Chapter 3 C 3

"FUCK. Don't act like a child. I might puke."

His laughter rang out. "I'm just giving you an update. Val is seriously getting on my nerves."

Shun sighed. "Go to hell. I'm ending this call."

Another chuckle escaped him before his tone turned serious. "How did the search go? Any progress?"

"Someone is interfering, Knight." Shun's voice held frustration. "Someone within Organòsi is blocking my efforts. I can't locate her. I'm sorry."

Knight let out a forceful sigh. "It's probably our father."

Shun clicked his tongue. "I can bypass it if you want. I can hack Organòsi and-"

"No. Don't do that." Knight's tone turned adamant. He couldn't put Shun in such danger. He wasn't strong enough yet to protect him. He had no influence within the Organization. It would be three more years until he could wield enough power to provide adequate protection. "Stop searching."

"But-"

"Shun, I mean it. Cease your efforts for now."

Shun sighed again. "Damn it."

"Yeah. Put it on hold."

"Fine." Shun let out another heavy sigh. "But I despise this."

Knight shut his eyes. "Unfortunately, there are many things we can't attain, no matter how hard we try."

"Go to hell."

"You're most welcome, Shun." A smile crossed his lips. "I'll transfer Five Million Dollars to you."

"Why?"

"I heard you're helping street children secure a brighter future. Utilize it to purchase land for your orphanage or to provide them with food." He added, preparing to end the call. "I have to hang up now."

"When are you coming back?"

"Perhaps this week." He replied. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

After hanging up, Knight finished the cake and left his private study, heading straight to his room.

Although he detested being in the palace, he had little choice at the moment. He stripped off his upper garments, discarding the blood-soaked bandage that enshrouded his upper body to the floor.

As he collapsed onto his soft, spacious bed, he shut his eyes tightly. Yet, despite his efforts, sleep evaded him. His brother's anguished visage persisted, causing him unrest.

Damn it!

Enduring fifty lashes in place of his brother the previous day had left him without sleep for two days. It was proving difficult to slumber.

Hell!

Though his back throbbed, he managed to access the drawer of his bedside table, retrieving a sleeping pill.

Sleep was imperative. He hadn't slept in days.

Downing the pill without water, he returned to his bed.

Gradually, after two days of wakefulness, sleep finally enveloped him.

DUE TO THE sleeping pills, Knight slumbered through the entire day. Upon waking, it was well past midnight.

Startled awake by a nightmare, he fought to catch his breath and rise. However, the searing agony coursing through his back immediately halted his attempt.

Damn it!

Knight concentrated on regulating his breath, and as he took stock of his surroundings, he noticed that his body was once again enveloped in bandages.

Cloud must have tended to him. With this thought, he extracted a black t-shirt from his wardrobe and exited his room.

The hour was late, and as he roamed the palace, his steps led him to a concealed passage granting access to Midnight's quarters. Since everyone was asleep, the covert route to his brother's room remained unguarded.

Releasing a deep sigh, he entered Midnight's chamber.

There, he found his brother perched at the edge of his bed, his fists clenched.

Midnight was in pain.

"Midnight."

At the sound of his voice, Midnight's gaze lifted, his expression turning to one of relief. "Kuya..."

They conversed in Tagalog, a language that held a special fascination for them, possibly due to the influence of their affectionate stepmother who had also departed.

Approaching Midnight, Knight ruffled his hair. "How are you holding up?"

Their eyes locked. "I'm in pain."

"Have you managed to sleep?"

Midnight shook his head. "I woke up after lunch and haven't been able to sleep since."

Sitting on the bed, Knight positioned a pillow on his thigh, patting it. "Come here... lie down. You need rest."

Concern shadowed Midnight's features. "Papa might discover you're here-"

"He won't find out. Come." Knight patted the pillow again. "Lie down. Just lean against the pillow, so you won't strain yourself."

Grateful, Midnight complied.

Curling onto his side, he settled onto the cushioned support.

"Brother?"

"Hmm?" Knight responded.

"How much longer..." His voice trailed off. "How much longer do I have to endure this?"

Knight caressed Midnight's hair. "I can't say, Night. But I'll be a leader in three years. I'll secure the position and free you from this."

"If you become the leader," Midnight's gaze met his, "will I be able to go out like you?"

Knight's jaw dropped.