back with Marsella, facing Conan. Marsella, on the other hand, kept her undivided attention on Abel. Both Abel and Conan stared at their siblings without a shred of familial attachment.

"Marsella, one question." Abel spun his swords once, lifting his chin up. "Why did you ruin Ameria's plans?"

"Why?" Marsella chuckled with her lips closed. "Because Ameria is just too happy. It makes me feel terrible that she is living a good life while the rest of us suffer."

Abel rocked his head. Her answer was enough, he thought. He didn't need to hear more. After all, he was simply trying to get a confirmation. Abel had already guessed that much shallow reason for Marsella to mess with others.

Envy. 

A precursor to wrath.

What a dangerous seed that could slip past into people's hearts, if not vigilant enough.

"What a pitiful creature you had become, Marsella." Abel blinked ever so tenderly while Marsella charge in his direction. "Come. I will make you lament my name."

CLASH!

Maximus smirked at the explosions of aura coming from Abel and Marsella. His eyes were still fixed on Conan, gazing at the latter from head to toe. He snapped his eyes up when Conan spoke.

"So it was true?" asked Conan, making Maximus's brow raise. "Sunny and Abel's speculations. It is true?"

"Heh. Does that matter, my brother?"

"Yes…" Conan breathed out, gripping his sword until it trembled. Maximus just simpered, and that was enough for Conan to understand the drastic change in his father and brother back then. Whoever was inside that body and mirroring him through those wicked eyes was the one at fault. He was the source of their suffering and misfortune.

"You will not come out of here alive, you." Conan drew a breath as calmness replaced the fury in his eyes. The corner of his lips curled up while Maximus narrowed his eyes, looking around, only to hear the orchestra from the banquet hall.

"That guy, Joaquin… and that other one." A glint flickered across Conan's eyes. "Are far too fragile to stand against that insufferable warlock."

"Marsella —!" Maximus shouted, only to bite his tongue to block Conan's attack.

"Too late, brother," Conan smirked. "Welcome to our playground."