26. Kazrith

Iascend the wide staircase, each step taking me closer to my long-awaited vengeance. All I can think about are the many things Zathex has done to warrant him this fate.

Images flash in my mind, of me without a nodal to my name, of Hanna chained up like a slave, of her father rotting wherever Zathex has imprisoned him.

So many things this xaphan has taken from others… His life is the only tradeoff I'll accept.

You should have killed me that day you took everything…

My hands curl into fists, every vein, each artery protruding from my skin. My mind plays tricks on me, conjuring Hanna's muffled screams under Zathex's cruel mastery.

This is the night I've been waiting for. I still remember the promise I made to myself when Zathex robbed me of all I had.

Even when I was starving and frail, not once did I forget that promise – that if the opportunity presented itself, I had to exact my revenge on the xaphan who did this to me.

"You truly have no idea what's coming," I growl, with a sick, hungry sneer forming across my face. "Not just for what you've done to me, but to Hanna."

The topmost step brings me to the second floor, three hallways breaking off left, right, and straight ahead.

Each of them is lined with paintings, bookshelves, and vases, accompanied by sconces though they are unlit. The moonlight just barely illuminates the path right ahead, leaving the left and right halls in complete darkness.

But it won't be a problem, not with my shadow powers displaying the world ahead of me in crystal clear vision.

I can be silent, prowling through the cloak of darkness as I draw closer to my prey, striking from the shadows like the demon I am.

I check the hall to the left, nothing of note except for an armory and training room. The weapons here could put up a fight against me, the blades sharp to the tip and long-reaching.

I'm more than sure Zathex is a proficient fighter. I'll make sure he can't get to these equalizers.

As I leave the armory, I lock the door. Using my shadow powers to my advantage, I disintegrate the handle to prevent access, my abilities masking the sound of the breakage.

I find more uninteresting rooms in the moonlit hallway except for one locked door. I use my powers to break the lock off, opening the threshold to what seems to be Zathex's office.

Bookshelves press against each inch of the wall, not a single centimeter of space in between them. Each shelf is filled to the brim with his labeled documents.

I run my eyes along each one, seeing the labels are filed under names, presumably his contacts and subjects. It doesn't take me long to find the file marked ‘Hanna.'

What I find sickens me to my core. I already knew of his plans to sell her, but in her file I read a document of his writing, seemingly deciding upon a price he'd be happy with. I also find names of interested buyers, their letters dating back months.

He must have been plotting to sell her for a while if he had a list of buyers ready… I can't believe the bastard thought this far ahead if he didn't get what he wanted.

I rifle through some more of his files, finding out he's already sold off a few poor souls.

To think he was about to inflict the same fate on Hanna on the day she met me…

I toss the flames atop a burning candle, watching as they succumb to the flames.

How can this xaphan and his kind parade themselves to be the saviors of society, yet commit such atrocities without blinking an eye? I know Zathex can't be the only one doing this.

But he's the xaphan I've come for. I will rid New Solas of his filth, at least that'll be one less stain on society.

I look down the final hallway, my eyes locked on the door straight ahead. With hearing amplified by my abilities, I pick up on soft, muffled breathing.

There he is. The best for last.

The closer I draw to Zathex's master bedroom, the quicker my heart beats. My vision becomes clearer than ever, the threshold in front of me lit as if in broad daylight.

I smell his lingering death, the air rich with blood and rust. I can taste the blood in my mouth. Each of my senses is ablaze like they've never been before.

The door opens gently. I step into the dark room, spotting the shape of a xaphan asleep under the heavy blanket.

I can't help but admire his sleeping quarters. The bastard certainly has taste, and the finances to fund them.

Silk adorns everything in the room from the bed sheets to the curtains. A wide open space sits between the bed and where I stand. A magnificent closet looms in the corner, beside a doorway which I presume leads to an en-suite bathroom.

I return my attention to Zathex. The perfect opportunity to end him has presented itself on a glittering platter. I could finish him once and for all without the need for a fight.

But I hesitate to do so. It doesn't sit right with me that a scumbag like him should meet a quick and painless end. He must suffer in agony for everything he's done.

Besides, I am no dishonorable demon. I will wake the bastard and give him a fair fight.

"Knock, knock," I call out, banging obnoxiously on the wall.

"What the – Who's there?" his tired voice calls out, layered with fear and confusion.

I let him light up the bedside candle on his nightstand, his eyes widening with horror as they come to rest on me.

"Sleep well?" I ask mockingly. "I hope I didn't disturb you."

"Who the hell are you? What are you doing in my home?!"

"You really don't recognize me, do you? Can't say I'm surprised, you've taken away so many things from so countless people."

I step closer, bringing my face into the light. Realization dawns on the xaphan, his jaw dropping as he sees the demon from his past has returned.

"You!" he exclaims. "I know you!"

"I'm glad you do. It'll make killing you a whole lot more satisfying."

He shoots up, pointing an accusatory finger. "You'll do no such thing! Surrender now, and I will ensure you a painless trial."

I can't help but laugh at his empty threat, watching his already hopeless eyes drain.

"Do you really think that's going to work on me? Get on your feet!"

Slowly but hesitantly, he rises, revealing his muscular frame. His wings spread out magnificently.

"I should have killed you where you stood that day," he growls.

"Not slaying me was your first mistake. Do you want to know your second?"

He bares his teeth.

"I'll tell you, anyway. Do you remember Hanna?"

The anger on his face becomes replaced by a momentary shock.

"So it was you who helped her escape my clutches that day?" he exclaims. "I should have known a demon was behind this!"

"Actually, she got away from you on her own. It seems you trained her a bit too well, that was your second mistake. I only got her out of the city so that we could plot our revenge on you."

I gesture behind me.

"She's waiting for me on the lower level as we speak."

"Demon bastard! I'll make you watch while I have my way with her."

"Bring it then."

The xaphan lunges forward, his muscular frame flying toward me. My shadow powers kick in instinctively, allowing me to sidestep and grab him mid-air.

I slam him into the wall, leaving a xaphan-shaped hole in its place. He unleashes a forceful kick to my gut, knocking the wind out of me.

He gives me no time to recover. In the blink of an eye, he's on top of me and raining down blow after blow. Using my powers, I conjure a brief moment of immeasurable strength to throw him off of me.

If I continue conjuring all this power, I'll pass out. I shake it off and kick him to the ground.

I drag him to the closet while he"s dizzy, positioning his head in the doorframe. I smash his head using the doors for a few hits before he kicks my legs, knocking me to the ground.

We both fight to be on top, absorbing each other's hard blows. He hits me on the side of the head, taking the advantage to get on top.

My blurred vision shows only a faded fist coming my way. I can't see clearly but I have to fight back. I grab the wrist, pulling his arm down into the grip of mine.

His other arm tries to dish out punches but too far from anywhere that hurts. I yank his arm behind his back, breaking it instantly and pushing him off of me.

I taste blood in my mouth again but this time, it's real. I clamber to my feet, hearing Zathex scream as he squirms on the floor, clutching his broken arm.

Standing over him, I bring down a heavy boot onto his neck, silencing the xaphan and ending his life once and for all.

His body lies limp, a threat no more to Hanna and her father. Justice has been served.

I fall to my knees and close his lifeless eyes, thanking the bastard for a good fight.

"I hope you rot in the afterlife."

My head whips around as I hear an exclamation from downstairs. Whether Hanna has found her father or is being rushed by guards, I do not know.

I swallow the pain and get back on my feet, rushing back towards the staircase.