Book 3 Chapter 25

Torvus set himself down lightly, legs swinging over the side of the cliff overlooking the small waterfall in front of him. He was in a small cavern not too far from Raife’s, where the only sounds were caused by the water running over the rocks. He looked over the waterfall, enjoying the cool air and the sounds of the water crashing as he let out a sigh…

“You still come all the way out here?” A voice called out behind him, words coming out from between ragged breaths.

“I guess…” Torvus answered, “Just felt like it… It's been a while though. “

Raife grunted, coming over to sit beside the young man. He lowered himself slowly, wincing at his knees as he settled onto the cliff. He took a deep look at Torvus’s face, watching the former assassin as he stared out into the dark. “Thought you’d be happier…” He said quietly. “You know, with Odee dead and all…”

“I’m probably as happy as I can be…” Torvus replied plainly, taking the time to flash the older man one of his fake smiles before looking back out into the darkness.

“I would hope so,” Raife continued, following his gaze to watch the rising mist. “Odee was probably only behind me and Boris when it comes to people on your shit list right?”

“He was yeah, but I dunno. I used to think killing Odee would be some big thing. That it would change something or I would feel different somehow. I thought about doing it so many times after all. But after finally doing it, I honestly couldn’t care. Like it was something so important just yesterday, but I honestly forgot I did it until you just mentioned it.”

Raife turned and looked at the young man curiously and found that his lips had loosened into a small smile. Seeing that look on his face Raife could help but feel shocked. It was such a small thing but it was the most genuine feeling he’d ever seen the boy show.

He let out his own smile, chuckling as he spoke, “Looks like you’re doing well with that little one.”

“He’s a good Boss,” Torvus said, still smiling, “Much better than some old man…”

Raife let out a laugh before once more working his way up to his feet. Are you gonna be staying out here for a while?

“No I better go back with you, wouldn’t want you to trip and break your neck in the dark…” Torvus replied, a fake smile back on his face as he stood and followed the old man back. They chatted as they walked back through the tunnels, taking verbal jabs at each other as they went.

As they arrived back within the main cavern Torvus stopped, sensing something was off. “Wait a second…” he whispered stopping Raife as his eyes scanned the area. Nothing appeared out of place at first glance, but Torvu’s well-trained eyes noticed the shadows moving among the darkness.

“Stay here,” Torvus ordered as he sped up, moving further into the cavern and into the mansion’s courtyard. Looking around he saw no signs of the hidden men Raife kept on watch. He kept to the shadows himself keeping an eye open for the intruders he had sensed.

As he reached the mansion itself there was a clap of thunder, followed by the shattering of glass. Torvus’s eyes widened as he realized that it had come from where the children stayed…. He ran towards the sound, moving as fast as his shard could carry him.

He moved around the yard before reaching a wall. Broken glass lay on the ground and the broken window above gave him all the information he needed. He ran into the wall, jumping up and climbing in one smooth motion. Torvus jumped grabbing onto the ledge and pulling himself up toward the second floor. He climbed through the broken window and froze as he found the scene inside. Tirr lay on the ground in a pool of blood with a gaping hole right in the middle of his chest, right where his heart would be.

The door to the children's room was open. and standing in front of it was another familiar face. “Ah, Torvus,” Knuckle called smiling wickedly, “Glad you could join us, looks like your too late though…”