Episode 5

I remained staring at them, drowning myself in silence to process what I had heard. “Take her, Alexus. Get what she promised us,” the man I had been talking to said.

I sighed heavily. I didn't know my life here would be so complicated. I am the marked Muryō. The Black Phoenix is my guardian. I am his Master. Malaya is his Master.

I stood up and turned to Alexus. The man was grinning at me like he hated me so much. I smiled sarcastically. He didn't know me, yet he was already making me feel unworthy.

Malaya. What have you become to make these people hate you so much?

I adjusted my hooded cloak before nodding to the man. I smiled at him and thanked him. I walked out first, then started walking.

I didn't care if that guy didn't follow me though. I came here alone, and I would go home alone. It would be better if I died suddenly here.

I stopped midway as I felt Alexus' presence behind me. I turned to him. He also stopped when he noticed I was looking at him. I looked at him lazily.

He yawned while staring at me as if I was a boring pet. I sighed. “Can you kill me?” I asked. He furrowed his brow while staring at me. He scoffed. “Of course. I can. Why?” he also asked me.

“Kill me,” I ordered.

His eyebrows rose as if he thought I was joking. “I'm not an idiot. Maybe before I slit your throat, I'll be the one without a head,” he declared.

“But you want me dead, right?” I asked again.

He cleared his throat. “Hurry up. Go home. I still need to collect your payment,” he said dismissively in response to my question.

I shoved the hollow feeling aside and continued walking. I silently walked along the dark path without fear. Alexus was silent too. But he asked me later on.

“Why do you want to die?” he asked. I inhaled sharply and smiled. Genuinely, this time. Mikael's face ran through my mind for a moment. “I don't want to live anymore.” I said.

I may be thinking irrationally because of what I'm deciding right now, but no. I admit to myself that living alone without Mikael is like breathing without life.

I suddenly remembered the man I was here for. I gasped lightly. Would he let me? When I heard the story from him earlier, I didn't know if I should believe it.

But his mission is to protect me from his own powers. Death is one of them. Surely he won't let me die. Or, perhaps, he will let me if I wanted it myself?

I heard the man's loud smirk behind me. Alexus was smirking out of annoyance. “Why is it so easy for you to say that? So many people want to live, and you're asking for this? Well, you've lived a luxurious life. You haven't suffered,” he told me intently.

I was suddenly struck by his words. He sounded so insensitive. “You don't know what I'm feeling.” I said. I said it emotionally, and I felt him fall silent while walking.

Why is it so easy for me to say that? I smiled at myself. In my past life, I was an orphan. No parents, no relatives, and no friends. I lived in poverty. I was used to hunger. And people who reigned in greed took the things that should have been mine.

Malaya is the same too. Even with the power and riches, she was unloved and hated. She was insecure and alone. I read it myself that she also wished to be gone.

So, how can I say that I wanted to die? It's because the world is giving me reasons to do so. Many people want to live? I scoffed. More people are wishing for their own deaths because they can't bring themselves to live in this world.

I stopped walking when I saw a familiar man in front of me. I was only meters away from the House of Eléftheros, but the guy was on the way.

Long-silver hair. White long coat with a mark on its left upper chest. And even with the darkness that consumed us, I could recognize the man's appearance.

Silver eyes. Fair skin. Tall and good-looking.

“Alexus. Stay put,” I whispered. Alexus was silent behind me, but I could feel his grumbling. I knew he knew this guy. I mean— this is the f-cking High Priest!

I closed my eyes. I cursed someone who was respectable and dignified. And mind me! He also has the mark of a Phoenix! The Silver Phoenix!

I bowed my head in respect. I hoped he didn't realize who I was. This man also hated Malaya. I couldn't afford to go home and be noticed by this guy. And why was he here?

“Heads up. I know both of you,” his voice was deep. I looked up. My hood slipped, so he could see my whole face now.

I stared at him with no enthusiasm. He looked at me blankly too. “Malaya,” he said. Of course. No Lady, no Madame, no abbreviations for me because he hated me from the first place!

“Why are you out, late at night? And, why are you with Alexus? That man is a rogue. He’s dangerous,” he said coldly. I sighed. “Why do you care, anyway?” I said rudely.

If this was the real Malaya, she would kneel on the ground for this man! But no. If he hated me, I also hated him.

“Oh? Your Father knew you escaped. He called for everyone in the main palace to help him look for you. Is this acting again? I'm sure now you felt satisfied because my brother is in the House of Eléftheros. Forced to come to look for you.” he explained.

My grip tightened. So, they knew I ran away? And they were all inside? Looking for me? Huh! They were just sitting there. They just sent someone to find me.

I ignored it. “I don't care. Move aside,” I said nonchalantly. Alexus cleared his throat. He seemed to be warning me. The man in front of us smirked.

Luis smiled, looking so dignified. “Are the rumors true? You have gone crazy?” he said. I exhaled sharply. Seriously? He's the High Priest right now?

He threw a bag of gold to the man behind me. I don't know where he got it. “I told you, Alexus. Turn over a new leaf. Why do you keep doing illegal things to make a living?” he said seriously.

Alexus glared at him with a tight jaw. I glared at Luis too. That was... low! This... man insulted Alexus!

I took the bag of gold and threw it away forcefully. I bravely faced Luis. “Do you think I can't pay him?” I smirked.

“Don't forget that this lady is Malaya Eléftheros. Your supposed sister-in-law. I equal you in riches. Stop paying on my behalf like you're my sugar daddy,” I said without hesitation.

“Alexus. I will go back to your place tomorrow. Just tell your father that there's a problem here, so I can't give you anything. I promised I would pay you tomorrow. If I break my promise... ”

I looked at Luis. “Assassinate me,”

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