CHAPTER 259: _WATCH OUT, FATHER

Kyren’s POV

*****

"My Lord... My Lord, please consider—"

"I’ve made up my mind already, Farrel." Kyren didn’t even glance back as he moved through the dimly lit hallways like a phantom.

His footsteps were heavy but his commander’s voice was even heavier. Tenser. A few minutes ago, the Rogue king made a decision that some might deem crazy.

He was heading to Arcadia. Solo.

"My Lord, we’ve been plotting our next hit on the Southern Arcadian city for a week now." Farrell struggled to keep up, whispering when they walked past servants. "If you head to Arcadia, what then? Are you going to sniff out Garrick from the thousands of cities and settlements there?"

"Don’t be dumb, Farrell," Kyren mumbled, glancing at his communication wrist band. "I have a plan. But for it to work, I need to dive into the witches’ territory."

A holographic screen flickered out of the wristband, showing a wide-ranging map of Evaros, the oceans surrounding it, and the continent North of it.

Thal’Saria.

Home to an elusive race that’s steered clear of the continent’s matters. The Alloy Dominion Overlords.

But its rich history wasn’t why it caught Kyren’s attention.

Thal’Saria was one of the territories outside Evaros which Garrick’s signal had bounced off. Contacting the alloy Dominion Overlords was out of the question. He’s never had to do that.

But if Garrick was confident enough to make that continent one of the places he scattered his signal through. Simply to send a "threatening message"? Then he gravely underestimated his father’s reckless side.

He was so distracted by his thoughts and staring at the holographic screen that he didn’t realise someone was in front of his path on time.

"Gods..." A light voice gasped, forcing Kyren to raise his head.

Stumbling ahead of them after accidentally crashing into him was a lad he recognised instantly.

Red hair that covered his dim blue eyes in waves. And a frail form which was now tinged with embarrassment.

Sylas.

The Omega boy had managed to befriend his little flame the last time the latter was here.

"Sylas." Kyren managed a small smile, raising his chin.

An invisible force held Sylas in place before he could stumble further, making him stare into Kyren’s curious eyes. The lad held a tray of wine-filled goblets, which had almost spilt.

"F–Forgive me, my Lord." Sylas bowed hastily, his cheeks reddening. "It’s all my fault. I—"

"Relax, boy." Kyren waved dismissively, stepping forward.

He placed a hand on Sylas’s shoulder, guiding him to stand upright. When the Omega did, the Lord of the Dark Lands continued:

"Your mind seems to carry a lot. Almost as much as me." He tilted his head, crimson eyes peering into the boy’s. "Why? Mind sharing?"

Sylas was one of the few servants he gave an atom of his attention. The eighteen-year-old’s thirst for knowledge has always impressed him. So much so that he gave him access to his grand Library.

"M–Me?" Sylas gulped, a faint smile ghosting his lips. "There’s... Nothing is troubling my mind at the moment, sir. I just got distracted. And I deeply apologise for that." He bowed again.

Kyren blinked at him slowly.

He didn’t believe him. Of course, he didn’t.

Not with the intense emotions he saw in those blue eyes.

However, he also didn’t care enough to pry into his mind and find out for himself.

"Stay out of trouble then." Kyren tapped his cheek, brushing past without another word.

He felt Farrell linger behind for a moment before rushing after him. It took only a few seconds for the interaction to clear from his mind.

.

.

"Does this mean we should pause any attacks on Runecrest city, my Lord?" Farrell questioned when they got outside.

Kyren had begun ascending the ramp leading into the sleek black battle craft. Unlike his other aircraft, this one wasn’t built with weapons or meant for fights.

It was purely meant for stealth.

"By the gods, no." Kyren threw him a glance. "Keep things running like I never left in fact. Follow up with Ishtar on the excavation and send our forces to Runecrest through the eastern seacoast. As planned."

Farrell’s eyes tinted with worry. "Why... Why does it sound like you aren’t returning?"

Kyren froze.

He turned around to face his commander, a mocking smile curling his lips. "Is someone worried?"

Farrell didn’t even try hiding his gaze. "Yes, my Lord. Anything could happen once you get there. It’s just you surrounded by an entire nation of witches. Not to mention—"

"You’ve been by my side almost all your life, Farrell." Kyren interrupted, placing his hands on the railing of the ramp. "It’s been barely half a century. And during all that time, have I ever gotten into a situation I couldn’t get out of?"

Farrell stayed down there silently, the red desert sands blowing into the wind.

After a few seconds, Farrell let himself look away. "No, sir. I’m sorry for doubting you."

Kyren kept his eyes on him.

His commander could be naive sometimes—but under that, he saw genuine reverence and care for the Dark Lands’ cause. Almost reminds him of his little flame...

"I’m trusting you with my kingdom while I’m away." Kyren finally broke the silence, turning back to the ship. "I’ll contact you if I need updates. Only reach out if it’s an emergency."

With that, he walked into the high-tech interior of the stealth craft, the doors sealing shut behind him as the ramp furled at the ship’s side.

Inside, the craft was covered in black metal and leather, lit by red runic crystals.

Kyren took the main control seat, sighing with satisfaction when a large holographic screen appeared where the front window was supposed to be.

"Engines ready. Location set for Gravethorn City." The craft’s AI system announced with a feminine voice.

Gravethorn.

The border city, Northeast of the Dark Lands, separates it from Arcadia. It was also, the first spot Arcadia ever attacked, officially kick-starting the war.

Today Kyren would use that city as his gateway to breach Arcadian borders.

"Watch out, father." He grinned coldly as the craft lifted off the desert. "I’m coming for you. And mother. We’ll see who’s going to run then..."

The stealth craft initiated its cloaking tech before zooming into the ashen skies.