General Rhys Vermillion: Return of The Dark Phoenix

III

Ross’s ray of hope slowly faded away. He heard what Rhys said, and the way he spoke told him it wasnt a joke.  

‘He’s a PSYCHO!’ 

He tried to move away, but then he saw Rhys stand up to look at his men; the realisation hit him. 

“All of you mocked my family and said that they deserved to die. “ He spoke slowly as he stretched his hand, and one of the warriors handed him a long sword. “I will now pass judgment, and I will find all of you…” 

Rhys swung the blade in a swift slash. Suddenly, all the thugs standing there, all except Ross, were instantly cut down. 

“Guilty.”

Ross stood there, his skin slowly turning pale. Still looking around to see if it was a dream, but the bodies were around him as evidence to show that it wasn't a dream. He turned to look at Rhys, but all he could see was a monster in front of him.

“Please, forgive me. I was only following orders. I never had anything planned out here.” Ross cried, tears and mucus making it hard for his words to come through. 

“I don't know if I will call it bravery or stupidity,” a voice came from behind. Ross turned to see a man with long, curly black hair and dazzling green eyes. His skin was like that of caramel. 

“You piss off the Dark Phoenix, and now you are begging him for forgiveness; either you’re a fool, or there is something rather appalling about the way you think.” 

It was almost like all the colors were drained from Ross’ face, when he heard the title The Dark Phoenix, it wasnt a name hidden from anyone in Allorian. It was one of those moments when, if anyone on the opposing side heard, they would drop all their weapons. 

“He…. can't be….there is no way.” Ross took one more step back, but caught under Rhys’ cold gaze. It wasnt something anyone would imagine, but Ross was in front of the most dangerous man on their continent. 

Rhys still had his eyes on Ross; it was clear that he was going to end his life there and then. 

“They earned the fire; they were a pack of vermin,” standing in front of Ross, slowly raising his hand. “Are those still your thoughts?” 

“No…no…I don't know why, but they didn't deserve to die like that.” Ross’ legs were shaking when he was looking at Rhys standing in front of him. His trousers were now wet. “Please, don't kill me, I don't want to die.” 

“I am obliged to change my mind and let you walk away…” His voice calm and collected, he slowly lowered his hand. The smile on Ross’s face could be seen; he turned and was about to leave. 

Rhys turned to look at him; the sternness on his face was evident. “A filthy human like you shouldn't be allowed to live.” 

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a dagger flew into Ross’s head, killing him before he could gasp. 

Rhys stood still, looking at the corpses around him. One of the soldiers rushed to his side and handed him a handkerchief.  

“Somehow you’re not going to hold anything back from handling them.” 

A man stood behind Rhys with a smile on his face. The man donned a long white coat with a vermillion-billed bird cresting on the right.

“Saint…” Rhys grunted as he turned to look at the man standing behind him. “You coming here means you have news for me.” 

Rhys turned to look at the man; he could see the smile on his face. 

“You're not in the best mood, but I have two pieces of news for you. One is good, and the other might be something you would want to look into now.”

Saint smiled; there was some kind of aura from him. “I found one of your family's pieces of jewelry, and it’s with the Bohrs family. They are trying to sell it at an auction tonight at the annual party they have every year in the name of your dead family.” 

There was a cold wind, and Rhys’ eyes darkened with an intense gaze. His blood boiled when he heard about the party, clenching his fist and holding it down. 

“So what’s the other news…” 

“The Grandmaster would love to speak to you. He is coming to Zenovia soon, but he would love a call with him.” 

Rhys didn’t utter a word, looking at the man in front of him. It wasn’t going to be easy for him to avoid something like that; there was bound to be trouble. 

“I will give him a call, see how you can help me arrange my attendance at that party.” 

Rhys turned to pull a phone out of his pocket. With a single motion, he dialed a number, and he stood there looking at the phone. 

The other end of the line was answered. Rhys paused for a moment before he answered. 

“Hello, Master.” 

“I believe I have gained enough respect for you to call me grandpa, even if you dont want to see it that way.” 

Rhys took a deep breath. He knew it wasnt something easy, but he was dealing with his own grandfather. 

“I…I will be able to do it when I am done with what I am doing here. I know you are my family, but there has to be a way for me to live with the fact that...” 

“I know, Rhys, but then I also want you to know that there is a chance for you to be the last surviving member of our family, so I would love you to honor the request I made.” 

Rhys stood there silent. He knew that there was something about the call that he was going to end up not seeing coming his way as trouble. 

“If I do this, then it would mean…”

“It would mean that you honored my wish, and immediately and effectively, the remaining part of the Vermillion wealth will be transferred to you. But I would want you to marry the daughter of the Leonhart family; there has to be a way for you to see this through.” 

Rhys sighed. He knew what he was getting himself into and how it was going to pan out. 

“Alright,” he muttered.

“That’s my boy, I am…” 

“But I would love it if they dont know anything about me, only that I am someone she is meant to marry. Let her believe anything of me, but dont let them know who or what I am.” 

There was no word from his grandfather for a few seconds, then he heard a low sigh. “Fine, if that is what. I will keep your identity a secret from them.” 

“Thank you…Grandfather. Please, I have something important to handle. I will meet with you when I am done with it.” 

“Alright, son.” 

The line went dead, and Rhys turned and started walking to his car. Saint was standing there with a paper in his hand, a smile on his face. 

“The Hotel they are hosting their damned event at is the Talon Wing hotel, you’re invited with the alias. Ryan Griffin.” 

Saint handed Rhys the paper as he slowly entered the back seat of the car. Standing by the window, he was looking at Rhys. 

“Now tell me that you dont need help for this kind of thing?” Saint asked, knowing that the response he would get would be cold. 

Rhys turned to look at him, putting the paper down. “I have never asked for My Legate’s help in handling my business before; I am not about to start now.” 

“Give them hell.” Saint smiled as he backed away from the car, allowing it to move forward, zooming into the distance.