Villain's Requiem

I sat at the far end of the grand dark wood table, the opulent candelabras casting flickering shadows on the walls.

The fine china and crystal glasses sparkled like ice, but the tension in the air was palpable, suffocating even.

Father seated at the head, gazed stoically ahead, his piercing blue eyes fixed on some point beyond before shifting toward me.

To his right, Silas smirked, his crimson colored eyes glinting with malice as he speared a piece of meat with his fork.

"So. Lucas, how goes your...little hobby? Silas' voice dripping with Venom echoed out.

I ignored him. Although I appeared calm. I was actually nervous. Really nervous. If Arnolds notices anything off about me or Lucas rather. He wouldn't hesitate to get rid of me.

Yeah. Get rid of his own son. Arnolds was a very cruel, cold and calculating man. In the novel he was depicted that way.

He was one of the strongest beings in the empire not to mention he also had high authority.

A man not even Aron Maxwell the protagonist could befriend.

So given Lucas' personality, I probably should give a response.

"Haah? Of what concern is it to you brother?" I asked my own tone seemingly dripping with same venom.

Silas snorted. "Concern?. Hardly. Although I am quite amazed at how you've just barely managed to avoid complete self destruction... so far."

I clenched my jaw in annoyance. Mainly because it's was a bit hard to maintain this facade but also because it seems like Arnolds is noticing some odd changes in 'Lucas'.

Shit. At this rate I'll be killed. I need to give a more Lucas like reply. And knowing Lucas he wouldn't back down unless.

"Man, can't blame Aurora for leaving your dumb ass". Silas sneered, his eyes glinting with triumph.

He mentions Aurora. Of course he does.

Lucas in the novel was obsessed with Aurora and her leaving him was probably one of the things that set him on this path.

But this is good. The original Lucas would probably go meek and quiet after mentioning Aurora. So I don't have to do anything.

But still, why does it seem like they all dislike me. I mean sure Lucas was an asshole but still he's family isn't he?

I don't know why but it's pissing me off now. Are these Lucas' emotions? Probably.

"She didn't leave me. We're taking a break? It's complicated Silas. You wouldn't understand?" I said waving my hand dismissively.

Silas leaned back, smirking. "Oh I understand perfectly. You're a mess Lucas. A low life talentless mess."

"I mean I'm not the one who goes as low as sleeping with the maids am I? I mean you even go as far as coercing them don't you?"

Silas continued.

I gritted my teeth. He was starting to annoy me now. First of all I wasn't the one who did all that, it was Lucas and secondly who gave him the right to judge me.

I gave a laugh. The sound echoing hollowly. "And who gave you the right to judge huh Silas?"

His expression hardened visibly. But I pressed on "Why don't you focus on your life and leave mine the heck alone."

Silas expression darkened, his aura leaking subtly.

"My life is very much in order, thank you very much. Unlike yours, which seems to be spiralling out of control more and more by the day".

BANG

I hit the table in annoyance and stood looking at Silas who stood to match my gaze. A spark of malice and tension igniting between the both of us.

It seemed like a fight would erupt but just then.

DDDOOOMMMMMM

The hall fell immensely silent, a powerful dominating aura pressed on all present in the hall.

It was Arnolds. His domineering aura was palpable.

Thud.

The guards in the back of the hall buckled to their knees under the pressure.

Arnolds' presence was like a storm cloud, casting a dark shadow over the gathering.

Clink

The silver ware on the table trembled, frozen in place.

CRACK

The glass cups on the table trembled, threatening to shatter.

Even Silas his own heir wasn't spared from the pressure he released just now.

And neither him nor I were faring well under Arnolds' pressure. He was on his knees as was I.

Both our faces had gone pale.

DRIP DRIP

Blood was already pouring down my nose and skin. And then Arnolds spoke.

"Enough." His voice boomed throughout the hall. "Know your place. You will not embarrass me again. Are we clear?"

As he finished he withdrew his aura to let us speak. Both Silas and I groggily responded. "Yes father."

"Good. Now let's focus on our meal." As he said that he signalled the chefs to bring in the food while the rest of us barely stood up and arranged ourselves.

All of us except Isabel since she was younger and didn't participate in the drama earlier were targeted even the knights for some reason.

But fuck. What a monster. But I guess given that he is one of the strongest mages not just in the empire but the entire freaking southern continent it makes sense his aura would cause this level of destruction.

As I wiped the blood from my face and body, I headed back to seat on my chair.

Huuuu.

I couldn't let Arnolds find out. After all if he does, I'm quite sure he wouldn't hesitate to kill me.