William's hand rested on the wooden frame as he pushed open the window. Beyond it, he caught sight of the other man. The man stood still in the rain, palm lifted, letting the drops stream down his fingers as though lost in thought.
Leaving the small room, he passed by the sick man asleep with the boy curled at his side. He paused a moment, exhaling a quiet sigh, then stepped outside.
He came to stand beside the other man. "Why were you following me earlier?" His voice was calm, but the weight beneath it was undeniable.
Dada did not answer at once. He wasn't even sure how long he had been standing there, mind running wild- bringing back memories. The boy inside reminded him of himself— his past, his scars, the hidden anger within him.. one he never knew existed until now.
Then he felt it. The prince's presence.
Though William had made no sound approaching, Dada sensed the air shift. The atmosphere bent around him— his aura touched even the rain, which seemed to soften as if it, too, recognized him- wind became gently and the rain meek.
So this is Irele's first prince, Dada thought. The rumors of his strength and command were not empty tales. He spoke in a voice that could throw someone to plunge. Being so close to the prince of Irele, he could tell why he was rumored to be mighty. Even as one of the deadliest assassins in the Central Kingdom, Dada knew instantly— killing the man beside him would not be easy.
No. It would take more than a single strike.
It would take a plan.
He withdrew his hand from the rain, droplets slipping from his fingers. Without turning, his calm voice drifted back.
"Following you? You must be mistaken."
William's eyes narrowed staring at the back of the man in front of him.
"The old man asked us a favor. Although I do not trust you, the boy will be safer with you."
Dada scoffed, finally turning his gaze on him. "Are you trying to push the burden onto me alone?" His jaw tightened.
He was on a mission given to him by the emperor- to kill princes, not to carry a ten- year- old child.
William ignored his words. "He will be safer with you." Saying that and not waiting for a reply, he turned back into the hut.
Dada's eyes followed him, staring at his back- sharp and cold. Attacking him now would be reckless. But the prince's cold shoulder cut sharper than any blade. He watched his shoulder until he couldn't see it any longer.
"That fickle prince…" Dada muttered under his breath, lips curling. "Does he really think I'll take in the boy?"
---
The sun had not yet risen when William stirred awake. The rain had ended, but the chill still clung to the air. He rose, passing quietly into the old man's room. The elder slept soundly, the boy curled into his side.
William's eyes shifted to the room where Dada had lain. He pushed the door open slowly, peering in.
Empty.
His brows twitched as he stepped inside. He pressed a hand against the bed— very cold. This meant one thing- Dada had been gone for hours.
His jaw tightened. He strode outside, scanning the compound, but saw no trace of him.
"Werey! - That crazy bastard! " he spat under his breath. Of course the assassin had vanished- ran away, leaving him cornered. Now he had no choice but to take the boy himself.
As he turned back toward the hut, a figure caught his eye. The old man stood in the doorway, frail but upright, the boy's small hand clutched tightly in his own.
William's gaze lingered on the child, and a deep sigh escaped him.
.
.
.-
The old man's breath was shallow, his grip trembling as he held the boy close. His eyes lifted to William, heavy with both relief and sorrow.
"Young master…" his voice rasped- shaking. "Forgive me. I could not… keep him safe on my own. My years are spent. His father… you must take him… to his father."
Willam stepped closer, silent. The old man's words pressed into him like weights, and though his face betrayed little, his chest tightened.
"Take him to Irele. " the old man whispered again. His hand slid down, brushing the boy's hair. The child clung to him, not yet understanding, only sensing the frailty in the man's embrace.
"I will…" William said at last, his voice low, carrying no warmth but no denial either.
The old man's eyes glistened. He gave a faint smile, as if reassured. "Then… my heart may rest."
Silence
The boy's small voice broke the silence. "Grandfather?"
The elder's hand trembled once more against the boy's head. His lips moved, but no more words came. His body sagged, his breath slipping into stillness.
The boy shook him lightly, confusion in his wide eyes. "Grandfather? Get up… please…"
William stood still for a moment, the weight of the scene settling heavy around him. His gaze fell to the child, and for the first time in a long while, he let out another sigh— this one softer, almost weary.
"Enough. " he murmured, kneeling. He pried the boy gently from the lifeless body, steadying him with one hand. The child sobbed quietly against his robe, and William stared ahead, his expression unreadable.
Outside, the first rays of the sun broke through the fading clouds.
A new day had come.
And with it— a burden he could no longer refuse.
.>
.>
" Master..where are we going to? " Idowu asked curiously.
" Why? Are you in an haste to return back home.? I told you there is some one I need to find. "
" How sure are you that the person you are looking for is here in the capital? "
Adrian glared at him and idowu tunred to face the road.. shoving in the rest of his questions back.
Adrian shook his head and looked away from him. After a few seconds he called to him. " Idowu. Don't you think something is off.? "
Idowu who was bored and was picking pebbles and throwing it stopped to look at his master. " Huh? " He asked confused.
" Since we've been on this road we haven't met a single soul. Not a trader, not a farmer. Don't you think this is strange? " He asked stopping on his tracks and taking a look around the road. It really was deserted. His brows furrowed.
Following his master, Idowu took a look around too- for the first time with real attention. The silence of the forest pressed in on him— no birdsong, no rustling of carts, only the faint whistle of wind. A chill crept down his spine. He had not noticed it since he was busy playing with pebbles but being conscious of his surroundings now..he began to suspect something was amiss.
" You are right master. It is odd. "
Adrian stopped walking, his gaze sweeping the treeline. The hairs on his arms rose, his instincts screaming that something was wrong. He drew in a steadying breath, muttering under his tongue, "This quiet… it feels like a trap."
And then—
A branch snapped.
Idowu flinched. Before he could speak, four men came flying down the trees and rounded them. At the same time, Five others appeared from nowhere too..their weapon pointed towards them- blades glinting.
Idowu's heart lurched into his throat. "Master—!"
Adrian's eyes narrowed, his mind racing even as he straightened his back. "So it begins. " he whispered.
To be continued...