Echoes of Us: The CEO and His Soulmates [BL]

Edric hit the barn wall hard, the impact shaking loose a fine rain of dust and hay. Before he could steady himself, Caelan was already upon him, fists slamming into him with the force of a storm. 

"You dare insinuate Aeryndale is weak?" Caelan growled, his voice sharp as steel. His knuckles cracked against Edric's jaw and the sound echoed through the stables. "That a kingdom like Falcrest would even have the balls to raise arms at our gates?" 

The Kinnarion's in their stalls yipped and growled at the commotion, Caelan could not stop to think about how many stable hands were listening in, collecting information for their gossip later. He watched through his red haze as Edric stumbled to his feet, clutching the edge of a wooden beam to keep himself upright. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but his smile was daring. "What makes you think they won't?" 

Caelan snarled, grabbing Edric by the collar and throwing him down into the straw-covered floor. "Because Aeryndale is mighty!" he spat. "We have stood for centuries! Falcrest is only standing because we allow it!" 

Edric coughed, pulling himself to his knees, one hand pressed to his ribs. He looked up at Caelan through bruised eyes, his tone cold and calculating. "Your wealth and status is attractive. Do you have any idea just how many people are coming after your throne?" 

"Then let them come," Caelan hissed.

He'd had threats on his life since the day he was born. It was the curse of royalty, Caelan was used to it and he feared no one. 

Edric let out a low, humorless laugh, spitting a glob of blood onto the ground. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and rose shakily to his feet. "That's the problem with you," he said, his voice smooth despite the bruises forming along his jaw. "Always so straightforward. So hotheaded. You think your crown protects you? You think you can just say whatever you want and walk away?" 

His lips curved into a wicked smile. "I hope you pay your cupbearer well, Caelan. There may be poison in your wine." 

The taunt landed like a spark on dry kindling. Caelan's vision blurred red as his anger reignited. With a growl, he lunged at Edric again, slamming him back into the wall and driving his fists into his ribs, his stomach, anywhere he could reach. 

"Cael, stop!" 

The voice cut through the haze, and Caelan felt hands on his shoulders, trying to pull him back. 

"What's going on here?" Ashur's voice was laced with panic. "Prince Edric!?" 

"Stay out of this, Ashur," Caelan growled, not even sparing him a glance. He threw another punch, landing it squarely against Edric's jaw. 

Ashur stepped closer, his voice frantic. "He's your friend! Cael, stop! You're not thinking!" 

Edric coughed, a grim laugh escaping his lips despite the pain. "Isn't he? Always so thoughtful…" 

Ashur tugged harder at Caelan's arm. "Please, Cael, stop! You'll kill him!" 

But Caelan shrugged him off, his voice sharp as a blade. "If you want to defend him, you can join him!" 

Edric chuckled coldly, his words cutting through the barn like a dagger. "You'll make a terrible king," he said, blood dripping from his split lip. "You think people follow you out of love? No, Caelan. They follow because they fear you. And fear is a poor foundation for a throne." 

The words hit like a blow to the chest. Caelan's fist faltered mid-swing, his breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. His grip on Edric loosened as he stumbled back a step, his rage flickering like a dying flame. 

Ashur seized the moment, stepping between them. His chest heaved as he faced Caelan, his dark eyes wide and glassy. "Is this who you are?" he said, his voice trembling with hurt. "Is this my future king? This? Is this the man I…" 

Ashur trailed off and he turned away from Caelan, his eyes meeting the ground.

Caelan opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. 

Ashur shook his head, his expression pained. "You're supposed to protect us. To lead us. Not… this." 

The barn fell silent except for the sound of labored breathing. Edric stumbled to his feet behind Ashur, his hand pressed to his side. His expression was unreadable as he wiped blood from his chin, his gaze flicking between Ashur and Caelan. 

"You're lucky I'm loyal to you," Edric said finally, his voice low and bitter. "I shall tell my father I was attacked by brigands." He took a shaky step toward the door, then paused, glancing over his shoulder. "But don't forget, Caelan—I may be loyal to you, but my kingdom is Velentis. If loyalties clash…" He didn't finish the thought, letting the unspoken threat hang heavy in the air. 

"Leave," Caelan said, his voice hoarse. 

Edric didn't need to be told twice. He straightened his posture as much as his injuries allowed and walked out, his footsteps crunching against the straw-strewn floor. 

Ashur stayed behind, his shoulders trembling. He didn't look at Caelan, didn't move to touch him. He just stood there, silent and still. 

Finally, he spoke, his voice heavy with pain. "I hate it when you get so angry," he said, his back still turned to Caelan. "It's terrifying." 

Caelan took a hesitant step toward him. "Ashur…" 

"Don't." The word was sharp, cutting off whatever Caelan had been about to say. 

Ashur turned then, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You'll destroy yourself, Cael," he said, his voice breaking. "And I can't watch you do it." 

Before Caelan could respond, Ashur turned on his heel and walked out, leaving him alone in the barn. 

The silence that followed was deafening. 

Caelan stood there, his chest heaving. His fists hung at his sides, the knuckles raw and bloodied, but the pain was distant, drowned out by the echo of Ashur's words. 

He looked around the barn—the shattered bits of hay strewn across the floor, the dented beams where Edric had hit the wall. The faint scent of blood and sweat lingered in the air. 

And for the first time in a long while, Caelan felt truly, utterly alone.