CHAPTER 3

Nolan called out to Dia again, his voice laced with concern, as they walked towards the large bonfire. Dia stopped and turned to him, her eyes scanning the area as if searching for something or someone. Her mind was racing with thoughts of Everia, the capital, and the Red Hand's presence there.

Where was Everia? What was the capital? What were the Red Hand doing there?

"Is there something wrong?" His brows furrowed in concern.

Her fists clenched by her side and her jaw clenched. Suddenly, she grasped Nolan's arm and led him away from the crowd. "Nolan, have you ever heard of the Red Hand?" she asked, her tone serious and urgent.

Nolan's expression faltered, taken aback by Dia's uncharacteristic seriousness. "Yes, they're a group of skilled fighters...but why are you concerned?"

"The Red Hand are in Everia, so I heard" She revealed, her voice almost a whisper.

"So?" He quirked up an eyebrow.

"Where is Everia? How far is it from here?"

Nolan expression relaxed a bit. "Everia is about two months journey from here. Whatever you're asking me this for. Don't tell me you're a fan of The Red Hand" He made a joke but she didn't even crack a smile, instead she threw a piercing glare at him.

Dia muttered under her breath, but Nolan still caught the words. "This is no time for jokes." Her eyes hardened as she walked away from him.

Nolan's expression turned serious. "For the last time, Dia, what's going on?"

She hesitated before turning to face him. "I've been lying to you. I'm not Killian's niece. I'm an orphan. Killian took me in when I was living on the streets of Oakbrook."

Nolan's eyes widened in shock. "Dia, I..."

Dia's jaw clenched, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Red Hand killed my family."

Nolan's face fell, his eyes filled with sympathy. "I'm so sorry, Dia."

The crowd's cheers in the distance filled the awkward silence between them.

Nolan's eyes narrowed. "You're going after them, aren't you?" It was more of a statement than a question.

Dia's lack of response confirmed his suspicions.

"Do you have a death wish?" Nolan's eyebrows shot up, his voice laced with concern.

Dia's eyes flashed with anger. "You don't understand."

Nolan's anger radiated off him like a spark. "Oh, I understand perfectly. You're willing to throw your life away for a lost cause."

"You underestimate me," Dia shot back, her voice cold.

Nolan's expression turned incredulous. "Even if you did succeed, what would you gain? Nothing. You'll continue to wallow in the same grief that made you do this, it won't bring them back."

Dia's face twisted in anger. "You think I don't already know that?"

Nolan's voice rose. "I think it hasn't registered in your brain. You've been so stubborn, but now, you're being insensitive. You're willing to throw your life for a lost cause and what would it guarantee you? Nothing."

The argument escalated until Dia pushed Nolan away, and he landed on his butt. They stared at each other in surprise before Dia helped him up.

The tension between them was palpable as they walked back to the bonfire. The sounds of laughter and tropical music filled the air. The combination of different instruments, the drumming of the congas and the playing of the flute and other instrument brought color to the night. The youths danced vigorously and cheers erupted from the air. Everyone was lively, everyone but Dia.

She couldn't shake off the words of Nolan and Killian, warning her of the dangers of the Red Hand. Would she really not succeed? Should she drop her revenge plan?

Dia's eyes scanned the crowd, her gaze landing on a mysterious figure in a long black leather jacket walking away from the tavern. Two men bowed slightly as they handed him a sword. Dia's curiosity was piqued as she watched him walk away, his face partially hidden by a hat and a beard.

An eerie feeling ran down her spine, and she almost stood up to follow him. It was as if no one else had noticed him.

As she watched him disappear into the crowd, Dia's mind whirled with questions.

Who was he? What was he doing here? And why did she feel like she had seen him before?

Killian's pov

Killian cradled his newly crafted sword, admiring the way the pure silver glimmered in the dim light. He had spent countless hours perfecting the blade, folding and hammering the metal to create a strength and beauty that was unmatched. A knock at the door broke the spell, and he hastily concealed the sword, expecting Dia's arrival. "Dia?" he called out, but there was no response.

Unsettled by the unusual silence, Killian approached his bedroom door. "Dia?" he repeated, but the only response was the creaking of the front door as it swung open. Heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway, growing louder with each passing moment.

A shadow loomed in the doorway, and Killian's instincts screamed warning. The footsteps didn't belong to Dia; they were too heavy, too deliberate. A disgruntled customer, perhaps? But as the door creaked open, Killian's fear coalesced into a terrible certainty.

Kharon Khaos stood before him, a wicked grin twisting his face. "Hello, Killian," he rasped, his voice like a rusty gate. His eyes gleamed with a malevolent light, and Killian felt his heart sink.

Killian's breath caught in his throat as his body trembled with fear. He knew that Kharon's presence spelled doom. "Kharon," he whispered, his head bowed in defeat.

Kharon's grin broadened. "How long has it been? Fourteen years, Killian. I'm I right?" His eyes glinted with amusement. "You know Killian, you can't escape the Red Hand."

"I'm assuming you know why you're here."

Killian's voice was barely audible. "Get on with it Kharon"

Kharon chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Killian's spine. "Precision is key, my friend. You've been running for far too long. It's time to face the consequences."

As Kharon drew his sword, Killian flinched backward. "Your reign won't last forever," he spat, defiance burning within him. "Someone will stop you, all of you."

Kharon's laughter was like a cold wind. "And who might that be, Killian? You and I know the Red Hand is invincible."

Killian's eyes locked onto Kharon's, his voice shaking with emotion. "I don't regret running. I knew it was the right thing to do. I pray that you and your lot burn in hell."

Kharon's jaw clenched, his face twisted in a snarl. "There is no hell," he hissed, plunging his sword deep into Killian's abdomen. He pulled it out and wiped it clean with a rag.

As Killian crumpled to his knees, clutching his stomach in agony, Kharon stood over him, his eyes blazing with triumph. "You should never have run away, Killian," he whispered, before turning and walking away, leaving Killian to his fate.

Dia's pov

Dia had lost interest in the T'yakap festivities; an uneasy feeling settled in her chest, and she found herself tapping her foot nervously on the ground. But why was she nervous? She had no idea.

As the youths prepared to pair up and dance, Dia abruptly stood up, startling Nolan and another girl beside her. "Dia, are you okay?" Nolan asked, concern etched on his face.

"I need to go back," Dia replied, her tone grave.

"I'll walk you home—" Nolan began, but Dia cut him off.

"No need, Nolan. You can stay. I don't want to ruin your night."

Before Nolan could protest, Dia walked past him and disappeared into the crowd.

The streets were especially rowdy tonight, and Dia quickened her pace, her heart thundering in her chest. The uneasy feeling worsened as her house came into sight. She paused in front of the door, fear of the unknown gripping her.

With a deep breath, she summoned the courage to open the door and stepped inside. Her sword still hung from its place behind the door, and she unsheathed it slowly, her ears perked up for any sound.

Then, she heard it – a low groaning from Killian's room. Her breath shook, and she took steady steps toward the door, waiting. The heavy breathing came again, followed by another low groan.

Her brows furrowed in confusion, and she barged open the door, expecting to see someone. Instead, she was met with silence. She found Killian on the floor, his hand clutching his stomach.

"Killian, what happened?" Dia's voice trembled with worry. She knelt beside him, eyes searching him.

The smell of blood lingered in the air, and Dia's eyes widened as she lifted Killian's bloodied hand off his stomach. Killian had been stabbed, and it was bad – really bad.

Tears quickly filled Dia's eyes. "Who did this to you?" Her voice broke.

"I didn't... know," Killian groaned, his weak eyes shutting tight.

"Know what?" Dia whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"He was here... he..." Killian's voice trailed off.

"Who was? Answer me! Who was here?" Dia's voice rose in desperation.

"Kh... Kharon Khaos," Killian whispered, his eyes still closed.

Dia's ears rang. The Red Hand? They were in Oakbrook? But how? Her mind reeled with questions. Was it him – the man from the tavern?

"Why?" Dia sobbed, holding Killian's head with both hands.

Killian's hand touched hers. "He found me... I don't know how he did."

More tears rolled down Dia's face. "Listen, Dia, The Red Hand are not to be trifled with. I... I know you want your revenge, and I think you're right – The Red Hand must be stopped... but you can't do this alone."

Dia's voice shook. "I don't care."

"He stabbed you.... He was here, and I wasn't. I could have saved you."

Killian's grip on her hand tightened. "Don't blame yourself, child."

"I'll go get help," Dia said prepared to stand to her feet but Killian held her back.

"There's no use... If I survive, he'll come back, or another will. I... I guess my time is up."

Killian attempted a weak smile.

"What? No, no, no, you can't die now, please," Dia begged, tears streaming down her face.

Killian's hand left hers, and he stretched out a long bag to Dia. "I... made this... for you. I wanted to give it to you as a gift on the day of your departure. I don't know what your family was... but I know there's more to you than meets the eye."

"Find them... Get your revenge. Find your destiny, who you truly are."

Killian's gaze locked onto Dia's. "Promise me... that you'll end them."

"I promise," Dia vowed, her voice shaking.

Killian smiled, and with his last breath, he whispered, "I bless the day i found you Dia."

Dia's breath quickened, and she cried hard and loud into the night.