Read The villainess daughter :: Patience running thin

"Neri! There you are." Keir ran toward her and pulled her into a hug.

"What's going on?" she asked, confused by his urgency.

"I went to check on you, but you weren't there. I searched every building. No sign of you."

She sensed his restlessness and uncertainty. For a moment, she hesitated—then remembered how everyone had embraced her when she first arrived.

She returned the hug. "It's okay, Keir. I'm here now. I'm alright."

Lucien stood at the top of the stairs, watching them. His eyes were sharp with suspicion.

"Neri, why were you outside?" Keir asked as he released her, taking her hands.

"I couldn't sleep, so I went on a walk," she replied calmly.

Keir sighed. "I was distraught. Next time, please tell me. I'll go with you."

"Or you can tell me," Alen added, walking in.

"Me too!" Nathan chimed in.

Keir shot them both a glare. "I asked first."

"How about we all go together next time," Lucien said, descending the stairs.

Neri giggled. "Okay, okay. I’ll invite you all next time."

----

Lucien had woken up to see that Kian was no longer sitting on the window sill.

The guy was talented. Lucien hadn't even sensed when he left.

He walked out of his room and heard several voices, it seemed they were looking for Neri.

He couldn't help but wonder if she and Kian snuck out to meet each other.

He heard Nathan yell at Neri's arrival.

He approached the railing and watched as Keir came running and hugged Neri.

Neri hugged him back, she looked in his direction, and their eyes connected.

He was surprised when she looked away as if she hadn't seen him.

"How about we all go together next time?" He joined their conversation as he descends the stairs.

Neri laughs and agrees, "Ok, ok. I'll surely invite you all next time."

After a few minutes of conversation, they all said goodnight and headed to their rooms.

Lucien entered and spotted Kian back on the windowsill, staring at the moon.

"Where were you?" Lucien asked.

"Protecting you," Kian answered without turning.

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Oh? How so?"

"Don’t worry about it. Go back to sleep."

Lucien clenched his fists. "Did you go out to meet Neri?"

"No," Kian replied curtly.

Lucien stepped closer. "Tell me the truth. Neri was outside, and you weren’t here. What a coincidence."

"Right?" Kian replied with mock amusement.

Lucien’s temper snapped. "I’m sick of this. Stop ignoring me. We’re paying for your services—so start acting like it. Otherwise, we’ll find someone else."

Kian laughed and stood up. He turned to him and slowly began to approach him,

"There is only one person I take orders from: my teacher.

My orders were to keep you safe, nothing more." his voice was void of emotion.

"Well, maybe your 'teacher' should have done a better job at educating you." Lucien retorted.

Before Lucien could react, Kian was in front of him and grabbed his throat.

He lifted him in the air, "No one, and I mean no one, is allowed to speak ill of my Master.

Do you know who you've offended?" He said as he slightly tightened his grip.

Lucien choked as he tried to speak. Would this guy dare to kill him?

Lucien grabbed the arm that choked him. "Put me down," he choked.

Kian dropped him, and Lucien kneeled as he coughed.

He looked up at Kian, he could see his red eyes glaring at him.

"You really think you're all that, huh?

Just because you're from the Shadows guild." He spoke as he stood up.

He approached Kian until they were inches apart,

"You are underestimating me," he smirked.

Kian snickered, "Sure, that's why you needed a Nanny to guard you 24/7."

Lucien lifted his chin. "I request a duel."

Kian's red eyes filled with amusement, "I accept...How about now?"

"You want to duel now?" he asked, a bit surprised.

Kian nodded, "Why not? I saw an Arena off in the distance."

"You don't have a horse, it'll take a while to get there on foot,"

"I'll just use Nys- Rissa's horse," Kian replied as he opened the window and stepped out.

"Nyx doesn't let anyone other than Neri ride him..."

Lucien knew his words had gone unheard as Kian slid down the roof.

-------

Kian slid down the roof and landed softly. He cursed himself for nearly saying Nys instead of Rissa—thankfully, Lucien hadn’t noticed.

Fortunately, Lucien didn't appear to notice anything amiss.

He clicked, and Ryu appeared and settled on his shoulder.

"Get Nyx" He commanded the little dragon. Ryu quickly ran off to find Nyx.

Moments later,

Kian spotted Nyx running towards him.

Ryu ran alongside him; he had become a black horse with red eyes.

"Hm, similar enough," he muttered

He mounted Ryu as they ran past him. Kian chuckled, "Just like the old times."

He heard another horse behind him, he turned to see Lucien approaching him.

"Whose horse is that?" Lucien asked as he approached him.

"This is Nyx's brother, Ryu. He's my horse." He replied.

"You didn't say you brought a horse."

"You didn't ask, you just assumed. Besides, how else would I have arrived?"

"Forget it, let's get going."

Kian smirked from under his mask knowing Lucien was very annoyed with him.

They arrived at the arena, dismounted their horses, and entered the fighting grounds.

"So what are the rules, Lord Ikar?"

Lucien withdrew his sword. "How about close combat?"

Kian raised an eyebrow. "Any limits on abilities?"

"Why? You forgot your sword?" Lucien snickered

Kian chuckled, "No, I never carry one."

Lucien's expression turned to one of confusion. "You don't know swordsmanship?"

"I do," he replied curtly

"Then why don't you carry a sword?"

Kian lifted a hand, drawing metal from the ground and shaping it into a blade.

"Does this answer your question?"

Lucien stared. "Metal manipulation."

Kian removed his hood, revealing silver hair and crimson eyes.

Lucien stepped back. "You... you’re the Silver Dragon of the Shadows."

Kian smiled slightly. "So you do know my name. Then you must know my reputation as well. Shall we begin, Lord Ikar?"