The cool night breeze blew gently. Above, the stars sparkled, and the silver light of the moon spread across a field of dandelions. It was a beautiful, peaceful night.
But beneath this lovely scene, betrayal was taking root.
Eugene stood under a large tree, its thick branches shielding him from the moonlight. Not far from him stood a man cloaked in dark robes.
"Nothing much has changed so far," Eugene said. "Lord Rhaegal has hired a tutor for the boy. He's also teaching him how to fight himself. They seem… rather close these days."
The cloaked figure gave a low, dark laugh. "Rhaegal Blackthorn… doing all this won't save the boy. He's only delaying the inevitable," the man said, his face hidden beneath his hood.
Eugene frowned, puzzled. "Why are you so interested in Malin? Do you want him for yourself?" he asked, trying to coax some reaction.
The man stepped forward. "What I want is none of your concern. You are just a servant betraying his master for coin. Know your place." His voice was cold as he reached inside his cloak, pulled out a pouch, and tossed it toward Eugene.
"Now get lost," he said.
Eugene caught the pouch, opened it, and grinned at the sight of gold coins. "Thanks," he said with a bow before turning to leave.
As he walked away, Eugene tossed the pouch in his hand, deep in thought. What's so special about this Malin that Lord Rhaegal is protecting him so fiercely? And that werewolf… willing to pay so much for a few scraps of information…
He shook his head. Tempting, sure. Finding out what made that boy so valuable? Could be worth a king's ransom.
But the thought curdled fast. He wasn't stupid. One wrong step, one slip of the tongue — and it'd be his blood staining the cobblestones.
No, better play it safe. Fifteen gold coins every few days was more than enough. Enough to buy a new life, far from reins and cold nights on a coachman's bench.
No more back-breaking work. No more bowing to men like Rhaegal Blackthorn.
He smiled thinly.
When he reached the estate, Eugene hid the pouch in his trousers, scaled the fence quietly, and landed on the grounds. He glanced around — no one in sight. Straightening his clothes, he began walking toward the mansion.
Just as he neared the entrance, a figure stepped into his path.
"Alfred," Eugene said with a forced smile.
Alfred raised a brow, his face as unreadable as ever. "Out for a late-night stroll?" he asked.
Eugene gave a casual shrug. "Just getting some fresh air. The night is quite pleasant," he replied smoothly.
Alfred turned to glance out the window. The trees swayed gently in the breeze. A small smile tugged at Alfred's lips. "Indeed. Though I only enjoy fresh air when it carries the scent of blood — preferably that of my enemies."
His sharp gaze locked on Eugene.
Eugene met his eyes with a matching smile. "Our tastes clearly differ."
He gave a slight bow. "If you'll excuse me, I'd like to get some rest."
Alfred nodded and stepped aside, allowing Eugene to pass. But when Eugene was halfway down the hall, Alfred called out, "Good night, Eugene."
Eugene paused, glanced back at him, and then turned away, walking off with stiff, careful steps. Alfred watched him go, the smile vanishing from his face.
——
The next morning, Malin woke up as usual. After bathing, he dressed in clean clothes and stood before the mirror, combing his short blond hair.
Compared to when he first arrived at the mansion, he'd changed so much. He'd grown taller. His ribs no longer showed beneath his skin. His blue eyes were clear now, and his face more defined.
Even though life here had been kind to him—warm meals, fine clothes, a safe place to sleep—he still remembered the struggles of his past. The hunger, the fear, the fight to survive. There were others still out there. Children like him. Families trapped beneath a system that offered no way out — a hierarchy built on false promises. And though he did not yet know how, Malin vowed that one day he would tear it down. All of it.
He'd spent a lot of time with Lord Rhaegal lately, and they'd had deep conversations. Lord Rhaegal seemed loyal to his duties—though he always claimed he didn't serve the king directly.
A king who divides his people is no true ruler, Malin thought. If even I can see that, surely the likes of Lord Rhaegal must know it too. Maybe they just choose to ignore it… because the suffering doesn't touch them.
But Lord Rhaegal didn't strike him as someone obsessed with power. There must be more to it, Malin thought. Nodding to himself, he set the comb aside and left his room.
He headed to the dining room.
Rhaegal was already seated, dressed formally with his dark hair neatly tied back. He looked so handsome that Malin's heart gave a little flutter.
"Good morning, my lord. Sir Alfred," Malin greeted them.
Rhaegal looked him over and gave a small smile. "You look sharp, Malin."
Malin returned the smile and sat in his usual seat. The servant brought in the cart, and they began eating.
Malin ate quickly and in silence—unlike his usual talkative, curious self. Rhaegal noticed at once, raising a brow.
"Did you sleep well last night?" he asked.
"I did, my lord," Malin replied, but his mind seemed elsewhere.
The dining room fell quiet again. Rhaegal watched him thoughtfully. He understood now — the boy was overwhelmed. Between lessons, self-defense training, and insisting on helping with chores, Malin was pushing himself too hard.
Rhaegal set down his cutlery. "I want you to accompany me to work today," he said, eyes on Malin.
Malin looked up. "Really?"
"Unless you have something better to do."
"No! Nothing at all. I'll go wherever you want," Malin said eagerly.
Rhaegal turned to Alfred. "You stay. I won't be long."
Alfred seemed ready to protest, but nodded silently.
Lord Rhaegal and Malin left the dining room and went downstairs, where the carriage waited.
Eugene opened the door, and both men stepped inside.
Malin looked around in amazement. The carriage was even more spacious than he remembered.
"This isn't your first time in here," Rhaegal said.
"It's not," Malin smiled. "But this is the first time I'm riding it awake." The last two times had been life-or-death moments.
Rhaegal chuckled softly. "Let's hope today is different."
Malin opened the small window and peered outside as the carriage rolled away from the mansion. After months within those walls, this was his first real trip out.
Turning to Rhaegal, he asked, "Where are we going, my lord?"
"You'll see when we get there," Rhaegal replied.
Malin grinned. "A surprise. I like that."
Rhaegal glanced at him briefly and looked away.
Soon the carriage stopped. Eugene opened the door. Malin leaned out — and his eyes widened.
"A fair!" he gasped. Sitting back, he beamed at Rhaegal. "I've always wanted to go to a fair… but I was never allowed. Thank you!"
Rhaegal nodded and handed him a heavy pouch of coins. "Go on. Get whatever you want."
Malin opened it. His eyes grew even wider. "I could buy the whole fair with this!" he laughed.
"I have no doubt," Rhaegal said with a chuckle.
Malin hopped out of the carriage but paused by the door. "My lord… aren't you coming?"
Rhaegal adjusted his seat. "Crowds aren't my thing. Eugene will go with you."
Malin's smile faded. "Then I'll stay. The fair won't be fun without you."
He climbed back in, placed the pouch in Rhaegal's hand, and said, "We can go home now, my lord."
Rhaegal was taken aback. He hadn't expected the boy to refuse. After a moment, he sighed. "Fine. I'll come with you."
Malin's face lit up. He grabbed Rhaegal's hand excitedly. "Thank you, my lord!" He jumped out of the carriage.
Rhaegal stiffened for a second, then followed. He stared at the bustling crowd, then glanced at Malin.
"Let's go."
Together, they entered the fair. Malin's eyes shone as he looked around. The stalls were full of wonders — from the biggest treasures to the oddest trinkets.