Chapter 37

The sun had long dipped below the horizon, leaving only the glow of scattered lanterns illuminating the dimly lit path ahead. Elliot walked in silence, his thoughts tangled in the web of events that had unfolded in the past few days. The quiet hum of the city at night provided little solace, as if the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

Evelyn walked beside him, her usual composed demeanor slightly disturbed. She had been watching him carefully, sensing the weight pressing down on his shoulders.

"You're thinking too much again," she finally said, her voice softer than usual.

Elliot let out a tired chuckle. "Can you blame me? It feels like every step we take only uncovers more questions."

She didn't argue. Instead, she glanced up at the sky, where faint stars peeked through the night's embrace. "Then maybe it's time we start finding some answers."

Their conversation was cut short when a shadow moved in the alleyway ahead. Elliot tensed, his instincts screaming that something was off. Evelyn had already placed a hand on her weapon, ready to act.

A hooded figure stepped forward, his posture relaxed but his presence undeniably commanding. "Elliot Gray," the man spoke, his voice carrying a strange familiarity. "I've been looking for you."

Elliot's mind raced. He had encountered countless individuals since this journey began, but something about this man sent a chill down his spine.

"Who are you?" Elliot asked, keeping his stance neutral but ready to react.

The stranger pulled back his hood, revealing a face Elliot hadn't seen in years—one he thought he would never see again.

"It's been a long time," the man said with a smirk. "I see you've grown."

Elliot's breath caught in his throat. "…No way."

Evelyn's gaze flickered between them, her grip tightening on her weapon. "Elliot, who is he?"

For the first time in a long while, Elliot felt truly shaken. He opened his mouth, but the words barely came out.

"…My brother."

A stunned silence fell over them, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air. The past had finally caught up, bringing with it secrets Elliot wasn't sure he was ready to face.

Elliot could hardly believe his eyes. The man standing before him—the one he had long thought dead—was here, alive and well. His older brother, Adrian Gray.

Memories surged through Elliot's mind like a broken dam. He had been just a child the last time he saw Adrian, back when their family was still intact, before everything fell apart. Before the tragedy.

Evelyn, still gripping her weapon, studied Adrian cautiously. "Your brother?" she echoed, her voice laced with skepticism.

Adrian smirked, his gaze never leaving Elliot's. "It's been a while, hasn't it, little brother?"

Elliot's mind reeled. "You… you disappeared. I thought you were—"

"Dead?" Adrian finished for him, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, I figured that's what they'd tell you."

The weight of those words sent a shiver down Elliot's spine. "They? Who are you talking about?"

Adrian exhaled sharply, glancing around before stepping closer. "Not here. Too many ears." He nodded toward the dimly lit street ahead. "Let's talk somewhere quieter."

Elliot hesitated. A part of him wanted to follow immediately, to demand answers, but another part screamed at him to be careful. Adrian wasn't the same person he remembered. His posture, his aura—everything about him carried an edge of danger now.

Evelyn stepped in. "And why should we trust you?"

Adrian chuckled. "You shouldn't." His golden eyes gleamed in the lantern light. "But if you want the truth about what happened to our family, and why you've been dragged into this mess… you'll come with me."

Elliot clenched his fists. His heart was pounding. He had spent years searching for answers, trying to piece together the mystery surrounding his past. And now, the key to everything was standing right in front of him.

After a long pause, he exhaled and looked at Evelyn. "We follow him."

Evelyn didn't look pleased, but she nodded. "Fine. But if he tries anything—"

Adrian grinned. "Relax, princess. If I wanted to kill him, I would've done it already."

Elliot shot him a glare, but Adrian just laughed. "Come on, little brother. We've got a lot to talk about."

With that, Adrian turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Elliot took a deep breath and followed.

Elliot and Evelyn followed Adrian through the dimly lit alleys, their footsteps barely making a sound against the cobblestone. The tension between them was thick—Elliot's mind swirled with unanswered questions, while Evelyn's sharp gaze never left Adrian's back.

They finally stopped at an old, abandoned inn on the outskirts of town. Adrian pushed open the creaking door and led them inside. The place smelled of dust and forgotten memories. A single candle flickered on a wooden table, casting long shadows on the walls.

Adrian leaned against the table, arms crossed. "Alright, let's get one thing straight—I didn't fake my death. I was taken."

Elliot's stomach tightened. "Taken? By who?"

Adrian's expression darkened. "The same people who've been watching you, little brother."

Elliot's breath hitched. "You mean—"

"The Order."

Evelyn tensed. "The Order of the Eternal Veil?"

Adrian nodded. "They wanted me because of our family's bloodline. And now, they want you."

Elliot felt like the ground beneath him was crumbling. "Why? What's so special about us?"

Adrian hesitated before answering. "Our family wasn't just any noble house, Elliot. We were one of the oldest bloodlines tied to the Celestial Code."

Elliot's brow furrowed. "The Celestial Code? That's just a legend."

Adrian's eyes glowed faintly in the candlelight. "So were a lot of things… until you saw them with your own eyes."

Elliot clenched his fists. "Then tell me the truth. What really happened to our family?"

Adrian let out a slow breath. "They were slaughtered… because of what they knew. Because of what they were trying to protect."

The room fell into silence.

Elliot's hands trembled as old wounds reopened. He had always believed his parents' deaths were a tragic accident, but now—

"They died protecting you, Elliot." Adrian's voice was firm. "You were the only one they managed to hide before it was too late."

Elliot swallowed hard. His entire life had been built on lies.

Evelyn finally spoke. "So what now? What do they want with him?"

Adrian's eyes darkened. "They want to finish what they started. And if we don't stop them… they will."

The weight of his words settled over them like a heavy storm. Elliot felt a new fire ignite within him—not just fear, but resolve.

For the first time, he wasn't just searching for answers.

He was preparing for war.