BOUND AND BROKEN Melas: Book Two by MelasD Disclaimer Copyright © 2021 MelasD / V.A. Lewis All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form possible without permission from the author or publisher. For permissions, contact the author or publisher through email at [email protected] Cover art design and illustration by Sarah Holmes Design and Patrick Foster Design/Joe Thoong https://melaswebserial.com/ To hear news about my books and Melas stuff, subscribe to my newsletter here: https://melasdnewsletter.ck.page/ Table of Contents Contents BOUND AND BROKEN Melas: Book Two Disclaimer Table of Contents Part One: Into the World Chapter 1: Adrian - Far From Home Chapter 2: Adrian II - Xander's Academy Chapter 3: Freedom Chapter 4: Alleyway Meeting Chapter 5: The Plague Doctor Chapter 6: The Orphanage Chapter 7: Kidnapping Thugs Chapter 8: Secrets Exchanged Chapter 9: Adventure Chapter 10: Interlude IV - Lilith Part Two: Waning Trust Chapter 11: The Hunters Guild Chapter 12: Rematch Chapter 13: Bestiary Chapter 14: Legacy and Licensed Chapter 15: Monster Hunting Chapter 16: Extermination Chapter 17: Escort Mission Chapter 18: Tinkering Chapter 19: Adrian III - Field Trip Chapter 20: Adrian IV - Deal Chapter 21: Scenic View Chapter 22: Beach Episode Chapter 23: Saved and Spent Chapter 24: Smuggling Job Chapter 25: Pursued Chapter 26: Pirate Attack Chapter 27: Hidden Lair Chapter 28: Interrogation Chapter 29: Next Step Chapter 30: Infiltration Chapter 31: Enemies Chapter 32: Thoughts and Actions Chapter 33: Ambush Chapter 34: Dockside Encounter Chapter 35: Tired Chapter 36: Trust Chapter 37: Allies and Enemies Chapter 38: Interlude V - The Emperor Author’s Note: Part One: Into the World Into the World Chapter 1: Adrian - Far From Home A boy lazily rested his chin on the palm of his hand. He glanced out the window, and out into the blue sky. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. Birds were chirping. There were few clouds to be seen, and it was the perfect time to be outside. He longed to go out. To play in an open field. To just talk to his friends. Spend time with the people he cared about. But— "Adrian." He looked up. At the front of the classroom, past the dozens of other children staring at him from their seats, a woman stood with her arms crossed, glaring at him. She adjusted the glasses on her face, and spoke sternly to him. "Adrian, I have been calling your name for the past minute." "Yes, Ma’am?" Adrian asked simply. A moment passed, and the teacher frowned. "Where are your manners? It’s no wonder you’ve been failing your language and formality— never mind," she muttered under her breath. The teacher straightened, and she spoke clearly. "I asked you a question. Do you require me to repeat it? If so, please ask nicely." Adrian did not know what the question was. He was not paying attention. So he just shrugged. "Sorry, Mrs Hill. Didn’t catch it." That was all he said. The teacher sighed resignedly, and addressed the rest of the class. "Fine. Since Mr Adrian could not answer the question. Is anyone else willing to volunteer?" A hand shot up immediately. Adrian leaned back on his chair as he turned slightly towards the figure. "Ah, Ms Onia." "Thank you, Mrs Hill." A pink haired girl stood up and smiled politely. She cleared her throat and began answering the question. "The Mana Revolution was started over a hundred years ago in 21 TD— 21 years before the Demon Lord was killed. The invention of mana tools was what allowed the Great Hero Xander to unite our continent of Soli to defeat the Demons in the Final Holy War." "That is correct. You may sit, Ms Onia." The teacher nodded approvingly. Onia pulled her chair forward, as she took a seat. But not before she cast a glance at Adrian, and… sneered. She laughed as she whispered something to a group of children, but Adrian paid them no mind. He did not care about their antics. He rested his head on his desk, as time seemed to drone on forever. Before finally, the bell rang. Three strikes, and class was dismissed. Adrian slowly packed up his things, as people around him began quickly heading out of the classroom. He stopped as someone approached him. The boy did not even need to see who it was. "Alice." "Adrian!" a blonde-haired girl exclaimed. She leaned over and looked at him inquisitively. "I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you the answer. I didn’t know what it was either." "It’s fine. Thanks," he said, showing not a hint of concern in his voice. "I don’t really care about history. So, it’s not like it matters." "I know," she said with a nod. "And that’s why I’m worried. I heard you failed the recent history test. I— what if you get expelled!" The girl waved her hands frantically. She peered at the boy, as he got up with his books. "I won’t." Adrian pushed his chair in. He headed out of the classroom as Alice followed him. "I know you’re top in the class for most other subjects. But we’re commoners!" she protested. "And if you get kicked out, I won’t…" she trailed off. Adrian shrugged. He knew for a fact he was not going to get expelled for failing a few subjects. And even if he did, he was not sure how it affected Alice. So he was not sure how to respond. He opened his mouth to say something, but a voice interrupted him. "Well, if the school does expel him, why not just leave too, Alice?" Onia approached the two of them with a group of boys and girls alike. "Since you’re commoners, it’s not like the Academy has anything to lose if you’re both gone." She laughed, and her posse laughed alongside her. Alice paled. "L-lady Onia," she spoke
