I stared at them, silent as I processed what I'd heard. "Take her, Alexus. And collect what she promised us," the leader said.
I sighed heavily. I hadn't expected my life here to be this complicated. I'm the marked Muryō. The Black Phoenix is my guardian. I am his Master. Malaya is his Master.
I stood up, glancing at Alexus. He grinned at me, full of hatred. I smiled sarcastically. He didn't even know me, yet he already made me feel worthless.
Malaya. What did you do to make these people hate you so much?
I adjusted my hood, nodded at the leader, and thanked him. I walked out first, heading home.
I didn't care if Alexus didn't follow. I'd come alone— I'd leave alone. It would be better to die suddenly here.
I stopped mid-step, feeling Alexus behind me. I turned. He paused, noticing my gaze. I stared at him lazily.
He yawned, looking at me like a boring pet. I sighed. "Can you kill me?" I asked. He frowned, studying me. He scoffed. "Of course I can. Why?"
"Kill me," I ordered.
He raised an eyebrow, as if he thought I was joking. "I'm not stupid. Before I could slit your throat, I'd be the one without a head," he declared.
"But you want me dead, right?" I pressed.
He cleared his throat. "Hurry up. Let's go home. I still need to get your payment," he brushed off my question.
I pushed down the hollow feeling and kept walking. I navigated the dark street silently, fearless. Alexus was quiet too—until he spoke.
"Why do you want to die?" he asked. I inhaled sharply and smiled—genuinely this time. Mikael's face flashed in my mind. "I don't want to live anymore," I said.
I might seem irrational, but I wasn't. Living without Mikael was like breathing without life.
I suddenly remembered the man I'd come here to find. I gasped softly. Would he let me die? After hearing the story earlier, I wasn't sure.
His mission was to protect me from his own power—death included. So he'd never let me die. Unless... I wanted it?
I heard Alexus snort behind me. He smirked, annoyed. "Why is it so easy for you to say that? So many people want to live, and you're begging for death? Typical. You've lived a privileged life. You've never known suffering," he said sharply.
His words stung. He sounded so insensitive. "You don't know how I feel," I said, my voice thick with emotion. I felt him fall silent as we walked.
Why is it easy for me to say that? I smiled bitterly. In my past life, I was an orphan—no parents, no family, no friends. I'd lived in poverty, starved, and had everything stolen by greedy people.
Malaya was the same. Even with power and wealth, she was unloved and hated. Insecure and alone. I'd read that she'd also wished to disappear.
So why did I want to die? Because the world gave me every reason to. So many people want to live? I scoffed. More people wish for death than you think—unable to bear this world.
I stopped walking when I spotted a familiar man ahead. I was just meters from the Eléftheros mansion, but he blocked the way.
Long silver hair. A white coat with a mark on the left chest. Even in the dark, I recognized his features.
Silver eyes. Fair skin. Tall and handsome.
"Alexus. Stay put," I whispered. Alexus was silent behind me, but I could feel his protest. I knew he recognized this man. It's the f-cking High Priest!
I closed my eyes, cursing someone so respected. And—he also has a Phoenix mark! The Silver Phoenix!
I bowed my head in respect, hoping he wouldn't recognize me. This man hated Malaya too. I couldn't afford to be seen by him now. And why is he here?
"Heads up. I know both of you," his deep voice said. I looked up. My hood slipped, revealing my face.
I stared at him blankly. He stared back. "Malaya," he said—no title, no respect. Just my name. He'd hated me from the start.
"Why are you out so late? And with Alexus? That man is a rogue. Dangerous," he said coldly. I sighed. "Why do you care?" I snapped.
If this were the real Malaya, she'd be on her knees for him. But not me. If he hated me, I hated him back.
"Oh? Your father knows you escaped. He called the palace to help search for you. Is this another act? I'm sure you're satisfied—my brother is at your mansion, forced to look for you," he said.
My grip tightened. They know I ran away? And they're all inside, searching? I scoffed. They'd probably just sent others to do the work.
I ignored him. "I don't care. Move," I said, unconcerned. Alexus cleared his throat, warning me. The High Priest smiled.
Luis smiled, looking so dignified. "Are the rumors true? Have you gone crazy?" he asked. I exhaled sharply. Seriously? This is the High Priest?
He tossed a bag of gold to Alexus. I didn't know where he'd gotten it. "I told you, Alexus. Turn over a new leaf. Why keep doing illegal things to survive?" he said firmly.
Alexus glared at him through gritted teeth. I also glared at Luis. That was low! He'd just insulted Alexus!
I grabbed the gold bag and threw it hard into the darkness. I faced Luis bravely. "Do you think I can't pay him?" I smirked.
"Don't forget—this lady is Malaya Eléftheros. Your brother's fiancée. I'm your equal in wealth. Stop paying for me like you're my sugar daddy," I said, unrestrained.
"Alexus. I'll come back tomorrow. Tell your father there was a problem, so I couldn't pay today. I promise I'll pay you tomorrow. If I break that promise... "
I looked at Luis. "Assassinate me."