Luna had spent years trapped in sorrow, believing her brother was dead. The pain never faded, only growing heavier with time. She often lay awake at night, wondering how a father could be so cruel to his own son. Lord Zu was a monster, a man without pity or remorse.
She cursed the day she was born into his bloodline. Perhaps the only reason he hadn't cast her away as well was because she was a woman. If she had been a boy, she had no doubt he would have thrown her off that cliff, just as he had done to Jaden.
---
Jaden's eyes flickered open at the sound of a familiar voice. His meditation had been disturbed.
"When will you let go of this pain?" Master Shang's deep voice carried a weight of wisdom.
Jaden's expression remained cold. "Perhaps when I see my father begging on his knees before me."
Master Shang sighed, shaking his head. "Do you know what truly brings a man down?"
Jaden glanced at him. "You tell me."
Master Shang sat back, picking his nose absentmindedly. "It's never letting go of the pain you carry. It becomes a burden, a chain wrapped around your soul. If you don't release it, you will bear its weight for the rest of your life."
Jaden didn't respond immediately. The scent of herbs filled the dusty room, a constant reminder of his mentor's peculiar lifestyle.
After a long silence, he finally spoke. "I want to stand before Lord Zu and ask him why he threw me off that cliff. I want to show him I am not weak. I want to see him beg for mercy."
He grabbed his shirt and started for the door.
Master Shang let out a thoughtful hum. "And where exactly are you going?"
Jaden paused but didn't turn around. "I have an appointment with DC."
DC—the organization that hired demon slayers, paying them to rid the world of lurking threats. Jaden had been working for them for years, sharpening his skills, preparing for the day he would confront his father.
Master Shang sipped his herbal tea and nodded. "Extend my greetings to Jun."
Jun was one of the key figures in DC, a man who knew the ins and outs of the demon-slaying world.
Jaden smirked slightly. "I will. See you when I get back."
Master Shang simply watched him leave, the steam from his tea curling in the air. He had seen many men consumed by vengeance. He only hoped Jaden wouldn't become another lost soul to it..