A stunned silence filled the open area. Nobody reacted, nobody spoke, and the peace dragged on for a few seconds until a boisterous laughter broke the tranquility.

It was as if a pebble had been dropped in the still water. The ripples created a domino effect and soon, the crowd burst out laughing, deriding Kael with mockery and jabs.

"You say you are an exorcist?" one of the men shouted and Kael raised his head when he heard the oddly familiar voice. A frown marred his face when he saw who it was, but he didn't respond while he faced the obnoxious man.

"This is the biggest joke of the millennium." Justin's father snickered and pointed fingers as he continued to insult Kael. " Do you think we are all fools here? Ghosts?" he scoffed and rolled his eyes. "They are just a myth, a mirage created to fool the weak. "Who do you think you're fooling, kid?"

"Yeah, he seems to be lying. Maybe he didn't awaken any powers and is now trying to cook up something."

"What a liar! Is there a need to lie? None of us will be repelled by him if he isn't a blessed one."

"I never expected to see drama here. What an eye-opener!"

"The kid looks honest. I never expected him to be a trickster. Is there a need to lie to show yourself big? Ghosts? Heh! What nonsense!"

"What if he can actually see ghosts?" a tiny voice asked.

"Impossible! If he can, I'll write my name backwards," Justin's father declared and Kael was just short of asking him what his name was.

'It'd be interesting to know how your name sounds backwards.'

The crowd started to boo and Kael felt humiliated. But he stood his ground and faced his audience, ignoring the dignitaries on the state.

"I'm not lying. I can really see ghosts," he affirmed, his face and tone filled with confidence and courage.

"In that case, ask one of them to show themselves before us. We'll believe you." Justin's father challenged and Kael's head instantly turned towards the castle door.

Darius had returned to his position and was now hanging from the door. He waved at him with a huge grin dancing on his lips as soon as their eyes met.

Kael tilted his head, quietly gesturing to help him. But all he got in return was a blink. Darius quirked his brows in confusion. He didn't understand what Kael was asking him or that was what it looked like.

But Kael knew otherwise. The annoying ghost was playing with him and from his actions, it was evident that he wouldn't be getting any help from anyone.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Kael gnashed his teeth and glared at him and Darius shrunk his neck when he realized he couldn't fool the young man. However, he still remained in his spot, dangling from the door as he observed the drama from where he was.

Kael narrowed his eyes when he noticed the ghost's lack of response and he pursed his lips.

'You... this is going to cost you. Be prepared,' he promised before returning his attention to the crowd.

"What's wrong, boy? Is your ghost unwilling to show itself before us?" Justin's father taunted Kael and the crowd erupted into fits of laughter.

No one came to his rescue. Kael knew it was his battle and he wouldn't be getting any help from anyone.

Just when he was about to shoot back, he heard his father's voice from somewhere to his right.

"If my son says that he can see ghosts, then he can see ghosts." Richard's thunderous shout was filled with fury, assertion, and aggression. He marched forward until he was right before his son below the stage.

Kael beamed when he received his father's support. He didn't know if his father was being just supportive or if he actually believed him. Nevertheless, he was glad that he had someone's belief.

"You..."

"I believe him as well," Percival added all of a sudden, shifting the spotlight to him.

Even Kael's head snapped to him, his eyes widening in surprise.

'This is unexpected. Why does Mr. Vernon believe me when no one else does? What's cooking here?'

Kael was utterly suspicious of him. He started to have trust issues when he took his first step inside the castle. So, he believed no one, no one but his father.

Percival flashed him a smile and nodded to emphasize his stand on the matter.

"But Mr. Vernon...."

"Do you object to my decisions?" Percival's expression worsened and he glowered at Justin's father who was still trying to create chaos. His gaze was so intense that the repulsive man cowered in fear. He shook his head and lowered his eyes, hiding himself from everyone, especially Percival.

"Anybody else has any problem?" Percival darted his gaze across the venue and the crowd went silent.

It was then Kael noticed that the crowd had dwindled over time.

'Maybe the ones who weren't lucky left early,' he thought and flashed Percival a smile when nobody else questioned him before he turned to leave.

"Wait a minute, young man." Percival stopped him, forcing Kael to remain standing.

"Yes, Mr. Vernon?"

"May I know your name?"

"I'm Kael, Mr. Vernon."

"Kael." Percival nodded. "It's good to know you."

"The feeling's mutual, Mr. Vernon."

"Your father is waiting, young man. You may go."

"Yes, Mr. Vernon. Take care."

Kael was about to leave when he noticed the man beside him suddenly staring at the castle. The smile on his face had instantly vanished. But there was an odd glint in his eyes. The crazed look reminded him of Darius and a startling notion popped into his mind.

However, before he could dwell more upon it, his father's voice broke his chain of thoughts, and Kael was forced to leave the stage.

Richard welcomed him wholeheartedly. Although the drama had ended, there were quite a few who didn't stop looking at him in disgust.

Kael stopped walking when he felt a malicious gaze on him. Justin's father was glaring at him as if he had robbed him of his money.

'Why do have a resentful look? I didn't kidnap you and hold you at gunpoint. Did I?' Kael thought.

Justin's father stood before him. "You're evil."

"Am I?" Kael frowned, not understanding where his intense resentment came from. It was the first time they were meeting.

"Your deception will not continue forever. Your truth will be out one day. I'll see how you'll continue to deceive everyone then."

"Well, good luck to you." Kael didn't know what else to say. The man was a lunatic.

Justin's father scoffed and gave him a finger before leaving the venue. He had no idea that his words would one day bite him in the ass one day and he would come running to Kael for help.