《The Midnight Crime》


 Chapter 1 - A Criminal Goes In

    Never in a thousand years had Falcon thought he would break into this house. It was horrifying and thrilling at the same time. Horrifying because if someone caught him, he would be thrown in jail for the rest of his life, and thrilling because it was a feat he had managed to carry out within a few hours.


    Well, I am not an expert at breaking in for nothing, he thought smugly, casting his eyes upon the fascinating sight below him.


    He was hanging from the climbing ropes attached to the top of the building, harnessed around his waist as he clung to the window sill on the first floor of the mansion. The window was much higher than an ordinary first floor, but this didn''t surprise him, this house was not ordinary by any means. The design was unique, and the entire floor plan was imprinted in his mind from all the hours he had spent poring over the building''s structure. His feet clung easily to the frame, years of practice kicking in as he balanced on top of the delicate frame of the window.


    Multitudes of guards surrounded the vast perimeter, stationed five meters away from each other. Their formation had created a human wall, closing off any exits or entrances, in his case, from the ground. The shiny buttons on their crisp uniforms gleamed under the brightness cast upon the grounds from the lights mounted on tall poles all over the expanse.


    Look up. He wanted to scream at them. Look up and watch me do the impossible.


    He pressed himself flat against the window to avoid the camera as it swiveled around, ensuring no trespassers were attempting to break in. The building''s tall frame cast a shadow upon the window ledge, helping him blend into the darkness, and concealing the fact that a burglar was about to go in. It was funny how the people who had planned every tiny bit of security with such detail had managed to miss a simple precaution, such as an alarm on the window, relying on the height of it to prevent any robbers to break in.


    The window was a typical sash window, unlocked, with the smooth panes of glass reflecting his dark silhouette back at him. He saw the distorted image of his covered face, the black face mask and the cap pulled low over his eyes, which stared back at him with the same determination he was feeling. He was hunched over the sill like a cat, his lithe body hugging the wall, while the ropes which were dangling him over the edge pulled taut at the harness.


    Falcon placed his fingers along the split in the window, pulling the lower sash up with a whisper of a sound. The window complied, submitting under his strong grip and he latched the lock, the lower part gracefully clinging to the upper window, creating a neat hole to jump in.


    He glanced down once at the barking bull hounds on the grass, the chains around their necks clasped in the hands of the guards prowling the gardens. They were too far below to catch his scent, the canines their hideous lips barely concealed able to tear any intruders to ribbons, and hopped inside, all of his weight balanced on his toes.


    He found himself in a dimly lit bathroom. Even in the dark, Falcon could tell it was luxurious. The glass walls of the shower and gleaming tiles reflected the soft golden light which seemed to fill the whole area. He looked around for the source of the glow, and located the sophisticated tubes fixed in the ceiling lines, the soft light looking both ominous and magical. It was so silent inside the house in stark contrast to the commotion outside. The soundproof windows blocked any noise that might threaten to wake up the people inside. The silence was so divine he felt he would disturb the descended hush if he so much as breathed.


    Don''t be stupid, Falcon. Just find the package and get out of here. He gave himself a silent scolding to urge himself to move before being discovered.


    He slowly stepped towards the bathroom door far away from the window. He carefully measured each of his footstep before setting it down, in case he was too loud to wake up the people in the house. When he was close enough, he drew out a trembling hand and clasped the doorknob, hoping that it would open smoothly without creaking. Turning the doorknob was a test he hadn''t prepared for, and he almost jumped up with joy when the door slid open without a sound. He left it ajar. It was too noisy to try and close it and turned towards the room he had stepped into.


    The room was vast. There was no other way to put it. It stretched on for what Falcon knew were 500 sq. feet, the open plan area consisting of everything a person would need to survive an apocalypse without having to get out. The wall directly opposite him was made entirely of glass, soft moonlight scattered across the floor, kissing the shadows which reached out around the room to greet it.


    A high podium was to his left, a gigantic platform bed set upon it, in which a figure was currently resting, covers drawn over the entire body. The bed crown loomed over them like a guardian angel as they slept, body unmoving and mind blissfully unaware of the danger inside the room. The furniture was a gorgeous shade of grey. It gleamed so brightly in contrast to the white and dark surroundings, that even in his present state of nervousness, Falcon admired the person''s taste, decency with delicacy forming a combination so satisfying for the eyes. There was even a minibar-cum-kitchen, the aesthetically pleasing design had carried perfectly, not even the mini-fridge behind the counter marring its appearance. The set up was against the far wall of the room on his right, a sofa set placed in a circle in front of it.


    The wall besides him was completely taken up by a door he knew went into the dressing room and closet. He was mildly tempted to check it out and ignore the lingering danger while doing so. For a moment, Falcon had a sudden urge to meet the designer to tell them how great of a job they had done.


    Strange, he thought to himself. What is happening to you, Falcon? Focus!


    Falcon didn''t need to find the safe. He already knew it was behind the picture frame on the wall to his right, facing the sofa set. Not only was the hiding place flimsy, it was almost obnoxious how the person had made no attempt to lock the window leading in. Either they were extremely careless or just plain stupid. It was like they were almost sure nobody could steal the package. Falcon tap danced his way over to the bed, as if he was walking on thin ice and climbed the steps to the podium. There was one thing that had yet to be done before he could retrieve the precious package. Nothing could mess up tonight. He approached the bed cautiously, even stopping to breathe for a moment before hearing the sleeper''s soft snores and relaxing down to his very core.


    Falcon put his hands in his pocket, feeling the glass bottle of chloroform, so cold in his sweaty hands that it was almost comforting to touch. Shaking the bottle a bit and hearing the satisfying sloshing of the liquid inside, Falcon felt the rush of power he relished. Basking in the feeling, he hovered his hand over the sleeping figure''s body.


    He grabbed the corners of the covers between his index and middle fingers, and with a smooth jerk of his hand, flipped them over, revealing the person underneath them up to their chin. The few sneaky rays of moonlight permeating the room fell upon the stranger''s face, lighting it up, which suddenly glowed silver under their midnight embrace.

 Chapter 2 - Behind The Painting

    The first thing Falcon noticed was that the stranger was deeply asleep, blissfully unaware of him. The second thing he noticed was that the person had the most beautiful face he had ever seen. His eyes fell upon the stranger''s face, taking in the triangular features, the jawline jutting out like a sharp knife, an elegantly straight nose being the very definition of slim. A mop of dark hair fell upon the man''s eyes, covering them completely, one of the reasons why he hadn''t suddenly woken up from the moonlight''s attack.


    Falcon stared at his mouth, a set of gorgeous heart shaped lips slightly open as the stranger slowly breathed in and out, his cupid''s brow quivering with each exhale. Falcon realized he''d been gaping at him, and quickly shut his mouth, attempting to shake himself out of the brief stupor. Careful not to create even a slight rustle, Falcon slowly pulled out the little bottle, keeping his eyes trained on the sleeping figure.


    Jewels, Falcon, jewels. They shine brighter than any other thing. He reminded himself, taking out the chloroform he didn''t want to use anymore.


    Much to his convenience, a rumpled handkerchief was lying on the bed side table, looking like it had been used slightly before being tossed aside. Uncapping the chloroform bottle, he grabbed the discarded handkerchief and dipped the mouth of the bottle to it, soaking a sufficient amount of liquid in it, all the while holding his breath in to not accidentally inhale the chemical. The drenched cloth hung heavy in his hand, much like the heaviness in his heart, but the pressing danger forced him to move his arm.


    Falcon brought the cloth down to the stranger''s mouth and pressed on it. It was fascinating how the person suddenly went limp, as if life had been pumped out of his body, which in a way it had been, as he slowly slipped into the abyss of unconsciousness.


    He watched him for a while, then made his way towards the picture frame, not being very quiet anymore.


    The canvas was smeared with shades of purple, the deliberate splashes of deep pink and violet coming together to form a magical beach sunset. It was a large painting, and Falcon was thankful for the chloroform because removing the painting would have made a sufficient amount of noise to wake the stranger up. He slowly detached the painting from the wall and laid it flat on the floor by his feet, careful not to step on the masterpiece. The bare wall which was concealed behind the painting was now revealing a sliding panel, a digit console beside it to punch in the opening code.


    090705.....The numbers made a tiny beep sounds as he pressed each of them. It would have been fun to pick the lock on this safe, but he had already been provided with the key, which made his work all the more quicker and easier. As soon as his thin finger hit the 5, the door slid open with a click, the most musical sound he had ever heard, a small cavity peeking from behind the panel.


    It was dark inside and all light was blocked from his tall frame, so he couldn''t see what was inside. As soon as he moved a little to allow the moonlight to hit the safe, all of his blood froze in his veins, and cold sweat lined his hairline.


    He had heard a sound, a small sharp breath directly from behind him, as if someone was standing there, watching his actions like a silent audience.


    No, it was impossible. The man in the bed couldn''t have woken up this early and he hadn''t heard the room door open to let anyone in. Had someone else been inside the room all that time?


    Falcon slipped his hand inside the pocket of his jacket as subtly as he could. The smooth metal touch of the gun greeted his fingers and he found comfort in it, his finger clutching the trigger as the familiar adrenaline of danger kicked in. He liked to carry his gun in the waistband of his jeans, but he had snug it inside tonight for reasons he couldn''t remember now. Perhaps they had something to do with the climbing, the gun could have fallen off, but now he was thankful the weapon was in his hands as he slowly turned around, his neck and shoulders rotating to greet the stranger who was standing behind him.


    Somehow, someway, the unconscious man had woken up, and was now staring at Falcon in the dark, sleep ridden eyes narrowed in confusion as he gaped at the burglar standing in front of him.

 Chapter 3 - The Man In The Night

    ''Err.....'' The stranger spoke, his voice a deep, sleepy, husky mess.


    Falcon stared. The stranger was dressed in a loose t-shirt and boxers, the wide neck of the shirt falling past his right shoulder, the sly rays of moonlight kissing the hollow above a delicately curved collarbone. He was as tall as him, his thin frame a towering silhouette against the dim light, casting a shadow over Falcon as he stood there, mouth agape at the presence of the person he had knocked out not minutes ago.


    Fuck. He thought, his mind blank as disbelief nestled down into the core of his being. How the hell is he awake?


    The stranger stood staring at him in the dark, still as a statue, blocking his path to the rest of the room. He was looking at him expectantly, like the man who had broken into his house would start giving him explanations as to why he was there. It was terrifying and comical at the same time, but the act displayed his absence of fear, making Falcon wary of the slight man.


    Damn you, Falcon. You can kiss your career goodbye. Prepare for a life of prison cells and the sight of bars. He cursed himself internally, hopelessness creeping upon him like an unchecked strand of poison ivy.


    He was debating whether or not he should jump out the first window he sees, when the man opened his lips a fraction of an inch and spoke.


    ''Who....are you?'' The stranger dropped a hushed whisper in the silent night.


    Falcon stilled. He realized his heart was beating very fast, the blood which had frozen in his veins rushing up to his ears suddenly, making them ring. It was too dark to make out the person''s eyes, but Falcon guessed they would be wide in surprise, or hopefully, full of fear.


    ''Uh.....I was.....just leaving now....'' Falcon stuttered.


    Really, his inner self scoffed. Is that the best you can come up with?


    Shut up. He responded. I have never been cornered like this before, so I have to buy myself time.


    He hoped the stranger would let him pass as a lunatic, but he was shocked when the man snorted loud enough to startle awake every soul in the mansion, making him jump out of his skin.


    It was the perfect moment to lash out, to take this slightly deranged man out but there was no guarantee how fast he could move. There was the chance he would alert the guards and then Falcon would be in much bigger trouble. One man he could fight, no problem, but a huge group of guards would risk him handcuffs, or worse, exposure of his face. Whatever happened, he couldn''t let them see his face, or his whole life was over.


    With a sigh of indecision, Falcon leaned back against the canvas and took in the man''s frame, whose arms were crossed over his chest with part of his hair hiding his eyes as he looked at Falcon carefully, trying to see behind the mask that hid his face.


    ''I believe you came here for something. Do you plan to reveal it before you¡­.what did you say¡­.leave?'' The stranger''s tone was playful and nonchalant, a fearless ring to his words as he regarded his explanation, and this confused Falcon more than it should have. Did he know something Falcon didn''t and was playing a game with him? Had he perhaps alerted the guards already and they were making their way up while he indulged him in small talk?


    It was at that moment that the moon decided to change its position, lazing on the clouds and drifting off. Silver moonlight hit the glass wall and sparkled right onto the man''s face, who had turned slightly towards the room. The stranger''s face lit up and Falcon saw his dark feline eyes, lifted slightly at the corners as the man reached up and mopped the hair away with a careless jerk.


    It was the same face, the beautiful photos of which had adorned the art magazines he had spent so much time poring over, much due to his interest than to prepare for the mission. None of the shoots had done him justice, he thought, he had looked the most beautiful in his sleeping clothes, knocked out in the bed not minutes prior. It was not his features, he realized with a start. There was a softness to his face which reached up to his eyes too, a sign of kind heartedness and melancholy. Falcon knew that man had never raised his voice at anyone despite being the head of this huge empire. Authority was a pancake he had for breakfast. The beauty came from his charisma and shone on his face, whispering of the gentleness the man''s nature hid.


    The most famous painter of the country bore his piercing gaze into Falcon, his eyes holding the amusing question he had uttered second''s ago. Falcon remembered, he remembered this detail about the man the moment he met his eyes, which were Cyan Yarrow''s most startling feature, surveying him with an interested curiosity. There was no sign of fear, just a slight confusion behind the questions his eyes held, like he had caught Falcon stealing his burrito, but was trying to tell himself he must be hungry. Falcon had pushed the detail that the man dealt in art work at the back of his mind, when he had planned the mission out, not giving it much importance, though it was lingering there quietly. All he knew, he had been told to get his hands on the package behind the painting, Cyan''s newest work which would be displayed in the Art Gallery next month. After all, was it going to help him get his hands on the package? Well, now it would, it seemed, just as an idea opened its eyes and yawned in his mind like a newborn kitten, and Falcon prayed silently for the plan to work.


    Falcon relaxed like a flaccid cell, his shoulders falling as he mustered up enough courage to take hold of the mask and pull it down his face. He clumsily stocked it into his jacket, hoping the action would speak of a blundering abashed teenager caught in the night. He willed blood to creep onto his cheeks, it was important he looked ashamed for the plan to work. He hoped the darkness would conceal his face, but if Cyan Yarrow saw him clearly, the man would have to go. But would he be able to take him out, when he had been unwilling to knock him out with chloroform the second he had laid eyes on him. He had looked so innocent and vulnerable, like he would break if he was so much as touched slightly.


    Falcon took a deep breath, flitting his pupils about, avoiding Cyan''s gaze and also catching it at the same time.


    Buy yourself time, he thought calmly. Find out if anyone else knows of me being here, then take out the artist and get your hands on the parcel. He recalled the clumsy plan as he opened his mouth.


    ''Cyan.'' Falcon whispered, softly like he was in awe. ''I didn''t expect you to be so young.''


    It was comical how Cyan Yarrow''s face went from an amused expectation to that of confusion, as if Falcon''s answer had caught him off guard. Falcon had no idea what the man was expecting him to say, perhaps explanations of his strange presence in the dead of the night.


    ''I am sorry.'' Cyan said. ''What do you mean? Do you perhaps, know me?''


    Falcon shook his head like he couldn''t believe his ears. ''Everybody knows you, Cyan. What are you talking about?''


    ''Well, that''s not true.'' Cyan waved a hand in the air, dismissing his statement like it meant nothing. ''Many people don''t. But, who are you?''


    ''I¡­...I am, well, I am so sorry, Cyan. I couldn''t help it.'' He wailed, as if wretched at his helplessness. ''When you announced of your recent project, I HAD to see it before everyone else. I had to see this painting.'' He giggled slightly then, covering his mouth with his palm, as if abashed, praying Cyan would react the way he wanted.


    ''I¡­.this is confusing.'' Cyan said, his face twisting into one of bewilderment and alarm. ''You broke into my house JUST to see my painting?'' he spoke in a tone that said YOU EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE THAT?


    ''It''s your last painting.'' Falcon whispered reverently. ''It means so much to me.'' He mourned, turning towards the painting as if watching a loved one leave. He raised a single finger and ran it down the length of the canvas, sighing, while his shoulders sagged with remorse.


    It was true. CYAN YARROW WILL NO MORE SET HIS BRUSH TO A CANVAS AGAIN. The headlines had read.


    Cyan looked taken aback, but he was regaining his composure rapidly. He opened and closed his mouth several times, deciding and cancelling whatever words his muddled mind formed. ''What''s your name, boy?'' He finally said.


    Falcon''s stomach dropped. That was the last question he had expected him to ask and it was his most difficult one yet.


    What''s my name, Cyan? Why did you have to ask that? You wouldn''t be able to sit with the information once you find out. He regretted inside, before deciding on the first name that popped up in his head.


    ''Jason.'' He said.. ''That''s my name.

 Chapter 4 - My House, My Rules

    ''Well, then Jason, what do you think of the painting?'' Cyan asked.


    Oh. Falcon thought, he''s asking my opinion on his work. How would an awed fan react?


    ''It''s.....'' He sighed, like he was struggling to find the right words to describe the magnificent sunset. ''It''s beautiful.'' He decided on the single adjective, hoping it would be enough. ''It''s better than my expectations. It''s your best work yet.'' He shook his head slightly, having trouble to find the words to do justice to the picture.


    Cyan regarded his opinion silently, nodding and listening as Falcon glanced back and forth between him and the frame, unable to decide what was more beautiful. Both were art.


    ''Might I ask, what are you calling this one? I couldn''t see the name.'' He said, when the silence stretched on and on.


    Cyan started. He glanced at him like he had just remembered he was there and smiled, slightly amused. ''Ah, that''s a surprise.''


    Falcon let out a groan of complain, half of him really wanted to know the name of the painting while the other half was busy keeping up with the fa?ade he was wrapping around himself. ''That''s not fair.''


    Cyan let out a deep, rumbling laugh made husky from just waking up. ''You will see at the exhibition.'' He chortled.


    Falcon frowned, but his heart rose up and started singing a merry tune. Exactly how he had hoped, Cyan Yarrow was letting him go, believing in the crap he had made up, in which even a third grader wouldn''t fall into, though he hadn''t realized he had let out the hint.


    ''Can I ask you something, Cyan?'' He asked in a whisper, keeping the conversation going on, though he was quite sure nobody was coming to get him now. ''Why are you giving up making art?''


    Cyan''s face fell, all carelessness and amusement gone, the features turned into a stony mask as he processed the sudden question Falcon had thrown at him. He looked like he was debating whether to answer or not, though the hardness in his eyes hinted Falcon had crossed a line with privacy.


    ''I...I am sorry.'' He said hurriedly. ''I didn''t mean to intrude. You don''t have to answer this question.''


    ''No, it''s okay.'' Cyan whispered, shaking his head a bit as some of his smile found its way back onto his face. ''Don''t worry.''


    ''I am sorry.'' Falcon repeated, bending into a low bow, his hands folded on his stomach. ''Please punish me however way you deem suitable.''


    He remained in the low bow, willing the man to say something but there was silence on the other sight, though he was still standing there, looking at him, he knew, he could feel the weight of his gaze on the back of his jacket.


    He rose up slowly, confusion on his features as he gazed into his eyes, embarrassed and asked. ''Why aren''t you saying anything?''


    ''I have so many questions,'' Cyan responded slowly, measuring each word before speaking, ''but I am not going to like their answers, I know, so I believe everything you say.''


    Falcon''s stomach dropped. He had no idea what he meant, but he was also really sure of it. The contradictory statement made his head swim. This man was believing his story because he thought he wouldn''t like the answers if Falcon told the truth?


    ''Ah, well, okay.'' He swiveled a few words around his mouth before settling down on those three. ''I am sorry for disturbing you. But before I go, could you please give me your autograph, and, well, I won''t lie and say I wasn''t hoping to meet you.'' He let out a small giggle, his heart leaping into his chest.


    Get the package, get out. He thought giddily as he awaited the man''s response.


    Cyan shook his head. ''Go? No, you are not going anywhere.'' he said.


    Falcon''s heart sank. There it was, why had Cyan given him the hope that he could escape, then crush the happy sapling blooming in his heart like that? He felt a bout of anger, but an instinct told him to keep up the drama, Cyan was proving to be an easy target by every minute.


    ''Then please punish me for my intrusion, Cyan. But, after you give me your autograph.'' He pleaded, immediately feeling disgusted with himself.


    All of his nerves were standing on edge, body taut as a string, expecting Cyan to attack him at any moment now. What was he waiting for?


    ''Relax.'' Cyan said. ''I am not going to eat you.''


    His head jerked up as he realized Cyan was deeply observing him. Falcon knew Cyan was two years older than him, but his deep eyes spoke wisdom and honesty, not to mention the very sense of responsibility his aura set off. I guess that''s what happens when you have the weight of an empire resting on your shoulders. ''What, why?'' He stammered.


    ''How old are you, Jason? Cyan asked, his eyes a quizzical inquiry.


    Falcon breathed inwardly at the sudden inquiry. Was Cyan perhaps getting as much information out of him as he could before turning him in?


    ''Err¡­.I will turn eighteen next month.'' He lied, hoping Cyan would take him as a young, foolish boy.


    ''An eighteen year old boy managing to get past my guards, the lock and the cameras? I think not.'' Cyan shook his head. ''But you do look really young. How did you do it?''


    Falcon fell silent. Of course he hadn''t believed him, but why was he acting like he had never seen a more truthful person before? He realized Cyan was waiting for him to respond to his absurd question as if he would actually tell him the way he came in.


    Cyan''s face turned grave when he saw Falcon standing still, not saying a word, his silence a defiant no to his query.


    ''Come on.'' Cyan said, turning around, motioning for him to follow him.


    He''s turning me in, Falcon realized, he''s giving me over to the authorities.


    Before he knew it, Falcon grabbed Cyan''s arm with a jerk, the action pulling him backwards that he tripped, his back hitting Falcon in the chest. Cyan gasped loudly, but he stayed calm, not a sign of struggle in his body whilst Falcon gripped his hand.


    ''Release me, Jason.'' Cyan said.


    ''No, just punish me. Don''t hand me over.'' He said.


    ''I wasn''t going to.'' Cyan said in confusion. ''Please don''t attack me again.''


    Falcon released him slowly, his hands falling to his sides. He should have known Cyan was not threatening his freedom, his gait hadn''t been defensive and his words were friendly.


    ''I am so sorry.'' Falcon bowed again. ''I didn''t know, it was a reflex.''


    Cyan nodded like he understood, falling silent again as he surveyed him quietly. ''You are an orphan aren''t you?'' He asked quietly, almost lamenting.


    His question took him by surprise. But then again, he was slowly learning to expect nothing from this man, as the minutes progressed. Falcon nodded slowly, if he played the victim here successfully, there was a slight chance Cyan might even let him go. The few minutes he had spent in his company had shown he was a soft hearted man who spent a lot of time on making decisions. He scuffed the floor with his foot, staring determinedly straight at the carpet. He hoped it was making him look vulnerable and lost. Not for the first time, he thanked his leather jacket, engulfing him so that he looked much smaller than he actually was.


    ''Someone sent you, didn''t they?'' Cyan asked.


    Falcon couldn''t believe his ears. It was like a goldmine of luck, Cyan providing him with questions which he could respond to in monosyllables. He let Cyan lead him on to the victim card and muttered a slow yes.


    ''Oh in whose hands did you fall in?'' Cyan mourned quietly.


    Not every orphan falls into wrong hands, you idiot. Some people make their own choices. Falcon hid an ugly grin and decided to play along. He shook his head slowly like he couldn''t decide or was too afraid to tell.


    ''Tell me, Jason, would you like to work for me?''


    Falcon''s head jerked up so fast he cricked his neck. ''Wha...what?'' he stammered. ''What do you mean?'' He knew exactly what he meant, and yet, his ears refused to believe the golden opportunity kissing his feet. Working for him meant staying in this house where he could get his hands on the package at any time he wanted with access to the safe if he was smart. This was too good to be true.


    ''You look really promising, and well, I won''t lie but, I don''t want you to go back to those people again.''


    Gosh, this man was unbelievable. Did he really think someone was forcing him to work for them, or maybe Falcon was too good at acting.


    ''I...I don''t know¡­..you are not handing me over?'' He spoke slowly, dazed and unbelievable, staring into Cyan''s eyes, hoping he looked uncertain.


    ''No.'' Cyan chuckled. ''And yes, you are not eighteen but still young, but have a really strong body. You have been trained well.''


    Falcon shook his head like he didn''t dare to believe, opening and closing his mouth several times before shutting it and deciding to keep it sealed. His eyes wide, he just looked at Cyan until the man spoke again.


    ''It''s just a proposal. You don''t have to accept.'' He said gently.


    ''What if I don''t accept?'' Falcon said.


    ''I will let you go.'' And just like that, Cyan said the words, shrugging slightly.


    ''You will¡­..let me go? Why?'' He whispered.


    ''My house, my rules.'' Cyan said. ''Now please don''t attack me again.'' He said, as he turned around, making his way to the large dressing room.


    ''No, of course, not.'' Falcon rubbed his neck like he was embarrassed while his heart sang a gleeful melody. This foolish man was letting him stay. This made his work even easier.


    Cyan smiled slightly, as he disappeared from sight through the door, closing it gently. Falcon stood there quietly, waiting with bated breath in the dark. Cyan had given him time to decide, but Falcon''s decision was already made. It was a few minutes before he reappeared, fully clothed dressed in jeans and a t shirt.


    ''Have you made up your mind?'' He asked.


    ''Yes.'' Falcon whispered. ''I want to stay.''


    Cyan smiled contentedly, and in his smile Falcon saw the reason behind his actions. Cyan Yarrow was trying to save him, giving the orphan a job who had broken into his house at the dead of the night to see a painting.


    Was he stupid, or was he stupid? Falcon chuckled to himself, careful none of his emotions would show on his face.. It wasn''t a difficult feat, he had learnt to maintain a poker face a long time ago, so much that he knew he could easily pass as a mannequin.

 Chapter 5 - Pitt Pits His Wits

    The hallway outside the bedroom was dimly lit, with a soft light permeating the first floor. The house was extravagant, with two identical staircases leading from the foyer downstairs and meeting up, with a row of bedrooms lining the opposite wall. The floor was richly carpeted, his shoes disappearing hallway in the deep carpet as if burying in cloud fluff. Cyan was bare foot, padding across the hall towards the staircase leading to the right. Falcon was grateful he hadn''t asked him to take off his shoes, he hated being unprepared and the presence of the shoes in his feet assured he could take off at the first sign of danger. But right now, he was risking it. He was risking exposing his face to the world because Cyan had asked him to work for him. But, even if the danger hadn''t been lingering over his head, he would have still kept the shoes on.


    He breathed deeply in the golden glow, filling lungfuls of air into his aching body, which was crashing as the adrenaline rushed out. The lingering of danger had turned into a persistent throbbing at the back of his head, loud and thumping, much like the sound his boots would make.


    Cyan descended the stairs gently, pushing his feet into a pair of fluffy slippers at the bottom. His toes stuck out at the front like a child''s, and he wiggled them a bit as he adjusted, making for a narrow corridor leading off from the foyer into a much darker part of the house.


    After a few turns, where Falcon could have sworn it was not a mansion but a labyrinth, they reached a metal door with a mark SECURITY on the top.


    Falcon''s gut twisted, just the thought of being in a room with guards and officers tugged at his confidence. Cyan must have sensed his discomfort as he smiled at him warmly and knocked on the door.


    Falcon found it absurd, that he had to knock at a door in his own house, before he realized Cyan was just showing manners. His knuckles made a loud rapping sound on the metal and he heard the grating of a chair before the heavy door grinded open and a fierce guard appeared, giving Cyan a polite business like smile.


    ''What might be the matter, Sir?'' He asked.


    The guard was dressed in a crisp green uniform, the shirt tight against his massive chest. He was bald, but not old, with a very straight back, like he was in a permanent salute. There was a line between his eyebrows like he spent most of his time regarding other people with distaste. But his eyes were sharp and bright, which turned curious as they landed on Falcon.


    Cyan pushed into the room, beckoning Falcon to follow him who did so with a heavy heart. The room was not large, but not small either, all four walls covered with monitors which showed black and white images of the entire mansion, much like the films he had watched in his childhood. The lightning in the room was dim, a stale smell of fried food and alcohol lingering in the air.


    ''Oh, nothing''s wrong, Pitt.'' Cyan shook his head reassuringly. ''Meet Jason. He would be joining you.'' He said, as if stating the weather.


    Every eye in the room turned to him. He felt the weight of them like Thor''s hammer onto every part of his body, and he was not reassured to see their twisted expressions. The guards had stopped whatever they were doing and turned to him in contempt. There were four men in the room, all sitting on stools in front of the screens except Pitt who must have gotten up to open the door for them. There was nothing but suspicion in their eyes.


    ''I am sorry, Sir, what?'' Pitt said.


    ''Yes, please find a uniform his size and give him a weapon. He is my personal body guard from today.'' Cyan smiled, politely dismissing the incredulous looks he was receiving from the rest of the people in the room, including Falcon.


    Personal bodyguard? That was the job Cyan was giving him? This meant he would be by Cyan''s side all the time. Oh, this was better than he had thought, he could keep an eye on him and see if he tried to take the package out.


    ''But¡­..but, sir, you can''t do that. You hate bodyguards. You fired Erik after he followed you into the bathroom, didn''t you?'' Pitt sounded distressed. ''How can you trust this man?'' He surveyed him with mild revulsion. The man sounded sincere, hoping Cyan wouldn''t walk himself into a disaster.


    ''Just dress him up, Pitt, and try not to kill him.''


    Pitt let out a low growl in his throat. ''Oh, I will dress him up, alright.'' He said, not caring if Cyan heard him. They probably had a healthy bond, Falcon thought.


    Cyan smiled again, muttering a quiet ''thank you'' before he offered Falcon an encouraging look. ''You will like it here.'' He said.


    Falcon bowed low, keeping his eyes at his shoes as Cyan left the room, closing the door quietly behind. He got up to find Pitt directly in his face.


    ''So, Jason, where are you from.'' Pitt asked with a tight smile.


    Pitt was a burly man, big on the muscular side, and while Falcon wasn''t small, he was certainly smaller than Pitt, who towered over him with figure-hugging uniform. He had his arms folded on his chest, glaring at him in a strong hatred which didn''t intimidate him. He was used to people looking at him like that.


    Falcon didn''t answer. He wasn''t answering any of these man, the purpose was to stay close to Cyan and get his hands on the package as soon as he could. Then get out of there.


    Pitt scowled at his lack of response. He moved away towards a trunk at the end of the room, muttering filth under his breath as he rummaged through the items inside. He threw a shirt and pants into his direction, the same horrible green uniform and said: ''Change.''


    There was a smaller room at the back and Pitt flicked his head towards it. The room was not a bathroom, but rather a storage room with shelves lining the walls, smelling faintly of gunpowder. He realized with a start Pitt had followed him in, closing the door behind them.


    ''None of us saw you come in.'' Pitt sneered. ''How did you manage it?''


    Pitt was the head of security, Falcon realized as his eyes fell onto his badge. He had taken his break-in personally, it was a shortcoming in his ability that Falcon had been able to sneak in.


    Falcon grinned. He basked in the satisfaction of Pitt''s annoyed expression before he shrugged.


    ''Maybe you are not as thorough as you think you are.''


    ''What are you here for?'' Pitt asked in a deadly whisper.


    ''This job.'' He said.


    Falcon took off his jacket, the familiar weight of the gun disappearing, then his shirt. The sweat on his skin gleamed under the faint light and he shrugged on the new one, facing Pitt, who was carefully observing his body, no doubt sizing him up. There was a faint smell coming off the shirt, indicating it hadn''t been washed after the last person wore it.


    ''Is this Erik''s shirt?'' He asked carelessly. The shirt was incredibly tight on him, the buttons almost popping open from the strain.


    Pitt scoffed. ''Yeah, soon it will be someone else''s.''


    ''Not quite.'' Falcon said. ''I am not leaving anytime soon.''


    ''Oh, you will.'' Pitt smiled in a way that said danger is coming. ''After you are through with me.''


    Falcon was on his guard in an instant. He had discarded the green pants, they would be too tight of him anyway and tugged the shirt into his belt. He glared at Pitt, daring him to make a move. ''You are bound by Cyan''s orders.'' He shrugged his shoulders, his hands aching to grab his gun.


    ''Yes, I can''t kill you. But I can break a few bones.'' Pitt grinned viciously, starting towards him.


    ''You will regret it.'' Falcon said it dead and straight like he was reciting a textbook fact.''


    Half of him wanted Pitt to be the first one to lay a hand on the other, while the other half didn''t want to make a mess.


    Pitt said nothing. He stared him up and down, in his casual assortment of clothes, hands already fisted by his side. He was doing a good job of looking scary, but Falcon wasn''t afraid, he was simply bored, and extremely tired.


    If only he knew who I was. He thought.


    Pitt moved suddenly like a zap of lightening and Falcon saw the fist coming towards him mere seconds before he tilted sideways. The punch landed on the wall behind him followed by a dreadful splintering sound and a scream, as Pitt clasped his other hand around his fist and fell to the ground, howling like a dog.


    Falcon looked at the man kneeling on the ground, his features squinted in pain. He couldn''t believe Pitt had been so easy to take down, when he was expecting quite a challenge.


    ''See?'' Falcon said softly. ''I told you, you would regret it.''


    He knelt down next to Pitt and brought his mouth close to his ear. ''If you or any of your men try to touch me again, I will make sure they regret it a hundred times more than you do.'' He said in a whisper.


    He got up and away from him, heart racing slightly and made for the door. None of them know what they have gotten themselves into, he thought without a feeling. He wasn''t guilty, but he also didn''t want to hurt more people. But, if they were intent on swinging fists towards him, next time he wouldn''t hesitate to get physical too.


    When he emerged back into the security room, the other three men looked at him in surprise. Surely they must have heard Pitt''s cries of pain and expecting it to be his''. Maybe they were expecting him to appear with a broken nose or sprouting blood from his mouth, but he looked right as rain.


    He smirked at their shocked expressions, until one of them got up from his seat and blocked his way, wiping away his smirk. He was a small man wearing glasses, but his eyes were glittering maliciously and he looked furious.


    ''Get out of my way, you idiot.'' Falcon snapped.


    ''What have you done to him?'' The man demanded. His voice was loud and bossy, unpleasant to his ears and adding to his annoyance level. His breath smelt of fried chicken and cigarette smoke.


    ''See for yourself.'' He stepped out of his way, offering a clear path to the storage room.


    The man glared daggers at him, and he might have dropped dead if looks could kill.


    ''You bastard.'' He raised a hand.


    ''Don''t.'' Said a voice from the doorway. Pitt had appeared in the small opening, cradling his fist to his chest and looking like rabid wolf.


    The guard dropped his palm immediately, casting Pitt a rather horrified look. ''Nobody touches him.'' Pitt said.


    The silence that followed was deafening. Maybe Pitt''s men were expecting a command to attack Falcon but his words had taken them by surprise.


    Falcon nodded with satisfaction. He was glad Pitt had learnt a lesson before any more fists would swing or squabbles would break out.. The guard with the glasses got out of his way quietly, returning to his stool.. When Falcon walked out of the security room with his head held high, none of the other men tried to stop him.

 Chapter 6 - Screwed

    The crisp air of the night hit him in the face the second he stepped out of the house. Falcon was surprised by the time, the witching hour had passed by not so smoothly, changing his life forever. The number of people who had seen his face were more than the ones who had seen him in the last five years and he felt oddly threatened by each and every one of them.


    The grounds were lit with the light from the tall poles, the activity fervent like it was day time. It was a while before he realized the men were preparing for something. The rush of activity was insane, waiters setting up tables and adorning them with pristine clothes. More men were setting up a large pavilion. Somebody flicked a switch somewhere and the grass lit up with fairy lights, twinkling up at him, and Falcon dimly remembered the reason. The Yarrow family had been in the newspapers a lot lately, due to the recent tragedy that had occurred in their house, but also because Cyan''s sister was getting married.


    Fuck. He was screwed. Functions meant people, and people meant danger. If he was by Cyan''s side in the entirety of it, he would no doubt be captured by the cameras.


    The dewy air suggested morning was near, it would be light in a few hours and Falcon would be exposed to the world. He had to move and he had to move fast. Why did Cyan have to wake up at that exact moment? Had the bastard been awake the whole time? And where was he now?


    A sharp beeping sound pulled him out of his musings. He glanced at his wrist, the small device which looked like a watch had lit up briefly before displaying the time again. His stomach churned. He was supposed to complete the assignment by now and 453 was probably checking up on him. He felt a prejudice against him, it was because of his unknown client that he was in this situation, having to stay by the artist for who knew how long.


    He held the start button for a few seconds before verifying his thumb print and the message showed up. Seven curt words, straight and brief, demanded his immediate response.


    *Report. Is the package in your possession?*

 Chapter 7 - Tulips And Troubles

    And if baby I could have one last wish,


    It would be another eternity with you,


    In the blink of an eye,


    Put those arms around my neck and hold me close,


    The musician''s smoky voice floated over the guests and the light tinkling of the glasses, settling down as a dreamy hue over the gathering. The laughter and cheerful giggling echoed through the pavilion, the gems on the guests'' fingers catching the lights and twinkling brightly. The scent of tulips in the air was intoxicating, about a million of them set in tall bouquets, hung around the canopy in garlands and perched elegantly in vases on the tables.


    A maid hurried among the tables, avoiding each piece of furniture narrowly and almost tripping every time.


    She was dressed in a maid''s uniform, a black dress with a white apron over it, like a skirt around her waist. Her short brown hair was pulled into a bun at her nape, a few naughty curls having escaped the pins and hanging loose around her head. She did not care to pin them back, but kept throwing them away with a quick jerk of her head after every few seconds. There was a badge on her chest, spelling ''Autumn'' in small fancy letters. It didn''t matter if this really was her name. She had adopted it for this mission and it would be that for now. Her short heels made no noise on the grass as she weaved her way through the garden, carrying a tray of champagne glasses with an elegance and standoffishness that set her apart from the rest of the maids.


    A man in a suit beckoned her with a curt motion of his head. She covered the distance swiftly, and he placed his empty glass on the tray. The maid dipped her head and carried the now full tray towards the back of the garden, where a side door led into the kitchen, bustling with staff preparing for the party. She placed the tray on the counter, and glanced at the other worker. Everybody seemed to be busy, working manically, some refilling glasses while the head chef gave around orders with a snappish tone of command. The maid swept a look at the busy workers from under her lashes , and finding no attention on her, spun on her heels and doubled through the door leading to the inside of the house.


    She tried to look small and discreet as she emerged into a hallway, barely furnished, and grabbed a stack of clean towels lying on a rack and picked up her pace. The hallway was dimly lit, various doors leading off to the sides towards more chambers which seemed impossible for the house to hold. The hallway ended into a set of steps leading upwards, bare and narrow, a single light bulb hanging miserably from the concrete ceiling. She ducked to avoid the low hanging bulb and took the steps two at a time, arranging her expressions to look as serious as possible. It seemed like a difficult task, and she was sure her nerves were showing on her face, the butterflies inside her stomach fluttering loudly and her heart thumping at a manic pace.


    She remembered the structure of the house by heart, the location of every room and corner imposed in her mind from studying the map for weeks to make her job as quick and clean as possible. Slipping in as a maid had been easier than she''d thought, the occasion perfect to blend in with the other maids. She laughed at the security, it was silly how tight and strict it was on the outside, but barely there on the inside.


    She''d emerged into a large foyer, a majestic staircase leading upstairs on both sides of the hall towards a balcony. The house was the definition of grand, every minor detail flawless that it was almost absurd. She crossed the foyer as quickly as she could without making too much noise and flew up the stairs.


    A very diligent camera crew was setting up equipment all across the house, upstairs and downstairs and even from the chandelier to record every second of the day. A broad man pointed the cameramen to their positions on the first floor, who bounced around excitedly, their cameras swinging from their necks. She cursed the length of the hallway, luxuriously carpeted with hundreds of rooms, doors opening and closing as family members bustled about.


    She kept her determined pace as she made for the room farthest down the left corridor. She kept her eyes on the doorknob, as if to magically cause it to spin and open up to the room. Grinning inwardly at her absurd thoughts, she spun the knob. To her immense surprise it opened up easily, a smooth glide to the inside which left her gleeful. She let out her breath in a euphoric gasp, cast a quick look down into the foyer and stepped inside.


    The room was bright, sunlight streaming into it in pools of shine and gathering on the floor, the beams melting into each other and creating halos of light. The high glass walls gave her a full view over the ceremony, the shining glasses and sprayed tulips. The amount of flowers in the garden could have embarrassed spring itself.


    Everything about the room was meticulous, the bed neatly made, the desk uncluttered, all the stationary organized and the surface clean as slate. The computer was on, the home screen a smiling family photo of the Yarrows. She had the sudden urge to smack her head at the recklessness of the owner, the open door and computer the very proof of his laxity. It was silly really, how the man seemed to be so relaxed when it came to security. But then again, he wasn''t really aware that imposters would try to break in. She took off her shoes at the door and left them at the mat, padding her way towards the table in her socks. The abnormally clean room told her that the man would see even a tiny bit of garden mud on his pristine floor and she sure as hell didn''t want him to know someone had been inside his room.


    There were several secret pockets inside her sleeves, containing tiny listening devices. Knowing she had very little time, she extracted the bugs and stuck one underneath the desk, where it blended in with the dark wood. She crossed the room and placed two inside the closet, an army of dark suits hiding the bugs very well. The bathroom door was ajar, saving her from the trouble of a creak, and she stuck one underneath the sinks and behind the toilet. She wasn''t wild of the idea of hearing Cyan Yarrow flush his toilet, but the chances of him having a phone call inside the bathroom were very high.


    There was a tiny camera left inside her sleeve and she pulled it out, careful not to let her pores touch the sensitive screen. Unsure as to where she could place the device, she glanced at the corners, searching for a place where it wouldn''t be spotted. Her heart sped up when she spied the frame on the wall, an idea forming in her mind as she hurried towards it. There wasn''t much space between the frame and the wall, and positive it wouldn''t be spotted, she attached it at an angle where it offered a clear view of the bed and the computer table. Unfortunately, the other side of the room wouldn''t be visible to her, but this will have to do. She just needed to do one more thing now. She hurried to the computer and opened mail, scanning the messages with a swift glance.


    The mails were all ordinary, from businesses, many of whom she recognized. She had almost got up when she saw the address in the newest mail, nothing out of ordinary about it except the website. She was pretty sure no server with the name b-mail existed.


    She had almost clicked on the email, when she heard footsteps, loud, demanding footsteps which were making their way towards the room. From the sound of them, there were more than one pair of them, the thumping of shoes like hammering in her brain. She snapped the window shut, and grabbed the discarded pile of towels from the floor, when the door was pushed in and Cyan Yarrow came through.


    The maid briefly registered the bodyguard behind him when she realized the wallpaper on the computer home screen had been a screen saver which had now changed to another family picture of the Yarrows at the beach. Her blood ran cold as sweat broke out on her forehead, beading its way down the loose strands of hair. As subtly as she could, she sneaked a peek at Cyan Yarrow''s face, who looked distracted as he sat down at the table. He didn''t seem to notice as he hit mail and started typing, eyebrows furrowed with concentration. She breathed a quick sigh of relief. Sticking her feet in her shoes, she grabbed for the knob and was about to leave when Cyan spoke a single word. ''Strange.''


    The maid stopped. She pretended to adjust her heels as she waited with bated breath for Cyan to say something more. None of them had spared her a glance before, but they would if she stayed there much longer.


    ''I have never seen this address before.'' Cyan said, his voice a ghost of suspicion at the said email.


    She could feel a pair of eyes boring into her back, the weight of which was making the hair on her neck prickle. Since Cyan was staring at his screen, she guessed it was the other man, someone whom she didn''t remember seeing in the staff photos.


    Realizing she had been caught, the maid stepped outside the room and closed the door, leaning against the closed surface as she caught her breath. Her heart was racing like it did after training, the thumping so loud she was sure the men at the other side of the door could hear it too. One thing was certain, this man wasn''t who he was pretending to be. And Cyan knew it too. With her ability to read people like the alphabet, she was sure of her doubts.. She wondered why Cyan had a crook by his side, when he had played with right all his life, even in business.

 Chapter 8 - Make A Move

    The couple looked magnificent together. That was Autumn''s first thought as she saw the two of them climb the double ended staircase and unite at the balcony, smiling and waving at the cheering people below, but mostly just looking adoringly at each other. Teal Yarrow had a small pixie face, golden hair set in curls like a halo around her face, reaching down to her waist. Her nose scrunched up every time she smiled at Canis North, eyes wrinkling as they took each other''s hand. Canis was Cyan''s best friend, who owned a vacation planning business. Personally, it didn''t make any sense to Autumn. Why would you go on a vacation if you didn''t know where to go?


    Below them cameras flashed as the photographers took picture after picture, for the headlines of every newspaper and TV channel the following day. Canis was a broad shouldered bulldozer of a man, his buff arms wrapped around Teal''s waist as they posed for the cameras. He had a tanned face, skin which had seen too much of the sun and hair dyed to a startling silver. He smiled as he turned Teal around in his arms and pressed his luscious lips to her small ones, while the crowd below whooped.


    Autumn glanced at Cyan, who was clapping along loudly with a genuine smile playing on his lips. He was standing in the foyer along with the rest of the crowd, as the couple posed on the balcony. Cyan put his fingers in his mouth and whistled, much to the crowd''s amusement, as the kiss prolonged, no signs of worry he had been feeling just a few minutes ago on his brow. But she was no longer looking at him. The bodyguard behind Cyan was staring at her intensely, his eyes narrowed, suspicion the only thing his aura betrayed. Their eyes met and Autumn sent him a harsh look, before she looked away.


    Both of them knew of the other and both of them were waiting for the other to make a move.


    The couple slowly descended together, arm in arm towards the outdoor pavilion, where the engagement party would really begin. The crowd made its way outside after them where an uproar of applause shattered her eardrums.


    Autumn grabbed a tray of drinks and swiveled in the crowd. The guests grabbed the glasses and pretty soon her tray was empty. She turned around for another, and bumped right into a man, his chest hitting her forehead as she stumbled. He grabbed her arms to straighten her, the touch harsh, devoid of any support, but gripping her like she would take off any second. Which she felt like doing, as she glanced at the man and saw that it was the bodyguard. He glared at her, coldness his demeanor as she had the time to properly look at his face for the first time. The man was taller than her by a head, and she felt dwarfed by his height, feeling small in his heavy weight arms. His eyes were a dark brown and glittered at her, alert and suspicious. His messy hair reached his earlobe, curling around in waves. There were three piercings in his right ear, and a stud above his left eyebrow. He was quite muscular, though looked lithe and swift on his feet at the same time. The strength in his arms dug into her elbows as he released her.


    ''What is your name?'' he said.


    ''Autumn, Sir.'' She ducked her head in a mock bow.


    ''And you''re new here?''


    ''That''s right. Though not quite new as you, sir.''


    The man''s mouth curled into a humorless smile. He leaned down and breathed next to her ear.


    ''I recognize an imposter when I see one.''


    ''So do I.'' She whispered.


    He laughed. It was a dry, cold sound, ending quickly as he surveyed her with interest.


    ''It''s not here.'' He said. ''The package is gone. So any effort of yours will go unfruitful.''


    ''I am afraid I don''t understand, Sir.''


    ''Just like I didn''t understand how the wallpaper changed itself.''


    Autumn cursed. Of course he had noticed the screensaver. That''s why he was staring at her with such suspicion in his eyes like he could uncover her deepest secrets with a look from his eyes.


    From the corner of her eyes, Autumn saw Cyan coming towards them. The guard saw him too and turned, bowing deeply but Cyan just waved his hand.


    ''Did you find out what I asked you to?''


    The guard turned to her and said coldly. ''You''re excused.''


    Autumn spun on her heels and left quickly, striding through the crowd, anger and curiosity pulsing through her. Faintly she heard the man say, ''Yes, Sir. The sender is untraceable...¡­.''


    Autumn''s heart was hammering at hundred miles per hour. The package is not here? What did that mean? Was the stone really gone? Then what about Cyan and who had it now? A million questions ran through her mind at a ridiculous pace, one after another until her head was just a jumble of confused thoughts. She discreetly took out her phone from the pocket of her apron and went behind a huge bouquet of tulips. The flowers hid her well, while providing clear view of the strange guard standing behind Cyan who was deep in conversation with Canis.


    Autumn focused the lens from behind the flowers and zoomed in on the guard''s face. The camera captured his angles perfectly, the sleek jawline and a sharp nose caught in the flash of the lens. She sent the picture with a small line of text to her first contact.


    *ZUE,


    CAN YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS GUY FOR ME? EVERYTHING YOU CAN.*


    Zue texted back immediately. It was a single emoji, and Autumn smiled like a fool at the dumb response.


    *PLEASE?* She texted back, though she knew Zue would, after teasing her for some time. She stared at the wink emoji and thought how much she wanted to see her when her reply came.


    *Only if you get me his number*. Zue had written.


    *LIKE YOU CAN''T FIND IT OUT BY YOURSELF ????*


    She typed in hurriedly, as the couple started the ceremony, cameras following their every step towards the tulip canopy, a breathtakingly beautiful net of white and purple flowers where the ceremony would take place. Teal was dressed in an equally beautiful gown, a deep shade of purple, snug at the waist and flaring out beneath her in a graceful trail. There was a tiara of tulips in her hair, set like a crown upon the golden locks.


    Canis looked powerful in his tuxedo but his eyes softened every time he looked at Teal, whose lips were parted in a permanent smile. Autumn wondered how someone could smile that wide and still look this beautiful.


    Autumn''s phone pinged twice, as urgent message from Zue came through. She slipped her hand subtly inside, one eye on the guard and the other on the incoming message.


    *Can you get me a clearer, full body picture?* Zue had written with an upside down smiley.


    Autumn frowned. Zue had never needed more than a blurred, zoomed in photo and five minutes to find out a person''s life history. But she had replied after a whole seven minutes, asking her for another photo. She eyed the guard apprehensively as the family moved to position around the canopy for the ceremony video.


    The couple reached the canopy, while a photographer moved in sync, balancing perilously on either of his feet with his equipment recording every moment through the wall of water from behind the fountain. Autumn followed his funny dance, an idea forming in her head. The canopy and the people around were in clear view, including Cyan and his guard, and with the photographer''s high quality camera, every petal on Teal''s tiara would show in the video.


    *SURE..* She texted back, glancing around for the right opportunity.

 Chapter 9 - The Rumors

    Moving along the guests, Teal answered the questions with enthusiasm, while Canis spoke a few words and smiled mostly at whatever Teal said. The reporters asked question after question, how they met, who was the first to confess, how he proposed.


    Autumn moved through the guests on her toes, glasses of champagne balanced on the tray, while she felt like her legs would fall off if she took another step. Her ears were on the interview, while she eyed the guard warily, she wondered if he was going to tell Cyan about her or catch her again to ask why she was snooping around Cyan''s room. Autumn guessed the guard also had a lot to hide and questions might be raised if he raised suspicions on an innocent looking maid. She wondered how the reporters had so much energy to actually sound enthusiastic about the ceremony that was putting her to sleep.


    ''Miss Teal, is it true you designed this dress yourself?'' a reporter who looked so enthusiastic, Autumn thought he would burst out of his skin, asked Teal, waving the mic in her face.


    Teal laughed smoothly. ''Yes, with a little help from my brother.'' She looked fondly at Cyan who smiled so widely at her, his eyes crinkled.


    ''Mr. North, where are you planning to take your wife-to-be for a honeymoon?'' the reporter said.


    ''Now, that is a secret.'' Canis put an arm around Teal''s shoulders and pulled her close. ''But, I can guarantee you, love, you will never have had a vacation like this.'' He said to her.


    ''I can''t wait.'' Teal whispered in his ear but the guests caught the words and a new round of casual whooping started.


    ''Miss Teal, I admire your courage. You really moved on quicker than the public expected after your parents recent deaths.'' The reporter was a young, mousy man, his hair falling into his eyes, while he gripped his mic excitedly.


    Teal''s steps faltered. The glass of champagne stopped at her lips as her hands started shaking. She stared at the reporter open mouthed, shock visible on her tiny face, perhaps wondering why the reporter had raised a question like this at such a happy event. Sensing her sister''s discomfort, Cyan strode over towards the reporter and spoke in a firm voice.


    ''Enough. I don''t see why we should mar a happy occasion with the mention of tragedies.''


    Autumn saw how the question had affected the siblings. Teal''s bottom lip was trembling, tears pooling into her eyes as her whole body shook. Canis had his arms around her and was holding her close, whispering softly in her ear. Cyan looked furious, a murderous glare in his eyes as he stared the reporter down. His eyes glittered in anger while he blocked Teal from the unforgiving cameras.


    ''Isn''t it true, it has only been a month since your mother and father death?'' the reporter persisted.


    An awkward, tense air had surrounded the party. While everybody there looked unhappy or angry, the guard showed no emotion, but his clasped hands betrayed how deeply he was listening to the questions and cared about not missing a word.


    ''I think you should stop drinking if you feel too drunk already, Mr...¡­Kirstun.'' He said, eyeing the reporter''s name tag.


    A small laugh broke through the crowd, as people began to disperse, but Kirstun was not having the siblings dodge the question as he spoke again.


    ''Then are the rumors true? Your parents didn''t die in an ice skating incident, but they were murdered?''


    Autumn saw the guard''s eyebrows furrow, her own confusion mirrored on his face. What did it mean? The Yarrows were murdered? Why hadn''t she heard of any rumors?


    ''I am afraid I am not aware of any such rumors.'' Cyan spoke in a voice of steel. ''Excuse me.'' He turned towards his sister.


    ''Did you do it? Did you kill your parents to receive the inheritance...¡­and the package?''


    Autumn''s blood ran cold like someone had poured icy water over her head. How did this man know of the package, and why was he acting like it was common knowledge?


    It was visible how Cyan tensed, his body went as still as a statue, while a strange emotion came over his features. From behind the shock and anger, Autumn could see it but couldn''t quite place it. Was it guilt?


    ''What?'' Cyan turned just his head around and whispered.


    It was Canis who spoke next, before Kirstun had a chance to continue. ''Enough. I can''t see why you would accuse the deceased''s son of something like that.'' He turned around and smiled at the guests. ''Enjoy the party, gentlemen..'' He said loudly, dismissing the intense interview.

 Chapter 10 - What Do You Mean?

    Though the questions had ended, there was furious whispering among the guests, but Cyan took every look and comment targeted towards his sister like a shield, constantly whispering and stroking her, trying to give as much comfort and support as he can. Autumn watch him cautiously, for a moment when he would let his emotions slip through his mask of difference and she would catch a hint of what he was really feeling. She was so engrossed in watching Cyan that she almost forgot the picture she had yet to take. She glanced around at the people, looking for the photographer.


    Fortunately, he was close, his video camera filming the setting with one leg balanced on the fountain, hands moving with expertise around the controls. She cursed him silently, willing him to stop filming the flowers. She had to get out of there soon before the guard made a move. It seemed like both of them were having a silent war, eyeing each other and weighing up their options. Autumn didn''t think he''d do anything, but she wouldn''t put it past him to physically assault her for answers.


    The photographer moved away to get couple shots of Teal and Canis, and Autumn realized with relief that he was using another camera now, a bigger one with more dials than her car''s dashboard.


    His video camera was hanging around his neck, the equipment jumping on his stomach every time he changed his position for the shoot. Autumn balanced her tray of glasses as she purposefully made her way towards him, her pace strong and determined. A step away from him she stumbled, losing her footing as she let go of the tray, which crashed to the ground, the champagne glasses splintering into tiny fragments. She caught hold of the photographer, one arm around his neck, the other around his stomach, struggling for support. The man caught her from the arms and steadied her, forgetting his camera as he tried to support the struggling maid.


    ''I am so sorry.'' She straightened. ''I wasn''t looking where I was going.'' She wailed, batting her eyelashes at the man.


    He blushed. ''That''s fine, Miss.'' He said. ''You should get away from the mess.''


    ''Thank you.'' She bowed deeply, walking away briskly, her hand fisted tightly around the camera''s memory card. She felt bad for the man, who had filmed the entire ceremony in awkward positions. Promising herself she would put the card back in, she went back into the shadows.


    While the attention was at the commotion, Autumn quickly inserted the card inside her phone and sent the ceremony video to Zue.


    *FIND OUT EVERYTHING YOU CAN ABOUT HIM. ALSO, WHILE YOU ARE AT IT, CAN YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE YARROW''S DEATH?*


    Zue replied instantly. *On it.*


    Autumn sighed happily. Hopefully, this will answer few of the questions ringing in her mind.


    XXX


    A few feet away, Falcon watched the maid intently. He had seen her take his picture, though he had pretended not to notice as she did so. He knew his record would come clean. It was now a fight as to who got to the package first. He wondered who Autumn was working for, whether it was the same person or two different people were after it. He wondered how Cyan had got his hands on the package in the first place, the thing that was resting behind the photo frame on the first floor. Or maybe not. He just had to sneak off and look for it, but alas couldn''t leave Cyan alone, especially not today, for today might be the day Cyan meant to smuggle it out of the house.


    He had received the message from 453 earlier, warning about Cyan Yarrow moving the package out tonight, as he realized it was in danger. If this was true, it was yet to happen. He had been by Cyan''s side since last night and he hadn''t strayed close to the painting.


    He glanced up at the man as he thought so. Cyan looked distressed and anxious, his teeth nibbling at his lower lip at a pace that it might produce blood in a few seconds. He was wringing his hands and looked thoroughly uneasy. Falcon felt a faint simmer of anger, he couldn''t believe Cyan would ever be accused of a murder. The man had given him a job after finding him inside his room at the dead of the night. He had even taken his excuse, though Falcon had a feeling Cyan knew. But why would he treat me this way then? Shouldn''t he have thrown me in prison by now? Falcon realized one of his reasons for staying with Cyan along with getting hold of the package was to get to know this mystery of a man better.


    The pale light of the evening had fallen, dusk was on its way. The evening air had taken a hushed silence, conversations turning into loud laughs as the music turned up and couples went onto the dance floor. Falcon wondered how long the party would go on, the main event was still going to take place. The couple had to exchange rings and open gifts. The thought alone was tiring. He wished he was safely in bed, planning for another assignment or simply getting a few hours of blissful sleep before the nightmares claimed him, than wrapped up in flowers and neck-itching tuxedos.


    He had kept an eye on Cyan the whole evening, proud of his abilities to spy. He looked over at Autumn, she was good too, but clumsy, as he kept catching her glaring at him. She looked furious, her emotions were so clear on her face, that Falcon smirked. First rule of blending in; be as passive as possible. He figured her quest for info on him had been fruitless. His lips turned into a smirk and he glanced at her. He saw her scoff and turn away.


    Falcon struggled to hold his laugh, Autumn looked so annoyed that her eyebrows were merged into each other, mouth set in a straight line. He looked back at Cyan, but he was gone.


    Falcon cursed. The maid had distracted him from Cyan and he darted his pupils around to catch sight of him without giving much away. He snapped at himself for losing the man for a moment, it was furious, how he''d disappeared from sight the moment Falcon''s back was turned.


    ''Where are you?'' he spoke under his breath, until he caught sight of him standing with Canis at the farthest end of the garden, deep in conversation. He breathed a sigh of relief. So Cyan hadn''t left the party.


    ''Focus, Falcon, or Autumn will get to the package first.'' He scolded himself under his breath as he saw Cyan making his way towards a girl in the crowd.


    From the looks of it, she''d just arrived, a little breathless and flushed from the running to the party. She was dressed in a simple white gown, her red hair braided down her back. They were close enough for Falcon to hear every word the two of them exchanged.


    ''I am sorry, Cy. The customers just won''t stop coming.'' She said, wrapping her arms around his neck as he pulled her close in a bear hug.


    ''It''s okay.'' He kissed her temple. ''You are here now.'' He pulled her off to the dance floor.


    Falcon stared at them. He had never seen two people so completely lost in each other. The girl had her arms around his neck, while he held her close by the waist, foreheads pressed together as they revolved slowly with the music.


    ''You are not that great of a guard, are you?'' said a voice next to him, dripping with sarcasm, and he jumped.


    Autumn was standing right beside him, so close he could smell her perfume. She was speaking in an undertone, hands folded over her chest as she stared at him.


    ''What do you mean?'' he said.


    ''Nothing much. Who are you?''


    ''Changing the topic, I see.'' He relaxed. ''Call me Jason.''


    ''Really? I think Falcon sounded much better. Is Jason your new name now?''

 Chapter 11 - After Her

    Falcon''s blood ran cold. It was as if Autumn''s words had reached an invisible hand that had wrapped around his throat, blocking his air and making him breathless. He whipped his head and stared at her, eyes wide with shock and horror. This was bad, very bad.


    Realizing he''d showed too much of a reaction, Falcon unlocked his jaw and forced his lips into a grim smile. He glanced at Autumn. Her face was set in a smirk, amusement lining the corners of her brown eyes as they bore into him.


    ''Did a thorough job, didn''t you?'' he laughed, the sound cold and inhumane, devoid of amusement. ''You know a little too much for your own good.''


    She shrugged nonchalantly, acting like none of his words had affected her. She was saved from a response by a clattering of heels as Cyan and the girl made their way towards them.


    ''Jason, there you are.'' Cyan said, ironic considering he had been the one to vanish not moments prior. ''Please ask Canis to stop answering the reporters, will you?''


    ''He''s just being polite.'' The girl beside him said. ''But you are right, he should stop or they won''t leave him alone.''


    Falcon nodded slowly as he made his way to the couple. His mind was whirring at the speed of a windmill on a stormy day. The maid knew about him. Now the world had a face to associate with the name ''Falcon.''


    I am sorry, Autumn. But you will have to die.


    Pretty soon, the guests started clapping and the music turned up even louder. He groaned internally, how long were they going to stretch the ceremony? He suspected Teal had been behind all the planning, the elaborate details of the table covers to the flower settings spoke of extreme care and delicacy.


    The couple united on a platform set on the dance floor, the lighting was fixed and the cake was brought out. Falcon let out a subtle gasp of wonder, as much taken by the cake as the other guests, who had let out a collective oooh the second their eyes had landed on the cake. Briefly he wondered what the wedding cake would look like if the engagement cake seemed to cost enough to feed the guests for a week.


    The intricate cake was set with floral wreaths of lilacs, which were sprayed with edible glitter, standing out like the sky on the Fourth of July. The three tiered cake looked fabulous on the dance floor surrounded by the lights. Every detail was perfect, from the swirls of whipped cream to the elaborate fondant cut outs.


    The top most layer had two identical boxes set to look like they were toppling onto each other.


    Falcon watched as Canis opened the box to reveal a ring which glittered so brightly that the sparkle reached him this far away, and slipped it onto Teal''s ring finger. Teal was crying with emotion, as she opened the other box and revealed a golden band, holding Canis''s hand close to her heart and slipping it onto his hand. The couple hugged for a long time, clinging onto each other like they were being separated and not united together for life.


    Pretty soon, Teal was drying her eyes and cutting the cake, whereby the couple rubbed the cream onto each other''s cheeks and licked it off their fingers. It was quite disgusting but the guests laughed and cheered them on.


    The sky darkened like someone just spilled a drop of ink and it had diffused through the clouds, tightening the veil of gloom. The party had started getting wild, the stronger drinks opening with pops to really get the people riled up. Now was the perfect time to get to the package, he thought, when he saw her slipping out of the crowd towards the night, and he made his decision in a split second.. Falcon went after Autumn.

 Chapter 12 - At Angel Inn

    With his entire life spent slinking through the narrow alleys, Falcon had learnt the art of melting soundlessly into shadows and moving along with them. He moved forward now with a practiced pace, the dark a comforting curtain against his train of thoughts.


    Autumn had spent the rest of the evening working at a caf¨¦, and he had noticed her carefully, sitting across the street inside a coffee house with the cap pulled low over his eyes. She moved with precision and grace, sliding between the tables fast and carefully, without dropping anything. She had spent another thirty minutes cleaning up the caf¨¦ after it closed, as the owner, a fat angry woman, counted the money. He cursed her a few more times as Cyan and the package pressed heavily on his mind, while the coffee house owner gave him dirty looks for occupying the table. He ordered a Latte but immediately spewed it out. The barista making the coffee had forgotten to taste the milk, the sour taste of which spread like poison in his mouth. He drank the rest of it for the sake of doing something with his hands, else he rapped on the table and caught the other customers'' attention.


    Falcon wondered if Cyan would have noticed his absence, hopefully he would be too drunk by now. Pitt would probably come for him but he was not important. He embraced the silence of the night, as he hurried through, eyes and ears tuned automatically to any small sound emerging, trying to locate the source. He was dressed all in black again, his weapon snug at his waist, while his boots made no sound on the ground.


    He followed Autumn cautiously as she hurried through the alleys, hands tucked inside the pockets of her uniform, her head ducked against the wind. Few of the strands of her hair were moving with the breeze before framing her face again, which he knew would be immersed deep in thought. He didn''t know if she knew he was there, chances were that she didn''t, but she wasn''t ordinary and he was aware of it.


    Who the hell are you, he wondered. I hope I don''t have to get rid of you too.


    This assignment was proving to be too much of a headache, but the money. The money was worth it, he reminded himself as Autumn turned into an alley. He waited a few seconds then followed her.


    When Falcon went around the corner, she''d vanished. His chest heaved suddenly, the surprise of her disappearance hitching his breath. It was an alley of dingy motels, some offering rooms, while others showing signs of NO VACANCY in loud, bold letters. A door creaked to his right and he turned slowly, every move causing the silent air to stir with a whisper. He let out a relieved sigh as he saw a door to a hotel''s front close, creaking again as the lock clicked. A flash of brown curls disappeared behind the ajar slit and he smirked. A smug feeling of triumph settled over him as he glanced at the sign.


    ANGEL INN


    It said in crooked letters, barely clinging to the sign. A poorly carved wooden angel was next to the sign, her chubby cheeks pulled into a smile. She was gripping an arrow tightly, aimed high, as if welcoming the visitors under its shadow. The building was dilapidated, the sign hanging loose as if it would fall off and flutter to the ground with one harsh jerk of the wind. Several of the windows were broken, the glass ending in jagged corners, cardboard stuffed to let no intruders peek in. It was as high as two stories, the bricks a muddy brown and splattered with water from the puddles in front of him. For the name Angel Inn, it looked like it had come straight from hell.


    Falcon stared at the low building. His instincts told him Autumn would go for the highest room, so would he, if he had been in her place. High places gave him a sense of security along with privacy with the satisfaction of watching others while staying invisible himself. He raised his hand to the bell outside the door, but dropped it back, not wanting to alert Autumn and letting her slip through his hands.


    There was a thick pipe on the front wall, coming from the roof and emptying on the street, no doubt to drain all the rainwater. He caught hold of it and pulled, finding the material sturdy enough to balance his weight. Falcon climbed the pipe quickly, hands and feet moving up soundlessly. He knew he looked like a pole dancer, and he wondered what someone would think if they saw him clinging to a pipe late in the night.


    He stopped when he levelled with the second floor windows, and stared at the broken glass. The window was stuffed with cardboard with a hole in the center, he pumped his fist into the soft material, which landed with a soft thunk on the floor inside. He wondered if the person inside would have woken up from the noise. The odds of it were very low, as the night was the kind of unforgiving when you just want to get under the blankets and get carried away by the warmth to your dreamy paradise. Also, at this hour, he knew only the owls were awake.


    The hole was big enough for him to squeeze through, though the jagged edges of the glass nicked his jacket, small rips appearing in the leather. He huffed at the damage, crushing the broken glass in his fist at the inconvenience. Ignoring the sharp pain, he dropped down into the room, the interior so dark that he couldn''t even see his own hand which he held in front of his eyes. It took him a solid two minutes to adjust to the blankness, and he slowly made his way through the scattered objects on the floor. The person inside the bed was a guy and fully asleep, the sounds of his snores like an angry troubled truck engine reverberating in the still air.


    Falcon squeezed his eyes against the noise, the snoring was giving him an earache as he made for the door. His movements were like a snake, slithering so quietly through the dark that even his own shadow couldn''t hear them. The litheness had come from years and years of experience, since he had started breaking in and learnt the dos and don''ts of a successful robbery. The door was locked, though the knob was rattling quite badly, threatening to fall off at any second. It was thanks to the man''s nightmarish snores that he jimmied the lock and wasn''t heard, not wanting to break the knob and cause more damage to the inn owner. Outside, the narrow hallway was lit with a dim bulb which kept electrocuting every three seconds, making Falcon''s eyes pain at the sudden disappearance and reappearance of the light. He was annoyed, that he almost hit it out with his fist when he remembered not every annoying thing was his punching bag.


    The hallway led into a wide space with doors on all four sides with a staircase at the far corner, leading to the floors below. A beaten snooker table occupied the space in the middle of the floor. He wondered if it was even used, or if it was kept there only to remove the drab feeling and replace it with a homelier one. He glanced around the floor, drenched in the nude bulb''s weak light and wondered which of these closed doors held Autumn behind it.


    ''Looking for me?'' a voice said from behind him.

 Chapter 13 - Deal? Deal.

    Falcon nearly jumped out of his very skin. Autumn stood behind him, a full basket of dirty laundry under one arm while the other held a half full water bottle. Her expression was one of surprise and amusement, and Falcon wondered how long she had known he was there before deciding to come forward. This strange girl kept surprising him, turning up at the oddest moments and spitting words which made his heart stop beating for a few damn seconds.


    ''Like I have said it before, you suck.'' She laughed, reminding him of her jab at his spying skills. ''Though, I might be too good is a strong option too.''


    Falcon wanted to wipe that smug smile off her face. It was annoying enough that she had managed to creep up behind him, let alone remind him about it.


    Falcon jerked at a clattering noise coming up the stairs. It seemed like someone was clambering up the rickety steps without bothering to keep it low, despite the late hour. Falcon glanced at Autumn, who opened her mouth, as if she was about to yell. His breath quickened as he placed a hand over Autumn''s mouth and jerked her behind the snooker table, forcing her to stoop low and hide with him in the dark shadow cast on the ground by the old thing. Autumn didn''t struggle, though her features twisted in anger and she bit at his palm, forming teeth marks along the rough skin.


    Falcon let her go with a faint yelp, glaring at her, as the feet of the newcomer became visible from underneath the table. They were dragging their feet and from their miscalculated steps sounded drunk and near unconsciousness. They opened the door to the room nearest them and Falcon heard the sound of them collapsing on the floor. Autumn grimaced, the person''s feet were halfway outside the door, making the probability of the next person coming up the stairs to trip over them very high. Realizing they wouldn''t hear anything even if she shouted in his ear, Autumn snapped,


    ''If you touch me one more time, I will yell ''trespasser'' at the top of my voice.''


    Falcon felt something akin to guilt inside him, he had been unnecessarily harsh and Autumn wasn''t yelling before. Precautions are precautions, he reminded himself as an excuse to justify his behavior.


    ''Which one''s your room?'' he asked instead, ignoring the fury on her face.


    It was a quick gesture, the sharp turn of her head to the room farthest down the hall, before Autumn turned her head back just as quickly and sent him a murderous glare. Falcon hadn''t missed the turn of her head as he turned and stared at the ajar door.


    She noticed his glance and snarled under her breath.


    ''Get out.''


    A single command spoken with a snap, but Falcon ignored it like her previous words.


    ''Not without answers.''


    Autumn picked up her laundry basket from the floor with a jerk, which had fallen when he had grabbed her, and headed for her room. Falcon followed at a quick pace, closing the door shut with a snap behind him as they both went through.


    The small room was much like the one he had climbed in the broken window, a single bed and dresser occupying the small space. There was a small trunk resting at the foot of the bed, while a few clothes were scattered on the ground. The bathroom door was ajar, a steady dripping noise of the tap creating a hollow sound which resounded on the tiles.


    ''You''ve come from somewhere.'' He stated, his eyes on the trunk. ''Where?''


    Autumn ignored him, slapping her hand at a button in the dark and a soft light filled the room. The room lit up, the ugliness of it more prominent in the glow. It was messier than he had thought, the clothes lying about in heaps, and a few wrappers discarded on the floor. The mess disgusted him, he liked to keep everything of his'' in order and organized.


    There was a set of leather pants and a shirt lying on the bed, the leather sleek and dark as night. There was a belt around the waist, which was for holding weapons, he knew from a single glance at the suit. It was a suit for wearing in battle, the pockets for holding the vials necessary for the fight. It looked like some sort of fighter''s gear, which intrigued him more. What was a gear doing in the room of a girl in this god forsaken place?


    Falcon cast his eyes around for the object that interested him, and saw the phone lying on the desk. It was a sleek, black thing, and from the looks of it, worth the price of the building they were in. Their eyes locked and they lunged for the device at the same time, which hit the floor with a crash.


    Autumn had managed to grab the phone but one look at it and she let out a wail.


    ''You broke the screen.''


    ''It''s just the protector that cracked.'' He retorted.


    She gave him a death glare and moved away, holding the phone behind her back.


    ''Hand it over.'' Falcon said, as he extracted the small pistol from the waistband of his jeans.


    Autumn eyed his hands cradling the weapon and let out a loud laugh.


    ''Guns don''t scare me.''


    Falcon chuckled. Autumn was truly mental.


    ''They will, when you''d be hit by one.''


    ''You don''t have it in you.''


    ''You will be surprised at what I have in me, maid.''


    ''Like the ability to break into houses and steal the most precious item inside them?''


    ''How much do you know?''


    There was a silence between them which stretched awkwardly, until Autumn spoke.


    ''Name, Falcon. Age, Unknown. Job, hired to break-in and steal.'' She spoke as if reciting facts from a text book. ''The most wanted criminal in the country. Carries a death sentence over his head for the murder of Senator Jaminah Blue and his family five years ago. Contacted by email, address untraceable.'' She finished.


    She stared at him for a few seconds before she spoke. ''I must say, I didn''t expect you to be so young.''


    ''How did you find out?'' he gasped. ''Who are you?''


    ''Who are you? Apart from being a murderer, of course. Who''s your hirer? How did he know of the package?'' she asked several questions in one breath, chest heaving as the words fell from her mouth with a snap.


    ''Who else knows about me except you? Who else has seen my face?''


    ''Just me.'' She said, with a dart of her pupils, indicating her lie.


    ''Cut the crap out and hand the phone over, before I tie you up and wring the answers out of you.'' He spoke in the tone he used with his victims.


    But Autumn didn''t look scared. She was looking at him with curiosity in her eyes.


    ''Why haven''t you shot me yet?'' she asked in an incredulous voice.


    Falcon licked his lips. The gun suddenly felt a lot heavier in his hands than it did a minute ago.


    ''I have a proposition.'' He said finally, staring at her face intensely for her reaction.


    Just like he had expected, her mouth fell open, eyes surprised as she took in his words.


    ''A deal? What kind of deal?''


    ''Erase your phone''s memory card and destroy the device. Get rid of every evidence you have on me. In return, I will not speak a word about you to any of the Yarrows. You can keep faking your job at the manor and look for the package. None of us will come in each other''s way.''


    He spoke with an air of finality.


    ''How do I know you will keep your part of the deal?''


    ''I will. Falcon never pulls out of an agreement first.''


    Autumn slowly nodded her head, as if still contemplating the deal and searching for holes.


    ''Deal.''

 Chapter 14 - The Package

    It was easier than he''d thought. She was just a stupid girl, killing her would be too messy and he had yet to find out who else knew about him. None of them can see my face and know my name, he reminded himself, or my life is over. He wondered why the package was so important to her, which made him wonder what was in the package. Immediately he felt disgusted with himself. He went by strict rules, complete the mission and never get curious.


    The noise of the party reached and grabbed him by his ears the moment he turned into Cyan''s street. There was quite a lot of commotion, which sounded like the waiters cleaning up, the guests had all probably left some time in the night. Midnight was still a couple of hours away, though the night was so dark it felt like the witching hour had decided to come early to haunt the people. He hoped Cyan would be drunk, though it didn''t seem likely. Maybe he had disappeared with the girl, that would be better. They would be busy for a few hours in which he could get the package and get out.


    There was a different kind of urgency pressing onto him now, a sense of lingering danger like the sky would explode if he waited any longer. He moved quickly, flashing the new identity card he had got from Cyan at the guards at the doorway. They waved him inside lazily, going back to their card game. The festivities had got to everyone, he regarded them with contempt as he went inside.


    The house was quiet, surprising because he was expecting quiet a commotion. A few people milled around, drinks in hand as they laughed sluggishly. They must be the immediate family members, as the waiters had already started clearing away the tables, taking down the flower wreaths and collecting the glasses.


    He hurried to the first floor, hoping desperately Cyan would be somewhere else. He did not want to raise a hand on the man who had tried to help him. Worst, if the girl would be with him, he would have to take the both of them out, the thought of which did much to the rising guilt in his heart.


    He breathed deep into the carpeted smell of the first floor as he pushed the door of Cyan''s room open, the few people in the hall ignoring him as they continued to party. There was a lethargic silence in the hall, everything was moving too slowly or maybe it felt strange to see the house drenched in silence. A giant mirror in the hall which he hadn''t noticed before twinkled up at him, which he ignored pointedly. He couldn''t bear to look at himself for now.


    The room was drenched in desolation, a cold curtain of gloom spread over the furniture, the beauty of which never failed to amaze him like the first time he had seen it. This was an artist''s room and it spoke of it. Falcon hurried over to the safe, removing the picture as he set it back against the wall.


    Falcon''s thin fingers found the desired numbers and he pressed on them, each digit making a tiny beep sound into the night. The door clicked open like before, Cyan hadn''t even changed the code. Was the man stupid? It was dark inside and all light was blocked by Falcon''s frame, but he knew the contents would be in there, most probably in a bag, and he prepared himself for the soft feel of a cloth as he put his hand inside.


    Instead, his fingers clasped thin air.


    Panic is when you are drowning in the river of despair, your feet kicking wildly, while your body thrashes about, hands flailing to locate a string of hope you can cling to. Panic is when you find out what you had worked for, all this time, had been snatched away from you. Panic is when you start hyperventilating, your ribcage moving up and down as your heart beats wildly and your lungs inhale and exhale at the rate of that of a marathon runner who had just finished the tournament. Right now, panic hit Falcon with such force that he was gasping, eyes wide as he thrashed his hand inside the safe, hitting it here and there to somehow find the absent bag. His hand waved fruitlessly in the air, he couldn''t believe it; it was like he was a lab rat and a game was being played with him, while the controllers watched from above and laughed at his sheer state of desperation.


    No, this isn''t possible. Cyan did NOT remove the package. He had been on his tail the entire time and not once had he approached the safe.


    Relax, Falcon, slow breaths. It will be around here somewhere. He tried wildly to control his breathing, pressing down on his chest to lower the mad beating of his heart. He realized he was sweating, beads of perspiration appearing at his hairline and pouring down his face. He hastily reached up and wiped the sweat, the wildly spinning wheels inside his brain convincing him to stop and think for a second. Even in his state of panic, he admired Cyan''s wit, he had fooled him so bad he wanted to scream. And laugh. And hit him on the head for making him feel this way. All at the same time.


    ''How clever of you.'' He grumbled, sparing a glance at the room, as if Cyan was watching him struggle with the safe.


    After a while, his breathing steadied and he slowly moved his hands along the wall of the safe, feeling for uneven surfaces that might hint at another secret section inside it. To his immense disappointment, the walls were completely smooth, his fingers moving along them without coming across any slit.


    Falcon knew for sure that the package was in there, there was no way his client''s information would be incorrect. He rested his head against the wall beside the safe, his thinking cap on as he ran over his options. He could leave now and come back later. No, till then Cyan would have known he tried to get to the safe and security measures would be doubled, making it impossible to breach them a second time. He could search around the house, he thought, and laughed out loud, this room alone would take several hours to scour, and there wasn''t much time left until he had to make a run for it. As he could easily get out of the city during the night hours, the dark a veil upon his crimes, staying here for even a half hour more wasn''t an option. If dawn broke out, escaping would become an unmanageable task.


    Cora, if only you were here. He thought bitterly. Cora would have known what to do. It had been Cora who had taught him about the various tricks and tips, about how there were hiding places beyond hiding places, the safest of them being the ones in plain sight.


    Hiding places beyond hiding places? Like an artist struck by an inspiration, Falcon acted suddenly, overwhelmed by his idea, and knocked on the far wall of the safe. The tapping bounced across the room and Falcon''s heart soared, the space behind the wall was hollow, his knocking creating empty thuds on the wood.


    ''Not so clever anymore, huh?'' he smirked, applying force on the back wall so that it could slide to one side. According to his expectations, the wall moved smoothly to one side, much like a sliding window and Falcon spied a small hollow, a dark object sitting in there. Falcon could have kissed the bag then, as he lifted it up and felt a comforting heavy feel of an object in there, which rolled about in his palm.


    The package he had been struggling to get his hands on for so long was now in his possession.


    He clutched the bag to his chest, then put it in the inside pocket of his jacket and zipped it up. He felt like luck had kissed his fate at the moment, reaching out to pull him up from the deepest of a hopeless void.


    ''Get out of here, Falcon, and you will be free.'' He spoke aloud to himself.


    He breathed several deep sighs, relief the only emotion making him float in a dreamy haze, feelings of accomplishment following right behind. He slid the wall back into place, where it latched into its previous position with a sharp click, and then slid the safe panel back on. It was best if he was discovered late, so he would have enough time to get out of the city. The heavy picture went back onto the wall, but not before Falcon having a brief moment where he considered taking it with him too. There was something about the artist''s strokes that suggested deftness and expertise, of which Falcon was a huge fan.


    Oh, he realized dimly. I am Cyan''s fan. Chuckling to himself, he patted his pocket on last time to ensure the bag was still in there.


    Where else would it be, Falcon, you are going paranoid, he scolded himself internally as he sighed in relief, when he heard his voice.


    ''It''s fake.'' Cyan was standing at the door of the bathroom, the light of which was on as he held a towel in his hand, no doubt to dry his hair with. He was dressed in a loose shirt and boxers again, just like the night he had broken in. Everything was just like that night, him standing by the picture and Cyan slinking up from behind.


    He had been too stupid, forgetting to check the bathroom which was the most obvious choice. The artist would be in there, showering and getting ready for bed after a long tiring day. Cyan stood there in the doorway then, staring at him sadly like he had lost something.


    ''That is not my concern.'' Falcon responded, moving away from the picture, eyeing the door to his left. ''My job is done.''


    ''Is it?'' Cyan asked. He was moving closer too, trying to do it subtly but Falcon''s sharp eyes missed nothing.


    ''Stop.'' Falcon said, taking out the pistol as Cyan covered a few steps.


    Cyan stopped in his tracks, though he looked remorseful but still not afraid. Falcon wondered if that man would die while smiling at the grim reaper, convincing him to stop taking people''s souls.


    ''Who really are you, Jason?'' Cyan said. ''Don''t do it. I can help you.''


    ''You can''t.'' Falcon snapped, rejecting his guilt trapping. ''Stand by the closet.'' He ordered, though his heart twisted painfully in his chest.


    Cyan didn''t move. ''You don''t know what you are getting yourself into.'' He wailed, wringing his fingers in distress. ''This package is the cause of all the problems in my life and you will be in so much trouble if you take it away.''


    Falcon snorted. ''Do think up of a better excuse to make me stay.'' He trained the gun onto his head and gestured with his head. ''Move.''


    Cyan kept his eyes levelled with his'' as he moved over to the closet. ''I did try to make you stay.'' He said quietly.


    ''There you go again.'' Falcon muttered angrily. ''Lock yourself in the closet and don''t raise a racket. If I get caught, I will make sure to put a bullet inside your skull as I go down.''


    Cyan gave a regretful shake of his head. ''You don''t understand. Let me help you. Stay here.''


    Falcon understood what Cyan was trying to do. Convincing him to give up his guard and trust him. He scoffed internally. Trust him. What rubbish. Falcon did not even trust his shadow.


    ''One thing you should know Cyan.'' He growled. ''Is.'' He approached him taking long strides, covering the distance between them in a breath. ''I.'' He grabbed Cyan''s hand and twisted it, pushing him over to the closet. ''Do not.'' He jabbed his gun into his back, a warning to open the door. ''Need help.'' He finished, just as the door opened and he pushed him inside.


    Falcon raised a finger to his lips in a mock warning for him to stay quiet. Cyan''s face fell as he stared at him in a silent plea.


    ''I was trying to give you a second chance. Turns out I was only being nice to a thief.'' He said quietly.


    Falcon growled. ''Why?'' he brought his face closer to Cyan''s and gave a bitter smile. ''Why did you try to help me?''


    ''You know why.'' Cyan said quietly. ''You knew I knew you had broken in for this.'' He pointed to the safe. ''You had pressed a bloody cloth to my face, for heaven''s sake. If I hadn''t held my breath I would be out but luckily I was awake when you jumped in. You pressed the cloth for far less time than you should have.''


    He had? He hadn''t noticed. Perhaps it was due to his unwillingness to knock him out.


    ''When you stayed, I thought you were ready to start from scratch.'' Cyan continued. ''I didn''t know....'' He trailed off.


    Falcon let out a loud laugh. ''You are nothing but a stupid foolish man.''


    He took two fingers to his head in mock farewell, retreating as he banged the door onto Cyan''s crestfallen face, locking it from the outside.

 Chapter 15 - The Next Task

    The parcel was wrapped in an off-white satin, the fabric soft and comforting to touch. It was loosely clinging to whatever was inside, the round object protruding harshly from the velvety material. Usually, Falcon would never violate the privacy of a client, but in this case, he was more than curious to know what was inside. He untied the loose knot in mere seconds, a surprised gasp escaping his mouth at what fell out of it.


    A pebble had rolled into his lap, an ordinary dark stone, no visible specialty to the eye.


    ''Damn you, Cyan Yarrow.'' Falcon groaned.


    He was offended at the absence of a sense of accomplishment he always felt after completing an assignment. He did not like being punctuated with doubts and confusion, and a tiny part of him was angry at himself for the small bud of guilt poking its way into his heart. Punching in the message, Falcon reminded himself he wasn''t responsible for whatever was inside, he had completed his job. It wasn''t his task to find the real thing.


    *Package has been retrieved.*


    He sucked a breath as 453''s message glowed bright on the screen.


    *THE OBJECT IS FAKE. PACKAGE HAS BEEN MOVED OUT OF THE HOUSE.*


    Falcon let out an agitated moan. Briefly he wondered how 453 was so updated. But that was none of his business.


    *My job''s done.* He responded.


    *MINE ISN''T. I HAVE ANOTHER TASK FOR YOU.* 453 sent back.


    When the stranger told him what he wanted him to do next, Falcon breathed shortly. It wasn''t difficult, but it was something he had sworn never to do in this field. Not the mention, the heavy conflict inside him was growing steadily, a continuous battle he was fighting against himself.


    *That''s not what I do.*


    *DOUBLE THE MONEY.* His client''s response was immediate.


    Falcon thought for a moment. True, the task was easy and the money he was getting out of it would contribute handsomely to the amount he was gathering.


    *Consider it done..* He wrote back with a confused sigh.

 Chapter 16 - The Maiden

    The Maiden, tall and undefinably grand, stood like a giant against the sky. The hotel was the finest one in the city, a towering building of glass and crystal, the light glinting off the magnificent structure into the afternoon. This afternoon, the building was hosting the launch party of the new branch of Yarrow Motors.


    Dill and Dahlia Yarrow were the owners of the biggest motorbike company in the country, the brand known for their quality and product service. Dill''s father had started the company when he was very young, moving up from a mechanic at a motor shop to establishing the auto industry, to becoming a trusted name in the field. He had since then launched multiple brands, each one topping the previous, with the products speaking of the quality.


    After the couple''s sudden death in the ice skating incident of the century, Cyan had inherited all of the fortune. Cyan Yarrow was passionate about motorbikes and he had decided to take the name further, with the brand, launching a new line with aesthetic designs on the vehicles.


    The weak afternoon sunlight shone on the city, a chilly breeze whipping around Falcon''s ears as he stood outside the hotel. A sleepy sun lazed on the clouds, drifting in and out like a game of hide and seek.


    Falcon stared at his reflection for a few moments in the bright glass, the sunlight catching off and glinting right into his pupils. He squinted, and his mirror self narrowed his eyes at him too, as if demanding why he was about to kidnap an innocent man for money. He ignored his conscience, much like he had in the past and adjusted his tie. Formal clothing made him extremely uncomfortable and he only donned a suit whenever a mission demanded it. The navy blue cloth was extremely elegant but he knew he preferred his black leather jacket to actually feel safe and ready. He cast himself another look and stepped inside.


    The lobby was a sight to behold, a huge foyer with plush couches and a grand staircase leading up to the upper floor. Even in the light of the day, bright lights twinkled, creating a peaceful sunny aura, the warmth of which radiated in the area. There was a reception with many smiling receptionists, while waiters stood with one hand behind their backs, waiting to greet the guests. A couple of them hurried over to him but he waved them away. His shoes made a loud sound on the marble as he strode towards the reception, where a young girl looked up at him, all smiles and greetings. He returned her professional smile with a polite one, leaning in close and speaking in a low voice. From here on, it was all guesswork.


    ''I''d like the penthouse suite.''


    The girl''s face fell. ''I apologize, Sir. It has been rented out for two days.''


    ''Might you tell me who has rented it?''


    ''I am not at the liberty to say, Sir. Would you like any of the other rooms?''


    ''None of them would be a penthouse.'' He pretended to consider.


    ''We have several other luxurious suites. Would you like to book one of them?'' She boasted, or did her job well.


    ''I see. Would you mind telling me the way to the bathroom?''


    She looked surprised at the sudden change of topics. However when she spoke, her voice was smooth and professional.


    ''Certainly, sir. It''s past the lobby and down the hall on your right.''


    ''Thank you.'' He bowed his head, and headed for the direction she had indicated. Of course, Cyan, the penthouse is yours. His guess was correct, not for the first time either.


    He had to kidnap the CEO of the most famous motorbike company in the country from the biggest hotel in the city at his new product launch party.


    What have you got yourself into, Falcon? He tut-tutted at himself.


    Falcon ducked into a wing and made for the back of the building. The party was being held in the gardens. He wondered if they were going to ask for an invitation card but the two guards standing at the arch of fake sunflowers serving as the doorway simply nodded at him as they let him inside. They didn''t even pat him down. Falcon mentally thanked his blue suit and also the lousy security around Cyan. Pitt really needed to work harder.


    The swimming pool was surrounded with balloons, a long table of sandwiches and cupcakes set by its side, while waiters hurried around with trays of drinks in their hands. The theme was summer, which was ironic, considering that it was late in the year and a cold wind had started blowing in the afternoon. There was laughter and music, loud beats and a live band, the members of which were dressed in cowboy outfits and singing what suspiciously sounded like the cutthroat version of ''Old Town Road.''


    He knew Cyan had planned the d¨¦cor, one sweep at the setup showed the artist back at work, not even a tiny detail amiss as the sunflowers bloomed and music played. The circular tables were set with multiple chairs around them, in which guests were seated, enjoying the performance. There was a raised podium to one side where Cyan was sitting along with a few other people, talking away nonchalantly while he sipped from a margarita. The sight of his familiar face sent a pang through Falcon''s chest which he managed to crush as a waiter handed him a drink.


    His eyes fell on Cyan''s girlfriend and he ducked behind a flower bouquet. She was dressed in a simple yellow dress, wearing watermelon shaped earrings which shook with every nod of her head. She was playing with some of the children by the snacks table. The game oddly looked like a challenge of who can eat a whole lime. Teal was standing nearby with one eye on the stage and the other one on them, watching the bunch of them with distaste. She was dressed heavily for the occasion, a sparkling necklace twinkling off the sun rays. Her engagement ring shone brightly on her hand which she held up as the cameras swiveled over to her.


    Falcon cursed. Why do all events have to be televised liked that? They took away the beauty of privacy from the occasion and also put him in danger. He held a drink to his face and strode towards the back of the crowd just as the band finished and bowed among loud enthusiastic applause. Cyan got up and went for the podium, holding the mic in his right hand as he smiled at the crowd. Falcon saw his eyes meet his girlfriend''s, who held up a V sign with a whole lime in her mouth. Cyan smiled as he started talking about the concept behind the brand and the promising features on the new line of motorbikes.


    Briefly, Falcon wondered who let this man out of the closet.


    Cyan was just about to launch into a detail of the bike when he saw him. He had glanced over to where he had been standing, a surprised look coming in his eyes, which he handled smoothly. Cyan continued his speech, looking away as if nothing had happened. Falcon raised his glass of cocktail in mock greeting when Cyan next glanced his way, and Cyan stared smoothly into his eyes as he spoke.


    When his speech ended, Falcon had already left, with the key card of Cyan''s bodyguard in his inner pocket. The huge man had been standing right in front of him. He knew for sure Cyan was not going to tell on him, he was a ''good'' man and Falcon intended to use his ''goodness'' if he was so intent on being stupid.. It was really Cyan''s fault for trusting everyone.

 Chapter 17 - The Man Who Trusted

    The lobby was emptier than before as he hurried towards the elevators. Beside the main elevators, a smaller lift waited, for the waiters to carry food to the upper floors. The door was open and two waiters were rolling a large food cart in, big enough for Falcon to lie down and go to sleep. The cart had two shelves, the lower one contained cloches covered platters, each one with a mouthwatering aroma. The two waiters steered the cart in by the handles and nodded to him as he walked in beside them.


    He wondered if they were thinking why this dressed gentlemen was using the waiters lift but they were trained to not say anything. One of them pressed the button to the thirty-fourth floor and the lift began to rise gradually, much slower than a normal lift. The platters rattled slightly as they moved up in silence.


    After what felt like an eternity, the lift finally pinged and the door opened, the two waiters steering the trolley out with much difficulty. He waited patiently until they were out before stepping out after them. Both of them looked up at him at the same time, their gazes polite and inquiring. Falcon smiled, at which they relaxed, before he punched the nearest one in the gut.


    The man let out a painful ''oomph'' and fell, his eyes rolling to the back of his head. The younger man stood terrified as Falcon approached him. He opened his mouth to scream just as Falcon hit the side of his neck with his hand. His scream died in his throat and he fell in his arms.


    Falcon quickly undressed the younger one, because he was sure he couldn''t take the sight of an older naked man lying in the hall. Putting on the uniform, he stuffed the both of them in the closet tucked away in the hallway and headed out. He grabbed the trolley and steered it into the main elevator, because he wasn''t sure if the waiter''s lift would open up to the penthouse, but mainly because he couldn''t bear more of the rattling structure.


    When the elevator opened right into the penthouse, his breath stuck in his throat. The open plan area was much like Cyan''s room at the mansion, though much smaller and less pretty. Still beautiful, nonetheless, the glass wall showed him he was high up in the clouds, offering a bird''s eye view of a large portion of the city. The sun beams were scattered all over the floor like golden glitter, as the sun twinkled at him through the clouds. The room was empty and warm, and Falcon fought the urge to curl up onto a couch and sleep under the sun''s embrace.


    The last time he had broken into Cyan''s living area, he had admired the moon. Now, he was admiring the sun. That night, he was there to steal something. Today, he was here to steal someone. The thought did not make him feel any better.


    And that someone was coming up to his apartment, he saw with a start as the panel beside the lift glowed red. Falcon steered the cart away from the lift''s view and parked it next to the door, standing beside it with his hand on his weapon. His heart was thundering and he mentally groaned at the buff good-for-nothing bodyguards he would have to take out soon.


    There was a ding as the door opened and Cyan stepped out. There was someone else in the elevator and they had been talking. Cyan raised a hand in goodbye, and the elevator departed.


    Cyan was so careless with security, it annoyed him. Falcon knew he would have made for a much better body guard if he would have chosen to be one. He snorted, typical of this man to walk in first without getting his body guards to check the room. Well, why was he complaining, it was making things easier for him. Less men to take out and lesser of his time consumed.


    He stepped out from the shadows, his gun jabbing into Cyan''s ribs in an instant. Cyan stiffened, but said calmly:


    ''Jason.''


    ''Hello, Cyan. Sometimes it''s a good idea to let the body guards do their work without running from them like an annoying kid.''


    ''Does this mean I am in danger? Because, if that is so, can I have my meal before you do anything to me.''


    He snorted. ''Or I could just kill you now.''


    ''That will make you a murderer. Would you be able to live with that, knowing you snuffed out life from someone who has family and friends waiting for him? And a lover too?


    He leaned in close and spoke in his ear. ''I have been living with it for years.''


    Cyan turned around then as Falcon retreated, pulling his gun away to give him room. What was he doing, was he being considerate for the man? He shook his head as Cyan looked him up and down.


    ''What did you do to the suit?'' He lamented at his waiter''s clothes.


    ''Got rid of it.'' He shrugged.


    ''That''s a shame. I thought you looked quite good.''


    ''Don''t deviate from the point, Yarrow.'' He wasn''t sure why he used his last name, but he knew it was more for his own sake than to sound intimidating. ''Where did you hide the package?''


    ''That package again.'' Cyan sighed. ''I don''t even know what it is.''


    ''Than why are you protecting it? Just give it to me and I will leave you alone.''


    ''Oh no, I can''t.'' Cyan said.


    ''Why not?'' Falcon said irritably. He couldn''t for the life of him understand what the package was. It sure as hell wasn''t money as Cyan had plenty. If it was money, Cyan would have let him take away the package that night.


    ''Because it''s gone.'' Cyan said, looking quite satisfied.


    Falcon''s heart fell. He was hoping Cyan would reveal the location and he would leave with just a package and not a human. But there was just one way now, he had to do what 453 had asked him to.


    ''Then you leave me with no choice.'' He said, tucking the gun back into the waistband of his jeans with a sigh.


    ''Who are you working for, Jason? Do you even know?'' Cyan sounded sad and what was that? A bit of an anger had seeped into his tone. He was showing too many emotions and this was making Falcon uncomfortable. He was speaking quickly now, his breath hitching as the first of moisture seeped into his eyes. ''These people killed my parents.'' He whispered.


    ''And how did Dill and Dahlia Yarrow die?'' Falcon asked politely, in mock interest, though his heart ached and screamed at him to shut up. Not to mention he was also curious about their mysterious deaths. He was not letting the tears of this man stir the steadily growing guilt of tree deep in the pit of his stomach.


    ''They were murdered, Jason. And, brutally. You are being parts with murderers.'' Cyan tried to convince him again, and Falcon flashed a reluctant look onto his face, only for his breath to catch in his throat.


    The happy smiling man was broken, his eyes streaming tears as he remembered the parents he had lost. Behind the cheerful fa?ade he had built around himself to shield his emotions from the world, Cyan''s heart was crushed and Falcon could see the million splintered pieces as they floated about, waiting for someone to pick them up. And Falcon knew in that moment that he could stop and stare at his hollow heart, the shards of anguish can be collected by his hand and he could help him stand back up.


    But, once again, Falcon made the wrong decision.


    ''That is not my concern. I am just doing my job.'' Falcon shrugged, and in that moment the broken shards disappeared, the harsh sun returned and Falcon felt an itch of regret creep its way over his entire body. The glass reflected the sun''s glare as the universe demanded why he did what he did, but Falcon blatantly ignored the stares and raised his eyes to Cyan.


    Cyan raised a single finger and wiped away a tear drop clinging to his eyelashes and spoke. ''If it''s about money, I can pay you more.'' When he spoke, his voice was pretty normal, although there was a slight tremor which he tried to subdue.


    ''Did I ask you for a favor?'' Falcon snapped. He couldn''t take it anymore, Cyan''s continuous offers for help when he didn''t need one, his well intentions and bad actions. ''You were nice to the wrong person.'' He said, extracting the large needle from the pocket of the waiter''s suit.


    ''I know you are better than that.'' Cyan said ruefully.


    ''Stop trying to play this good cop game with me. I am not going to become guilty and let you go.'' He almost screamed in his agitation, as he put the mouth of the bottle of the sedative to the needle and pushed the plunger. ''So are you resisting or going along with me?''


    ''Resisting, of course. It would be wrong to myself and others to just go along with you.'' Cyan said.


    ''You think too much of right and wrong, Cyan.'' Falcon shook his head.


    ''It''s the law of the universe. What, you think you will wrong someone and it will not come back to you?''


    ''Oh, do shut up with your sermon.'' Falcon cursed, holding up the needle.


    ''How will you get out? This hotel is swarming with guards and guests.'' Cyan asked and if that concern in his eyes was genuine, then Cyan had a heart of gold.


    ''I am not Falcon for nothing.'' He said.


    There was a few seconds silence in which Falcon realized his mistake, and he jerked his head up to look at Cyan''s face.


    ''Falcon? Oh.'' Cyan''s face turned from confusion to recognition in the same time as Falcon covered the distance between them, wondering how Cyan would react. Will he run from this murderer, or will he continue to trust the orphan he had found in his room in the dead of the night?


    ''Then I hope you don''t get caught.'' Cyan said and Falcon''s heart broke into a million pieces once again.


    Falcon hissed under his breath. ''I told you to stop playing this game with me. And put this vase down which you are ''discreetly'' trying to pick up.'' He snapped.


    Cyan cursed loudly and dropped the vase from the coffee table, looking him in the eye with a sigh. ''I told you I would resist.'' As soon as he stepped in closer, Cyan raised his fist in a halfhearted punch, opening his mouth. ''You don''t have to...¡­.''


    Falcon placed a hand over his mouth just as he plunged the needle in his arm, catching Cyan''s body as his breathing became rugged.


    ''The problem with you is.'' He hissed in his ear. ''You are too nice for your own good. This world will play you till your last breath.''


    Cyan''s chest rose and fall with a labored breathing as he struggled to stay in control. ''No.'' He gasped. ''I simply refuse to let the ugliness of this world affect the beauty of my heart.'' He gasped loudly as he went limp, his body falling into Falcon''s arms like a rag doll.


    The penthouse went silent as Falcon tried to catch his breath, shaking his head to clear away the words Cyan had just said. He wasn''t having any of that nonsense, now all he had to do was give Cyan Yarrow over to his client.


    Who also happens to be the murderer of his parents as far as you know. His brain nagged him.


    Shut up. He growled internally, clearing away the platters of food from the lower shelf and hovering the unconscious body of Cyan over it. The dishes fell to the floor with an almighty crash, spilling their contents as the aroma of the food spread in the room. Whoever had ordered the meal was a fan of seafood, Falcon observed, as shrimp soup flowed over to his feet, mucking his shoes.


    He grabbed a sheet from the bed and covered Cyan up, tucking in the corners to make sure no body part was visible. He covered the upper shelf with the empty platters, the cutlery haphazard as he quickly stacked it up. He wasn''t sure how long he had been in the apartment but pretty soon, people would start to wonder where the CEO vanished.


    What if his girlfriend came up to look for her lover? Ugh, he couldn''t bear to look her in the eyes then.


    Falcon steered the cart over to the elevator, pressing the button for the lowest floor, the basement where the central kitchen was located. Hopefully he would escape undetected through the hustle and bustle of the food preparation and frantic waiters.


    Just like he had expected, the elevator led him into the basement where a hurricane of activity raged. He steered in the cart, narrowly avoiding several waiters as they hurried on about him. The heat from the ovens hit him full in the face and he suppressed a cough, keeping his head down as he scurried through. Nobody looked at him twice as he rolled the cart through the kitchen and into the back yard. It was more of a storage area with sacks of rice and grains stacked neatly on top of one another. Waiters were constantly carrying supplies into the kitchen where the chefs awaited them.


    He rolled the cart through a door at the end into the parking lot where the cargo trucks were unloading supplies. His eyes landed on the red rented truck he had parked by the low brick wall and he heaved a sigh of relief. Waiters were carrying supplies on the carts and not one of them paid him attention as he rolled it over to his truck, removing Cyan from the shelf and onto the backseat. A lock of his curls fell out from under the sheet and he screamed internally but then the door was shut on him and Cyan had disappeared.


    He had almost rolled out of the lot when he saw her, looking around with worry marring her pretty features. She glanced his way and her eyes widened with recognition. She made her way towards him and his heart twisted as he waited, adopting the bodyguard posture he had taken up at the engagement party.


    ''Jason, isn''t it?'' She smiled, though her eyes were tight with worry. ''I don''t think you remember me. I am Shayma, Cyan''s girlfriend.'' She was bent over the car window on his side, talking gently.


    Of course he remembered her. She had arrived late and danced with Cyan for the rest of the time, both of their eyes drowning each other.


    ''You left the job, didn''t you?'' She continued. ''Cyan was worrying, thinking he''d upset you or something.''


    So Cyan hadn''t told on him. Nobody knew he was the one who had locked the man up in his closet and broken through his safe. This explained why nobody had tried to stop or come in his way out of the familiar faces he had seen at the party today.


    ''Oh, no, Miss.'' Falcon bowed his head, looking up at her through the driver''s side window. ''I simply thought I wasn''t fit for the job.''


    ''Nonsense.'' She shrugged it away. ''Cyan would be happy to have you back, talk with him again, okay?''


    ''I¡­well, if you insist.'' He gave a meek smile. He wondered what she was seeing, a twenty year old man in search of a job or a murderer with the body of her lover in the backseat of his car.


    ''Speaking of which, have you seen Cyan?'' She bent farther over the window and Falcon started hyperventilating, wondering if she could see in the back.


    ''No, Miss.'' He said. ''You needn''t worry, though. He will turn up.''


    ''That he will.'' She said. ''But at what cost?'' She looked lost and confused, as she retreated and raised a hand. ''Remember to talk to him.'' She waved as she moved away, just as Falcon put the truck into drive and the vehicle rolled towards the exit, as clouds took over the afternoon sky.


    Above him, the sky started crying tears of remorse, while the clouds roared in anger.

 Chapter 18 - 453

    The idyllic setting contrasted greatly with what Falcon was about to do, he thought regretfully, as he parked the truck along one of the white lines. He wondered why 453 had chosen such a place, with no noise and a blissful quite settled upon the woods. The spot was a popular picnic site, the greenest leaves he had ever seen decorating the frail tree branches hanging overhead. The rain had washed the world, getting rid of all the filth and the dust, alas, the hearts of the humans remained blotched like their sense of judgment, even after the clouds poured their anger and retreated.


    He scooped up the body in his arms, much like a lover would carry their partner, cradling it close to himself as he ducked his head against the breeze and covered the short distance between the parking lot and the woods. On the opposite side, a row of small, cozy cottages lined up invitingly, and Falcon had the sudden urge to rush inside one and fall on the bed that would embrace him in a warm hug. Fatigue had long since crept upon his mind, and he was solely functioning on determination, reminding himself of the payment he had yet to get. This could be the last robbery you ever do, so buckle up, he reprimanded himself. It was annoying to feel so weak and tired.


    It was just after dawn, the day had broken into the bluest sky he had ever set eyes on, the air soft and crisp, filling his lungs with a refreshing sigh. He had been driving all night, at one point turning up the music so high to stay awake that the very glass of the windows had rattled.


    The city was yet to wake up, the port sides empty as the boats slept. The bubbling creek met the river, which would soon wake up and the city would jump to life. Hopefully, he would be out of there by then. There was no one around, but he knew early fishermen would be lined along the banks of the river, the roaring of which he could hear from even here, the sound much like a faint radio static. Dawn had brought with it the sweet trilling of the birds, which oddly calmed the frantic pacing of his heart.


    The leaves crunched under his feet as he left the trail and jogged deeper into the trees, the already faint light growing fader as the trees thickened. A canopy of sorts was formed by the bigger leaves, allowing only the tiniest of blue light to infiltrate the defense they had set up against the sun. Falcon knew he wasn''t far, as he spotted an old rickety sign pointing north with a straggled arm. The area had been sealed off several years ago and the neglect was showing in the wild undergrowth which kept snatching at his boots. After a few more minutes of jogging, he saw the tiny hut, so broken and battered that Falcon was surprised the walls were able to support the roof. There was a single window at the back wall, and turning around, Falcon saw a small door, small enough that he had to stoop low to go through it.


    The sky had lightened a bit, a bit of orange mixing with the blue, creating a pale pink which had descended upon this paradise.


    The inside was a bare single room, so empty that it felt naked to Falcon. There was just a single rickety chair in the middle of the room, thankfully with all of its legs standing. He deposited the still unconscious body on the chair and retrieved a long piece of rope from his backpack. He untangled it and looked at the body''s face.


    Cyan looked oddly peaceful, as if he was sleeping, not drugged, as he fell in a half awkward bow. Falcon had a twinge of guilt inside his heart, but he dismissed it, reminding himself it was too late to be feeling that now. He swiftly tied up Cyan''s arms and legs to the chair. Making sure the knots were strong, Falcon tugged on them one last time and left the hut.


    XXX


    He felt much like a bird right now, with the sun hot on his neck and sweat dripping down his forehead.


    ''So this is how you feel,'' he said, staring reproachfully at a family of crows which had been staring at him cautiously for the past three hours from the branch next to his, ''this is what it feels like to live in a nest.'' His stomach called out to him in disdain, frightening the crows. He hadn''t eaten anything, much like he never ate during an assignment, but this one had stretched on and on.


    Today, I am leaving with my money and nothing else. He thought.


    He had been hiding in the trees since tying Cyan up, a good few meters away from the hut with the door in the line of his sight. He hadn''t blinked for fear of missing 453 if he ever turned up. The trees hid him well, not an inch of his skin showing through the canopy of the leaves.


    Falcon knew it wasn''t just his money keeping him there, the thought of Cyan tied up in the room with the possibility of anything happening to him was keeping him in his spot. If things got worse, at least he could save the poor man. He hoped 453 just wanted ransom and not his life.


    Falcon could bet his pistol that if 453 didn''t turn up soon, he would fall out from the tree because of dozing away, when he heard a rustle. Just a tiny sound, which was gone as suddenly as it had come. Falcon strained his ears as hard as he could, to catch another sound, while reminding himself that it could easily be a squirrel. It wasn''t, as another sound came, this time a snap of a twig, the obvious sounds of a person walking towards the hut. The sounds of footsteps followed, a person walking briskly on the leaves and Falcon tuned into the walk. He didn''t dare move, so he couldn''t look at them, instead he listened as hard as he could, even stopping to breathe so he could hear properly.


    A figure emerged from under the trees, heading from the groove, covered in head to toe in black, hair curled under a cap with a black face mask on their face. They stopped in front of the hut, and he saw the person raise a hand to their face and remove the mask. They turned slightly to see if somebody was behind them and pushed open the door.


    When Falcon''s eyes fell on the face behind the mask, his heart stopped beating for a whole minute.. It was the maid from the hotel, the girl who had called herself Autumn.

 Chapter 19 - Who Are You?

    When Falcon finally shook his head to get out of the stunned daze that had taken control of his mind, the girl had already gone inside the cabin and closed the rickety door behind her. He snarled low under his breath, confusion, anger and disbelief crashing down all at the same time, until the mix of emotions filled him to the brim. But most of all, he felt silly. Incredibly silly. The tiny waitress had managed to twist him around her fingers craft fully, manipulating his assumptions about her in every way she wanted.


    But, why? Someone inside him asked. She hired me, why would she try to come between me and the package?


    Maybe she was staying close to you to keep a check on you. His other half responded, shrugging his shoulders. It''s time you go in after her.


    His foolishness had turned to anger, strong and impulsive. He felt an urge to bang his head on the tree branch, every time his inner self mocked him for being totally unsuspecting, regarding the girl as his competitor and not even considering her as 453 for a moment.


    Falcon jumped from the tree branch with a soft thump on the mud, his locked muscles screaming in protest at the movement. He looked up to see the crows staring at him with their beetle black eyes, and made a face at them, grimacing at the birds lounging about in their nest. He put his cap back on, pulling it low over his ears, and replaced the mask on his face.


    With a wave of fresh adrenaline pumping through his veins, Falcon stooped low and went over to the hut, moving along the wall of the cabin slowly, one ear pressed against the wood until he reached the window. He crouched as he heard her, grumbling loudly at something, perhaps the very inconvenience an unconscious Cyan must be causing her. It gave him a little pleasure to know that she was finding it annoying, though the guilt of tying Cyan up was still coursing through him.


    Falcon grabbed his gun from his waistband. He was going to make her cough up every cent she owned him and he was not going to hold back. He was about to go inside the cabin when he heard Cyan, spluttering loudly as if someone had drowned him in water, which she probably had.


    His splutters were followed by loud grumbles, as Cyan muttered incoherent nonsense from being woken up like that. His complains reached Falcon outside the cabin and he gave a small smile, Cyan sounded like a child sulking when sent to bed early in the evening


    He heard her then, loud and clear, and her voice sent another wave of a snappish anger through him. ''Wake up, Mr. Yarrow.'' She commanded, enough for her voice to reach him. ''We have to move quickly.''


    Cyan''s confused mumble followed then a creak as he shifted in his chair. He imagined him then, tied up with the ropes cutting into his skin, blinking in confusion at the strange girl in front of him. He said something slowly, that Falcon had to preen his ears but failed to catch the painful words, which sounded like a question.


    Autumn''s outrageous cry came in response to what he said, like Cyan''s inquiry was downright offending and unbelievable.


    ''What? No!'' She exclaimed loudly. ''I did no such thing.''


    Falcon scoffed. She had most likely did whatever Cyan had accused her of. Everything was falling into place now, how she had gear in her room and her following Falcon at the party. She had been assuring her work was being done, and she had eaten up his money.


    ''Mr. Yarrow, please, where is the stone? Please you need to get to it now.'' She was pleading desperately, as if an invisible clock was ticking steadily towards a faceless danger.


    Stone? What did she mean stone? The package he had gotten his hands on from behind Cyan''s painting contained a stone. What did it mean? Had Cyan been tricking him into believing it was fake? But 453 had confirmed that the stone was fake, hadn''t he?


    Falcon listened close, in case Cyan yielded and revealed the stone''s location, untangling the wildly entwined wires of agitated questions inside his own mind. However Cyan remained completely silent, or maybe he was saying something so low that his voice couldn''t quite reach him.


    He heard her agitated moan, clearly on the edge of yelling at Cyan. ''I DID NOT kill them. Please believe me.'' Her voice grew softer by the end and she was pleading for Cyan to understand.


    Falcon''s heart did a painful leap in his chest. Cyan was asking about his parents, putting two and two together that he was in the clutches of the person Falcon had kidnapped him for. And his first question had been about his parents.


    He could see his face in his head now. The sad eyes, downcast as he mourned the loss of his mother and father. Maybe some of the tears were back in his eyes, or rolling down his cheeks, as.....


    Oh, stop it. He shrugged off the disturbing thoughts. Focus.


    Falcon moved closer to the door, the voices fading a bit as he moved away from the window. He wondered how long Autumn was going to keep the innocent fa?ade going before she would finally give in and get Cyan to reveal the place he''d hid the package in. Either way, it didn''t matter. He had to get his money and get out of here. This would be the last he would see of Cyan and hopefully Autumn.


    Then she said something, which made him halt in his tracks. He breathed shortly and lowered his hand from the door handle, quietly staring at the wood, trying to decipher the meaning behind her words.


    ''Mr. Yarrow, don''t you want answers? Surely, you must be a bit curious about the stone and your parent''s death. Let me take you to the answers.''


    He heard Cyan, then, his voice loud enough to reach his ears though it was raspy and he coughed twice. ''Leave me alone. You will never get the package, so quit trying.''


    ''I can''t. Trust me, I hate this mess just as much as you do and I am trying to help you. Please don''t attack me, I am untying you and we are leaving.''


    He heard the creaking of wood, then a loud grunt from Cyan. Before he could hear anything else, Falcon pushed open the door violently, almost knocking it off its hinges, before bursting in the room and brandishing his gun.


    ''You are doing no such thing.'' He snarled at Autumn, who hadn''t even flinched at the intrusion and was now staring at him with an annoyed expression, as if daring to ask why he had shown his face here.


    Autumn was dressed in the gear he had seen in her room, the complete black dress as dark as the night almost blended her in the dark wood of the cabin. She looked grown and dangerous and almost nothing like the shy waitress she had been the night of the engagement party. Her short hair were tied in a ponytail at her nape, a single brown curl escaping and dangling over her cheek. There was a knife at the belt at her waist, the ugly metal gleaming in the light. Her hand had jumped to the hilt and she was gripping it tightly. There was a water bottle hanging in a holder next to the knife, the sloshing of the liquid making a merry sound against the plastic. The bottle was half full, the rest must have been the source of Cyan''s splutter he had heard from outside.


    Cyan was staring at him, his mouth wide open in disbelief. He was tied up just like Falcon had left him, but he was awake, though resting his head at the back of the chair. He had been startled, but had recovered soon, flitting his gaze between Autumn and Falcon.


    ''You are not untying him.'' Falcon growled. ''Not until you¡­.''


    He was interrupted by her as she rolled her eyes, exaggerating every move and snarled. ''Oh, shut up, guard. You do not understand the situation. You both do not realize how serious it is and we need to move.''


    ''And why is that?'' He asked politely, the mocking statement making her snap at him.


    ''I swear if you try to come in my way, I will not hold back.'' Her eyes were bloodshot as she stared him down, nostrils flaring, daring him to contradict her. ''Now, quickly, please, before he turns up.''


    ''Before who turns up?'' Her reply prompted a question out of him before he could stop himself. Something was very wrong here.


    ''Are you stupid?'' She blinked at him.


    Her unexpected response left him confused for a moment, before her returned her stare, utterly perplexed. ''Huh?''


    ''The man you were handing Mr. Yarrow over to, of course.'' She said slowly.


    ''What do you mean?'' He whispered, his breath hitching, as a few of the puzzle pieces floating about his head fell into place. ''You are not 453?''


    ''Who?''


    ''The person I was handing Cyan over to, of course.''


    ''Are you out of your mind? Why would I be them?'' She gave a short laugh.


    ''I don''t know. You tell me.'' He snarled. He was sick of her game playing, but a small part of him nagged at the back of his thoughts that she was right. The unknown man could be standing right outside now, while they indulged in their baseless quarrel, intent on proving the other one wrong.


    ''How about you both carry on with your argument after you untie me?'' Cyan mumbled.


    They both turned to him just as silence fell in the cabin. Then Autumn was muttering an apology and moving towards his chair while removing the knife from her belt.


    Autumn swished the knife in a motion so swift he barely caught the movement before the binds fell to the floor in shreds. A closer look at her showed traces of makeup on her face, and she looked underfed and agitated. The bags under her eyes stood out against her pale skin, too pale that she looked almost sick, like all the blood had left her body. She hadn''t let go of the weapon but stood facing him, the knife held out to him in challenge.


    Falcon kept the gun trained on her face as they stared each other down, both unyielding, both furious as the birds trilled in the woods, their songs the only sounds in the cabin whilst their silent battle.


    Cyan got up from the chair, but immediately fell back down, his knees buckling due to being in the same position for so long. He shook his limbs a few times to get the blood flowing again, rubbing his right palm on his wrist in a fruitless attempt to get rid of the angry marks the binds had left there. Falcon eyed his movements from the corner of his eye, a fresh wave of guilt washing over him as Cyan grimaced, the feeling staying there this time. Falcon let it be, he did not have the energy to fight with himself anymore.


    Cyan looked up at the both of them, eyes locked in the silent fight and sighed. Autumn was closer to him, one hand on the back of his chair while the other held out the knife at Falcon, in a pose to protect Cyan and threaten Falcon. Her stance made Falcon furious, he would never hurt Cyan. Why was she acting like he would approach Cyan any second and try to gun him down?


    Wouldn''t you? The ugly voice was back. If your client offers you more payment for this task, you wouldn''t hesitate, right?


    Falcon didn''t respond to it, kept his eyes trained on the girl and all senses tuned in to the two other people in the cabin, waiting for the moment one of them decided to make a move.


    That was a mistake. If he hadn''t been so engrossed in the situation inside the hut, he would never had missed the slight sound of footsteps outside, ceasing just as quickly and vanishing.


    Cyan placed a hand on Autumn''s arm, and with a gentle pressure, lowered the hand along with the weapon, until she stopped resisting and returned the weapon to her belt. Cyan looked at him, his eyes holding a silent plea for understanding and Falcon sighed. He lowered the gun but did not put it inside his waistband, instead loosely cradled the weapon which sent the message effectively.


    I have my weapon and will not hesitate to use it if I have to. He sent her a silent message, but her look also held a challenging message.


    So do I. Her eyes conveyed.


    The silence only lasted a few seconds where everyone breathed deeply, and while Cyan relaxed in his breaths, Falcon and Autumn tensed as the moments stretched into a timeless zone as the emotions hovered, waiting for a stimulus to be released.


    ''You did not kill my parents, that is right?'' Cyan said, standing between the two of them with his hands on his waist. If he thought the pose made him look defiant, he was wrong. He looked weak and vulnerable, in the dirty clothes and that hollow look in his eyes, like he was two seconds away from breaking down.


    ''Yes.'' Autumn said, in a forceful plea for him to believe her.


    ''Then do you know who did?'' Cyan asked.


    ''The man he''s working for.'' She jerked her head towards Falcon, a look of disgust on her face.


    It hurt. To be reminded his client was a murderer, and there was more to things than he could see on the surface. But, that really wasn''t his fault, was it? He was just doing his job, wasn''t he?


    Falcon groaned at the questions inside his mind. He didn''t like the feeling, the self-doubt and guilt, which had been attacking him fiercely since the day he had taken on this assignment.


    ''I don''t think he knows that.'' Cyan said.


    It broke Falcon''s heart that Cyan had taken to defend him again, despite the things he had done to him. He wanted Autumn to know exactly what Cyan was trying to tell her, that he was just doing his job and did not know the dangers his actions were bringing them all closer to.


    ''Well, now he does.'' Autumn retorted.


    ''Why should I believe you, though?'' Falcon said, the fury and embarrassment quick to claim his cheeks.


    ''Because you have no other option.'' She said. ''This is not about who''s right and who''s wrong anymore. It''s about saving Mr. Yarrow and the stone as soon as we can before that client of yours gets here and we lose our chance.''


    ''I am afraid I can''t tell you the location of the stone. But, it is safe, that I can promise.'' Cyan said.


    ''You have to trust me.'' Autumn pulled at her hair. ''I am not after the stone. I mean, I am after the stone, but not in that way. Oh, how do I explain?'' She looked close to crying.


    Falcon understood her frustration. She had to take Cyan into confidence without alarming him so that he confided with her. And she was doing a bad job of making him trust her.


    ''I do have to know what the power of this stone is that my mother and father specifically left for me.'' Cyan said, as if he was thinking aloud.


    Autumn looked so relieved in that instant that Falcon thought her lips would stretch from the grin. ''Then please come with me. If you want to uncover the secret, you will have to leave with me to go see the demon slayer.''


    ''No, Cyan, don''t trust her. It is her way of abducting you for who knows what.'' Falcon spoke up immediately, just as that prickly feeling returned. The indication that something was about to go horribly wrong.


    ''I am sorry, who''s the criminal here?'' Autumn said.


    Cyan, however, was not listening to either of them. He was deep in thought, trying to place the puzzle pieces in the right order for the picture to finally make sense.


    ''Why did Mom and dad have to die, though?'' Cyan whispered. ''I have to know that.''


    Autumn gave Falcon a triumphant look and turned towards Cyan. ''Please, my grandfather has all the answers you want. We need to leave immediately.''


    ''You grandfather?'' Cyan asked.


    Autumn cast Falcon a suspicious look, unable to decide if she should say more in front of him or not. She must have decided it was worth the risk because she opened her mouth to continue, but before she could say a word Falcon interrupted.


    ''Is he the demon slayer?''


    Autumn bared her teeth at his intrusion. She looked like she would snap at him for interrupting her yet again but instead said:


    ''Yes. And he''s waiting for us.''


    ''So this is the story you come up with? About a demon slayer awaiting our arrival so he can give us answers about a stone which is causing people''s deaths. I wonder, if his dragon is waiting outside to take us to him.'' Falcon said, the smirk on his face growing bigger with every passing moment.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t believe her. He just didn''t want this girl to enter the scene like a rescuer and whisk Cyan away with a carefully crafted story and emerge as the hero. While he remained the criminal here, the man who had helped an unknown person for money to take hold of the man who had tried to give him a life.


    ''You want me to call our ride here, then?'' Autumn said, putting two fingers to her lips as if whistling for the dragon.


    ''See?'' He turned to Cyan. ''Now she''s jumping on the dragon story too. You can''t possibly believe her?''


    ''I am willing to risk just for the sake of answers this time.'' Cyan said, and Falcon''s mouth dropped open.


    ''Idiot.'' He slapped his hand to his forehead, hissing at Cyan''s sheer absurdity. Autumn smiled at Cyan before giving him a smirk without Cyan seeing it and placed a hand on the knife at her belt.


    ''Get out of the way.'' She said.


    ''No.'' He stood there with the weapon raised, his legs parted as he blocked the door.. He wondered what Cyan was making of the situation, the two fighters in black, glaring at each other with weapons at the ready.

 Chapter 20

    The figure outside the cabin grinned at the people through the window. Their voices had been loud and he had heard every bit of the conversation that had taken place. So they were going to the demon slayer. Good. The old man could have all the answers they wanted but they would never reach him now. He glanced at the two dangers clad in full black and hummed to himself in contentment. They were at each other''s throats while the real danger lounged outside the cabin, waiting for the right moment. There she was, the demon slayers granddaughter, with her knife, of which the person was more scared of than anything. And there was someone else too. The tall man with his gun whose entire face was a stony mask staring at the foolish girl. He looked strong and fast, the leather jacket making him look buffer than he actually was.


    The guy had hung in the tree the entire morning waiting for his client, instead the girl had turned up, just like the person knew she would. Always appearing at the wrong places at certainly the wrong times was an expertise of hers. She needed to be taught a lesson sooner or later for meddling in affairs she shouldn''t. But first, this ''Falcon'' had to be taken out. The person had heard a lot about this man and his work. Falcon never fails. They had said. Well, they had been wrong. He had failed badly at the one task he had been asked to do.


    The person glanced at the handsome man, a boy really, with his youthful looks and bright eyes, who had to inherit the power of the stone next. Too bad, the man''s parents had kept the secret to themselves for so long, raising the stakes. The man looked confused as he stared at the two black clad fighters, as if trying to make a decision.


    It''s okay. The person thought to themself. You don''t have to think much longer.. Pretty soon, you will be in my clutches.

 Chapter 21 - Gone

    Falcon snorted at Autumn''s annoyed look. She was angry and threatened at the same time. But it was a satisfying feeling to see her expression, she was not dismissing him as no match for her. She knew he could stop them if he wanted to and she didn''t want to take the chance.


    ''If it was just me.'' She said. ''You would have been dead by now.'' She finished her sentence with a sweet smile, as if she hadn''t just given him a death warning.


    Falcon didn''t doubt her for a second. He knew the girl was good at what she did, her posture, her attention and her stance spoke for her abilities. If they engaged in a fight here, both of them would emerge with more than just scratches on their bodies.


    It happened in the snap of a twig outside the cabin. For an eternity, time suspended as Falcon and Autumn turned their heads in slow-motion towards the source of the sound, the cracking of the branch like someone had stepped onto it. They hadn''t even tried to hide it, the sound obnoxious and clear, like a loud challenge to do whatever they can before the calamity struck the cabin. Falcon saw the dark silhouette through the window, a dark figure with the sun at their back, hiding the face.


    The person raised their hand and threw something in through the window.


    ''Get down.'' Autumn yelled, pulling Cyan down by the arm as they crashed to the floor. Falcon raised his pistol and aimed at the figure, firing instantly, but they were gone in the blink of an eye and his bullet hit a tree truck, ricocheting off into the woods, just as the smoke bomb exploded.


    Acrid, black smoke filled the small cabin, immediately going into his lungs and making his eyes swim from the toxic fumes. He coughed wildly, which was mistake, he should have held his breath instead of inhaling the fumes. Cyan had made the same mistake, his violent coughing and retching echoing in the cabin as it filled with the smoke, blurring his entire vision. He could only see blackness through his tears, Autumn and Cyan just distant forms in the dark.


    No. He groaned, holding out his hand for Cyan. Save him. The attacker will try to get to him.


    Something strange was happening to him. Surely smoke bombs did not make you feel dizzy, as if you were losing your hold on reality and slipping into unconsciousness. No, he couldn''t afford to go out right now, Cyan was in danger. He screamed internally at the smoke, before blundering over to where he thought Cyan had been.


    Falcon crashed head first into the chair he had tied Cyan into, hitting the floor with a thundering sound. He felt a limb hit his abdomen and grabbed it, but the soft skin of the fingers that reached for him belonged to her, as she pulled at his jacket in question. He knew she was asking if he had gotten his hands on Cyan, which, technically, she should have because she had been nearer to him than Falcon had been.


    He traced an X onto her palm with his finger and felt her move away, where her blunderings met his ears. There must be something in the grenade, he thought, as dizziness overcame him that he hit the floor, his head banging on the wood. Smoke bombs do not normally knock you out, do they?


    His eyes were closing, he could feel Autumn stilling next to him too. Through the smoke he saw a dark figure emerge, their presence just a faint shadow in the back of his eyes, as the chasm of unawareness pulled him down. Struggling to keep his eyes open, he trained his gaze onto the figure.


    ''453.'' He groaned. ''It''s you.'' The words came out in an incoherent jumble, the moan of despair catching the figure''s attention.


    He saw them come near him, standing close to his body that he could see their shoes on the ground where they stood next to his limp body. A foot came down onto his fingers and he sobbed in protest, the sole threatening to break the bone of his hand. The person slammed another foot onto his back and he doubled, the remaining energy leaving him just as they turned away, leaving for the door. They must have jumped in through the window, he hadn''t heard the door open.


    The figure raised his arms and Falcon saw a body cradled in them like a lover''s. Cyan''s one hand was hanging lose, swishing in the air, while his head was twisted at a painful angle against the person''s chest. The pose reminded him of how he had carried Cyan in the morning from his truck to the cabin, with which came the ugly realization that he was no different than this man. Both of them had attempted to kidnap Cyan, in which this unknown person had succeeded and now Falcon would forever be the one who had brought Cyan to this fate, quite literally.


    No. His mind protested, teetering at the brink of unconsciousness. Don''t take Cyan away.


    He saw the two of them disappear as his eyes shut, the hand he had raised in a weak attempt to get hold of the abductor falling fruitlessly by his side. He watched with teary eyes as the person kicked open the door and took Cyan away with them, a faint sound of an engine reaching his ears as a vehicle drove away after a minute.


    The silent guilt and frustration finally caught to him and he surrendered, allowing the chasm to grip its vice like arms around him and pull him down, welcoming the unconsciousness like a blissful curtain that had crashed down onto him to take away his pain, where he could enjoy a few dreamy minutes before being pulled back to reality.

 Chapter 22 - Lets Go Home

    ''Wake up.'' He heard her voice, like a faint tune of the pied piper, reaching down his dream to charm him into following the melody.


    He resisted, he knew if he woke up the pain would come back, but he couldn''t remember why.


    Why don''t I want to wake up? He did not question the feeling but basked in it, smiling slowly as he allowed the dream to pull him back down.


    ''No.'' He mumbled.


    ''Oh, for heaven''s sake.'' She groaned, then a loud sound came. It was a few seconds later that he realized she had slapped him, the ringing in his cheek managing to shake him out a bit from his stupor.


    ''Don''t....touch.....'' His words were an incoherent mumble in his own ears.


    He expected her to move away but then another slap came, much louder and demanding this time.


    ''Stop.'' He took hold of her hand and pulled it down, holding tight to avoid her from raising it again.


    ''What even.....'' He heard her grumble, before she was pulling her hand away and brought her mouth closer to his ear.


    Her words hit her like a warm breeze, spoken so low and close that he felt them reverberating in his very brain. ''It''s all your fault.'' She had said.


    With her words came crashing the entire events of the day and Falcon curled onto himself, eager to push away the dreadful memories. She kept speaking though, unaware, or uncaring of his state and breathed into his ear once more. ''Cyan is gone.''


    She must have thought he was still out cold, but Falcon was as awake as he could be, breathing slowly in and out to calm his wildly thumping heart. He opened his eyes a flicker and saw her face very close to his. The soot and color from the grenade was all over her face and in her hair, making her look like she had jumped in a chimney. He wondered if he looked the same, or worse. The cold bare wood under his head reminded he was still in the cabin, an ashy smell hung in the air and his lungs contracted with every breath he took.


    He pushed her away then, her shocked complain leaving him unfazed as he sat up and took in his surroundings. The cabin looked worse than before, if possible, the blackness had settled down on every corner it could find, and there weren''t many.


    She shook her hair and a bit of ash fell out before she handed him the water bottle from her belt, a quarter of it still sloshing inside it. He grabbed it gratefully before pouring a bit out and splashing it onto his face, the soot and grime dribbling away.


    He drank the rest in a gulp, the liquid like a salve to his parched throat before he made himself meet her eyes, expecting a look of anger and possibly resentment in them.


    She, however, was not displaying any of those emotions, though her mouth was set in a very straight line. Her eyes were clear and she was staring at him devoid of any emotion. He shook his head a bit and looked away, wiping his damp face onto the sleeve of his jacket, the leather catching the moisture, the droplets rolling away.


    There was silence until he very quietly said, too low for even his own ears to pick up the sound but Autumn heard him nevertheless. ''I am sorry.''


    Falcon realized with a start that these words had left his mouth after more than five years.


    Autumn just shook her head and frowned. ''Say that to Cyan.'' The angry look returned to her eyes as she moved away.


    Falcon sighed. ''Did you check outside? Maybe we can still catch them.'' He said, in a fruitless attempt to strike a conversation where they were both not cursing at each other.


    ''Falcon, it''s almost nightfall.'' She said. ''We were out for half of the day.''


    He jerked his head up, the dim light outside the window confirming what she had said. The sun was dipping down the horizon, a few of the scattered rays streaming in to light up the cabin. It would be dark very soon and the picnic site would close off.


    ''They must be very far away by now.'' It was a statement, one she agreed with as she nodded her head.


    The time on his wrist said it was half past five, which meant he had been there for more than seven hours. He wondered if the person had been there the entire time he had been in the tree, watching him and smirking at the clueless boy, camouflaged in the green leaves. Where could he have hidden, though? He would have heard him or even felt him but they were like a shadow, hovering beside him the entire time.


    ''Get up, we are leaving.'' She said, immediately getting off the floor and brushing her pants.


    Falcon didn''t know what possessed him to say what he said next, instead of arguing with her like he usually would. ''To your grandfather?''


    ''Yes.'' She looked, relieved, like he had jumped to the conclusion quicker than she had expected.. ''Let''s go home.''

 Chapter 23 - A Decent Conversation

    ''You haven''t told me.'' Autumn began, just as the carriage door closed behind them. ''Why you were working for that man.''


    She had breathed deeply, as if they were going to hold a whole conversation now that they were on their way. Falcon didn''t like to talk, and years of solitude had further firmed the habit. It felt strange to be accompanied by another person, more so to be accompanied by a girl who talked endlessly, cursing him half of the time for being the cause of the misfortunes befalling them.


    ''You mean apart from the fact that he was paying me filthy?'' He snorted, sitting down on the lower bunk, head bent so he wouldn''t have to face her and keep the conversation going.


    Autumn had taken the seat by the window, which was partly open, the night air stirring the carriage with a soft breeze. The air was scented with rain, the petrichor like a drug against his nostrils and Falcon inhaled several lungfuls, until his breathing calmed and he closed his eyes. Even with his eyes closed, his senses were on full alert, tuned in to every sound and scent around him. The lingering sense of danger that was his companion was ever present in various forms, and he liked to be prepared all the time.


    ''Yes.'' Autumn said. ''You are extremely motivated for a person working just for money. Is there any other reason why you want this money so badly?''


    Falcon cursed internally. He didn''t like the fact that Autumn had read him like a book, able to see the motivation behind his actions. But, the motivation behind the money, should he tell her? His internal conflict only lasted mere seconds when his inner self scoffed at him and he regained the stony mask that was his face.


    ''I don''t think that is any of your concern.'' He said coldly, before opening the backpack he had purchased at the station. The backpack was filled with hot canisters of food Autumn had insisted on buying from the vendor. He handed her the carton before using the bag as a pillow and laying down on the bunk. The train started moving then, the gentle jostling lulling him into a sleep he didn''t welcome. He kept his eyes open widely staring at the upper bunk. He still got goose bumps thinking back on all the hours he had lost lying in the cabin in the woods. Anything could have happened. What if any picnickers had wandered there by accident and discovered the two of them?


    A tantalizing aroma of spicy rice filled the carriage then as Autumn started wolfing down the food, a pleased moan rumbling in her throat. Falcon heard his own stomach growl but he blocked out the scent and focused on the sky outside, growing steadily darker as the train picked up speed and moved away from the station. The sky was starless, just a blanket of clouds weighing down on the earth, threatening to spill if someone so much as poked at them.


    ''Why aren''t you eating?'' She said.


    ''I don''t.'' He mumbled, staring keenly outside. ''During a mission.''


    ''Wha...?'' She exclaimed, a surprised splutter before she caught herself. ''That''s insane. Next you will say you don''t sleep either.''


    ''Exactly.'' He said, a bitter smile turning the corner of his lips upwards.


    He tuned out her shocked cry, trying to fight the pull of sleep tugging at the corner of his eyelids. It was true he never ate or slept until an assignment had finished and the money had been transferred over. But none of the other jobs had stretched on for days and if it went on like that, he would have to take the pills out to keep functioning.


    This is not an assignment technically, the small part inside his body spoke up, wondering why he was punishing himself.


    It is a mission, he responded, shutting the voice. Until I get to Cyan, I will not stop.


    Soon enough, Autumn finished her meal and sighed contentedly. She climbed the ladder onto the top bunk and disappeared, her voice fading away until she fell completely silent and Falcon relished the moments of peace. The carriage was quiet as they were pulled away to Autumn''s town, the name of which she had refused to tell him with an annoying ''wait and see''.


    He hadn''t argued. His preoccupied mind had been trying to avoid the three figures following him into the station, melting into the darkness like shadows, without Autumn finding out. He knew the trio and couldn''t believe the men had the audacity to come after him while the pressing question of what they wanted from him hung about his mind. He had let Autumn get the tickets and find the carriage, confident they had lost the men and hoping he wouldn''t run into them. Now was definitely not the time to engage in a conflict, not to mention his energy levels going down drastically. The past had chosen a very inconvenient time to catch up to him.


    The continuous jostling of the carriages was pulling him in and out of a restless sleep, a mechanic lullaby which went directly to his brain. Autumn was very quiet in the bunk above him, lying on her side, one arm dangling over the edge and swaying with the train''s movements. He couldn''t tell if she was asleep or not, but her breathing was even and she hadn''t talked for the past hour.


    Years of being cautious had him even sleeping in an alert state, expecting nothing and everything from the seconds that might roll into his dock. It was impossible to sleep with the tension and he greatly admired her ability to find peace in such a situation.


    Falcon quietly hummed her name. To his surprise, she responded, rolling over onto her belly and looking down at him, her hair hanging around her head.


    ''I was thinking.....'' He began, but was interrupted as she nodded, her hair waving about.


    ''So was I.''


    Falcon laughed. ''What were you thinking?''


    ''About who those guys could be who were following you around the station. Whom are you running from, Falcon?''


    Falcon groaned internally. So she had seen the men. In a way, he wasn''t surprised, but her seeing a link with his past was extremely nerve wrecking and highly inconvenient.


    ''I have plenty of people after me who want to catch me.''


    ''But none who know what you look like.'' She raised an eyebrow.


    Falcon grew quiet. It was true only Autumn knew of the face that belonged to ''Falcon'' except them, until he realized the faceless man in the cabin had also seen him. Not to mention Cyan and all the people at those parties and if they put two and two together, his life and entire career would fall apart.


    ''It''s okay if you don''t want to tell me, but we have to start trusting each other if we want this partnership to work.'' She continued, and the obnoxious statement made him snort.


    ''Says the person who hasn''t even told me their real name.'' He said.


    And this is not a partnership, he thought restlessly, after I find Cyan and apologize to him, I will be on my way.


    They both grew quiet. Falcon knew Autumn wouldn''t tell him, they both needed some time to decide if they should trust the other or simply kill them.


    ''Fine, don''t tell me.'' Autumn rolled back onto her back and her head disappeared. ''But they knew who you were and you should watch out f¡­''


    There was a slight thump above their heads and Falcon would have thought he had imagined it when Autumn grew silent too, looking back at him with question in her eyes. He nodded his head to indicate he had heard it too, when there came the sound of quiet padding, as if someone was walking softly on the roof of the train. Falcon grasped the gun under his palm and held onto its steely comfort, while they waited with bated breath in the semi-darkness.


    ''I swear, Falcon, if they are more of your gangster buddies, I will dump you here and go off alone.'' Autumn murmured in the darkness, frustrated at the intrusion during the peaceful hours.


    ''You asked me to join you.'' He hissed, indignant at her choice of words.


    ''It''s not like I pulled you along with me. You agreed out of guilt for deceiving Cyan.'' She snapped.


    ''Just stop talking, Autumn.''


    ''You know, for a murderer like you, you have a strong conscience.'' She blabbered away and Falcon''s heart lurched. Yes, he was a murderer, but why the unfair abduction of Cyan was making him fall through a dark bottomless abyss of guilt reaching up to swallow him whole?


    Falcon was saved from a response by a clatter outside the carriage, followed by a sharp rapping on the door. His eyes met Autumn''s, who rolled hers, but instead of annoyed, she looked intrigued like she couldn''t wait to open the door.


    ''Go let our guests in, Falcon.'' Autumn said in an interested voice as if she was watching a show.


    He got up with a groan, his tired body protesting at the effort and approached the door cautiously. He slid it open with a wide smile plastered on his face like a butler.


    ''Good evening, gentlemen.'' He announced into the hallway.. Instead, he was greeted by a punch to his face.

 Chapter 24 - The Trouble Couple

    There were two of them, both big and burly, both with murder in their eyes. The one who had tried to punch moved in now, his square shoulders taking up the whole space as he breathed down his face like an angry bull. Falcon had dodged the punch at the last moment, the huge meaty fist swinging by his face and hitting the carriage wall with a loud ''kathunk'', denting it slightly.


    The thug stared at him angrily and he realized the stance. It was the same pose he had adopted many times alongside the men who were standing opposite him now. The other man still standing the dimly lit hall produced a pistol, flourishing it dramatically, like a magician producing a rabbit from his hat with a flair. He met his eyes and Falcon searched for a hint of friendliness for the sake of old times but his eyes held none, staring at him mercilessly like he was looking at him from the depths of a bottomless pit.


    There were no words spoken, just angry stares and the silence of bated breaths where the two of them waited for him to make a move. And, he did. Falcon jumped high and gripped the rail of the top bunk, swinging his foot to slam it on the back of the beefy man in the front. He staggered, tipping forward and flailing his arms. Falcon shoved his other foot in the back of his skull, curving the boot at an angle that the sharpest point made contact with his skull and the man landed on the floor of the carriage with an almighty crash as he blacked out.


    Autumn whooped, but the sound died in her throat as the other man aimed his gun at Falcon''s leg.


    So they have been told to capture me alive. Falcon thought as he ran into him just as he pulled the trigger. The bullet did not make a sound, a silent capsule of death as it chipped the window sill on its way out. The pistol spiraled out of his arms as the man collided with Falcon and took to the ground, just as Falcon raised his punch and smashed at his nose until a steady trickle of blood started seeping into the carpet in the hallway.


    He groaned and Falcon aimed a last punch on his face, before his head fell to the side and his breathing ceased. He did not feel a shred of sympathy for him, the burly warrior who had trained alongside him for so many years. He grabbed him by the legs and pulled him into the carriage, closing the door behind him. He knew the people in the adjacent carriages had heard the loud sounds and must be wondering what was going on. The muscular body of the man who had tried to punch him first stirred, but Autumn dropped her water bottle from the top bunk onto his head and it fell back to the ground.


    Falcon breathed deeply to calm the rush of nerves and adrenaline until his heart returned to his regular pace and turned to Autumn.


    ''You couldn''t have lent a hand, could you?''


    ''Nah, I knew you''d handle it by yourself.'' She shrugged away his complain.


    Falcon shook his head in annoyance. He glared at the two bodies lying haphazardly on the train floor, arms and legs entangled with the fresh bruises visible on their faces.


    Falcon looked at the familiar faces, and his heart started racing like a bull inside his chest, the thumping loud enough to be heard inside the carriage. They had followed him onto the train and into his car and attempted to capture him. So he had failed to shake them off his trail. He had a feeling he had been shadowed by them for a long time now.


    The thought made him so angry that if Autumn hadn''t been there, he would have beaten the both of them to a pulp and thrown them out of the window, but the presence of the foolish girl kept making things more complicated.


    ''Should we just leave them here?''


    ''No, they will follow us to the next station then. And if not them, then others. They must have told the others of our location.''


    Autumn groaned. ''Let''s throw them outta the window.'' She drawled in a thick accent.


    ''What! How can you say that?'' he said, trying to look anguished at the ruthless suggestion, but surprised at his own thought she had voiced without a shred of hesitation.


    To his surprise, Autumn looked a bit sheepish. ''I was merely suggesting.'' She grumbled from the top bunk. She was still lying at the top bunk, head resting on her palm as she stared interestingly at the intruding specimens on the floor.


    ''Why would you think of such ways?'' he shook his head.


    ''Like you didn''t at least consider it once.'' She looked offended.


    ''Come on, help me.'' He ignored her, starting to heave the bodies onto his shoulders.


    ''No.'' She rolled onto her back and started making loud, obnoxious, snoring noises which unfortunately sounded like a troubled truck engine.


    Falcon tried to hide a grin tugging at the corner of his lips and crossed over to the window, pulling the rest of it open to the side. As the cold night air rushed in, Autumn sat up with a start.


    ''What are you doing?''


    ''I thought you were sleeping?'' he smirked, looking up at her with interest in his eyes. ''Don''t worry, I am not throwing them out.'' He laughed at her indignant yelp.


    Falcon placed one foot on the windowsill and looked outside. The sweet air hit him in the face and he squinted against the raw smack, tears appearing until he ducked his head back in. The train was slowing down and now was the best chance to get out of the carriage before more of their accomplices joined them.


    He glanced back at Autumn and saw her looking at him with an aghast expression on her face. She had understood the silent request in his eyes and sighed.


    ''The easiest way would have been to get rid of them.'' She grumbled as she started climbing down the ladder.


    ''The third one would be in the train somewhere. They always go as a trio. He must not see where we are going, it can put Cyan and the stone in danger if more people become curious. We will have to go to your village very secretly now.''


    Autumn groaned. ''So much work. We would have been there by morning if we kept travelling by train.''


    ''Fine, stay here. I thought you were smarter than this.'' He turned back towards the night, placing both of his palms on the sill.


    Without warning, Autumn shoved at the small of the back, and Falcon tipped forward into the night, yelping as he grabbed hold of the sill and pulled himself back in. He glared at Autumn, but the mischievous smile on her lips failed to keep him angry much and he exhaled in frustration.


    ''If you really want to kill me that much, just finish me off now.'' He pulled out his pistol from the waistband of his jeans and held it out to her.


    She looked back at him in shock, her disbelief at his reckless action portrayed in her eyes, until she grasped the true meaning behind his gesture. He saw in her eyes what he had been meaning to tell her by handing her the gun, that he trusted her for now and wanted her to trust him back.


    She flicked his forehead. ''No, not yet..'' Mumbling something like "can''t appreciate a joke" too low for him to fully understand, she followed him out the window as he jumped, rolling down the grass a few times before halting at the base of a hill.

 Chapter 25 - The Inheritor

    They had landed in a field. A strong smell of cow dung hung against their heads, the misty air solidifying the smell like a curtain of fog. Autumn had managed to build a campfire out of some damp branches which was crackling weakly, threatening to go out any minute. Even if it didn''t, it would start raining soon and then they would be drenched in water, and chilled to the bone in the empty field. He couldn''t for the life of him understand why Autumn had insisted to stay put here longer, the wait so unneeded when he knew they weren''t being followed any more. Now she sat opposite him, the flames reflecting in her eyes, burning her pupils a deep orange.


    She looked up at him and the orange flickered. In the dark of the night, Falcon saw her skin was very pale, her short hair curling around her earlobes, that one strand still dangling in front of her. Her gear was muddy, the knees and elbows caked with a layer of deep brown, which could also be cow dung, he reminded himself, as a cow lazily munching grass nearby lifted its head and sent him a sleepy ''mooo.''


    Autumn sighed deeply when their eyes met. ''You have questions, don''t you? So ask.'' She snapped a twig grumpily and threw it in the fire.


    ''You will answer?'' he said, surprised. The only thing he expected to come out of her mouth were more insults.


    ''No.'' She said, rummaging in the grass for another branch, but she seemed to had run out of them. An annoyed line appeared on her forehead as she eyed the ground angrily, like it was the grass''s fault she was out of twigs.


    Falcon made an exasperated sound at the back of his throat and looked away. Of course, she would act like a conceited know-it-all, enjoying the superior feeling. Strangely, Falcon understood.


    ''I was kidding.'' She giggled slightly at his reaction. In the tension Falcon was currently feeling, he found the subtle laugh quite soothing. ''I bet you want to know what the stone is.'' She continued.


    ''Of course.'' He looked back at her and found her staring at him. The sudden attention was nerve wrecking and he cleared his throat loudly before turning his gaze to the fire. There was an itch in his hands for just sitting there and doing nothing, so he might as well get some answers. ''If I am to help you in this¡­mission¡­I have to know about it.'' He said.


    Not to mention I am incredibly curious about this stone and the demon slayer. He thought.


    ''Well¡­'' She began slowly and Falcon knew the catch for the answers was coming, ''you have to tell me the reason you were collecting all that money for. It''s not like you are starving or something.'' She shrugged, playing with the blades of grass.


    Ah. So she wanted to know what Falcon had only once said out loud to another human, lest the dream disappeared and he was left clutching at thin air. ''I AM starving.'' He said, as a way of changing the topic.


    ''That doesn''t answer my question.'' She said. ''And it''s entirely your fault your stomach is grumbling loud enough to scare all the cattle in this field.''


    ''You can hear it?'' he said, surprised, staring down at his t-shirt that was fluttering in the breeze.


    ''Yes.'' She sighed tiredly. ''So can the underworld. Now, are you answering my question or not?''


    Falcon debated silently. He could always lie, but he had a feeling Autumn would know. She would see in his eyes all he was hiding and never trust him again.


    The truth also seems like a lie. Something inside him spoke up. Tell her.


    ''Architecture.'' Falcon said. ''The money is for college.''


    An absolute silence fell over the field as Autumn processed his words dumbfounded, her mouth slightly open. He saw the transition of expressions, from surprise to shock, then disbelief and finally, what was that, fondness? He couldn''t tell, but suddenly she wasn''t looking at him in that judging way she used to, and Falcon was grateful.


    ''Ar¡­architect?'' she repeated slowly. ''You want to be an architect?''


    Falcon nodded, the corner of his lips turning into a frown. Instant regret had taken place of the sudden determination he had found, and he wished he could reverse the last minute and take back the words he had uttered.


    ''You are not lying.'' It was a statement, to which he agreed slightly with a nod of his head.


    ''Oh, Falcon¡­that''s¡­surprising, I must say.'' She said warmly and he felt a little smile tug at his lips before they straightened back into a firm line. Why was he smiling?


    ''Cyan''s room is mesmerizing. That is why I was entranced by his house the first time I went in there. Did you know he designed his room himself? He is a gifted artist.'' Falcon said.


    ''He is.'' Autumn agreed, finally finding a branch and snapping it in half.


    Falcon felt his stomach churn. He had just spilled a secret only one other person knew, who was currently buried deep underground, blissfully unaware of whatever was befalling her son. He was grateful she wasn''t here, he didn''t want her to be in more pain than she could bear.


    ''You would make it. If you forge the documents just right¡ª'' Autumn began.


    ''So, what''s the stone?'' he interrupted, not wanting any more discussion on this topic.


    Autumn grumbled incoherently before throwing the twig to join the others in the merry flame. ''I suppose I should tell you now. But you might not believe me.'' She met his eyes, an earnest look in the depths of the flickering pupils.


    Falcon remained quiet. Silence can make the other person speak more involuntarily, he had learnt and he let his silence push her to reveal more information. Sure enough, she rolled her eyes and continued, ''Mr. and Mrs. Yarrow did not die in an ice skating incident, Falcon. Their bodies had washed up in the river, brutally tortured, and all of Mrs. Yarrow''s hair had been cut. There were possible signs of ¡­.****. But the press covered it on Cyan''s orders. Gosh, he must have had to pay them heavily.''


    Falcon nodded. He had understood that much from Kirstun''s questions at Teal''s engagement party. But they had been tortured? That did not make sense, what might the murderer want? It sure as hell wasn''t ransom. ''And, the murderer was my client?''


    ''Possibly.'' She nodded. ''The man who has Cyan now.''


    ''Oh no.'' Dread pooled into his stomach instantly, a cold shiver travelling up his spine and he recoiled against it. What if Cyan was already dead? It would all be his fault.


    ''I don''t think he''s dead yet.'' Autumn said gently, but Falcon just stared at the fire, his heart burning as the bile in his stomach churned like poison.


    ''How can you say that?'' his voice was so low, even his own ears barely picked up the slight whisper.


    ''Because the murderer was after the location of the package, but Dahlia had already passed it on to her son¡­.on my Grandfather''s orders. So, now Cyan has the stone, and, be honest, do you think Cyan would give in to that man?''


    ''He''s being tortured right now.'' Falcon said.


    Autumn hummed sadly. Her eyes were downcast and she had stopped playing with the grass, instead wringing her fingers in a nervous rhythm.


    ''What are we waiting for?'' he got up rapidly. ''Let''s go.''


    ''Where?'' She said quietly.


    ''Anywhere. Just¡­save Cyan.'' He zipped up his jacket, patting the pockets for the weight of the gun and turning towards the base of the hill they had rolled down on.


    ''No, Falcon, wait.'' Before he knew it, her hand had wrapped around his wrist and she was pulling him down. ''We can''t leave like that.''


    Falcon recoiled at the touch, jerking his hand away and she let go. ''Why the fuck not?'' he snapped.


    ''We have to make sure¨C''


    ''There''s nobody here, Autumn.'' He shouted. ''We are just wasting time.''


    ''Don''t you act like I don''t care at all.'' She had also raised her voice, eyes full of anger and hair standing on end. ''It''s all your damn fault, in case you have forgotten.''


    She grew quiet just as she realized what she had said and an apologetic look came onto her face. ''Look, I¡ª''


    ''You think this realization is not fucking killing me inside?'' He whispered.


    ''I am sorry.'' She breathed. ''Please sit back down.'' She raised a hand carefully, hovering it beside his arm to see if he would pull away, but Falcon let her grip his sleeve and pull him down on the grass.


    There was silence as they both breathed quietly, chests heaving and anger dissipating. Autumn glanced at him twice but he did not meet her eyes, staring determinedly at the ground.


    ''You said Cyan''s mother gave the package to Cyan on your grandfather''s orders? Do you know why?''


    She nodded.. ''Because Cyan is the next person to inherit the power of the stone.''

 Chapter 26 - The Legend Of The Stone

    Falcon stared. ''The next person to¡­.inherit a power? What power?''


    ''This might sound insane but¡­the stone has the power to open up a gateway¡­it can be anywhere and only the person in possession of the stone knows and can create the archway¡­.or the entrance.''


    Falcon licked his lips. His throat suddenly felt parched and he wished some of the water in Autumn''s bottle was still swishing away in there. There was a sudden desire to quench the thirst which made his throat feel like sandpaper. Somehow, he knew the answer was not going to be pleasant when he asked her, ''What''s behind the gateway?''


    Autumn sighed. ''The invisible creatures.''


    Falcon snorted. ''Yeah, right.'' He rolled a blade of grass in his fingers, waiting for her to speak more or laugh it off by saying "I was kidding." After a few moments of complete silence from her side, Falcon looked up at her, to find her staring intensely at him. ''You are not lying.'' He stated, his mouth falling open.


    ''Thank you.'' She snapped. ''The gateway conceals, or imprisons, the ancient unseen demons which are controlled by the possessor of the stone, but they have to be released by the same person. Falcon, the creatures would do whatever you command them to, including theft, murder and other horrendous crimes.''


    Falcon realized he had been gaping at her and quickly shut his mouth. He shook his head slowly to get out of the daze and whispered, ''The power to control invisible monsters?''


    ''This can''t happen, Falcon. Your client MUSN''T get hold of the object. You realize the consequences would be more than grave?'' She sounded desperate.


    ''Cyan would die.'' Falcon rubbed his eyes, a wave of fatigue crashing onto him. ''Why didn''t you tell me all this before?''


    ''When?''


    ''When you were yelling at me in the cabin, of course.''


    She glared at him. ''How many times are you going to raise this topic again?''


    ''Actually this is the first time.''


    She looked away annoyed and Falcon grinned internally. When Autumn was annoyed, she looked like she was on her way to behead someone. ''Who else knows of the package?'' he asked.


    ''That''s the thing, I don''t know. It could be just me and Grandpa or it could be several other people.''


    ''That really narrows down the plan of action.'' He said.


    ''Look, are you going to be like this the whole time?''


    ''Like what?''


    ''All sarcastic and snappy, and acting like an idiot in general.'' She said.


    ''Yes.''


    She groaned and looked away purposely, holding her mouth firmly shut from responding to him anymore. Falcon hid another smile and said, ''Autumn, how do you think the stone ended up with Cyan''s parents in the first place?''


    She looked over, her eyebrows furrowed together, as if a million wheels were spinning in her mind. ''I have my doubts, but I can''t confirm anything yet.'' She shook her head.


    ''That cleared everything.''


    ''Shut up.'' She threw a handful of mud over to him which he dodged away.


    Autumn stood up suddenly, dusting her pants violently to get rid of the mud and dung from her clothes. ''Let''s go to Renatus.'' She said.


    ''Renatus? Surely, you don''t mean¡­.The Renatus? As in Renatus the Demon Slayer.'' He gulped.


    A chilly breeze swept over the field, and the blades of grass rustled briefly while the goose bumps on Falcon''s arms stood up. Has Autumn really called her grandfather Renatus? This was completely insane, or maybe the lack of sleep was finally making him hallucinate the wildest of fantasies.


    ''Really, how stupid are you, Falcon. I have been going on and on about the demon slayer and you didn''t figure it out?''


    ''But, isn''t he a legend? The hero of the tragedy that marred this city six years ago? Are you telling me the comics and movies are based on a person who is real and not just made up by the police to give an explanation to how the city was saved?


    A strange shadow crossed Autumn''s face, disappearing just as quickly, but not before Falcon caught the fleeting look of mortification. What he had said had somehow offended her but he couldn''t understand what it was. ''All legends are based on facts.'' She stated quickly.


    ''True that.'' He nodded. He couldn''t understand why she looked a little angry still, but then again, he was just imagining things this late in the night.


    ''How do you open up the gate?'' He asked, by way of distracting her.


    For a moment, a hint of a smile appeared on her mouth, as if she couldn''t wait to tell him. Falcon knew the answer would be unpleasant, or downright disgusting but he wasn''t expecting what she said next.


    ''You sacrifice your blood.''


    ''Eh?'' An incoherent sound escaped his mouth before he shut it quickly.


    ''The possessor of the stone has to slash their wrist or any other body part they choose to and drip the blood on the sealed gateway EVERY single time they want to summon the demons..'' Autumn said, shaking her head slightly.

 Chapter 27 - Lapis Valley

    The first time Falcon had sat on a horse, he was tired, sweaty and five years old. He had hated the animal instantly, the stink of horse manure coming off the body of the brute in waves, hovering like an uninvited guest near his nostrils. If it hadn''t been for her, he would have whined and flailed his arms and legs to throw a tantrum, but it was the first time she had agreed to bring him along with her to the stables and he didn''t want to hurt her feelings.


    His mother took care of the race horses and had given in to his pleading with much difficulty, afraid he would hurt himself in the commotion of the stables. Now that he was there, he had instantly wanted to ride the majestic black stallion, which belonged to the gigantic man with the big muscles, who had tickled his belly and clapped him on the back for picking the "manliest horse ''ere".


    The beast had yet to take a bath and Falcon wished he had come here another day when the horse was a bit cleaner. As if reading his thoughts, the stallion turned its head around, the mane of silky black hair dancing in the playful wind and preened at him with its bulbous eyes from beneath long, dark lashes. Falcon had let out a shriek, falling off the horse''s back into a pile of dung.


    He felt the brute''s head nuzzling his neck and his heart contracted in fear, his entire body frozen as the blood in his veins turned to ice. The warm breath of the horse wafted over him, and he curled into himself, until he heard her come over to him, the sweet scent of lilacs taking over the stink of manure. He clung to her neck as she rocked him gently, muttering a soothing lullaby before she dried the tears from his eyes.


    The muscular rider guffawed loudly, neighing in his ear and Falcon shivered in his mother''s arms. She ran a hand through his hair and kissed the tip of his nose, before she snapped at the man.


    ''It''s not funny, Byron.'' She said, and Falcon felt intensely proud of his mother.


    ''You needa not get all riled up, Orchid. Jus'' helpin'' this young fella ''ere man up.'' Byron showed his moss covered teeth.


    Orchid had glared at him, her eyes ablaze before she turned on her heels and strode away so violently, that he bounced in her arms. She brought him a sugar cube, then called him "her brave little warrior." Though, he didn''t feel so brave, he loved what she had called him, and repeated the words over and over in his head until his heart beat calmed down. Then, he rode the black stallion around the stables while his mother and the other riders cheered his name loudly.


    ''Let''s come back here again.'' He chirped merrily as they left in the evening, the insides of his thighs bruised but his heart singing loudly.


    ''Next week.'' She promised, kissing his hand that was wrapped around her pinky.


    She was gone the next week, and Falcon never trusted a promise again.


    XXX


    The clip-clopping of hooves on the stones was like a thundering in his brain, a continuous blow to the last of peace in Falcon''s mind. The carriage was jostling slightly, but he was gripping the edges of his seat like he was sitting inside a rollercoaster, which was winding up and down a perilous track.


    At least you are not ON the horse right now, he thought, a little of relief making its way into his wildly thumping heart.


    Beside him on the narrow seat, Autumn slept on, head resting against the side of the carriage, a bit of sneaky rays of sunlight dancing on her eyelashes, making them look golden. This was the first time he had actually seen her in her sleep. She looked oddly peaceful and he wondered how someone could just fall asleep like that, wherever they wanted, whenever they wanted to. If it was him, he would be writhing about by now, his only show of emotions when he was most vulnerable and deeply in the grip of nightmares.


    A sweet scent suddenly clouded his nostrils and he turned his head slightly. The sight outside the carriage made his heart stop for a second, his mind unable to process what he was seeing. The ground was completely covered in a blanket of white, like fresh snow, the pearly surface catching the sun and gleaming brightly.


    He realized he was looking at flowers, rows and rows of snowy white buds bowing the ground, the petals fluttering slightly as the wind teased them.


    ''Snowdrops.'' He whispered. It was as if the flowers were floating inches above the ground, the stems dancing merrily, while fresh buds poked their way out of the leaves.


    Falcon turned around and shook Autumn vigorously. She swatted his hand away from her shoulder, complaining incoherently, something that sounded suspiciously like "disturbances." He started tapping her knee in a rather rhythm, until she opened her eyes and glared at him with murder in her eyes.


    ''Are there more of your friends following us?'' She snapped.


    ''What? No!'' he exclaimed. ''Look outside.''


    She turned her head slowly, like it was causing her huge inconvenience to glance outside the carriage door. Falcon waited for her to exclaim in surprise or delight, but she turned back to him with a rather dull expression on her face. ''Seriously, what?''


    His mouth fell open in shock. It was hard to believe she hadn''t found anything of interest in the field of flowers. It wasn''t until her eyes narrowed in suspicion that he realized they were headed towards her home and she must have seen the snowdrops countless times to actually be unfazed by them.


    ''Nothing.'' He sat back quickly, hoping his cheeks weren''t flushing from the embarrassment. ''Are we there yet?''


    ''You woke me up to ask me that?'' her nostrils flared, and she fell back against the seat, resting her head and closing her eyes.


    He shook her again, mainly for the delight he felt when she got irritated, her eyebrows furrowed and that death glare in her eyes.


    ''Stop. You are muddling up my thoughts.'' She opened her eyes slightly, shaking her head as if to make the thoughts fall back into place.


    ''You are not thinking, you are sleeping.'' He stated bluntly. ''How much time is left?''


    She held up ten fingers to answer his questions, muttering a "wake me up after¡­." and closing her eyes again, her breathing evening soon enough.


    Falcon wondered what miracle the ten minutes would do as he let his eyes close and breathed deeply in the scent of the flowers, a calm tide washing over him and stripping away part of his anxiety. He felt the sudden urge to set a brush against a canvas and color it with the beauty of the field outside.


    Stop it. He shook his head. Don''t think of art.


    Because art brought into his mind a certain someone and he didn''t want another wave of guilt to take place of whatever calm remained inside him, while his heart struggled to find a pattern to beat on to.


    The carriage rolled into a town, the cobbled street running under an overhead archway with a large sign, decorated with flowers and neatly trimmed vines.


    ''Welcome to Lapis Valley.'' He murmured.


    Falcon jerked up with a start, he remembered LAPIS VALLEY from somewhere, but his sleep muddled brain refused to remind him where he had read about it. Beside him Autumn stirred, her eyes opening wide as she saw the sign.


    ''Home.'' She smiled contentedly. Falcon saw happiness and satisfaction take over her features, she seemed much more at ease now, the stiff demeanor she had kept on slipping away as the carriage moved deeper into the town.


    Neat rows of houses slipped past as the horses clip-clopped towards the town square. A young girl raised a hand and waved at Autumn who smiled widely, waving back at her vigorously even after the carriage passed away. Falcon grabbed her arm from preventing her to fall outside, she looked like she was about to get off and run over to the girl.


    The street opened into a wider area and the carriage rolled around a huge fountain with the words TOWN SQUARE carved into the stone. The fountain was of a man wearing the same gear as Autumn but he was not holding any weapons. In his left hand was an open book and his wise eyes were cast on the pages, the face perfectly molded to look like he was engrossed in the words. The pen in his left hand was sprouting a steady stream of water, which was tinkling like music as it hit the puddle by the man''s feet.


    ''Because the pen is mightier than the sword.'' Autumn said wisely, when she found him staring at the statue.


    He heaved her backpack onto his shoulder as they got off, turning into a street, while Autumn hummed merrily to the musical sound of the bubbling water in the fountain. He had covered his face with his mask again, pulling the cap low over his eyes even after Autumn had told him he would scare the town people away. He didn''t want to take any more risk.


    Villagers were bustling about him, talking and laughing loudly and Falcon kept his eyes trained to the ground, staying a few feet away from Autumn because she kept stopping every three seconds to greet people. An elderly woman kissed Autumn wetly before proceeding to preen in his direction and Falcon felt his stomach turn. He wished heartily she would just ignore him when she cackled loudly.


    ''And who is this sweet little thing?''


    Falcon''s heart stopped. If she had called him a sweet little thing when he knew he looked downright intimidating, she was no doubt expecting him to have a nice little conversation over a warm cup of tea.


    ''Oh, that''s Jason.'' Autumn said, looking over at him and gritting her teeth for him to come closer.


    He shuffled over quietly, keeping his eyes firmly on the ground when the lady said. ''Now, that''s a fine man you have here, Aurelia dear. Another one of your slayers, is he, now?''


    He barely registered the amused look on Autumn''s face at his discomfort. The old woman had just called Autumn Aurelia, did that mean Aurelia was her real name, or was it just another pseudonym?


    ''That''s right, Aunt Sylvie. He''s a trainee.'' Autumn chirped.


    He nodded along with her, his skin crawling when the old women sized him up, her eyes raking over his body, no doubt looking for a flaw to point out.


    ''He looks like you will take him down in a second, my girl.'' She said finally.


    ''Oh, he does have a lot to learn.'' Autumn sighed.


    Falcon cast her an annoyed look but the glint of mischief in her eyes caused the corners of his lips to turn up into a smile behind the mask. He sighed in relief when the woman finally went away, but not before she gave Autumn another kiss on the cheek and Falcon turned his head away from the squelching sound.


    ''You are so rude.'' Autumn lamented, glaring at him. She didn''t sound angry, just amused and slightly proud, as if it was an achievement to be able to talk an old woman for more than two minutes. ''Why didn''t you say anything?''


    ''What? And get kissed like that? No, thank you.'' He said. ''And she''s your aunt so you have nothing to be proud of.''


    ''She''s not my aunt.'' Autumn laughed. ''I call her that out of respect.''


    ''That makes no sense, Aurelia.''


    Autumn stopped walking abruptly, that Falcon bumped into her back, jerking at the sudden contact. ''You are not allowed to call me that.'' She stated coldly.


    Falcon was surprised at the sudden hostility. He had thought she wouldn''t mind, with all the importance she gave to trusting each other and being friendly. Turned out, it was all just bullshit.


    ''I couldn''t care less.'' He snapped, before brushing past her, hitching the backpack up and grasping the strap.


    ''That''s because you haven''t told me yours. And that''s the wrong way.'' She said.


    Falcon turned around and glared at her coldly. All at once he was feeling greatly annoyed and somewhat confused. He couldn''t understand this new emotion in his heart, much like hurt but that wasn''t possible, was it? Why would he be hurt?


    ''My name IS Falcon.'' He said.


    ''No, like your real name. The name your parents gave you when you were born. You weren''t always Falcon, were you?''


    ''I was.'' He shrugged, like he didn''t care.


    The truth was, he knew he had a different name then, but all he remembered was his mother calling him a brave little warrior and the riders cheering something which had slowly morphed into a chant of ''Falcon'' over the years. But he knew he used to like his name, because Orchid had said it was so much like him.


    Autumn snorted and turned away, breezing past him into a side alley he hadn''t noticed before. The street was lined with potted plants, the green leaves brushing his arms and tickling the little amount of bare skin on his hands. While Autumn walked in the middle of the street, he preferred to stay in the shadows of the houses, because the plants were comforting, but also because if someone stopped to greet them, he could always bend over one of the pots and pretend to water it.


    ''Almost there.'' Autumn said and his heart jumped. He realized he was going to meet Renatus the Demon Slayer soon and something akin to excitement made his skin tingle, but he forcefully shrugged it away. He must not connect to anything related to Aurelia.


    Autumn, he corrected himself. She was Autumn and he was Falcon, and names were not a big deal.


    Falcon had just reached the end of the street where Autumn had disappeared when he heard it. A low growl, like a snarl of a wolf right behind him, as hot animal breath washed over his nape. He wondered how big the beast must be to reach his neck, as his heart started beating like a drum inside his chest, the thumping making his entire body shudder.


    Falcon turned around slowly and was greeted by a sight of long fangs, dripping drool right in his face.

 Chapter 28 - Renatus, The Demon Slayer

    Falcon found himself staring in a set of dark red pupils, full of viciousness and a wild fury which made the hair on his neck prickle like a bolt of electricity had just shot through him. He stepped back in alarm as the beast gave a low snarl, blowing hot stinky breath in his face, which smelt suspiciously of raw flesh, like it had just feasted on some poor animal.


    Falcon wondered if he was the next prey as he took in the creature. His eyes had watered from the stench and he shook his head slightly, staring at the brute though a hazy curtain. It looked much like a wolf, but gigantic in size, towering over him and looking like it was ten times more lethal.


    The beast''s body was covered with hair a deep shade of grey with a tinge of black, like the angry clouds in the sky prior a storm. The fangs stood out the most, long sharp canines dripping saliva in strings, forming a puddle by his feet. He was too caught up in staring at the wolf''s mouth that he failed to notice the animal had gotten low on his front paws, staring at him ferociously, ready to strike.


    ''Alaska.'' A terribly high-pitched shriek rang in the air, making his eardrums rattle and causing him to involuntarily shrink against the sound.


    The wolf straightened up suddenly, looking past him to where Aurelia stood, her mouth widened in a smile so big he could see the pink of her gums. She was looking at the wolf with so much fondness that he thought her eyes would fall out from delight.


    ''Come here, girl.'' She opened her arms.


    The wolf emitted a low whine, bounding over to her and knocking Falcon down in the process as its tail hit him in the face, blowing dusty air right in his mouth. It slammed into Aurelia upon reaching her, who giggled as they rolled on the ground. Aurelia kissed the beast''s face over and over as it licked her, the tongue wetting her cheeks and spewing spit all over her gear.


    There had been many moments where Falcon had found Aurelia impossible, but this was ridiculously beyond belief.


    Aurelia got up from the ground with much difficulty, what with the animal trying to nuzzle her neck and drooling all over her, and turned to him where he stood with his mouth open wide in shock.


    ''Bet you were terrified.'' Her smile was smug, but Falcon felt far from annoyed.


    ''Not really.'' He shrugged his shoulders but took one step back as the wolf took a break from running its tongue over Aurelia''s hand over and over and began advancing towards him. ''What is she?''


    ''Oh, she''s my puppy.'' Aurelia said fondly, caressing the wolf''s fur with a loving hand and scratching behind its ears.


    The wolf wagged its tail and Falcon wondered how an animal that looked so menacing could look that happy, like it was beyond pleased to receive the affection from the girl ruffling its fur.


    ''Okay¡­.'' Falcon had learnt long ago not to question Aurelia much. He drew a breath as the animal approached him, lips pulled back to reveal those sharp teeth and the murder back in its eyes. It started sniffing down his neck in long whiffs, as if memorizing his scent in a series of long breaths. Falcon turned his head away when it tried to lick him and earned a whine of protest. Aurelia giggled slightly before she turned over on her heels and proceeded to the end of the alley. ''Come on.''


    They arrived at a house as soon as they turned the corner, a cottage really, with a small wooden fence surrounding a lovely garden that managed to satisfy the aesthetics in him with its ravishing flowerbeds and the vines wrapping around the glass windows. There was a rusty swing set creaking lightly as the wind stirred the chains, creating an ominous music, like that of a horror movie. The house looked like it had come straight out of a fairy tale and Falcon had never seen architecture this mesmerizing. While Cyan''s mansion spoke of elegance and comfort, Aurelia''s house gave an aura of safety and homeliness.


    The door opened and a middle aged man stepped out, and Falcon instantly knew he was looking at Aurelia''s father. The man had the same bright eyes and brown hair, and while Aurelia''s hair flew wildly all about her face, his'' were combed neatly and set back from his face, exposing his wide forehead and a long nose. He was tall and broad, his torso corded with ropes of muscle, exposed through the open shirt he was wearing. His eyes fell on Aurelia and lit up with adoration so strong, Falcon thought he had witnessed something divine.


    Aurelia beamed, radiant with affection and all but tore down the fence in her hurry to get inside the garden. Falcon followed at a slow pace, hesitant and somewhat uncertain if he was even welcome there. Now that Aurelia had turned her attention to someone else, he felt quite unimportant.


    ''My girl.'' The man said, enveloping her into a big hug, and Falcon could swear he heard a bone crush. Aurelia sighed deeply and fell against his chest, leaning into him whilst he held her like she had just found her safe haven. Their eyes were closed and the man hummed contentedly.


    ''Every time you come back you''ve grown a little.'' His gentle eyes held so much love and care that Falcon found himself wishing for someone to look at him like that, while a faint smell of lilacs washed over his mind. Orchid''s scent came to him at the most inconvenient of times.


    ''It''s only been a week, dad.'' She rolled her eyes and shook her head slightly.


    ''Felt like an eternity to me.'' The man lifted her high up before putting her back down, like she was a child and not a nineteen year old girl.


    ''Dad, where''s Grandpa?'' She got away quickly as some of the seriousness got back on her face.


    ''Going off to him as soon as you get back, huh?'' he shook his head, but he was far from angry.


    ''It''s really important, I am sorry. Is he at the hut?''


    The man nodded but before any of them had a chance to say something else, the door of the cottage opened once again and a woman stepped out, gathering her hair and wrapping it into a bun at the base of her neck.


    ''Ari, my love.'' She exclaimed in joy as she came towards where her daughter stood, smiling from ear to ear while happy tears gleamed in her eyes. She was wearing a long red dress, a few strands of her bronze hair whipping about her face but she didn''t seem to care. She was incredibly beautiful, the ruby red earrings dangling by her hair highlighting her high cheekbones and the sunny smile.


    Aurelia stepped away from her father''s embrace and turned towards the door. Falcon was surprised she didn''t rush to her mother but rather stayed where she was, scuffing the ground with her shoe.


    ''Hi, mom.'' She smiled grimly.


    The woman''s face fell, but she pulled Aurelia into her arms, who returned the hug loosely. The woman kissed Aurelia rather violently and asked. ''How have you been? Did you eat properly? Did you sleep on time?''


    ''Yes, I can take care of myself, mom.'' She said. Her mother sighed quietly, holding onto Aurelia''s cheeks and hugging her once more, concern marring her brows.


    ''Let her breath, Scarlet.'' Aurelia''s father placed a gentle hand on her mother''s shoulder and pulled her back, ironic as he had all but crushed Aurelia not minutes prior.


    ''I am just so relieved, Xander. See her? She''s returned home without a scratch.'' Scarlet wiped the happy tears from her eyes and turned to where he stood, all but ready to take off if anyone from this family so much as spoke to him. Suddenly he was pinned under three pairs of eyes, and while one of them was looking at him amusedly, two were hard and cold, and Falcon was instantly paralyzed.


    ''And who are you, gentleman?'' Aurelia''s father said.


    Falcon approached them quietly, trying to look as small as possible, quite suddenly wishing he was not wearing the mask and the cap. They were looking at him as if he was a mobster about to attack them.


    ''Remove that mask, boy.'' Xander said and Falcon pulled at the material until it was gone, setting his lips in a small smile which hurt his cheeks.


    The man and woman nodded with satisfaction and Aurelia hid a grin before she turned to them. ''Mom, dad, this is Jason, he''s a new trainee.''


    ''Well, good luck.'' Where her father smiled, Scarlet remained impassive, and Falcon realized just how much wary she was of everything connected to her daughter.


    There was a clatter at the wooden fence and all four of them turned to the commotion in unison. Falcon was glad for the distraction, it was a relief Aurelia''s parents weren''t staring at him anymore like he was a specimen up for examining.


    Two more of the wolf-beasts bounded into the yard, trampling some of the flowers and going over to Scarlet. She raised a hand and patted them affectionately, like they weren''t a foot taller than her. Falcon noticed a carved golden wedding band on her third finger, catching the sunlight and similar to the one Xander was wearing.


    A man turned up at the fence, holding a beast as black as the night on a leash and grumbling loudly. ''This one is especially hard to train.'' He exclaimed when his eyes fell on them.


    He was quite young and exceptionally handsome, but there was nothing friendly about the way he was looking at the people in the garden. He looked five years older than him, and taller by quite a few inches, a long braid of ginger hair falling straight down his back. His square jaw was set in a scowl, his upper teeth gnawing at the piercing in his lower lip rather viciously.


    ''Miss Aurelia. You are back.'' He said trying to look welcoming but failing after a miserable attempt at a halfhearted smile.


    ''Hello, Cyrus, I see you took good care of Alaska.'' She smiled brightly but Cyrus''s face remained impassive, nodding slightly. ''Thank you.''


    Mr. Renatus clapped the young man on the back, shaking up his whole body. ''I knew this man here was hardworking and talented when I saw him.''


    Cyrus smiled grimly before he turned to Scarlet. A faint tinge had appeared on his cheeks and he was staring hard at the ground when he spoke to her. ''Mrs. Renatus, I have warned Tina you would be dropping by the stables tomorrow like you asked..... ''


    Their voices grew fainter as Aurelia tugged at Falcon''s arm and pulled him away from her parents towards the fence, murmuring a quick "see you later", while her father watched her go with intense pride flickering on his face.


    Falcon closed the gate behind him as he hurried up the street beside Aurelia, following her to wherever she was going. She looked like she would take off into the air with all the impatience and Falcon felt his nerves jumping from sudden panic gripping him.


    ''What''s up with you and your mother?'' he asked by way of striking a conversation.


    ''What do you mean?'' Aurelia said quickly, not meeting his eyes.


    ''Are you fighting?''


    ''It''s nothing new.'' She frowned, speaking with finality to shut down the topic, and Falcon didn''t pursue further.


    ''Who''s Cyrus?''


    ''My father''s assistant, but he also helps look after the animals and helps mom in the stables. We breed wolves here and every slayer has to have one, so my father keeps him close all the time.''


    ''Guy has a huge crush on your mother.'' Falcon didn''t realize he had snorted.


    Aurelia stopped dead in her tracks, with a jolt that sent her whole body quivering. There was a moment of silence as she processed his words, then whispered quietly. ''What?''


    ''Come on, there''s no way you didn''t see it.'' He held up both hands, surprised he was the only one to notice Cyrus''s blush.


    ''I didn''t.'' Aurelia exclaimed. ''This explains so much, oh, why didn''t I think of it?''


    ''Your mother doesn''t know too.'' He stated bluntly. ''She''s really beautiful, though. You look nothing like her.'' He teased.


    ''Thank you very much.'' Aurelia rolled her eyes, before she pulled at his arm and Falcon skidded to a stop.


    They had stopped in front of a triangular building, a sweet smell of hay coming from inside even as they stood meters away from it and Falcon was hit with a wave of dread so strong, his breath hitched for a second.


    ''Horses? We are travelling on horses?'' He groaned loudly before he realized Aurelia had heard him and something akin to annoyance settled in his gut. She didn''t have to know about his fear and Falcon might have just revealed it to her in his impulsive whining.


    ''Why? Is something wrong?'' Aurelia asked him but he just shook his head slightly, steeling his nerves and turning to step inside the stables.


    ''Hang on. Let me just get the horses.'' She said and Falcon felt a wave of relief wash over him like the first sip of water on a parched throat.


    Aurelia emerged a few minutes later with two horses, a grey mare and a chestnut colt, which were nuzzling her fondly, all saddled and ready to be mounted. She got up on the mare, running a hand through its mane of grey hair and murmuring quite praises. It was a few seconds before Falcon realized she was looking at him expectantly and he hooked a foot through the saddle quickly, pulling himself up on the colt with all the grace of a blabbering three year old.


    Aurelia laughed before she pulled at the reins of her mare and it fell into a gentle trot, the colt following close on its tail. Falcon was glad he didn''t have to steer, it was using all of his energy to stay upright as the horse bounced on the stones.


    He knew his face was ashen but he gripped the reins tightly, blocking the air coming in his nose to keep away the smell of hay and manure, which was clinging to the bodies of the horses like glue.


    ''Falcon, are you okay?'' he heard Aurelia ask, and he realized with a jolt that she was staring at him, nothing but concern visible in her wide eyes.


    ''Yes, I am fine.'' He said, gasping loudly, just as he took in a lungful of air, only to be hit by a smell so unwelcoming that his stomach contracted.


    Aurelia looked at him a few more seconds before she shrugged, taking his answer as it was and pulling at the mare''s reins, until it started cantering up the street. He watched her go, suddenly wishing she was still trotting next to him. The colt was moving lazily, its legs beating in rhythm against the stones, and while he was thankful the horse was slow, he also wanted to be next to Aurelia.


    ''We can take a carriage.'' He heard her then, and started, realizing she had come back to him.


    ''I said I am fine, Aurelia.'' He snapped, instantly regretting it.


    ''Fine then.'' She said, turning around as she pulled at the reins, and the mare galloped away.


    Get a grip, Falcon. He chastised his fear, grumbling loudly at the inconvenience it was causing him. No one must know of your weakness.


    Falcon followed the sounds of her hooves when the mare disappeared from sight, realizing they were leaving the valley behind and heading towards the outskirts of town. He clung to the colt, gripping the reins like a lifeline and gasping at every bump the hooves hit on the ground, which had become uneven with every passing second.


    A gentle breeze starting blowing his hair apart, the landscape falling into a scenic mountainous trek, and he was grateful for the fresh air hitting his nose like the elixir of life. He clung to this new feeling until he saw Aurelia again, training his gaze onto her curls which were bouncing violently in the air. They had been riding for half an hour now and Falcon felt sick to the gut.


    After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a lake. The water was so blue, like a ruffled blanket of velvet, small waves crashing at the bank in a melodious rhythm. Dozens of pink lotuses were floating on the surface quietly, their petals rustling as a gentle breeze nuzzled them. The bank was lined with more flowers, a burst of purple, red and white blossoms, waving gaily in the air. A small wooden boat was knocking into the mud at the far side of the lake, the single oar in it dipping the thing up and down.


    Aurelia stopped some distance away from a tiny hut with a thatched roof, the curtains on the windows drawn so tight not even a slit on the inside was visible. There was a barbeque pit a meter away from the front door, which was closed. The person inside really didn''t want any sunlight streaming in.


    A deafening silence stretched over the lake, like the very air was waiting for something to happen to shatter the inhumane quiet. Aurelia was staring at the hut with her mouth slightly open, her face ashen and eyes wide with fear. He pulled the reins and the colt trotted over to her, and she jolted slightly when he grabbed her elbow and shook her lightly.


    ''Something is wrong, very wrong.'' She whispered, dread the only emotion on her face as she turned to him in desperation, a little moisture seeping into her eyes.


    Anxiety pooled like acid into his stomach all at once, so that his heart refused to beat, racing maniacally into a panic stricken rhythm.


    No, it can''t be. They were so close this time and nothing could go wrong here, or they might lose every hope they had at the moment.


    Aurelia jumped off her horse and raced towards the hut, smashing her fist on the door so loudly her knocks thundered all over the lake. ''Grandpa!'' She screamed.


    A sharp sting of pain shot up his ankle when he got off the colt roughly and hurried over to her. There was a sudden desperation inside him, like a thrill of dread mixed with an impulse to take a reckless decision.


    No, please. He whispered. Cyan was slipping away slowly, like sand from his fingertips. Every time he got remotely close to saving him, he vanished, along with all hopes of finding him again.


    Aurelia had opened the door and was staring inside the hut with tears streaming down her face, which was chalky white and stricken.


    ''Aurelia.'' He murmured, grasping her elbow tightly. ''What?''


    ''He''s not in there, Falcon.. Grandpa is gone.''

 Chapter 29 - What Do They Want?

    ''Aurelia.'' Falcon said.


    They were sitting at the edge of the lake, dangling their feet in the icy water, a soothing numbness spreading from the tip of his toes and going directly to his brain. Aurelia was weaving the grass into a thin bracelet, each blade the size of a small snake. She looked at peace, but Falcon knew inside a turmoil was raging through her, her quiet anger was seeping out of her composure and making the air around them infected with fury.


    ''He taught me this.'' She said quietly, hands still working at the blades of grass. ''He used to say tasks are not limited to gender, every person must know how to do everything.''


    ''Teach me, then.''


    ''Learn it yourself.'' She jerked her head.


    Falcon sighed deeply. It was fruitless to try and maintain a conversation with her now, and even more difficult to actually distract her mind from the danger until she came up with what to do next.


    He sat back onto his elbows, resting his lower back against the soft bed of grass and breathing deeply in the scent of flowers and mud. Though the ground was damp, he welcomed the cold like a blanket of sedative by way of a chilly distraction.


    ''That''s what he said to me.'' She continued, and Falcon understood. ''He handed me the blades and told me to figure it out myself. Ari, you have learnt to breed huskies at the age of four, surely you can manage to weave knots in grass. That''s what he said.''


    ''What did you do, then?''


    ''I went home and asked my mother to teach it to me.'' She let out a small laugh which ended quickly.


    Falcon grinned. He let his head fall back, letting the wind caress his hair. The cold breeze played with the black strands, blowing them in his face and nuzzling his neck in the quietest of comfort.


    ''Then let''s go back to your house and ask your mom to teach me the art of weaving knots.''


    ''That was a bad attempt to distract me, if I am being honest.'' She started picking at the grass again, breaking off the blades viciously. Falcon saw her hands shaking as she tore up the grass bed, pulling up several flowers and crushing them to a pulp, and something inside Falcon felt a sting of pain as each petal colored her fingers.


    ''That was how much he trusted in you.'' Falcon said quietly. ''He knew you would work things out by yourself and won''t rest until you do.''


    ''But I didn''t.''


    ''But you could have. Though you were very young, he knew what Aurelia was capable of and he let you show him.''


    Aurelia''s head dropped as she let go of the ground. She ran her hands down her face, some of the color from her finger tips staining her cheekbones in a fine line. Falcon was thankful no more flowers were being plucked, but Aurelia had taken to pull at her hair instead and he barely fought an urge to seize her hands and hold them tight, lest she pulled out clumps of her curls.


    ''I feel mentally handicapped, Falcon.'' She sighed after a while, her voice quivering with the effort it was taking her to express what she was feeling. ''It''s like there''s a naked sword dangling over my head by a string, screaming danger in my ear. Anything can happen to him and I can''t think clearly because I am so scared, no, terrified of what he must be going through.'' A single tear danced on her eyelash before slipping down gracefully and clinging to her chin. Falcon stared, entranced, the moisture had mixed with the red of the flower and stained her cheeks pink.


    ''He''s a demon slayer, Aurelia. Don''t you think he can face an abduction?''


    She looked so vulnerable. This was the first time she had let slip of the arrogant, careless fa?ade she kept wrapped around herself and showed what she really was feeling, and Falcon knew the trust it took to do so. Something inside him broke when she let out a wretched sob, which quietened at once as she tried to pull herself under control, but still he held back, not approaching her and stared at the rosy hue on her cheek, courtesy of the flowers.


    ''This person is everywhere. First Cyan, then Grandpa. He''s one step ahead of us in this struggle for the stone, Falcon, and this is terrifying.'' She lifted her lashes and peeked at him through watery eyes.


    ''Which makes we wonder, how is he so aware of our every move?'' Falcon tore his gaze away and spoke to the air.


    Before she could respond, there was a whooping sound from behind them, and Falcon jerked up so fast that a choked sound tore through him when his neck cricked. Aurelia looked up startled, then she let out a shriek so high, his skin quivered from the pitch.


    Falcon was on his feet in an instant, pulling her along with him and shoving her behind his body as he grabbed his pistol.


    Two people in gear were running towards them like the wind was carrying their feet, hands waving in the air and cheeks split into wide smiles he could see even from the distance. In his daze, he knew he could never manage to run that fast even when he was being chased by wolf-beasts twice the size of Alaska.


    ''What are you doing, Falcon?'' he heard Aurelia ask in confusion from behind him, where she was gripping his jacket. ''They are my friends.''


    Embarrassment flushed to his cheeks faster than the slayers, he could feel the heat coming off his face in waves and he grumbled incoherently before lowering his weapon and complaining, not meeting her eyes. ''Why did you scream like a banshee? You scared the birds.''


    ''Yeah, I scared a bird; a Falcon.'' She laughed.


    Falcon was glad for the happy sound, even if it was at his expense. The tears had vanished from her eyes and for the first time since they had stepped in the lake, she looked genuinely happy. He stared in alarm as she ran over to the slayers with just as much enthusiasm, the trio hugging as if their life depended on it. They were talking and laughing loudly and Falcon felt something akin to a loss as he saw Aurelia clutch her sides at something one of them said, the same kind of feeling when Aurelia was talking to her parents at the cottage, but much worse.


    He sat back down slowly, dipping his feet in the cold water and waiting for the icy numbness to claim his senses again.


    A trill of laughter reached him and he knew they were coming close. He rested his weight on his palms and let his head fall back, closing his eyes, mouth slightly open to help the strange feeling inside him dissipate. He knew it was Aurelia when someone grabbed his shoulder and shook him slightly, and he wished the hand would linger there a bit longer.


    ''Come on, get up. They have brought food.'' Aurelia said loudly, flopping down beside him on the grass.


    Her voice was laced with happiness, and he wondered how she could sound so cheerful when she had been shedding tears just a few minutes ago.


    He opened his eyes with a groan, like it was a grueling task to greet her friends. He glared at the intruders, a boy and a girl around Aurelia''s age, staring at him with the same judgmental look that he was giving them. The boy had startling blue eyes and he was sizing him up curiously, his gaze flitting all over his body, like he couldn''t wait to beat him up. Falcon wondered why everybody in the valley had such interest in making him see the better of their combat abilities.


    They had settled on the grass in a circle, picnic baskets already out, while Aurelia was rummaging inside a bag violently, looking for something she apparently couldn''t find as she let out an anguished wail.


    ''Did you not bring a picnic blanket?''


    ''He can give us his shirt.'' The girl gestured towards him, her waist long ash hair fluttering innocently.


    Falcon spluttered. ''What¡­.'' He began, while Aurelia let out a loud laugh, and Falcon stared at the raucous girls in distressed alarm, which he didn''t even try to hide. Suddenly, both of them were eyeing his body with a keen interest and he felt his face flush when Aurelia smirked in appreciation.


    ''Yeah, Jason could do that.'' She went back to rummaging in the back pack.


    The boy, however didn''t look amused.


    ''What are you looking at, Zue?'' he complained, placing a finger under the girl''s chin and tilting her face towards him.


    She smiled at him sweetly, fingers coming up to entwine with the boy''s. ''Only you.''


    ''Stop it, you two.'' Aurelia said, busy as she started pulling out containers from a picnic basket. ''You are making me cringe.''


    ''No one asked, Ari.'' The boy rolled his eyes at her, a happy smile now playing along his lips.


    Falcon, however, was looking at Zue. He knew from the way that slight smirk had appeared at the corner of her lips before disappearing just as quickly when Aurelia had called him Jason, that she was aware the person in front of her was someone else. And in that instant, Falcon had a clear idea who knew about him except Aurelia.


    ''So, Zue, how did you find me?'' he said.


    The very air stilled as the slayers grew quiet, a silence that stretched like thin fabric for a feeble eternity in which he could hear the wind tickling the grass as the flowers waited with bated breath. Aurelia had gone very quiet, like she couldn''t believe Falcon had found out. He felt a twinge of annoyance, but she had just been trying to protect her friend, hadn''t she? But, she was the one who kept going about trust, and...


    Stop. Once again, the wary side of him was awake. Trust is a gamble we don''t take.


    ''What?'' Zue turned to him confused, one hand playing with her hair while the other wrapped in the boy''s large ones.


    ''How did you find out I was Falcon? You told Aurelia about me at Teal Yarrow''s engagement party.'' He realized he had snapped.


    Your anger is justified, the ugly side of him was back, and for one moment Falcon was grateful for it.


    ''Oh.'' She laughed. ''It''s true you have hidden yourself quite well, but nothing escapes Zue''s eyes.''


    ''Do you mean pictures of my face exist as Falcon?'' He rubbed a hand on his face, suddenly exhausted to the bone.


    ''They existed. I removed them all when Ari asked me to, a few days back. They were mug shots of you through a cheap disposable camera while you were perched high on the roof of the Yarrow house. I just ran a few searches underground and the result came up easily, because the pictures matched the ones from five years ago, you know, the Senator''s murder.''


    A chill ran through his entire body and he involuntarily wrapped his jacket around himself tighter. It seemed like that wretched night would continue to destroy his life, until all he was left with would be the anger in him turned to insanity.


    Why did you do it then? Why did you kill the man and his family? His heart spoke up even when he tried to shut it down. Did you really think you wouldn''t ever have to pay?


    ''Can you find out who took the pictures?'' he whispered.


    ''Neptune already did.'' Zue said, gesturing at her boyfriend. ''The East Kilani Police Department.''


    The shiver that ran through him was so sudden, all his senses numbed for a second, like he had jumped right in the icy lake instead of just dipping his toes. The police know what I look like, he fisted a knot of grass without realizing, dizzy with fear.


    However, Zue wasn''t finished. ''But, we dug some more and no such police department exists. That was just a cover, while someone else operates from the shadows. Has anybody been on your tail recently?''


    All Falcon could do was nod and bask in the relief that washed over him like a tide, so strong and so sweet, its grips of comfort like the warmth of Orchid''s arms.


    ''I think they are threatening you.'' Aurelia said. ''It''s a stupid thing to do, if you ask me. Do they want something from you which you are not ready to give?''


    Falcon nodded slowly. He didn''t say anything further, though he knew Aurelia was looking at him expectantly, like he was about to launch into a whole explanation. He turned around, addressing Zue directly. ''Are you sure you took down every picture?''


    ''Yes I did, but they can always upload more. I think the best way would be to deal with them and find out why they are doing this?''


    ''No.'' He shook his head, rather violently than he should''ve. ''Falcon doesn''t give in. I already know what they want and I am not ready to give it.''


    ''Well, what do they want?'' Aurelia asked impatiently.


    ''The want me back.''

 Chapter 30 - The Council

    The inside of Aurelia''s cottage was just as pleasing as it looked from the outside. An antique shoe rack right next to the door held huge boots made of a hide he didn''t recognize but knew they belonged to Xander. Aurelia''s shoes and a pair of glittering black heels were lying haphazardly on the floor, the laces tangled and managing to make him stumble as soon as he stepped inside.


    The cozy wooden interior was alight with pools of golden light and smelt like sweet cinnamon. Fake potted plants hung from the ceiling, green creepers trailing on the banister of the curved staircase that led upwards. A kettle was boiling on the stove, while Scarlet hummed merrily as she moved about in the kitchen, the counter littered with a hurricane of pots and pans. A huge window opened into the backyard with a strawberry patch, the scent of which reminded him of spring.


    The upper floor was a hallway with two bedrooms and a bathroom at the end, which Aurelia had shown him to clean up. He was doing quite a bad job at it, as he stared at his gaunt face in the mirror, the hollow eyes looking back at him in demand as to why he was punishing himself. It had been three days since he had last eaten anything, and even the adrenaline was tired.


    He cast his eyes around for something else to look at save his hollow-cheeked reflection, when his eyes fell on a cup with four toothbrushes. Three of them were of normal size, but a forth one the size of a toilet brush with bristles slick with spit was resting against the wall. There was a carving on the stick and it took Falcon a few seconds to understand what the letters spelt. ''Bessie.'' He whispered. ''Who''s Bessie?''


    Falcon splashed a handful of icy water on his face, shaking his head to clear the fatigue and left the bathroom, just so he could tell her he cleaned up. His eyes fell on the bedroom opposite him, the door a splash of vibrant art which reminded him of the graffitied walls of the alleys he grew up in. Hideous drawings of monsters and a large scaly serpent stared back at him and he wondered when Aurelia drew all this. The art looked old and clumsy so maybe she was young then, spray painting the door while her parents were asleep.


    Falcon approached the staircase cautiously, peering to see if Scarlet could spot him. He could tell she disapproved of him, but was silent for the sake of her daughter. He placed his cap back on, pulling it real low this time to avoid looking her in the eye and was about to go down when he heard her voice, hushed but demanding as she reprimanded her daughter.


    ''What did I tell you about bringing boys home, Aurelia?''


    ''He''s a GUEST, Mom. We will leave in the morning.'' Aurelia responded, sounding angry and somewhat tired.


    Leave? They hadn''t decided on what they were going to do next, so was she lying or did she have a plan in mind?


    ''You are not going anywhere, Aurelia. You are barely home now, always doing something for your grandfather. How many monsters will you kill? The real demons are humans, and you can''t stay away from them.'' Scarlet seethed. ''I don''t like the looks of that boy.'' She continued.


    Aurelia gave a long exaggerated sigh. ''When will father be home?'' she asked after a while, changing the topic completely.


    ''He might not come back tonight. You know how busy they are at the council after the disappearance of your grandfather. They are going over the appointment of the new village Guru.''


    ''The new Guru? But this makes it look like Grandpa is dead. They shouldn''t do this, this is insane.'' Aurelia said.


    Falcon stepped low on the steps until he could see her, sitting by the door and zipping up boots made of a sleek leather which Falcon immediately wanted to own. She had tied her hair in a short ponytail again, a few strands that always hung around her face adorning her features. Her bottom lip was swollen, like she had bitten it harshly and with the anxiety pulsing through Falcon''s veins, he didn''t blame her. Her face was free of the grime that stayed in the crease of her smile and she looked fresh and determined.


    Falcon realized he was snooping and coughed slightly as he approached her. He slipped his feet into his boots, which, unlike Aurelia, he had placed neatly in the shoe rack and watched the lamp light dance on her curls out of the corner of his eye.


    Scarlet was standing with her back to the kitchen counter, the kettle in one hand as she gripped a mug with "World''s Best Mother" written in sprawls. Her face was scrunched in distress, mouth turned downwards as she stared at her daughter. ''Where are you going now?''


    ''The town hall.'' Aurelia stood up, dusting her pants as she turned towards the door.


    ''Every time you go running off to the town hall in rebel of a new rule, you get a probation point. Do you want to take place of your grandfather as the head trainer or not?'' Scarlet said.


    ''But they cannot replace Grandpa like this, Mom.''


    ''You are going to go off running anyways, so make sure to tell your father I expect him home tonight. He has a wife and daughter to give time to.''


    ''Yeah and this village is his mistress, hence, the attention.'' Aurelia said, but she looked a bit guilty.


    Falcon watched Scarlet''s wretched expression, a hollow feeling of understanding in his heart. The woman was lonely, waiting for the husband and daughter that were always out, and trying to protect them by keeping them home at the same time.


    ''Be safe.'' Scarlet called after them as Aurelia opened the cottage door, bright sunlight streaming in like an intruder and Falcon squinted against the sudden attack. He hitched his backpack higher and stared at the ground determinedly to evade Scarlet''s judgmental stare and also to show her that he was sorry this was happening. He could still feel her gaze on his back as he shut the door rapidly and started down the street after Aurelia.


    ''My mother thinks I am a hot headed teenage girl.'' Aurelia mumbled furiously as she jogged briskly, her hand clasped around the hilt of the dagger at her belt.


    ''Then stop bringing boys home.'' Falcon fought a smile coming on his lips with much difficulty as he avoided looking at her directly, his eyes on the pebbles.


    Aurelia turned to him, baring her teeth in an almost comedic anger. ''Don''t even start...''


    He grinned as he surrendered to the smile, but shook his head. ''You are not hot headed. You are smart and most of the time you know what you are doing.''


    She smiled slightly. ''Most of the time?''


    ''Yeah, like right now? Why are you trusting me? Why did you ask Zue to take down my pictures? Why do you care so much if I get into architecture college or not? I am a murderer. I could stab you when your back is turned.'' Falcon knew he was annoyed at the surprising emotions brimming inside him, but the rush of words surprised him even more. This was the most he had ever spoken in one go, and it didn''t help that Aurelia was particularly easy to talk to.


    ''And I have trained under a demon slayer, Falcon. I can take you out in combat faster than you can blink.'' She hadn''t even flinched, turning a corner and almost running now. ''And just so you know, I am not rooting for you to get into college, but this is a partnership and we are working together. The first step would be to trust each other, like you said in the train.''


    He realized they had reached the town square, the bustle of activity washing over him like a wave. The world was too loud during the day, and too sorrowful in the night, and he knew which one he preferred. She was trying to trust him, but was he doing the same? With a sinking heart, Falcon realized his feelings towards her had gone beyond trust.


    A soft breeze blew his way and he inhaled a lungful. The air in Lapis Valley was so clean, he could feel it in every breath he took. He cleared his mind as the sweet elixir perfused his body and used the rush of wind to clear away the confusing and somewhat disturbing thoughts.


    ''You are acting weird.'' Aurelia said, and Falcon''s heart jumped. Had she noticed? Please don''t know, he prayed and turned to her, but her attention was already on something else.


    Falcon realized they had reached the town hall and the building in front of him took his breath away, driving all thoughts from his mind for one blissful second. The town hall was a massive structure of a slate grey stone, with magnificent mahogany double doors fitted with bolts so golden, they were practically sparkling in the sunlight. A curved sign on top of the door said TOWN HALL in graceful italic letters, painted a gold to match the bolts.


    A horse carriage stood right outside the door, the horseman trying to stop the brute from munching on the flowers outside the building. Aurelia grimaced at the sight of the carriage and mumbled "he''s here too" before she went straight up to the massive doors and pushed them open with much difficulty and stepped inside.


    Falcon closed the doors behind him and they banged, the thud echoing in the ginormous chamber they had stepped into. The foyer was a wide space with lots of benches and a table at the head, like a place where students would take entrance exams. A balcony lined the foyer and Falcon felt a ripple of dread for the sights villagers might have witnessed while standing against the banisters. A long staircase led upwards and he followed Aurelia, who was taking three steps at a time, the concrete vibrating from her stamping.


    They turned into a corridor and Aurelia stamped her feet in agitation as her eyes fell on a closed door at the end. ''The council.'' She grinded her teeth in frustration. ''The good for nothing old men with¡­.'' Falcon placed a hand on her mouth hurriedly as he heard a grating sound from inside as if someone had just pushed back their chair. He wondered if they had heard her when the door opened with a snap and Aurelia dropped her hand which was hovering over the knob, like she was debating whether to interrupt the council or not.


    A pair of annoyed hazel eyes met his'' and Falcon stepped back. Cyrus''s ginger head poked out and he said gruffly. ''Miss Aurelia.''


    Aurelia glared at him and Falcon was surprised at the hostility when he remembered this was the first time she was seeing him again after he had told her the man had a crush on her mother. Aurelia looked like she was about to march in the room, so he placed a firm hand on her lower arm and pulled her back.


    ''Is Mr. Renatus in there?'' Falcon said.


    Cyrus gave him a long hard look before he nodded and opened the door a little wide, stepping aside to let them pass. His shoulder brushed Falcon''s arm and a scent of herbs floated over, and Falcon was struck with the ominous feeling that he had smelt it before. He shrugged the thought out of his mind and fixed his attention to the room.


    There were seven men sitting around a large wooden table, their eyes focused on the two intruders. Xander was sitting at the head, a sheaf of paper in front of him held down by a paper weight in the shape of a dragon. He looked mildly curious, and the only person who didn''t look offended by them barging in the room.


    The other men were all elderly, their eyes shrunken and skin wizened by the sun. One of them raised a glass of water to his lips with a shaking hand, his eyes boring into Falcon, who could feel the weight of them on him like a Ford Ranger truck.


    Aurelia bowed her head slightly before she turned to her father in a hurry. ''Father, is the council appointing the new Guru?''


    ''We have appointed actually.'' The old man spoke up, his voice quivering tremulously like his hand. He was sitting on Xander''s right, his face an apathetic mask of indifference. ''Just like it had been decided, your father has taken place of Darius Renatus.''


    ''But, Mr. Arlo, my Grandpa is not dead, the council cannot do the appointment yet.'' She said, wretched.


    ''Oh, but how do you know that?''


    Aurelia grew quiet, but her nostrils had flared, a quiet fury in her eyes and Falcon could sense it dissipating off her in waves. Xander pulled back his chair and approached her gently, tugging her until they were out of the room. ''Ari, you know the council''s decision is final. This is what your Grandpa wanted.''


    Aurelia looked like she was about to argue, but then she closed her mouth and nodded and Falcon was grateful she had realized that her arguing was only killing the time. ''Did you organize the search?'' she said instead.


    Xander nodded. ''I asked Cyrus to arrange search parties all over the valley, none of them returned with any news, except that Father has vanished like he never existed. I am leaving for the hut right after the meeting adjourns.''


    ''There''s nothing there.'' Falcon found the words leaving his mouth before he could stop himself. ''We searched around and Mr. Renatus is nowhere to be found.''


    He noticed with a start that Xander was looking at him interestingly and realized this was the first time he had spoken in front of him. ''Thank you, Jason.'' Xander nodded. ''I will keep that in mind, but I can''t exactly sit about while my father is missing.''


    Aurelia sighed. ''If you find anything, please tell me.''


    ''Of course.'' Xander turned back towards the room. He pushed open the door and Falcon heard Arlo''s loud grumble. ''Xander, you need to keep this wild girl under control¡­..''


    His voice faded away as the door shut behind him. Falcon turned to Aurelia to see her reaction, but she was deep in thought, her hands at her waist as she stared at a spot on the ground. She sensed him staring at her and looked up, her eyes distant and when she spoke Falcon had to lean in close to hear what she was saying.


    ''Falcon..'' Aurelia said slowly. ''How good can you bluff?''

 Chapter 31 - Lapiss Beast

    ''What do you have in mind?'' Falcon said.


    ''A plan to bait the person into showing themselves. What if you contact your client and tell him you''ve found the stone?''


    ''That''s really reckless, you are being impatient. If we fail, Cyan and your grandfather could die.''


    ''We won''t fail. The man will show up to receive the stone and we can ambush him. Even if he doesn''t show up himself, he would provide a way and we will get a clue to follow, which is better than just sitting like this.''


    ''We are not sitting like this.'' He said quietly. ''And that''s a huge risk, Aurelia.''


    ''Well, do you have an alternate plan?''


    Falcon grew quiet. It was true he was out of ideas. As far as he could see, they had no clue to follow, and the helplessness was turning the fatigue inside him to a slow simmering rage.


    Falcon felt his heart grow heavy with dread as he lifted his wrist and tapped in a quick message on the device, while Aurelia leaned in close to look at the words. She hummed slightly in agreement and Falcon pressed SEND before he lifted his head to look at her and found her staring at his wrist in fear and anticipation. His nerves jumped and he was hyper aware of their proximity, which wasn''t a new thing, but recently he had become a jumpy mess whenever she was close.


    It seemed like an eternity later that the device pinged, but Falcon knew it had only been a few minutes. They were still standing in the hallway, the murmur of voices from inside the meeting room floating over like dust motes. Aurelia jumped slightly at the beep and their eyes met for a brief second, the dread and distress he was feeling mirrored in them. Falcon pressed the message and she leaned in close, her warm breath mixing in his'' and they read it together.


    Aurelia gasped loudly and Falcon knew he was shocked too, a part of his suspicions coming true when the location appeared brightly on the screen. He glanced at her quickly, she was pale as a ghost and he knew she had jumped to the conclusion too.


    ''This man wants us to go THERE?'' she whispered. ''Why?''


    Falcon gulped. He was sure she knew, but her ambiguous question was both a statement of denial and a palpable fury, and all Falcon could do was stare at her in dismay as she fought for control.


    ''He knows.'' Falcon said in an undertone. ''And I am not surprised.''


    ''Fine. Let''s get this over with.'' Aurelia tugged at his jacket and he realized she was asking him to move, but a scared part inside him refused to do so. He was too stubborn to acknowledge he was afraid, still he found himself mumbling the words before he could stop himself.


    ''Aurelia, wait, the last time we went to a location given by 453, Cyan got abducted. We were both there.''


    ''It will work, Falcon. Trust me.'' She whispered. ''This time we know of the danger.''


    ''Doesn''t make it less dangerous.''


    ''Come on.''


    XXX


    The forest was a vibrant green, the tall trees extending their leaves out to form a tightly knit canopy over his head. A few sneaky sunbeams had managed to come through, the ground aflame with the orange light of dusk which made the dew on the leaves glisten like sweat. A stream gurgled from somewhere close, the merry sound managing to drown out the slight scamper of wild animals and only the rustle of bushes gave away the activity in the foliage. He had spotted a bobcat a few minutes prior and hoped not to run into any predators that might be slinking over; the lingering exhaustion had caught on to him and his mind was slowing slipping into a slumber.


    Falcon wasn''t surprised at the small amount of time it had taken them to reach there; Aurelia had slipped the coachman a thick wad of money to reach the forest under thirty minutes and Falcon was grateful. If they caught the man today, Cyan would be safe and Falcon would be free of the debt. Then what? His mind asked suddenly and Falcon felt his heart plummet. I leave. He answered. I will rescue Cyan and then leave and never look back.


    Aurelia had disappeared into the trees, a hushed whisper emanating from them then dying out as the wind rustled them. He knew she was somewhere in them, perched atop a high branch and keeping an eye out for 453. The back of his neck was prickling and he knew she was watching him too. It felt strange to be stared at by a girl and Falcon found himself bouncing on the balls of his feet before he mumbled "Get a grip" to himself and fell absolute still.


    He knew what she was thinking the same thing as him. Why had 453 given the location of a forest on the outskirts of Lapis Valley?


    A chipmunk scuttled over the leaves, an acorn gripped in its tiny paws and Falcon startled. His heart had jumped to his throat and he made a face at the animal, whose doleful eyes were watching him to see if he would attack. ''Shoo.'' He whispered. The animal dropped the acorn and scurried away, startling a swarm of butterflies which flew off with a whoosh.


    The acid in his stomach sent a rush of nausea up his throat and he clenched his teeth. The anxiety grew with the darkness, the sun sinking into the horizon steadily and the forest becoming alive slowly.


    Falcon stared at a worm in the ground by his feet and waited with his heart hammering in his chest. Will the man even turn up? Would he send someone else or drop a smoke bomb again? Never mind, this time they were prepared.


    The undergrowth rustled, a telltale whisper of the presence of someone and before Falcon had the chance to turn around, the rustle turned to heavy padding of what he unmistakably identified as the sound of a wolf-beast approaching him from behind. He dimly realized he had no idea how to deal with the giant creatures and felt a dizzying rush of blood that sent his senses reeling.


    The beast emitted a snarl and Falcon jumped out of his skin like a madman, spinning around while his heart raced up to the beat of a marching band. The creature behind him looked much like Alaska, deadly and impossibly huge, with fangs the size of elephant tusks. Its fur was a deep red-gold, magnificent if not menacing; the mouth dripping saliva in clusters and lips pulled back tightly, as if it was grinning at Falcon''s panicked terror. It stood a few feet away, staring directly at him with eyes rimmed with red and fury dripping like poison.


    He heard a sharp intake of breath from behind him. Aurelia had appeared and her presence felt like a soothing salve over his anxiety. She stayed still, a few feet away from him as he waited with bated breath for her to make a move.


    ''Don''t run.'' Aurelia whispered, her words floating towards him. He heard her dimly, like he was in a trance where reality ceased to exist. ''Don''t look it in the eye.''


    Falcon realized he had been doing just that, and quickly lowered his gaze. He could hear the animal''s short pants, indicating it was aggressive and would most likely attack them.


    ''Slowly make your way towards me.'' Aurelia kept whispering, and Falcon was grateful for her help, he was too numb to do anything but be scared at the moment.


    He took slow, peaceful steps backwards, until he felt his back hit Aurelia, who placed the palm of her hand on the small of his back. Warmth seeped through his icy fear, making him shiver but also relieved at the contact.


    ''It''s rabid, which means it is twice as dangerous. Either we take it down or it kills us. Do you still have your gun?''


    He nodded his head just a fraction, of course he had his pistol, Falcon never went anywhere without his weapon. He slowly pulled it out from his jacket pocket, and slipped back the safety catch.


    ''Try your best to protect your neck at all costs, it will lunge for your face.''


    If they weren''t under a life or death situation, Falcon would have told her the wolf had the sharpest claws and a strong jaw to rip him to shreds while he would be protecting his neck, but he feared Aurelia would leave him alone in the woods if he mocked her, so he remained silent.


    ''Shoot it in the gut.''


    The wolf went low on its paws, ready to pounce and he felt Aurelia stiffen, and she briefly fisted his shirt before letting go. It happened in a flash, the beast lunged for them with a snarl, the mouth wide and Falcon saw a tongue the size of a platter.


    He yelled ''left'' the same moment Aurelia shouted ''right'' and jumped, landing in a sprawling heap few feet away from her. He felt a sudden urge to laugh and knew Aurelia felt it too, when the corners of her mouth tugged upwards. The beast hit the tree directly in front of it with a thud that shook the ground. To Falcon''s surprise it did not fall down but turned on its paws and raced for Aurelia. Aurelia seemed unfazed, that''s what you get for living with wolves ever since you were born, he thought as she rolled away neatly from where the wolf jumped on her and Falcon pulled the trigger.


    The bullet hit the wolf in the gut, jerking it back as its body hit a tree trunk behind Aurelia. He could see the animal was alive, gasping for breath but had been fatally wounded. He saw Aurelia get back up and go over to the animal, placing a gentle hand on its fur. She stroked the animal and he watched it go still, the quivering ears and fluttering eyes peaceful at last. There was silence for a few moments, then Aurelia whispered. ''It''s dead.''


    Falcon sighed. As much as he was grateful to be alive, the animal had done nothing wrong except obey its master and he wished they had just scared it away.


    ''You do know what this means?'' Aurelia said after a while, as they both struggled to catch their breath.


    Falcon nodded. ''It means the man we are looking for is someone from Lapis Valley.''


    XXX


    ''Wolf-beasts are a rarity to Lapis Valley. They can only be controlled by a slayer and this rabid beast was sent to the location the client gave us, which means one slayer in the valley would be missing their wolf right now.'' Aurelia said as they turned into her street, the curtain of darkness dense over the village.


    Lamps had been lit on tall poles and the glow they cast on the pebbles looked divine. Cyan would have loved to paint this, he thought wistfully, as he realized he was seeing Lapis Valley for the first time at night. He had been here less than a day and it already felt like an eternity.


    ''So all we have to do is check which slayer doesn''t have their dog with them.''


    ''Wolf.'' Aurelia corrected. ''And no. There are thousands of such beasts here, and many people own entire breeds of them. It will be extremely difficult but Neptune and Zue are not to be underestimated. Neptune knows almost every one of this valley''s beast.''


    Falcon nodded. Neptune and a few of Aurelia''s trainees were currently running a check on all the slayers. He shuddered to think if they found nothing, they would have hit another dead end very harshly this time.


    ''Aurelia, the man knew we were bluffing. What do you think will happen to Cyan now?''


    ''I wish I knew.'' She said quietly. She shivered slightly as a chilly breeze blew and Falcon considered giving her his jacket but thought better of it. He didn''t want her to give him an odd look or be suspicious. Aurelia was staring at the ground as if demanding answer from the pebbles when Alaska bounded over. Aurelia brightened slightly and scratched the wolf under its jaw, causing a pleased moan to spill from its mouth. Falcon wondered how Alaska could look so harmless when a beast like her had just tried to kill them in the forest.


    Falcon noticed Alaska was clutching something in her fangs and pulled it out with much difficulty, his hand now covered in spit.


    ''Oh.'' Aurelia said. ''She brought my mail. Good girl.'' She kissed the wolf on her snout and Falcon turned away disgusted when Aurelia took what he now noticed was an envelope from his hands.


    She tore open the envelope eagerly while Alaska whiffed at his collar, sending bursts of hot air down his shirt. He stepped away from the wolf subtly so Aurelia won''t notice and turned to her, only to see that her eyes were wide and her face stricken, and she was staring at the envelope with an almost tangible horror.


    ''What is it, Aurelia?'' He said urgently. Aurelia''s face looked like a sheet, ashen and paler than usual. Falcon knew she hadn''t even heard him. He grabbed her hand, which was icy cold and snatched the envelope from her grip, his heart beat wavering with anxiety.


    There was a smatter of blood on the inside of the waxy paper, almost black in the darkness of the night. There was something solid lying at the bottom and it took him a few moments to understand what it was.


    Cyan Yarrow''s smallest finger was lying in the pool of blood inside the wax envelope.

 Chapter 32 - Darius Renatus

    The balloon was red. The wind had tugged at the string mercilessly, but he had held on tight, until he got distracted by the black beetle in the soil and the balloon had blown away. He watched it drifting into the treetops with distress, the red spot standing out violently against the murky grey sky.


    ''Stop.'' Cyan called out to the wind. He hoped it would cease to blow for just a moment and the balloon would drift back to the ground, but it kept floating in the air, away from him. Cyan ran after the redness in the sky, his boots splashing like oars in the puddles on the ground.


    The air was chilly and full of moisture, the angry clouds hanging low and cradling the tallest of trees. Cyan wrapped his raincoat around his shoulders tighter as he ran, not caring where he was going.


    He stopped suddenly when the path became dirty and realized he had left his neighborhood far behind. The woods were dark in the evening, and it was like entering a cave as he threw his father''s warnings about the big black bear over his shoulder and trudged into the whispering trees.


    The ground was damp from the heavy rain, worms poking their heads out of the mud and moths fluttering around him with a buzzing that made him put his fingers in his ears. One landed on his neck and he blanched, before running deep into the tress to get rid of the insect.


    Cyan saw the balloon stuck in a tree and smiled. It hadn''t popped, but it was too high up for him to reach for it. He wished his father was there, who could get it for him when he heard a rustle behind him. He turned around in alarm, wondering if the bear would eat him when he saw three men emerge from within the trees, their clothes tattered and hair flying off in all directions.


    Cyan thought they looked much like the men in the pirate movies he watched with his busy father, in whatever time he managed to get. The men''s eyes were hollow and faces gaunt, full of hunger, which made them look like they were dead. Their mouths stretched into a grin when they landed on Cyan.


    ''If it isn''t the Yarrow boy.'' The one in the front snickered. The man was dressed in grey overalls and shoes that were missing their soles. His eyes were the most frightening, one blue while the other grey, glittering maliciously at the boy standing in the woods alone.


    Cyan realized he had been backing away slowly until his back hit the tree behind him and he jolted. Fear was quick to nestle in his heart and he clenched his small fists, eyes trained at the three of them.


    ''How old are you, sonny?'' the man said.


    ''Seven.'' Cyan whispered.


    ''That''s quite young to wandering in the woods at this time, now, isn''t it?''


    ''My balloon.''


    The man glanced to where he had pointed, the string dangling from the tree, out of reach, but so close. He placed a foot on a branch at the base of the tree and climbed it swiftly, his fingers snagging around the thread and a second later the balloon was in in his hands. ''You want this?''


    ''Yes. Thank you.'' Cyan couldn''t believe it had been this easy. Perhaps the man wasn''t as bad as he had thought him to be.


    ''Then come and take it.'' the man placed leaned against the tree truck with his foot placed on the bark, seemingly relaxed and having the time of his life. He held out the hand with the string, inviting Cyan to come closer. The other two men snickered as they watched the older one tease the boy.


    Cyan fought with the bushes as he went towards the man quickly who leered at him. He held out a small hand but the man didn''t hand him the string.


    ''What''s the magic word?''


    ''Please may I have my balloon back?'' Cyan bit back tears.


    He didn''t notice as the other two men closed around him silently, blocking out whatever light that was reaching him. He kept his eyes trained at the balloon and watched as the man glanced at something above his head and nodded.


    Cyan felt the feel of a scraggly cloth over his nose and mouth and before he could struggle, all life left his legs and he swayed. A harsh arm gripped his body and then he was hoisted in the air, the wind turning into a whoosh for a second before dying down again.


    The man''s face loomed over him, his moss covered teeth on display as he grinned like a predator at the little boy''s lifeless body. Cyan saw his hand let go of the string as the man threw him over his shoulder and moved away from the tree. The last thing Cyan saw before he blacked out was the balloon rising gently into the air, popping loudly as it hit a sharp corner of a branch.


    XXX


    His body was jostling slightly, the movements rhythmic and consistent. Cyan stirred, his eyes opening just a fraction of an inch. He expected to be in the boot of a car, but he found his back against a bare stone floor, the hard surface cutting into his skin through the thin fabric of his shirt. The jostling stopped and he realized he was in a dimly lit room, the walls around him caving in on him and if he raised his hand, he could touch the ceiling.


    Something touched him in his side and his heart jumped, body being too tired to keep up with his frantic nerves. It poked him again and he realized it was a finger, the movement causing him to open his eyes wider and immediately closing them again due to the cascade of orange light against his eyelids.


    The person with the finger placed a gentle hand on his forehead, possibly checking for his temperature. They moved away and a second later water was trickling down his forehead from the rag pressed there, going into his eyes and jolting him from his lethargic numbness.


    ''Stop.'' He groaned, moving his hand to the cloth. The person grabbed his hand and held it down, continuing to press the rag until Cyan eventually gave in and opened his eyes again.


    He was in a very small room, barely enough for two grown up men, the naked walls standing too close to each other like they were about to topple on top of him any moment. At the far end, bars were fit in the stone, the ugly steel making him realize he was in a cell of sorts, along with a prison mate who was intent on drenching him to the bone.


    He turned towards the man with the rag and his heart plummeted, if he was feeling sorry for himself just now, then he felt wretched for the person sitting across him on the cold stone floor.


    The man was extremely old, his fragile body quivering as he handed Cyan a bowl of water and leaned back, resting his head against the wall. He looked so weak that Cyan thought if he poked a finger into his shoulder, the old man would topple backwards into the bars.


    ''Go on, son. Drink it up.'' The man said. His voice was tremulous and weary, like he was holding himself together by a string.


    Cyan gripped the bowl but it shook, his hands refusing to bear the weight of the vessel just now. He placed it back on the ground and proceeded to wipe his face, his skin tingling as the old man observed him sharply.


    After a moment, he set back against the wall and drank from the bowl, the water cascading down his throat like the elixir of life. Sighing softly at the moist feeling in his previously parched throat, he lifted his eyes to see the man''s wizened face smiling down at him like he was looking at his favorite grandchild.


    ''Uh...?'' Cyan muttered incoherently, embarrassed from the affectionate look. He had a feeling the man knew him, but was waiting for him to speak up first. ''Hi?''


    The man''s eyes brightened and Cyan breathed deeply in the sickly yellow light, leaning towards the wall, his back cracking as his bones fell back into place. The room was too small for him to straighten his legs so he pulled them into an awkward fetal position.


    ''My dear boy!'' the man said. ''I knew you would come to me eventually.''


    ''Err...you did?'' he tried to mimic the old man''s enthusiastic grin but gave up at once. While he was too tired to even give a small smile, the man''s mouth had stretched so wide that his gums were visible.


    ''I have been waiting for you since ages, because I had faith you would appear.''


    ''I''m sorry, Sir.'' He mumbled, hesitating and wondering what the man''s reaction would be. ''I really don''t know who you are.''


    The old man let out a cackle and he involuntarily curled into himself. He couldn''t for the life of him understand the humor here, while they were locked in a cell and at the mercy of their captor. Either the man was too brave or he was just plain mad.


    ''Of course you wouldn''t know me, but I have known you since you were a baby. I see you are without my granddaughter, is she in trouble now?''


    ''No, but we are, right?''


    ''Oh, no. You are safe as long as you are with me.''


    It was a reassurance of sorts but Cyan''s heart plummeted, he was in terrible danger. Not to mention, he had no idea who the man was, who was claiming to protect him. If he had to escape, he would be the one carrying this person.


    ''C''mere, my lad. I have a story to tell to you.'' The old man beckoned, patting the space beside him at the wall across him.


    Cyan didn''t think it was a time for story telling. Getting out of this constricted cell was the first priority, but the man was acting like they had all the time in the world. He really was insane.


    He shuddered at the man''s smile and turned to him. ''Where are we?''


    ''Ah, fret not, this might not be a safe place but it is indeed better than the Prison.'' He beamed at Cyan.


    ''Prison? I am sure jail would be a lot more comfortable than here.''


    ''No, not the...just stop worrying, my dear boy. There are some very important things I must tell you before he comes back.''


    ''Before who...?''


    ''Shhh.'' The man placed a finger on his lips and began secretively. ''Now listen carefully, my name is Darius. Darius Renatus.''


    Renatus. He was sure he knew the name but nothing popped up in his mind. He clenched his fists in frustration but the old man must have sensed his irritation and he grabbed hold of his hands to stop him from fisting them.


    ''I apologize. I don''t know you.'' He sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    ''No need, m''boy.'' The man waved his hand to shrug off his worries. ''I am the demon slayer of Lapis Valley.''


    It was as if all the pieces suddenly clicked into place. The girl in the cabin had mentioned a demon slayer and that they had to go see him. His heart soared, he knew this man would give him all the answers he wanted and he turned to him in his haste. ''Do you know what happened to my parents?''


    The man''s face clouded, his smile falling as grief and anger settled inside those large pupils. He coughed suddenly, his hands on his stomach and Cyan hurriedly handed him the bowl, ashamed that it was more than halfway empty. He should have preserved it for the demon slayer.


    Darius drank deeply before turning to him. ''I''ll tell you everything, all in good time. But first, did you meet my granddaughter before you got here?''


    ''Yes, I met Autumn.''


    ''Autumn?'' The man shook his head. ''No, no, her name is Aurelia and she is my successor as the demon slayer. Did she tell you anything about the relation between me and your father?''


    Cyan jerked his head up. ''Relation between you....and¡­.my father?''


    ''Yes, dear boy.. Your father, Dill Yarrow is my step brother.''

 Chapter 33 - Master This Power

    ''Your¡­step brother? Dad is your brother, but this makes you my uncle, doesn''t it?''


    Darius let out a pleased chuckle, completely oblivious to Cyan''s apprehensive stare. ''Why are you so surprised, my boy? Your grandfather had a lover before he got all rich and famous. She was the daughter of the car shop owner where he worked. They had me when he was twenty-five, but then my mother died from blood cancer a few years later.''


    Cyan grew quiet, stunned into disbelief at the myriad of information before him. Part of him wanted to tell the man he was talking nonsense, but his other half was convinced, ready to believe Darius as the old man''s eyes twinkled with affection at him.


    ''Bu¡­but, that makes no sense. My father would have told me that.''


    When Darius smiled at him, his eyes were kind and understanding. ''He should''ve, but he didn''t. He wanted to keep you safe.''


    ''How is associating with you a danger to me? You''re family.''


    ''It isn''t? Look where you are now, it is all because I gave Dill the stone to pass it on to you. My boy, you are the perfect man to become the heir to this power.''


    ''What is the stone? Autumn, I mean, Aurelia also went on and on about coming to see you because of the package.''


    Cyan felt confused and disoriented, what with his supposed uncle explaining to him about powers and family relations. Deep down, he knew he only cared about getting out of here.


    ''Where is the stone now?'' Darius said.


    Cyan shook his head, he had promised himself he would never reveal the location. ''I cant tell you.''


    ''Correct answer.'' Darius smiled with pride. ''You keep proving my intuition, son. What was in the package?''


    ''I suppose I can tell you that. They left me a ring with a note, which is highly unlike my father. Probably, my mother''s idea. It said "Master this power", which means they knew.''


    A hollow feeling settled in his gut, a loss of trust for his parents. If they had known about the stone, they should''ve told him everything, rather than being cryptic and risking valuable information.


    ''Don''t be mad, dear boy. My brother is dead, you can''t be angry at the dead.'' Darius said and Cyan jumped. He had forgotten the old man was still observing him closely like a laboratory specimen.


    ''I am not mad. I am just ¡­ disappointed.'' He sighed, moving away. So his parents had hidden the stone in a ring. He supposed that was smart of them, but the empty feeling remained, even as his conscience told him they were doing the right thing.


    ''Dill and I were very close too, but we both wanted the safety of our children the most. That is why I didn''t tell my son and granddaughter of their half uncle.'' Darius said.


    ''I have a cousin.'' Cyan spoke in a dreamlike state. ''I have another family, this is unbelievable.''


    Darius grinned happily. ''Aurelia is the sweetest girl you will meet, but she''s a bit¡­reckless. Alexander and Scarlet try their best to stop her from risking her life, but she just has too much energy.''


    ''Yeah, I know. At least they are not in trouble.''


    ''They?''


    ''Your granddaughter and a friend we made. His name is Jason, and I know they are doing whatever they can to find us.'' Or I hope so, he prayed inwardly.


    ''Oh, they will find us, I''m sure. But, when? There is an even bigger danger now.''


    ''That does not sound good.'' Cyan muttered. ''But what IS the power of the stone and why do you think I should own it?''


    ''I have known you since you were a baby. You even spent a summer at Lapis Valley when you could barely walk. Oh how you made friends with Alaska when she was just a pup.'' Darius smiled fondly. ''I knew by looking at you that you were going to be a strong kind man, it''s the instincts in me. And you didn''t fail me. I have been keeping tabs on you and not once have I ever doubted my decision.''


    ''Well....thanks.'' Cyan shrugged his shoulders awkwardly. ''Is this where we are now? Lapis Valley? The town of those diamonds?''


    ''Yes.'' Darius sighed. ''My home.''


    The man leaned back against the wall and let out a long nostalgic sigh. Cyan feared he would get lost in his sorrow and spoke hurriedly. ''Mr. Renatus, what''s the stone''s power?''


    Darius startled, before turning to him and looking him directly in the eyes. His gaze showed the man was completely serious and Cyan fell dead silent, even controlling his breathing to not miss a word.


    ''Cyan, I am going to tell you the secret to the stone, which is in your possession. You have to promise to use it wisely, and in the right way. I trust you, because you have a pure heart and no greed.''


    ''I don''t know, Sir. What if I waver?''


    ''Of course you will waver. But this doesn''t mean you will surrender to it, now, does it?''


    ''I hope not.'' He said. ''I promise. My parents trusted me enough to give me that ring and I cannot fail them.''


    Something akin to intense pride flickered on Darius''s face and he gave a wide affectionate smile. The man''s pale face had regained some color and he was beginning to look a little alive. Cyan found his happiness uplifting, it was easier to believe this man''s promise to protect him, now that he looked like he could stand on his feet.


    ''Demonica, my child.'' Darius began after a deep breathe. ''Evil powers that escaped from the demon realm into the human world and caused destruction. These creatures have falling under the control of humans, hence they will do as the heir commands.'' Darius stopped and took a sip from his bowl, then he delivered the biggest blow. ''Cyan, these monsters are invisible.''


    Cyan wasn''t sure whether the man was joking or not, he looked as serious as his history professor had looked while giving a lecture on World War Two. Cyan stared at Darius for a long time, waiting for him to burst into a cackle and clap his shoulders, saying ''I got you''. But the man didn''t move a muscle, instead stared at him intently, as if to see how he was taking the information.


    ''The...they are...invisible....?'' Cyan said.


    Darius nodded solemnly, remaining silent to let the information sink in. Cyan let out a shaky breath and decided to believe the man.


    ''Okay, that was not at all ominous.'' He said.


    The old man let out a dry chuckle. ''I admire your courage, dear boy. Though, it may be due to unawareness, but enjoy your negligence while you can.''


    Cyan debated if he should correct the man, that he wasn''t trying to be brave, rather unable to believe what he had told him, but decided against it. Darius would think he was incompetent and he didn''t want that. There was also a burning question pressing against his mind.


    ''Sir, who controls these monsters now?''


    ''The heir, of course. But soon, you will, as soon as you perform the ritual.''


    ''Ritual? What ritual?''


    ''I don''t think you are ready to know that yet, boy.'' Darius leaned back with a groan, his shaky hands finding support in the bare stone. ''What you do need to know is the threat facing us all right now.''


    ''You mean apart from these monsters?''


    Darius shook his head lightly before nodding it. Cyan didn''t know what to make of the dubious response so he waited with bated breath as Darius spoke again.


    ''The creatures are getting stronger, Cyan. Mankind doesn''t realize this, but they are getting a mind of their own. So the next person who releases them will soon lose control over them, and you can imagine how dreadful it would be for the rest of us.''


    Cyan stomach did a somersault in his gut. Then a cartwheel, and finally landed with a thump that sent a rush of dizziness up to his head. ''No.'' He whispered. ''That just can''t happen.''


    ''And that''s not even the worst part.'' Darius raised his hands as if to say ''it is what it is''.


    ''There''s a worst part?''


    Before Darius could reply the door thundered open and a tall man strode in. He had to stoop to get in and Cyan was hit by a sweet scent which he couldn''t quite place. The man had covered his face with a black cloth and a bandanna. Cyan glanced at Darius to see his face had turned into a stony mask and he looked insanely angry and hurt. And regretful.


    ''It''s you.'' He said.


    There was a blade swinging from a belt around his waist. As the man came closer Cyan realized it was indeed a giant dog leash, bright red in color and coated with saliva. Cyan knew he was looking at his captor, the danger that was radiating off him in waves making him sick to the gut.


    An ominous feeling had gripped him and Cyan knew something really bad was about to happen. He just wished it was to happen to him and not to Darius. My uncle, he realized with a start. I must protect my uncle.


    ''Shut up, old man. You know nothing.'' The man spoke, his voice gruff like he was trying to disguise it. Cyan knew Darius had seen right through him and knew who he was. It made him wonder how long Darius had been held here against his will, and if this man had given him anything other than the bowl of water which was now lying empty.


    His eyes found Cyan''s and a shiver ran down Cyan''s spine. It was too dark to see the color of his eyes, the yellow light making the bright pupils flicker like a feline. The man was looking at Cyan like a predator, ready to pounce and grab his prey in his sharp claws.


    The man approached him slowly, as if stalking him and Cyan involuntarily backed up, only realizing it when his body hit the far wall of the cell. He heard Darius breathing heavily and glanced at him, only to see absolute terror on his face, his eyes wide and fearful.


    Cyan''s stomach plummeted. If Darius was afraid, then things were really really bad.


    The tall man grabbed Cyan by the collar and lifted him like a rag doll. ''Come on, you idiot.''


    ''Why are you taking him away?'' Darius scrambled towards him with his weak body, reaching out a hand to wrap around the man''s ankle.


    The man raised his foot to kick Darius away but Cyan exclaimed. ''Please, Sir.'' He spoke directly to Darius, looking him in the eye pathetically. ''I will be okay.''


    ''You won''t.'' The man shook him hard. ''Your friends have made a mistake.. They tried to bait me and now you will be punished.''

 Chapter 34 - The Punishment

    Sharp stings of pain shot up Cyan''s head as his captor fisted his hair with a jerk and dragged him out of the cellar. The bars clanged shut behind him and Cyan dimly heard Darius call a faint ''please'' before he was thrown into a wall with full force. The bare stone split the skin on his forehead and a steady trickle of blood rolled down his face.


    ''Where is it?'' he heard the man''s gruff voice, breathing stale air right into his face and he cringed involuntarily. ''Where the fuck is the stone? Answer me.''


    With his vision swimming, Cyan wheezed into a standing position and gasped, ''I don''t know.''


    He never heard the fist coming, but a punch hit his abdomen and he doubled onto himself, breathing harshly as his knees buckled.


    The man grabbed him by the collar and the next moment Cyan was thrown into a chair, a loud clatter following his bruised fall. His entire body jolted and the chair tipped, but the man grabbed it before it could hit the ground.


    Cyan opened his eyes as much as he could and looked around the room he was in. The area looked like a basement, which means he was previously in a sub-cellar of sorts. It was small and cramped, but bigger than the cell, and Cyan was grateful for the fresh air that greeted him, trying to breathe in a lungful.


    A rusty copper pipe ran along the far wall, water dripping down the metal was a plunk that resounded in the empty space like the ticking of a time bomb. Cyan focused on the plopping, keeping his eyes on the beads of water as they rolled down the pipe.


    He wondered what Shayma was doing, and if she had any idea her lover was locked inside a dingy basement so far away from the city.


    As he glanced at the captor, his blood ran cold. The man was removing the dog leash from around his waist and Cyan shuddered at what was to happen to him next. If Jason, no, Falcon was here, he could''ve saved him, he knew the young man could take on this tall man easily.


    Falcon gave you over to him, Cyan, he thought. Why would he try to help you?


    A harsh finger dug into his chin and he was forced to look up, directly into the eyes of the kidnapper. ''Why don''t my people report to me on time?'' the man shook him hard in frustration.


    Another water droplet rolled down and Cyan focused on the tinkling it made, a soft melody he would have appreciated if circumstances had been different. A shiver ran down his spine as he processed the man''s words.


    ''Your people?'' he gasped. ''You have spies in the city?''


    ''Of course.'' The man placed an iron fist in his hair and leaned real close this time, blowing hot air in his face. ''Where did you hide the damn ring, you bastard?'' He slammed his head against the back of the chair and Cyan screamed, the shock of pain leaving him breathless and in pure agony. There had been a rusty nail where the man had slammed his head, which had driven inside his skull with full force at the impact.


    ''You know. You know it''s a ring.'' Cyan moaned. The man had said ring and not the stone. How much did he actually know, and who were the spies. His blood ran cold at the thought; he had been going around with people who were working for this man.


    ''Of course it''s a ring, you fool. Maybe Dill Yarrow was not as smart as he thought he was. Luckily, I dealt with him. Do you want to go the same way your dear little father went, now, do you?''


    It was as if a volcano had erupted inside his body. Molten lava, hot and furious like a blaze shuddered through his veins, becoming an inferno which took control of him. Cyan realized he had gotten up from the chair, his hands wrapped around the man''s throat, trying to choke him to death.


    The man was unaffected by his outburst. It was as if he was expecting him to lose his cool and he grabbed Cyan by the arm and twisted it until he was screaming. The anger, hurt and pain laced with desperation brought tears to his eyes, his parents'' murderer was standing right in front of him and he was unable to do a thing.


    The man threw him into the chair, picking up the leash he had discarded on the floor. He grabbed his arms and starting tying him to the chair, the leash wrapping around his wrists and ankles and forming a ropy cage. The binds cut into his skin and he knew he was bleeding, a fearful coppery smell of fresh blood hitting his nose from the various wounds on his body.


    His captor finished tying him and leaned in close. he spoke in a low, dangerous voice, ''Now, where did you hide it?''


    ''Why don''t you ask your men?''


    Cyan saw the fist coming through the slightly open eyes. It was a bliss when his vision started to swim and he prayed for unconsciousness silently.


    ''The stupid slayer girl and her boyfriend tried to trap me. You must pay for them.'' The man growled and Cyan saw him remove the silver blade from his waist. The knife was sharp and ugly, glinting in the dim light of the basement.


    ''They are so brave.'' Cyan said.


    ''Too bad for you.''


    ''Courage always has a price.''


    The man grabbed his arm and Cyan felt a rush of terror, as realization came to him. He kicked wildly, his restrained foot catching against the binds and ripping the skin of his ankle. The man slapped him hard across the face to stop him from resisting and splayed his palm on the chair''s arm.


    Cyan let out a long howl, it was impossible to believe this was happening to him. The scream lingered, reverberating in the air and coming back to him like a helpless vessel''s cry of mayday.


    The man placed a palm on his mouth and stopped, looking up for a second in fear. It gave Cyan hope that he was scared someone might hear them and he kicked more, biting the man''s palm and letting out another wail of despair.


    Something was stuffed into his face and his howls choked. He could feel the rough gag in his throat, and realized it was the man''s bandanna.


    ''Stay quiet.'' The man rasped in his ear.


    Cyan struggled, throwing his head back as much as he could but he knew what had to come was coming. A heavy weight on his palm showed the man was pressing down on it. He shut his eyes, hoping for a miracle, something to save him when the man straightened his little finger and brought the blade down.


    It was painless for a second as Cyan processed what happened. Then cold damp air hit the stump Cyan felt like someone had just zapped him electricity, a long drawn out scream clawing and choking at his throat. The pain came in droves, too agonizing, too insane to be real, but there all the same, making him emit shrieks that would have sounded like a banshee''s if not for the cloth in his mouth. He could no longer see, or feel anything, just the throbbing agony that was driving him crazy.


    The blackness came and he wished for nothing more than to fall unconscious.. Cyan was thankful when the pain went away and relief came, albeit a few minutes but enough to make him lose touch on the monstrosity of the world and fall down a chasm of blissful unawareness.

 Chapter 35 - The Bigger Danger

    His hand was burning. Flames were licking the stump, the steady warmth slowly becoming an inferno that sent waves of pulsating agony up to his brain.


    Cyan scrambled, fighting off the blaze with one hand before he realized Darius had caged his palm in his gentle hands, holding a match near the charred skin of his stump. Cyan watched in horror as the flames licked at the bloody area, sealing it but making a blackened sooty mess.


    He realized he was back in the cell. The air seemed heavier and more contaminated than before, or maybe he was just imagining it. He fisted his trousers as Darius brought the match closer, holding in his groans of pain. He didn''t want to sound like a baby in front of the man who had just entrusted him with valuable information.


    ''I''m sorry, Cyan.'' Darius spoke as he moved away. Cyan didn''t look at the stump, but rather at Darius''s sorrowful expression. The man looked regretful and humiliated, like it was his fault Cyan was going through it all.


    ''No...don''t be...I mean, it''s okay.'' Cyan said hurriedly.


    Darius shook his head. ''Listen. Cyan, I really care about the pain you''re in, but I fear I won''t be around here much longer. As soon as our captor finds out the location of the stone, it''s over for all of us, especially me.''


    ''No, we can break out of here...Uncle.'' Cyan said.


    Darius smiled remorsefully, but it reached his eyes and he looked pleased. ''Cyan, I still have to tell you something. It''s the creatures'' real power.''


    ''So being invisible isn''t the catch here?''


    ''That''s an advantage, not the power. The monsters can control blood.''


    ''I...b...beg your pardon?''


    A sharp sting of pain shot up his head and Cyan gritted his teeth. If it hadn''t been for Darius''s solemn expression, Cyan would have laughed it off. It seemed like today would be the day of receiving information that took too long to process.


    Darius nodded, looking away and Cyan''s stomach flipped. So it was true. The monsters were not only unseen, but they had the power to control blood. Cyan was gripped by a fear so strong, his very blood froze in his veins. As much as he wanted to refuse , he knew soon or late he had to take his responsibility in his hands.


    He was so lost in his musings that he failed to notice his captor standing behind the bars and only when they clanged shut did he realize his presence.


    The man''s eyes were glittering, like he had found the key to a lost treasure, which they might just have.


    ''You really did hide it well.'' He said to Cyan, and Cyan knew the mouth covered with the cloth would be stretched in an ugly grin. ''But not well enough.''


    So the man had found where the ring was. Cyan''s stomach churned, realization hitting him like a hammer on the head. Because of where he had chosen to hide the ring, many other people were now in terrible danger.


    ''My man was looking for the right time to tell me.'' The captor said, as he brandished his knife gracefully, cutting through the air like a chef on a cooking show.


    Looking at him, Cyan felt a wave of anger, the pain in his arm had shot up when the kidnapper had appeared and all of a sudden Cyan realized he wanted nothing more than to stop this man right here.


    ''Who is it? Who''s betraying me?'' Cyan said.


    He knew the man was grinning by the way his eyes were narrowed pleasingly. He stepped close to Darius and kneeled before him, his hands on his knees and his eyes raking over Darius''s wizened face.


    ''Now, where''s the gateway?''


    Darius stared at the man regretfully, his eyes laced with the kind of sorrow one feels at the death of a loved one. ''Don''t do it.''


    The man pressed his boot on Cyan''s stump and squashed it hard. A blood curdling scream ripped his throat, his eyes watering as the pain became too much to bear. There was a swish and then the silver knife was at his throat, slitting into the skin, millimeters away from his jugular.


    ''Now.'' The captor said smoothly, like they were discussing business over the dinner table. ''Where is the gateway?'' He asked Darius while holding Cyan close to him.


    ''Please.'' Cyan whispered. ''Don''t do it.''


    ''And why the fuck not?''


    ''I will give you as much money as you demand. Just let Mr. Renatus go.''


    ''Shut up, you fool.'' The man barked, shaking him and Cyan squeezed his eyes shut as the knife slashed his skin and blood started rolling into his collar.


    ''Spit out the location, you codger.'' He snarled at Darius, who shut his eyes in dejection. ''Or this knife slashes through this pretty boy.''


    ''No...'' Darius whispered. ''Kill me off instead,''


    ''Oh no.'' The man said sweetly. ''There''s still the ritual to perform.'' His words sent a melancholy shiver down Cyan''s spine. He didn''t know what the ritual was, but seeing Darius''s wretched face, he knew it would be terrible. ''And I need you alive for that.''


    The man had moved away from him slightly, and a dart of his eyes showed Cyan that he could move away a little from the blade. Praying with all his heart, Cyan turned around and aimed a forceful punch right on the man''s nose.


    It was like hitting a rock. The man fell on to his back as Cyan clutched his fist, howling despite himself. It was impossible to contain the scream that ripped his throat as his fingers stung from the blow, like he had been the one to get hit.


    ''Sir...'' Cyan gasped. ''Run.''


    Darius didn''t need another telling, he had gotten up and scrambled towards the bar, pulling them open with a grate as his scared eyes motioned for Cyan to follow him. Cyan hit his head on the low ceiling as he followed, eyes glued to the halo of light at the mouth of his unforgiving prison.


    One feet. Half feet. He had almost made it when the man''s fist wrapped around his ankle and he fell to the floor, splitting his lip. His head hit the bottom of the stairs with a frightening thud. With his head spinning like a top, he saw the punch coming in a daze of colors as the man flipped him over and rained blows on to his face.


    Blood sprouted from his nose and lips, gushing like a fountain and trickling in to his mouth, its taste like the rusty copper pipes in the room above. It was like Cyan had unleashed an storm of rage inside the kidnapper and in his anger, the man was not holding back at all.


    Hoping against hope, Cyan wished for Darius to have escaped.


    Like fate was joking with him, he saw Darius''s hunched silhouette against the blurry shadows in front of his eyes. The old man had come back in the room and raised a long stick of sorts to swing against the kidnapper''s temple.


    The man grunted and then his weight was gone from Cyan''s beaten body, only to be replaced by his hands around his neck. The kidnapper dragged him up with him and turned to face Darius who was standing with defeat written across his face like a shadow.


    ''Tell me...where the gateway is.'' His captor tightened his grip and Cyan choked, a strangled sound emitting from his throat. ''If you don''t...you can say goodbye to your little friend here. You have five seconds.''


    ''Don''t tell him.'' Cyan managed to gasp, before the man tightened his grip and Cyan''s eyes very nearly fell from their sockets.


    Darius''s eyes were downcast, but as he raised them to his bruised and bloody face, Cyan knew the old man had decided what to do.


    ''Three...two...one.'' The man''s voice came from far away and Cyan''s vision swam as he realized he could no longer breathe.


    Before he passed out, he saw a feeble tear of surrender roll down Darius''s cheeks and bury itself in his grimy cotton shirt.

 Chapter 36 - The Vegetable Soup

    ''Never in my eight years of breaking into people''s homes, have I ever felt so helpless.'' Falcon grumbled. It was against the rules he had set up for himself to feel trapped and insecure. He liked being in control, predicting the prey''s next step and lying in wait, to catch them off-guard from where they had least expect it.


    It isn''t about you, Falcon, it''s about the man whose finger is inside that pristine fixative envelope on the table. He thought grudgingly. 453, you bastard. I am going to teach you a lesson for messing with Falcon, not to mention, you broke a contract too.


    He was sitting in the small kitchen of Aurelia''s wooden house, sipping water slowly to stave off the pangs of hunger hitting him in waves. The cursed envelope was lying on the table, as if taunting him to try and fix what had been broken, or more accurately, mutilated. He had recognized the long, thin finger instantly. Cyan had the prettiest hands he had ever seen. There was a gold ring on the finger, an intricate pattern of a grape vine carved on the glinting metal. The finger was still bleeding, the metallic smell of blood more terrifying than the sight of it, glistening all over the inside of the waxy paper. The scent had filled the air, causing Aurelia to wrinkle her nose and press her lips tightly.


    ''So that''s how long you have doing it?'' Aurelia said.


    ''Huh?'' He looked up from his glass. He wasn''t aware Aurelia had heard his seething mutter.


    ''Breaking into homes. Eight years, that''s how long.''


    She was standing at the counter, pouring ladles of fresh, hot soup into two bowls, even after he had told her he consumed nothing but water during assignments. She was stubborn as she cooked the soup, chopping up vegetables with a ferocity beasts would be scared off. She placed a bowl in front of him and hopped onto the counter, placing her bowl into her lap. Falcon ignored the fresh aroma and steam blowing into his face, as Aurelia started slurping at hers. She was testing him, he knew, watching if he would give in to her tactics.


    Falcon realized he was crushing the small piece of paper in his palm and opened his fingers, letting the scrap fall to the floor. The ugly words stared up at him, as if mocking his desperation and he closed his eyes trying to block out their sight. No matter how hard he tried, the burning letters remained etched on the inside of his eyelids, making him read them again and again.


    *find the ring or Yarrow dies*


    Taking the glass to his lips, Falcon gulped the remaining water down, not a trickle escaping his mouth to roll down his chin. The envelope watched his anxiety, while Aurelia only watched her soup as she placed aside her spoon and drank directly from the bowl. He blocked out the slurps, knowing she was enticing him to test her cooking with the noises.


    ''This is repulsive.'' He said, finally, when the slurps didn''t subside. ''I am not a messy eater.''


    ''I thought boys ate like that.'' She shrugged, picking up her spoon.


    ''Only YOU eat like that.'' He grimaced at the soup glistening at the corner of her mouth.


    ''I do NOT.'' She said, indignant.


    He ignored her expression, grateful inside that she had started eating properly, instead of slugging the whole bowl down.


    ''You sure you don''t recognize the handwriting?'' he said.


    Aurelia shook her head, dejected and Falcon sighed. ''It''s someone from your village, isn''t it?''


    ''So I''m supposed to know what the handwriting of every person here looks like?''


    ''Uh-uh.'' Falcon said, even as he knew she was right.


    Aurelia rolled her eyes and turned back to her soup. Falcon watched the sun rays falling on her hair through the window and making the curls look golden. She glanced up from her bowl and Falcon''s stomach flipped. He hoped she hadn''t noticed him staring.


    ''Why soup, though?'' he said, by way of making conversation.


    She shrugged. ''I only cook meals which take just a few minutes to get ready.''


    Catching his witty retort at the tip of his tongue, Falcon said:


    ''What are we doing? Cyan is in danger. The longer we sit here, the more of his fingers threaten to come under a blade.''


    Aurelia nodded, eyes downcast. Her cheeky expression was gone as she hopped off the counter and pulled a chair at the table, opposite Falcon. The presence of her legs under the table felt too close and Falcon scooted away slightly.


    ''Cyan''s in danger.'' Aurelia let her head fall down on her arms. ''We don''t know where the ring is, and this finger cutting bastard hasn''t contacted you again.'' She looked up, dejected. ''So, what plan do you have?''


    ''We wait for his next message. He has sent me a warning, now he will mostly likely send me the location of the ring.''


    ''This client of yours, why is he called 453?''


    Falcon sighed. He didn''t like the way Aurelia had said ''client'', as if feeling the word around in her mouth before deciding to use it. She might not have meant it the way he had taken it, but suddenly he was furious.


    ''Why is this important? And stop trying to blame this on me.''


    ''What?'' She said, anger slowly creeping up onto her. She looked indignant, like Falcon had the nerve to snap at her. ''This man IS your client. He hired you to steal the ring, and here we are.''


    Falcon wanted to say that it wasn''t his fault the man had turned out to be an asshole. But, his anger had dissipated just as quickly as it had come, leaving him fatigued and mentally exhausted.


    ''Forget it.'' He sighed. ''I don''t even have the energy to argue.''


    He glanced at her, to see that the anger on her face was gone too as she stared at the envelope remorsefully.


    ''Then have your soup.'' She said.


    He pursed his lips exasperatedly. ''For the last time, NO.''


    ''Fine.'' She said, pulling his bowl towards her and picking up the spoon, attacking the soup furiously.


    He watched her eat, quiet in his musings. She looked angry and, what was that, hurt? He wasn''t sure.


    ''I am sorry.'' She said after a while. ''I was just ranting my negative energy out.''


    To his surprise, Falcon completely understood. He nodded a bit before leaning back in surprise, as Aurelia extended a soup filled spoon towards him. Sighing, he parted his lips and allowed her to feed him the hot liquid.


    The soup burned his tongue as it made its way down his throat. He gulped, he hadn''t expected it to taste this good. It was salty and thick, with the vegetables soft but not soggy, and a savory aftertaste.


    Falcon pulled the bowl towards him and grabbed the spoon. His stomach groaned in appreciation as he sighed deeply, ignoring the burn of the hot liquid.


    He glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes. Aurelia did not look smug, she looked pleased as she watched him gobble down the bowl. He sighed in content as he pushed the bowl away, now spotless.


    ''You know what I do to let my damaging energy out?'' he said, quickly, before she could say anything.


    ''What?''


    ''Train.''


    Aurelia looked at him interestingly. ''What kind of training do you do?'' She asked, pleasantly curious, a quizzical gleam in her eyes as she waited for his response.


    ''It''s very different from yours. We night cats are trained to be light-footed, but strong and muscular too, and above all, fast as light.''


    ''Night cats?''


    Falcon fell silent. He hadn''t meant to say that much, but in his flow he had revealed more than he wanted to. He continued like he hadn''t heard her question what he''d just said.


    ''Unlike a demon slayer''s apprentice, we don''t practice swordsmanship, we practice combat. Your training includes killing a beast at all costs with a weapon, our training is designed to take down a man as quickly and silently as possible by hand. But there is one thing common in both of them. We attack the vital organs, slayers focus on the underbellies, while we focus on, well, genitals.''


    ''Teach me.'' She said, interestingly.


    ''Oh no. You are enough of a monster without me adding to your wildness.''


    She shrugged, unbothered. ''That''s fine. I already know how to take down a man.''


    ''Want to make a bet?''


    Aurelia sat up straight. There was a challenging sparkle in her eyes, and Falcon felt similar energy coursing through his veins.


    ''Let''s go in the yard.''

 Chapter 37 - The Location

    ''State your terms, warrior.'' Aurelia said, a pretty smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, which she tried to keep in a straight line. ''How long do we fight for?''


    ''As long as it takes to make one of us accept that the other is more competent.'' Falcon said with a shrug.


    ''Agreed. Now if I win, do you agree to tell me all about yourself?''


    Falcon stopped in his tracks. The smile slipped from his face as his body moved into a defensive stance on its own accord. He imagined telling Aurelia about his childhood and a shiver ran down his spine.


    ''Why are you so curious about me?''


    ''How can I not be? You appear out of nowhere, with a bad history with the press, looking for the same thing I am looking for, and I am not allowed to question your entire existence?''


    Falcon swallowed. If worst came to worst, he could always make up a little tale to satisfy her curiosity.


    ''But if I win, do you agree to make things fine with your mother?''


    Aurelia stared at him like he''d just electrocuted her. Her eyes flashed with anger, but it vanished just as quickly and she shrugged, unassuming in her shock. Falcon thought she hid it really well, but not soon enough.


    ''That''s against the rules.'' Aurelia said. ''You have to ask for something that benefits you.''


    ''What rules? Aren''t we making them up as we go?''


    Aurelia wasn''t smiling anymore. She looked irritated and angry, as if Falcon had crossed a line by interfering in her private business. She glared at him as they took positions five feet away from each other.


    ''Fine.'' She snapped. ''I am going to win anyway.''


    ''We will see. Weapons?''


    ''None.''


    Aurelia took two steps back and held up her hands in a combat pose. Her hair flew back slightly as a gentle breeze swept the yard, throwing her bangs away from her forehead. Dusk had fallen and the yard was lit with gold, making it as if autumn had kissed the leaves.


    ''Defensive much?'' Falcon said, circling her slowly. Aurelia didn''t turn around, but stood in the same pose, silent like a statue, as if she had been petrified.


    ''I like to give my prey the first chance.'' She whispered.


    ''Poor demons. They have to die at your hand while your shrieking friends get to have picnics.''


    ''What do you have against my friends?''


    ''Their shrieks still wake me up in the middle of the night.''


    ''Are you sure it''s the shrieks that wake you up?'' Aurelia smirked and Falcon stopped in front of her, such that they were face to face, a distance of single meter between them.


    Of course Aurelia was smart enough to know why he preferred not to sleep in front of her. Deciding he had talked enough for now, he swung his fist in a calculated strike to Aurelia''s abdomen.


    ''Block.'' He said, as he moved, putting his weight into the punch. Aurelia blocked the blow easily, catching it on her arm and using the momentum to push him back. Falcon didn''t stagger, he spun easily, catching his balance and saw a flash of admiration in Aurelia''s eyes before it was replaced by her silent anger.


    ''Don''t give me directions.'' She snapped.


    He didn''t reply, striking again which Aurelia caught, but this time she aimed at his gut, a kick which would have gotten him if he hadn''t dodged at the last moment.


    ''So are you ready to open up to me?'' She smirked, curling her fingers to urge him on.


    ''I don''t know.'' Falcon hid a smile, shrugging. ''Did you make up with your mom?''


    ''Stop mentioning things between me and my mom.'' She said with a cold, hard look.


    ''Don''t be so defensive. It makes you look like a seal.''


    ''Oh, stop it. You are over doing the compliments.''


    Falcon broke his stance. He just stood there, trying to meet her eye, hoping he would come across as less dangerous somehow.


    ''I mean it, Aurelia. I see the look in her eyes that comes from losing someone you love, and, well, I know how that feels.''


    ''So telling me about yourself. Does this mean you''ve accepted your defeat?''


    Falcon sighed. As much as he tried to convince himself he couldn''t care less, he gave more and more thought to Aurelia''s family. Perhaps it was because of the lingering sense of danger that things were about to go horribly wrong with them.


    ''I know what you are doing. You are trying to look unprovoked to bring me in for an attack.'' Aurelia said.


    ''Why are you taking my every word as a strategy?''


    ''Who have you lost?''


    ''My mom.'' It slipped out of him before he could stop himself. Falcon bit at his lower lip in regret as Aurelia''s face morphed into that of understanding.


    Taking the silence as an opportunity, Falcon struck suddenly, but Aurelia dodged just as smoothly, appearing behind him.


    Falcon grinned. ''You''re good.''


    ''I told you to stop complimenting me.'' She shrugged.


    ''Why?''


    ''Because they are hard to respond to.''


    ''That''s...reasonable.''


    Aurelia looked rather relaxed, her defensive stance broken too, but Falcon knew she was alert, anticipating his next move. He could tell she was excellent, her combat skills on another level. She could switch between defensive and offensive positions in a blink, as if she was already seeing the enemy''s next move while countering their current one.


    A sharp beep from his wrist watch drew both his and Aurelia''s attention towards the device. It was amazing how they both fell silent at once, ceasing to breathe for the two seconds where the realization set in that the message could be from Falcon''s client.


    ''Well, read it.'' Aurelia said, coming over to him. She sounded impatient and scared at the same time.


    Falcon glanced at his wrist. The device had gone black again, so he pressed it for three seconds, enjoying the silent eye contact he had with Aurelia. He saw the tiny words on the screen and his breathing hitched.


    He looked up at Aurelia, who was staring at him with wide eyes.. ''It''s a location.''

 Chapter 38 - Trust Me

    ''Why did he have to be so cryptic? He could have just told us the location.'' Aurelia grumbled, hoisting her bag over her shoulders. ''Speaking of which, how the hell is this guy so updated? How does he know who else knows the location except Cyan?''


    ''It''s not so hard to guess, come to think of it. If Cyan had to choose one person to share his secret with, it would be his best friend.''


    ''Hmm. Would he trust him, though?''


    ''They have been friends since childhood, of course he does. Cyan even trusted me, after I tried to steal his ring.''


    ''He''s really stupid.''


    ''He''s just innocent.''


    ''That''s why he''s been fooled by this man. What if it''s someone right next to us?''


    Falcon looked at her worried face and narrowed his eyes in false suspicion.


    ''It''s not me.'' She sighed. ''And don''t try to look too brave, you are scared too.''


    ''No, I am not scared. I am terrified for Cyan. I hope they had taken me instead of him.'' Falcon sighed, casting Lapis Valley a last look as the train engine emitted a hoot, startling Aurelia. She was sitting by the window, the breeze playing with her hair, so Falcon tore his eyes away and sighed in relief as his back touched the bunk bed.


    His eyes were heavy from being awake for days. Although it wasn''t the most he''d stayed up, it was the most tiring. His mind was exhausted from the crippling fear and anxiety, and he wondered how Aurelia was doing.


    ''Are you hungry?'' Remembering the last time they had been on a train together, and Aurelia had insisted on buying food from the vendors, Falcon couldn''t help but voice his concern.


    Aurelia cast him an amused glance. ''No.'' She said, turning her head back towards the window. The sweet night air fluttered her hair and Falcon closed his eyes quickly, for fear of staring at her until he couldn''t help blurting out something stupid like ''you look beautiful''.


    He wondered when he had started to notice her like that, and shook his head to get rid of the troubling thoughts. It wouldn''t be easy to leave her when they had rescued Cyan and parted ways, never to see each other again?


    ''What are you thinking?'' her voice floated towards her, almost like a whisper. ''You look sad.''


    ''Nothing.'' He shook his head and looked at her. ''Worried about Cyan.''


    ''Go to sleep.'' Aurelia said. ''I''ll keep watch.''


    Falcon hesitated, his mind reminding him of ten thousand things that could go wrong if he went to sleep during a mission. His hesitation must have shown on his face because Aurelia sighed. ''Trust me.'' She said.


    Falcon decided to do just that and closed his eyes.


    XXX


    He dreamed of Orchid, her long flowing dresses and her lilac scent. She was calling him by his name, something which he couldn''t understand, her merry laughter echoing in the field, as he rode a black stallion.


    ''Mom,'' Falcon giggled, ''I''m flying.''


    Orchid laughed, but something was wrong. Her outline was a little hazy and her voice, that was calling his name, was fading out.


    Falcon turned to her in distress, his heart thumping a little too wildly. ''Mom? Mom!''


    She had stopped laughing and her eyes were troubled, shedding tears that were staining her cheeks. Orchid held out her hand towards him and Falcon leaned forward to take it, only to grasp thin air.


    He awoke with a gasp, his entire body shuddering and realized Aurelia was shaking his shoulder gently. ''Wake up,'' she retrieved her hand when he opened his eyes, ''we''re here.''


    He nodded, sitting up and trying to keep his face down. He could still hear his mother from somewhere far, screaming for help.


    ''Falcon, you''re crying.'' Aurelia rubbed the pad of her thumb across his cheek and he shivered, feeling the moisture slip down his cheeks.


    ''I...sorry.'' He mumbled, keeping his head down.


    ''It''s okay.'' Aurelia moved away and turned towards the window to give him some privacy.


    Falcon cursed his nightmares once again and wiped his face on his sleeve hurriedly, knowing his face had turned a deep shade of red from embarrassment. Reminding himself Aurelia wasn''t someone to judge, Falcon looked up at her to see her put on a black jacket over her gear, adjusting her hair.


    ''So, what''s the plan?'' Aurelia met his eyes and asked, securing her hair in a tight bun.


    ''We have to slip into the party, do you have a dress?''


    ''It''s not a party, it''s a photo shoot. We just need cameras and photographer uniforms.'' Aurelia rolled her eyes.


    ''We can steal them,'' Falcon said casually, before he realized Aurelia''s glare targeted at him, ''or not.'' He added hurriedly.


    ''We don''t have to steal anything. It''s a hotel, we can just slip in as guests. All we have to do is locate Canis North, who knows about the stone''s location. Is that all 453 told you?''


    ''Yeah. But I''m sure they won''t let anyone in. But I ain''t Falcon for nothing.''


    Aurelia smiled.. ''Let''s go.''

 Chapter 39 - The Bridegrooms Plan

    Rain was bleeding on the streets of the city when Falcon and Aurelia slipped through the hotel''s back door through bare security, disguised in waiter uniforms. It felt strange to have a partner next to him, being used to performing his tasks alone and without assistance. Falcon glanced at her, her curly hair swept in a tiny bun with a few strands hanging loose and realized he preferred having her with him than being alone.


    Aurelia turned to him with wide eyes when they spied Canis among a group of well-dressed businessmen.


    ''You know what to do.''


    He nodded, holding her eyes for a tad bit longer than intended and angled himself behind a gigantic statue in front of the men''s bathroom. He barely had to wait for five minutes, before Canis came striding down the hallway with his eyebrows knitted together in annoyance.


    Snorting at the red stain on Canis''s left breast, Falcon scurried behind the large man towards the bathroom. As soon as Canis banged the door behind him, Falcon placed an ''Out of Order'' sign on the doors and slipped inside.


    Expecting to find the man behind the doors, Falcon blinked in surprise at the empty area. He wondered if Canis had slipped inside one of the many stalls, but the cubicle doors gaped up at him, all of them empty.


    Falcon heard a slight scampering behind him, and before he could turn around, something hard jabbed into his ribs.


    ''You have two options, turn yourself in, or give Cyan back and I let you leave.'' A cold male voice said.


    ''You don''t understand.'' Falcon said, trying to stay calm, speaking each word slowly.


    ''Where is my friend?'' Canis was trying to sound angry, but his voice cracked, revealing his desperation.


    ''Where is the package?'' Falcon said, feeling sorry for the man.


    ''Oh, is this about that darned package again? I told him to stay away from the wretched thing.''


    ''So you know where it is?''


    ''I am not answerable to you. In case you haven''t noticed, I am the one holding the gun to your body right now.''


    ''Are you?'' Falcon twisted around, jutting his knee between the man''s legs, who crumpled to the floor instantly. The gun was already in Falcon''s hand, and he pulled back the safety catch to train the weapon at Canis, who was on the floor, wheezing, his face a nasty purple as he shot daggers at him.


    ''If you do anything to my friend, I swear I will murder you.'' He gasped.


    Just then the bathroom door opened, and Aurelia''s curious face appeared. She stared in confusion at the man lying on the floor.


    ''What are you doing? And you haven''t even locked the door.'' She said, closing the door behind him.


    She darted over, grimacing at Canis''s purple face and shook her head in exasperation.


    ''This wasn''t part of the plan.''


    ''He pulled a gun on me.'' Falcon said.


    ''Look, mister,'' she knelt on the floor by Canis''s face, ''believe it or not, we are also trying to find your friend so you have to cooperate with us. If you don''t tell us where the package is, Cyan Yarrow will die.''


    ''Why should I believe you?'' Canis wheezed.


    ''Because you have no other choice.'' Aurelia shrugged.


    XXX


    Only when Falcon looked at Canis properly, did he see the terrible face under the faux cheerful expression he was trying to maintain. The bags under his eyes mocked his smile, worry taking the form of a permanently crease between his eyebrows. His eyes looked empty, a lost feel to the grey pupils as he stared at them. Even with his doleful expression, he looked handsome, his silver hair swept back with a shiny gel.


    It had taken a surprisingly short time to convince him and he was paying them full attention. The gun was lying on the ground next to him. The bathroom tiles were gleaming, reflecting the black gleam of the weapon up onto them.


    The cubicle door was open and Canis was sitting on the toilet, resting his elbows on his knees and his head in his palms. He rubbed at his eyes tiredly, the smile gone and worry back in his eyes. Aurelia was seated on the slab with the rows of sinks, legs up and pressed to her chest. Falcon stood with his back against the sinks, opposite Canis as he looked at the dejected man.


    ''How are you hiding Cyan''s absence?'' Aurelia sked curiously.


    Canis shook his head, finally looking up at them. ''We have disguised it as a business trip, but I am afraid, it won''t hold up for long. After all, he disappeared right before the buffet dinner of his launch party. People are not going to forget that easily.''


    ''We are trying our best to find him.'' Falcon said, hoping to assure the man.


    ''Are you?'' he said sarcastically. ''If you hadn''t taken him in the first place, we wouldn''t be here.''


    Falcon stared. For a moment, several words swiveled around his mouth but none of them felt worthy of uttering.


    ''Stop it. He was just doing his job.'' Aurelia came to his defense, surprisingly. Falcon''s heart lurched, but he just shrugged his shoulders apologetically.


    ''I''m sorry.''


    ''What do you want to know?'' Canis said simply, looking up and meeting Falcon''s eyes. ''More importantly, how do you know I am aware of the ring''s location?''


    ''We are afraid there''s a rat around you. This spy has been keeping the man who has kidnapped Cyan updated on you.''


    ''Who?'' Canis was sitting upright and staring at them with eyes wide with fear. ''How much does he know?''


    Falcon glanced at Aurelia before looking back at Canis. ''Err... we don''t know yet.''


    ''But the rat knows you are the only person aware of the ring''s hiding place. It''s not a bad time to upgrade the lousy security around you.'' Aurelia added.


    ''The night of the engagement party, you disappeared for a few minutes along with Cyan. What were you two doing in that time?'' Falcon said.


    ''Ah, yes. I remember, it was so hard to shake off all the guests and have a few minutes of privacy.'' Canis said. ''Cyan asked me to do him a favor, of which I mustn''t tell another human of. He asked me to exchange the ring I was going to give Teal with the one he had in his hands then.''


    The silence that settled over the bathroom was congested with awe, as they took in Canis''s words. Then Aurelia let out a low whistle, breaking it. ''Wow.''


    Falcon was struck once again by Cyan''s genius. The man had taken such an obvious but fool proof step to protect the ring.


    ''The ring he had was an exact copy of the engagement ring. He had it fashioned to resemble the one I was going to gift Teal, which is pretty smart and stupid at the same time if you ask me.'' Canis continued.


    ''Why stupid?'' Aurelia seemed interested in all the wrong things.


    ''If Teal finds out there is a ring which looks exactly like hers, the world will blow up.'' He smiled fondly, a light in his eyes following his words, which drooped instantly again.


    ''So the real ring, the one we are looking for, is on Miss Teal''s finger right now.'' Falcon said slowly.


    ''That''s right.'' Canis nodded.


    Falcon shook his head. How the hell was he going to get the ring now? He didn''t want to break into Cyan''s home once again and kidnap his sister next.


    However, Canis wasn''t done yet. ''Because I have seen the two rings together, I can assure you they look exactly the same. Even an expert jeweler would have trouble telling them apart.''


    ''Are you suggesting....''


    ''If you ask me, I say you pass off the fake one as the real ring with the stone of power. In this way, the ring and Cyan would both be safe.''


    ''And Miss Teal would be left wearing a demon stone as the mark of the beginning of her new life with her husband.'' He muttered.


    ''I doubt that would work.'' Aurelia said. ''The man is very smart. I am certain he would like to confirm the ring''s authenticity before he hands us Cyan.''


    But there was a plan forming inside Falcon''s head. ''No, I can make him believe it.'' He turned to Aurelia. ''We use his little rat for this purpose.''


    Aurelia grimaced. ''You do realize so many things can go wrong, and with Mr. Yarrow''s life on line, we have to take the next step as if treading thin ice.''


    ''Not if we play all the cards right.'' He turned to Canis. ''Do you have any guesses where Cyan placed the fake ring as a decoy?''


    For the first time Canis smiled. ''Of course. Cyan is an ingenious man, he hides his secrets in obviously plain sights.''


    Falcon nodded along. He had experienced it himself. The small chamber behind the large chamber inside Cyan''s bedroom, hidden behind the large sunset painting was proof of his simply brilliant ideas. But he was not expecting what Canis said next:


    ''In Cyan''s bedroom, there is a scenery he painted himself. Behind the scenery is the chamber where he kept the ring.''


    Falcon could have hit his head on the mirrors above the sinks. It was as if Canis had told them he had a secret to tell him, only to reveal that he wanted them to know the earth was round.


    Falcon fisted his hand in annoyance, hitting the flat surface of the sinks and groaned.


    ''No, that is not the place. I have already searched there AND the second chamber too, very brilliant, I know, but it contains a pebble, not the ring.'' He let it all out in an annoyed rush.


    To his immense surprise, Canis just smiled. ''And how did you think of a chamber behind a chamber.''


    Because there are hiding places beyond hiding places, he thought quietly. Oh.


    Canis must have seen his expression because he nodded in content and smiled.. ''And that''s the Cyan for you.''

 Chapter 40 - Of All The Places

    ''We are breaking into his house AGAIN?'' Aurelia looked seconds away from banging her head on the wall. ''Is the ring even here?''


    ''Yes. And this is the last time I am going inside this mansion.''


    ''Where even IS the ring?''


    ''Inside Cyan Yarrow''s bedroom.''


    Aurelia groaned. ''Did you not check every nook and cranny for the ring? Even his painting chamber was empty.''


    ''Was it?'' Falcon smiled, turning up the corner of his mouth to look mysterious.


    Aurelia made an incoherent sound in her throat before glaring at him. ''Could you please tell me where Cyan hid the ring if you are done letting me know that you are aware of the place?''


    ''Shhh,'' he said. ''someone will hear us.''


    ''Too late.'' She rolled her eyes, jerking her head back just as Falcon heard the thud of footsteps behind them.


    A guard stood behind them, a perplexed look on his face as he stared at the intruders before him. The man seemed young, and looked like he was still adjusting to the new job. Falcon wondered if he had been hired in his place. Suddenly, he was grateful he had covered his face.


    The guard slowly raised his gun, motioning at them to put their hands up.


    Groaning inwardly, Falcon moved towards the guard slightly, but Aurelia placed a hand on his bicep to hold him back.


    ''Mr. Davis, it''s me.'' Aurelia said.


    The guard nodded slightly. ''Come with me.'' He turned around, motioning at them to follow him.


    When Falcon started to move, Aurelia placed a hand on his chest to hold him back. ''Sorry. Just me,'' she glared at him, ''go your own way in if you''re so smart.'' She turned her head away in annoyance.


    Falcon resisted the urge to laugh. ''I can''t believe you are doing this.''


    She just shrugged, disappearing in the dark after the guard. He watched her shadow dart across the lawn, disappearing the instant he blinked. His heart swelled for a bit with unexplainable emotions, but he placed a hand on his chest to calm the beating. It was like the night his life had changed, when Cyan Yarrow had caught him inside his bedroom. Wondering if they had replaced the lock on Cyan''s window, he prepared to go in.


    XXX


    He squeezed in through the window and jumped soundlessly, his feet making noise no more than a gentle padding, much like last time. The memories came rushing back, the barking bull hounds, the wall of guards and knocking Cyan out, all of it done with a confidence that had get him caught.


    Falcon was thoroughly grateful for getting caught.


    Apologizing internally to Cyan and promising to come for him soon, he padded over to the painting in the shadows of the room. The room was completely dark and the door was closed, allowing not a ray of light in. Half of the room was illuminated with a soft glow from the moonlight coming through the glass wall, while the other half was drenched in darkness.


    A shadow touched the small of his back, and Aurelia whispered, ''Boo.'' She made a face when he didn''t even flinch and turned to face him in the dark.


    ''So, where is the mystery place?'' She followed his eyes, which had landed on the painting. Much like last time, Falcon marveled at the perfect strokes, the heavenly pink sunset looking nothing short of a resplendent picnic spot.


    Impatient, Aurelia moved towards the frame and removed it from the wall with careful hands and without making a sound. Falcon saw her admiring the canvas, her eyes going over the painting with her mouth hanging open slightly.


    ''This¡­is beautiful.'' She gushed.


    ''I know.'' He whispered back as the console revealed itself and he punched in the code. The small compartment slid open to reveal the empty cavity behind. He pushed against the back wall, which slid to the side and Falcon saw the chamber where he had picked up the pebble from.


    Aurelia leaned over his shoulder, her warm breathing tingling his neck as he pressed on the wall. He expected it to open to the side, but shivered as Aurelia grabbed his hand and moved it away.


    ''It''s a lift up wall, look.'' She pushed him aside and grabbed the base of the back wall. Her nails scraped painfully against the stone as she pulled at the base, the wall lifting up like a garage door.


    ''Ta-daaa.'' She said.


    The chamber was very small and looked like Cyan had fashioned it out himself, chiseling away at the stone with a rough blade. Their eyes had fallen upon a black box inside the chamber, with a bow on top, the kind in which rings come in. Aurelia pulled out the box reverently, whispering, ''Triple chambers, I love it.''


    Aurelia opened the box and Falcon felt his breath catching in his throat. If beautiful was the word he''d use to describe the stone, it would be the understatement of the year. The stone was fixed in a ring, catching the surrounding light and absorbing all of the colors in it. It reflected a different ray as Aurelia held it up and examined it, the swirling colors a whirlwind of beauty captured inside the tiny stone.


    ''So, this is what the stone looks like,'' Aurelia said, her voice hushed, ''no wonder everybody wants it.''


    Falcon took the ring from her hands and twirled it. ''How did cyan get a copy built? He must have paid the jeweler handsomely for this decoy, which means, there is someone other than us and Canis who thinks two rings like these exist.''


    ''Let''s just hope Cyan had paid him enough for him to keep his mouth shut.'' Aurelia shrugged off his concern like that.


    ''Hope. That''s right, that''s the perfect plan. Why did I not think of it?''


    Aurelia glared at him. ''Are we leaving or not?''


    Falcon closed the compartments with a definite click and placed the painting back on the wall. He had a sudden urge to grab hold of Aurelia''s hand and ask her to leave with him, and not with the guard; which he barely managed to suppress.


    ''Can I steal it?'' Aurelia said wistfully, staring at the painting. She held the ring up close to the canvas, reading the name of the painting in the light of the swirling colors of the ring.


    ''Shangri La,'' she muttered.


    ''Indeed.'' Falcon said deeply, trying to imitate Cyan. ''A peaceful wonderland that you wish to escape to.''


    ''You sound creepy.'' Aurelia faux shuddered. ''Hey, Falcon, if I hire you to steal it after we get Cyan back, would you do it for me?''


    He grew quiet. Aurelia had said it lightly, like she was joking, which Falcon reminded himself she was, as she closed the box and placed it inside her coat pocket. To his annoyance, he found her words extremely heavy upon him. She doesn''t know how you feel about breaking into this house, Falcon, he reminded himself.


    That was when all thoughts were driven from his mind.


    The door to Cyan''s room opened with a creak. A maid walked in, humming to herself as she bent down to pick up a basket of laundry by the bed. In the dark, she hadn''t noticed the pair of intruders standing by the far wall.


    His body frozen, he turned to Aurelia, who was staring at him with eyes wide as saucers.


    Run? She asked with her eyes, and Falcon slowly shook his head, slipping his hand in the waistband of his jeans and sliding his gun out like a snake''s silent slither.


    The maid hummed merrily, as she walked about, collecting sheets, oblivious of their presence. An exact eternity later, her eyes fell on the pair of feet and her gaze travelled slowly up their bodies, finally meeting their eyes, as she saw the two black clad burglars standing in the semi dark.


    Her features twisted into pure terror and she froze, stiffening at the sight of the gun.


    Falcon slowly raised the pistol as he trained it onto her forehead, slowly raising a single finger to his lips, warning her not to make a sound.


    The maid nodded her head, body still paralyzed, as she took in the warning. Then she opened her mouth and let out the longest, shrillest scream he had ever heard in his life, including Aurelia''s friends.


    Beside him, Aurelia snorted.

 Chapter 41 - Arrested

    ''Hello, Pitt,'' Falcon smiled, ''how''s your hand?''


    Pitt growled, his eyebrows merging as his mouth straightened into a thin line. ''I knew you were trouble.'' He grunted, twisting both of Falcon''s arms behind him and locking his hands in handcuffs. ''Sir was mad to trust you.''


    Pitt gave him a little push forward, while continuing to grumble under his breath. Falcon heard phrases like ''poor Sir'' and ''most wanted criminal'' as Pitt propelled him forward.


    ''You two have met before,'' Aurelia observed, ''but you didn''t get along.''


    Didn''t get along was quite a polite way to put it, Falcon thought, considering he had broken Pitt''s fist and taken a job on his team the first time he had come across this burly lump of a man.


    ''That''s the first time you are right.'' Falcon muttered, not keeping his eyes off the platoon of guards surrounding them. Aurelia also had her hands handcuffed behind her, but she was smiling like she was having the time of her life, being caged between men in uniforms and getting pushed forward.


    Behind him, Pitt raised a bag over his head, and pushed it down, blocking off the air and his sight. He remained still, but Aurelia complained loudly, ''This bag stinks.'' A wave of anger went through him, knowing she was being treated the way he was, though he willed himself to remain silent.


    These jerks, he groaned as they were pushed forward like animals, and down a flight of stairs. He knew where they were going, and Aurelia probably did too, from hours and hours of memorizing the mansion''s every bit and corner. He could imagine the lone bulb hanging loose, lighting up the narrow hallway with a soft yellow glow as clearly as if he was actually seeing it. He had been down here once when Cyan had hired him, and every detail was imprinted on his mind.


    A loud grate indicated the gigantic metal gate being opened, and then they were inside the tiny office.


    ''Don''t even think of escaping.'' Pitt had a habit of growling at every word he spoke.


    ''Oh, you won''t be joining us?'' Aurelia asked pleasantly, her voice slightly muffled through the bag.


    Pitt grunted. ''Wait here.''


    Falcon felt a bit sorry for Pitt, if he would have had to deal with Aurelia, he would have gone crazy too.


    The door shut behind them just as noisily and then they were alone.


    XXX


    Falcon had never been caught. Not once, had his hands ever been bound in handcuffs, and he found the limited use of them quite irritating. The guards had had the decency to remove the bag from their heads, and to make use of time Falcon was looking around the room, making note of escape options, even if he had no plan to flee. It felt comforting to know a way out.


    Next to him, Aurelia was sleeping peacefully, head resting against the wall. Once again he admired her ability to fall asleep anywhere, at whatever time she wanted to. He could never. Safety was one thing he cherished, but he assumed she had been in similar trouble before to be this unbothered.


    He took her oblivion as an opportunity to stare at her, shamelessly and fearlessly, all the while aware that the back of his neck had turned into a furnace. She looked breathtaking, and so at peace. Like she had ceased to exist the moment her eyes closed, slipping into an imaginary bed, warm and cuddly like a mother''s embrace.


    For a second all Falcon wanted to do was wrap his arms around her slight body and hold her there until all her troubles went away.


    They had been in there for half an hour, and he was getting frustrated. He couldn''t bear to see minutes of his time just slipping away, while he sat there and did nothing; except maybe stare at the girl with the elflocks.


    Remember the plan, don''t do anything foolish, Aurelia had warned him, and so he sat in silence.


    It was another fifteen minutes before he heard voices right outside the door; loud, hysteric voices and Pitt''s throaty grumbling. A key jingled in the lock and then the door slid open. Falcon glanced at Aurelia to see she was awake, sitting straight and alert. She looked like she had never slept. He wondered if there was a sleep switch inside her which she could turn on and off according to her liking.


    A scared feminine face peeked from behind the gate. Falcon recognized Cyan''s sister, Teal, immediately. She looked wretched, dark circles under her eyes, which were sunken as if she hadn''t slept for the past week, making her look like a skeleton. Briefly, he wondered if he looked the same too, sleep deprived and homeless.


    Teal wasn''t wearing any makeup and looked like a wax statue of the girl on the engagement day. Behind her was Canis, a frown on his face as he studied the prisoners.


    Canis shut the door after them and the couple sat opposite them, closely with hands clasped in each other''s. Teal looked shaken, but determined.


    ''Where is my brother?'' she said, resentful.


    ''They don''t know, Teal.'' Canis said gently.


    ''How can we believe them?'' her eyebrows had come together as lines of anger and frustration crowned her forehead. ''Prove you are trying to help Cyan.''


    ''Of course,'' Aurelia said with an encouraging smile, ''Falcon will show you the messages he received from 453 to kidnap Cyan, and also the threats.''


    ''I will?'' he turned to her, his eyebrows raised.


    ''That''s the only way for them to trust us, Falcon. Remember the ring.''


    The device glowed bright and Falcon powered it, the latest message from 453 appearing instantly.


    He reluctantly slipped his watch off his wrist and handed it to Teal, who grabbed it and read the text like her life depended on it. Falcon saw her pupils dart across the words and her mouth sagged as she read them. Finally she handed the watch over, her hands falling inside her lap as she hid her face in Canis''s chest.


    ''So, why did you get yourself caught?'' Canis addressed them both, his eyebrows raised.


    ''What do you mean,'' Aurelia said, but her deemed innocent expression wouldn''t have fooled even the thick-headed Pitt.


    ''You see, we couldn''t have caught you and brought you here if you wouldn''t have wanted to. And you just stayed here and waited for me? You wanted to meet me this way? Why?'' Canis said.


    ''Well, you certainly are smarter than you look,'' Aurelia said cheerfully, ''we''re here to get the real ring from Miss Teal,'' she finished with a sweet smile.


    ''Why the sudden change of plan?'' the man sat up, his eyes lined with confusion.


    ''You see, Canis, we have found out the identity of the spy.''

 Chapter 42 - Catching The Spy

    The room was pitch black, the loud snores of the sleeping man the only sound as Falcon hopped in through the window. He waited a minute for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, then cautiously made his way towards the best, as the dark forms of the various furniture emerged. The man was sleeping soundly, his body engulfed by a mountain of pillows.


    Falcon leaned his head close to him, listening to his even breathing to confirm he was in fact asleep. Aurelia hopped in the room just then, hitting her head on the top of the window and cursing loudly. He glared at her before he realized she probably couldn''t see him. Turning back to the man, he felt his breathing stir, as if the commotion had woken him up.


    In a second, Falcon''s hand was over his mouth. Leaning in close, he whispered, ''Don''t move.''


    The man sagged into his pillows at once, letting out a tremulous, ''Whos there?''


    Falcon heard Aurelia blundering her way towards them in the dark before she chuckled lightly, ''Oh, is he awake?''


    ''Yes, you woke him up,'' Falcon scowled before grabbing the rope she had handed him.


    He pressed the muzzle of his gun in the man''s ribs, relieving in his scared sound and watched as Aurelia grabbed the desk chair and placed it in the middle of the room.


    ''Get up.'' Falcon said.


    The man did not object, instead, he got up slowly from the bed, holding his hands in the air.


    ''Walk over to the chair.'' Falcon moved after him, keeping the gun pressed in his back.


    The man approached the chair quietly, without a single stumble. ''Have a seat,'' Aurelia said pleasantly, gesturing at the chair in a polite invitation.


    He sat down in it importantly, like they were going to discuss business, ''Stop it, why are you both doing this?'' he said.


    ''Quiet.'' Falcon said.


    He threw the rope at Aurelia and she caught it smiling widely, before she approached the man in the chair. He flinched, like he would get up but Falcon jabbed his gun into the back of his skull and he settled, allowing Aurelia to tie him up.


    Aurelia showed no mercy, tying the binds so tight that the man grunted several times, until he couldn''t move an inch. Falcon knew her actions were coming from her feelings, and he didn''t want her to show any mercy too. The sight of Cyan''s bloody finger kept popping up, and all that was keeping him from beating up the douchebag was the information he had.


    Aurelia lit a lighter with a click and held the flame close to the man''s scared face, the small flame fighting the darkness in the room.


    ''Hello, spy,'' she said.


    Canis''s alarmed face shone up. He looked terrified, eyes wide as saucers and lines around his mouth as if he had just aged twenty years. He watched the two of them warily, as Falcon prowled around him while Aurelia smiled dangerously.


    ''What do you mean?'' he stuttered. ''Why are you doing this? I thought you were on our side.''


    ''Yes, I thought you were on our side, Canis. '' Falcon said. ''You moron...why are you betraying your fucking best friend?''


    ''You misunderstand,'' Canis said, a bit calmly now, ''I am doing no such thing.''


    Falcon grabbed a fistful of his hair in his palm and pulled. The man''s head fell on the back of the chair, emitting a little yelp of pain. Canis stared into his eyes, his eyes wide as he looked up at him, like a child cornered while stealing snacks from the fridge past midnight.


    ''You thief, are you trying to pin everything on me?'' he said, regaining his composure and smiling slowly, though his eyes showed his terror. ''What are you trying to achieve here? Shit, now you have the ring too.''


    ''Shit, indeed.'' Falcon nodded in satisfaction. ''I have the ring now. Your use for 453 is over anyways. You will be dead the minute I hand the ring over.''


    ''It was all my plan,'' Aurelia flicked her hair, ''We decided to gain your trust and make you hand us the ring by putting all the blame on someone else. Poor Pitt, rotting in prison right now.''


    Pitt had been terrified when Canis had ordered the guards to arrest him, swearing his loyalty to Cyan over and over. Aurelia had given him an apologetic look, trying to say it was for just a day, but he had given her such a death glare, she had turned away in a hurry.


    ''Stop this nonsense,'' Canis shrugged away Falcon''s hand from his shoulder, ''Let me go.''


    Falcon stopped prowling. Standing in front of him, he pulled back his fist and punched Canis on the nose. The man''s head fell backwards, hitting the back rest with a loud thump. He let out a strained moan, and kept his head there, breathing heavily.


    ''Ouch,'' Aurelia grimaced, ''That was....''


    ''How else do I get him to speak then?'' he snapped.


    ''Like this.'' Aurelia said, then she smashed her foot between Canis''s legs.


    Canis let out am "umph" of contorted pain and seemed to roll into himself but the ropes held him. His eyes were wide with pain as his chest rose and fell, barely holding a reverberating scream.


    ''You filthy bastard,'' Aurelia spat, ''My grandpa is in danger because of you. Do you have any idea the damage your actions are causing, you dickhead?''


    Canis was breathing heavily, his eyes held alarm and now Falcon saw it, the first signs of admittance.


    ''You think I wanted to? '' he rasped, ''You think I don''t feel guilty while reporting back to him. You are only thinking about yourselves here.''


    ''Only about ourselves? ONLY ABOUT OURSELVES?'' Aurelia near tore her hair from her scalp. ''Your actions are threatening the release of dangerous demons into the human realm and Falcon and I are risking our lives to make sure that doesn''t happen and we are only thinking of OURSELVES?'' she roared.


    Falcon took the lighter from her hand and held the flame very close to Canis''s face. ''Listen, I am going to set this rope on fire,'' he said, tugging at the bond near his ankle, ''And by the time the flame reaches you here,'' he ran a hand on his thigh, ''I believe you would be ready to speak.''


    Canis gave him a look of strong hatred, ''You wouldn''t.''


    ''That was a very foolish thing to say,'' Aurelia shook her head, as Falcon took the lighter by his foot with a flourish and brought the flame near his toes.


    ''Alright, alright, stop,'' Canis said hurriedly, as the heat hit his foot, ''Though, I don''t have much to tell you.''


    ''We will see,'' Falcon shrugged.


    ''No, really. What do you want to know?''


    ''Who is 453?'' he said at the same time as Aurelia. They glanced at each other and in the light of the flickering flame, he saw her eyes sparkling with confusion and barely suppressed rage.


    It was an impulsive decision. In a split second, Falcon had reached out his arm and grabbed her hand in his own. He saw her glance at him sideways but refused to look at her, keeping his eyes trained at the man in the chair.


    And then Canis opened his mouth to tell them.