Greyson rubbed at his tired eyes. Placing the parchment he had been attempting to read, down on his desk. In the days since the council assembly, he had been hard at work. Apparently, assuming the identity of a politician, was a lot harder than he thought possible. Lord Lytro, had friends, engagements, preferences, enemies, and positions on a plethora of political matters. Not to mention, Greyson couldn’t even read any of the documents or files that were sent to him. Learning to read this crap is going to end up killing me, he thought. Lamenting his decision to familiarize himself with the Dae’s written word.

  There was a knock on the door of his study. He perked up suddenly, unsure if he had accidentally scheduled a meeting.

  “Yes?” He called out, while his defensive instincts kicked in.

  “My Lord,” He heard his butler call through the door. “Lord Bre’gor from house Yoto is here to see you. Shall I let him in?”

  Lord who? Greyson’s mind raced through the dozens of hours he spent over the last several days trying to learn all he could about Lytro’s social circle. “I’m very busy now, Dorik. Is there any way he can come some other time?”

  “I…” He heard Dorik’s hesitation through the door.

  Crap, he thought.

  “I can… my Lord, but… I’m not sure if you recall. Lord Bre’gor is the head of house Yoto… the house in which your betrothed belongs to?”

  Of course he is. “Fine.” Greyson grumbled, “send him in.”

  With a huff of silent irritation, Greyson prepared his face for more plastic smiles and laughter at jokes or comments he didn’t really find funny.

  After a few minutes, the door to his study slid open, and a Dae man entered, with deep purple skin, wearing a luxurious looking coat.

  “Lord Bre’gor.” Greyson bowed, “how nice of you to come visit me. How can I be of service?”

  Bre’gor seemed to hesitate for a moment, before nodding toward him in greeting. “Lytro, I’m glad to see you looking well after everything. It’s been some time hasn’t it?”

  “I’m sure it has been.” Greyson groaned internally, these tedious formal conversations are starting to drive me insane. “Unfortunately—”

  “I know.” Bre’gor held his hand up, his expression somewhat apologetic. “No need to explain yourself, Lytro. I’ve heard all about it… It’s a tragedy really; losing one’s memories… some would consider akin to death.”

  “Well, it’s not all that bad.” Greyson tried his best to look jovial. “Things are starting to come back here and there. I also get to experience acquaintance all over again.”

  Bre’gor’s face was twisted in pity as he looked at him. Like he had just witnessed the death of someone he knew and loved. Crap, Greyson thought. What the hell did I say?

  “I heard… but…” Bre’gor’s gaze drifted down to the floor. “You truly are almost a different Dae all together.” His eyes slowly rose to meet Greyson’s again, filled with sorrow. The Dae placed his hand on Greyson’s shoulder, and squeezed it. “This is what I was afraid of, Lytro. I don’t have a choice in the matter.”

  “What matter?” Greyson asked, “what are you talking about?”

  “There are many in court who say that you are cursed, Lytro.” Bre’gor’s voice was subdued. “That the fight with the demons took part of you… something you’ll never get back.”

  You have no idea how right you are, Greyson thought. “My memories are gone, yes; but I’m still me.”

  Bre’gor sighed, hanging his head and looking defeated. “Akia has asked me to withdraw her agreement to your proposal… She’s begged me, in fact. You must understand, Lytro. It isn’t anything you did… She just… there is so much pressure from court, and…”

  “It’s fine.” Greyson tried to look as troubled as he possibly could, but celebrated internally. A bride would make trying to blend-in all the more difficult. Especially someone who knew Lytro personally. This is a miracle, he thought. “I understand her position… and I wouldn’t want to cause her any unnecessary stress. Please tell her, that I agree… and release her from any and all obligation to me as my betrothed.”

  “Lytro.” Bre’gor looked like he was about to burst into tears. “You don’t deserve this… I swear, if this all goes away, I’ll speak with her, and—”

  “Lord Bre’gor.” Greyson held his hands up defensively. “I know you came all this way to see me, but I’m afraid I no longer have the strength to interact with anyone… So, if you wouldn’t mind. I must excuse myself.”

  “Oh…” Bre’gor deflated, “I understand… I… I’ll let myself out then. Thank you, Lytro… and… please, forgive Akio.”

  The Dae turned and left the study with his head hung low. As the door slid shut, Greyson let out a sigh of relief and sat down at his desk, in a chair he was growing more and more fond of. That solves one massive problem, he thought. Before another dilemma came to mind. If there was a rumor going around court that he was cursed, it would be another huge problem. Especially considering that it was serious enough for his betrothed to send her dad over to essentially break up with him. He let out a deep breath, frustration building in his chest.

  There’s always something, he thought. I need to deal with that fast.

  ~

  Several hours later, Ashley and Dorian arrived from their section of the manor. They had both been somewhat in hiding after their arrival, investigating the nature of their new identities. Chief among them, who they were. As it turned out, Ashley’s name was Yuki of house Kyomo, and was the daughter of a prominent merchant, and had several siblings. All of which had attempted to make contact with her since finding out that their sister had apparently survived.

  Greyson had sent them all away. Telling Dorik to pass on that she is alive, but recovering from an “unknown ailment”. The morbid truth was far more sinister; their sister had, in fact, died in the battle; and her likeness was now a disguise, being used to bring an end to their world.

  Dorian’s identity, was every bit as sad. He, according to the mission records, was named Kenji, and belonged to no house. He had a wife and a daughter, who lived somewhere in the low sector. A place that Greyson knew was a more impoverished area of the city. Regardless, Dorian seemed intent to keep himself far removed from the personal life of his assumed identity.

  The door to his study slid open, and the two walked in. Greyson looked up from his work, giving them a short nod in greeting, and looked back to his papers.

  “Still trying to learn how to read that scribble?” Ashley chuckled. “It’ll take you forever to learn it all. And the world will be over by then, so what’s the point?”

  Greyson shook his head. “Regardless, I need to learn it, just in case.”

  “He’s got responsibilities now, Ash.” Dorian’s voice was filled with sarcasm. And Greyson looked up at the older man to find his unfamiliar face smirking.

  “I need to make myself useful here, alright?” Greyson huffed, placing the parchment he had been studying to the side. “I don’t want to give them even a hint that we aren’t who we say we are. So…” He folded his hands and looked at them both intently. “We need to blend in, truly now. No more hiding out in my house, or shirking your personal lives.”

  “I hope you aren’t saying, what I think you’re saying, Greyson.” Ashley fumed, crossing her arms. “I can’t just go back to some people who think I’m their fuckin’ daughter, alright? That would be insane. They’d see through me in a second.”

  “I agree.” Dorian took a slow breath. “We have no idea how these people were in their daily lives. And Ash has no self-control. It’s likely she’d go off and kill them.”

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  “Not, likely; INEVITABLE.” She spat.

  “Listen.” Greyson held back his frustration, as not to rouse the suspicions of his own butler with an outburst. “People are already asking questions. Our appearance, mannerisms, way of speaking, and actions are all under a fucking microscope, guys. We can’t afford to make it worse. My fiancé just sent her father to break up with me earlier today, because she and others in court think we’re all cursed.”

  “Hey.” Dorian spread his hands to his sides. “That’s good, right? Now you don’t have to worry about any—”

  “It’s not good.” Greyson cut him off. “It means that we’re now outcasts, and you of all people know how the Dae treat their outcasts… This is some serious shit that needs to be delt with, immediately. So, I need both of you, to suck it the fuck up and get back to your families; even if it’s for a little bit. We can’t risk further exposure.”

  “That’s easy for you to say, Greyson.” Dorian said, “You’re sittin’ up here nice and pretty in your mansion, with a butler and a cushy job as a council member.”

  “Agreed.” Ashley seconded.

  “Look, I get it.” Greyson held his hands up defensively. “We’re not all in the same boat. But, that doesn’t change what we have to do. I can work something out here to help keep you both close to me; hire you on as bodyguards or something, I don’t know.”

  “That might work.” Dorian rubbed at his chin. “From what I understand, Kenji, or I, live in a tiny little hovel in the slums or something. You could hire me on, and have the family move into your guesthouse or something.”

  “I don’t even know if I have a guesthouse.” Greyson shrugged, “but I’ll figure it out. Either way, get your families in order. Ease any suspicion, and wait for Dio’Mar, that’s the plan.”

  “I’m starting to think she abandoned us, along with the rest of those bastards.” Ashley spat, before letting out an exasperated sigh. “God, you’re so damn annoying. Fine, I’ll go see the family. But I won’t be held responsible if I end up killing someone.”

  “Just, please.” Greyson wrung his hands in frustration. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

  Ashley raised an eyebrow and gave him a look that would have peeled the skin off of his face, before he shook his head and apologized.

  “I didn’t mean it like that, Ash. Just, be mindful of yourself. All our lives are in the other’s hands.”

  “I mean it that way.” Dorian smirked. “You’re a loose cannon, and need to chill the hell out. You’ve just got to hold it together with your mom, dad, and siblings. I’ve got a wife and kid I need to deal with.” Dorian let out a belly laugh, then turned to leave the study. “I’ll see you back here in a couple days.”

  Dorian made his way out the door, and so did Ashley, after a hard look of disappointment and a flurry of curse words spoken under her breath. Greyson couldn’t blame them; he had become their pseudo leader despite Dorian being older than he was. And since then, had been calling every move their little group had made; for better or worse.

  Seems like it’s been for the worse, he thought. A lot worse since we essentially turned to the dark side. He stood from his desk, shrugging off any creeping guilt; determined to find their next step. There was no way they could just accept living here, among their enemies. Like Daniel and the others… his mind churned at the thought of the man. His power was so immense compared to the Dae. Even Dio’Mar had failed in killing him. He rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache beginning to form. There was too much to consider. Either way, for now, they would hide in plain sight and do their best to blend in.

  Another knock at the door startled him from his contemplation. “Fuck, what is it now?” He hissed, before responding with an irritated, “yes!?”

  “Sorry to bother you again, my Lord.” Dorik’s voice rang, muffled from the other side of the door. “You have received a summons from a representative of the High Council. They are requesting your presence first thing in the morning.”

  Greyson audibly exhaled a breath of relief. Tomorrow is a lot better than today, he thought. “Thank you Dorik, I will head over there at first light. Now, please ensure that I am not disturbed.”

  “Of course, Lord Lytro.” He heard Dorik’s voice fade as he left the door.

  The remainder of the night was spent in restless contemplation. Eventually, as the sun shone through the windows of his quarters, he was more than happy to leave his isolation and confront whatever issue the council might have with him. In his mind, this also would be a fantastic opportunity to address any of the dangerous rumors about him and his alleged curse.

  He made his way across the city to the nerve center of the aristocracy; the capitol building of Ne’arath. Again, he walked into the vast entryway, looking around until he eventually found where he was supposed to be. One of the upper floors, the high council chambers and offices. There, he met with a yellow-skinned secretary of sorts, who brought him to the offices of Lord Yami, of house Kamakura. The same Lord Yami who had shown him a very high level of distain during his first time visiting the capitol building.

  “Lord Lytro, of house Malfus.” The secretary announced as they entered the rather spacious office. She bowed deeply at the waist, until Yami came into view from another portion of the room.

  “Thank you, Le’ha.” He said, dismissing her with a wave and giving Greyson an unreadable look with his violet eyes.

  Le’ha quickly turned and left the office, leaving Greyson standing in the doorway, unsure of what to do. That is, until Yami gestured to an open chair across from him. Greyson took the seat, all the while trying to remain as unperturbed as possible.

  “I suppose it is no secret, Lytro.” Yami began, pouring himself a cup of wine. Another of the many cultural differences between Visoth and Eleutheros. “There is a great divide among the noble caste here, about what to think of you. Some, call you a hero for your deeds against the demon creatures. Your hard-fought victory, a testament to your house; what’s left of it, at least. And the other half seems to think you a cursed cautionary tale.” He leaned back, his pink skin and violet eyes, unnerving Greyson slightly. “I’m not sure what to make of you, myself. I only heard your name recently, for obvious reasons. That, however, is either a good thing, or the worst thing you could possibly imagine.”

  Greyson tensed, fully prepared to end this man’s life in an instant if need be. He could always assume the form of another. Too risky, he thought. Forcing himself to smile cordially to soften the rising tension. “I did what was required of me, at great personal cost. And would do so again, if the emperor so commanded.”

  Yami’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but otherwise gave no reaction; so, Greyson continued. “I know I am the last of my house. That the name of Malfus could have been snuffed out forever, the moment I crossed blades with three of the most dangerous creatures our people have ever faced. Yet, I did not question it. I welcomed the challenge. The chance to prove myself worthy. And… having succeeded where most others believed I would fail, I find myself almost welcoming this new challenge.”

  This time Yami’s face lifted with interest, but he still remained silent, beckoning Greyson to continue.

  “I don’t mind if the other noble houses believe me to be cursed.” Greyson declared, his eyes blazing with determination. “I have done the impossible, and have faced the greatest fear this world has to offer. What can they do to me with their whispers and rebukes? I ignore them, and all they have to say about me. I know what I am, and what I have done in service to the emperor. They, in turn should think not about what I have to fear from them; but what they have to fear from me.”

  Yami’s face twitched with an unreadable emotion, yet still he kept his near perfect composure. He’s either very powerful, or a master of his craft. Maybe both. Greyson thought. “Thankfully, I am a humble servant of Visoth, and will only do as commanded of me.”

  “Indeed…” Yami said, his voice rich with interest. “I should like to offer you something, Lytro, last of your house. A chance to bring this vigor and steely resolve to bare for your emperor.”

  “Of course.” Greyson nodded deeply, “what do you need?”

  “I have it on good authority that a group of Dae from the far East are making their way through the Shi’ Desert as we speak. Rumored to be traveling with multiple demons.”

  Greyson’s eyes widened at the news. “H… how many?”

  “I am not sure. Our sources have been silenced since our last message.” Yami leaned forward, pouring another cup of wine and slowly sliding it toward Greyson. “But the belief is, that they are headed to Eleutheros. Perhaps to join the creatures there who have taken over that kingdom. Regardless, they cannot be allowed to survive the trek.”

  Greyson thought for a moment, doing his best to remember the power of Lytro when he fought him all those weeks ago. He was a wind-user, he recalled. Great, how the hell am I going to explain being able to use water now. He sighed inwardly, just another problem to solve. “With all due respect, Lord Yami. In my current state, it will be difficult to function against another group of demons, so quickly. How much time do I have to prepare a team to fight them?”

  Yami glanced toward the entrance of a room on his left. The room he had exited when he arrived. Out of the doorway stepped a Dae woman; the same pink skinned Dae who Greyson had seen his first morning here. “Might I introduce my daughter, Lady Genmei, of house Kamakura. And one of our empires’ most skilled warriors.”

  Greyson gave her a once over, gauging, to the best of his ability, her strength. She held herself like a warrior, but maintained her femininity still. The sight brought Greyson’s stomach to churning. These damn people, he thought. “Very nice to meet you, Genmei.”

  “I’m sure, the honor is yours.” She spoke with a sharp tone, her face twisting to a sneer. “Father.” She turned to Yami, bowed, and quickly stormed out of the office.

  Greyson turned to Yami as well, confusion painted on his face. “Did I do something wrong, Lord Yami?”

  Yami smiled slightly, but shook his head. “She is of those who believes you are cursed, Lytro. And you just challenged her, and all who agree with her. I can respect your courage, however, whether your words are true or not, will be revealed in the near future.” He gestured toward the door where Genmei exited. “She will be your overseer for this taskforce. I want you to start training them in the ways of the demons. How they fight; how their power differs from our own. And of course, how to kill them. You will answer to her, and she answers only to me.”

  Fuck, Greyson did his best to keep his disappointment hidden. “As you command, Lord Yami. My knowledge and experience are at your disposal.”

  “Excellent.” Yami sat up straight, finished his wine in a single gulp and gestured at the exit. “Now, please excuse me, Lytro. I have another meeting that should be arriving any moment. I will have someone sent to fetch you first thing tomorrow morning.”

  With that, Yami stood and left the room, going through the side entrance without so much as a ‘good bye’.

  Greyson stood awkwardly, and saw himself out. He wasn’t sure whether to be relieved at the outcome of the meeting, or extremely stressed. “What the hell just happened?”