Chapter 28: The Calm Before the Storm
He took a step back and dropped to his knees.
"I'm sorry, Father. I lost control of my emotions—it won't happen again. I'll keep them in check. Master can punish this humble son as he wishes," he said, bowing low before the Master, prepared for whatever punishment would come.
But none came.
Instead, a gentle pat landed on his back.
"I see you're ready," the Master said in an encouraging tone. "Go, my child, and reclaim what is rightfully ours."
Percy, still on the ground, couldn't believe what he was witnessing. Sure, they all knew Little 9 was the Master's favorite, but this—this was on another level. Attacking one of their own was supposed to be punishable by death. Hadn't they already lost a brother for attacking Little 7?
He hadn't expected Little 9 to face death, but he certainly hadn't expected him to walk away unscathed. His eyes, filled with disbelief and complaint, met the Master's.
The Master turned to him, fully aware of Percy's inner turmoil.
"I know you feel wronged," he said, "but you're not innocent either. You've always known your brother's temper, and yet you poked at his wounds. What did you expect?"
With a swift motion, the Master healed Percy's injuries and helped him to his feet.
"This fury of his—it's useful to us. Aren't you tired of living in the jungle when we were meant to lead? Don't you want the life of a prince? The respect you deserve?"
The words did their work. Percy calmed, though the fire in his heart remained kindled.
But the Master knew better. Percy may have seemed carefree, but he was the most vengeful among them. This wouldn't be forgotten—it would be settled, eventually. Just not now. For now, he needed unity. He needed them on his side.
Later, back in his chamber, Percy paced restlessly.
"I only riled him up to make him stronger, and he dared try to kill me," he muttered. His voice simmered with restrained anger.
"I'll settle this. No matter how long it takes, I won't forget what you did, Little 9."
A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
"And who are you planning to settle a score with this time, brother?"
"Mind your own business, Little 5," Percy snapped, brushing past the newcomer and storming out of the room.
Little 5's eyes sparkled with mischief. His mind was already racing with schemes.
Meanwhile, in the village, a familiar tremor echoed through the ground—one they hadn't felt in almost a year. Life had nearly returned to normal. The prophecy had faded from the villagers' daily thoughts… until now.
The earth shook violently. Heavy footsteps pounded in unison.
He was back.
The Shrouded One—believed defeated—had returned. And this time, stronger.
Panic broke through the village like wildfire. Screams filled the air as people scrambled for shelter, desperate to protect themselves from the wrath he might unleash.
In their usual spot, Elara and Ariella felt the tremors too. No words were needed—they both knew.
"He's back. Stronger than before, I presume," Elara said, turning to Ariella. Fear danced in both their eyes, but beneath it burned resilience. They couldn't turn back now.
"There's no room for giving up."
Across the land, the Shrouded One marched, eyes glowing a deep, menacing red. He patted the twin-headed beast beside him.
"Little girls, I'm back," he declared. "I hope you're ready. This time, I'll wipe out the face of the earth if that's what it takes to get the job done."