Chapter 27: Chapter 27

“What have you discovered so far?” I asked.

I crossed my arms as I gazed at her, waiting for valuable information. We went farther away from her chick named Niah. Although I couldn’t bear to think about the physical attachment that they had earlier while she’s using my body, this is not the time to argue about how much I dislike it.

“I can forgive the disrespect that you did for my personal space, as long as you tell me the things I need to hear,” I added with a tone of dismay.

Her brows furrowed as she exhaled. The magnitude of her irritation was oozing.

“Personal space? Sojin held your hand, remember? I didn’t utter a single disagreement because getting close to them is part of the mission. I never allow random guys to touch any part of my body, just so you know. What I’m saying is… be professional, agent Vad Wagner.”

All she gathered was a bunch of courage to talk back at me.

“I have enough of your disrespect, Kylo. At least, treat me as your senior. I’m like your dad,” I said.

“My dad is incomparable to you.”

“Neither do I want a daughter like you.”

Her eyes revealed a hint of agony. There was an awkward silence as dry leaves fell from the oak tree where we stood under. Am I too harsh? It’s unfortunate that she faces a man who doesn’t want to lose in an argument. I cleared my throat to escape from the gloomy mood.

“Anyway, tell me the things you knew,” I said.

“There’s a man named Racan who fell in love with a human. Luxferre discovered their forbidden love and put an end to it. But the couple entered the portal to our world before casting the curse.”

“They said that Luxferre has always been their protector. I wonder if he’s a human before or was he born with wings and a horse-like body.”

“What do you mean?”

I lend her the photo that I found in the drawer.

“I found that in one room. Isn’t it weird?”

Her eyes scrutinized the picture.

“I can’t figure it out,” she said.

“We will, tomorrow. They will proclaim the chosen one, or shall I say… the sacrificial being. I’m sure they’re going to kill the poor Demi.”

“If that’s the case, we have to stop it.”

Kylo and I stick together while waiting for the event, which will start at eleven in the evening. The most exciting part was the venue. They say they held it at the surface, which means we’re going out of the underground and going to the beach.

I missed the fresh air outside. The sea calls my sacred name, alluring me to come out. The sun whispers a sweet song to my ears, it wishes to embrace my flawless skin. I feel the same way because they have imprisoned us for quite some time.

I sat on the sofa while Kylo was at the reading corner, still together with her chick. She’s abusing my charms for the sake of this mission. Until when can I tolerate my disadvantage?

The Demis came down the grand staircase. My mouth flung open at the sight of them. They wore bikinis with smiles on their faces. I rubbed my eyes to clearly see the truth behind an illusion.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I asked.

A girl walked toward me with poise like a ramp model in a catwalk. I thought they’re covered with fabric all throughout this journey.

“Oh, no one tells you yet. This is how we are dressed during the event. Isn’t it wonderful?” she delightfully said.

“Ugh. It’s displeasing to my eyes,” I said and walked toward Kylo.

Her eyes widened in awe.

“Stop drooling. They might think I’m interested,” I said.

Her eyes urgently blinked a few times and looked at me.

“You’re seeing what I’m seeing? Aren’t they gorgeous? Who knows that a sexy body hides behind those ancient looking dresses?”

“Lower your voice. They might hear you.”

“What’s there to be ashamed of? Don’t tell me you don’t like it?”

“I never like women.”

She covered her mouth with her palm.

“Gosh, I knew it. You like men. Don’t worry, I won’t judge you.”

“Are you insane?”

I snorted in disgust.

Someone interrupted us. It was a female who wrapped her hands around Kylo’s arms.

“What are you waiting for? Get change… or you want me to help you?”

She seductively looks at Kylo and uses her angelic voice. I never knew serpents can imitate human sound.

I unclasped her hand with force and stood beside Kylo.

“I’m sorry to wake you up from your delusion, but my cousin is not into such a grievous act. Please refrain from defiling his innocence. He’s not an object on sale,” I firmly said.

She was stunned.

“Oh. O-okay. I-I don’t know,” she stuttered.

“Now that you know, kindly disseminate such significant information. Remind everyone that no flesh can attract this dignified man, and no voice can lure him rather than the call of duty.”

She bowed down and nodded. Kylo pushed me and glared at me.

“I’m sorry about that. My cousin is mentally disturbed, so please bear with her. By the way, where can we find our clothes?” Kylo said.

We went upstairs and entered the 10th room. The design of the room looks the same as the room I’ve been into. Our clothes were placed on the bed.

I grabbed the white polo printed with floral patterns and khaki pink shorts. It’s perfect for me. I smiled and was about to wear it when Kylo spoke.

“Isn’t this supposed to be yours?”

I glanced at her and the thing she’s holding. It was a Vida ruffled high waist bikini with black and white stripes pattern.

“Are you kidding me?”

“Snap out of it and wear the proper attire.”

They left me with no choice.

When the clock struck at eleven, we swam in the tunnel and immersed at the surface of the island. I breathed the cool breeze and relaxed myself. The entire island welcomed us with bright designs.

There were colorful lanterns hanging on the wires. There were luxurious open cottages and they cook the food beside it. The people were merrymaking while dancing to the sound of ukulele, flute, and drums. The Animies and Demis were gathered all at once.

“It’s marvelous, isn’t it? They look so happy,” Kylo said.

I smirked.

“Indeed. It’s marvelous to see prey and predators harmoniously fooling each other.”

A bell rang. It was a sign that the ritual is about to begin. We gathered in a circle. Vior stood in between the circle. She wore a red summer ribbed texture swimsuit.

“Find a partner before we begin,” Vior said.

“It’s not in my interest but we have to do this—“

I stopped when Kylo was nowhere to be found. She was right beside me earlier.

“Kylo?”

I roamed my eyes around. The white sand splattered all over my feet as I walked rapidly, getting myself out of the crowd.

“Where the heck is she?” I murmured.

“Are you ready? Hold your partner,” Vior said.

I decided to walk away from them so no one can notice my disappearance. But to my surprise, I stumbled upon misfortune again. Someone pulled my wrist, and I saw the last person I wanted to see.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked and grabbed my hand from him.

He looked deeply and comfortably into my eyes.

“I found you… I’ve been looking for you,” he said.

“Have you seen Kylo?”

“He’s with Niah.”

“That prick chooses her over me? What a bad taste he has.”

“It’s time to expand and face your partner,” Vior said.

The bell rang again as a sign of the beginning of the ritual dance. Sojin immediately grabbed me without my permission.

Sojin led the dance since I don’t know how to do it. He seems to enjoy taking advantage of the moment while I was tormented. I often glanced at Kylo when my eyes caught her. Her partner did not bother her. She was having fun.

The ritual dance took thirty minutes, but it felt like an hour of torture for me. The most awaited highlight of the event has come. Vior prepared the silver cape and a little golden crown which will be passed on to the chosen one. Everyone listened attentively, hoping that their name will be called.

“Animies and Demis I present to you the new watcher of our kind who will be seated on the throne in the paradise. The chosen one who represents all of us as a divided but united being will be proclaimed tonight. He or she will protect us from the evil spirits and will work with Lord Luxferre. I brought the sworn duty upon… Niah.”

Everyone joyfully clapped their hands. Niah was overwhelmed as she walked toward Vior. She has the widest smile with tears of happiness. Vior put the silver cloak on her body and placed the shimmering crown on her head.

Everyone was in triumph. Yet Kylo has a troubled face. She knows the danger that awaits Niah, and we are bound to find who the devil is.