Hi, crowns. Good morning. I hope you have a nice day. Keep safe. 🤍

***

#TCS56: Blood Tainted Path

Akakios Laurentius' POV

"Is she okay?!" I was panicking and was anxious after witnessing the explosion earlier, and Silhoue was just engulfed with it. I was about to go to the scene because of so much anger and worry, but Lolo made me sit down and let me continue monitoring everything that was happening.

Kahit galit, at sobrang sakit sa puso, ginawa ko dahil alam kong mas makakatulong ako kay Silhoue nang gano'n, at hindi pwedeng basta na lang din ako pumunta sa kung nasaan s'ya ngayon. Isolde's there, and they were currently tending Silhoue's sister, and finding Silhoue from the explosion.

Kaso bigla na namang nagkaro'n ng isa pang pagsabog. I heard Lolo cursed under his breath. My fists balled, and I felt like my heart was about to explode because of the current situation. Halos napatayo ako mula sa pag-mo-monitor at napalakad pabalik-balik.

Silhoue... please be safe.

Nagising na lang kami sa kalagitnaan ng gabi kanina at sinabi ni Isolde na tumakas si Silhoue. Napasundan kaagad s'ya ng mga tauhan ni Lolo at ni Isolde. However, Silhoue's too cunning, she managed to evade those who were following her, and she just suddenly vanished, and we took our time looking for her.

Now, it had been too late. Inutusan ako ni Lolo para alamin kung sino ang may gawa no'n. The target was really Gabby, because she was the youngest of the Evans. And they wanted someone, anyone, from her siblings to save her. And they bet their coins it would be the famous invisible eldest Evans.

And they were right. Silhoue did come for them. Kaya halos lahat ng panganib na kinaharap ni Silhoue, dehado s'ya. They planned about it. They didn't need to win the actual battle, they just needed to make sure she'd suffer consequences. And they succeeded about it.

Lolo was also worried that her identity was found out by the Domain. Pero, hindi naman daw. It was just because of her being an Evans.

But it didn't even comfort me. The fact that Silhoue's life was in danger because of them angered every nerve in my body. I was so head down in making them see hell and never escaping it. Everything was just black and white in my vision and thinking.

Either they suffer in my hands with torture and blood, or they kill themselves for they had sinned against me.

Para akong mababaliw sa pag-iisip. Subalit nagpatuloy ako sa pagtulong kayna Isolde gamit ang technology. I was able to find Silhoue from the explosion, and instructed them about their location. Isolde did not even care if she was going into a dangerous fire.

She just went in to save Silhoue. Mabuti na lang at bago pa magkaro'n ng panibagong pagsabog at kaguluhan, nakuha ni Isolde si Silhoue. But my heart just hammered more seeing how Silhoue was almost lifeless in Isolde's shoulders.

Dali-daling isinakay ni Isolde si Silhoue sa sasakyan, pagkatapos umalis sila sa lugar na nagsisimula nang pagkatipunan ng mga tao. The two cars went separate ways. Dinala nila si Gabby sa hospital ng pamilya nila.

"Gaebryelle's more stable than her sister. You don't need to worry about her condition. My people gave her first aid, and removed half of the poison in her body. She would be fine after some rest." I heard Isolde reported, while fixing Silhoue.

My eyes darkened. Napatayo ako. Pinigilan ako ni Lolo. Halos ibalibag ko si Lolo dahil sa ginawa n'ya. I just couldn't control my anger. I wanted someone to pay for what happened to Silhoue. I needed the Domain to pay for what they did!

I saw how Lolo's lips trembled, and everyone with us froze. Nakita ko kung paanong napaluhod si Lolo at ang mga mata n'ya ay punong-puno nang takot sa akin. Umalis ako sa kwarto na 'yun nang nag-aapoy sa galit.

Walang makalapit o makapagsabi sa akin nang kahit ano. I badly wanted to vent out my anger.

Hanggang sa mapadpad ako sa training room. I wanted to get the Domain's head, right here. Right now. But, who am I kidding? Silhoue and her family would be in more danger if I just do whatever I wanted without thinking and a plan.

"Aaaaah!" I yelled, frustrated.

Lahat nang makita kong gamit ipinagbabato. Lahat ng pwedeng itapon, itinapon. I was heaving in madness. I didn't think something would calm me at all. I threw everything, I destroyed everything. Sinuntok ko ang pader. Nakita ko kung paano 'to nasira, at paano dumugo ang kamao ko.

But I didn't feel pain. Mas nagalit lang ako. It felt like I saw Domain in my eyes. And I turned everything upside down in fury.

"I'd never forgive you. I'd never give you mercy." Hinihingal na imik ko habang nagwawala at halos hindi ko na makilala ang lugar, sa loob lang ng ilang minuto dahil sa ginawa ko. It was almost smoking because of dust, and the cement.

Mas lumalim ang paghinga ko. My hands nothing but bloody. My heart, never at peace. Para akong kinain ng matinding galit at emosyon. Walang natirang maayos na bagay sa lugar, ni pati kwarto, halos gumuho sa mga suntok at sipa ko.

I heard people outside the door, and I heard Lolo's voice of fear. Kaso hindi ko sila maharap, lalong-lalo na at alam ko sa sariling hindi pa ako kalmado. Baka sila ang mapagbuntunan ko ng galit. Hindi pwede 'yun. Makakasakit ako ng ibang tao na inosente at wala namang kinalaman.

Time flew fast, and I didn't even know how long I was inside that wrecked place.

When I went out, the sun was up. I even saw Isolde's car. Mukhang nasa loob na sila. Marami ring ilang kotse na hindi pamilyar sa akin. May mga kotse rin na umaalis mula sa lugar at mukhang sobrang gulo ng lahat.

"What happened?" Halos mapatalon ang isang katulong sa tinanong ko.

She was on her knees immediately, and she was shaking in fear. "M-Marami pong kasamahan sa bahay ang nawalan ng malay..." Hindi n'ya alam kung ipagpapatuloy ang sinasabi n'ya sa akin, pero narinig ko na lang na tawagin ako ni Lolo.

"Alas. You need to go inside." When I looked at Lolo, I saw him gulped, and took a step back. Like he was overwhelmed with my presence. I heaved a sigh. I tried to count one to ten in my head to calm down.

Sumunod ako kay Lolo, at nagulat nang may ilan pang mga househelp na inilalabas habang walang malay. Tapos marami ring doktor at mga propesyonal na nagkalat sa paligid. Bigla akong kinabahan.

"What happened po?" Mahinang sambit ko, mas kalmado. Mas maayos mag-isip, hindi katulad kanina.

"You rage..." Napabuntonghininga si Lolo. "Your rage and aura are too overwhelming for the normal people in here. They couldn't take the pressure, even though you are locked in that room. Many lost their consciousness because of you."

Nanlamig ako sa kinatatayuan at natigilan sa paglalakad. Those who were being moved outside, and those unconscious people being carried out... it was because of me? Para akong biglang sinaksak. Huminga ako nang malalim, at mas pinakalma ang sarili.

"That's why you need to control your anger. Innocent people are getting too much pressure and anxiety." I could only nod my head. Ang mga nakakasalubong namin ay natigilan nang makita ako. Lolo looked at my bloody hands. He shook his head tiredly.

"Where's Silhoue?" I managed to ask without stuttering. My heart laced with worries.

"Operation." Naikuyom ko ang kamao dahil sa narinig.

Ilang saglit pumasok kami sa isang kwarto. At sa malaking salamin sa baba, nakita ko si Silhoue na ino-operahan ng mga propesyonal. A doctor was instructing and monitoring the operation was also in this room.

The moment the lead director noticed my presence, he was on his knees, and giving respect. I saw how cold sweats formed on his forehead because of me. Parang hindi makahinga. Napapikit ako. I tried to lower down my aura.

Napatayo 'to at nagsimulang magsabi ng mga kasunod na instruction sa mga surgeon kung nasaan si Silhoue.

Isolde was also here, and gave me respect. I sighed. Hindi ko alam ang unang iisipin. Napaupo na lang ako sa isang banda. I knew there was a room like this in this huge mansion, but I didn't know it'd be ever used.

Ang bigat sa puso.

"Silhouette's going to be fine, right?" Mahinang bulong ko kay Isolde.

Para s'yang maiiyak bigla. She bit her lower lip. "Her... her heart stopped earlier when we were transporting her."

My heart dropped to the core. My world was shaken, and it was destroyed by her words. My soul left my body for a minute. I was silently looking at her, with a blank mind. I didn't know what to even think, what to feel. I was just staring at stillness.

"We managed to revive her... I don't know... I just don't know..." I heard her sobs. Nanghina ako. Hindi makahinga. My eyes and throat stung badly. A weigh suddenly dropped on my body. I lost strength.

I fell from the chair to the floor. Lolo's eyes widened, and he called someone. They attended me, but because of shock, I just couldn't process, anything. Nakatitig lang ako sa baba kung saan inooperahan si Silhoue.

A sharp noise was continuously disturbing my hearing. Everything was blurry and muffled.

The only thing that was clear after the silent chaos... was a sound. A straight sound of ringing, and Silhoue's monitor for vitals... turned flat line.

***

"Aaagh!" The intense pain that shocked me awake suddenly crept up, and made a stream of tears from my eyes down to my flushed cheeks. I hurled over my body, and I felt like every pore, every muscle, every nerve, and every fiber in my boy was getting sawed, and the air was slowly leaving my body, causing for me to gasp.

Nanginginig ang buong katawan ko at pakiramdam ko nagising ako mula sa isang bangungot. Bangungot kung saan wala na sa akin si Silhoue...

I ran outside of my room, and went to Silhoue's room. Tinakasan ako ng kaluluwa nang makitang wala s'ya ro'n.

"Lolo!" I screamed. Parang nagsusumbong na bata.

My head felt like it was being sliced into half. Bumilis ang paghinga ko at tibok ng puso ko.

"Alas!" Nakita ko si Lolo na lumabas mula sa kwarto n'ya. He looked so worried for me. I went to him quickly, shaking badly because of fear.

"S-Silhoue? Where's Silhoue?" Nahihirapang tanong ko.

Lolo sighed heavily. Hindi kaagad sumagot. Pakiramdam ko mababawasan ang buhay ko ng ilang taon dahil sa titig n'ya sa akin. He walked to the hallway and turned to another. Tapos biglang s'yang tumigil sa harap ng isang kwarto.

I looked at him confused. "She's inside." Nakahinga ako nang maluwag sa narinig.

I stared at the door first and gulped. Before reaching out for the handle. Naririnig ko ang sariling puso sa tainga sa kaba. Malamig din ang mga kamay nang lumapat 'yun sa doorknob. Lolo tapped my shoulders.

Tapos tinanguan n'ya ako nang marahan, bago ako hayaang magsolo ro'n.

When I made up my mind, I opened the door, and entered. The white room welcomed me with full of technology equipment, monitor, and medical necessities. Halos mapaluhod ako sa nakita.

"Silhoue..." I called and whispered, almost choking in my own voice.

She was in white dress, and was in the center of the place. Her vital signs were shown on the huge monitor. They also have some tests and scans result too. Sobrang bigat sa pakiramdam nang tingnan ko s'ya.

I delicately held her hand. "Silhoue..." pagmamakaawa kong magising na s'ya. Pero nanatiling 'tong pikit at nakahiga lang do'n.

I stayed in there. Just looking at Silhoue. Telling her words that I wanted to tell her. My fears. My anger. My love. Hindi ko s'ya iniwang solo sa kwartong 'yun. Kahit tinawag ako nina Lolo at Isolde. Nanatiling nasa tabi n'ya lang. Hindi ko s'ya pwedeng iwan.

"Emperor." Hindi ko pinansin si Lolo na nagsalita sa likod ko.

"How is she?" I managed to question.

"Barely hanging there. The machines are her life line for now." Mainit na likido ang lumandas sa mga pisngi ko sa narinig. I held her hand tightly, and I kissed it delicately.

"Silhoue... please..." I begged, and didn't leave her side.

Days passed like that. Halos nando'n lang ako sa kwarto ni Silhoue, maliban na lang kapag kailangan kong kumain, maligo, mag-ayos, o kapag may pag-uusapan kami ni Lolo. Madalas nando'n lang ako nagbabantay kasi baka magising si Silhoue.

Isolde was also monitoring her condition.

She received so much damage. Nabaril at nasaksak din si Silhoue, maliban sa lason ng usok, at lason mula sa needle, at explosion. She was also exposed to a dangerous substance, and was almost beaten badly.

Sobrang himala pa raw na kahit gano'n ang naranasan, nandito pa rin s'ya at lumalaban.

Kaya naman lumalaban din ako. I focused more on getting stronger, and making Silhoue comfortable. Kahit hanggang ngayon wala pa rin s'yang malay.

I wanted to renovate her room a little. Katulad no'ng dati n'yang kwarto. That would suit her more. I'd bet she wouldn't want a room that felt like a prison of the hospital. Kaya naman inayos ko 'yun.

Month had passed, she wasn't gaining her consciousness. I wasn't losing hope. Marami rin ang nagbago dahil sa nangyari. I became more focused on Lolo's guide about strengthening my physical, mental, and emotional capabilities.

He even made me handle some business, and conquered the world of legal market. I did it, because I wanted the best for Silhoue. I accepted all the burdens. Hindi na kasi pwedeng palagi na lang akong mahina. Hindi pwedeng maulit pa ang bagay na 'to.

Paalis kami ni Lolo papunta ng ibang bansa para sa isang business, kaya naman si Isolde lang ang naiwang nagbabantay kay Silhoue. It would always break my heart knowing Silhoue's condition, kaya naman marami rin akong inutusan na mga professional para mas maging mabuti ang lagay nito.

I was also getting accustomed to people calling me Emperor. Being weak wasn't an option anymore. I needed authority, and I needed people to fear me. Whether for business, or those who were just around me.

I became more serious. But every time I'd go to see and check on Silhoue. I'd always be her same Akakios. The soft one, who couldn't even lift a finger in fighting someone. Although, I really loved being like that, hindi pwede kapag iba ang kasama namin...

"Be safe... my solace," I whispered and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead.

Lolo and I went to the West to manage the business. It was tricky and stressful, but I was getting more used to it. Niloloko nga ako ni Lolo na minsan napaka-tuso ko pagdating sa bagay na 'to.

I smirked at him. "I learned from you." I would always answer him like that, and in the end, he'd laugh his heart out.

Nang maayos namin ang business, at iba pang bagay na inasikaso namin ro'n, bumalik na rin ako kaagad sa mansion, habang si Lolo ay naiwan do'n, dahil kikitain n'ya pa yata 'yung isang business partner n'ya.

I couldn't wait to go home and see Silhoue again. Kaya naman pagkarating na pagkarating do'n ay s'ya kaagad ang tinungo ko matapos kong maglinis ng katawan at siguraduhing maayos na haharap sa kanya.

"Emperor," someone called me, and I saw that it was one of the elder househelps of Isolde. Hindi ko s'ya nilingon, at naglakad lang kay Silhoue na mahimbing ang tulog. Isang buwan at ilang linggo na rin. Kailan ba s'ya magigising?

"She's fine, and she became better while you were away, Emperor." I heard the elder's report with utmost respect. I checked Silhoue's vitals, and condition. I hid a smile because, she was indeed, becoming better than before.

"Can you leave us for a moment?" tanong ko rito. Tumango 'to, at nag-bow at paatras na lumakad.

Umupo ako sa tabi ng kama ni Silhoue nang marinig ko ang pagsarado ng pinto. Hinawi ko ang buhok nito nang bahagya at napangiti. I was really careful because she looked so fragile. Mas humaba ang buhok, at ang kutis ay halos naging mas maputi.

Her angelic face made my heart warm. I couldn't wait to see her smile again. That was when my heart would be at peace.

"It's time for you to wake up... my Empress," I murmured softly at her.

Binantayan ko lang s'ya at taos pusong hiniling na sana magising na s'ya. I just missed her so much. I wanted to be with her again. Her laughs, her eyes squinting in joy, her soothing voice. She was everything that I wanted. Everything that I desire. And everything that I love. She completes me...

A few days had passed, and I was training with my Lolo. Kung dati sobrang hirap na hirap akong kalaban si Lolo. Nitong mga nakaraang araw, mas nadadalian na ako kaysa dati. I adapted to all Lolo's moves. But I knew, it wasn't enough yet.

Nang matapos kaming mag-spar ni Lolo. Bumalik ako sa masyon, at saka naligo. Kumain din muna ako at pinaghanda ako ng mga kasamahan namin. Isolde and Lolo ate with me, and we were just discussing things about the Domain and our goals and business.

When I finished eating, nagpaalam ako kay Lolo na pupunta lang sa garden. Napangiti ako habang pinagmamasdan ang mga bulaklak. I felt at ease, breathing more peacefully. Then suddenly, I felt a different sensation in my heart.

My eyes widened, and I ran to Silhoue's room.

Parang tumigil ang buong mundo ko nang buksan ko ang pinto, at makitang nakatayo si Silhoue at muntik na 'tong matumba! Luckily, I was fast enough to catch her before she could fall on the floor.

"Silhouette..." I mentioned her name gently, in awe, and heart beating loudly and eyes almost tearing up.

Was this a dream? Sana h'wag na akong magising kung panaginip man...

Because of her gaze on me, I smiled a little, and carried her up. She was still as light as a feather. Dinala ko s'ya sa kama n'ya at saka inupo nang sobrang ingat do'n. Then I looked at her surroundings. Tinanggal n'ya 'yung mga nakakabit na makina sa kanya.

She's real! My Silhoue's finally awake! Hindi maipaliwanag ang sayang naramdaman ko sa puso. Gusto kong maiyak sa matinding saya sa kanya!

"How are you feeling?" Nag-aalalang tanong ko rito. Hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa nakikita.

She looked confused feeling herself. Taking the question so seriously. I sat beside her bed, and held her hand delicately. God, I miss this! I badly miss her!

"You should rest..." sambit ko sa kanya. I was still dead worried about her condition. I wanted her to rest, and get some professional to check on her.

She only shook her head at me, and looked at her ring finger. Napangiti ako sa kanya. Kinuha n'ya rin ang kamay ko at tiningnan ang singsing do'n. Gusto kong matawa nang marahan sa kanya. She's just so cute and precious.

"Don't you remember, mon amour?" I teased her. She gazed at my face. Slowly showing an expression of recognition. My heartbeat hammered violently.

"A-Alas..." nauutal na sabi nito. I almost flicked her forehead. It had always been Akakios for her. Pero imbis na pitik sa noo, pinatakan ko na lang s'ya ng halik do'n. Then, I almost stiffened when I felt her hugged me tightly.

I closed my eyes. Almost teary. I missed this so much. My heart was aching in happiness.

"Who am I in your life, if you remember clearly..." panghahamon ko sa kanya. Baka mamaya hindi n'ya ako maalala eh. Kailangan kong ipaalala ang lahat kapag gano'n. Hinding-hindi ko s'ya susukuan.

"A-Alas..." she murmured. I almost pouted at her. No! It was Akakios for her. And only her.

Natawa ako nang marahan sa kanya. I tousled her hair softly. Akala ko wala na s'yang sasabihin, pero bigla na lang s'yang tumingin ng seryosong-seryoso sa mukha ko at sa mga mata ko. Parang magwawala ang puso ko at tumalon na 'to sa tainga ko.

"You are my... Emperor."

Inangat ko ang mukha n'ya papalapit sa akin. I saw how her eyes glistened with so many emotions. I could feel longing in her. Inilapit ko ang mukha ko sa mukha n'ya. When the tip of our nose met. I whispered, "I miss you so much."

"Akala ko... Akala ko... hindi na kita makikita!" Nagulat ako at nataranta nang bigla na lang 'tong umiyak.

"Silhoue? I'm sorry!" I was flustered! I didn't know what to do! Ano ba dapat ang gagawin kapag umiiyak s'ya gawa ko? Hindi naman ako iniiyakan nito eh! Ngayon lang!

"Baby, sorry kung ano man 'yung nagawa ko..." I tried to soothe her, but she was punching my chest lightly, and was still sobbing. Kinulong ko na lang s'ya sa yakap ko.

Nang kumalma s'ya, tinawag ko si Isolde at Lolo. Para nabunutan ng tinik 'yung dalawa nang makitang maayos na si Silhoue. Professionals came and they looked at Silhoue's condition. She was perfectly fine.

And just needed physio because she had been unconscious for a month and a few weeks.

When they all left Silhoue's room, I stayed, and stared at her like I was dreaming. She smiled at me, and snuggled close.

"Alas, huh?" I teased with a playful smile. Napakunot-noo s'ya at tumawa nang marahan.

"Akakios pala." She corrected herself, and we both laughed at each other's arms.

Parehas kami ngayong nakaupo sa kama n'ya at nasa headboard nakasandal ang likod. I have my arms draped around her shoulders and she was leaning on my chest. I bet she was hearing how the beats of my heart was screaming her name.

"What were you doing when I was asleep?" tanong nito.

I told her how it was while she was in slumber. Natatawa s'ya sa ilang kwento ko.

"Mapagpanggap ka! Ikaw? Cold? Tss! Niloloko mo na ako eh!" Hindi s'ya makapaniwala sa mga kinukwento ko. Ang kulit. Dapat nagpapahinga na 'to eh. Ayaw pa rin dahil gustong makinig sa mga kwento ko.

"Your family's safe. Don't worry. Gabby also didn't know about you rescuing her." Tumango-tango s'ya sa sinabi ko. I informed her a lot and she fell asleep after it.

Hinalikan ko na lang ang tutok ng ulo nito. At inaayos ang pagkakahiga n'ya. Aalis na sana ako sa kwarto n'ya, pero mahigpit ang pagkakahawak n'ya sa akin. She opened her eyes sleepily.

"Please... stay," mahinang bulong n'ya.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi pagbigyan s'ya. I slept with her arms around me and it was the most peaceful slept I had in a while. In her arms, I just felt safe.

***

Miracle Silhouette's POV

Akakios became my strength while I was recovering. He was so hands-on, and he was a little stricter than his Lolo, Isolde, and other professionals. Ang cute n'ya lang maggalit-galitan. Halatang labag sa loob.

Kahit kinuwento sa akin ni Isolde na nag-mature raw si Akakios, at ang dating sa iba ay 'yung cold at supladong gwapo, natatawa lang ako. He was still the Akakios, I knew. They were just not seeing it, because they were focused on how responsible and serious he was when it comes to other things. Pero kapag kasama ko naman, parang bata pa rin.

Ngayon nakakatayo, nakakalakad, at nagagawa ko na rin 'yung mga nagagawa ko nang malaya dati. My strength in battles and such didn't vanish. I was still strong. Kaya naman sa training, hindi sila makapaniwala na wala akong malay nang matagal na panahon.

When our training finished, I washed up, and went to Akakios's room. His room was too organized and clean. Ang cute talaga no'n. Tapos lumabas s'ya sa closet n'ya ng bihis at ayos na. Kaagad akong dumiretso sa kanya para yakapin s'ya.

He kissed my forehead, and seized my hand. We went down to the garden. He was the one maintaining it, he told me. I couldn't help but smile widely. So cute. 'Yan ba 'yung cold na Emperor na sinasabi ni Isolde? Naghahalaman? Ewan ko na lang.

Feeling ko nga iiyak 'to kapag may namatay na halaman eh. Paano literal na living thing 'yung turing n'ya sa mga 'yun. Kailangan yata magpa-funeral din kami kapag may nalanta.

"Baby, what are you planning from this day on?" he asked quietly, while we were walking on a path in the garden with maze-like bushes.

"Pina-plano ko kung paano tayo malalagyan ng lebel."

Bigla s'yang bumulanghit ng tawa sa sinabi ko.

"Yah!" reklamo ko sa kanya, at saka ko binantaan ng suntok, pero nasalo n'ya lang 'yun, at saka pinagsaklop ang kamay naming dalawa. Sumimangot ako sa kanya.

"Are you seriously thinking about that?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi nito. I removed his hands on me, and crossed my arms. I blocked his way in the bushes, he threw his head back while chuckling gently. Like he couldn't believe my reaction.

"What? I'm not a baby anymore! I'm turning twenty soon!" Mas lalo n'ya lang ako tinawanan. Pakiramdam ko tuloy umuusok na 'yung ilong ko.

"You'll be forever my baby," he stated laughingly, and went closer to me. He rested his huge palm on the top of my head with a cute smile.

I pouted, rolling my eyes.

But then, my eyes flew wide open with what happened next!

"Akakios!" Halos lumuwa ang mga mata ko at halos masamid ako sa sariling sigaw. Nagkibit-balikat s'ya sa akin. Halatang nang-aasar.

"What?" Painosenteng tanong n'ya. Tapos inalis ako sa pagkakaharang at mabilis na na naglakad sa maze, pauna. Kaagad ko s'yang hinabol.

"Hinalikan mo ako! Panagutan mo 'yun!?" Muntik ko nang matampal ang bibig sa sinabi! Nakakahiya! Saan ko ba nakuha 'yun?!

Tatakbo na sana ako paalis dahil sa matinding kahihiyan. Pero kaagad n'yang nahuli ang palapulsuhan ko.

He looked at me with soft eyes. The sunset reflected on his face. Making him looked more magnificent and attractive. My heart hammered so fast. I could hear its beats dangerously inside my ears. I gulped, when I saw how much emotion those eyes conveyed.

"You are the Empress," he stated the obvious. I rolled my eyes. He cackled softly.

"You have the mark, and the ring," dagdag n'ya pa sa napakapurong boses. I pressed my lips to prevent a pout. Alam ko, tss. Napatingin na lang ako sa gilid, sa mga bulaklak na tinanim n'ya. Buti pa 'yung mga bulaklak na 'yun. Tss! Umihip ang hangin. He breathed heavily.

"And... you are mine."

Bigla ako napatingin sa kanya sa sobrang gulat.

"Ang daya ah!" reklamo ko, magdadabog sana paalis. But he pulled me close, and he scooped my waist.

He kissed the tip of my nose. And he smiled mischievously at me. "Why am I madaya?" panunuya n'ya. Hinampas ko ang dibdib n'ya, pero hindi pa rin n'ya ako pinakawalan. Pakiramdam ko tuloy sobrang pula na no'ng mukha ko.

"Conyo." I rolled my eyes at him. He pouted at me.

"Ano bang gusto mo, hmm?" Kainis! Bakit ang kulit at ang lakas ng pang-asar n'ya sa akin ngayon?!

Syempre, hindi ako papatalo, kaya nginitian ko s'ya at hinalikan sa tungki ng ilong. I almost guffawed loudly, when I was how his face and ears reddened and he even stiffened! Cute! Talo pala sa akin eh!

"I want you mine, only mine." I titled my head at him, stating the words seriously.

Literal na hindi s'ya huminga sa sinabi ko. I chuckled softly. Taob si Akakios kay Silhouette!

"Ibig sabihin, girlfriend mo ako, malinaw?" Mataray na sabi ko pa sa kanya. At saka ko s'ya nginitian ng sarkastiko. "Ah, utos nga pala 'yun, hindi tanong," pagkakaklaro ko pa.

Hindi pa rin s'ya kumukurap o humihinga sa sinabi ko. Pero matapos ang ilang sandaling katahimikan. Bigla na lang s'yang kumurap-kurap ng ilang ulit sa akin, tapos tumayo nang matuwid at pinakawalan ako.

He shook his head lightly, and threw his head back. I thought he would protest, but I heard his laugh.

"Tawa ka dyan?!" Inis na sigaw ko.

"Nakakahiya ka, Silhouette."

"Hoy! Akakios!"

Tapos bigla n'ya akong tinalikuran, kaya naman dumamba ako sa likod n'ya. Muntik na s'yang matumba sa ginawa ko. Pero tatawa-tawa pa rin 'to sa akin. Hindi n'ya rin ako hinayaan bumagsak sa lupa, at inayos ang pagkaka-piggy back ko sa kanya.

"Nakakatakot naman pala 'yung girlfriend ko. Amazona na nga, Empress pa." He continued making fun of me. Kaya naman binatukan ko s'ya, pero nagpipigil ako ng ngiti sa sinabi n'ya.

"Hmm? Sino nga ako?" He just walked on the path, while chuckling. Umikot kami sa may fountain, at tanaw na tanaw ang paglubog ng araw.

"Si Silhouette ay girlfriend ni Akakios." Humalakhak ako sa sinabi n'ya kasi parang robot lang! Lakas talaga ng trip nito! Pinisil ko 'yung magkabilang pisngi n'ya habang pasan n'ya ako sa likod.

"Silhouette!" Hindi ko maintindihan ang saway n'ya sa akin, pero tawa lang ako nang tawa.

Habang ginagawa ko 'yun. Binitawan ko 'yung pisngi n'ya. Tapos inilagay ko 'yung baba ko sa may isang balikat n'ya. He chuckled ever so softly, making me feel so... complete, and just safe. I just wanted to be in his arms forever.

Pabalik na kami sa loob ng bahay habang karga-karga n'ya pa rin ako nang bigla s'yang tumigil sa gitna no'ng maze. I was about to ask why, but then I couldn't say anything when he started to speak.

"Silhouette..."

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at kumabog nang husto ang puso ko. Bumababa ako sa pagkakakarga n'ya sa akin. At mabilis na umikot sa harap n'ya.

I saw how red his face and ears were. He even avoided my gaze because of shyness. I chuckled. Typical reaction from Akakios.

"I love you, too." And I crossed the distance between us, to embrace him. And give him a soft kiss on the lips.

"Ahem!"

Naitulak ko si Akakios nang may narinig na pekeng ubo. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita si Master Gideon sa harap naming dalawa. Nakangiti nang malawak, at nanunuya ang mga mata. I felt myself blushed profusely.

"Lolo!" I heard Aki's embarrassed voice.

At itinago ko naman ang mukha ko at naglakad patakbo paalis sa maze at papasok sa loob ng masyon, at narinig ko ang malakas na tawa ni Master Gideon.

Nakakahiya ka, Silhouette!

THE next morning, I started monitoring my childhood friends, and my cousins. I had given so many thoughts about it. At buo na ang pasya ko. Para 'to sa ikabubuti, at sa kinabukasan nila. Kung hindi ngayon, hindi ko alam kung kailan.

"Morning, baby." I felt Akakios gave me a peck on the cheeks. And he sat down beside me.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked as I swirled my chair to face him. He nodded and smiled.

"You?" Tumango rin ako sa kanya.

"What are you doing?" tanong n'ya sa akin, at tiningnan ang monitor kung saan nagbre-breakfast silang lahat sa kani-kanilang bahay kasama ang mga pamilya nila. I smiled seeing them eat with their parents joyfully.

"I'm planning to send all of them to the Empire." Hindi ko nilingon si Akakios, pero naramdaman kong napatitig s'ya sa akin. I intensely focused my gaze on the monitors.

"Paano kung mas manganib sila?" Akakios hesitated to state his opinion.

I shook my head lightly, and heaved a sigh. I stretched my arms, and titled my head from side to side.

"After what the Domain did to my family and to my youngest sibling. I think it's not safe for them anymore."

"What's the plan?" Napangiti ako kasi alam kong suportado ako ni Akakios sa desisyon na 'to. Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam.

"They will enter the Empire School with my bait." I smirked, and started manipulating things.

I sent Biblee some information and things that could make her curious. With her skills, I knew she'd end up concluding that we, the Evans, are studying in the Empire.

Which is partly true. Matagal nang parte sina Luna, Gabby, Rebel, Justice at Law ng Empire School. Hindi lang talaga sila lagi napasok do'n at may ibang university na pinapasukan sa labas no'n.

It's a good choice for my childhood friends to enter the Empire school. They would be safer inside the Empire. They would also be trained. They needed to be trained.

If ever danger lurks around them, even inside the Empire. I was sure... it'd still be safer. Because Luna, Gabby, Rebel, Justice, and Law, also goes there. They could protect all of them. Kahit hindi sila magpakita, alam kong binabantayan nila ang buong barkada.

"Mortem. How about the Mortem?" Akakios asked me seriously.

He told me the stories he heard through the gravepines of the underground cities, that someone from Mortem was reconstructing that legendary clan. However, without the knowledge of the real Morbelques.

"Would it still be safe?" Akakios queried. I smirked, and nodded.

"I trust them. In the future, they will be the ones who will defeat the fake Mortem."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Akakios, at parehas napangiti. Even I, felt goosebumps watching over them. I knew it would be a dangerous process, and my siblings would even think it wasn't worth the risk if they enter the Empire.

But, I was sure of it... they would stand tall through it all.

Why? Because the blood of the previous Improbus Ille Imperium and the Apocalypse were in their veins.

"How about us? What's the next step for us?" Akakios queried, when we moved out of the monitoring room, to walk to the dining area.

We saw Isolde and Master Gideon standing there, waiting for us. Akakios pulled the chair for me, and I thanked him. He also sat on his seat, and only then, Isolde and Master Gideon took their sit. Pinaghanda kami ng mga house help ng pagkain.

Nang makaalis ang lahat, at kami na lang apat ang natira. Nagsalita ako.

"Would it be possible to do my next plan?" tanong ko kay Master Gideon. I discussed about it with him. He was hesitant, but soon agreed. Because he thought it would be worth the risk, and it would bring more forces and strength in us.

Especially, in overthrowing Domain in the near future.

"Yeah, we had been setting up a building for you inside the Empire." Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Isolde sa narinig.

"What Empire? What do you mean?" Hindi makapaniwalang sambit nito.

I simpered at her.

"We could continue training and communicating po inside the Empire without anyone knowing po, 'di ba?" sambit ko kay Master Gideon at tumango 'to. He'd probably go in and out of the Empire with us, too.

"What the hell? Can you include me?" asar na sabi ni Isolde. Tumawa si Master Gideon.

"We are planning on entering the Empire School." It was Akakios who answered.

Napanganga si Isolde sa sinabi ni Akakios. She wanted to react violently, but she refrained herself. Takot pa rin kay Akakios eh. Pero sa akin, hindi. Tss. Unfair ng buhay.

"Don't worry you can come with us." Natatawang sabi ko. Inirapan n'ya ako.

We ate while planning about it. And they had their fair shares of worries and arguments, but it was decided that we would go there before the school starts, and before the whole gang would enter the school.

Momo and Dada were also planning in sending all of them in the Empire school, but not immediately. Pero dapat, hindi na patagalin pa. Kaya naman tinuloy ko pa rin ang plano.

It'd be better too if they start as commoners instead of crowns. They didn't have the skills yet. They only have the names and the money. They should earn for their place in the top.

"Paano kung makilala ka ro'n?" Isolde questioned, flicking her left brow.

"Akakios and I would be inside the Empire School... Him... as Akakios. And I? As someone in disguise..." I smirked, and I saw how her face turned pale because of goosebumps. Natawa naman si Master Gideon.

And Akakios smiled at me, because the plan was finally in action.

The gang thought they were entering the place with their own initiation? No... everything was just falling to place according to my plans.

I just hoped they would stay strong for the path ahead of them would be nothing but cruel, merciless, and full of tears.

Why?

Because they wanted to find us. And finding us, means wanting the crown and the throne of the Empire.

And to claim the throne and the crown... they needed to walk in that blood tainted path themselves.

***