“If you don’t slap her back,forget about this training session” Kaine crossed his legs and puffed out his smoke.

Sapphire’s eyes widened.

“But Kaine……” She didn’t finish that statement when a slap landed on her face almost making her lose her balance,she touched her cheek and turned looked at Bluey who had no sign of fear on her face even after slapping her.

“You can report me to queen mother,I’m ready for the worse” Bluey said.

“You can go Sapphire,you have no business here” Kaine spoke up.

Sapphire swallowed and stood there for a minute before she slowly went out of the hall.

Kaine and Bluey’s eyes locked and she greeted him with a bow,then Kaine stood up.

“You did well” He muttered and Bluey flashed him a smile.

She followed him closely as he led her toward the punch bag,she was rejoicing inwardly but at the same time nervous,what if she’s not good enough? What If he gives up on her half way because she’s not getting it?

Kaine held up the fight gloves.

“Put these on” He ordered.

Bluey took the gloves and looked at them curiously.

“First, you need to put your hands in,” Kaine explained.

“Make sure your fingers are all the way in, and then wrap the Velcro around your wrist.”

Bluey nodded and started to put on the gloves. Kaine helped her adjust them.

“Like this?” Bluey asked, looking up at Kaine.

“Perfect,” Kaine said.

“Now, let’s start with some punches. Remember, keep your hands up and your elbows close to your body.”

Bluey nodded again, her eyes focused on Kaine.

“Okay, throw a punch at the bag,” Kaine said, gesturing to the punch bag hanging from the ceiling.

Bluey threw a tentative punch, and Kaine corrected her form.

“Good, but try to keep your wrist straight and use your whole arm. Like this.”

Kaine demonstrated a punch, and Bluey tried again.

“Weak” Kaine rolled his eyes and Bluey tried again.

“Better, keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it.”

Bluey nodded, determination in her eyes.

“Yes, boss”

“Good…try this combination, Jab,cross hook”

Bluey repeated the moves, her punches getting stronger and more confident with each try.

Kaine nodded.

“I like that” he mumbled.

Bluey beamed with pride.

“Thanks,boss” She smiled.

They trained for complete two hours before Kaine decided to release her,Bluey fell on the floor weakly,her body covered with sweat.

Kaine checked the time and a message came on his phone,,Queen mother just canceled tonight’s party because Axe isn’t okay yet.

“You are free to leave” he said to Bluey before walking away.

*

SAPPHIRE’S ROOM*

Sunny sat on the bed and wrapped her arms around Sapphire, holding her close. Sapphire buried her face in Sunny’s shoulder and cried softly.

The only sound in the room was Sapphire’s gentle sobbing. Sunny held her tight, offering comfort and warmth.

Sapphire’s body shook with each quiet cry, and Sunny stroked her hair, whispering softly.

“It’s okay, I’m here for you.” She muttered.

The room was quiet, except for Sapphire’s sniffles and gentle sobs.

“But I just can’t believe this,isn’t he doing too much at this point? Why would he allow that pest to look down on you so much? Just why? I’m so f-__-king annoyed,I wish I can ki|| her and end everything” Sunny spat angressively.

Sapphire said nothing and just stayed still,she already stopped crying but that scene never leaves her head.

“So what are you planning to do? Don’t tell me you have nothing in mind,isn’t it perfect if we just get rid of that girl completely? You should find a way to talk to queen mother….”

“You don’t even know what’s going on,,,mother already approved her training with Kaine,I’m afraid she might become a monster at this point,why do you think I went there? I heard her talking and I went to confirm,it’s all true. If Kaine successfully train that girl by himself,she will be f-__-king strong,I don’t even want to imagine. If she can get on queen mother’s good side,it’s the end” Sapphire roughed her hair.

“Come closer” Sunny muttered and Sapphire looked at her before moving closer.

Sunny whispered something into her ear and Sapphire looked at her.

They exchanged meaningful glances and then nodded in sync.

They smiled.

*

AXE’S SUITE*

Kaine walked into the lounge and found Axe sitting on the couch, smoking a cigarette.

Axe looked up at Kaine with a cold expression.

“Why are you here?” He asked gruffly.

Kaine didn’t answer. He just walked over to the armchair and sat down.

Axe raised an eyebrow, already annoyed by Kaine’s silence. He took a drag on his cigarette, his eyes fixed on Kaine.

The room was quiet, except for the sound of Axe’s cigarette burning. Kaine stared straight at him.

Axe’s cold voice broke the silence again.

“I asked you a question, Kaine.”

“How’s your leg?” He asked.

Axe scoffed.

“You must be here to confirm if I won’t be able to walk again so you can take over my position like you’ve always wanted” he glared.

“At this point,you shouldn’t allow your blood pressure to get high too much,it’s dangerous. No one is fighting to be in your position Axe,I came because I wanted to know how you are feeling” Kaine said calmly.

“Acting cool again…..”

“I don’t act cool,I was born this way” Kaine cut in and got up,ignoring Axe’s glares.

“I can see you’re okay,your mouth is exactly the same so..I better take my leave” Kaine muttered and turned to leave.

“Don’t act like you own the world Kaine, no matter what,I’m still the boss…..”

“Has anyone ever told you how daft you are?” Kaine faced him back.

“What?” Axe’s eyes widened.

“You keep dragging words out of my mouth” Kaine groaned and run his fingers through his hair.

“Like I said,I don’t want your position,if queen mother offer me that,I will gladly reject it coz it doesn’t even worth dying for. Why not save your energy to recover fast instead of spitting out shits?” Kaine scoffed and walked away.

Axe clenched his fists.

*

The guards opened the car door for queen mother and she entered,her phone stuck in her ear,she was on a call.

📲 She was adopted?

📲 Yes Queen mother.

📲 She didn’t die like we thought? How come she’s still alive even after everything??

📲 I will send you all the details queen

📲 Do that right away.

Queen mother hung up and heaved out a frustrated sigh.

“Can we move?” The driver asked.

“Go on” She replied and immediately that car started.

*

Knife ran down the hallway, calling out to Bian who just kept walking without turning around.

“Bian, wait! Bian, stop!”

Bian didn’t turn around, but Knife caught up to him just as he was about to enter his room. She grabbed his hand, spinning him around to face her.

“Why are you trying so hard to avoid me?” Knife asked, looking up at Bian with concerned eyes.

Bian tried to pull his hand away, but Knife held tight.

“Let me go, Knife,” he said, his voice firm but gentle.

“No, not until you talk to me,” Knife said, her voice firm. “What’s going on, Bian? Why are you avoiding me?”

Bian sighed and looked away, but Knife didn’t let go of his hand. She waited for him to answer, her eyes fixed on his face.

“I’m not trying to avoid you,I just don’t have anything to say to you” Bian said and Knife was almost shocked.

“You don’t have anything to say to me? Why?” She asked.

Bian sighed.

“Knife…..”

“Are you rejecting me for her??”

“No I’m not,I’m not rejecting you for anyone,I just can’t” He shook his head.

“We can remain friends like before right?” He asked and Knife stared at him speechlessly.

“It’s not what you are thinking….Kat and I…” Bian shook his head.

“Is not going to happen,I just want to remain this way without any bother,pretty please?”

Knife gulped and nodded slowly.

“I’m going to wait….”

“Knife…”

“I don’t care how long it takes!” She snapped.

“You must be confused,I understand,but I won’t give up either. I’m going to wait until you’re ready” She pecked his lips and walked away.

Bian sighed and entered his room.

*

9PM, KAINE’S SUITE*

Kaine woke up with a start, his body drenched in sweat, his heart racing like a jackrabbit. He hadn’t had the nightmare in a long time, but it still felt fresh, still felt like a punch to the gut. He threw off the covers and got out of bed. He can’t even remember when he fell so deep into his nap.

Without thinking, he walked straight to the wine cellar, he needed something to calm his nerves, something to quiet the screaming in his head. His eyes scanned the shelves, stopping at a familiar bottle – Absinthe, the Green Fairy, notorious for its toxicity and potency.

Kaine grabbed the bottle and twisted off the cap, the sound echoing through the silent cellar. He didn’t bother with a glass, just tilted the bottle back and gulped down the entire contents in one swift motion. The strong, toxic liquid burned his throat, making his eyes water, but Kaine didn’t flinch. He stood there, eyes closed, waiting for the numbness to wash over him.

*

Bluey lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She couldn’t sleep. Her mind kept wandering back to the message she sent Kaine hours ago,

Bluey: Can I Come Over?? I want to sleep beside you.

But there was no response. No reply, no nothing.

Bluey tossed and turned, her frustration growing. Why wasn’t Kaine answering her?.

Suddenly, she threw off the covers and got out of bed. She’d had enough of waiting. She’d go to his suite and see what was going on.

Bluey quickly got dressed in a simple white t-shirt and shorts, her hair still messy from bed. She didn’t bother with shoes, just slipped on a pair of flip flops.

Then she left her room.

*

Back in Kaine’s suite, the Absinthe was taking its toll. His head started to spin, and a dull headache formed,he sighed out and touched his hair,his eyes almost closing,he felt so weak, but just then, the doorbell rang.

Kaine walked over to the door, his movements slow and clumsy. He opened it to find Adriana standing there, a soft smile on her face.

“Can we talk?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kaine stepped aside, letting her in. Adriana’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of his naked chest. She seemed to get lost in the moment, her gaze fixed on his skin.

She swallowed hard,trying so hard to control herself but not when he’s standing there looking so smoking hot like a greek god.

Without thinking, she moved closer, her hand reaching out to touch him, the moment her palm touched his chest,an hungry groan escaped Kaine’s lips and his instincts took over. He pushed her against the wall, his lips crashing down on hers.

The kiss was intense, passionate, and all-consuming. Kaine didn’t think, he just reacted. The alcohol and his emotions took control, and he let himself get lost in the moment.

Adriana Mõ@ɲed into his mouth and her hand caress his body seductively.

Kaine torn her blouse at once and cupped her B-__-bs.

“Oh my gosh” Adriana Mõ@ɲed out loudly.

Then he lifted her up and started heading to the bedroom.

.

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