The Dread Knight's Rage-Chapter 121: Shock of a Lifetime

"This little one really is quite adorable... she’s sure to grow into something big and strong."

Eir’vael gave Bansha a few deserved scratches on the underside of her chin and smiled at the pup.

They looked up at the row of stunned young adults and tilted their head.

"This must be quite jarring for all of you. Should I have stretched the truth a little longer? I really don’t fancy dragging things out, though..."

Still, almost none could speak.

Nila raised a trembling finger to herself.

"W-When you say that you’re our parent, y-you’re speaking figuratively, right?? A-As in we are all children to you because you’re so old or something?"

Eir’vael did not have eyes, but if they did, they would have certainly been rolling them.

"Honestly, who would think of something like that? I meant that I am your parent."

They pointed to Dakota.

"You were born from the union of your father and I."

Next, they pointed at Nila.

"Your mother used to sneak away to Komen in secret without telling her family. We met, and subsequently had you."

Their finger turned to Solomon.

"Your father was a bit different. I’m sure you remember how religious he was... He took no bride, so I mingled some of his essence with mine and... you."

Finally, they pointed to Everett. "And you-"

"No way. Don’t start. I know my folks, alright?! They’re my parents! You don’t get to just show up and start rhyming and spitting out lies!"

Eir’vael did not rush Everett. They simply waited for him to finish while keeping their hands folded together.

Their demeanor was thoughtful. Patient. The longer Everett looked at them, the more he felt his anger being ebbed away.

"...I am aware that this may be distressing news, Everett. But in truth, your parents have no relation to you at all. Your mother is Lioraeth Isavelle."

Everett and the entire group felt their eyes go wide in the wake of that revelation. Anyone in Komen would have known that name.

"The... The Fae Queen... is my Mom...?"

"By Muria... no wonder you are such a whore!" Nila gasped.

Everett started to say something, but at that moment, he looked at Nila and Dakota’s faces. He remembered the things he’d said to them when he didn’t know the truth.

His stomach immediately betrayed him.

He ran over to the nearest railing and projectile vomited off the side of the mountain. Multiple times, he considered castrating himself.

Ordinarily, someone would have gone to check on him, but his other siblings were still far too stunned to move.

Solomon in particular was quite shaken. Not only had this mysterious entity been responsible for sending Raizel back in time, but they were also his missing parent.

The longer he thought about it, the more dizzy he felt.

"You... What are you...? Why would you do all of this, give birth to us, hide, only to reveal yourself now...?"

Eir’vael took their time answering again.

They stood up, and for the first time, the siblings realized just how tall they were. Even without their horns, they were easily over eight feet. And as slender as a stick drawing.

"....I can tell you. As a matter of fact, I want to tell you before I run out of time. But we must walk before we can run."

Eir’vael placed their hand on Solomon’s shoulder. He looked at it, but didn’t move it away.

"It’s time for you to tell your siblings the truth of what you are, my grand star. Only then can they understand why I have taken the steps that I have."

Solomon swallowed as he looked down. He could feel the girls’ eyes on him. Everett’s too.

His chest felt unreasonably tight.

He was silent for a moment, but eventually, a suit of black metal appeared around his body.

"...I... am.."

Perhaps Solomon had gotten used to explaining what he was ever since he told Yari and Jiaoying about what he was. This time, it wasn’t as difficult as he assumed.

And unlike before, he told his siblings everything he knew without holding back. Everything about himself. About his armor. About how he came to bear it, and the first thing he did with it.

When he told them about the Athanatoi and his role among them, as well as Raizel’s and his secret mission, suffice it to say that they were aptly surprised.

Solomon dispelled his armor after his explanation. His face was bitter, and his stomach was in knots.

He knocked away Eir’vael’s hand from his shoulder.

"Enough games... I have done my part! Stop dodging the questions!"

Eir’vael slowly put their hand down. They returned to their seat and simply began staring at the candle they’d lit.

"...I am sorry. I am aware that my reluctance to answer you thus far has been quite vexing. But I simply could not give you the answers you seek until your siblings were brought up to speed as well."

They gestured for the children to sit at the table with them.

"Come. The night feels less cold when it is shared. Ask me your questions, without restraint. And know that only the truth shall leave my lips."

The four children weren’t sure what to think or what to feel. Eir’vael was so incredibly vexing.

They were never rushed. Never hurried. Everything they said felt as if it had an underlying double meaning. Theu felt dangerous in the way that makes one think of them as gentle and harmless. Right before they broke their necks.

Out of everyone, the one Solomon least expected to answer their request first was Nila.

Yet, as she sat down opposite her parent, her heated eyes were concentrated and unwavering for even just a moment.

"Who are you. What are you?"

Eir’Vael smiled thoughtfully. At some point, they had begun flipping a gold coin through their fingers like some kind of tic.

"As I said... I am Eir’Vael. Though as for what I am... I suppose you could say I am an accident. I have lived for so very long that in comparison to the time I have been cognizant, it feels like a brief dream."

"No... more.. riddles..!" Nila said through bared teeth. "You said you would answer!"

Eir’vael nodded slowly, realizing their mistake.

"...Forgive me. I shouldn’t go breaking our word on our first meeting. Where do I begin...?" They wondered aloud.

Somehow, they were able to find a starting point quickly. And what they said shocked Solomon to the very core of his being.

"In the days when the Zoha ran across the plains and flew through the skies, they coined many phrases for what I am.

God. Celestial. The Great One. Omen. However, I myself was always partial to Natural-Born of the Outer Dark."