Evolution of the Ruined Heir

Chapter 258: Return

As part of the conditions, as Luna had explained, anytime they wanted to leave or enter the forest, it would be done with a blindfold over their eyes, and they would be carried by beast and led by a group of Stalkborns.

Malakai had understood why immediately. While they allowed both of them to be a part of their coven, they were not trusted yet.

The only reason Malakai had agreed to be willingly blindfolded was because of his vita field. With it, at the very least, he could ’see’ his surroundings.

Because of the clumsy and erratic movements of the beast, it was next to impossible to map a trajectory with feeling alone.

However, with his vita sense, without them even knowing, Malakai had marked different points during their movement. A felled tree. An oddly shaped stone. And so much more. With time, he was sure he would be able to find their settlement on his own.

Some time later, Malakai spun in the air as he was thrown, skidding to a stop on the surface of the lake. The loud thud beside him made it clear that Grunde’s landing wasn’t any smoother.

As he felt the presences around disappear, Malakai channeled vita into his arms and, with a burst of power, broke out of the rope binding his wrists.

Removing the blindfold, his eyes settled upon a familiar lake.

’We’re back.’

The piercing stare Malakai felt next was like a confirmation. ’Nyx…’

He had felt her gaze earlier when he was still in the coven. But it had been faint, like a whisper. Like he knew she was there, eyes on him, but it wasn’t as apparent as it was now.

Malakai gave a brief nod toward a random direction, and the shudder that traveled through his blood in the next moment confirmed it, Nyx was there.

Malakai turned toward Grunde. The big man had also unbound his wrists and removed his blindfold.

“Let’s go,” he said.

Grunde glanced at the forest where Luna had emerged just a night before, smiling. He looked unwilling to leave. Suddenly, Malakai saw as Grunde turned toward him and suddenly bowed low.

“Thank you, little bro!” he said, voice booming. “Grunde will never forget your help.”

Malakai looked at Grunde. He nodded and said, “It’s fine.”

Turning away, Malakai stretched his stiff muscles. “It’s time to leave.”

They began making their way out of the forest. It was past noon, and the sunlight filtered through the overhead trees, its golden rays hitting different parts of the forest in patches of gold.

Malakai and Grunde sped through without wasting time. Unlike during their usual runs, they didn’t have the cover of night this time around.

If they were discovered in the forest by any group, explaining their way out of it was implausible.

And with the bounty still active, it was expected that there would be people roaming around the forest, trying to locate the Gor’Mekhai’s settlement.

It was times like this that Malakai was glad they had a secret entrance no one knew about. Their exit through the forest was unhindered, and soon enough, they left the Murkroot Hollow and entered the Kaer Thorne district, reaching their base after some time.

“Malakai!”

Renlo’s shout greeted him as he walked through the gates. He had been seated at the entrance of the base, as though waiting for something, or someone, like an abandoned puppy.

“Hey,” Malakai said just as Renlo’s swift steps brought him to his front.

“Hey?” Renlo repeated, clearly baffled at the word. “Where have you been?! I’ve been looking everywhere for you…”

Renlo stopped talking as he saw Malakai’s state. He had no injuries, and his body was still toned and brimming with energy. But his dirty and wrinkled clothes made it obvious something had happened.

“What happened?” Renlo’s voice suddenly became serious.

Malakai sighed inwardly. He felt a little bad that he had left without giving Renlo a warning first. ’I didn’t realize how worried he’d have been.’

In truth, Malakai had only left last night and returned by noon. But he always trained every morning with Renlo. The boy must have gone to find him only to see he wasn’t there.

“A lot happened,” Malakai finally said, glancing at Grunde. The big man was silent, as he unfortunately didn’t know how to lie. His best choice was staying quiet.

“I’ll explain later. I need to rest for now.”

Renlo nodded with a serious expression and made way for him. “I’ll bring food!” he said, scurrying away before Malakai could say anything.

He only sighed and shook his head before making his way into the base.

Malakai’s steps stopped as he met Laila just as he stepped inside. He didn’t miss how her gaze instantly sharpened when she saw him.

“What happened?” she asked, eyes flashing cold. “Who did that to you?”

With Laila’s perception, she could notice things Renlo had missed, like his very slightly bruised hands. The smell. The subtle fatigue.

Malakai contemplated whether or not to tell her.

’The fountain is too important to tell anyone. And…’ he glanced at Grunde. It wasn’t his secret to tell.

“We got into a fight in town. But we handled it.”

“Really?” Laila didn’t look convinced. Who would be stupid enough to fight with a direct descendant of the Sanguine Clan?

She glanced at Grunde, who nodded his head rapidly without saying a word. Laila’s eyes narrowed. She had been with Grunde far too long not to know the man.

But she didn’t press. As Laila nodded, Malakai excused himself and moved toward his room.

As soon as he shut the door behind him, his gaze suddenly sharpened as he felt a veil of vita being erected around the room.

Nyx suddenly appeared in front of him like a phantom, bowing.

“What happened?” Malakai asked quickly. For Nyx to do all this, something had to have happened.

“There’s someone watching us,” Nyx said. “He’s still watching. But from a very far distance.”

Malakai’s eyes narrowed. “Did he follow us to the Gor’Mekhai’s forest?”

Nyx shook her head. “No. I started feeling him when we got close to base. I suspect he has been watching the base since. We only entered his sights when we reached it.”

Malakai nodded. His face had already turned serious as he began pondering everything. ’It has to be the Fourth Pulse.’ His list of suspects wasn’t long.

He had only just uncovered the city’s secret. It was expected that some measures would be taken.

But the current problem… if Nyx was this wary of the person, then it could only mean one thing…

’It’s a Bloom.’

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