~RYDER~

I slammed my hand against the brown, wooden doors – my magic overflowed causing the lock to malfunction. Sparks flew as smoke rose up from the magic circle where we placed our hand for access.

I grunted, pushing the broken door open as I continued my commanding stride.

If only I could laugh at the multiple stares that locked onto me; my power flooded the hall as I continued to walk towards my destination – the headmaster’s office.

I noticed the old secretary’s eyes glanced up before growing wide as she struggled out of her seat.

“Ah, Ryder? The headmaster is with a knight right—”

I glared at her, Stryker taking the moment to take over as my eyes bled black – shutting the poor, old lady up.

I turned the corner, walking straight towards the black door with the gold plate –HEADMASTER’S OFFICE, written in bold, capital letters.

I turned the knob, not caring to knock as I pushed against the weak door a pair of wide, brown eyes greeted me.

“Ryder? Uh, I wasn’t expecting you so soon. I’m with a knight right now, he told me about the exam.” The older, plump male started to fidget out of his seat. Another knight?

I looked to my left; Leo’s wide eyes stared at me. I noticed the tissue in his nose, a large bruise on the side of his face where Stryker punched him.

I returned my focus to the man in charge. I didn’t have time to waste.

“I guess he informed you that Professor Sepherant was on site, claiming to be a substitute for the exam professor, who I recently discovered was found unconscious in the auditorium with a large bruise on his face. I bet what Leo didn’t tell you is that Sepherant stabbed Makoto, leaving her helpless thanks to the bracelet you insisted she wear so Leonardo over here could prove his skills, which left her to die in a pool of her own blood. My team, Winterlya the princess of Wintalyn, as well as your step-daughter, are now scurrying around Heila trying to save her from death. What a wonderful way of delivering the lost Princess of Heila to the King and Queen. I can only imagine what they’ll do if their daughter, only daughter, doesn’t survive this ordeal. Even if she does, I’m curious to see what punishment the King will bestow upon you?” The mockery that leaked off my voice pleased my demon nature.

What pleased us more was the way the headmaster’s body quaked; his eyes grew so wide, I thought those brown irises would burst.

“What! I didn’t agree to this. I had no idea Professor Sepherant was here or even on campus. I made it very clear to everyone that he should not be on the campus that he was banned. I made an announcement to all the knights!” he defended.

“I guess Leonardo over here missed the memo.” I gave him a murderous glare, fighting the urge to burn him to flames. He flinched as he backed away against the wall.

“You inconsiderate f—” the headmaster began to yell, but I rose my hand, signaling him to stop.

“Leave your insults for when you’re not wasting my time. I only came to give you these.” I pulled out the eight sheets of paper I had rolled and tucked halfway into my back pocket. I flicked them onto the desk, the sheets of paper scattered across the black wood. I could see the horror in his eyes as he looked back up at me, realizing what I was about to declare.

“As of today, I, Ryder Carter, the son of Alexander and Violet Carter and future heir of Minato revoke our contract. As does the rest of my team of knights, Daniel Moore, Elias and EliaseAnne Kingsley and Marcus Hunt, as well as Matthew Oxwell and Karen Knightly, the first and second commanders of Heila. We will no longer be involved in Knightwood’s affairs. Rosalina Mackenzie Heart or as you know her as Makoto Heart’s enrollment is invalid. All funds deposited into your account will cease as of this moment; our withdrawal forms are now on your desk. Don’t worry. I made sure Elias and EliaseAnne wrote separate forms. It’s a pleasure, headmaster. Pray to the Starlight gods that the princess recovers from this...or my team and I will be back and trust me; it will take all of your knights and more to stop us.”

I turned around, giving one last lethal glare at Leo before walking away.

“Don’t forget the stools,” Stryker reminded.

I walked out of the teachers building; the cloudy sky covered the sun. I stared at the dark grey patches floating away, small flashes flickered from time to time. A storm is brewing.

I began to walk, making my way towards the forest.

No more games. It was time to prepare for the darkness.

~LEONARDO~

I walked aimlessly in the rain, the frigid droplets beat against my body as I continued on, dragging my feet, one step after another.

Why?

Such a simple word, but it held a thousand questions – none of which would help solve my problem as I continued to walk in the storm raging around me.

Were the tears I shed every night in the comfort of my single room, my bed and a pillow hard as rocks, not enough? Were my failures and multiple attempts to please others, by slaving around the school, not a demonstration of my wish for acceptance?

For just once, I wanted to be praised. My ears craved for words of acknowledgment as my mind begged to feel what success was.

My hands wished to feel what power was like; my tongue longed for a taste of such satisfaction as I stood proudly and announced my position of high rank – people falling to their knees in awe and admiration.

Was my desire too weak to be felt by the gods above? Their bright, twinkling stars shone in the dark sky, mocking me each night as I begged for their salvation.

“Am I not worthy?”

I stopped in my tracks, the tears that threatened to spill gave in, the salt like water trailed down my flushed cheeks as I looked towards the sky.

I let out a loud cry, sobs wracked my body as I cried in place.

“Why have you forsaken me! You give everyone around me such blessings and hope, yet you belittle me and laugh. Was my rural upbringing not enough to give me a sense of joy? Is my dormant spirit to blame for such negligence? I am a child of yours, too! A being, created by your hands! Yet you leave me here to rot in suffering and agony. How long do I have to pray till you listen to me? Till my prayers are finally answered? Till I die and ascend to meet you face to face!” I roared.

I fell to my knees, pounding on the ground as if it was my enemy.

“I hate the gods...I despise you. If only I could make you pay. Yes, make you feel this agonizing pain I go through every day and night. I’d give the same amount of suffering I’ve bared my entire life. No. I’ll give you double, no, triple of my sorrow. You will regret not helping me,” I declared through clenched teeth, my eyes wide. I looked at my bloody hands; the pain gave me satisfaction.

“Would you like my assistance?”

I gazed up at the man in the white suit standing before me. His large, red umbrella leaned forward, shielding me from the cold rain that continued to beat harshly around us.

I saw his red eyes twinkle as his lips curled into a devilish smile. “You…you’re the man from before,” I stated, shivering at the memory.

“Yes. I’m sorry I had to contribute to such suffering. At the time, my resolve was as strong as yours. I needed to get rid of my targets and you had the information I needed. No hard feelings.” He reached out to me, his open hand stopped in front of me.

I took a moment to question his motives, but I brushed off such a mentality. I wasn’t a knight anymore. The decisions I made were mine alone. Whoever got affected by them wasn’t my business or concern. I was alone in this world, with no strings attaching me to such morals.

I placed my hand in his, that strong hand helped me up onto unsteady feet.

“I can see the determination in your eyes shifter. What is your name?” he questioned.

“Leo...Leonardo,” I whispered, not having the strength to admit that wretched surname that has brought nothing but misery.

Till this day, my mom being falsely accused of trying to poison the king hung over my family name. I knew she hadn’t done it, that she’d never commit such a criminal act, yet they ignored her pleas as she begged. I had to avenge her and that started with the source: those Starlight gods.

“What conquest vexes you to the point of defying the gods?” he questioned.

“Defying the gods? They called themselves gods, yet they can’t rewrite my destiny? They’ve made my life a living hell. They watched as my only family, my beloved mother, was stoned to death. She was innocent, yet they allowed her to perish,” I exclaimed, the tears rolled down my cheeks as I continued.

“The same gods have watched me trip and fall again and again as I strive to be someone respected. This cruel world has done nothing for me. Why continue to praise such beings when they are nothing but a lie. I’m tired of worshipping them. Instead, I’ll teach them what power is. I’ll make them suffer and feel the pain that bickers and claws at my soul,” I confidently vowed as I stared up at the man.

He nodded, looking pleased with my statement. “I will help you then, shifter. I see your potential; your conviction as strong as my objective. I too hate the gods with as much passion as yours and desire to see them fall from their heavenly thrones. It won’t be easy. I can’t guarantee that you’ll survive my trials and experiments, but I promise you power and strength. Shifters, young and old will bow down and kiss your feet in adoration as you sit on your throne of power. I will take you as my own. You are now my son, Leonardo.”

He gave me the most serene smile, kindness fluttered in those vibrant, red eyes as he patted me on the shoulder. A stranger, who knew nothing about me but my new-found purpose, was willing to help me succeed and walk this path of righteousness. I’d devote myself to him and would survive whatever was given to me. I wouldn’t fail. I couldn’t afford such defeat. I’d survive this. I would get my revenge.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Please. Call me Father.”

I wiped the tears that fell from my eyes with my arm as I stood, no longer fearful. “Father. I won’t let you down.” I vowed.

“I know you won’t son. Come, let us be off. We have lots to do,” he encouraged as he pressed against my back, urging me to walk with him.

I obeyed, not doubting his words.

Revenge. Yes, I’ll show the gods who I am. I’ll let them know what a dormant shifter is capable of. I will get my payback on all of those who have forsaken me. Even on Ryder and his friends. I’ll have them kneel and beg me to spare them, counting down while I listen to their pleas. I won’t show them pity. I’ll rid them of their light – anyone that opposes my conquest will be rid of their light.

I smiled wickedly as I said my last prayer, hoping the gods would listen to my words.