SECRETS

                                    

                                          
Noran and Zaire sat in the great room with their father, King Zen. 
The weekly meetings were of no interest to Zaire, but he still attended to make his father happy. 
"The witches coven is having their annual ball. I want you both to attend. Try to get your brothers to join you."
They both gave their father a nod.
"Are you excited about your retirement?" Noran asked.
"Yes, I am. I look forward to many days of rest. I'm hoping Ava will join me on my travels."
King Zen and Ava recently started to reconcile. Meaning she allowed him to visit her occasionally. He missed her so much and looked forward to their brunches together.
Zaire smiled, thinking about his mother. Then he looked at his brother Noran. 
"I've heard great things about your leadership in Shendow City. Father should be very proud."
"I am. That's why when you take my place, he will be your highest rank of command and advisor."
Noran grits his teeth but remains silent.
"I don't see why you wouldn't have him take your place. He knows the people and city way better than I do. They already respect his authority."
Noran was thankful for Zaire's words, but it only pushed the knife of rejection from their father in deeper.
"I already informed both of you about my decision and the reason for it. Noran being king doesn't fulfill prophecy."
"Neither does Zaire."
The familiar voice echoed from the doorway.
"Semaj?" Zen spoke.
"Hello, father... sorry I'm late."
Noran and Zaire looked confused. 
"Have you ever thought who the witch saw as king... might have been me and not Zaire?"
"What?"
"I too believed my twin was the prophesied King of Shendow City because I saw his face in my dreams....but realized it could be mine."
Noran sat forward.
"Son, it is possible, but..."
"No buts...it's inevitable. Zaire is not meant to take your place, and  Noran being in a community with the people will help keep MY law when I take your place. I do agree he will make a great 1st in command and advisor."
"That's nonsense."
Semaj's eyes turned black as an abyss, looking at Noran. "You think so?"
King Zen always worried that Semaj would take interest as King. He knew how powerful he would become. Unlike Zaire, Semaj fully embraces his darkness and that terrified Zen.
"I never thought of that, but it makes sense." Zaire looked at his twin.
Semaj stood at the other end of the table. "I declare that I will be King, and whomever wants to challenge me can fight me for your spot... brothers included."
He smiled at Noran, whose bravery began to falter in his gaze.
King Zen took a seat, dreading what was going to happen. He knew his power could only be transferred to his offspring. 
He could already sense that Semaj and Zaire were powerful. But Semaj receiving his father's essence would be dangerous due to his raw, impulsive, and cold nature.
"I say we put the challenge in place, and I will back out of my bid for king," Zaire announced.
Noran stood up in frustration. "I accept the challenge."
"I wouldn't do that, son."
Semaj smiled. In a flash and without warning, he snapped Noran's neck. Zaire laughed in applause while King Zen took a deep breath. Noran's lifeless body lay on the floor. 
Semaj sat next to his twin, and Zaire spoke. 
"So father...who's next?"
***
Niya was growing distant from me, and I didn't like it. Maybe she doesn't feel safe around me because of the parking lot and motorcycle incident.
All my calls go to her voicemail, causing my frustration with her to grow. I sat at the edge of my bed while Trini put her clothes on. 
We've been messing around prior to her getting married, but I always wanted Niya. 
"Are you harassing my sister again?"
"Yes." I put down my phone.
She sucked her teeth, fixing her shirt. We really didn't like each other outside of sex...it was really good in the beginning, and now I'm losing interest. 
Sometimes, I worry Trini might run her mouth to Niya, but that would open the gate for her husband to find out about us, too.
When we first started sleeping together, I knew she wanted more, and I wasn't interested. Trini is too immature, rowdy with a smart ass mouth. She started dating Elton in an effort to make me jealous while my eyes were always on her sister.
Niya was sweet and smart with great interests and hobbies. Her always helping and using her gifts to heal others was so inspiring... not to mention how gorgeous she is. 
I had no trouble getting women of any species, but Niya never showed interest in me at first, plus she was already engaged to someone else.
It was a surprise when she took my number and called me. That night, with her in the parking lot, I came within seconds with just her hand. I could only imagine what it would feel like being inside of her.
"Garrett, you need to just get back with Marisa."
I got up from the bed and put my pants on. 
"Absolutely not."
"Why are you trying to get with my sister, knowing you're still fucking me?"
"Why are you still with Elton?"
Trini looked away with guilt and I smirked.
My phone went off and a text message came through.
Hi Garrett, sorry for being M.I.A. I've been really busy. 
I quickly texted her back.
Can I see you?
Yes. How about dinner at my place tonight at 8pm?
I'll be there.
A smile formed on my face, knowing I'll get to see and hopefully kiss Niya's lips tonight. I looked to see Trini standing with her arms folded along with an attitude.
"You're still here?"
She rolled her eyes. "Boy, fuck you."
I chuckled at her response.
"You already did."