Afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows of Marudeva''s office, casting colorful shadows on the plush carpet. Agneyastra, Sinia, and Emathion entered the room, their footsteps echoing in the hallowed space. Agneyastra''s eyes were immediately drawn to the figure of Marudeva engrossed in conversation with the Hooded Cloaked man.
In a burst of determination, Agneyastra ignored customary courtesy and stormed across the room. Marudeva looked up, surprise etched across his face. “Agneyastra, how was training today?” he inquired, trying to maintain his composure.
But Agneyastra''s attention was solely focused on the Hooded Cloaked man standing beside Marudeva. Her voice trembled as she confronted him, her words laced with frustration and resentment. “Have you come to ruin another part of my life?” she demanded, her eyes narrowing.
Confusion flashed in the Hooded Cloaked man''s eyes as he replied, “Agneyastra, what are you talking about?”
“I remember what you said,” Agneyastra continued, her voice growing stronger. “If I am your niece, why do you hide yourself from me? I am old enough now.”
The Hooded Cloaked man sighed, his voice filled with regret. “Because I must obey my king''s orders,” he confessed. “I understand your hate towards me, but all will be revealed soon enough.”
Agneyastra''s expression softened at his words. “You can''t hate someone you don''t know,” she murmured, allowing room for doubt.
Marudeva, sensing the tension, interjected. “Agney, please give us a moment,” he urged, wishing to diffuse the rising conflict.
But Agneyastra stood her ground, her determination unwavering. “No,” she declared firmly. “If it involves me, I should know.”
The Hooded Cloaked man took a step closer to Agneyastra, his presence commanding. “Let''s go for a walk, Agneyastra,” he proposed, his voice gentle yet compelling.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dirt road as Hooded Cloaked Man and Agneyastra emerged from Marudeva''s peculiar office. The rhythmic sound of rocks being gently kicked filled the silence as Hooded Cloaked Man led the way, his footfalls barely audible. Agneyastra, her curiosity piqued, followed alongside him, her steps light and graceful.
As they walked, Hooded Cloaked Man''s voice broke the silence, carrying a hint of regret and longing. “If it were up to me, Agneyastra,” he began, his words flowing like silk on the evening breeze, “you would have grown up in an entirely different way. You would have been lavished upon, like a prized gem, with servants attending to your every need. Your days would have been filled with lavish garments and impeccable grooming.”
A breath caught in Agneyastra''s throat as she absorbed his words. The image he painted seemed so distant, so foreign compared to the reality she had known. Yet, there was an air of melancholy in his voice that sparked a flicker of empathy within her. He continued, his voice plaintive and filled with a bittersweet sincerity, “But because you are my brother''s daughter, you would have despised every moment of such a life, just as he did.”
Agneyastra summoned the courage to voice the questions that had been weighing on her heart. With a slight quiver in her voice, she asked, “Is it true that a Demon killed my father?”
The Hooded Cloaked Man''s steps faltered for a moment, his eyes reflecting a sorrowful remembrance. Slowly, he looked down at the ground, his voice tinged with sadness as he replied, “No, sweet child. It was not a Demon that ended your father''s life. It was he who took his own life, sacrificing himself to rid his mind of the insidious grip of a Demon that had consumed him.”
Agneyastra''s eyes widened in disbelief and confusion. “Why would he make a deal with a demon in the first place?” she questioned.
The Hooded Cloaked Man paused, his gaze searching the distance as if grappling with the complexity of the answer. “He had momentarily lost his way, descending into the depths of the Underworld. There, a golden Demon, cunning and persuasive, tempted him with promises of power and fulfillment. Your father, in his vulnerability, succumbed to the allure of this twisted bargain.”
His voice grew softer, carrying an air of caution. “But you must understand that Demons are ever-changing, evolving creatures. They possess a keen ability to adapt their strategies, forever honing their skills to ensnare unsuspecting souls. And in you, Agneyastra, I see the echoes of your father''s spirit. The inquisitiveness, the thirst for knowledge—you share his essence.”
Agneyastra gazed intently at the Hooded Cloaked Man, her eyes searching for understanding. “How do you mean?” she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
The Hooded Cloaked Man''s lips curved into a faint smile. “Your father, much like you, was a seeker of answers, a master of weaponry. But what truly set him apart was his unwavering sense of selflessness. He always placed the needs of others before his own desires.”
Agneyastra still walked alongside him. Her smile was both innocent and curious as she spoke up, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation. “Can you answer just one more question?” she asked, her voice a gentle whisper on the morning breeze.
The Hooded Cloaked Man turned his enigmatic gaze towards her and nodded, a silent agreement to indulge her inquiry. “Just one,” he replied, his words as measured as the secrets he carried.
Agneyastra took a moment, her thoughts taking shape before revealing her query. “Who named me?” she asked, her voice barely containing her eagerness.
A fleeting smile played on the Hooded Cloaked Man''s lips as he replied, “I did. Marudeva speaks of your progress among the Dwellers with pride.”
Agneyastra''s face lit up with a mixture of surprise and gratitude, the weight of knowing her identity''s origin lifting from her shoulders. Emboldened by the answers she had received, Agneyastra pressed on with another request. “Can I join the Dweller Army after I finish my training?” she inquired.
The Hooded Cloaked Man''s face grew serious, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes. “Yes, you may. But you must tread carefully. You hold the fate of my kingdom within you.”
Expressing her gratitude for the Hooded Cloaked Man''s guidance and insights, Agneyastra walked back with him towards Marudeva''s home. As they neared the house, Agneyastra couldn''t help but show her appreciation, her actions transcending words. She embraced the Hooded Cloaked Man in a tight hug, acknowledging the significance of their encounter before stepping inside to reunite with Marudeva.
In the living room, Marudeva awaited Agneyastra''s return, her presence radiating warmth and understanding. Agneyastra, a touch of remorse in her voice, apologized for her earlier outburst, her desire to learn and grow now tempered with humility.
Marudeva''s eyes softened, a gentle smile stretching across her face. “I understand,” he reassured. “I was merely expressing how proud I am of you. Now, let us venture into the kitchen and see if Emathion and Sinai have turned it into an inferno once more.”
***
Late afternoon bathed the scene in a warm, golden glow as Ramil, Ruby, and Phoebe gathered together, nestled in the comfort of each other''s company. Ramil leaned in, his head resting gently on Ruby''s shoulder, his touch tenderly caressing Phoebe''s cheek. A soft breeze rustled through their hair, carrying with it unspoken promises of an eventful day ahead.
“What are we doing today, ladies?” Ramil inquired, his voice carrying a hint of playful anticipation. Phoebe responded with a mischievous smirk, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of uncertainty. “Oh, it''s going to be a long day,” she replied. “But fear not, for we shall figure something out.”
Ramil chuckled at Phoebe''s response, his gaze then sweeping across the serene surroundings. His eyes landed on Sandra, a fellow warrior, struggling to push a cart loaded with an array of gleaming weapons. The wheels of the cart had caught on a stubborn rock, impeding her progress. In an instant, Ramil sprung to his feet, excusing himself from Ruby and Phoebe''s embrace.
“Give me a moment, ladies,” Ramil declared, his voice filled with firm determination. With a swift stride, he proceeded towards Sandra, his steps purposeful and assured. He reached out to assist her, their hands meeting as they both grappled with the stubborn cart.
Sandra''s eyes met Ramil''s, gratitude shining brightly within them as she exhaled a grateful “Thank you.”
As the cart was finally freed from its rocky obstacle, Sandra found herself catching her breath. Ramil, his gaze now focused on Sandra. Concern furrowed Ramil''s brow as he uttered the question, “Where is Emathion?”
With a heavy sigh, Sandra began to unravel a complex web of emotions. “My father, declared yesterday that I am no longer allowed to see Emathion,” she confessed, the pain evident in her voice. “And so, our relationship came to an abrupt end.”
Ramil''s eyes narrowed as anger simmered within him. “You broke my brother''s heart,” he accused, each word dripping with indignation. “How dare you let your father''s desires control your actions - as he has always done.”
Sandra''s gaze met Ramil''s, her eyes filled with a mixture of regret and resignation. “I knew deep down that my time with Emathion was only temporary,” she admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. “I must respect my father''s wishes, no matter how much it pains me.”
Ramil''s anger flickered, momentarily replaced by a flicker of understanding. “Go then,” he finally relented, his voice softening. “But know that my brother''s heart will take time to heal. The choices we make always leave scars.”
Ramil raced through the crowded streets of Dweller city. His mind was a whirlwind of worry and fear, his steps quick and urgent. He burst through the front door of his modest home, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
Inside, Agneyastra and Sinai were engrossed in their own world, lounging on the worn couch and lost in the pages of their books. The sudden intrusion startled Agneyastra, causing her to jump in surprise.
“What''s wrong, Ramil?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Ramil struggled to catch his breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. “Did you know Sandra broke up with Emathion?”
Sinai, who had been absorbed in his own thoughts, looked up from his book. “That explains everything,” she said softly. “I thought he was just immersed in a new book, but it seems he''s been locked in his room all day.”
The gravity of the situation sank in, and without hesitation, Ramil, Agneyastra, and Sinai hurried up the creaky staircase towards Emathion''s room. Emathion had retreated into the depths of his grief.
Agneyastra stood in front of Emathion''s door, she knocked gently, his voice pleading as he spoke, “Emathion, please let us in. We''re here for you.”
From within the room, Emathion''s voice was barely a whisper, filled with pain and sadness. “Go away, please,” he murmured, the words laced with the weight of his despair.
As Agneyastra, Ramil, and Sinai cautiously enter the room, a heavy tension hangs in the air. Emathion sits on the edge of his bed, his shoulders slumped, and his face buried in his hands. Ramil''s voice breaks the silence, concern evident in his words.
“Emathion, are you okay?” he asks, his voice filled with genuine worry.
Emathion raises his head slowly, his eyes red and filled with confusion. “I don''t know,” he murmurs, his voice trembling.
Suddenly, the room is invaded by Marudeva, Sandra''s father. His face is twisted with anger as he points an accusing finger towards Emathion. “There he is,” he declares, his voice full of rage. “I caught him with my daughter yesterday in her room.”
Ramil''s heart sinks as Marudeva''s words sink in. He steps closer, his voice laced with dread. “Emathion, what did you do with Sandra?”Stolen novel; please report.
Saichi steps forward aggressively. But both Marudeva and Ramil hold him back, preventing him from reaching Emathion. Saichi''s eyes burn with anger as he spits out his words. “You''re lucky she didn''t get pregnant,” he sneers.
Emathion, now visibly shaken, finds his voice. With a mixture of remorse and defiance, he says, “We were careful. Sandra took precautions afterward. I don''t regret my actions with her.”
Marudeva and Ramil hurriedly led Saichi of Emathion down the grand staircase, their footsteps echoing through the opulent mansion. The air hung heavy with tension as they reached the bottom, and Saichi, overcome by anger and frustration, slammed the door closed with a resounding thud.
Marudeva, visibly exasperated, sighed deeply and shook his head. “You boys are going to drive me mad,” he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with both annoyance and concern.
“What did I do?” Ramil asked, his tone tinged with confusion.
Marudeva sighed once again, his eyes filled with disappointment. “I don''t even want to know the things you do. You need to focus on your future,” he replied.
Ramil''s frustration grew evident as he retorted, “I am going to enjoy the summer, and then, come fall, I will sign up for the Dweller army. Don''t take this out on me just because your golden child got caught doing something wrong. Go lecture him.”
Marudeva, defeated, acquiesced. “Fine,” he grumbled. “Take Agneyastra and Sinai out for dinner. I''ll spend some time with Emathion.”
“Fine,” Ramil replied curtly. He called out, his voice reverberating through the hallway, “Agney and Sinai, let''s go hang out at the market!”
Agneyastra and Sinai appeared at the top of the staircase, their faces reflecting the resignation that lay heavy in the air. They made their way downstairs and followed Ramil out the door, their footsteps blending with the sound of the shutting door.
As Ramil stepped outside and saw his father ascending the stairs, he couldn''t help but speak up one last time. “Father, go easy on him,” he pleaded softly. “It is his first break up.” With that, Ramil closed the door behind him.
***
The midday sun cast long shadows on the empty streets of Stone City, remnants of its once bustling and lively atmosphere. The Brucies had worked tirelessly to restore the city after its destruction, but now it stood devoid of life, a ghostly reminder of what once was.
Moriko, her footsteps echoing through the quiet streets, slowed her pace as she heard a faint whisper in her mind. It was the voice of Emathion, her trusted companion, sounding unusually troubled. Moriko gently placed her hand on her temple, as if trying to soothe the invisible ache within.
“Emathion, you never act this way,” Moriko said softly, concern evident in her voice. “Please tell me what troubles you.”
In Moriko''s mind, Emathion''s voice replied, a mixture of sadness and resignation, “Fine, if you must know. Sandra''s father has forbidden her from seeing me. I will be alright. How is your day?”
Moriko sighed, the weight of Emathion''s distress adding to her own worries. “Well,” Moriko replied with a forced optimism, “Yeongi is visiting me today. I can''t wait for her to get here.”
Emathion resonating inside her head. His melancholic tone, tinged with a hint of sorrow, whispered softly, “I will try not to burden you today.”
Gently shaking her head, Moriko replied, her voice filled with reassurance, “You never burden me, Emathion. In fact, I may have a solution for your troubles.”
Curiosity laced Emathion''s voice as he asked, “Please share, dear Moriko.”
Pausing for a moment, Moriko considered her words carefully. “Perhaps, Emathion, you should consider finding someone new, someone who can replace the void left by Sandra. I spoke with Lacey, and she mentioned that others in her realm often seek new companions to mend their broken hearts. You deserve someone who desires you and will not hurt you like Sandra did.”
Emathion''s voice, filled with doubt, echoed in Moriko''s mind, “But what if the one I desire does not want me, Moriko?”
A gentle smile graced Moriko''s lips as she replied, “That is impossible, my dear Emathion. You possess a sweetness and kindness that is unmatched. I have no doubt that you will find someone who recognizes and cherishes your true worth.”
Moriko''s line of thought was abruptly interrupted when Yeongi appeared in her view. With a hint of apology in her voice, she quickly informed Emathion, “I must go, Emathion. Yeongi has arrived, and I must attend to her. We will talk again soon.” And just like that, Moriko''s mind fell into a peaceful silence as she turned her attention to the approaching Yeongi
Yeongi approaches Moriko with a warm embrace. A comforting presence, Yeongi''s arm rests gently on Moriko''s shoulders as she asks, “How is everything going?”
Moriko stops in her tracks, her gaze meeting Yeongi''s amidst the silence of the desolate Stone City. With a heavy sigh, she confesses, “I am not sure.”
Yeongi''s eyes reflect understanding as she responds, “You have done incredible things here, Moriko. The great Stone City has been resurrected from the ruins. Now, what is your next move?”
Moriko''s eyes brimmed with determination as she voiced her heartfelt plea. “I long for the day when Alyona and the people of Earth Kingdom can finally return. If only I can find a way to reconcile with the Water Kingdom, this devastating war will come to an end, and they will be able to come back home.”
Yeongi''s voice breaks through Moriko''s thoughts, her tone cautious yet honest. “The Water King and his children are beings of great strength and determination. King Arroyo will never give up until he achieves his ulterior motives, whatever they may be.”
Moriko''s brows furrow in curiosity, and she finds herself compelled to ask, “What is he after?”
Yeongi''s eyes darken with concern as she admits, “At this moment, no one truly knows the depths of the Water King''s desires. However, it is a treacherous path you seek, Moriko. What if, instead of trying to rectify the past, you took a small step into the future?”
With a newfound resolve, Moriko continues walking alongside Yeongi. The wind whispers through the abandoned streets, as if carrying the secrets of what lies ahead. Moriko''s voice is filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as she responds, “What do you suggest?”
Yeongi''s voice echoed through the stone city, filled with a sense of concern and hope. “Since Emathion is no longer seeing Sandra, perhaps after he is done with his educational training, he should come here to live with you.”
The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows on Moriko''s troubled face as she questioned, “How did you know about Emathion and Sandra?”
Yeongi''s eyes met Moriko''s, filled with a mix of sympathy and understanding. “Tyson told her father. Apparently, she lied to her family about her and Emathion. It wouldn''t have lasted anyways, because he belongs to you.”
Moriko''s face filled with a mix of emotions. Her voice quivered with a touch of regret as she spoke, the words resonating with a deep sense of sadness. “I can''t bear to force Emathion,” she whispered, her words barely audible in the quiet room. “He dreams of becoming a healer, and if he were to come and live with me now, I would only stand in the way of that. I cannot, in good conscience, allow him to abandon his lifelong dream.”
Her voice trailed off, the weight of her decision heavy upon her. She paused for a moment, her gaze fixed on the floor as she fought back her own tears. The room seemed to grow even quieter, as if holding its breath to listen to her next words.
“I love him, more than I can put into words,” she continued, her voice shaking with a mixture of love and sorrow. “But I cannot be the reason he sacrifices his future. I will not be the one to extinguish the spark of his dreams.”
Yeongi''s voice softened, his words filled with gentle persuasion. “Very well, but you should at least think about asking for your Queen title from Tyson.”
Moriko''s eyes met Yeongi''s, a glimmer of gratitude shining through her weariness. “Let''s go to the Fire Kingdom for lunch today. We can talk about the future later.”
Yeongi''s voice echoed through the chamber, softly yet with an undercurrent of urgency. “I only want you to be prepared, Moriko.” Her words lingered in the air, hanging with a weight that Moriko could feel settling on her shoulders.
Moriko''s voice quivered with genuine gratitude as she spoke, “I know, I am truly grateful for you and Tyson''s guidance.” As she walked beside Yeongi, her steps matched his in rhythm. Together, they embarked on their journey out of the Stone City, the echoes of their determined footsteps resonating through the tunnel.
***
Early Morning, in the Water Kingdom Palace, the air hung heavy with anticipation, the quietude of the still dawn broken only by the soft rustling of curtains caressed by a gentle breeze. A cloaked figure emerged from the dimly lit room, where Marius lay in disarray, his naked form covered solely by the warmth of his silken bed sheets. As the heavy door swung shut behind the mysterious figure, Marius stirred, his eyes slowly fluttering open to greet the resplendent golden rays that filtered through the intricately carved windows, turning the room into a haven of ethereal light.
Just then, as the door to his chambers creaked open once more, and there stood Brooke. In her grasp, she held tightly onto a lady adorned in a cloak covering her. The lady''s voice quivered with a mix of apprehension and regret as she uttered, “I didn''t mean it.”
Marius, his heart pounding in his chest, lunged towards them in a flurry of motion, a momentary glimmer of hope fluttering in his mind. In his desperation, he called out, “Agneyastra!”
However, as Marius reached the pair, reality crashed down upon him like a crashing wave. The lady beneath Brooke''s grip was not the enchanting Agneyastra, as he had momentarily dared to believe. Instead, she was a stranger with mysterious violet-tinted skin, veiled by the cloak''s darkness. A tangle of emotions writhed within Marius, confusion and concern intertwining as he confronted the scene before him.
Marius questioned Brooke, his voice laced with a hint of accusation. “What are you doing?” he asked, his tone tinged with a mixture of trepidation and disappointment.
With a sudden, dismissive gesture, Brooke flung the unknown lady carelessly to the floor at Marius''s feet. Her voice dripped with a mix of resentment and insecurity as she hurled her accusations into the air. “I see you watch them, those people in the village below. I caught this one leaving your room,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with a potent blend of anger and suspicion. “Is this why you haven''t laid with me? Are you too preoccupied with sowing your seed elsewhere?”
Marius groggily helped the Lady to her feet, his mind still half-asleep and muddled with confusion. The Lady pleaded her innocence, her voice filled with remorse. “I only looked upon him, the Prince did nothing wrong. I am sorry, your highnesses, I was merely curious about the figure that always watches us from above. Please, punish only me and spare my people.”
Marius, still disoriented, tried to soothe her. “Let''s calm down, Brooke. I haven''t laid with the lady,” he assured, instinctively glancing downward only to realize he was unclothed. His hand reached out to grab his robe, but Brooke snatched it away. She paced back and forth in front of Marius and the Lady, her voice laced with hurt and confusion. “Why haven''t you been with me? We''ve been married for some time now, and yet we have only been intimate once, on our wedding night.”
Marius sank back onto the edge of his bed. He searched for the right words to explain his actions or lack thereof. “I don''t know,” he confessed, his voice tinged with sorrow. “I have broken my own heart, and it has taken a toll on my body.” He gestured towards the lady cloaked in shadows. “Her people remind me of Agneyastra, and I am trying my best to move on, but perhaps, Brooke, it is you who should decide what you want from me.”
Brooke, her eyes filled with determination, sat beside Marius on the plush bed. With a gentle touch, she beckoned for the Lady to join them. The Lady, her expression unreadable, took her place on the other side of Marius. Brooke''s fingertips grazed the soft skin of the Lady''s face, her touch both caressing and cautious.
Marius, bewildered by the mysterious exchange, questioned Brooke''s actions. “What are you doing?” he asked, curiosity lacing his voice.
With a gentle smile, Brooke responded, “Just let me handle this.” Her finger traced a delicate path along the Lady''s trembling lips, the gesture infused with a mixture of confidence and vulnerability. “The Prince is quite handsome,” Brooke murmured, her voice heavy with meaning.
The Lady, her gaze lowered, replied, “Yes, he is.”
Brooke''s eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope as she posed a question, her words hanging in the air. “Would you like to help us create an heir?”
In response, a wordless nod of agreement passed between the Lady and Brooke. A silent understanding that the destiny of their shared love rested upon their shoulders. With permission granted, Brooke urged the Lady to touch Marius.
With utmost tenderness, the Lady''s fingertips graced Marius''s skin, first with a delicate kiss, then with a soft, reassuring rub, sensing the intensity in the moment, laid Marius back gently, allowing the Lady to continue embrace him, by sinking her mouth on to him.
In that room, fraught with desire and longing, the three figures took a courageous step towards into this moment of pleasure. And as the intimate connection deepened, each breath and touch became an affirmation of their commitment by surrendering to the lustful act. Marius found himself entangled amidst the delicate allure of sexual embrace. In the confines of his opulent bedroom, his body lay nestled between the tempting embrace of Brooke and the Lady, oblivious to the world around them.
Unbeknownst to Marius, the door to his innermost sanctuary swung open, betraying his clandestine rendezvous with a jolt of reality. Devereaux had entered the room, his eyes fixated on the illicit scene unfolding before him. In the silence, Devereaux called out to his brother, “Brother.”
Marius, lost in the whirlwind of passion, failed to register his brother''s presence. Ignoring Devereaux''s voice, Marius continued to shower kisses upon his two lovers, their bodies intertwined in a symphony of desire. Exasperation consumed Devereaux, prompting him to raise his voice, “Marius!”
Awakening from his amorous reverie, Marius hurriedly draped the poised figures of Brooke and the Lady in the sanctuary of a comforting blanket. His piercing gaze met Devereaux''s, radiating a mix of irritation and guilt. In an attempt to regain composure, Marius questioned his brother, his tone tainted with frustration, “Why didn''t you knock?”
Devereaux, unfazed by the display before him, retorted with a weighty urgency, “I did, but we must discuss our sister, Evain.”
Marius''s gaze softened, his thoughts momentarily diverting from his amatory pursuits. He offered a silent nod, conveying his understanding to Brooke, who gracefully guided the Lady out of the room, leaving Marius to face the impending conversation.
Marius donned his robe, granting himself a modest shield to protect against the vulnerability of his exposed desires. As he made his way towards Devereaux, his steps were tainted with a mix of remorse and apprehension. In a troubled whisper, Marius inquired, “Is Evain okay?”
Devereaux spoke with a hint of admiration in his voice, his words laden with a mixture of pride and frustration. “The Generals have spoken highly of Evain''s fighting skills, and soon her regiment will be going into battle. She will become even more praised by father.”
Marius, embodying the conviction of a future king, responded with a gentle admonition. “Brother, you need to find your path. Mine lies in becoming the future King, and Evain will undoubtedly thrive as a formidable warrior.”
Yearning for guidance, Devereaux sought his brother''s counsel. “But what is my path, Marius? Where do I fit into the grand scheme?”
Marius paused, his voice tinged with a touch of sigh. “Perhaps you should consider marriage and starting a family. In this way, you can forge your own destiny and gain favor in father''s eyes. For, at the current rate, I fear I may never produce an heir. Take action, Devereaux, and carve out a life of your own.”
Silently contemplating his brother''s words, Devereaux questioned his capabilities. “But can I really do that? Can I find purpose and fulfillment in such a conventional path?”
Sensing his brother''s uncertainty, Marius mustered heartfelt sincerity. “I do not have the answers, dear brother, but what I do know is that lingering in my chamber will not bring you closer to the clarity you seek. I love you, and I implore you to find your own way. Please, go.”
Infused with a mixture of frustration and disappointment, Devereaux stomped his feet in a display of defiance. “Fine, enjoy your day!” With that, he slammed the door shut, the sound reverberating through the lavish room.