The Dark Side of Fate

110 Discussions and Decisions

-Sylvester-

Our discussion lingered in the Lounge, and Erik told us much about his past.

The man was easygoing, and he only cared about science and progress. He was also a very jovial and funny man.

Uncle Lucas seemed wary of him, but it was normal.

The Volkovs had wronged the Stepanovs gravely. What were the odds that he was really on our side? But I knew he was. He did not seem aggrieved, and the solution Leo had offered him had indeed appeased him. He was also vocal about it.

"All I have ever wanted was an opportunity to walk under the sunlight as I am, without fearing for my life," Erik said. Vino seemed to feel sorry for him. I saw the look in his eyes. Vino was always easily touched and taken. I hoped he toughens up.

"I am glad we could reach an understanding," I said, and he smiled at me.

One thing I noticed about the Stepanovs I had met was that they respected me as King. What my grandfather did to them was wrong, and I could see that my grandfather made monsters of them. 2

All I had learned about Adrik showed he was a man that was wronged. I wondered how Alexei, Clay, and Amelia saw me knowing that my grandfather had betrayed and murdered their grandfather. They were indeed kind and easygoing. I planned to correct all that had happened to the best of my ability.

"So, how come you have two eye colours?" Uncle Lucas said, and Leo looked away as if bracing himself for an outburst.

Erik stared at Lucas a bit and then smiled. We had thought he would go off on him, but he had taken it easy.

"My eyes react badly to contact lenses, and because of that, I do not come out in the daytime because my eye's colour is a dead giveaway. Out of desperation, I tried to do something that would be more permanent.

Though risky, it was successful. I haven't been able to do it to the other eye, " he said, blinking a few times, imitating a pretty lady, making us all laugh.

looked at the clock, and it was time to head to the prison where

to select at most three people to join me. I decided I would settle for Leo, Devin, and Vino. Leo knew the East, so he could easily understand things Larry might disclose about the East and the areas of concern. Likewise, Devin understood the South, and Vino had been investigating the

and I felt terrible. I knew we were doing all this to make it seem normal, but keeping them

entertainment," Theodore said. I figured Linda

do?" Marcel asked me, and I understood

not let them stay in a hotel so Yuri won't target them. We had to risk it and keep them in the Estate. Since the Estate was without

let them join us in the lounge," I

away?" he asked, and I shook

could have as well arrested them when they came to plead their case; it is just until tomorrow," I said, and they

brilliant," Erik said,

in the Volkov family," My

looked away, embarrassed

should have met Maurice and Gavin; they were smart," he

fought themselves. They drank so much that they made an enemy that required their lives because of

be joining me to question Larry," I said, and Dominic began to protest

to be there

there are ten of us. Isn't that too much? It would look like Larry is standing trial again,’

Yuri is watching the Estate? I do not think it is wise you go," Erik said, and everyone agreed

I hated. I liked getting involved with the action. I knew Erik was right, but I

Yuri would not think much of their mission. The South has fallen, and Leo is occupied. Vino isn't a lord, so it would not mean much. It would be as if they are going to see a prisoner, but if Yuri's watchers

be a scientist, but he is brilliant. He cannot be fooled easily. That is why he has been able to remain in the shadows all along. Do not underestimate him. As you can see, I don't

to go incognito to avoid his detection. Whether you like it or not, Yuri has

was very intimidating. It would make them question what is going on. Until today, Leo has never casually visited the North with twenty kappas. It has to count for something, and Yuri would want to find