“Oye, Rehan! Let’s go, we’re gonna be late!”

Lela, out of breath, knocked at the door while yelling. She kept banging until Rehan’s adopted mother opened the door and scolded her.

“Why are you always yelling, Lela? He’ll be down in a minute.”

A while later, Rehan came running out of the front door of his small house.

“Why do you always look sleepy?” she asked, walking quickly down the path leading toward the nearby river bridge.

“I don’t know. I’m always like this,” he replied.

“Hello, kids! Where are you going?” an old man asked as he passed by.

“Nowhere, Uncle. We’re heading towards the circus. I heard there will be a dragon!” Lela replied excitedly.

“Oh my, I’m 83 years old and I’ve never seen one. I hope you do,” he said and coughed.

“Come back soon, Rehan. Your mama worries a lot, you know.”

“We’ll be back before sunset, Uncle Jack,” Rehan replied, and they went on.

Rehan never knew his parents. All he knew was that when he was a child, they left him in the Hill Tribe of Zubi with Seren, his adopted mother and aunt. Days passed like this in Zubi. It was a time of peace and calm in the Greenland Continent. The last time the Royal Knights rode to the borders was over fifty years ago when the exiled king was a threat.

Rehan often asked her about his parents but always got the same answer — that they were no more. They had died in the fight against the exiled king. He was brought up by a single mom, Seren, whose husband had also fallen during the great war with the exiled king.

He was a normal teenager now, with no apparent talent for magic or physical prowess. Still, he finished his early education — learning to read and write in the local elder’s hall. He tried learning swordsmanship and martial arts but failed due to his lack of talent and will. He just wanted to live in peace.

Seren understood that and never tried to push him. His only friend was Lela, the sister of seven brothers who were already learning sword skills and martial arts in the local elder’s hall. Two of them had already been dispatched to the Imperial Royal Academies to become proper royal knights.

Lela’s father was a prominent member of the elder’s hall due to his contributions to the tribe of Zubi. Rehan’s life went on like this, and before he knew it, he turned nineteen and started working in the fields with local farmers. He had inherited a bit of land from his aunt and began growing wheat. During the tribe’s harvest festival, traders would come, and he would sell them his crop to make a living.

———

The days went on until that exciting encounter occurred in his life.

It was his third harvest festival, and he was twenty-one years of age. He loaded grain into a cart pulled by a horse and went to the festival, which happened in the center of the village by the elder’s hall. He displayed his grain and started bargaining with the traders from nearby cities.

Suddenly a gust of fragrance caught his attention, and he tilted his head toward the source. He wasn’t the only one; all the stall owners were mesmerized by it. A girl in her twenties, wearing a yellow dress and high heels, passed through the stalls alongside a mature man over fifty — probably her father. She glanced at Rehan and started walking toward his stall.

Suddenly all the blood in his body rushed to his face. He became red. It was the first time he had felt that way for a girl. The Zubi were not short of beauties, but a heart desires what it desires.

His friend Lela was the most sought-after girl in the whole village, and despite pressure from her wealthy and influential family, she never stopped spending time with him. He also took her only as a friend and had never felt this way before.

“Hi, I’m Maria. How much grain did you yield? I’m sure we can come to terms.”

“H–h–hello, I’m Rehan. All of it is here,” he replied in confusion.

“Nice to meet you. I asked how much do you have?”

“Oh,” he gathered his thoughts. “It’s around 1000 kg. It’s all I have other than some for my own usage.”

“Maria, we don’t have time to buy from small-timers. You will not get a good deal this way,” her father came toward them.

“Dad, don’t be like that. We should appreciate the hard work of small farmers as well.”

“What do you say, Rehan? We’re buying 100 kg of wheat for 1 gold from large farmers. How about you? Are you willing to sell your 100 kg for the same amount?”

“Yes, yes, I can sell.” Rehan thought for a moment and answered quickly. Although he was losing a bit of silver, it was still a good deal.

“Here you go.” She opened her bag and gave him 10 gold coins. “And here’s a bit of extra appreciation from us.” She gave him an additional 50 silver coins.

Rehan gladly accepted, and a few men with the trader started unloading his cart.

“And Rehan, we are from the city of Trembling Falls. If you can transport your goods to our warehouse, we can work this deal every wheat season, and we’ll also add your traveling expenses. It will save us a lot of trouble.”

“Yes, I can transport the grain to your warehouse,” he said in a hurry.

“When you reach Trembling Falls, head to the Merchant Street and ask for Reno’s Warehouse. They will escort you to our warehouse where you can unload and get paid. And don’t forget to show them my card.” She gave him a green card which held the token of their company.

Rehan thanked her, and she went away toward the center of the harvest festival where the stalls of the big farmers stood. He kept on looking at her as if in a trance. Just before she turned the corner of the street, she suddenly turned back, as if she felt Rehan’s piercing glance. She smiled and winked at him.

It was as if someone had reached into his chest, grabbed his heart, and jolted it with electricity. He sighed and fell back on his wooden chair.

——-

Time went on, and he was twenty-two. He told Lela about his plans, and she disagreed with him, saying no small farmers did this and it could take him up to two days to reach Trembling Falls, with some really nasty tribes living on the way. But Rehan told her he would be careful. Lela gave him a sword and a leather armor for protection, which he hesitantly took. After saying goodbye to Seren, he loaded his cart. Seren tried to stop him, but she knew once he put his mind to something, he wouldn’t stop.

“He truly is the son of my sister,” she muttered and went inside.

At first the journey toward Trembling Falls City was pleasant. The weather was good, and the stony road was smooth. The real challenge, according to the map he had bought from a merchant for a few silvers, was the small mountain he had to cross. But he persisted and somehow managed to get to the other side. Thankfully, he had fed the horse pretty well, and the journey so far was free of any dangers.

Night fell, and he set up camp along the path between a few trees. He ate his dried meat, drank some water from his leather pouch, and fell asleep by the fire.

Suddenly he woke up to the sound of wolves howling. His horse was restless as danger crept near. He reached for his sword and stood up, looking into the darkness of the nearby forest. After some time, the howling stopped, but then he heard a lot of wolves running toward him.

Suddenly he found himself facing five wolves. One of them pounced upon him without delay, and he swung his sword. Rehan never wished for trouble, but he certainly was not a coward. His swing was that of a hardened farmer — although not too powerful, he still managed to wound the wolf’s face.

The wolf bled and ran to the other side. It was a good sword from Lela; it was sharp and could cut any kind of animal with a bit of force. Suddenly, the other wolves attacked at once. He kept swinging his sword and wounded a few others, but suddenly the alpha wolf, the leader, got hold of his left leg and gave it a jerk. The sharp teeth dug into his leg, and he let out a cry.

Before the other wolves could go for his throat, he heard horses coming toward him. Two mounted riders cut through the wolf pack like butter. Rehan fell down, breathing fast.

“I shouldn’t have left the village,” he thought.

The riders dismounted and came toward him. One of them checked his leg and poured some alcohol from his side leather pouch. He felt a sharp pain as the rider took out a bandage from his side bag and tied it around his leg.

“Boy, what are you doing so far away near the forest at this time of night?” he asked.

“I am going to Trembling Falls to sell my grain.”

“Why do you take such a risk? I reckon you are a villager?”

“Yes, I am from Zubi.”

“Zubi has good crops and is always filled with traders. Why take such a risk?”

Rehan had no answer. In his heart he wanted another look from Maria. Still, he said, “I have a chance at a great deal.”

“The young men these days are too reckless,” the other rider replied. “First get strong enough, then do something idiotic and daring,” he advised him.

“Thank you, sir, for saving me. How can I repay you?”

“Ah, no need. We are knights of the empire. We are going toward Trembling Falls on an official mission. We could take you.”

“Thank you. That would be great,” Rehan replied. Thankfully, they were knights, not bandits. “Those are some nasty people who kill and rob,” he thought.

“Anyway, you are injured. We leave at dawn.”

Rehan nodded and went back to sleep.

The knights looked at each other with surprise.

“How could he trust us so easily? What if we were bandits?” they discussed.

“A truly innocent fellow. Yes, we saved his life, but look at him. He’s sleeping so peacefully,” the first rider said. “Either he’s stupid or way too daring.”

“Nah, I’ll go with stupidly innocent,” the other knight said. They laughed and went to sleep.

After another day’s ride, they reached the huge walls of Trembling Falls. Rehan thanked them again and went inside the city.

It was the first time Rehan had visited a city in his life. Lela had told him about city life and how she used to spend her time with her brothers and family in the city of Carth and the Greenland Imperial City — the capital.

Still, Trembling Falls, although not as majestic as Carth or the Imperial Capital, was a wonder for a first-time visitor like Rehan, who was basically a village boy who had never seen the attractions of a city.

Perhaps he was the only one in his twenties in Zubi who had never seen a city. Seren also held him close and never let him wander too far due to her overprotective nature. Still, she knew a day would come when he would spread his wings and go on a journey.

To her surprise, this boy was more of a home-dweller, and she sighed with relief. They didn’t have much but could live a peaceful life by earning from their small piece of land.

Rehan felt as if he had stepped into a whole new world. The stony paths inside the city were wide roads going as far as he could see. The huge shops, the décor, and the colors mesmerized this village boy.

He went quietly inside the city streets on his cart. Most people frowned upon seeing this village bumpkin who seemed lost and stared at everything with his mouth wide open in surprise. Some even thought he was a fool.

After some time, he felt lost. He asked someone about Reno’s. They pointed toward the Merchant Street. He went on with his cart and, after an hour or so, arrived at the Reno Company’s warehouse. It was a large and wide building with the crest of the company displayed on the front door and building’s head.

He asked the guards to open the door and showed them the card. They obliged, and he went in.

After some time, he was paid 15 gold coins along with some extra as he had shown the green card, meaning he was an important person for the owners. He emptied his cart and started looking around — maybe he’d see Maria somewhere.

“What are you looking for?” A well-dressed man with an elegant smile asked him. “I am the manager of this facility. We have twelve other warehouses in this city. This one is the main branch.”

“Ah… can I meet Miss Maria?” he asked hesitantly.

“Oh, you had the green card. You must be an important guest. Come, I’ll show you to her office. She is in today.”

He was delighted and followed the manager.

They walked for a while and reached the other side of the warehouse where a few small buildings stood, more prominent and with huge courtyards of lush greenery. They went inside the first building and walked toward the main entrance.

He was asked to wait in the lobby. The manager went to reception, picked up a shell, and spoke into it. After a while, he asked Rehan to go to the third floor — the highest in the building.

——–

He went up. A huge red door stood before him. A guard opened the door, and he went in.

The same fragrance that had hypnotized him last year — he felt it again. And he saw her. Dressed in a purple outfit, she walked toward him and greeted him.

“Mister Rehan, I never forget anyone. You have travelled far. How do you like Trembling Falls?”

“I’m surprised you remember me. It’s great — beautiful.”

He was staring at her non-stop like a fool. She smiled and asked him to sit. She went around the table and sat on her chair.

“How did the deal go?”

“It was great. I made a lot more than I used to in my village fair.”

“You can do a lot more here than in your village. It is the trade hub of the Western Greenlands.”

“Yes, yes, I can see that. A lot of business is going on here.”

“So what do you think? Will you stay here?”

“No, I have to go back. My mama will be worried.”

Maria frowned. “Oh, I see. I was hoping you could stay for a while.”

Rehan, as innocent as always, immediately said, “I could stay for a while.”

She smiled. “Well, that’s great. I will take you around the city in the evening.”

“Oh… okay. Thanks.” He was overjoyed.

He was taken to a room where he could rest. After a few hours, a butler asked him to come out. “Miss Maria is waiting.” He went out and saw a beautiful car. He had seen similar contraptions today but never understood how they ran or what pulled them.

The butler opened the door, and he went inside, sitting on the soft seats. He closed the door. Maria sat on the other side. He was mesmerized finding her so close.

She smiled and asked him if it was his first time in a car.

“This is my first time. How do they work? What pulls them?” he asked.

She laughed and said, “They are pulled by magic runes powered by magic.”

“Magic?” He was amazed. “So you need a magician to run it?”

“Not necessarily. We need a mage to power the runes, but we don’t need a mage to drive it. The powered runes are sold in the markets.”

“Wow, that means anyone can use magic?”

“Hahaha, not high-level magic, but with the help of magic runes or cells we can take care of daily necessities — lights, fans, transport, even some minor healing.”

“Oh, okay. This is my first time seeing this.”

The butler smiled while looking through the back mirror. Maria laughed again, and Rehan felt as if she was the only thing he would ever want in this life.

She took him to a restaurant, and together they ate to their fill. Some of the dishes were ones Rehan had only ever dreamed of tasting. When the bill came, Maria paid without flinching—three gold coins, as if they were nothing more than loose change. To top it off, she slid another gold coin to the waiter as a tip.

Rehan’s eyes widened. He was stunned not only by the cost but also by the casual way she handled it. It felt almost like she was showing him her wealth, and she kept stealing glances at his expressions, smiling each time.

“Let’s get out of here,” she said.

The butler drove them through the city, stopping by its attractions. They wandered the lively streets, sampling foods and drinks from stalls that seemed endless. Hours passed, yet the city still pulsed with life.

Finally, Maria leaned forward and asked the butler to drive home.

Rehan hesitated. “Please… let me off here. I’ll stay at an inn tonight.”

But Maria shook her head. “Quiet. You’re my guest, and there’s no way I’ll let you stay in some inn.”

Though reluctant, Rehan agreed. Soon, the car rolled to a stop before massive iron gates. The butler pressed a button, a rune lit up, and the gates opened automatically.

Rehan’s jaw dropped. Before him stood a mansion larger than anything he’d imagined. The garden alone was bigger than all the farmland he owned back in his village.

He was guided to the guest house, where he would stay the night. Though he told himself he’d leave in the morning, deep down his heart ached to spend more time with Maria.

His room was enormous, with a soft bed and lavish furnishings. It was the kind of luxury he’d never even dreamed of. Yet Rehan wasn’t ambitious about wealth. His belief was simple: one should have enough to live and enough to help others. What use was gold if it couldn’t aid family or the needy?

His only family was his aunt Seren, whom he called “Mama.” For the first time, sleeping miles away in this strange city, he missed her deeply.

Her voice echoed in his memory:

“There are all kinds of people in this world—good ones, bad ones, clever ones, and opportunists. But beware of those who seem too good… they always carry hidden intentions. Remember, Rehan, you’re my only family. And the world isn’t kind to the innocent. You see things as black and white, but it’s far more complicated than that.”

He remembered her sigh, the weight of her past in her tone: “Now sleep, my son.”

And with that memory, he drifted off in the warmth of his new room.

———

The days passed. Maria took him to her workplace, where people stared at Rehan with suspicious, almost scornful eyes. Their expressions seemed to ask: Who is this man? What is he doing here?

On the fourth day, Rehan sat in her office, quietly watching her as she flipped through parchments. Suddenly, Maria looked up.

“Rehan, can you do me a favor?”

He nodded without thinking.

“I need you to be my plus-one tomorrow. There’s a New Year’s party.”

Rehan blinked. The term meant nothing to him. “What’s… a plus-one?”

Maria laughed softly. “It means you’ll accompany me. Only the city’s most powerful businessmen, families, and leaders are invited. I’ll be going in my father’s place—he’s unwell. I need someone with me.”

“Oh… I’ll go then,” he said, but hesitated. “But… I don’t know if someone like me belongs at such a place.”

Maria smiled warmly. “Don’t be silly. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

His heart skipped. Friends? The word hit him with joy.

“We… we’re friends?” he asked.

“Yes, silly. Don’t worry. You’ll do fine. It’s settled.”

New Year’s Eve arrived. On Maria’s instructions, the butler dressed Rehan like an elite. Even Maria was caught off guard when she saw him. For a fleeting moment, she was dazzled—Rehan was handsome, with a rare, sleepy charm in his eyes. She quickly shook it off and ordered the transport ready.

The car rolled to a luxurious mansion, glowing with lights and decorations from top to bottom. The fountains sparkled as if mermaids were dancing inside them. Rehan stood frozen in awe until Maria snapped her fingers in front of his face.

“Let’s go,” she smiled.

Inside, people mingled in the gardens, drinks in hand. Waiters floated between groups with trays of jewel-colored cocktails.

“Oh, Maria! Long time,” a tall young man in a white suit and red tie greeted her. “You look dazzling as always.”

“Hi, Bobby. I’m good. This is Rehan, my new friend.”

Bobby’s sharp eyes scanned Rehan from head to toe, making him feel out of place. Doubt crept in: I don’t belong here. But then he looked at Maria. As long as I’m with her, nothing else matters.

“Young man,” Bobby asked, “which family do you belong to?”

Before Rehan could answer, another girl rushed up to Maria. “Mar! Long time!” She kissed her on the cheeks and hugged her warmly.

Maria explained her father’s illness, then introduced Rehan to her friends.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed. From the second story, a tall man in a black suit appeared. A spotlight fell on him as he raised his glass.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for giving me the honor of your presence! Our city grows stronger and more prosperous thanks to all of you. Enjoy the night—and a very Happy New Year!”

At his signal, fireworks exploded across the sky. For half an hour, the heavens glittered with shapes and colors unlike anything Rehan had ever seen. From the mayor’s high estate, the view was breathtaking. The whole city seemed to stand still, watching in awe.

“Let’s get this party started!” Bobby cheered, leading Maria and others inside. Maria gestured for Rehan to follow.

Dinner was lavish, and Rehan thought to himself, Surely, this is the kind of food served in paradise. A born foodie, he ate until his heart was full.

Maria excused herself to join Bobby and the others, leaving Rehan to wander into the garden. He sat with a cup of tea, gazing at the lights.

Rehan… this isn’t your world. These aren’t your people, a voice whispered in his head. What people do you even have? Only Lela, and Mama…

He sighed, feeling the weight of his lonely life.

“May I sit here?” a gentle voice asked.

Rehan looked up. A beautiful young woman stood before him, dressed modestly, unlike the others. And yet, Rehan thought, if she were dressed like Maria or her friends, she would outshine them all— not Maria though.

The lovestruck fool smiled at the thought.

“Ah, yes, please… as you wish,” Rehan replied awkwardly. His tone betrayed how out of place he felt; etiquette in such gatherings was beyond him, so he rambled on nervously.

Anna laughed lightly. “You’re interesting, Mr…?”

“Rehan. My name is Rehan. I’m from the Zubi tribe. A friend of Maria,” he introduced himself, fumbling over his words.

“The Zubi tribe?” She raised a brow, scanning him curiously. “How do you know Maria?”

Rehan straightened a little. “We met during a summer harvest festival. I sold her my grain.”

Her eyes widened with surprise. “And now you’re here?”

“Oh yes, she invited me. I came to sell her grain a few days ago…” he began explaining, his innocence plain as day.

Anna tilted her head, studying him. “You seem like a nice guy. But… is there something you’re not telling me? I’m Anna, by the way.”

“Miss Anna, what would you like to know? Ask me anything. I’ve already told you what I know. I never hide anything. I… don’t know how.”

His simple, childlike honesty caught her off guard. His calm expressions and respectful tone made her pause.

“You really do seem like a nice guy,” she said softly. Then her lips curved into a sly smile. “Tell me… did you fall for her?”

Rehan froze. His face flushed crimson as he stumbled for words. “Ahhmm, what? I… I came here to sell grain. We’re… doing business.”

“Business?” Anna chuckled. “Alright, I’ll play along. How much grain did you sell?”

“ Over fifteen gold.”

“Dear,” she leaned closer, her voice almost mocking, “do you even know how much she makes in a single day? Maria is the largest grain collector and trader in Trembling Falls. Her company earns over ten thousand gold daily. And that’s just the profit.”

Her words struck him like a stone.

“Why would she make you her friend? Don’t tell me it’s because of your good looks.” She shook her head. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate her—but be careful. I’ve seen country boys like you lose themselves, going mad.”

Rehan suddenly stood, his chest tightening. “Excuse me. What do you mean?’’

Who is she to speak of Miss Maria like that? She’s one in a million. Maybe she is just one of her competitors. He thought

‘’Dear Rehan, you don’t belong to this world, a word of caution, be careful’’

She got up and turned to leave, ‘’and if you ever need any help, come to the Pick Plaza in the merchant street’’

Still simmering with anger and confusion, Rehan nodded curtly. He nodded, more to silence her than anything else, and walked away toward the drinks stall.

———

A while later, Maria appeared before him. “Let’s go, it is time to depart.” He nodded and walked with her toward the nearby car. The butler opened the doors and they got in.

Three more cars followed them toward the city gate. Rehan asked where they were going. Maria said, “You’ll know soon. Relax, it will be fun.”

Rehan wanted this night to be over, but he had no choice but to agree. He was happy, though, to be so close to Maria.

The cars crossed the city gates and kept on driving toward a nearby lake. He later learned that this lake was called Red Lake due to the abundant gemstones and minerals under its surface. When moonlight struck the water, it looked red.

It was a full moon night, and the huge Red Lake, which spanned for hundreds of miles, looked reddish—like blood!

The cars stopped at a huge cabin near the lake’s shore. The structure looked old but sturdy.

Maria asked Rehan to follow. “We gather here often to relax and party.”

Rehan nodded and thought it might be a good experience. But I’ll take my leave tomorrow no matter what. Mama would be worried. Although Maria had sent word to Zubi to tell Selen, at his request, that he would be back within a few days, Rehan knew his mother. She would be worried sick.

He had also made a plan to start a small business here in Trembling Falls so he could spend more time with Maria. Maybe, in the future, if he earned enough, he might stand a chance to ask her to marry him. But even the thought of asking her broke his will, since they belonged to two very different classes.

Thinking like this, he walked after her, and they sat on the sofas placed in the center of the cabin hall.

Bobby signaled Jack, who got up and went to the basement. He came back with a bottle.

“Rehan,” Jack started, “we are friends of Maria and she is very dear to us. When we welcome a new friend into our circle, we always share a special drink. This is our way of showing that you have become a part of our circle. Maria has told us about you, and we know you are not rich like us and come from a humble background. But know this—we will take care of you. And if you want to settle here in Trembling Falls, we will also help you out.”

Jack’s tone was sincere.

Rehan, though reluctant, thought about how good they are. “Umm, thank you. I don’t know what to say. I was also thinking of starting a new life here.” He looked at Maria, and she smiled.

“But let’s leave it for later. Let’s drink to Rehan, our new brother.”

Jack filled the glasses with the drink. Rehan looked at it. It resembled blood more than a drink, but given their sincere faces, he never doubted their honesty for a second. He thought it would be rude to reject their kind offer, so he took the glass.

Jack kept looking at him, along with Sofia, Jenny, Maria, and Bobby, as if they were waiting for him to drink—faces full of pure sincerity.

Rehan smiled and took a sip. He wanted to thank them, but before he could, his head felt heavy. The glass slipped from his hand onto the thick carpet, and he collapsed on the floor, his head hitting the side table.

Suddenly, the room echoed with loud laughter from Maria and the others. They laughed so hard their faces turned red.

“Only you can pull off such a cleverly drawn plan, Mar,” Jenny chuckled.

“Well, you know me. I do what I do. This is nothing like last time though! What was the last guy’s name again?”

“Come on, why do we need to remember their pathetic names? All of them—village bumpkin losers who don’t know their place,” Bobby intervened.

‘’Believe it or not guys you are in for a treat today, this one is sure to boost us double this time, I checked it twice. His essence is the purest I have seen.’’ Maira explained. ‘’When I visited tribal villages last year, my only goal was to attract our last prey, but this one was the most promising one. So, I charmed him using the best spell I had in my arsenal. It took most of my magic power just to cast it.’’

‘’If he hadn’t come a few days ago, I’d have gone back to fetch him this time’’ Maria added cleverly.

‘’Oh, so that’s why we skipped the last few bumkins, Mar, you are truly an artist,’’ Jack added

“Don’t forget why we are here. Should we get the fun started?” Jenny asked impatiently.

“You are the most impatient among us. Learn to savor the fun, otherwise you’ll miss the best part,” Sofia said.

———————-

Rehan woke with a heavy head and the world spinning around him. For a few slow moments he struggled to remember what had happened; then flashes came back — the lake cabin, the dinner, the glasses. As his senses cleared, he realized, with a sick shock, that he was tied to a wooden table in a small room that looked like a basement. Apart from his underpants, everything had been removed. On the walls hung strange, harp-like instruments and other weird tools. From the corner of his eye he could see a glowing magic stone lighting the room.

“He must be awake now — let’s start the ritual,” said Maria’s voice.

He heard footsteps on the wooden stairs leading down to the basement. Desperation and anger surged through him. “Miss Maria — what is the meaning of this? Why have you drugged me and tied me to this table in such a shameful way?” he shouted, panic and disbelief breaking through. All the love he had felt for her in recent days seemed suddenly distant; now only his own life mattered.

“Oh, poor boy,” Maria mocked. “I was so good to you these past few days. I even gave you the company you crave with all your heart. Why are you whining like a—” She spat the last words like they hurt her throat. Her eyes were red; she was drunk and out of control.

Sofia began the ritual of extraction. She nodded, took a large syringe, and attached a long needle. Meanwhile, Bobby produced a strange magical gadget and pressed it against Rehan’s chest. The device glowed; pointed claws emerged from it and pierced into his skin. Rehan screamed in agony. “Stop! Please stop — it hurts!” he cried, but they continued.

Sofia inserted the needle into a designated point of the object and pushed until it disappeared into his chest. Jack, Jenny, and Maria watched Rehan scream on the wooden table; they knew he could only scream and could not move because of the drugged drink. The procedure went on.

“Why are you doing this to me?” he cried.

“Don’t worry, dear,” Maria said in a calm, cold tone. “What we want from you is no help to a poor man like you in your little village — but it will help us a lot.”

Ignoring his painful cries, they shifted the magical gadget around his chest while Sofia drew blood with syringes from specific spots, guided by the device. They extracted from his legs, chest, forehead, shoulders, and palms. Finally, they drew from just under his belly button. With a final, agonized cry, Rehan fainted as if all the life had been sucked from his body.

The last thing Maria hissed into his ear before they left the basement was, “You will be paid for your service. Tell anyone about this and we will kill every person you know or love in this world — if you live, hahahaha.” He heard their laughter as they left him alone in the dark.

Back in the cabin’s living room, Maria instructed them to begin the next phase. She went to her car, opened the trunk, and returned with a large bag containing another magical device covered in buttons and a lever. She laid it on the table and told everyone to sit.

“Like always, I’ll take three,” she said, “the rest of you take two each.” They nodded.

One by one they took out magic cells to power the device. “I’ll go first,” Maria said, and began inserting the cells — twelve in total. “Each of these high-class cells could power my business for a month,” she sighed. “But it is what we sacrifice for power, right?”

“It is what it is, Mar. The real power in this world is magic,” Jack said. “After today you’ll be on par with B-class mages of the empire. The rest of us should move up to C-class.”

Maria pulled the lever and the device began to hum. She attached three injections to the machine and pressed a button. The device buzzed; jolts of electricity pulsed from it. After a while the buzzing stopped and Maria pressed another button. A vial of blue liquid appeared from the side. She grabbed it, lay back on the sofa, filled a syringe, and thrust it forcefully into her heart. Like a shot of adrenaline, energy flooded her; her body lifted and she levitated a short distance above the sofa. The others watched in amazement as she hovered, then slowly sank back down.

“It was a success,” she exclaimed, triumphant.

The same process was repeated by Jack, then Sofia, Jenny, and finally Bobby. “I’m at C level now,” Bobby said excitedly. “Mar, what do you feel?”

“I wanted to reach A level,” Maria said quietly, “but I’m at B.”

“This device came with a warning,” Jack said. “We cannot inject the essence more than three times. This was the third time. I wish we could use it a few more times and increase our powers — then no one in the Greenlands could rival us.”

“Come on, Jack,” Sofia said. “Level B is a force to reckon with. I doubt anyone in Trembling Falls could withstand even a shred of Mar’s power.” Even us at C level are strong enough to hold our own in front of any one in Trembling Falls’’

Jenny smirked. “Anyway, what should we do with the trash?”

“No one will recognize him in all of Trembling Falls,” Maria said. “Let him rot in the streets for a few days. After all, when you enjoy Maria’s hospitality, you have to pay the bill.”

Maria asked the butler to fetch Rehan. He nodded, went down to the basement, and dragged him out. When they reached the city, Maria ordered the butler to dump him near the Narrow Street. The butler obeyed and left Rehan at the corner of a dirty alley. Before they left, Maria opened the window glass and threw a pouch towards him, and the car disappeared after reaching the edge of the street.

———

He heard the voices of the kids as they were laughing at someone and opened his eyes – he saw himself lying on the street. Slowly he remembered the last night’s events and his heart pumped fast, filled with emotion like a child who was lost in a crowded street and longed for his parents. He cried so hard that the children laughing at him ran away.

He got up, and felt something falling down from his chest. He looked at it. It was a pouch – he picked it and checked its contents – it was filled with gold coins, at least 200 to 250 of them.
He remembered Maria saying that he will be paid. Suddenly he felt like he had sold his soul for some money – but he collected himself with the thought that he had no choice, he was forced – and he was stupid enough to think that a girl like Maria would be interested in him. He had crossed dangerous territories, disobeyed his mama, and for what — tears ran down his cheeks.

Walking in a weak posture he crossed the street, and looked around like a stranger – he had spent some days in this city and visited most places but did not know the way around since it was Maria who took him around.

Suddenly he saw a street sign with Merchant Street this way – he remembered the conversation with Anna, also his horse and cart was still at Maria’s warehouse. “I wonder how my horse is doing,” he sighed.

But he knew he couldn’t go there, so he decided to visit Pink Plaza towards Anna’s address. “She warned me about Maria, maybe she will really help?”
He couldn’t think of anyone else, so he decided to go to Pink Plaza, although reluctant, he thought what more could go wrong.

With a broken heart, and tears in his eyes, he started walking towards Anna’s business place. After walking for half an hour he felt dizzy, and was about to hit the ground when a car stopped near him, and a woman’s voice rang in his ear. “Mr. Rehan, is that you?” Anna got out of the car, and supported him, and walked him towards her car, and helped him get in.

She got in the driver’s seat and drove towards a nearby Healing Station. Rehan had completely fainted due to thirst, pain, and weakness.
They treated him, and when he woke up he saw Anna’s face and she asked him how he was. He recollected his thoughts and looked around. He was in a sample room with a high roof, with multiple gadgets around him. A man with a mask stood over his head and said to Anna, “He is a lucky boy that you brought him here. If you were a little late, I’m afraid we wouldn’t have been able to help him. But now he is alright. Make sure he eats well and drinks a lot of fluids.” He instructed Anna, and she nodded.

“Thank you, Miss Anna, how did you find me?”

“I was going to my plaza, which is my business place, and saw you near the gate. What happened to you?”
She looked at him with curiosity and a strange look, like saying, “I told you to be careful.”

Rehan intentionally closed his eyes and a few tears rolled down from the side of his eyes. “Miss Maria was not who I thought she was.”
“What exactly happened?” she asked.
“They drugged me, and…” before he could say anything else he suddenly remembered Maria’s warning – she could kill his loved ones – and the faces of Mama and Lela came before his eyes.

“I am sorry, I must thank you for your kindness but I cannot say anymore. Please forget what I said and don’t tell anyone.”
Anna sighed like she knew what was going on. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Now rest, I will come back.”

A few days passed like this and Rehan could feel the energy in his body – the healing really worked wonders in this city.
Anna entered the room, and asked him if he was ok. He told her that he is perfectly fine now. They came out and she asked him to get in the car.
She drove for a while and then stopped near a beautiful mansion. She pushed a button on her car dashboard and the door opened.

It was not as huge or luxurious as Maria’s home but it was still a huge deal for a village bumpkin like Rehan.

“Thank you, Miss Anna, for all you have done. I would really like to leave as soon as possible for Zubi, my mama would be worried sick.”

“I understand your concern, and listen Rehan, I know there are certain things you cannot tell me and I know Maria and her friends might have threatened you. I am not your enemy, I will never put you in danger. Just know this, I like you because of your simple attitude and humble background. It is not sympathy, but my father is also from the same background. Unlike Maria and her friends, we were not from an elite family. We also belonged to a tribal village like yours at first. We came here and started our clothing line and a small factory – my father is a dreamer and rather a good businessman – he worked hard and today we are what we are. We may not be as powerful or wealthy as Maria but we certainly are not pushovers. I will be here when you need me, or if you need a friend.”

Rehan had learned his first real lesson of hard life from Maria, and now he was careful. He gathered his thoughts and thought that Anna couldn’t possibly want anything from him, and what advantage could he give her, so she must be speaking from her heart.

Still a bit careful, he said, “Thank you for taking me as your friend, I mean it. I also think of you as my friend, who has helped me when I was in dire need of a friend in this strange city.”

They were talking as they entered a lavish living room. Anna said, “Don’t worry about it, friends don’t thank friends. Wait for me while I get changed.”

He sat on a luxurious sofa and waited for her. A butler came in with a tray with dried cakes, pastries, and a cup of hot tea and pot.

He enjoyed the tea while enjoying the view of the room, still his thoughts were in shambles – the past week was one of the toughest in his lifetime.

“Rehan, this is my dad.” Anna came in with a middle-aged man, who had on casual wear. He greeted him and started chatting, and after some formalities, he asked him, “Young man, I see a lot of your kind in this city, looking to become someone – but most of them fail or run out of money in the first few months. If you like, I can help you get started.”

“Thank you sir, but I am not looking to work here anymore, I would like to go back to my village.”
Anna’s father laughed, and said, “You don’t have to answer immediately, stay a few days and we will talk.”
“But I would like to leave today, thanks for your hospitality.” The last few emotional and physical trials during his stay in Trembling Falls had made him weary of rich folks. Then Anna’s father looked at his daughter, and then turned to him, “Don’t worry, as you wish. I will send someone to escort you safely to your village. But at least listen to my proposal. Anna has told me about your situation and don’t worry, your secret is safe with us.”

Rehan looked shocked but then sighed. After all, he was her father and they seemed close. “Yes, I have learnt something new in my life, and to stop that from happening I would like to return to my simple life.”

“As you wish. But remember my door is always open for you. I see something special in your eyes. You could be someone important in the future if guided properly. Come to Pink Plaza or here at our mansion if you ever change your mind.”
Rehan thanked him, and after a while he left with a few of his guards towards Zubi.

After two days, they reached Zubi, and he went straight towards his home and knocked. Lela came out and saw Rehan and angrily said, “Where have you been for the past 10 days? No news, no letter, I have never seen such an irresponsible man. Do you know how your mama is ill?”

He was shocked and without saying anything ran inside towards Seren’s room. “Mama, mama, where are you?” She lay on the bed, looked weak and pale.

“Oh Rehan, where were you? I was so worried. I don’t know where this fever came from, I cannot even get up.”

“Don’t worry, I am here.”

“I sent word that I will be delayed, no one told you?”

“No, no news came.” And he gritted his teeth in anger. Maria had tricked him into thinking that his relatives knew he would be late.

“Anyway, now I am here.”
Lela came in, and he thanked her.

“Hunhh, don’t worry, Aunty Seren is like a mother to me, of course I’ll take care of her.”

Rehan looked at her beautiful face, and thought, why was I chasing a demon when I had such loving people here with me.

“Thank you so much, Lela, I don’t know what I would do without you.”

After a while he helped Seren and they ate dinner.

The guards from Anna had left already. Despite his asking, they said they must report back to master ASAP.

After they put Seren to bed, Lela called him towards the living room. “The elder granny says, you need to take her to a city. They cannot cure her here, it is black fever. Only the healers in a city can save her, otherwise she has only a few months to live.”

Rehan felt as if the burden of the whole world fell on his shoulders. “What? Why? How?”
“I know it is difficult for you but I wanted to tell you ASAP so you don’t waste any time. Take this gold, and leave for a city ASAP.”
“Don’t worry about it, I have money, we will leave in the morning.”

Lela forcefully shoved a small bag of gold in his hands. “She is also my mama, don’t take this from me, let me do something for her.”

He reluctantly agreed, and took the pouch from her.
“I will visit in the morning,” she said, and left.

Rehan hired two tribesmen from the elder’s hall after paying two gold coins. They would help them safely towards the city.
Rehan thought for a moment, and chose Trembling Falls since he could ask for Anna’s help. Although he never wanted to go to that city, his mama’s health came first.
He said goodbye to Lela and told her he would take Mama to Trembling Falls, which was two days’ ride from there.

Lela said she would visit after a few weeks with his second brother, who was also a member of the royal knights. He nodded and started his journey with his tribal guards.

They safely arrived in Trembling Falls, and he went straight to the healing center where Anna had taken him. After a bit of examination, the healer told him that it was curable but she had to stay in the center. After looking at him, he said, “You look like a villager. The facility here is costly, and it will take around 10 gold daily, and your mama might need to stay here for two to three months. Can you afford it?”

He was surprised. “What? So costly?” he asked.
“Dear, the main source of our healing success is healing magic, which we get from using specialized healing cells powered by healing mages, along with proper medical equipment and medicine, which also depend greatly on healing magic. It costs a lot. Also, the name of our facility is well known, and we often have VIPs here.”

The healer kept on going for a while and Rehan told him not to worry. He paid 100 gold in advance, after which the healer smiled and admitted Seren.

After sending his tribal guards off, he looked at the total gold with him. It was around 135 — 20 were given by Lela, and the rest were his own, some given by Maria as “payment” and the other from selling his grain.

The healing could go on for months and he had only paid for ten days. He needed more.

Frustrated and helpless, he decided to visit Anna’s office.

After some greetings, he told her about his situation. She nodded and said, “What are friends for, Rehan? Don’t worry, we will take care of all the medical expenses. But given how proud you are, I would like to offer you a job here.”

“A job? What can I do here? I don’t have any special skills.”

“Ah, don’t worry, you will learn. No one is a jack of the trade on his first day.” She picked up a shell and asked her manager to come in. After some time, a short guy with a bald head came in, and she told him to employ Mr. Rehan as the new salesman for their Yellow Street showroom. He looked at him with surprise and nodded.

The next few days were calm, with new experiences for Rehan. He had learnt a lot of new ways of clothing business, designs, and customer handling. After a few weeks of training, he was made incharge of their lavish showroom for Pick Clothing Company in Yellow Street. This whole street was filled with high-class shopping malls, plazas, and clothing showrooms.

This was a new business environment for him, but without knowing, he was learning this stuff. And he was getting pretty good at it.

In the evenings he would visit his mama, who was gradually getting better. The sho-shell rang, and he heard Anna on the other side.
“Rehan, you have guests. Come to Pick Plaza at once.”
He instructed his assistant and left for the Merchant Street.

In the office he saw Lela with a tall and muscular man. It was Lela’s second brother, the newly decorated knight of the empire. A single silver star badge was visible on his chest. They talked for a while and Lela asked Rehan to visit Mama.

They greeted Anna and left for the healing center. Seren was happy to see Lela and her brother. They talked for a while and ate lunch together.
Seren was gradually getting well. It has been almost a month now. She needed to rest, so they left the healing center, and Rehan took them to his new workplace. He showed them that, and they left for the inn to settle in, while Rehan went back to his showroom.

Lela visited Trembling Falls with her brother, but Rehan could not accompany them due to his work, even though Lela was persistent. They left after a week.

It had been three months, and one day Seren was released from the healing center. Rehan was glad. He took her to his new rented house, which was also thanks to Anna’s help. Seren was delighted to see this small but beautiful home.

“Mama, I am earning well in this city. I earn around 50 gold coins a month, which is far more than what I got in a whole year in Zubi. What do you think, should we stay here?”
“Son, I am with you whatever you decide, and I want you to prosper and grow. The only thing I would advise is to be careful. In this world there is so much for you to learn and see. I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

“Don’t worry, I have learnt a lot of lessons in this city, and I am sure I can cope with good and bad people in this world now.”
Seren laughed. “A few months don’t make you a master at world craft, but it is a start. I will stay here if you want to.”

They checked the whole house, and it was at 10 gold per month. It was a happy day for Rehan. He had sent a word to Zubi through a shell to tell Lela that they would visit soon after a few months and that Mama was doing well now.

In the next few years, Rehan had worked so hard that he even started his own clothing line in partnership with Pink Company of Anna. Naturally, Anna helped with complications, registrations, machinery, and other stuff.
He now had his own house, which was not very big but enough to put him among the fairly rich people of Trembling Falls.

Seren was always happy when seeing the progress of her son and wanted him to get married. In the past few years, they had visited Zubi a few times and Lela always welcomed them like family.

This time when they arrived in Zubi they had their own four guards along with a few carriages of gifts for villagers and friends.
They went to the elder’s hall, greeted the elders, and visited their friends and gave gifts. Most of them were fabrics of his own clothing line. Typically, the villagers had only heard of such luxuries from the cities. They were very happy with Seren and Rehan.

During evening tea, Seren asked Rehan about Lela. “What do you think about her? Should I ask her father about her hand?”

Rehan, embarrassed by her question, said, “Ahh, I don’t know if they will agree or not. He never liked her following me around. But yes, I like her.”

The next day, they went to the huge house of Lela and asked her father about her hand in marriage. Her father had heard about their progress in Trembling Falls, and his sons also told him about Rehan’s good nature. He would never have agreed to this proposal if Rehan was still in the village selling grains, but he immediately agreed. Rehan was shocked at this change, but thought, wealth can sway minds.

This was the happiest week of life for both Rehan and Lela. Rehan never thought about her like this previously, but Lela had always loved him. She had tried telling him for quite a while but always stopped when she looked at his innocent and deep eyes. She could never confess.

But today, when they were about to get married, she said it. “Do you know I have always loved you?”

Rehan, embarrassed, said, “Ahh, what? I don’t know. I never thought about you like that.”

Lela became red with anger. “What? Why did you ask for my hand then?”

“Oh, I never did. But I do know—I mean I felt the same way about you in the last few years, but couldn’t say because I didn’t want you to get angry or reject me.”

Lela smiled and blushed. “Oh ok. I would never reject you.” she ran away with red cheeks.

They got married in a huge ceremony. Rehan had invited Anna, his colleagues, and his father also. They celebrated for a week, and then came the time to depart. The guests left, and Rehan, who had been away from Trembling Falls for some time now, asked Lela that they would leave soon. Lela nodded and said she would start packing tonight.

“Lela, hurry up, we need to go today. Why are you not up yet?”

Rehan pressed her arm and tried waking her up. He had slept late.

“Lela, now is not the time for your jokes, hurry up.” He got up and went to the restroom.

He took a bath and came back and saw her sleeping.

He got worried. “Lela, hurry now—” but Lela was out cold, and Rehan was shocked. “What happened?” He touched her cheeks, and they were cold as ice.

“Mama, come here quickly! There is something wrong with Lela!”

Seren came running.

Rehan, out of breath, ran towards the Elder Hall and asked Elder Gran to come.

After a while, Elder Gran arrived and started checking her. Suddenly, she mumbled something, and a sudden brush of air opened the windows. Rehan was shocked. The elder’s eyes turned white—she gasped for air, and suddenly her eyes came back to normal.

She spoke, “Rehan, my son, she is not ill, but under the influence of very dark and poisonous magic.”

Rehan, worried, said, “What? How? Why would anyone do that to my wife?” Seren started crying and hugged Rehan while sobbing.

“How do we cure her, Gran? Please tell me!”

“First, I need to check the poison.” She took out some thin parchments marked with strange letters and put them on Lela’s forehead. She mumbled something, and the parchments turned green with a small but shiny snake symbol.

Then she took out a small syringe from her bag and inserted the needle in Lela’s arm and took out some blood. She asked Rehan if he had a magic cell. Rehan ran towards his bag and took out a magic cell, which was used to power his shell, and gave it to her. Gran kept on mumbling strange words, and finally, she put her hand on the magic cell, poured lele’s blood over it and the other on her own eyes. After some time, the magic cell was consumed and turned white, as it was deprived of magic power.

She asked for a glass of water, sat on a nearby chair, and started,

“Look, Rehan, I don’t know what kind of enemies you have made in Trembling Falls, but I have not seen anything like this in any of our hill tribes. This is the work of a real mage. They have used an ancient hex along with a poison on Lela. She may not seem like she’s suffering, but trust me, she is suffering, and she will start growing weak in a few months. Please take her to the city’s healer—they would know how to keep her condition well. But she will definitely die within a year if the Green Snake’s poison from Fiendreum Island and the original hex is not found.”

And then she told him about the island and the kind of snake he needed to get. She also told him about her vision, which she saw using the magic cell and Lela’s blood—to seek the oldest cave, on the shortest peak, near the Dark Forest in the distant continent of Ager Capitalis.

They packed their stuff in a hurry, asked the guards to get ready, and went towards Trembling Falls. First, he took Lela to the Healing Center, and then told Anna about the situation. She was worried.

She left everything and met Seren and Rehan at the Healing Center. “Don’t worry, Rehan, I’ll take care of them. What is your plan now?”

“I need to get going as soon as possible. Just take care of my mama and wife. I know you have already done so much for me, but…”

Anna stopped him. “Don’t worry, silly. Anna’s friends never have to thank her.”

Rehan looked at her with admiration. From Maria to her friends, Anna was a whole different kind of person—a person he could truly rely on.

He left his guards instructions and said goodbye to Seren and Anna. Before he left, they tried to convince him to put a reward on such things, and that the Adventurer’s Guilds in the Imperial City could help him. But he told them that if it were that simple, old Elder Gran would have told him, and he could not waste his time waiting for good news. “If there is anyone who will save my wife, it is going to be me.”

And he was right to do so. His stay in Trembling Falls had taught him that almost everyone was out looking for their own benefits, wealth, and power. If you want to do something right, do it yourself.

Anna and Seren couldn’t argue with him. He took his horse and left Trembling Falls—he didn’t know this journey would change everything!!!