The Dungeon

by June Leung

  “There are no ‘ifs’ for the past. There’s only now and probably the future to worry about. And while I am sure everyone is happy, don’t you think this celebration thing is going on a bit too long?”

  “C’mon. Have some fun. Nothing dangerous can happen to us anyways. Although I know you’ve never been one for festivals and fun, you should see this as a big win.” Eric patted William’s back before he left.

  William stared at his retreating form for a while before he slumped back on the counter, setting down his beer. Was it wrong to not feel happy now that the devil was dead? He stabbed into its heart and burned it. “It”, huh?

  There was a storm inside his stomach. He already got what he was after; the high Elder already confirmed him as the successor and everyone respected him as the leader, yet something felt off. He swallowed. Maybe it was the alcohol, but the world seemed shaky.

  Almost everyone that was there when Ariel was killed were dead. Most, if not all, were tortured to death by the devil. And the devil himself was also dead by now. It felt empty. William bit the inside of his mouth. It was the devil, Adrian’s fault. Yes, it had to be. If he wasn’t dead, more magicians would be dead… Well, a lot of them were already dead.

  What brought Adrian to his land that day? He knew they would kill him, right? Adrian seemed to want to have a few words with him, and he replied with the blade stabbing through the devil’s chest and the fire that burned him like Ariel was burned.

  Maybe he should’ve at least let Adrian talk. Once upon a time, they were friends that would talk about everything together.

  Adrian snapped his eyes wide open, staring at William struggling in his hand. Despite his thoughts, he let go of him. William stumbled, falling back on the chair, holding his head as he bent over on the table, moaning.

  “I wasn't expecting that.” Adrian chuckled wryly. “In the end, I was the only person you wanted dead, until you actually killed me off, huh?”

  “I… I don’t even know how to feel. It is me after all… I created all the mess. I could never figure out why the high Elder liked you, and I… if you have no use of me, just do me the mercy. Know that I really want to help Lia. I don’t want to do the terrible things I did before anymore.” William was still holding his head in his hands, his voice filled with pain.

  Adrian’s blood ran cold, and his heart seemed to have a mind of its own. “If you really wanted to help Lia, I guess I will let you try. Seeing how she really wants you to live. Don’t make me regret it.”

  Why am I doing this? Why…

  William snapped his head up. Despite panting for air, he nodded frantically. “It is enough. I wasn’t expecting you to ever forgive me. I’m taking what I can. You won’t regret it. I will see to it.” His smile was infectious, but Adrian schooled himself.

  It is just for Lia’s safety…

  Despite still shaky, William stood, pulling Adrian into another hug.

  Adrian flinched, frowning deeply. Dammit, Lia. What have you done to me…? Ariel… I’m sorry. Please don’t hate me more than you already do… He remained standing awkwardly, letting William hug him. William pulled away, looking at the ground. Adrian sighed, moving to leave the cafe. He was always in debt to Ariel, why was he that much of a jerk to her?

  Chapter 41

  Adrian

  Outside, Adrian spotted Lia and Helen hiding in the street adjacent to the cafe effortlessly. He cleared his throat, bringing William’s attention there. Being discovered, the two sheepishly walked up to them.

  “That was a fun stunt you two pulled up?” Adrian crossed his arms, glaring at them. The glare soon disappeared; he was tired of all this. Why did he agree to keep William and Eric alive? Why did Lia have to be so important to him? Why couldn’t he get mad with her even though she set up all this?

  Well, if this was her plan, maybe the fire magician burning him was part of it, and maybe she wasn’t leaving him for the Elements.

  Lia leaped, hugging Adrian and leaving a trail of kisses from his ear to his neck. He blushed, looking between Helen and William. Helen laughed. William looked away.

  “I told you that talking through things is better than killing each other.” Lia poked his nose, he rolled his eyes, hugging her back.

  He didn’t know what to feel. Everything seemed unreal. Lia seemed to see that and said, “I’m sorry I forced your hand. I couldn’t think of anything better to do.”

  Lia didn’t know what happened in the past. Maybe he shouldn’t blame her. His woman was just trying to help, like she always would. He patted her back and nodded. Hopefully Ariel would be OK with this.

  His heart skipped a beat when he remembered Helen and William were there. They stood close to each other with very annoying sly smiles. Adrian said, “C’mon William, we still have details to hammer out if we are to make things work.”

  “How about we leave that for another day? Seeing how Lia would get angry if we are still here.” William flicked his eyes to Helen, and the two shared a knowing look. Lia blushed, holding Adrian’s hand tight.

  “Um… I guess I will agree to that.” Adrian found his cheeks burning and he ran his hand over his face, trying to hide the bush.

  Adrian nudged Lia to leave when she tugged his elbow. “Wait. I still have something to tell you before we leave.” Lia smiled coyly to everyone.

  He raised his brows at her. She turned to the alley, calling, “You can come out now.”

  Adrian stared at a man that looked to be a similar age to Lia came out from the alley. He fixed his messy brown hair as he walked towards them, his eyes fixed on the ground.

  A fire started up inside him, his arms twitched. There was the spark of magic in this man, that damn fire magician. He glared at the man, clenching a fist.

  Who is this jerk who dared to shoot at me…?

  A nudge from Lia snapped Adrian out of his thoughts, and he flicked his eyes at her, scowling. Lia stroked his fist with her thumb, her shiny brown eyes captivating as always. He raised his brows. You better have a good explanation for all this.

  The man stopped a few steps away from them. Lia looked up to William and Adrian, gesturing at the man. “This is Terry. A fire magician. He had valuable information that would help us a lot. Not to mention he’s helped me a lot.”

  Adrian sneered. “Of course he did. Setting me on fire must be fun.” The rage he felt earlier came back to him, very ready to tear the magician in front of him into pieces.

  Lia tugged him with remorse. “Hey, don’t blame him. I told him I would appeal to you if he could escort me to the park safely. So when you grabbed me, he shot at you. I’m sorry. When I knew both you and William had a plan to kill each other, and I couldn’t let that happen.” Lia traced her hand up Adrian’s arms, gently stroking him, her touch sending a chill down his spine.

  Despite wanting to get angry with Lia’s stunt, the anger and the tension inside him slowly faded. Something about her made it difficult to get angry. He also knew it was almost the only way that could stop him and William getting into a real fight. If he’d gone to the clan with his team, there would have been no chance to talk. The fight would escalate as soon as they met. He still didn’t know how to feel about letting William go for what he had done, but for now, it was what it was.

  Adrian took in a deep breath, tearing his gaze from Lia’s beautiful brown eyes to the fire magician. He was toying the seam of his hood, shifting his weight between his legs. Adrian asked, “You, Terry? What is so valuable you have that I should spare your life?”

  Terry cleared his throat awkwardly. “I don’t know whether you will find it valuable or not, but as you killed Bob and most of us… people in our team, some other branches, began moving here, fighting to dominate this city. They are trying to kill off every one of Bob’s men to get total control of the city. You are the devil, right? You know Zitannas is kind of special.”

  Lia flinched. Adrian eyed her, not knowing why she was nervous. He flicked his eyes to William, who was frowning deep
ly with his arms crossed. He seemed to have no idea what Terry was talking about, as he should. Adrian turned back to Terry. “Fleeing for your life, huh? I do not care about your little life nor the other branches. You better have something more interesting for me. You tried to kill Lia, but she defeated you. Then you loser said you would help her, right?”

  The man took half a step back, his head hanging lower than before. Adrian rolled his eyes despite Lia snuggling up to him. He folded his arms across his chest. Lia whispered in his ear, “Please, Adrian. He could help with fighting the gang. I think we can use more hands in fighting Evelyn, whoever she is.”

  “This is stupid.”

  “But he helped me enough now that you agreed to not fight William. For that, give him a try?”

  He flicked his eyes to the fire magician. “For what you’ve done, I can spare your life. But if you want something more, you better have more to contribute.”

  Terry looked up to Adrian, then he glanced briefly at Lia, speaking with a shaky voice. “Who is commissioning for Lia’s life, I don’t know. But I know the offer is still out there. The branches that are trying to set feet here are also after her. It seems whoever commissioned had a very tempting offer for her death. They are probably trying to figure out the city before launching an attack. Bob’s remaining men are hiding.”

  Adrian stood tall as Lia tightened her grip on his hand. He exchanged a look with her. She was frowning. She shivered, hiding herself partly behind his arm.

  Terry looked genuine. Adrian could always raid his thoughts, so he would know quick enough if Terry was lying.

  “What is the offer?” Adrian asked.

  “I don’t know what’s in it for the big guys, but the offer for us on the lower level is already a very handsome sum of money. And for magicians, there’s the rumor of unlimited magical power. Usually when there are casualties when hunting down our target, the price will hike to get over most people’s budget. But Bob sent almost a dozen men after your woman. There has to be a very large gain for him to warrant those losses. Not to mention he actually stayed to fight you head on. Maybe you don’t know. We knew you were coming, and there was enough time for us to leave, but Bob decided to stay.” Terry sank his hand into his pocket, looking down at the ground.

  Adrian scowled; he’d raided Bob’s mind before, and the price Evelyn offered was very attractive. But he wasn’t expecting her to keep urging other gangs to go after Lia instead of doing it herself. It had been a while since he saw her, knowing her, she wouldn’t stop gaining power.

  Terry squirmed under Adrian’s glare before taking in a deep breath. “I can help you fight them. I will tell you everything I know.”

  Except Bob’s little mind is of better use than yours.

  Adrian flinched as Lia wrapped her arms around his waist. She whispered into his ear, “C’mon, we could use more help.”

  He whispered back, “You really think I should believe in a guy that tried to kill you both in the gang’s base and in the street just because you think we need extra help with Evelyn? Have you considered that he could be a spy? He could always stab you in the back. You should never believe in your enemy. As I’ve told you and you tried yourself, kindness to the enemy is cheating yourself.”

  She rubbed his back, talking to his ear quietly. “Is there something he could hide in his brain from almighty Adrian? Don’t you feel bad to see him running away from where he belongs? It is scary to be hunted. Just take him under your wings, would you?”

  Adrian’s eyes widened, this wasn’t what he was expecting, the way Lia put it… sadly hit home for him, he eyed the fire magician again.

  William asked that fire magician with a frown. “Are you really going to fight your counterpart with us?” He gestured to Adrian. “If you already tried to fight him, you know what he can do.”

  “Yes… there’s no place I can go. This is not the best reason, I guess, but I just want to stay alive.”

  “What do you say, Adrian?” William looked at him. Adrian looked between Terry and Lia, still hesitant. Wouldn’t it be easier to kill off the fire magician than risking a betrayal?

  “Adrian…” Lia patted his back.

  He stared at the fire magician for another moment before he reluctantly nodded. “You have somewhere to lock him up? I will figure it out soon, whether he should live or not.”

  William nodded. “I guess there are also things I want to know about magicians not in a clan and under the radar.”

  Adrian snorted a humorless laugh. “Don’t imagine yourself stronger than you really are. There are too many things you little Elements know nothing about.” He could sense Lia tensing up next to him. He stroked the back of her hand, giving her a comforting squeeze.

  “So you better get on their good side now.” Lia smiled warmly at that fire magician. Adrian wrapped his arm across the back of Lia’s waist, pulling her closer.

  Adrian said, “William, go find a place for him first. Don’t start questioning without me.”

  William gestured for Terry to follow him, and he obediently did. Helen raised her brows at Adrian, stifling a laugh. As Adrian glared at Helen, she smirked at him, looking between Lia and Terry, as if making sure Adrian knew she was teasing. Adrian rolled his eyes. Fine. He still couldn’t say no to Lia. He waved Helen off and she chuckled, following William.

  As the three walked off, only Lia was left beside him. She let out a relaxed sigh, beaming at him. “Thank you, Adrian. You’re the best.”

  “Of course I am… Who else is dumb enough to let his enemy live and to leave the murderer of his girl under his wings.”

  She winced, rubbing his arm. “I’m sorry. Still painful? I really needed to ambush both you and William for my plan to stand a chance. I couldn’t let you catch me in the alley.”

  Adrian stared into her eyes, seeing concern and a bit of guilt in them. His heart was beating a bit too quick to his liking, his throat tight. He wanted to reprimand Lia, to stop her from always risking herself, but he couldn’t say a word. She pulled him into a tight hug, clashing her lips on his.

  He hugged her back, kissing her with strong passion. His hand was soon lost in her hair, pulling her into a deeper kiss. Her hands reached up to rub his back. He closed his eyes, savoring the touch of her warm lips and feeling her body pressed against him.

  What have you done to me, Lia?

  Don’t blame me. You also hid your plan from me.

  Adrian flinched, snapping his eyes open. He pulled back just enough to stare at her. Lia groaned, puffing her cheek, as if upset from the kiss cutting short. She cupped his chin, “What? Are you surprised? Come on, big boy. You are the one haunting my mind first. Why are you looking surprised at me having a view of yours?”

  He gulped, staring at her with wide eyes. “No way… How could you…”

  “How do I know? I thought you wanted me to hear you? If you don’t, I have no way of hacking into you.” Lia tilted her head to the side, clearly confused.

  He groaned, shaking his head. “You will be the death of me…”

  “Better guard your mind well.” Lia smirked, pecking a kiss on his nose.

  I really should be more careful, then…

  “I don’t think I will like what’s on your mind now.” She rolled her eyes, tracing her fingers along his jaw. He huffed, pulling her into another deep kiss.

  They barely pulled away from each other when a passerby muttered something under his breath, staring at the two of them.

  “It seems it is time to go.” Lia chuckled as she ran her fingers through her hair. He rolled his eyes, tugging her to leave, holding each other’s hand. He could use some peace before letting his people know about this. They weren’t going to be happy about it.

  Chapter 42

  Lia

  As soon as they stepped through the door to his apartment, before Lia could take off her shoes, Adrian pulled her close, pressing his lips on hers. He kissed her with such force, she tightened her grip on his waist to balance
herself. Her fingers tangled with his hair, pulling him even closer. She immersed herself in his touch, his scent, feeling his muscular chest pressed against her. She let out a small moan as he rested his forehead on hers. His arm was still on her back, a smirk on his face. “Now that we’re back, it was fun catching me off guard out there, huh?”

  Lia winked at him playfully, planting a soft and brief kiss on his nose, his breath warm on her lips.

  “What if we actually went into a fight? What are you going to do?” He raised his brows.

  She caressed his cheek. “Hm, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll hug you so tight you can’t keep fighting and we’ll kill William with a pure display of affection?”

  He snorted, rolling his eyes. “You will kill me with embarrassment before we get to kill him.”

  “Did I not tell you how much I love seeing a flustered Adrian?” Lia chuckled, planting another kiss on his lips. He licked them with a wolfish grin. His other arm found its way under her thigh, lifting her up in a swift motion. She let out a small scream, throwing her arms around his neck. He carried her into his room, carefully putting her down on the bed and straddling her. He leaned close to her ear.

  “How about I tell you what I love seeing instead?” He cupped her face with a smirk.

  Lia laughed, smacking his arm playfully. She pulled him into a kiss, wrapping her arms around his back, deepening the kiss.

  “How long will I have to wait this time? Another year?”

  He groaned, “I would rather not.”

  Later, Lia rested her head on Adrian’s shoulder, lying in the comfort of the bed. She traced her fingers along his bare chest, his arm wrapped around her waist. She was so worried that he would hate her for setting him up, but it seemed he was fine with it. It was hard to believe he would go to this length because of her.

  She swallowed. She was probably the reason Adrian chose to let William live. Would Adrian still keep William around after they were done with Evelyn? Well, that was a problem further down the road. As his warmth enveloped her, she almost drifted off. Adrian sighed.