When the humans left Ingrann things went back to normal, or so everyone imagined. Things would be different from now on with everything that Zain had done to his family for the sake of recognition and power. But, he did reveal a lot to his father that the people he trusted to protect his family and himself couldn’t be trusted.

It came as a huge shock of realization, one that Bram wasn’t ready to deal with at the moment. But, he couldn’t deny the nature of the Basilisks. And there wasn’t time to find a whole new set of guards, for now, he would just have to be extra cautious.

Zain was seen down in the dungeons in a seated position against the wall with his eyes closed as he simply meditated. There wasn’t much to do down here and to keep his sanity it was best that his mind only focused on idle thoughts. Especially since even he didn’t know how much longer his father would keep him down here.

Who am I kidding? Dad’s not going to let me out of here anytime soon. I might as well get comfortable.

Still, the words that came out of his step mother’s mouth bothered him. Certainly, even she wouldn’t be bold enough to have him killed right under the same roof. Then again this woman was foolish and he wouldn't put it past her. After all, even if he did die it wouldn’t be like anything would change. Bram would probably be upset for a few, but then he would forgive her as if nothing happened.

His attention was earned by the boots of the guards walking down the steps of the dungeon. They had in their hand's fine Ingrann cuisine. The guards snickered about before resting the plate of food down near the bars of Zain’s cell.

“Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Zain all of those promises of creating a better Ingrann one free from humans… was that all a lie?”

“It doesn’t matter. In this position, he’ll never reach the throne again. He’s just your average prisoner.” The guard smirked before loosening his pants and slowly wrestling out his pecker. The meat was damp from the humidity and flopped around until the snake gripped it in his hands before a smelly yellow liquid secreted from the hole of his flesh.

The liquid splashed all over the finely cooked food, soiling whatever form of taste it would have. The guard then slid the plate underneath the bars towards Zain who looked rather displeased.

“Listen here we were told to kill you, but we wanted to make sure you got your last meal. If you show us how desperate you are to live and eat your meal then we’ll spare your life.”

Zain wasn’t pleased, his eyes stared coldly at the two guards before he looked down at the plate of grub that he would never in his life take a bite from.

Even if I agreed to they’d kill me without a second thought. These bastards cannot be trusted.

“Just because I’m down here doesn’t mean I’m desperate. I still have the pride of being an Ingram and don’t you forget that trash.” Zain spoke out.

“I love how you can be so confident even when you’re about to die.”

“No one is coming to save you, Zain. You stretched out all of your options.” The guard said as he pulled his pants back up and revealed a dagger. He soon unlocked the prison door and slowly entered.

Seeing this Zain kept his back to the wall, staring at the menace in front of him, but having no clear way of getting out of this mess. He had endured so much from this cruel world and now he was going to die like this? After all of the sacrifices his mom made? It couldn’t end like this.

“I’ll make it quick… since you truly tried to be a worthy king.”

The guard rushed in, gripping the handle of the dagger with increased pressure before he raised it into the air and prepared to stab the former king. Zain closed his eyes and tensed up, preparing to face the reality of the world.

That was until someone interfered. A purple rift opened up and out came a hand, gripping onto the guard’s wrist. A tall and fit figure emerged from this portal wearing a white mask with a black question mark etched in.

“Who the hell is this…?”

The mysterious person was wearing a dark blue suit with the center of his chest showing an hourglass symbol. He was wearing black and white-colored gloves with knee and shoulder pads to accompany them.

“Nobody. I’m simply a man who likes to ask questions.” The man mentioned before a loud snap was heard. He had completely broken the wrist of the guard causing him to kneel in pain. Soon his fingers were seen sinking into the fresh jelly of the creature’s eyes, using enough force to tear through as red liquid rushed out of the opening. The guard’s screams soon followed before his body went limp.

The other Basilisk hissed loudly before backing away, his heart rushing against his chest as he weighed in his options. However, the man’s voice broke his train of thought.

“Let me ask you a question before you die. What do you think of the Ancients who gave you life? Don’t answer it now… think about it as you venture off to the next life.”

The guard instantly turned around, moving to run off, but soon found himself being caught off balance… his body fell limp and collapsed onto the floor while his head was cleanly removed. It fell onto the ground, rolling around before his eyes closed. Bloodstained the cold tiled floors from the bodies that were once filled with life.

Zain stared at the man with a concerned expression, but soon released a deep sigh followed by a chuckle.

“Surprised to see me? I would have come sooner, but I thought you had things handled.”

“I did.. Until those meddling kids got involved.”

“Tell us all about it. Since I saved your life you owe me one, fair, right?”