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Chapter Quote:
"Walk in the light or you'll die in the dark."
~Nicole
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Chapter 28

Killian

"You don't need to kill it. It's an inanimate object, you know," I said when I entered my mother's training room. She'd given me and Amanda a key so we could come in and out whenever we pleased. It had turned out to be both a good and a bad thing. Good in the fact that whenever I wanted to see my mom, I could waltz on in. The bad thing was sometimes, my mom had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she hadn't heard me come in, causing a few ninja stars to come hurtling my way. Thankfully, I had always been able to dodge them.

"I'm not good with emotions. Rather than taking it out on the people around me, I've chosen to take them out on this dummy," she said, stopping to look at me. Her face was flushed from the exercise, telling me she'd been at this for at least a couple of hours even though it was only eight in the morning.

"Kyrian?" I prodded. I knew full well the only people in my mother's life that could make her this upset was Ares, the hunt for the Malachai, and Kyrian Hunter. I had still yet to meet the latter, but I wasn't so sure it was a good idea considering all the stuff he'd done and said to my mother recently. Despite not knowing her long, I was fiercely protective of her. I had lost her once. I refused to lose her again. Anyone or anything who hurt her would have hell to pay.

"We were all attacked last night at Julian's affair. Kyrian, the absolute idiot, took on a horde of Daimons by himself. Had Julian and I not gotten there when we had, he would've been dead and you know what happens to Dark Hunters who don't have souls when they die..."

"I do. Were you hurt?"

"A few nicks and bruises but they're almost all healed now. Julian got a cut on his arm but nothing he won't heal from. Amanda here?"

"Downstairs. Are you sure you're okay after last night? You seem on edge."

She smiled at me. "I'm fine sweetie. Just a lot on my mind. Let's go downstairs."

Knowing it was futile to convince her otherwise, I dropped the conversation for now. We headed downstairs where Amanda was placing some donuts on the counter. She beamed at Kiara and said, "I really wanted some but realized about half way here that I couldn't eat all of these. Want some?"

"Always," Kiara replied excitedly. She grabbed a chocolate sprinkled donut, shoving it into her mouth. In a muffled voice, she said, "These are so good!"

"Right?" Amanda agreed, eating a donut herself.

"I'll leave you two to enjoy these. I'm heading to work. I'll be back soon. It just a few things I need to wrap up." I kissed my wife, hugged my mom, then left the house. It was true, I had work to be done, but nothing that couldn't wait. My main job today was to figure out this Kyrian man, and what exactly had happened between him and my mom.

I walked into Sanctuary, the restaurant and bar owned by the Peltiers. I'd always liked them even though I never spoke to them much. My target was a petite, bright-blue eyed blonde woman serving tables. I requested a table in her section. The hostess gave me a curious look but said nothing.

Within moments of sitting down, the waitress came over to my table, a smile gracing her face. "Hello sweetie, my name's Cherise and I'll be taking care of you today. Would you like anything to drink to get you started?"

"Just some water, please," I said. "When you're not too busy, would you be willing to talk to me? I have a few questions about a man you may know, Kyrian Hunter?"

"What do you want to know about him?"

"My name is Killian Dark. A friend of mine... she's family to me, and there's something going on between them and I don't know the guy, and there are certain reasons, my friend's wishes being one of them, preventing me from talking to him in person."

Cherise studied me for a moment, gauging whether or not I was telling the truth. She must've decided I was because she said, "Let me get your drink and take care of these tables and then I'll be back. It's not too busy so I can have one of the other waitresses take care of them."

Cherise sauntered off, leaving me to run through all the questions I had without making her too suspicious of my intentions. Within five minutes, she was back, taking a seat across from me, water in hand.

"What do you want to know about Killian Hunter?" she queried, taking a sip of her own drink.

"Like I said, someone extremely dear to me, they're family, got involved with him and there are certain things in place preventing me from meeting him. I just want to know about him. What kind of man he is."

"He's the best there is. He saved my son's life one night when he was shot by some hoodlums. Nick ended up working for Kyrian and he paid so much money that at first I thought what he did was illegal, especially considering he was always up at night and was never to be seen during the day, but he eased my conscience when he explained it to me one night, another time we were in the hospital with Nick."

I chuckled. "I know what job he has. I used to be in the business too. What's he like personality wise?"

"Oh very stoic, and he doesn't show much emotion, but that man is very protective of those he cares about. There was one time my parents- I don't talk to them- showed up at this really nice school with their kids during open house. It was night time or else Kyrian wouldn't have been able to be there, but he came for Nick to see how he was doing in class. It's one of those schools where you have to test into it and my Nick, my incredible son, aced that test. My parents didn't believe me when I told them this. Kyrian stepped onto the scene and acted as if Nick and I were his family. Sometimes I think he does view Nick as a son because from what it sounds like, he doesn't have any family and very few friends. Do you know Acheron by chance? I would say his last name but I know I would butcher its pronunciation."

"Acheron Parthenopaeus. Don't worry. I've known Ash for years and I'm from the region he's from myself, and I still have trouble saying it," I assured with a smile.

"Everyone seems to know Acheron. But if you really want to know Kyrian, ask him. He's close with him from what I know. I need to get back to work. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Dark."

"Please, call me Killian. You deserve that after letting some stranger interrogate you about a man you so clearly care about. Thank you Cherise."

"You're welcome. Would you like some food or did you just come in here to ask questions?"

"I don't want to leave empty handed so I'll order some fried shrimp and some fried crawfish to go."

"I'll get that right up for you sweetie. I know this has nothing to do with the conversation, but you remind me of Kyrian. Looks wise at least. You have the same facial structure, the same green eyes, that same commanding presence when you walk in a room."

"And here I thought I looked like one of a kind," I joked. Cherise smiled, repeating she'd get the food out to me as soon as possible. It didn't take long for that to happen, and within fifteen minutes, I was driving back to my mom's house; I made sure to tip Cherise well though, mostly for putting up with me and my questions. So Kyrian seemed to be like me... that certainly helped my mom's belief that he was in fact her long-lost husband. I needed to see a picture of Kyrian, to determine the likeness myself. That would mean asking mom or Acheron, and both would want to know why. I could always say I just wanted to see what the man looked like, but both of them would know better.

But I would have to deal with that later for I had arrived back at my mom's house. It was still weird seeing her as someone who looked like she was only in her mid-twenties, the same age I looked, when in fact she was older than me. And now that I wasn't immortal, I would continue aging while she would continue to look the same age.

"I'm back," I called out when he entered the house. It was only when I looked up that I realized the place was a wreck. The plant near the doorway had been thrown across the floor, scattering the dirt in all directions. The foyer table had toppled over, and there were gashes in the wall.

"Amanda?! Mom?!" I shouted frantically, rushing into the living room. To my utmost relief, my wife and mother glanced up at me, both seemingly unharmed. Running up to them, I asked, "What happened?"

"Some demons wanted information on the Malachai. They didn't get very far," Kiara responded.

"Are either of you hurt?"

"No," the girls answered simultaneously, causing Amanda to glare at Kiara. My wife proceeded to add, "She got nicked in the hip pretty well by one of them."

"How badly?" I queried worriedly.

"Nothing too terrible. It hurts, but I'll be fine. I need to clean this up and then start preparing myself. I have a lead on the Malachai, and I think I might actually get it this time."

"You go do what you need to. I'll clean up the mess."

"I'll help too," Amanda offered.

"No, no, no, you two relax. Besides, cleaning takes my mind off things. It won't take long. The mess is all in the foyer."

"You're sure you're okay?" I asked.

"Positive. Don't worry about me, son. I'm tough." Giving me a reassuring smile, she left the living room. I could hear and see her cleaning up the foyer, but the expression on her face told me she was already off in her own little world, off in her own thoughts.

"So what exactly was the kind of work you were doing that made you get food from Sanctuary?" Amanda inquired casually.

"Recon..." I admitted quietly.

"For?"

"For myself. About Kyrian."

"You look just like him," she remarked. "I saw him at Julian's event. He is still madly in love with your mom. I could tell."

"You're the second person today to tell me I look like him. How did he behave around her?"

"He avoided her. He would leave the area he was in if she came nearby. Whether that was for her benefit, his, or both of theirs, I'm not sure. But he certainly kept an eye on her."

"Did you talk to him?"

"No, but I talked to Julian briefly. I asked about Kyrian. All I heard was good things."

"Julian... that name sounds familiar."

"Sorry honey, but I can't help in that area. Come on, we should help your mom."

"Don't you dare!" Kiara yelled. "You two relax! I'm almost done anyway."

Amanda and I glanced at each other, wondering if she had heard what we'd been talking about. My mom wasn't one to beat around the bush though, so if she had, she would've said something. My wife and I sat down to enjoy their meal when the doorbell rang. We sprang up, I brandished my dagger I kept hidden up my sleeves. My mom pulled out a sword from underneath the foyer table, one I hadn't noticed earlier. She approached the door, meaning I briefly lost sight of her, setting me on edge.

"What the hell, Kiara?" Ash's voice demanded.

"Sorry. We were attacked. Can't be too careful," she responded. The two of them entered the room as I put away my weapon.

"Demons wanted information on the Malachai. They didn't get it. What are you doing here?" Kiara inquired.

"Came to warn you about some demon activity in the area, but it seems you found that out the hard way. Any of you hurt?" Ash answered.

"No. I got nicked on the hip but Amanda is fine and Killian was out when it happened. Anyone else been attacked?"

"Talon got jumped by two the other night, and Valerius found five preying on some innocents."

"They okay?"

"Talon's scraped up but fine. Valerius is on bed rest for the next two days. I think he might listen to me for once. These demons... they're strong."

"I know. Whoever is going after the Malachai is getting desperate for information. They're going after people I care about."

"That's a long list."

"I know. I'd say I'm worried about you, but you're you," Kiara said with a shrug. Ash grinned. Mom continued, "They've just gone for Amanda. They didn't think I was home I don't think, or else they wouldn't have attacked her. They know Talon and I have a history-"

"What kind of history?" I blurted.

My mom gave me an amused sideways glance. "Nothing of that sort. Then obviously Zarek because he basically lives with me now. He's still asleep upstairs. Slept through the entire thing. I swear, I don't know how you Dark Hunters sleep so hard."

"You were scarily quiet when fighting," Amanda pointed out. "The only noises was the foyer table and plant crashing down. The rest just sounded like a bunch of scuffling."

"Who else?" Ash prodded. "We need to alert them."

"Julian will be on the list. Grace, Nick, Zarek, Kyrian... they'll all be on it."

"I'll keep an eye out on Grace and Julian. Kyrian will keep an eye on Nick. Those demons were brazen to attack in daylight."

"I know, that's what I'm worried about. That shows how desperate this person is. All right, I need to go get ready. I have a lead that might turn to out to be exactly what I need. I'll see you three later."

Kiara left the room. Acheron waited until she was (most likely) out of earshot before asking, "How is she doing?"

"Keeping busy," Amanda answered. "She refuses to talk about last night any more than the basics. And she almost outright refuses to speak Kyrian's name, let alone about him in general. How is he doing?"

"Still reckless. He won't speak about last night to anyone. I was hoping Kiara would but I doubt she will. They're both shutting down and shutting people out. Killian, do you have any idea who your dad is? Your biological one?"

"No, sir. I've been looking into Kyrian to see if it's possible. I've been told I look like him."

Ash appeared to be analyzing me before saying, "Come to think of it, you're the spitting image of him. It wouldn't be far-fetched."

"You're the third person today to agree with that statement. Surely that means something."

"Some people think I look like Chris Hemsworth, but we're not related. It could be a coincidence."

"Since when is anything in our lives a coincidence?"

"I don't know whether I want this to be one or not. All right, keep me updated. Keep an eye out, for demons and on your mother."
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Kiara

The air was surprisingly bitter for October in New Orleans. The sun was just setting on the horizon, causing an orange glow to fall over the city. I shuddered slightly as I remembered the last time she met the Malachai and there had been fire raging around us, reminding me of the sunset now.

I entered the famous St. Lewis Cathedral, lying on a bench in the very front. There was no one else in there, but considering it was late at night, and it had technically shut its doors an hour ago, that was explainable.

I stared and stared at the painting on the ceiling and despite not believing in the gods this church worshipped, I prayed and prayed to any and all gods that I was wrong about this. That the Malachai wasn't who I believed him to be. If he was, it meant that one day, I may have to kill a friend, and as much of a warrior as I was, I didn't know if I could do that. But I was the only one that could. None of my comrades, the other Areans, would be able to defeat this Malachai, as it was the most powerful one to date. It was why I had needed to find them sooner rather than later, to keep them on the path of good, to not let them be taken by the dark.

There was the softest sound of the door opening, but I wasn't alarmed. I recognized the voices. The recognition also made my heart sink because it meant I was right...

I sat up to see two males approaching. One I knew quite well. The other was the one that had given the secret away to me.

"Kiara? What's wrong?" Nick inquired, appearing genuinely confused. "Why did you need me to come out here in the middle of the night? And why ask to bring Caleb?"

"Maybe she needs two hot dates to something," Caleb remarked.

"I wanted to talk to you both privately. Nick, you know how I said I was working the Malachai case and it brought me here?" I asked, placing my hands on the back of the pew and resting my chin on them.

"Yeah, why?" he responded. There was the slightest shift in his stance, Caleb's as well. It was one I recognized all too well, and one that pained me to see. They were preparing for a fight.

"I know," I admitted. "I know it's you."

"You're crazy," Caleb snapped. "Nick's a lot of things, but the Malachai?"

"I've been called crazy for a lot of things recently, but I know I'm not crazy about this. Malphas, you're the one that gave it away."

"Excuse me?" he asked indignantly. He looked highly offended so I tried to keep her voice as calm and steady as I could.

"I was attacked by demons earlier. Before I killed them, one said that if I wouldn't give anything away, they'd find the Malachai's demon instead. That's when I remembered the last Malachai I fought had a demon bound to him. I remembered seeing that demon, if just briefly, but I remembered how the first time I saw you, I saw through the glamour and saw your demon form. You were familiar, but I couldn't place why. It was then I realized if you're here, then the new Malachai must be as well. I kept an eye on you the past couple of weeks because I wanted to be absolutely positive in who I thought it was before making an crazy accusations."

"Are you here to kill me?"

"Nick!" Caleb hissed. "We could've-"

"What?" he interrupted. "Convinced her I wasn't the Malachai? I know Kiara, and she's good at her job. She wouldn't have been convinced otherwise. So my question to her-" he turned to look at me. "- is: are you here to kill me?"

"No. I'm most certainly not. I'm here to help you. You're different than the rest of the Malachai. You understand love. The others did not. That alone gives you many paths to go down. I want to help Caleb make sure you stay on the side of good, that you can control your powers, and that you always have people to turn to when you need help."

"Will you ever have to kill me?"

"I would be ordered to if you went to the dark side with no hope of return, but I don't think that will happen. Not as long as you have those you consider family surrounding you. I know you won't trust me with much anymore because you fear I'll be judging you constantly, but I do truly want what's best for you. I've lost someone I deeply cared about already. I don't want to lose you too, Nick."

"I still trust you," he said carefully. "But you have to know that this secret, beside Caleb and Nekoda and my father and now you, no one knows about my powers, about what I am. It would kill my mother to know, and if Acheron or any of the Dark Hunters found out-"

"They'd want to kill you."

"Exactly. So this has to stay a secret."

"Your secret is safe with me."

"Swear it on your family's life," Caleb ordered. "If you're being serious, swear it on your family's life. Nick told me enough to know that your family is what you care about most. So swear on them."

"I swear on my family's life that Nick's secret is safe with me."

"Good. Now let's go, Nick. Your mom will be getting worried," Caleb pointed out.

"No, I want to talk to Kiara. Alone. I'll be fine. I trust her," Nick said. His friend started to argue, but Nick wouldn't take no for an answer. Grudgingly, Caleb stalked out of the church. Meanwhile, Nick took a seat next to me. By this time, I had stretched back out so I could look up at the ceiling. I scooted down so Nick could do the same. We were silent for a while, at least ten minutes, both absorbed in our own thoughts. I thought it best to let Nick speak first.

"You swore on your family's life," he said carefully, "But you don't have any direct family besides your husband who no one can remember. So why swear on their lives when it's an empty promise?"

"Corvus oculum corvi non eruit."

"What does that mean? My Latin is a bit rusty."

I chuckled. "It means 'a crow will not pull out the eye of another crow.' Or in a more common saying, there is honor amongst thieves. Basically, it means there is solidarity amongst a group of people for a similar idea, despite the consequences of it. When I swore on my family, I was swearing not just those related by blood, but by those I consider family. Acheron, Zarek, Julian, even Kyrian at one point, I consider them all family. I would do anything and everything to protect them. That family includes you too."

"So you're protecting me because you consider me family?"

"Yes."

"Well thank you for not wanting to pull my eyes out. I appreciate it. I wouldn't be as dashingly handsome if I didn't have them."

"You'd be handsome regardless, but you do have lovely eyes," I said. "They're your mother's."

"How did you survive meeting my father?"

"For the longest time, I could never figure it out. But now knowing that you're his son, and seeing Cherise, I think it's because I reminded him of her."

"What happens to Areans when you die?"

"Like Dark Hunters, we become shades. Never alive, never passing into the next life. We become trapped."

"You know this, yet you still go after my kind. Why?"

"It's my job. And it's rare that it happens. Most of my cases are demons and helping out Dark Hunters who need it. Acheron will usually request my help, but the Dark Hunters don't know that. They think I just have exceptional timing."

Nick snorted. "What happened with the demons earlier? Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just a small cut on the hip. I'm worried though. They're getting desperate to find out who you are, and they know my family is my weak spot. I'd worry about Acheron but he can take care of himself. But the Dark Hunters, Julian, you, you're not used to demon attacks like I am. Daimons, sure, but not demons. I'm worried that they're coming after all of you, but I have no idea who is going to be next and it-" I was cut short by my phone ringing. I answered it to hear Acheron's voice. I listened to what he had to say, feeling the color drain out of my face as I did.

After I hung up, Nick inquired, "What was that about?"

"We need to go. Kyrian's been severely hurt."

"By what?!" he exclaimed, jumping up.

"Demons. He was attacked by demons."

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A long chapter for a long wait. Reviews would be lovely :)