We went to the King's house and asked to see the Prince. Of course, we got sent away, saying he was busy and to come another day. We insisted, but they were set in stone, nothing would convince them. Then out of nowhere, the Prince popped out and let us enter.

"How can I help you?" asked the Prince with his back to us as we walked.

"We wanted to have your permission to temporarily quit the house land." I asked hoping to receive a favorable answer.

"Why's that and for how long?"

"To look for Daniel Vanburen and for an  undetermined time. It could take five years like it could take five days." I explained.

"I see... And for your friend? He will accompany you?"

"Yes, it's exact." Sebastian answered.

"That will cause problems..." he muttered. "Did you talk with your family on this matter?" he asked as he opened a door and let us in.

"No, I didn't. However I'm sure they will understand."

"Talk to them first, now and for the time being, I have to say a few words with the young man here." the Prince ordered as he sat down behind a huge desk.

Sebastian nodded and exited the room, almost running. We stayed silent for a few and it was uncomfortable, it felt so awkward.

"Keith, I was planning to come see you, but you forestalled me. Anyways... It is about your wings, once in a month, you'll feel pain. It will be your wings trying to come out, but since they can't... You'll suffer... A lot." I shivered at that thought, I didn't deal well with pain, with just a stomach ache could make me cry. "However" he took a bottle. "If you take these, once a month, it'll become more... Bearable." I sensed hesitation as if he was searching for words.

I took the bottle and opened it, there were circular blue pills in it. I took one out and examined it closer.

"Maybe you should take one tonight before going to sleep because there's a side effect. It'll make you sleepy and..." this time he really hesitated.

"You can tell me Prince, I prefer knowing it than not know what's happening to me." I tried to convince him.

He sighed. "It'll make you sleepy and really horny like you were on heat. BUT if you immediately go to sleep before you feel the effects kick in, you'll be perfectly normal the next day morning." he explained not comfortable with the subject.

I see, that was why he was so hesitant. Usually, the submissive heat period only appeared after you had found a mate and well... If not mated properly in the following days, instinct would do it for you. The dominant or submissive would be in constant heat and pain until they mated.

So, what would be waiting for me was pain, fatigue and being horny if I didn't sleep after taking my pills, I would become an uncontrollable sex machine. Please, God, help me, don't make me sexually assault Sebastian, please I beg you.

"Why would you sexually harass me?" said my best friend making me shriek.

"I-I said that out loud?" I asked blushing.

"Yeah you did, so what's all that about?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Well, it looks like I'll suffer once a month because of my wings and to lessen the pain I have to take those pills, but they have side effect like fatigue and turn me into a bottomless pit." I resumed.

"That's good to know. I think I'll just have to chain you to a tree if you try to attack me." he half-joked, then he turned to the Prince. "Your highness, I have my family permission, here's the proof." he took out a paper with a pitch black feather.

The prince examined it and nodded when he was satisfied with the authenticity of it.

"When will you be leaving?" he asked reading some other documents.

"Tomorrow morning." I answered. I wanted at least say goodbye to my family.

"Here you go. I wrote to permissions for all our Kingdom, keep it with you at all time. Who knows when you'll need it. And take this.' He put out two medium-sized bags.

We took one bag each and opened it to see what was inside. Gold, so many pieces of gold.

"Prince! With all my respect, you can't actually be thinking to give us all this?!?" I exclaimed shocked.

"Since you're going to find Daniel Vanburen, it is logic that I give you some help."

No matter what we said, the Prince was unshakable, nothing could change his mind. No other choice, we thanked him and went back to our home to prepare our luggage. We promised to see each other at the entrance of the forest at dawn.

"I'm home!" I said as I closed the front door.

Immediately, something warm hugged me. Mom had her arms and wings all around us.

"My baby..." she sobbed. "I was so worried when you ran away! I thought I'll never see you again! Don't do that ever again, okay?" she talked so fast that it was almost hard to comprehend what she actually said.

"Mom, calm down first." I said hugging her back until she finally decided to let me go. "Mom, I have something important to say." my tone gone serious.

"What is it?" she answered more and more worried.

"I'm leaving the homeland, tomorrow with Sebastian." I said not giving much information waiting for her reaction.

"W-why? I-is it because s-someone hurt you? Or b-because of y-your wings?"

"I'm going to search for... Father." I explained and she fell on the ground.

I helped her up and gently put her on the couch. I sat next to her as Angela came back into the house.

"I'm sorry Mother, I couldn't find Keith..." she stopped talking as soon as she saw me with mom crying. "Okay what did you do?" she asked angrily with her hands on her hips.

"I said I'm going to quit the homeland to search for the traitor with Sebastian. We leave tomorrow." I explained unfazed by her.

She sighed and came to sit next to mom. She gently rubbed her back as she said soothing words.

"How long will your journey be?" finally asked mom without falling back into tears.

"I don't know... I only hope we will be able to find him soon enough... You will not have to worry about me, the Prince gave us his permission and we have plenty enough money for at least 10 years. I'll try to send an owl as soon as and as much as I can." I kneeled in front of her, I hated to see mom crying. She should always have a smile on her face. "Please don't be sad, I promised you won't see the time fly and I'll be back before you'll even know it."

"I'm not worried about that... What if you did find him and he ends up killing you both? How could I had married such a monster!!" she shouted to herself.

I lifted her chin and put my forehead on hers, if I had wings they would be around us, protecting, comforting her.

"Mom, don't worry. I promise to be back. Before I go, I'll want to see you both smile, not cry. Could you do that for me, like a departing gift?" I asked gently tears also menacing to fall.

My words seemed to have made her cry more, but I waited patiently. Then her cries became sobbing then nothing. However, she wasn't looking at me yet. But when she did, I saw giving me the most beautiful and comforting smile I mother could give, even her eyes were proud and loving. That was enough to make my cry and to smile back.

I'll miss them so much...

'Okay now serious everyone!' said Logan authoritatively.

On those words everyone in the room stopped talking and all eyes were on him.

'Let's talk about the plan.' Logan took out the paper and some pencils. But I was shocked, all of us will work as a team to liberate master? I didn't know and I never worked in a team, I always do everything myself. It's easier this way, you're certain that it's well done and you won't have any surprises.

'Wait a sec, it'll be a team mission?' I ask as I with my eyebrows frowned. Even though I already knew the answer I didn't want to believe it.

'Yeah, problem?' he answered while he looked at me. His face was saying are you stupid?

'Yeah, I never worked in a team and I'll be even worried if I don't know if this thing will work or not.'

'You have no choice Nyx, if we want to have every chances in our we have to work as a team. If it's a trust problem, they never failed to anything the boss expected to do. And, you'll be the only one on the main field when we will provide you assistance from afar.'

'Kay, you can continue.' I said as I sighted.

For the rest of the day, Logan continued to talk about the plan, the dead zones where the cameras won't be able to see me, the guard shift and even the pass idea for the cells and doors.

To be honest, I wouldn't be able to do all that in one day. I was impressed. Each one of them was specialized in a field, they complement each other. I now understood why they were on top of their organization.

'Okay that's all for the day.' said Logan with a sight and rubbed his eyes. Then we heard I loud grumble. We all looked around to know the source of the attack or something. But then Chris said:

'Guys... It's my stomach who made this sound.'

We all put back our weapons all relieved.

'Well I'm hungry too, so who want pizza?' said Demon with a small smile. He never smiled before then why now? Was it because of food or he liked to cook?

'Great idea! I'm starving too, here catch.' said Claire as she tossed a flier to Demon.

Okay mystery resolved, Demon like, no, love food so much he can't keep his poker face. And Claire wasn't as calm and serious as I thought.

Wait? What was I doing? I never cared about people around me, so why did it have to change now? No, nothing would change when the deal is finished, I would disappear like a shadow. I won't be Nyx anymore and I won't work in a team, I'll be alone. Alone in this world living my life. If I die during a mission that a master gave me, so be it. At least no one would cry on my death... No one... I'm all alone and it should stay like this.

'Hey Nyx! Ya won't eat?' said Chris with five boxes of pizza in his hand.

I didn't answer, I just stood up and went toward the table. I took a plate and went to pick an all cheese pizza. I didn't even notice how hungry I was, so I ate one piece, two, three, five, seven pieces of the pizza. Never thought I could ate so much, everyone was looking at me with big eyes.

'What? I was hungry. Didn't ate for two days.' I said shrugging.

'Why didn't you eat? No money?' spoke Matt for the first time in this day.

'Nope I had plenty. Didn't eat cause I didn't feel the hunger. But when I do, well I eat like that.' I answered with a little fake smile.

'You should eat everyday, it's no good for your body.' said Claire sternly.

'Yeah I agree with her.' spoked Logan with crossed arms sitting on a chair.

Claire was like a mother and Logan the father figure in this group. I mentally smiled at that.

'Okay, I will.' I answered again with a fake smile hoping they couldn't see my lie.

To be honest, sometimes I didn't eat for weeks. My body was used to it, used to the lack of food, so I won't be hungry for at least one or two weeks now. Except if I do too much physical exercises then I would be.

After supper we all went into our room. I went to the bathroom and stepped in the shower. Seconds later cold water started to pour and it immediately relaxed me. More I stood under the water more it got hotter. After a few minutes, I finally started to wash myself with the soap. I started with my hair and finished at my toes. I stood out of the shower feeling refreshed. I grabbed a towel rubbed it into my hair. Then passed it on my waist, I got out of the bathroom and went toward my bed. Damn! I realized that I didn't have any spare clothes... I could go commando, but I needed at least new pants...

'Hey Nyx! I can come back later...' Chris came in without knocking and immediately looked away. I think he was blushing, but since the room was too dark I couldn't see.

'No, it's okay. In fact I'm happy that you're here, I need new pants and I was wondering if you could lend me one? I'll give it back to you tomorrow after I go buy one!' I quickly added.

'Uh? Uhh yeah! I can lend ya one.' he quickly answered me and he ran away without closing the door.

I sat down on the bed and waited for Chris to return. Then he immediately returned and entered my room with a jean and a shirt in his hands.

'Here, I thought ya also wanted a shirt since you needed some pants.' he said still not looking at

me.

'Thanks man.' I answered and took the clothes. Without going in the bathroom I let the towel fall on the ground and put the jean on. I was going commando and then I put the shirt on. During all this I was back to Chris and when I returned he was blushing so hard. Then he saw me looking at him and he immediately turned away.

'Chris...' I started.

'Sorry, goodnight.' he cut me and ran out of the room, so rapidly that I couldn't say anything else.

I silently loaded my gun and pointed it toward the man. Surprisingly he didn't react then I realized he was back to me! Urg I feel stupid... I never had problem to see in the dark before so why now?

I put it down and took my knife instead. I slowly walked behind him and then stabbed him in the neck with the handle. I wasn't bold or stupid enough to kill a member from the strongest mafia! Before he could fall on the floor I grabbed and pulled him into my dark hiding spot. I let him there and started to analyze the entire floor as I took his Bluetooth phone in his ear. Only one huh? I suppose they're one by floor. I smirked, it make it easier than ever except the fact that they can contact with each other. So I put the little gadget in my ear and heard them talk. This time I grinned.

'Is the object still intact?' said a voice that I think it's Logan.

'Yeah, he didn't reach the sixth floor yet.' said a woman.

Too easy! How could they say that so easily? You never know who or where your enemy may be.

~~~

I was on the stairs toward the fifth floor when I heard in the phone :

'Everyone be careful, he may be anywhere! Check all the hiding place in the dark. I found Christopher out cold laying in a black corner. Fortunately he's not death and... His Bluetooth phone is missing!!!' said the man shocked and maybe a bit angry.

'Logan, he may have heard what we were saying for God know how long. What should we do?' asked rapidly a woman.

'We go to plan B! Let's hurry! And don't use your phone anymore except if someone is dead or when we got our target!' he barked obviously angry.

While I was listening their conversation, I walked silently toward the shadow which was moving in the other room. A man in the thirties was walking toward the showed corners while looking around. I waited until he was back to me and rapidly, I took out my knife and did the saw thing to him that I did with Christian.

I nearly ran toward the sixth floor and then I slowed my pace when I saw the end of the stairs. I risked a peek and there was 2 men and a woman, but no sign of Logan. He must be in a room with my target. Now what should I do? Even if they call me the shadow, I'm not a ghost. I couldn't pass 2 men guarding the door and another one ready to attack when I would appear. Think, use your brain in a moment like this!

I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't notice a shadow behind me and heard

'An eye for an eye.'

Then everything went black before I could do anything.

~~~

I woke up in a room I didn't recognize. Confused I quickly sat up searching for my gun or knife, but nothing.

'Finally you're awake!' said energetically a man. I think it was Christian... Not sure...

Suspicious I backed away ready to defend myself.

'Relax man! I won't hurt you, I'm your ally.'

'Prove it!' I said coldly never looking away from him.

'I'm Christian, the man ya first knock off! Here catch.' he tossed me things. Of course I caught it and saw my gun and knife. But that didn't mean he was an ally. And he seemed to read my mind since he said:

'Ya don't have to trust me if ya don't want to, but we all have the same goal, the boss.'

He had a point here, I couldn't deny it and I asked:

'How did I got there? Last thing I remember was... I was in the abandoned building.'

'Oh, yeah... Well I knocked ya off like ya did to me... Well I should say sorry, but I'm not cause an eye for an eye right?' Christian said with a large grin on his face as he crossed his arms.

I nodded. Indeed in this world it was an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

'I don't blame you, it was part of the test. Where's Logan?' I asked as I looked around.

'Downstairs in the kitchen. He's waiting for ya.'

I nodded and followed him downstairs and into the kitchen. The first thing that hit me was the smoke. I pinched my nose and went back outside of the kitchen.

'Hey, what's wrong man?' asked Christian worried, well I think.

'It's the cigarette smoke, I can't stand it.' I answered as I wave my hand in front of my face trying to get the odor away.

'Well... Wait in the dining room then. I'll make them come.' he said and disappeared in the kitchen.

I walked into the dining room and my jaw dropped. The table had place for at least 25-30 people and the chandelier was huge and shiny pending on top of the table. In the back of the room there was a wall of glass and we could see the garden.

It was too luxurious for someone like me. Even if I had money I wouldn't buy a house like that. It would be a waste cause I live alone and never in the same town or country. Then I spotted a chair in a corner, it was discreet almost invisible and simple yet at this corner I could see everyone in the room. Perfect. I sat down on this chair and waited.

After 10 minutes I think, a group entered the room thy were all men except one woman. She didn't look weaker than the other in the contrary, she was the scariest. The look she gave to the others when they said something stupid and I remember her on the sixth floor waiting it's pray to appear.

'Where is he?' asked Logan.

'He isn't here? Weird I thought I said to wait for us in the dining room...' said Christian as he looking around.

Like I thought this place was perfect. I was hidden by the big chandelier yet I can see them. I chuckled and I think someone heard me cause a feminine voice said:

'He's on the chair in the back.'

I heard grumbles and they all walked toward me. They all took a chair and sat down.

'I see you recovered well.' said Logan.

'Yeah, not the first time someone did this to me.'

'Let me introduce you, in our group, we have the highest ranking well after the boss of course. You already know Chris and me. This is Matt, the guy you knocked off after Chris, Thomas, Demon and the last, but not the least Claire.' As Logan presented each one of them, they nodded their head when their name was named. I looked at them, it wasn't like that I imagined a mafia would be. Well maybe I watched too much TV...

'And you what's your name?' asked Claire with a soft by firm voice.

'I don't have one. Usually it's my master who choose my name, but he's not here so... Call me like however you want me to.' I said while looking at them. Some of them were shocked and other keep a poker face or were thinking of something. I patiently waited for them to decide on my name. What is a name for anyway? It's just a word, with or without a name you're always the same person.

'How about Nyx? It means night in Greek.' proposed Demon deep in thought.

Nyx? They actually took some time to think for my name? A guy they just met? And Nyx... I liked it... Nyx.

'It looks like ya like it!' said Chris with a grin.

'How did you know?' I asked confused.

'Well cause ya keep repeating it with a small smile for a while now.' he answered me like it was obvious.

'Well... Yeah I do like this name.'

'Then it's settle! You're name is now Nyx!'

"Since, Keith Vanburen wasn't the one committing the crime, he won't receive the ultimate punishment which was death. However, since he agreed to take all the responsibility his punishment will be..." I took a deep breath as the Prince seemed to hesitate. "His wings, our pride, freedom, and status. That'll be all." finished the Prince.

My wings... My beautiful wings... I wouldn't be able to fly again, to do acrobatics in the air. I started to cry not able to keep my tears anymore.

"Prince, may I ask for a favor?" said Angela pretty angry.

"I'm listening."

"May my brother keep his wings for the day since he wouldn't be able to fly anymore and everyone knows how much he liked it. Plus, he wasn't the one killing our King, please show mercy?" requested my sister and that made me cry harder.

"Request accepted. However, tomorrow at dawn, Keith Vanburen punishment will be held." he turned his back to us, returning to his father's side.

Members of the elite escorted us outside of the house and one of them would be following me around to watch on me if I tried to escape or anything. At our house, without warning, I received a slap on my cheek. Confused and shocked I look at the one that hit me.

"Mom, why?" my voice trembled.

"You silly! Why did you do something so stupid?!" mom shouted for the first time angry. "We could have figured out something together! Now, look what will happen to you! As soon as you'll lose your wings, you will be considered no more than scum!" this time, it was mom turn to cry and my sister tried to calm her.

"I'm sorry... But, I didn't want anything to happen to you two! At least, sister has a good future in the clan and you, mom... I couldn't even bear the thought of something happening to you!" I said my feeling exploding. I didn't know how to feel anymore, all at the same time, I was angry, sad and somehow relieved. "And Angela... Thank you for what you did."

"Keith... To be honest, I didn't expect you to do that at all, since I knew how much you loved your wings. That was the least I could do, but remember, with or without wings, you'll always be my daydreaming and cute little brother. Mother and I always had and will always love you." Angela confessed her feelings, which was really rare.

"We will talk about this tonight, go enjoy your day..." said my mother with a sad smile.

I nodded and ran outside and as soon as I could, I flew in the air. This feeling of freedom, this breathtaking view, this speed... They all would be the last time feeling it. For the first time, I felt sadness while flying in the pure blue sky.

I decided to visit my best friend, Sebastian. I supposed that the King's being attacked and my punishment were still a secret. I looked at the window of his room and saw him there, laying on his bed. I gently knocked trying to get his attention. He looked up, got on his feet and opened the window.

"Hey, you want to do a race with me?" I said out of nowhere.

"Now? Why so suddenly?" he asked confused.

"I just feel like it, so you're up?"

"Yeah, let's go. To the usual place right?" he agreed as I nodded.

I started to fly toward the forest. I didn't fly as fast as possible, just at a comfortable speed, enjoying every single moment of it. I did some flip here and there, at a moment I went faster and at other time, slower. Without forgetting that I was flying with my best friend! I laughed as Sebastian started to do acrobatics too. When we arrived at my refuge, the biggest tree, I gently landed on my branch. I looked around, it'll be the last time I would be coming here. Even if I knew how to climb trees, I wouldn't able to reach where I actually was. I sighed and looked far away.

For now, I tried to push Father... No, the traitor stupid action in the back of my mind. I tried to enjoy this moment. If only I could stop time, so tomorrow would never come.

"You're acting weird today. What's wrong?" asked Sebastian out of blue with a frown.

"Nothing... I guess I'm not thrilled with the chores waiting for me at your house." I lied hoping he wouldn't see through me. "And... How am I weird?"

"Your face, you never made this pained expression here and you act as if you..." he stopped.

"I?" I tried to encourage him to continue.

"Nah, nothing. I guess I'm starting to see things." he waved his hand side to side. "Let's go back, it's starting to get late." he looked at the sun.

"Can we stay a little longer?" I begged not wanting to go yet.

Fortunately, he nodded and we contemplated the view in a comfortable silence. My mind was going everywhere. Like what if Sebastian would stop being my friend tomorrow? What if mom and Angela lied? Would I survive without wings? Would my mate still want me after tomorrow? Would I live the rest of my life alone with no one to talk to?

At the time we went back, everyone already finished to eat. So, I proposed to go to Sebastian house and I would cook something for us. He agreed without hesitation and even threatened me to put me on his shoulder because of how slow I was flying.

We ate and talked about everything. I laughed and smiled as usual, but inside of me, I was still hoping, he wouldn't change because I would be a hybrid without wings, a human...

I said goodbye and hugged my best friend that may not be my friend tomorrow because I saw how he... All the others acted to humans. I wouldn't different tomorrow, I'll become a low life, a nobody and even if I died nobody would care.

Home, mom and Angela were both here waiting for me. They had this sadness and pity in their eyes and that made me felt bad, so I looked away and directly went to my room, without saying anything. Why couldn't they act normally and stop looking at me like that?? I was trying to forget about tomorrow!!

I took a cold shower and went outside by my window. I flew on my house rooftop and sat there all night long because...

Tomorrow would be the beginning of the end of my life in HELL.