Shifting Loyalties

Later that day in the slums, the sun hung low in the sky, casting golden beams between rusted rooftops and broken fences. Inside a rickety old shack, Zain lounged lazily on a chair, his legs crossed and propped up on a table, casually chewing on a boerewors roll. The thick smell of grilled sausage filled the air, oddly comforting amidst the poverty and grime.

Across the room, two bodies began to stir. Justin blinked groggily and slowly sat up, surprised to find his arms neatly bandaged. Beside him, Luke touched his head and winced, also bandaged. They both looked toward the source of the aroma and saw Zain, nonchalantly devouring his meal.

Zain glanced over and grinned. "Oh, you guys are up. Don't worry, I bought two for you as well," he said, casually tossing two boerewors rolls their way.

Luke caught both. Without hesitation, he unwrapped one and bit in hungrily. But when he turned, he saw Justin struggling to lift his arms. Luke hesitated only for a second before he shifted closer and began feeding Justin, piece by piece, without a word.

Zain stood now, brushing crumbs from his shirt. "So, you know you can't go back to the Werewolf Kingdom, right? You failed your mission. Go back and it's execution or worse."

Justin and Luke kept eating in silence, their eyes trained on Zain.

"I'm planning to betray my father," Zain continued, his tone level. "But I can't do it alone. I need people I can trust."

The two didn't respond, but their chewing slowed.

"Not that you have much of a choice," Zain added with a sly smirk. "Anyway, I'm heading to the kingdom. You two should look for a witch to properly heal up. I did what I could. This place is safe, so don't worry."

Justin and Luke both nodded, mouths still full. Without another word, Zain left the shack and disappeared into the chaotic streets of the slums.

As they finished their food, the two sat quietly for a moment.

"Should we work for him?" Justin finally asked, licking grease from his lips.

Luke sighed. "Like we got any other options. Besides… Siegfried's a damn tyrant. I'd take Zain over him any day."

Justin nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Same."

They stepped outside, the dust of the slums swirling around their feet, and began searching for a witch.

Meanwhile, back at the Noble House of Kaizer, Blanchette sat curled on her bed, her face buried in her knees. Her shoulders trembled silently.

Why was I so mean to Jonathan? she thought. He was always so kind to me… always smiled, always played with me when I was a child. But my last memory of him… is punching him. I'm so sorry, Jonathan.

Tears ran down her cheeks. A soft knock came from her door.

"You may enter," she called out, quickly wiping her face and straightening up.

The door opened, and in stepped Joshua, a slightly nervous grin on his face. His hands were hidden behind his back.

"Hey, Blanchette," he greeted.

"Hello, Joshua," she said, her voice low, her eyes puffy and red.

Oh crap… did I come at a bad time? Joshua wondered, awkwardly shifting his weight.

Blanchette tilted her head. "What are you hiding behind your back?"

Joshua rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh… I got you a gift. But I can give it to you later if..."

She extended her hands, a soft smile appearing. "I'd like it now."

Joshua handed over a box wrapped in colorful paper. Blanchette unwrapped it slowly. Inside lay a pair of silver knuckle buster gauntlets , adorned with long, sharp spikes and glittering gemstones on the knuckles. Her eyes widened.

"This is… so cool!" she exclaimed, slipping them on and standing up.

"How do they look on me?" she asked playfully, shadow-boxing the air.

Joshua laughed. "They look great. But… Blanchette, why were you crying?"

The question hit her like a wave. She stopped, the light in her eyes dimming. Gently, she took the knuckles off and set them on her bedside table. Sitting back down, her shoulders slumped.

She told him everything, about Jonathan, her guilt, her regrets. Joshua sat beside her, listening quietly, then gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Back at the Xeno Noble House, Zain walked calmly through the marble halls. The contrast between luxury and rot clung to the air. As he turned a corner, he spotted Catherine.

"Hi Catherine, looking beautiful as always," he said with a small wink.

She offered a faint smile but didn't stop walking. "Hello, Zain."

Zain paused, watching her walk away with a quiet, almost broken expression. For a second, he considered saying more but thought better of it. He turned in the opposite direction.

As he passed his father's bedchambers, he noticed the door was slightly ajar. Curiosity or perhaps dread, got the better of him. He peeked inside.

King Siegfried was sleeping soundly. But Zain's eyes were drawn to the figure in white on the floor. Anna. She sat crumpled in a corner, crying, blood staining the lower part of her dress. His jaw clenched.

He turned away, his face darkening, until he ran into Johnny, who looked unusually cheerful.

"What got you so happy?" Zain asked, his tone flat.

"King Siegfried loved my gift," Johnny said with pride. "Didn't find Sam, but I brought back a noble vampire boy instead. He was impressed."

Zain's expression remained unreadable. Good. Sam is still out of Siegfried's hands.

"Where's Luther?" Zain asked, feigning casual interest.

"Oh, he stayed behind. Got himself killed by that knight, Percival. Idiot. Anyway, I'm heading to the wolf pub to celebrate. You coming?"

"I'm good."

Zain watched Johnny walk off before heading down the stairs to the dungeon.

Poor kid… he thought as he reached James's cell. The young vampire was hanging by chains, barely conscious, his pale face bloodied.

Two guards walked down the hallway toward the cell. Zain ducked behind a stack of crates and watched them take their positions outside James's door.

Even if I wanted to save you, kid… I couldn't. I've got my own hell to deal with.

With a final look of reluctant pity, Zain turned and walked back upstairs, into the lion's den that was his home.