The Dark Deceptor - Chapter 7 Part 1 Just a dream

Arkhan’s eyes snapped open, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. He was drenched in sweat, his heart racing like a jackhammer.

 It was just a dream, he told himself, trying to calm down.

But the memory of Lucas’s lifeless body lingered, haunting him. Arkhan rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the vivid imagery.

 He looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of a grand bedroom.

As he sat up, a soft voice spoke from across the room.

 “Good morning. Did you have a bad dream?”

Arkhan turned to see a kind-faced woman, dressed in elegant attire, watching him with concern. He nodded, still trying to clear his head.

The woman smiled. “Come, It’s time for your duties. Lady Sophia needs her breakfast tray.”

Arkhan nodded, remembering his role. He was a butler, serving the young Lady Sophia.

…

25 minutes have passed since Arkhan woke up, and he’s still lying in bed, staring at the rain-soaked windowpane.

The door to his room burst open, and a gruff guard stood in the entrance. 

“Butler, you’re needed downstairs. The Master is waiting. And don’t think about dawdling, or you’ll be looking for a new job.”

The guard’s tone was abrasive, and Arkhan felt a surge of annoyance. He slowly got out of bed, his eyes fixed on the guard.

…………

As Arkhan stood before Lady Sophia’s desk, he couldn’t help but think that this was not the life he had envisioned for himself.

 A butler to a 7-year-old girl, who was still learning to navigate her own destiny. The family’s reputation had suffered greatly due to their declining fortunes and influence, and many saw Lady Sophia as a mere child, unfit to lead.

Lady Sophia, however, seemed determined to prove them wrong. She looked up at Arkhan with a fierce glint in her eye.

 “Mr butler I have a plan to restore our family’s honour. And I need your help.”

Lady Sophia’s eyes sparkled with determination as she gazed up at Arkhan.

 “I know they think I’m weak, Arkhan. They think I’m not worthy of leading our family because I…can’t control my powers like they expect.”

 Her voice dropped to a whisper. 

“But I know I have something special inside me. And I need your help to prove it.

Arkhan in his mind 

‘Ugh, for fuck’s sake, I didn’t come to this world to be a goddamn babysitter. And what’s with the name Sophia? How much more cliché can this fantasy novel get? ‘Chosen one’ with a name that means ‘wisdom’? Damm this uncreativity’

Meanwhile, he maintains a neutral expression, not wanting to reveal his true thoughts to Lady Sophia.

Lady Sophia, oblivious to his inner rant, smiles expectantly at him.

“So, Mr butler will you help me? I promise I won’t make it boring.”

“As long as Madam Sophia needs me I am here”

Lady Sophia’s face lights up with a bright smile. 

“Really ? You’ll help me? Thank you so much! I promise I won’t let you down.”

Lady Sophia claps her hands together, her smile still radiant. “I’m so excited to start our plan, Arkhan! But first, I have my private classes. I’ll see you later!”

She skips out of the room, leaving Arkhan standing alone, feeling a bit perplexed. He watches her go, thinking:

“Well, that was…enlightening. I’m still not sure what I’ve gotten myself into.”

As he leaves the room and moves towards the training grounds , he hears the sound 

of footsteps approaching. 

This one is dressed in finer attire, with a haughty expression on his face.

“Look who’s been tasked with babysitting the little heiress,”

 the servant sneers. 

“I’m surprised they didn’t assign you to clean the stables, considering your…limited skills.”

The servant is clearly trying to provoke Arkhan, and it seems he’s loyal to one of the other “prodigies” in the house

“ Why are you even here ?”

The haughty servant smirks, seeming to enjoy his calm demeanour. 

“Oh, I’m here to make sure the talented individuals in this household receive the attention they deserve. Unlike some people, who are only good for menial tasks.”

He glances at Arkhan with disdain, his tone dripping with condescension.

 “I serve Master Ryker, the true prodigy of this family. Not some…noble’s plaything.”

Arkhan raises an eyebrow, still trying to understand the situation.

 “Master Ryker, huh? I’m sure he’s a paragon of virtue and intelligence.”

The servant’s smirk falters for a moment, before he regains his composure. 

“You’d do well to show some respect. Master Ryker will surpass everyone in this household, including the little heiress.”

“ I ain’t respecting him I am just telling the truth”

The servant’s face reddens with indignation. 

“How dare you! You’re just a lowly butler, and you think you can speak the truth about your betters?”

Arkhan shrugs, his expression unyielding.

“I’m not here to flatter or fawn over anyone. I’m here to serve, and that includes telling the truth when needed.”

The servant sneers. “You’re just jealous that Master Ryker has talent and potential, while you’ll always be a servant who is there to lick their shoes, just a slave.”

Arkhan chuckled, a low, dry sound. 

“Talent and potential? I’ve seen more impressive things in my lifetime. Master Ryker may have his strengths, but I’m not impressed.”

The servant bursts out laughing.

 “Oh, this is priceless! You think you’re so wise, but you’re not even 10 years old! What could you possibly know about talent or potential?”

He wipes tears from his eyes, still chuckling. 

“I’ll make sure to tell Master Ryker about the tiny butler who thinks he’s a sage.”

The servant’s words hang in the air, but Arkhan’s expression remains neutral. In his mind, however, he thinks:

‘Only if you knew that I am at least 400 years old mentally. I’ve lived through the darkness of human history. You think you can mock me with your petty jabs? I’ve forgotten more than you’ll ever know.’

Arkhan’s eyes never leave the servant’s face, but his gaze seems to bore deeper, as if seeing right through the man’s arrogance.

‘Well……….anyways let’s just get out of here’

Arkhan’s voice is flat, his words laced with a hint of indifference.

 “Do whatever you want.”

The servant’s smile widens, pleased with himself for getting under Arkhan’s skin. He turns to leave, his strides confident and arrogant.

As he reaches the door, he tosses a parting glance over his shoulder.

 “You’re just a relic of the past. A fossil from a bygone era. Master Ryker is the future.”

With that, he leaves, leaving Arkhan alone with his thoughts.

he silence that follows is oppressive, punctuated only by the soft ticking of a clock in the corner. Arkhan’s gaze lingers on the door, his expression confused.

He shakes his head.

 “What the fuck is he trying to say? what dose that even mean? what’s with the ‘relic of sucking’…did he even mean to say that? Man, these quotes are seriously horrible and confusing.”

Arkhan’s thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. He composes himself, adopting a neutral expression.

The trainer, a sturdy man with a thick beard, approaches Arkhan with a nod. 

“Ah, son, good to see you up and about. Have you fully recovered from the injury you sustained last time?”

He eyes Arkhan with a critical gaze, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “I heard it was a nasty blow. Don’t want you pushing yourself too hard, too soon.”

Arkhan nods, his expression neutral. “I’m fine, thank you for asking.”

The trainer chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

“Good, good. Well, at least can you act like an 8-year-old in these painful times? That’s more than I can say for some of the others around here.”

He winks, his tone teasing. “You know, I’ve seen grown men reduced to tears by Lady Sophia’s…enthusiasm. But you, Arkhan? You’re a rock, my friend.”

The day’s training comes to a close, with Arkhan executing each task with precision and speed. The trainer nods in approval, making notes on a small parchment.

“Good work, Arkhan. You’re progressing well. Remember to keep your focus sharp and your movements fluid. We’ll work on advanced techniques tomorrow.”

As Arkhan exits the training room, he’s intercepted by a slender, agile butler named Finnley. Finnley’s eyes gleam with amusement, his voice dripping with condescension.

“Ah, the legendary butler. I’ve always hear so much about your…unique abilities. Tell me, how does it feel to bear the rarest curse in the world ?”