Royal Bastard's Bloodstained Regression-Chapter 101: A Bond Forged

William walked quietly between Albert and Daniel, the streets of Velmira buzzing around them. No one paid attention—just another group of kids disappearing into alley shadows.

"Hey, Willie," Albert said with a smirk, tossing an arm lazily over his shoulder. He was taller now—lean, sharp-boned, with blond hair and lazy brown eyes that always hid something cruel underneath. "Those adults you were with... who were they?"

William kept his eyes forward. "Just people I happened to help."

"Haven't seen anyone like them before," Daniel added. He had rougher edges—darker skin, messy brown hair, and green eyes that flickered with curiosity. "I mean, we grew up here. That white-haired guy with the red eyes? He look like nobility or something."

William's voice tightened. "I said I helped them. That's all."

Albert stopped walking.

He grabbed William by the collar and dragged him into a narrow side alley. Before William could speak—

THUD.

A fist slammed into his stomach.

William choked and crumpled forward, hands clutching his belly.

He didn't cry.

He was used to it.

But he knew what was coming.

"Come on," Albert said, crouching down. "Let's not pretend you forgot how this works. You're gonna tell us who they are. Or you don't eat tonight. Maybe not tomorrow either."

Daniel crossed his arms. "You vanished after we ditched the guard patrol near the docks two days ago . Then you show up here like a stray mutt. What happened? You get caught?"

"Were you locked up in Kama-Shima?"

"Did they help you escape?"

William's voice cracked. "No! They're not part of anything! They didn't help me!"

Albert leaned closer, gripping his jaw. "Don't lie to us, William. That chick and red-eyed bastard look like they've got coin and power. Nobles, maybe even outlaws."

"They're not nobles!" William screamed, trembling. "They're innocent! Please leave them out of it!"

That did it.

Albert and Daniel's expressions darkened.

They didn't speak.

They just started kicking.

Stomping.

Hitting.

William fell to the ground, arms up to shield his head as blows rained down. He screamed, begged—his voice echoing off the stone walls.

But no one came.

And they didn't stop.

William lay in the alley, bruised and broken.

His dark skin was marked with swelling and purple bruises, his nose bleeding freely, his lower lip split. Every breath felt like fire in his lungs.

The two boys stood over him, smirking.

"Hey," Daniel muttered. "You think he's dead?"

Albert scoffed. "Nah. Probably passed out. Let's leave him. He always crawls back eventually."

With that, they walked off, laughing as their footsteps faded into the crowded street.

For a while, there was nothing but silence.

Then—

William's swollen eyes cracked open.

His lips twitched into a bloody smile.

I didn't tell them anything...

I protected him.

Even through the pain, that thought kept him warm.

He was weak. A coward. He couldn't fight back. He couldn't even stand.

But for once, he had done something right.

His voice trembled in his throat, barely audible.

"I wish I could be like you, Daemon... Not afraid. Strong enough to fight back. Strong enough not to cry."

Tears rolled down his cheeks, mixing with the blood.

He hated himself for crying.

He hated himself for hoping.

And then—

A hand touched his face.

Warm. Gentle. Steady.

William froze, blinking through blurred vision. He didn't know who it was... but the warmth alone made him feel safe.

A soft voice followed.

"Invert Divinity."

A chill surged through his body—not cold, but cleansing. Like winter air through fevered lungs.

The pain vanished.

Swelling receded.

The tightness in his chest released.

He gasped.

His eyes snapped open—

And he saw him.

Daemon.

Standing above him, cloaked in shadow and golden light, eyes faintly glowing, one hand still extended.

William's lips trembled. "M-My lord..."

He couldn't help it.

He threw his arms around him.

He hugged him—tight, desperate, crying openly now, burying his face against Daemon's chest like a child who'd held it in for far too long.

Daemon stood still at first.

Then, slowly... his hand moved to rest gently on the boy's head.

"It's okay, William," Daemon said softly, still holding the boy close. "I'm glad you're safe."

William nodded, eyes red and wet, his arms still trembling.

A few steps away, Varian stood silently, watching the two. He quickly turned his head, wiping at his face.

Nyxtriel caught it.

She smirked. "Pfff... I never thought I'd see the day. Do you need a hug too, Varian?"

"Shut up," Varian muttered, voice cracking. "I'm not crying. It's just—dirt. In my eye."

Old man Ben scratched his beard with a tired smile. "I swear, I can't read that boy Daemon. One minute he's talking about slaughtering every guard in the city, the next he's saving kids from alley beatings like some hero."

He glanced at Daemon, eyes narrowing with curiosity. "It's like he knew this would happen..."

Daemon gently released William and stood.

"Nyxtriel."

She stepped forward. "Yes, my lord."

"Find those two boys," he said, voice cold again. "Bring them to me alive. No killing. No injuries."

Nyxtriel bowed slightly, then dissolved into a trail of crimson smoke, vanishing into the wind.

William wiped his eyes quickly, straightening himself. "Daemon... Prince..."

"You don't have to call me that."

William nodded, but clenched his fists. "Then... let me follow you. I want to serve you too. I'm not strong now, but I'll get stronger. I swear my loyalty."

Daemon looked at him, quiet for a moment. Then he smiled—a rare, almost human smile.

"You don't need to swear anything," he said. "But if you insist on following me... I'll accept it."

William's face lit up—but Daemon raised a hand.

"Only if you prove it to me. Not through words. On your own."

"How?" William asked quickly. "Do I have to steal something? I mean... that's all I've ever been good at. That's all they taught me."

Daemon looked at him, the smile fading slightly but his tone still calm.

"There are other ways," he said. "You'll figure it out."

William blinked, unsure what that meant—but hopeful.

"Come on," Daemon said, turning away. "Let's go to Ben's house."

William glanced around. "What about Miss Nyxtriel?"

"She'll find me," Daemon said without hesitation. "We're... connected, in a certain way."

William didn't fully understand, but nodded and fell in step beside him.