26 Lost in the Past

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CHAPTER 26

Right before his eyes, Zephyr took note of the four people tied together, with their hands and feet bound as well while having their mouths gagged.

One look and he could tell they were unconscious. However, nothing about this surprised him. At least not as much as the unusual presence amidst that gift.

This was something he was already used to. This was what went on in the out-of-bounds lair of his. The use of different magical beings for his experiment.

In other words, he practised dark magic secretly and he had accomplices who helped to provide him with some of the essential elements for it.

"Y-You…" Zephyr peeled his gaze from the people on the ground and slowly dragged it over to Jared's face.

The look of utter shock in his eyes did not go unnoticed before Jared even as fast as Zephyr tried to mask it, it was emitted from his aura, as the deadly presence dropped significantly.

"I told you that I got a present for you, and I can see that you like it."

The corners of Zephyr's mouth parted slightly. Howbeit, rather than speak, they clamped shut and pulled back to the side to reveal a side smile.

"So?" Jared hinted at him.

"What can I say? I do like it."

Saying that Zephyr took a step forward and diverted his gaze from Jared, bringing it back to the captives.

"I did not see this coming," he pointed out as he brought both hands to his back.

"Hmm. A light elf, the first of its kind of gift from you."

He averted his gaze once more to look at the expression on the king's face. He was pleased, to say the least.

Chuckling lightly, Zephyr added, "And the others, not so bad as well. A dwarf, werewolf, and a demon."

Suddenly the atmosphere was rendered eerier as a burst of cold chilling laughter tore through his lips, echoing about in the surroundings.

"Hahhaahaa…" His eyes widened even further as his pupils dilated and the colour of his eyes changed.

"Sweet. Sweet. I wonder what he would think though," Zephyr let out amidst laughter as he returned his gaze to the king.

"Do not worry. It is all for a good course. He won't be bothered," King Jared informed him and took a step in his direction. "Now, I have played my part, it is time for you to play yours."

All of sudden, Zephyr's laughter ceased as his facial muscles relaxed. "Sure," and so did his voice.

"I better get to it now."

Without saying much, he turned his left hand and the black ring with purple gem lit up, shining brightly in the room.

Within the twinkle of an eye, Zephyr directed it at the captives, and at once, they got drawn into the ring and vanished, leaving not a single trace of their presence.

He did not bother saying his thanks and turned around, returning to his work. However, before Jared took his leave, Zephyr's voice resonated deeply and loudly.

"Next time, I would appreciate it if you informed me first. I would have to extend the limit for my concentration, your majesty."

No sooner had the words left his lips than he felt the aura darken further in the room. A clear indication of Jared's displeasure.

However, he couldn't be bothered about that now. He had an urgent business that needed his full concentration and power.

Listening to the heavy breathing coming from the king, Zephyr's lips pulled back to the side, revealing a slightly triumphant smile.

"Noted," Jared affirmed as he released a deep sharp breath. With that, he took his leave.

It was better this way than to blow the issue any further.

Once he was sure the King was no longer close by, Zephyr stopped what he was doing and lifted his head.

His brows knitted deeply and his gaze narrowed at the eerie presence ahead.

'Not to worry. Soon I would take back what is mine and we can return to our former glory. I would prove Drakenflare wrong.'

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~The Aisle of Drakenflame~

Ever since the first day they arrived, things had been going smoothly for them. Everyone enjoyed themselves and settled into their respective chambers and home easily.

Regardless of how things were, Xavier knew there was much that needed to be done.

Staring blankly ahead from the confines of his chambers, the lonely king peered out far, activating his sharp senses as he overlooked his kingdom.

'Everything went wrong, Saphira. This was not the thought and plans I had for my people.'

His right hand clutched hard on the curtain and yanked it to the left.

Just looking out that way reminded him so much of the times he had done so with one beauty close to him.

Xavier heaved a deep sigh and let go of the curtain as he turned around to glance around his room again.

"Why did Xander have to leave? Sigh. Although he may not be my old friend, he gives off the very same vibe, and now, I miss the Xander of before."

**Flashback**

Knock! Knock!

"Enter," Xavier's low voice called out lazily as he turned around to face the door to his chambers.

At the same time, the door pushed open slowly, revealing a young man with a calm expression on his face as he took a step in and shut the door behind him.

"Your majesty, good morning," he greeted with a low bow.

A few seconds passed but there was no response to his greeting nor was there any signal for him to rise from his bow.

Not wanting to seem rude, the latter remained in that pose for a minute and after that, he lifted his head only to see Xavier lying lazily on the bed.

Immediately his brows pulled together as a frown masked the once calm expression on his face. "Your majesty."

"Xander, not now."

He arched a brow at the king and scoffed a little. "If not now, then when? It is already past 8, your majesty," he reminded him.

"I am tired."

"Since when?"

"Since at night."

"Why?"

Once more he was ignored. There was no response coming from Xavier.

Not being able to accept that behaviour, he took a step forward but before he could do more, Xavier's voice echoed.

"Xander, since when did you become a nagging mother or wife? Let me be," Xavier grumbled.

"I cannot. Not until you achieve all your goals for Drakenflare and not until you do your duties, you would not be lazing around. Not on my watch."

"But I… sigh," he waved his hand in the hair and said, "Hearing deactivated."

"All right then. I tried the King's advisor's method and it is not working. Anyways, you can either lie in bed all day or you get up, finish your duties and then we take a quick trip to Exlor's cave."

Xander took a quick pause, waiting for this response but when he got none, he continued. "I would inform Pendragon; the king is not up for an adventure today."

Saying that he turned on his heels and placed his hand on the doorknob. With a little effort, he yanked it towards himself but to his surprise, the door did not budge.

That was when Xander noticed the light flickering at the foot of the door. A small smile formed on his lips upon realization but as quickly as it came, he masked it off with a look of indifference.

"Your majesty, I have work waiting to be done, please, let go."

"Urrghh…" He heard Xavier mumble some words to himself but could not make out what he meant.

But when he saw him rise from the bed from the corners of his eyes, Xander turned around once more and crossed his hands in front of his chest.

"I thought you wished to sleep?" His cold voice rang deep in the King's chambers.

"I thought so too, until my best friend and most annoying, let's not forget that fact, made mention an adventure."

"Hahaha... You cannot blame me. If you get things done faster, then perhaps we can go."

"Do not dare me, Xan. We must go."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

"I am pissed that you know me so well."

"And so am I. This should be the queen's job to scare you off the bed, not mine."

"Blah… You have succeeded. If it was her, I wouldn't be getting up but cuddling on her chest instead."

Saying that he stood up from the bed with a clever knowing smile on his face.

All Xander could do was shake his head at his king. Sometimes he behaved like a kid.

"You are such a perverted baby."

"She is my wife," Xavier defended. "She's mine."

"Yeah, yeah. Up, up…"

**Flashback Ends**

Recalling the happy times, another smile lit up his once troubled face, bringing out his handsome features even more.

'In the end, we never went for that adventure. We never fulfilled that promise. I miss you, Xan. I miss everything about you, old friend.'