by June Leung
“Let’s keep going!” Lia nudged at the fire magician, who flicked his eyes at Adrian before following Lia.
Behind her, Lia could faintly catch her name. Adrian was shouting something at her, but she had no time to stop.
I’m sorry, Adrian… You will understand later. Don’t blame me. You never told me your plan to kill the Elders either…
“Who is he?” the fire magician behind her asked as the park came into view from a distance.
“Someone you should never shoot at again. But you are safe with me, no worries.”
Lia arrived at a lamp post in the park and leaned on it, panting and gasping for air. She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. The fire magician was staring at her with raised brows. She said, “Go hide somewhere and stay safe. If that man shows up, remember not to shoot at him from now on. Oh, and your name?”
A glint of amusement flashed through his eyes. “Call me Terry. So, I should just stand somewhere else?”
“Yes. Don’t get killed. I will call you, so don’t go too far away.” Lia looked up to the lamp post and reached for her phone, taking a selfie with the sign of the park behind her. The man stared at her for another moment before he left.
With shaky fingers, she sent the photo off to social media. She needed him to be in the park like she planned.
Lia found a spot further away to hide with the lamp post still in sight. She focused her power, hiding her breath and magical power away from detection.
Chapter 38
Adrian
“Dammit…” Adrian grunted, leaning on the wall of the alley, holding his right arm with his other hand. His both arms were still red hot, sending jolting pain through his body. He put out the fire, but his arms were weak and heavy, as if he couldn’t lift them an inch. He winced, feeling the burned flesh stained by his sweat, sending another throbbing pain down his spine.
The leg Lia froze wasn’t something to be cared about; it would soon take care of itself. He closed his eyes, willing and channelling his magic to his right arm. He sucked in a deep breath, drawing his strength from his acquaintances that took his deal before. That goddamn fire magician! He slowly pulled the energy he needed. It tickled as the burnt flesh gradually regenerated and the pain subsided.
He barely caught his breath, the sweat on his forehead getting in his eyes. He snapped his eyes closed, rubbing them with the now healed arm. His left arm screamed in pain from merely the touch on the wound, he shivered.
It had been a while since he got hit by any type of magic. He cursed himself under his breath as he healed up that arm. The burn from a magic was much worse than its natural counterpart. The fire magic, as with other magic, lasted as long as the one casted it willed it to, or until it was put out. Even so, the damage lasted much longer and was more severe, taking more power to heal it.
As Adrian pressed on his injured left arm, the rage sent his blood boiling, his jaw tight. His body shook as he glared at where Lia and the disgusting magician ran off.
Lia… What the heck are you doing? Who the hell is that fire magician?
As his arms regained mobility, he stretched his fingers with a deep frown. He shook his head, trying to calm himself.
Luckily I don’t die that easy. Though, if I got burned to death, maybe it wouldn’t be that bad.
He shuddered; he didn’t need the reminder of Ariel at the moment, though the thought already sent another pain through him.
Wait… Did Lia knock Benjamin out and teamed up with a fire magician to shoot at me? Did something happen without me knowing? He winced, something in him ached, making him nauseous. It was a familiar feeling that made his gut twitch, a feeling he hated and thought was long gone.
Maybe Lia would rather hang out with the Elements than stay with a devil that would lock her up?
He leaned against the wall. His legs felt numb as he gasped for air. Lia… What is happening… His vision blurred as tears welled up in his eyes, his rage and strength seemed to have left. Maybe he should just leave. Maybe she agreed to try with him just to keep herself safe and for this chance to escape. He should know that; it would be hard to push him away when he was that much stronger and life-threatening to her. If she didn’t want him around, why should he still bother her?
Maybe for Lia, after everything, she’d already left him. He chuckled wryly at himself. Who did he think he was? Why would someone like her want to have anything to do with a devil like him? He should’ve known since the beginning. She was too kind and too pure for his world.
He pushed against the wall, shakily standing. He was heading back to his car when his phone buzzed. He lit up the screen to see Lia posting the picture of herself in the park in front of a lamp post. It was stupid that he set up a notification for her. He stuffed his phone back into his pocket, getting back on track when he thought of something.
If those that were really after her didn’t know before, they now knew where she was. His heart skipped a beat as an image flashed in his mind: her dead body in the park the next day. Evelyn would have no problem making it the ugliest body he ever imagined.
He shivered, maybe he should at least take a look. If the photo was indicative of where she was, it wouldn’t hurt to go there. He did tell her he would protect her even if she didn’t want a relationship with him. Better honor his own words. He already left her alone with the stupid power before; he wouldn’t survive anything happening to her again. When he beat the monster the first time they met, he didn’t ask for permission either. Hell, what kind of devil ever asked for permission?
Adrian paced through the park, holding up his phone. He had been walking around, but he couldn’t find her. He tried to call her, but she didn’t pick up. She has to be around. The scent of magic is near. And that fire magician, he better wish I never see him again.
His stomach twitched, all his instinct shouting for him to leave. If Lia found a magician to shoot fire at him, who knew what else she had planned. Is everything just an act? Just to hand me to Evelyn or whoever? Did she even feel anything—
Adrian rolled his eyes, shutting down his thoughts. I only hope she will be safe… Who cares what will happen to me… He leaned against a lamp post next to the entrance of the park, putting his phone back into his pocket with a frown. There was no sign of her. He frowned, staring blankly at the bushes and trees in the park.
“Adrian…”
Hearing his name in an unfamiliar voice made him jerk, snapping his head to the man standing a few steps away from him. Adrian raised his brows with a wry smile, taking a deep breath in. “William, finally. The inevitable, huh?”
William stared at him with wide eyes and gritted teeth.
Is this what Lia planned? I should’ve known… That girl… is more trouble than I expected. Why am I finding that attractive?
“I would guess you are here looking for Lia?” Adrian straightened, his arms crossed above his chest. William took a step back.
“So you still exist… Just as I guessed.” William clenched his fist, his body tensing.
“Of course I am. Try harder next time. I am planning to end you before you know it. And I think you have a similar plan. But seeing how someone trumped both our plans, this is what it is. Should we get started with our fight now?”
There was a tug in his stomach. Did Lia run away just for me to meet William? Or was it just my own imagination and she meant to turn me in? But William seriously thinks he could kill me on his own, alone?
William huffed, staring daggers at him. “I… I wouldn’t mind, unless you need some time to prepare?”
“I have no problem if we start now. But as this is probably the last night we will see each other, how about we catch up after all these years? It’s not like either of us will run away.” Adrian smirked, tilting his head slightly. The moment he saw William, he was confident he could overpower him. Unless he did something stupid, William wouldn’t see another day.
What am I doing? Just finish him!
&nbs
p; It had been years since he saw William face to face. Maybe he just wanted to know what happened. It would be fine; he could get rid of William later. An hour or two wouldn’t change anything.
“I guess that’s not a bad idea, letting you live for a few hours more.” William rolled his eyes and turned, leading the way. Adrian followed him.
It felt somewhat comforting walking along the streets with William a step ahead of him for a reason Adrian couldn’t put his finger on. Maybe it was the relief after all the years hunting each other down while hiding from each other at the same time finally coming to an end.
The night felt quieter than it really was. Soon, there would be no one stopping him to be with Lia. That was if she would still care about him at all. He sighed silently; she would be very mad if he killed William. A few leaves crumbled under his shoes. The leaves were dead, crushed into pieces.
William stopped by the entrance of a cafe, looking back at Adrian. Adrian nodded solemnly, looking up at the sign.
“You want coffee or tea? This is so not you, William.”
“Don’t pretend to know me!”
“As a matter of fact, I do. But I guess things changed over the years.” Adrian shrugged as he pushed open the door. They took a seat inside the comfy and tranquil cafe, with soft music playing, the brief peace before the storm.
Chapter 39
Lia
Lia peeked out of a thick bush, watching the back of Adrian and William as they walked out of the park. There was no sign of them getting into a fight, and she let out a sigh of relief. She straightened, stumbling a few steps and cursing her numb legs after squatting for a while. Finally, she reached a bench by the roadside and sat, the cool breeze in the night blowing through her hair. She leaned back to relax. It seemed her plan worked. Hopefully the effect would last.
She pulled out her phone, calling Helen, who soon joined her on the bench. “I can’t imagine they aren’t already fighting. Does this mean your plan is working?”
Lia shrugged, a wry smile on her face. “I hope… Maybe I guessed right about their relationship. At least it is better than them clashing at each other with full teams.”
“I guess so… At least there’s a chance they can talk instead of in a team fight, that is no place to slow down.”
Lia nodded. The thought of the two fighting sent a shiver down her spine. Her eyes lit up as a reminder slipped into her mind. “Helen, I have someone to introduce you to. I may need your help again.” Helen raised her brows at her, confused.
“Hey! Terry? You can come out! Are you somewhere?” Lia cupped her hand around her mouth, looking into the park. She scanned a few more bushes like the one she had been hiding under, then flicked her eyes to a few larger trees. She ran her fingers along her hair, a slight frown creeped up her face.
She jumped at a tap on her shoulder. Terry was now next to her. She let out a sigh of relief. “Whoa! Didn’t realize you were there.”
Terry nodded, sinking his hands into his pocket. “They don’t know me. It is easier to hide under the radar for me than you two.”
Lia turned to introduce Terry to Helen, but Helen was standing a few steps away from them, poised and scowling. Lia raised her brows. “You know him?”
Helen hissed, “Of course I do. He’s from the gang. He fled when we got the upper hand. How come you are with him, Lia?”
Lia raised her hands in front of her, between Helen and Terry. “Hear me out. Yes, he tried to attack me, actually not even an hour ago… But I convinced him to help me and he knows something important about the gang.”
“Really? How did he help you? You sure he isn’t waiting for a better chance to kill you?” Helen glared at Terry, he averted her gaze, staring at the ground.
“Actually he shot fire at Adrian, burning his arms,” Lia chuckled wryly. I’m so sorry, Adrian…
Helen’s eyes widened as she flicked her eyes between Lia and Terry. “Well… that’s intense… I guess I am not the one you need to appeal to.”
“I know, that’s why I need your help. While I am confident I can convince him on my own, I don’t want Terry to be a surprise for you when the time comes, and it would be great if you can help.” Lia reached for Helen’s shoulder, giving her an encouraging squeeze.
“Then what’s the information so important Adrian would spare you despite you injuring him?”
He gulped. “I… I understand why you don’t believe me. I helped her so I can live. Not the best reason, I know, but it is much harder out there than the two of you under the Elders.”
Helen rolled her eyes. “Who is to say you won’t stab Lia in the back when you know it could help you survive?”
“I… I understand your concern, but I can’t beat her anyway. Probably can’t make you trust me. Um… maybe some backstories help? Bob was the only one I heard of that would keep a magician around. I have nowhere else to go… Your clan is not very accepting.” Terry rubbed his hair with a heavy sigh.
Lia had no idea there were magicians outside of the clan before she met Adrian, and it seemed magicians that had no affiliation with both also existed.
“It sounds like you are just here for a ride. No, I don’t think this is a good idea. Adrian is not going to be OK with this.” Helen scowled, shaking her head.
Lia hid Terry behind her arm. “He really knows something we need.” She turned, nodding to him. A mischievous glint flashed through his eyes as he met Lia’s gaze.
He said, “As someone under Bob for quite some time, I know something. There are more branches of the team from different cities. Now that Bob is dead and the team here was almost wiped out by the two of you and the two men that barged in, the others are trying to get this city under their belt. They are trying to kill all that’s left of Bob’s men.”
Helen scowled. “Why should we care about your little gang fight? Why don’t you just go and fight for your life?”
“I… I don’t know the reason why, but it seems all branches are very keen on killing or capturing Lia. When Bob was commissioned, the money was very handsome. I heard now the bounty has at least doubled. It is an amount I can’t even dream of.”
“You mean they are still after Lia’s life? Even after a branch of their counterpart was wiped by four strangers?”
Terry chuckled wryly and shrugged. “There’s only money in the world I live in. The leaders like Bob won’t care. But I heard a few top magicians from other branches also came specifically for Lia. Someone offered them unlimited magical power should they succeed in bringing her down.”
Well, this sounds close enough to what Adrian originally offered me… I guess that someone has to be Evelyn. And I don’t even know much about her.
“You have some idea who they are and how they will deliver unlimited magical power? It is not something you can deposit into a bank?” Lia asked.
He shook his head. “I don’t know, but from another long going rumor, it seems there is a kind of magic that can control magical power. But no one knows how it works and no one seems to have ever seen that kind of magic before.”
He flicked his eyes to Lia, taking a step back. “Actually, speaking of magic no one has seen before, the man that came with you to The Orbit seemed to have it. I’ve never seen that kind of magic and how he survived the crossbows.”
Lia nodded with a chuckle. “Yeah, he is scary. If you didn’t know yet, he is the one that gets to decide whether you can stay or not. So… let’s hope he will take you.”
Terry cursed under his breath. “Well… I kind of remember him and maybe I should use my brain before shooting fire…”
Lia patted his shoulder and he flinched, snapping his head up to face her. “He will be fine. You stand a better chance burning him than letting him catch me. Otherwise, as soon as he knows you tried to kill me, it will be the end of you.”
“Terry? So, you are saying you will help us beat the branches and that’s why we should keep you?” Helen didn’t seem to buy what Lia said.
“Yes,
that’s if he… Adrian? If he will keep me, I will for sure help you. But if he doesn’t… I will have to fight for my life.”
Lia shrugged with a wry smile. “I would urge you not to try. There’s no way you can fight him. Not to mention when I try to appeal to him, another man will also be there who is also a very strong magician and very keen on keeping me safe. So… I doubt you stand a chance.”
Terry sighed, slumping onto the bench. “I am just saying, you would be able to kill me already…”
Lia looked to Helen, lifting her brows. Helen shook her head at her, tugging her aside. “Can I have a word with you privately?” Lia nodded, asking Terry to stay while the two of them went a safe distance away, making sure he wouldn’t hear a thing.
“Really, Lia… you think this is a good idea? I don’t think it is worth it to piss Adrian off even more. You know he is probably already mad about us going behind his back and pulling this plan. Now you think he will agree to take someone that tried to kill you? C’mon.”
Lia leaned on the tree behind her. “I just want to know more about the gang. They are after my life. I think Terry can be helpful to us.”
“I think Adrian would figure out what Terry knows very soon. He may already know. I know Adrian probably has a hard time rejecting your requests, but you really think this is a good idea? Right after you knocked out Ben?”
“Actually, that is we. I didn’t do it on my own.”
Helen rolled her eyes, shaking Lia’s shoulder. “Yes, it is we, and that is an even bigger problem. You know he hasn’t liked me since the beginning. How are you expecting him to listen to us?”
Lia grabbed Helen’s wrists, moving them off her shoulder. “I will do most of the talking, but I hope you will help convince him.”
Helen sighed as she freed her wrists from Lia’s hands. “Sorry, Lia. I don’t think letting Terry stay is a good idea. He’s just… another variable in us keeping you safe. And you could be imagining he could help. What if he is just going to lie about everything and misguide us? If you really are keen to convince Adrian, the most I can do is keep my mouth shut.”
