Chapter 33: A Broken Boy
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston Churchill
Morning light filtered through the tall stained glass, breaking into dull fragments across the marble floor. Adrian lay still in his bed, eyes open, unmoving. He did not rise immediately. He simply stared at the ceiling as if trying to confirm it existed.
His breathing was steady, but it felt detached—like it belonged to someone else.
He turned his head slightly. The room was intact. Ordered. Safe.
It meant nothing.
Memories flickered— His father's smile, Miguel's red eyes, a war… then fractured scenes. He tried to grasp them, but they slipped away as if the mind itself was refusing him access. His hand tightened under the blanket.
<
Adrian did not respond. He didn't feel like it.
"You look disappointed," the voice continued. Dry. Amused. Familiar in a way that felt invasive.
"I am fine," Adrian replied at last, though the words felt incorrect as they left him.
<
Adrian sat up. The motion was slow, like each muscle had to be reminded of its purpose. He stared at the floor.
"What happened?" he asked, though he already suspected the answer would not satisfy him.
A pause.
<
Adrian closed his eyes.
There was no anger. No fear. Only a widening absence where meaning should have been.
Outside, the world continued. Inside, something important had already stepped away.
He remained on the edge of the bed, unmoving, as if waiting for a signal that would not arrive.
Xiao Long did not speak again.
And neither did he.
_ _ _
Day quickly vanished into the horizon.
Yet he remained at that same spot, his head tucked low.
_Creak_
Someone stepped in,
He looked up.
_Crack_
"Young Master…" Chris dropped the plates he held. His eyes teary as he stepped forward –
But he stopped.
The eyes that looked at him were hollow, like someone who had forgotten who they were.
"Chris?" He muttered, "Where is everyone else?'
_Clench_
His jaw tightened. "Maria is in the temple." He said.
Adrian looked up momentarily, a bit confused.
"Tobey is handling affairs, Herla is in the forest hunting, Valhalla and Zethar have been in the Great Library… and Aghast is in a coma." Chris said.
Adrian's breathing paused –
He was waiting for a name.
A final one.
Chris shook his head "Sorry."
"I'll go call everyone." He turned to leave, facing the maids that had gathered outside.
_ _ _
"His mageroot is still damaged. He can still use mana, but for the meantime only a limited quantity." Eloise said, lifting her hands from the top of his head.
"How bad is it?" Tobey asked, his eyes glittering with a worried gaze.
"It should heal within a few months… come back better considering his power." Eloise replied, her eyes lingering on Adrian's lowered head. "Also, there is something else besides a mageroot occupying his 3rd eye."
"Hmm." Tobey nodded –
They turned.
There was commotion in the hallways.
"By order of the Council Of Lords." His voice reached before he himself did.
Lord Maxim Axel walked into the door way, 15 men following him.
"I lord Axel have come to arrest Adrian of house Wilbert for crimes against the nobility and all of Uthean." He flashed a digital screen at them, a wretched smile plastered across his face.
"And who's going to let you take him?" Herla drew her blade out.
"She's is right – our duty is with our lord and not the council." Chris stood before them.
"Do you really want a fight Christopher Livingstone?" One of the men behind Maxim walked forward… a squadron leader just like Chris.
Just as the room got heat –
He rose, walking quietly towards Maxim.
He shocked everyone present.
Tobey fixed his glasses, Chris sheathed his sword and made way.
"I always dreamt of this day…" Maxim said, then Adrian stood beside him. "I just never thought it would be this easy." He smiled.
Adrian remained quiet, just waiting for him to move.
And as they left, the Ghosts of Ragnorak continued to watch their backs.
"Call them." Tobey said, looking at Adrian for the last time and averting his gaze.