“Mercy is rarely a virtue. Often, it is just exhaustion disguised.”
————
Butler Chan placed the dinner tray softly in front of Xandros. The quiet clink of ceramic against wood echoed in the dining hall.
Across the room stood Jax and Sloane, shifting uncomfortably, holding an unconscious girl wrapped in torn cloth and bruises blooming like sick flowers across her skin.
Butler Chan’s voice was cold and final.
Butler chen
No
Sloane sighed under his breath, leaning toward Jax.
Sloane (whispering):
Sloane
Told you he wouldn’t let us.
Jax elbowed her hard, eyes narrowing.
Jax
She’s the only one who survived the blasted dungeon. If she stays alive, she can give us information.
He glanced at Butler Chan desperately.
Jax
Please. For Sher’s—
Butler chen
No
Jax scowled.
Jax
C'mon Old Man
Butler chen
Take her anywhere. It’s Lady’s order. No unknown person is allowed here.
Xandros’s hand clenched around his fork so tightly his knuckles whitened.
Jax
It’s beneficial to Sher!
Sloane
Grandpa, she won’t harm him.
Jax
If she does, I’ll kill her before anyone else.
Butler chen
No means no!
Their voices rose in the hall like bickering crows until Xandros pushed back his chair with a sudden screech against marble.
He stood, dizzy from the sharp movement, but his voice was calm.
Xandros
Shift her in the room next to mine.
Both Sloane and Jax turned to him, eyes wide with stunned relief.
Butler chen
But Baba?
Xandros didn’t look at him. His gaze was fixed on the broken girl hanging limply in Jax’s arms.
Xandros
I’m your Lady’s son. I’m the master here. And you must listen to me in her absence
He pressed his fingers to his temple, wincing as pain throbbed behind his eyes.
Xandros
Enough. My head is spinning
His eyes softened for a moment as he stared at her bruised face, unreadable thoughts flickering.
Xandros
& call for a doctor
It was the first time he spoke for someone else, but would he know what disaster he’d ordered to save?
Comments
❦︎𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗻❦︎
Alora herself is a disaster
It should be alora
hope so it doesn't change
2025-06-29
37
Audrey
Tag it as dark fantasy
2025-06-29
12
حسین جعفری
I think I'm crack
My aesthetic vibes like the view
2025-06-29
10