Eras Sanguine, the Warden of the Blood Guardians in the city of Sylvastein, wore a deep frown on his face as a man was ushered into his office.
The space looked more like a hall than an office. Expansive, but filled with only minimalities. Bookshelves, a desk and chair at the end of the room where he sat at the head, and a comfortable couch for when he had special guests.
But no one would consider the man that just entered special. Captain Rhett, a man the entire city knew as a waste.
Yet even as Rhett swayed, looking like he could barely walk, there was no disdain in Eras' gaze as he saw him.
Eras was known by all as being insanely strict. Never one to tolerate foolishness from anyone, even if the person in question was a Blood Knight captain.
The Blood Guardians who escorted Rhett inside stood by the door, already counting the seconds it would take for Rhett to get sent out. Any moment now, they thought.
The guards were taken aback. They glanced at each other, shocked. But the warden's commanding authority swallowed every restraint they had. Bowing, they both left the office.
"Damn, you've truly made it in life, Eras."
Not even a second passed since the guards left, and Rhett had shed every trace of his drunken self.
He stood straight, one hand folded, the other on his chin, glancing around the room like he was admiring the grandeur.
"What are you doing here?" Eras' voice was tight, and his eyes were hard. He hadn't moved from his seat.
Though he hadn't sent Rhett out, yet, he didn't look like he welcomed him either.
"Now now," Rhett turned towards him, smiling. "Is that how to talk to your own brother?"
Eras' expression darkened. He slammed his clenched fist against the table.
"Oh, now you realize you have a brother? I don't have any money to give, Rhett. Leave."
But Rhett did the opposite. He slumped onto the chair opposite Eras and placed his leg on the desk like it was his birthright.
"You think so little of me, baby brother. I've come here for serious matters."
"I doubt that," Eras scoffed. "Ever since you lost your wife and kid, nothing has ever seemed right with you again."
Eras didn't miss the cold glint that flashed past Rhett's eyes. But Rhett chose to ignore the obvious trap.
"My squad is missing," Rhett finally said. "Know anything about that?"
Rhett looked straight into his brother's eyes. In the past, they could be said to have been inseparable.
But as with most relationships, when life began to pull them in different directions, they spent less time together.
However, the love between them never waned, at least Rhett would like to think so.
They still met up occasionally, caught up on the happenings of their lives. But all of this changed when Rhett lost his family.
He became a hollow shell of the man he once was, and no matter how hard Eras tried, he had never been able to bring him out of that shell.
Valerian had done what Eras couldn't, and Rhett knew that while his brother was glad, it was one of the things that strained their relationship even more.
After Valerian died, Rhett simply went back to his old self, and their relationship soured until it became whatever this was.
Regardless, inside this dome, there was no one Rhett knew better than his little brother.
"You've always been a terrible liar, brother."
Eras fought to maintain his expression. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"You're currently clenching your second fist," Rhett said with certainty. "You might be able to control your expression, but your veins have always been your enemies."
Eras shoved down his shock and unclenched his fist under the table.
He stood and went to the corner of the office, where he poured himself a drink. He was larger than most, even Rhett himself.
Neatly dressed in the pure black armor of a warden despite the late hour, with broad shoulders and a bulky frame that put many body builders to shame. The most up‑to‑date version is on *.
The others in the city considered Rhett a failure. But Eras knew his big brother was far from one. Valerian himself had recognized his talent, after all.
"I'll pass," Rhett refused. It would shock many that he of all people would refuse a drink, but it only showed just how serious he was.
"Tell me, brother, how is it possible for a warden to be unaware of the massive green vita veil that appeared on the southern side of the stronghold?"
"Hmm. Don't know?" Rhett smiled. "Then what about the explosion that occurred before the veil was formed? What about the imaginary horde of darkness creatures that was supposed to attack the stronghold this morning?"
There was nothing but silence.
"Still nothing, huh?" He shook his head. "Then what about the kilometers wide wasteland that suddenly replaced the forest on the southern side?"
Eras poured himself another drink, drowning it in the next moment.
"You're the last person I'd ever expect such a thing from, Eras. What happened?"
The words made Eras freeze. He gritted his teeth.
"You don't understand."
"Of course I don't. I have no idea what the hell is going on, after all. But that doesn't excuse what you've done."
Rhett rose from his seat, gaze serious. "Tell me where my squad members are."
Eras turned towards Rhett, and the latter could instantly see the hesitation in his eyes.
Rhett walked towards him.
"Tell me what's happening. Does she have something on you?"
Rhett knew his brother well. He wasn't the type to sit for this. Eras had always been the honorable one. The type that would allow no wrong.
He didn't miss the sight of Eras' gaze flashing at her mention.
Rhett reached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, staring into his eyes.