It was a struggle to find a comfortable position on the plush bed.

The hotel room was filled with imitations of quality items. The golden curtains and gleaming wood were enough to deceive. Using other senses, it was easy to deduce that the material wasn’t pure. A different breed of criminal thrived in plain sight. They didn’t kill or steal, but subtly manipulated the masses. All their actions within the law. Criminals that would never be caught.

Casper occupied a table in the room and maintained a look of disbelief. He occasionally shook his head and clicked on the cyroscope. “I can’t believe Diego would do this.”

“Enemies are often closer than you can imagine.”

“I know, but still. It’s Diego! Are you sure this information is accurate?”

Alexander's sudden appearance nearly caused Casper to tumble out of his chair. “You’ve sat here for at least an hour analyzing this, and you have the audacity to ask me that? Why wouldn’t it be accurate? Do you take me for an ametaur. I’m not the one you need to question.”

Casper cleared his throat and stood firm. “You’re right, I...”

Alexander waved him away and collapsed on the bed, closing his eyes.

“I’ll get this to Matisse, and this doesn’t count as help since it was a serious matter.”

The door clicked, and he was left alone for a few moments. His eye jolted open to see a flash of color from a bird.

A swirling portal formed under him, causing him to fall in. His senses heightened, and the surroundings came into focus - his childhood home. In an expected face off, he stood, locking eyes with his scheming grandfather.

The older man clutched a scepter in his head, ready to assault someone with it. His white mane hung short at his neck, once flowing beyond its current limit. He didn’t bear the semblance of a usual grandfather, one of certain warmth and gentleness. His eyes were full of mischief and indifference, sweltering together. Hyacin gazed down at his grandson with a wide smile.

Alexander adjusted himself on the couch. “A call would have sufficed.”

The colorful bird landed on Hyacin’s shoulder and cooed. Its head moved around, peering at him.

“Look at you. All business and no fun. On top of that, you’re ugly.” His youthful and raspy voice filled the room. The bird squawked in agreement.

“Is there a direction this conversation is going, or are am I here for you to insult me?”

“I can do both, and tastefully, might I add. It’s been awhile since we’ve spent time together, and I miss you.” Hyacin touched his chest and an earnest smile faded as Alexander laughed at him.

“You expect me to believe that? Seriously?”

“I know I can be mean, and it’s only a defense to hide how much I love you.”

Alexander rose from the couch and distanced himself. “Okay. Stop it. You’re creeping me out.”

“Fine, maybe I don’t mean all that mushy stuff, but I truly do miss our outings. You used to be my sidekick.”

“Yeah, you’d kick me in the side and say I’m not trying hard enough.”

“Look at you now.” He held his hands out toward Alexander. “Thanks to me, you’re not a complete disappointment!”

“Where are we going?”

“The Market of Erebos. Today, the moon will rise and there’s something I want to buy..” It was possible the man had other plans, although he wouldn’t find out unless he went along. A purple void opened behind Hyacin, who flashed a smirk in his direction. “Follow meee…” With a deliberate slowness, he stepped into the beckoning portal.

The streets of Wuthon were crowded with vampires and demon kind alike at the annual event. Sidewalks transformed into bustling markets possessing wares tempting the passbyers. The streets were a playground to travelers and otherwise. Their eyes darting for treasures to purchase or, sneak away under the cover of lively chaos.

Security loomed, a formidable presence amidst the festivities. Their weapons gleamed, eyes sharp and alert for any sign of trouble.

A sly smirk made its way to Hyacin’s face. “Are you involved with anyone?”

“Really?” An expression of distaste crossed Alexander’s face at the question and his current environment. It was too crowded.

“Why don’t I watch Riley and you can search for love? That’s what takes up your time, correct?”

“Pass.”

Hyacin scoffed and shook his head. “You can’t be my grandson. When I was your age-”

“We both know you were never my age. You were born a senile and lonely man.”

“Just because you’re older now doesn’t mean I won’t knock you out.” Hyacin reminded him in a sweet manner. “Oh, and speaking of Riley, did you know he struck up a deal with Baston?”

Their conversation halted, and like a seasoned hunter, Hyacin thrust his hand in front of Alexander. His gaze was locked onto a booth as if it were a wild creature.. The booth displayed a blue-hued jam, drawing in a line of people. “We should have come earlier. Look at those sons of beasts.” Hyacin spat out with an icy stare, his eyes shifting to a fierce shade of purple.

A portal manifested in the booth, taking the jams with it, and none were the wiser until after. Two jars descended from a portal above, and Hyacin tossed one to Alexander and snatched utensils from a nearby stall to eat with.

“He’s only using him to compete against me. If that doesn’t work, it’s another business he controls.”

“You shouldn’t be dealing with him to begin with, but enough business.”

“Wouldn’t it be funny if a fight broke out? It’d be a war all over again.”

A commotion ahead of them caused congestion in the market. As they neared, he felt the exasperating presence, but Isadore’s wasn’t mixed in. Elias Le Wren, the son of a partner with the Inferno, was in a hassle with the locals.

“Why don’t we all take a moment to calm down? You’re accusing me of something I didn’t say.” His red eyes were filled with feigned concern as he raised his hands in a placating gesture. His top hat was tilted to the side, covering the blonde braided hair fixed in a ponytail.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

“How can you stand here and lie? Several people heard you call me an imp,” a distraught demon pointed out. “All I’m asking for is an apology.”

Among the crowd of murmurs, a strong voice spoke out. “I didn’t hear anything. You people are always making up stuff.” A vampire called out from the crowd.

“You people?! That’s rich coming from a blood sucker. You’re no different from an animal.”

Security remained on the sidelines, watching the brewing conflict. Someone would need to throw a punch before they’d interfere, and it’s what they were counting on.

Hyacin pushed through the crowd and his voice rang out. “What’s the problem? You’re all slowing down my commute.”

“He bumped into me and called me a lowly imp under his breath. My friends heard it, too.” She explained, motioning to them. “That was disrespectful, and all I ask for is an apology.”

Hyacin turned to Elias, glowering down at him. “Is that true?”

“This is a case of misunderstanding, and I assure you I didn’t say that.”

Alexander, against his better judgment, hit a vampire in his face. This sparked a chain of accusations and actions that led to a fight. Elias insisted on being tracked as he scurried away from the uproar. He ended up in an alley, murmuring expletives.

Alexander stood in front him. “Woah, it’s crazy out there. What happened?”

Elias jumped back with wide eyes. “Don’t do that!”

“My bad. You looked lost and-”

“A couple of ruffians are going at it, disrupting the peace.” Elias dusted off his clothing and adjusted his hat. “I’m ready to leave this wretched country.”

“That-”

Elias began to circle him while he ranted. “I can’t stand demons. You prance around like you hold dominion over all. The war is over, yet you cling to your delusions. Wuthon should have been ours, but Emperor Zayn wanted peace,” Elias spat out with a scowl on his face. “And, now we’re forced to suffer in the presence of you haughty creatures.”

A piercing force stabbed at the mental boundary of his mind, an annoying and futile endeavor. With each attempt, the vampire’s confidence wavered.

“I see you know a bit of history. How charming. Wouldn’t it be interesting if let’s say another war began, and we could truly see who would win? That would be exciting.”

“How-”

“The war never ended. It only simmered down, but I don’t agree with your stance on demons. We’re the superior ones. You were bested by one, after all.”

Elias remained in the same spot, his mouth struggling to form a sentence. Alexander knocked his hat off and continued to walk past him. He couldn’t say he was surprised, but the revelation was intriguing. This was who he was working with. He couldn’t wait to see how this would evolve.

“Where have you been? You missed all the action.” Hyacin picked up a piece of fruit and inspected it.

“Something needed my attention. I’m sure you witnessed enough for me.”

“Haughty Hyacin! I never thought this day would come.” The arrival of the new voice turned their heads. This vibrant, fresh personality was garbed in an outfit similar to that of a jester. His hair was in sync with his attire, accompanied by a huge grin on his face. "How many years has it been? Three hundred and sixty-seven?"

Hyacin’s composed demeanor shattered the moment his eyes landed on Kace Winchester. A mixture of emotions emitted from the man as his eyes went feral. “What part of 'I never want to see you again', don’t you understand?”

“I was fine with the proposal until I remembered you owed me money. Five hundred asain to be exact.”

“What?! When?”

“Remember that game of snap we played, and you cheated?”

Hyacin folded his arms. “I'm not paying you back because I didn't cheat.”

“It's amazing how selective your memory is.”

They went back and forth, bickering and hurling insults at each other.

“I'll pay him on your behalf,” Alexander offered.

Kace snapped his head toward him. “Hey, you look like Stephen.”

“Yes, he's my father."

Hyacin facepalmed.

“That’s perfect! If you don’t want to pay me back in money, I’ll take it in blood.”

Kace’s arm wrapped around him, pulling him away from Hyacin. He flung his hat to the ground, resulting in a sizable hole. He leaped and cackled all the way down, causing Hyacin to jump in after him.

They landed on what appeared to be a floating island. Overhead, a circular object resembling a moon with the same wide grin as Kace's could be observed in the sky. A profound, dark blue stretched above them.

Kace clapped his hands once, and the surroundings began to change. Shadowy structures began to appear and form a shape. He coughed manically and spoke. "As the playing field is being built, let me clarify the rules of the game."

Hyacin smacked Kace across the face with his scepter. The man's neck extended upon impact. "Let us out of here, you bastard," Hyacin demanded as the gap between Kace's head and body increased. How was he able to use magic?

His head snapped back in an instant. “Since you refuse to pay me what’s rightfully mine, you will help me test out my latest creation.”

“I’d rather spend time with my sons," Hyacin commented bitterly. Damn.

“We’re already here. Let’s hear him out and it could be fun.” Alexander encouraged, and Hyacin seethed, walking over to Kace.

“I’ll play this game, beat you, and when this is over, I don’t want to see you again. I mean it this time.”

“Sure,” Kace chirped. “Ready to begin?”

“Let’s get this over with.”