Xiran then proceeded to where Rivan was being kept and found Rumail waiting outside.

"How is he?" Xiran asked taking quick steps and stopping just near him.

"He has been stabilised but it will take him some time to recover. At least he is out of danger," Rumail informed him while raking his hand through his hair.

"I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself if something was to happen to him too," Xiran’s grim expression and fisted hands told Rumail that something was very wrong, so he questioned:

"What happened?"

Xiran told him everything with a heart drowned in sorrow. Rumail couldn’t believe Carios was gone. They had been a good sport with each other, whenever they met. Carios was cool and fun to hang around with.

"I am so sorry, Señor. How much more we would have to suffer at his hands?" there was pain mingled with annoyance in his voice. His soft features seemed rigid today. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Not very long now, Rumail. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Carios is no more with me. I relied so much on him, almost for everything and now I feel lost," Xiran’s shoulders slouched and the look he wore on his face was evident that he was a broken man today, standing only because his city needed him.

"I am still here with you. Tell me what you need?" Rumail patted Xiran’s shoulder, knowing he needed him today.

"I want to find out why they took one of my former girls, Treia along. They must have some plans considering her, she was the one who told Xifin about Aselia but I erased their memories of the incident. I don’t have a good feeling about this, they are surely planning something," Xiran confided in Rumail.

"Hmm, actually I think we can find out. I will try to contact someone I know and see if they can acquire the information by following their trail," saying this Rumail took out his phone and used the number Amoris had given him with the instruction to only text her on it in case of grave emergency.

He explained in detail and texted her that he wanted some information on what Xifin and Phantom were up to.

Only a few minutes elapsed when his phone pinged and he received a text from her stating that she was already on their trail as per her father’s orders and will send him the specific information he required. Amoris also told him that there might not be any communication for a few days since she will be in her fox form, so he mustn’t worry about her.

"Señor, it’s done. Hopefully, we will have some information in the next few days," Rumail gave Xiran a half smile.

"I want to ask how you did, whatever you did. But I guess it’s a secret, I hope your informant remains safe though," Xiran placed his hand on Rumail’s shoulder and he nodded in acknowledgement.

"They will be and I will tell you about them someday, someday when we will be free of the monster that lurks upon us."

The doctor interrupted them and informed that they could meet Rivan now but he instructed to not let him talk too much. He needed time to heal. Both of them entered his room one after the other. Rivan was lying down a bit seeing his best friend and younger brother, he gave them a slight smile.

Xiran wanted to hug him so badly but refrained. Rushing to his side, Xiran took his hand in his and spoke:

"Rivi! You gave me a scare man, you ok?"

"I am sorry, I couldn’t protect Irlana. He took her," there was this dejection in his voice which told Xiran he had developed feelings for her. His ever-calm eyes were turbulent like a stormy sea today.

"No! Rivi... it’s my fault. My greediness to feel loved has led to this. It was erroneous of me to believe I could be the needle to carry the thread of love. But don’t worry, I will fix everything. The blindfold has been removed and I can clearly see now."

Rivan’s heart ached at his friend’s words, he knew Xiran would hold himself responsible for everything and will proceed to take drastic steps, before he could counter him Rumail spoke:

"Big bro, how am I glad to see you awake. Don’t go on to give us heart attacks like that," he stepped closer and gently squeezed his brother’s shoulder.

"Just making you two realize how important I am," he winked at his younger brother and all of them woundedly smiled at each other. Breaking the gloomy air all around them.

"How is the situation of the city?" Rivan was apprehensive to ask but needed to know.

"My father left and his minions left with him, a lot of them were killed and we have our city back under our control now," Rivan sighed in relief at Xiran’s words, a small smile spreading on his lips.

Xiran didn’t want to burden him so he didn’t tell him about Carios, yet. He wanted him to heal properly before dumping such information on him, they were already going through enough.

They talked for a while and with further instructions to both of them about staying safe, Xiran went to patrol the streets once again. He also asked his men to make funeral arrangements, there were too many bodies he had to bury, the heaviest being one belonging to Carios.

The evening was almost falling and he was roaming the streets like a guardian angel. Assisting and guiding those who needed his help.

His mind was a conglomeration of decisions he was going to take considering, Aselia, Frila, Rivan, Irlana, Rumail, Xifin and his father.

His phone had rung a couple of times but he didn’t answer it. It had been pinging too with texts, but he had no energy to answer them. If he did he would truly break, all that charade he had put up will come tumbling down.

For it was his Leia who had been constantly calling and texting him, inquiring if he was alright and for the first time since he had fallen in love with her, he had chosen to ignore her.