The place was cozy enough for him to get a good sleep that night, but the chair outside on the sundeck was where he felt most at peace. He stared out into the cityscape in the distance- the place was nothing like he remembered. It seemed even more callous with the harsh weather. He thought about his aunt- who had introduced herself as Theresa, and how she bowed to him. Lord Roth.The name was alien, but all his life he was treated like a nobody. He wanted to be Lord Vincent Roth, not the low life that was hated by his own family. He looked at the black card on the table before him. Written on it was her address- Office of the Duchess of Quincia.He picked up his cell and dialed.“Hello,” answered an older man.“Tell Theresa I accept my position as the new Duke of Quincia,” he said.“Yes, Lord Vincent.”“Let's keep it confidential,” he ordered lastly before ending the call. *The Kanes’ family reunion happened in honour of their new son in law. Morgana Kane had made Richard the hap

Everything about the house was different now to Vincent. Even when the stairs still creaked the way they used to and the same way the lights slowly flickered from the double chandeliers, the verandas felt emptied of the warmth that they once used to carry.The places where their old pictures had hung from had been cleared and dusted, replaced by new faces of the step family. Traces of Emilia Kane had vanished from every picture ledge. He wondered where they kept all the photos of her. If at all they were kept. He stood, observant, as the maids roamed about, cleaning and making sure they didn't step on anyone's toes- because they didn't know whose feet were more important now.The Kanes had refused to leave. In fact, after Vincent had given the notice, they stubbornly went back into their rooms as if daring him to make a move.He would rather tear the place down to dust than have any of them breathe inside its walls for more than those merciful twenty four hours.“Vince”He turned to

Lord Roth stood on the balcony, watching and waiting as the evening ushered in new faces from far and wide. Men and women who had come to fill their bellies and feast their eyes, because that was the only thing they could do. He watched everything- from the stolen glances a certain Missus gave the city's newest widower, to the mouth of one Evelyn Greytower that whispered secrets in the ears of a fellow gossip. Not many saw the Duke from the platform he stood which was dark and concealed, but the few who did caught the strong unknown presence of the new noble and paid attention. They tried to guess, they even whispered other possible names, but the mask he wore- a silver metallic veil in form of an eagle, the large beak protruding forward and golden feathers falling loosely over the side top of the frame- hid not just his name but his countenance and true character.But in a way, Lord Roth thought of himself as the predator tonight. Over the smaller birds that flocked together as the

Vincent ran towards the scream he'd heard, and even Gary couldn't keep up with that speed and agility. When he reached the top, strange faces greeted him with mockery and scorn. Thugs. There were about fifteen of them holding spiked clubs and daggers. A few of them had guns holstered at the hip. But the only thing Vincent noticed was the beaten girl laid next to the wall, crying weakly.“Tamar!” He called out to her.He wanted to run to her and pick her in his arms but the men surrounded both of them- and he doubted the Glock 19 Gary held up at the biggest guy would help them in that very moment.“She's really precious to you, isn't she?” The biggest one of all the thugs asked, his husky tone drenched in sarcasm. “Aww,” he added mockingly, “shame we had to do what we've done to her, right boys?” Vincent lunged forward in a futile attempt to attack the man. He was struck across the face instead, the force pulling him to the ground.They laughed. No pity. No remorse. Just callousness.

Lucas White, the major general of Division 6, got a call that morning. They had said it was urgent- duty calls from an old friend of his.“Hello, Luke,” the aging voice spoke on the line. A smile slowly crept onto the corners of White's lips.“To what do I owe this surprise, Chief?” Lucas White asked.The retired chief on the phone call hadn't been in touch for years. So- really- to what did he owe such surprise? Archie Watson was renowned and revered all through his service in the Quincia State army, and even fifteen good years after, he still commanded so much respect that Lucas held his breath at the sound of the familiar baritone. “Chief…” Archie laughed, “I haven't been called that in over a decade. How's the lovely Mrs?”“Tabitha's doing just great, Archie. We were actually planning on paying a visit soon”“Is that right?” Archie scratched the greying undergrowth of his beard. “Well, you're always welcome anytime, son. And make sure to bring the kids along. It gets a little qui