The door shut behind me in an eerie sound. As I walk out with what remaining energy I have left.
This meeting had drained me more than I thought it would.
I came out, and it was a stormy night and rain was hitting the window. The meeting started in the late afternoon and it took the whole evening to finish it.
It really took longer than I expected but at least it's over now.
Rain grew louder as the howling winds clashed together. Even the thunder didn't back down.
I was alone but when I turned left towards the exit, I saw Jas and Xane waiting for me. Both with a grave and worried expression.
I walked up to them and looked with my tired eyes, "I got the duchy." I say, then I turn to Jas and clench my fist and continue, "From now on, Jasper, you will be in the shadow. You will not appear with me and all the connections with you on the outside will be eliminated. You will be the key to my big plan. People will see hope just after dispare."
He stared at my soul. He bowed slowly and said, "Yes, My Lord." He changed his name for me, changing from young master to my lord, changing our whole relationship for the final time.
From bodyguard and to my shadow.
My eyes suddenly grew heavy.
'Huh, I can't stand...must be all the exhaustion.'
But before I could fall, Jas grabbed me and picked me up. He was holding me with care, but with a heavy grip.
After that, it was just a long, stormy and gloomy night.
***
I opened my eyes and looked around, it was my room in the estate.
'I guess we teleported back...'
I looked out the window and saw it was still raining outside.
It was the middle of the night. I got up from the bed and walked towards the door.
I walk in the silent darkness with no light other than the candles lit in the hallways.
My head was a mess so I decided to visit my father's empty grave.
'One last time. Then I need to get it together.'
I keep repeating it like a mantra just to placate myself, hoping to finally let myself revert back to my old self.
The self who doesn't do emotions and would rather plan then be out and about while losing my mind.
I walked outside and the rain got worse but I didn't have a thought of carrying an umbrella.
Suddenly, I hear a noise from the grave and see Jas with an umbrella saying something to Father.
I went near but by then he had already finished what he was saying.
He turned and saw me, he frowned but when he actually saw me, his expression froze and his golden gaze softened.
I went over and looked at my father's grave.
An umbrella came over my head and covered me from the harsh rain.
Jas had covered me while he was now looking.
After some time, I turned, and then Jas handed me the umbrella.
I took it without question and saw him bend down. He removed his shoes and kept them in front of my feet.
That's when I realized I was barefoot.
They were dirty so Jas took out a handkerchief and cleaned my feet before making me wear his shoes.
My dead eyes softened and I let him do whatever he wanted with me.
He stood up and looked at me with a much softer expression.
I looked at him as water fell from his head to his eyelid, making them look so majestic.
I felt a familiar power within those eyes.
Then as the storm raged on, Jas spoke, "Armendo passed his powers to me before the fire," he said quietly as if, if he raised his voice even a bit, I would shatter.
"But I didn't know...I didn't know he would sacrifice himself that day."
The night felt heavier than before but at least now, I wasn't standing alone.
'So that's why he was so weak,' I think as I look at the powers inside Jas.
'That's the feeling, his powers are in Jas, that's what I was feeling.'
I nodded and then held his gaze. And he held mine.
We were both wet but I still pulled him under the umbrella.
I hugged him, "It's alright, Jas, as long as you are here, I don't need anyone else."
He held me against himself, his hands covered my back and my head.
"My shadow." I murmured.
I felt a heavy breath on my head as he nodded and said, "My Lord."
We stood there for far too long but then I heard a crunch and saw Millard come out with light.
The rain had stopped, so Jas let me go and closed the umbrella.
He looked over us and dragged us inside.
"You both are a mess," he grumbled and walked in front of us, "Come on."
Neither of us resisted, as he all but dragged us from the outside to a changing room.
His firm grip guided us through the dimly lit halls of the estate.
When we reached my chambers, Millard wasted no time.
"Change," he ordered, handing me fresh clothes before turning to Jasper with a pointed look. "That goes for you too."
Jasper rolled his eyes but accepted the clothes, moving toward the adjoining room to change. I remained where I stood for a long moment, my limbs sluggish, until Millard gave me a look that left no room for negotiation.
Once I was dressed, Millard guided me toward the bed, his movements gentle but firm. "Rest, Kaan," he said, tucking the blankets around me as if I were still a child.
I didn't argue, but as I sank into the mattress, I turned my head toward Jasper, who had just finished changing. "Stay," I murmured, barely audible.
Jas faltered as he watched me with his lips slightly parted, he hesitated but nodded. "I will stay," he said as he pulled a chair and sat down beside the bed.
That was enough. My eyelids grew heavy, and the last thing I felt before drifting off was the reassuring presence of Jasper nearby, grounding me even in sleep.
Like always.