Who Do You Serve?

--The Nydisian Kingdom, Eraregord, Othes Forest--

Katherine was slightly taken aback by his blunt response. She remained silent as Llewellyn had gone back to get some water and she wasn't in the mood to speak with Lucian.

"Milord," Katherine said, not being able to keep her opinions silent. "Is that too much of a risk to take?"

"I will do what I deem fit." Lucian glared at the brunette with his glowing red eyes, as if he was checking for any defiance.

Katherine squirmed under his intense gaze and nodded obediently to his words. He let go of her and backed away. On cue, Llewellyn had caught up with them curious as to what had happened that led to the hostile tension coming from both Lucian and the human.

Katherine sighed and continued walking in the direction where they were headed, not waiting for either Llewellyn or Lucian.

Llewellyn had stayed back to have a talk with Lucian. "She's just a child," He said trying to get Lucian to empathize with her.

"I can see that," Lucian said looking off in the direction where the brunette had gone.

Katherine continued to make a silent protest as she stomped her small feet in the grass. Shortly after, Katherine heard footsteps following close behind and she assumed it was Lucian until a hand wrapped around her mouth to keep her silent and she immediately became alarmed.

She was thrown to the ground and came face to face with the attacker that bared his teeth at her.

He growled and was about to sink his teeth into her neck but luckily just in time, Lucian snapped his neck, rendering the attacker unconscious while Llewellyn picked Katherine off the ground.

Katherine was still shaking from the scare she just experienced, Llewellyn scanned her checking for any injuries but there were none.

Lucian stayed quiet and knelt beside the man, he lifted up the man's arm to reveal a red burn mark, the man had been branded.

"The mark of the anti-monarchs," Lucian frowned and looked up at Llewellyn. Katherine let out a low gasp remembering that Lucian had told her earlier that the rebellion wanted her dead.

"They're not supposed to be this far up north," Lucian's eyes scanned the surroundings, deeming whether or not they were safe, and subconsciously Katherine did the same.

Lucian punched his hand through the man's chest and kept it there. Immediately, the man regained consciousness with wide eyes staring at the hand buried in her chest while gasping for air.

"Who do you serve?" Lucian ordered as his eyes started to dark, which in itself scared Katherine.

The man stayed silent then out of irritation Lucian twisted his hand in the man's chest making him scream in pain.

Katherine couldn't stand watching the scene that unfolded right in front of her so she turned away and snuggled her head in Llewellyn's chest.

"He will come for her," The man managed to wheeze out. Who would? Katherine thought.

She turned back to see that man staring at her while blood spilled from his mouth, "Your... death is our victory," He sneered at the human.

Katherine felt a bit of vomit rise in her mouth but she kept it down. Before he could say anything else, Lucian had already pulled out his heart and tossed it aside carelessly.

The blood of Lucian's palm had extended to his whole hand. "They're becoming too bold," Llewellyn said as he let go of Katherine to check the man's mark once more.

Katherine stared at the gaping hole in the man's chest and the stench of his blood filled the air making her feel queasy.

Lucian glanced at Katherine to check if she was hurt anywhere, which she wasn't seeing as he didn't smell any of her blood. "You'll be safer at the academy," Lucian assured her and Katherine nodded eagerly, as she wanted to leave the forest.

Katherine was silent for the rest of the walk to the academy, what happened just now was embedded in her memory.

They continued walking and not too long after, they arrived at the gates of the Royal Academy.

The school was truly built for royalty as it was the place where Lords, Dukes and other high-ranking people in society would come to become scholars and diplomats. It was almost as beautiful as the castle.

The tall gates had a soft barrier around them, it was so mesmerizing, Katherine thought as she walked closer out of curiosity to touch the barrier. Lucian caught her wrist before she could.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you," Katherine pulled her hand away from his grip and moved away from the barrier. Simultaneously, the gates opened and the barrier became lax slightly but just enough for them to pass through it.

Lucian walked ahead as Katherine took her time scanning the school and the land of which the school spread across which was massive.

There were several buildings spread across the land but it was apparent which one was the main building as it had a large staircase made of stone and two huge statured wolves on either side. It was similar to that of the castle but this one was much smaller in comparison.

A man dressed in formal attire approached them. The man tilted his head slightly when he caught sight of a human girl. "Milord, it's a pleasure to have you here. I'm sure you must want to rest," The man suggested.

"No need, we'll discuss in your study," Lucian said as the man bowed towards him and Llewellyn but not before sneaking a curious glance at the human being honoured to stand by the King's side.