Heka's phone vibrated insistently in his pocket as he journeyed toward Kiervant Sky, the weight of fifty lilac rabbits and the other offerings Marchio demanded balanced carefully in his hands. The name flashing on the screen made his heart tighten, Clancy.
He had told her not to look for him, not to contact him. He had promised that one day, when the time was right, he would explain everything that had happened. Until then, she had to wait.
And so, Clancy waited.
Heka hesitated for a moment, then pressed the call and sent a voice message, his voice steady but heavy with the burden of his secret. "Give me one year. During that time, don't contact me yet. If I don't come back, go to my house. You will find the answer there."
He hoped those words would bring her some peace, some calm in the storm of uncertainty.
His mind drifted back to the moments of yesterday. Clancy hadn't explained much, but to him, it wasn't necessary. He understood that she didn't know Ansel well. But just for once, she had turned to him for help when Heka disappeared without a trace.
For over a month, Clancy had been unable to reach him. And Ansel's anger toward Heka's sudden vanishing was palpable. Ansel had every right to be furious, disappearing without a word was reckless and hurtful.
But Heka knew the truth. That day, when he first met Marchio, he felt the cold grip of fear clutching his heart. He wasn't sure if he would ever return to the human realm.
That was why he had chosen to ignore Clancy's calls. He was certain that those around her would help soothe her worries. He also feared there might be a provocateur, someone who could drive a wedge between them.
If that happened again, there was nothing Heka could do.
Now, his priority was clear: to tell Clancy everything about Kiervant Sky and Marchio. He had prepared a special journal for her. A book filled with the truths he could not say aloud.
He had deliberately written every word, every detail, because he didn't know what fate awaited him. Whether he would ever see Clancy again was uncertain.
But with the journal, at least he would not break his promise one last time.
***
Heka arrived in front of Kiervant Sky, his heart pounding with a mixture of dread and determination. The grand mansion loomed before him, its majestic silhouette framed by the eerie twilight.
But instead of feeling awe, a sudden wave of weakness washed over him. His limbs trembled, and cold sweat broke out across his skin. Each breath became a struggle, shallow and ragged, as if the very air around him had thickened.
Despite the overwhelming helplessness threatening to consume him, Heka forced himself to survive. He gripped the car door tightly, summoning every ounce of strength to push himself out of the vehicle.
As he stepped onto the cold path, the door beside him opened, and Marchio appeared.
The imposing figure moved with an otherworldly grace, his presence both intimidating and strangely comforting. Without a word, Marchio reached out and helped Heka from the car, his touch firm yet gentle.
Then, with a fluid motion, Marchio unfurled his magnificent wings. It was vast and shimmering with iridescent feathers. He wrapped around Heka's frail body. The warmth from the wings contrasted sharply with the chill that clung to Heka's skin. With this silent gesture, Marchio lifted him effortlessly and carried him inside his mansion.
Once inside, Marchio placed Heka carefully on a sofa. Its fabric was soft beneath his weary frame.
"Humans are truly very weak. I forgot to feed you yesterday. Because there was no food for you. Meanwhile, I cannot let Jino starve. Now, should I help you stay alive?" Marchio said. His voice was calm but tinged with a hint of disdain.
Heka's eyes fluttered weakly, his body too exhausted to respond. He fought the urge to collapse completely, instead propping himself up and resting his head on the arm of the sofa.
A question lingered in his mind, fragile yet persistent: "Will Marchio let me die?"
Marchio's earlier words had been harsh. While, his life was useless in the grand scheme of things. Yet strangely, Heka felt a calmness settle over him. Perhaps it was the certainty that Marchio's intentions were not as cruel as he seemed.
"Well, let's see what you've brought me first," Marchio said, closing his eyes as if trying to peer into Heka's burden. "Because you have brought me everything I need, I will give you the gift of life."
Heka's heart lifted slightly. His guess was right. Marchio would not simply let him perish, no matter how dire his condition. If his heart felt this calm, there was little to fear.
Marchio extended his left hand, revealing a magnificent phoenix bracelet wrapped around his wrist. The bracelet gleamed with golden-red hues, like a flame frozen in time. Its tail was long and forked. The tips were adorned with sparkling white gems that caught the light.
Around the bracelet, a wisp of smoke emerged, swirling with fine dust particles. It drifted toward the bracelet's tail, slipping into one of the gem-encrusted branches. As the smoke entered, the white gem shifted color, glowing a vibrant turquoise blue.
Marchio exhaled softly, blowing the smoke toward Heka. The ethereal mist enveloped Heka's body, seeping into his skin and soul.
Marchio observed, his eyes narrowing. "It is not the first time you have received soul delivery. But it's very weird, how can an ordinary human like you receive soul delivery?"
Heka could only remain silent. It was true; this was not his first encounter with soul delivery.
Yet, he had no answers to offer. He didn't understand why he was chosen, nor had he sought to uncover the reason.
As the soul delivery took effect, Heka felt his body begin to mend. The weakness receded, replaced by a slow but steady return of strength. Though still fragile, he was no longer on the brink of collapse.
"Thank You." Heka whispered, gratitude soft in his voice.
"You don't need to thank me. Just give me all my rabbits." Marchio replied curtly.
"Okay." Heka responded without hesitation. Despite his lingering weakness, he forced himself to rise and walk slowly toward the offerings he had brought.
From the outside of the car window, Heka watched the rabbits huddled together, cornered and trembling. Their wide eyes reflected pure fear, instinctively sensing the danger that loomed near.
The primal wisdom of animals was never wrong. Especially when it came to creatures like Marchio, whose presence alone could send chills down the spine.
"I know what I did to you guys was cruel. You don't need to forgive me. I realize this will be unforgivable. If you want revenge, just do it." Heka whispered softly. His voice was heavy with guilt.
He took a deep breath and opened the first cage. Inside, ten lilac rabbits sat quietly, their fur soft and delicate, their bodies tense with apprehension.
Carefully, Heka lifted the cage and carried it inside. There, Marchio was waiting.
Without a word, Heka placed the cage on the floor. He said quietly. "Here are your rabbits."
Marchio approached the cage, a sardonic smile curling on his lips as he observed the rabbits' fear. He seemed amused by their terror, but he paid it no mind.
With deliberate calm, Marchio slid his hand into the cage and plucked two rabbits at once. His fingers were long and sharp, tipped with nails that gleamed like obsidian blades. He carried the trembling creatures over to a teapot resting nearby.
Gently, he poked one rabbit's side, drawing a small bead of blood that dripped into the teapot's spout.
Heka watched in silence. His heart ached at the cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animals.
Finally, he could no longer hold back. He asked, his voice strained. "Why do you choose the rabbit?"
Thought, he could stop Marchio from treating the rabbit cruelly anymore.
Marchio's smile deepened, dark and enigmatic. He replied casually. "It's just for fun. Moreover, Bunny is perfect for me and also Jino."
He handed one rabbit to Jino, the small dragon who eagerly devoured it in a single gulp. The other rabbit Marchio placed atop a blue flame candle, where it began to burn slowly.
"The bunny's ears and nose are very acute. So, I can find out everything that happens easily. Same as me, who can hear footsteps from a distance and know who is walking." Marchio explained. His eyes gleamed with a strange light.
As the rabbit burned, Marchio retrieved the charred remains and handed them to Heka. He commanded. "Eat this!!!"
Then returned to the teapot, sipping the warm, thick rabbit's blood with evident satisfaction.
Heka hesitated, bringing the meat close to his nose. The aroma was unlike anything he had ever smelled. It was rich and smoky, infused with the eternal fire that burned in this strange realm. It was different from any earthly grill, more potent and alive.
He took a cautious bite.
The flavor surprised him. Despite the absence of spices or seasoning, the meat was tender and delicious, as if the fire itself had imbued it with life.
Without hesitation, Heka devoured the meat, savoring every bite. Even the bones were soft enough to chew, dissolving easily in his mouth.
"This is so weird. He just grilled it without adding any season, but it tasted really good."
Marchio watched him with a knowing smile. "Eat as much as you like. If that's not enough, you can also take another one. But don't forget to put the blood in my jug."
Heka, feeling the hunger that had gnawed at him for days. He ate greedily, grateful for the sustenance.
Heka shook his head, unwilling to be greedy or cause more harm. "No, thanks. It is more than enough."
After a moment, Marchio's tone shifted, more serious now. "In that case, I don't have much time, after this I will give you the Reverse Time Illusion. Are you ready?"