A Predator's Demise (5)

Inside the Silverleaf Hospital,

Ivan's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the warm glow of morning sunlight streaming through the window. He turned to his side, expecting to see Ian still asleep. To his surprise, Ian was already awake, bathed in the morning light, a bright smile illuminating his face. Ivan couldn't help but feel a surge of relief; Ian's smile was a welcome balm after everything that had happened

"Good morning," Ivan said, his voice low.

Ian's grin widened. "Morning, brother!" His eyes sparkled with excitement, and Ivan couldn't help but be drawn in by his brother's infectious energy

Ivan's expression turned serious, his concern for Ian's health evident in his tone. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice softening as he reached out to gently touch Ian's shoulder.

Ian chuckled, the sound ringing with genuine warmth. "I'm all good, Ivan. No torture can keep me down." He said it with a grin, but Ivan could see the faintest hint of vulnerability behind his brother's eyes.

Ivan's face darkened, his eyes clouding over with the memories of their shared ordeal. The pain and fear of almost losing his brother still lingered. "I got revenge for you, and that bastard is dead," he said, his voice low and even.

Ian's eyes sparkled with amusement, a hint of mischief dancing in their corners. He knew that Ivan's anger was a shield, a way to keep his emotions from getting the better of him. "Language, brother!" he said, teasingly, trying to lighten the mood.

Ivan shot him a deadpan look. but soon, his expression softened slightly, his eyes relaxing into a more relaxed state. His jaw unclenched, and his shoulders dropped an inch or two. "sorry," he said, his voice a little softer. 

Ian just laughed, his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and he leaned in, his gaze holding Ivan's. The warmth of their bodies seemed to envelop them, filling the air with a sense of comfort and familiarity. "I appreciate it, Ivan," he said, his voice low and sincere.

Ivan's gaze lingered on Ian's, his eyes searching for something more, a deeper connection that only they shared. For a moment, they just sat there, the tension between them dissolving like mist in the morning sun.

Ivan's expression softened, a hint of regret creeping in. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you," he said, his voice tinged with apology. "I should have been able to protect you better."

Ian shook his head, his eyes filled with a newfound understanding. "It's fine, brother," he said gently, his voice laced with a sense of closure. "I'm just glad we're both safe now." He paused, his eyes sparkling with a newfound confidence. "And because of what I went through, I feel like I got stronger."

Ivan raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Ian's smile grew wider, his eyes shining with excitement. "I can communicate with the elements better now," he said, his words tumbling out in a rush. "If I work hard enough, I can master using multiple elements at the same time."

As Ian began to demonstrate his newfound abilities, Ivan's eyes widened in awe. He watched in amazement as Ian manipulated both wind and water around him, his twin's movements fluid and effortless. Ivan felt a surge of pride and admiration for his brother, who was always a bit of a wild card, but Ivan loved him for it.

As Ian continued to showcase his skills, Ivan couldn't help but feel grateful for their bond. Despite their differences, they were connected in a way that nothing could ever break. Ivan felt a deep sense of comfort and security knowing that he had Ian by his side, and that together, they could face whatever challenges came their way

Just as they were about to continue their conversation, the door opened and a nurse entered the room.

But the moment of warmth was fleeting, as the door to their room swung open and a nurse entered, her bright smile and gentle demeanor a gentle intrusion into their private moment.

The nurse's warm smile and gentle demeanor were a balm to Ivan's weary soul, but he couldn't muster a response beyond a slight nod as she entered the room. Ian, on the other hand, greeted her with a bright, sunny smile, his eyes sparkling with a warmth that seemed to radiate from within. The nurse's eyes crinkled at the corners as she returned his greeting, her kindness and compassion evident in every gesture.

The hospital room was a sterile, clinical space, with white walls and beige carpeting that seemed to swallow the sound of their footsteps. A faint scent of disinfectant hung in the air, and the beeping of machinery in the next room provided a constant background hum. 

Ivan's gaze flicked to the nurse, then back to his brother, his expression a mask of calm that belied the turmoil brewing beneath. Ian's eyes met his, and Ivan could sense his twin's unease, like a gentle tremor in the air. But instead of speaking up, Ian simply squeezed his brother's hand, a silent reassurance that he was there for him.

Ian's fingers were long and slender, with a delicate network of veins visible beneath his skin. Ivan's grip on his brother's hand was firmer, more possessive, as if he was trying to anchor himself to reality. The nurse's eyes flicked to the pair of hands, then back up to their faces, her expression softening with understanding.

"I'm afraid I have some visitors for you," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "Two knights who are eager to speak with you about the recent... incident. They're outside, waiting for your permission to come in." Ivan's gaze narrowed slightly at the mention of knights, and he felt a flutter in his chest. He didn't like strangers, what if they meant harm to them? But Ian was already nodding enthusiastically, his eyes shining with an unspoken trust.

"It's okay," Ian said, his voice clear and decisive. "We're ready to talk." Ivan's grip on his brother's hand tightened almost imperceptibly, a subtle warning to the nurse that he was watching her closely. But Ian just smiled and nodded at the nurse.

The door swung open, and two knights entered the room. Ian's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight of their armor, his hand tightening around Ivan's. "Whoa, knights!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "Wow, they're so cool!"

Ivan's gaze fell on Aric, the captain of the Elpis Knights, and his expression softened when he noticed a familiar face. Aric's fiery red hair was a vibrant splash of color in the otherwise dull hospital environment, and his warm smile was a welcome respite from the monotony.

"Ah, good morrow, young lads!" Aric boomed, his voice warm and cheerful. He strode over to the twins, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he examined their faces. "I see you're both looking well, despite the... unfortunate circumstances."

Lucius, the captain of the Astria Knights, stood tall and silent beside Aric, his brown hair cut short and sharp. His eyes were cold and calculating, his expression a mask of seriousness.

"Sir," Ivan said, his voice firm but polite. "What brings you here?"

"Yeah! Are you here to question us like the pretty nurse said?" Ian asked, his voice still filled with excitement.

Aric chuckled. "We're here to investigate what happened to you two," he said. "Can you tell me what you remember?"

Ian's eyes darted to Lucius, then back to Aric, his brow furrowed in concentration. "We're not sure on the full picture," he said, his voice measured and cautious. "But we do know things that might help."

Aric leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with interest. "I see. Well, we'll need to ask you some questions to get to the bottom of things. May I ask, why do you have these... blindfolds on?" His eyes flicked to the white cloth covering the twins' eyes, and he paused, as if waiting for an explanation.

Ivan's expression turned guarded, and he tightened his grip on Ian's hand, subtly shifting his position to shield his younger twin. "We can see perfectly well," he said curtly, his voice firm but wary.

Aric's face fell, and he looked taken aback. "Ah, I see," he said, his voice softer. "Of course. Sorry about that. Let's just... ignore that for now." He cleared his throat before continuing. "So, can you tell me what happened before you... found me?"

Ivan's grip on Ian's hand tightened, and Ian felt his brother's body tense up beside him. But Ivan's voice remained calm and measured, a subtle contrast to his physical reaction. "We, and the rest, were moved to separate rooms," Ivan said again, his words slow and deliberate.

Ian sensed the unspoken emotion behind his brother's words, the underlying fear and unease that threatened to boil over. He squeezed Ivan's hand reassuringly, trying to calm his twin down without drawing attention to their physical contact.

"We were told it was for...training," Ivan continued, his voice steady but with a hint of bitterness. "But we don't know what that means or what they're doing to us."

Ivan's eyes locked onto Aric's, his gaze steady as he began to speak. "We don't know what they wanted to achieve, but...it wasn't pleasant," he said, his voice low and even.

Ian nodded, his expression grim. "They did things to us, things that no one should have to go through. We were told it was for our own good, but...it was a lie."

Aric's face remained neutral, but his eyes flicked to Lucius, who was watching the twins with an intensity that made Ian's skin prickle.

Aric's gaze didn't waver, but his eyes lingered on the twins for a moment. "What happened to you?" he asked, his voice low and even.

"We were separated, moved to different rooms," Ivan replied, his voice growing stronger. "And when we were alone, they...they did things to us. Things that hurt."

Ian's eyes fluttered closed, as if he was reliving the memories. When he opened them again, they were red-rimmed, but his voice remained steady. "We didn't know what was happening, or why. We just knew it was wrong."

The twins' gazes locked onto the knights, and for a moment, the only sound was the heavy silence. Lucius's eyes seemed to bore into their souls, making Ian's skin crawl. Aric's face remained a mask of stone, but Ian detected a flicker of concern in his eyes.

Ivan took the lead again, his voice rising slightly. "And then, when I saw my brother in that state... I knew I had to get him out of there. So I did."

Ivan's gaze snapped back to Aric, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "The next thing I knew, we were surrounded by these knights. And...and then I passed out."

Ian's eyes dropped, feeling a sense of shame and vulnerability wash over him. But Ivan's hand on his arm tightened, a silent message of support and solidarity that gave Ian the strength he needed.

The knights' silence was palpable as they digested the twins' harrowing tale. Aric let out a slow sigh, his expression somber. "Your story matches what we've heard from the other children," he said, his voice heavy with empathy.

Ian's eyes flickered with a glimmer of hope. "Is there someone named Kallous among them?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

Aric and Lucius exchanged a meaningful glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Lucius finally spoke, his tone gentle yet serious. "No, we haven't encountered anyone by that name. But some of the rescued children spoke of a brave boy who risked his life to save them." Ian's eyes widened in horror, his breath catching in his throat as the weight of Lucius's words sank in. The image of Kallous, risking everything for others, filled his mind, and he felt a lump form in his throat.

Ivan sensed his brother's distress and quickly intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Ian's shoulder. "Wait," he said, his voice firm and unwavering, carrying a tone of certainty that was impossible to ignore. "I can still sense him. He's alive... but far."

Aric raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Ivan. "How do you know?" he asked, his tone tinged with skepticism but also genuine intrigue.

Ivan remained silent, his piercing gaze locked onto Aric's face. The intensity in his eyes spoke volumes, a silent assertion of his conviction. He offered no further explanation, his silence adding an air of mystery. 

Ian, meanwhile, felt a wave of relief wash over him, his body relaxing slightly at the thought that Kallous was still alive. The tension in his shoulders eased, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

Lucius's expression turned thoughtful, his brows furrowing as he studied the twins. His eyes, a deep blue, seemed to see beyond the surface. "You're a blessed," he said quietly, his voice low and contemplative. The words hung in the air, heavy with significance. "And it seems your twin is as well."

Aric's eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of shock and intrigue crossing his features. He shook his head slightly, as if trying to process this revelation. "Blessed? At such a young age? That's unheard of," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze flicked back and forth between the twins, searching for answers in their steady, unwavering stares.

As the reality of the situation settled in, Aric's gaze lingered on the twins, his expression gradually softening from shock to a mix of empathy and determination. He realized the weight of their burden, the gravity of their abilities. Lucius stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Ivan's with a newfound urgency. "Tell us where the child is," he said, his voice low and urgent, the tension palpable in the air. "He may be in danger."

Ivan's eyes narrowed, a cautious resolve hardening his features. "I don't trust you," he said, his voice firm and unwavering. "But if you can return Kal to us, we'll help you." His tone carried a mixture of challenge and hope, a test of the knights' sincerity.

Aric's eyes shifted to Ian's face, studying him with a thoughtful intensity. "Describe this Kallous to me," he said, his voice measured and deliberate, as if each word carried immense importance.

Ian hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Kallous has silver eyes," he began softly, his voice tinged with a mix of reverence and sorrow. "And blue hair, like the clear sky at dawn."

Lucius paused, his eyes flicking up to meet Ian's gaze. "Silver eyes?" he repeated to himself, his brow furrowing in thought. The phrase seemed to echo in his mind, stirring something deep within his memories.

Aric's expression turned thoughtful as well, his eyes narrowing in consideration. "Unique eyes, indeed."

As Lucius's gaze drifted off into the distance, lost in contemplation, Ivan watched him warily. He could sense the gears turning in Lucius's mind, the piercing blue eyes betraying a hidden depth of knowledge and strategy. Ivan felt a shiver run down his spine, a mix of caution and curiosity.

'I need to inform Kallous about this guy. He's suspicious' Ivan thought, his resolve hardening.

Lucius snapped back to the present, his eyes refocusing on the twins. "You should rest now," he said, his voice gentle but authoritative. "Leave the rest to us."

Aric nodded in agreement. "We'll do everything we can to find your friend and ensure his safety," he added, his tone reassuring.

The twins exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them. As the knights turned to leave, Ian looked at his older twin, concern etched on his face. "Did you really give out Kal's location?" he whispered, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Ivan smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If I had, the knights would have been welcomed with a scene they wouldn't quite enjoy" he replied, his tone light.

Ian's brows knitted together in confusion. "Where is Kallous, anyway?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

"The library," Ivan said simply, leaning back with a satisfied smile.

Ian's eyes widened in realization, a grin spreading across his face. "It's good the knights don't know," he said, chuckling. "Looks like Kallous is having fun out there while we're stuck in a hospital."

Ivan chuckled, shaking his head. "Indeed," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Let's just hope he stays out of trouble."

✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺✺

The morning light seeped through the cracks of the dilapidated building, casting an eerie glow over the macabre scene. The office, once a place of mundane routine, was now a grotesque tableau of horror. Blood smeared the walls and pooled on the floor, mingling with the remnants of the previous night's violence.

Kallous sat in the midst of the carnage, a picture of innocence amidst the chaos. His delicate gloved hands, still stained with the crimson evidence of his actions, held a spoon delicately as he savored his favorite chocolate pudding. The stark contrast between his childlike appearance and the brutality surrounding him was jarring.

In a corner of the room, Lucy lay barely conscious, her breath shallow and labored. Her body was broken, a testament to Kallous's merciless play. The other victims, lifeless and cold, bore silent witness to the atrocity.

Kallous's eyes gleamed with a perverse joy as he glanced at Lucy. "Good morning, Lucy," he chirped, his voice cheerful and sweet. "I saved some pudding for you."

He extended the spoon towards her, the pudding's rich aroma mixing incongruously with the metallic scent of blood. Lucy's eyes fluttered open, and she recoiled instinctively, her mind a haze of pain and fear.

Kallous pouted, a mockery of childish disappointment. "You should eat, you know. You'll need your strength for the fun we have planned today."

Kallous's pout deepened into a mischievous grin, and he pulled the spoon back just as Lucy weakly reached for it. "Oops!" he giggled, bringing the spoon to his own lips and savoring the pudding with exaggerated delight. "Looks like it's all mine after all."

Lucy's heart sank, despair mingling with the throbbing pain in her body. She watched helplessly as Kallous continued to eat, his eyes never leaving her. He was enjoying her suffering, relishing the control he held over her.

'Oh how I wish that this could last forever.' he thought, his eyes turned cold for a split second

Kallous finished his pudding, licking the spoon clean with a satisfied sigh. "Oh, that was delicious," he murmured, almost to himself. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he leapt to his feet, the innocent smile returning to his face.

"Now, Lucy, it's time for more fun!" he declared, clapping his hands. "We have the whole day ahead of us, and so many games to play."

He moved closer to her, his steps light and almost playful. Lucy's pulse quickened, panic rising in her chest as Kallous's shadow loomed over her. She tried to push herself away, but her body was too weak to respond.

Kallous tilted his head, studying her with a curious expression. "Do you want to play a game, Lucy?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. "I promise it'll be fun."

As Lucy's vision blurred and her strength ebbed away, Kallous reached behind him and brought out a collection of his favorite toys, laying them out meticulously in front of her. Each tool gleamed ominously under the dim light, a testament to the horrors they had inflicted.

"Now," Kallous said, his innocent smile unwavering, "you get to choose which one I will use on you next."

Lucy's heart pounded as she stared at the gruesome array, realizing with a sinking dread that her nightmare was far from over.

'Please... someone save me.'