Chapter 55: Lucius
Gabriel’s sword meeting the monstrous beast’s claws echoed through the training grounds behind his mansion.
Nearby, his knights watched with awe.
Training with live monsters was a dangerous and unconventional approach, but Gabriel insisted it was necessary to prepare for the threats they now faced.
"Duke," one of the knights called out, stepping forward, "there’s an unexpected visitor. Lucius, Lord of the Nightwind’s arrived."
Gabriel paused mid-swing, his breathing turned heavy.
He lowered his sword, darkening his eyes. "Lucius?" he repeated.
"Yes, sire. He’s in the main hall."
Gabriel’s jaw tightened, eyes narrowed immediately. "I’ll handle it later."
The knight hesitated. "Lady Lirian intercepted him, sire."
Gabriel froze for a moment before nodding. "Keep training. I’ll deal with him when I’m done."
Lirian was standing rigid in the entry hall, her stomach churned as her father paced before her.
Lucius was tall and broad-shouldered, with graying hair that did little to diminish his intimidating presence.
His blue eyes looked cold and calculating, raked over her with disdain.
"Look at you," Lucius sneered in a low voice. "Still playing dress-up in someone else’s home. It’s pathetic."
Lirian clenched her fists at her sides. "Why are you here, Father?"
"Why shouldn’t I be here?" he replied back. "You think you can act like some great lady while I’m left cleaning up the messes you make?"
"I haven’t made any messes," she said sharply, though her voice trembled. "You shouldn’t even be here. This is Gabriel’s home."
Lucius barked out a harsh laugh.
"Gabriel’s home? And what are you here, his charity case? His plaything? Or maybe you think you’ll worm your way into something bigger."
"Stop," she said through gritted teeth. "You’re only embarrassing yourself."
His expression changed, and before she could react, his hand lashed out, striking her hard across the face.
The sound echoed in the hall, and Lirian staggered back, her cheek stinging from the blow.
She refused to cry out, instead lifted her chin defiantly.
"You dare talk back to me?" Lucius growled. "You’ve always been a disappointment. An imperfect daughter."
Lirian’s chest burned, both from the pain and the humiliation of having this confrontation in such a public space.
The servants nearby pretended to be busy themselves, though their stolen glances showed their discomfort.
"You’ve said that my entire life...You think I don’t know by now what you think of me?"
Lucius stepped closer, towering over her. "You’ve always been ungrateful. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me."
"No," she said firmly, meeting his glare with steel in her eyes. "Everything I am is in spite of you."
His hand shot out again, grabbing her wrist and twisting it painfully.
"Watch your tongue, girl. You’re still my daughter, and I won’t tolerate your insolence."
Lirian winced but refused to cry out, even as her wrist throbbed.
She knew she had to keep him occupied, keep him away from the training grounds where Gabriel was working with the monsters.
"Fine," she said tightly, quite sarcastic. "Let’s talk about how perfect you think you are. Maybe then you’ll feel better about yourself."
His grip tightened. "Don’t test me, Lirian."
"Oh, I’m not testing you," she shot back. "I already know what kind of man you are—a coward who tears others down to make himself feel powerful."
Lucius raised his hand again, but this time, a voice interrupted them.
"That’s enough."
Both of them turned to see Gabriel standing in the doorway, his sword still in hand.
He had an icy look, frosting everything as he looked at Lucius.
Lucius released Lirian’s wrist, stepping back with a sneer.
"Ah, the mighty Gabriel," he said mockingly. "What a surprise to see you meddling in family affairs."
Gabriel’s glare didn’t waver.
"When that ’family affair’ involves you striking my—" He hesitated, glancing at Lirian before continuing, "—my guest in my home, then yes, I’ll meddle."
Lucius smirked. "Your guest? Is that all she is to you?"
"That’s none of your concern," Gabriel said coldly, stepping forward. "But know this, Lucius. If you touch her again, you’ll answer to me."
Lirian stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest louder that everyone could hear.
Lucius let out a low chuckle, but there was something uncontrollable about it.
"You’re bold, Gabriel. I’ll give you that. But this girl isn’t your problem. She’s mine."
"Not anymore," Gabriel replied immediately. "Leave. Now."
Lucius looked at Lirian.
"This isn’t over," he said darkly before turning and stalking out of the hall.
As the doors closed behind him, the heavy energy in the room remained the same.
Gabriel turned to Lirian, softening his eyes for her slightly.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice seemed quieter now.
She nodded, though her hands still trembled. "I’ve had worse."
"That doesn’t make it right," he said, gritting his teeth. "You shouldn’t have to endure that."
She looked away, wrapping her arms around herself.
"I didn’t want him to see the monsters," she murmured. "He can’t know about them."
Gabriel frowned. "You shouldn’t have faced him alone."
"I didn’t have a choice," she stated, breaking slightly.
He stepped closer, his hand brushed against hers. "You do now," he said gently. "You’re not alone anymore, Lirian."
"I don’t know how to believe that."
"Then I’ll prove it to you...Whatever it takes."
Gabriel led Lirian into one of his studies, the room was with ancient books and glowing artifacts.
He motioned for her to sit on a comfortable chair. "I want to give you something special," he said, pulling out a shimmering ring.
"What’s this ring for?" Lirian asked, curiosity was sparkling in her eyes.
"It’s to protect you when I’m not around," Gabriel replied, gently placing the ring on her finger. "It helps with your mana."
"Mana?" she inquired, lifting her head.
"It’s the magic inside you," he explained. "This ring will keep you safe and connected."
"Will I be able to use magic too...Like you are?"
"Maybe," Gabriel smiled. "Tomorrow, we’ll go to the magic shop. There’s a woman there who can check your mana. She’ll tell us more."