Evolution of the Ruined Heir

Chapter 247: Dawn

The last time this scene happened, Malakai hadn’t been able to stop Grunde from hugging him.

And unfortunately for Malakai, that hadn’t changed. The man was just too fast despite his massive size, a synergy stage evolver.

Grunde’s large arms were already around him before he could even react, pressing him against his hard chest.

But before Malakai could say anything, Grunde released him and stepped back, quickly scratching the back of his head.

“Ah! Grunde wasn’t supposed to do that,” he said apologetically. “Sorry. Grunde forgot.”

Malakai’s breathing was ragged. He inhaled and exhaled deeply, glacier eyes locked on Grunde.

That brief moment had taken more from him than he would ever admit. And if looks could kill, Malakai’s glare would have ended Grunde a million times over.

He stood up straight, still facing the man who now looked at him with a sheepish expression. Luna, sensing the tense air, decided to change the subject.

“What about Lina? Is she not with you?”

Malakai took a moment to calm himself. Hugging Grunde had felt like being back inside that compartment, lying still while his mother fought for her life… while her life ended.

Being touched made him remember the beatings he took after losing his parents. The surprise visits from Khana. Julius’ betrayal.

Malakai hated the feeling.

A spike of anger surged through him, but he clenched his fists and shoved it down.

’Anger will dampen your sight.’

He reminded himself of the Sanguine Creed, and slowly, the rising anger dispersed like smoke in the wind.

He turned to Luna, no trace of fury in his eyes. He shrugged.

“I don’t know where she is. She walked away a few minutes after we left here.”

Luna frowned, then sighed.

“I’m sorry about her,” she said, a sad smile appearing on her lips. “She’s like that because our father went missing some time ago. She believes your people are responsible.”

“Why?” Malakai asked. The way Luna spoke, it was almost like she didn’t believe it herself.

“We’re the Stalkborn of our coven. I think your people call us scouts. We make sure there aren’t any threats to the coven and that the forest is safe.”

“Our father was the leader of the Stalkborn, and one day when he went out scouting, he just… never came back.”

“And she blamed the city?”

Luna nodded, expression darkening. Grunde gently pulled her close, brushing a hand through her hair. Luna smiled faintly, clearly comforted.

“It doesn’t sound like you believe that,” Malakai pressed. Information about the Gor’Mekhai was a gift, and he wouldn’t waste it.

“I don’t.” Luna shook her head. “My father and mother… didn’t always see eye to eye. They argued constantly about how to run the coven. When my father left, he took many of the strongest Stalkborn with him. I think he just ran to another coven to escape the conflict.”

’That can’t be right,’ Malakai thought. Unless the man was still somewhere in this forest, Luna’s theory didn’t hold.

Leaving the stronghold was no small feat. Compared to the walls that separated districts, the outer walls of the city were some of the most heavily guarded in the entire region.

It was nearly impossible to get past them without being seen.

The sound of footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Lina approaching.

“It’s time,” she said. Her face was as cold and distant as ever. She didn’t even glance at Malakai or Grunde, only looking at Luna.

Luna chuckled. “It wouldn’t kill you to smile, you know. Maybe try getting a boyfriend.” She gestured subtly at Malakai, laughing when Lina’s eyes went wide.

“Mother is waiting!” Lina snapped, glaring daggers at Malakai before spinning on her heel and walking away.

“She has a good heart, I promise,” Luna said a few moments later, smiling when Malakai responded only with a silent nod.

“The Drah’Morr is starting. We should probably get going so we’re not late.” She stepped in front of Malakai.

“Thank you for doing this. Truly.”

Grunde stepped up beside her.

“Yeah, little bro. Grunde will never forget you having my back. Thank you!”

Malakai met their gazes and sighed. All the gratitude was starting to get annoying, especially when he knew he wasn’t doing this for any of them.

“Let’s just hope it won’t get me killed,” he muttered.

Luna laughed awkwardly, while Grunde proudly beat his chest.

“My little bro can fight! No one can compare!”

“What about my weapons?” Malakai ignored Grunde’s cringe words and asked Luna. They had taken his scythe and utility belt after knocking him out.

“They’ll give it to you if you need it in the trial.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then they’ll give it back when you become a part of this coven. After the Drah’Morr.” Luna explained.

Malaki nodded. He could ignore the scythe, but he was more worried about his utility belt. He shook his head and decided to think about this later.

They started heading toward the location where the Drah’Morr was set to take place, on the eastern side of the coven. To get there, they had to pass through the village.

And as they walked, Malakai couldn’t help but be shocked at the stark contrast between the coven at night and now.

Daybreak had come. Sunlight filtered through the dense trees, casting golden rays across the forest floor.

The village had come alive. People roamed the narrow paths, some guiding their beasts on bone crafted leashes.

Children splashed icy water over each other in playful morning rituals. Elders meditated beside steaming basins filled with fragrant herbs. Others polished bone weapons, bartered smoked meat, or sharpened their claws.

Most of them were heading east, the same direction as the Drah’Morr.

Moving through the crowd, their group stood out like a bloodstain on white cloth.

For one, Malakai and Grunde were the most dressed people around. So much skin, covered, such a waste.

And then there was Grunde’s towering bulk and Malakai’s frigid aura. They were an odd and dangerous looking pair.

And they walked right behind the coven’s most controversial maiden, Luna.

Malakai felt the biting stares immediately. Cold, hateful gazes latched onto them.

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