by C C Morgen
“I feel stronger than before.” She raised her hand towards the ceiling and looked at it with a distant eye. “The cracks in my aura are filling in.”
“There’s still residue from the black flames around your energy field. I will have to cleanse that when you’re better. Otherwise, it will make you ill.”
“I didn’t think there was all these consequences to using that type of power.”
“I’m still surprised you could summon oblivion in the first place. I did not teach you the spell and we both know Claudia didn’t teach you anything either. Thankfully, my sister is a remarkable liar. I owe her for saving the both of us from being scorned by the king. So, you have a lot to explain.”
“It’s complicated.”
“You are skating on thin ice because of all of this.” I glared at her. “A high born can only teach that kind of power. Actually, only a Demon lord from the four main bloodlines can conjure the black flames. You being from neither the main bloodlines nor a lord, I don’t know how it’s possible. I’m just grateful you weren’t punished for such an act, or even assume that our enemies gave your abilities. Last thing you need right now is to be accused of treason.” Ali burst out laughing to my concerns. “This is not funny.”
“It is. The Demon Empire is not what I expected after leaving my family behind. The whole idea of status and the laws never concerned me. It’s all silly, don’t you think? To live your life based on what you are allowed to have. Who can I associate with while being a part of this bloodline? To be honest, Angelica if I walked into this kingdom stating my full title, none would treat me as they do now. This kingdom itself would not look at me the same. I could have had anything I wanted, and it would not have been denied regardless of me being a savior. But then again it was my choice not to share my life and you probably wouldn’t love me as you do now.”
“What are you talking about?” I laid my hand on her head. “Did you lose your mind in battle? You are speaking nonsense.”
She took ahold of my hand and kissed it. “I have every right to marry you Angelica… I always did.”
I suddenly noticed she was being serious. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I’m the granddaughter of Tobias. My mother and I are the second family to receive the throne. Our title, Absence of Light. I am a Demon lord. My status is as high as the king and princess and my seat in the council would put me above Derex and your sister Claudia.”
My eyes widened to her confession. This was not a joke. “How can this be? You and your mother are the heirs of the Erebus Family. We all thought Tobias had no kin.”
“It’s a well-kept secret for now. My grandfather’s disappointed though that my mother was the next heir to my grandmother’s throne and not his. She hasn’t chosen to come forth about her lineage or accepted her title as a lord and there’s no reason to. If this empire needed my family… It would be hard to convince her otherwise to take her place here—if things were to happen to the king and princess. Since I’m a first-born—I can actually claim rights to the throne in my mother’s place. Only a first-born remember. My grandfather already said I could announce my title and take my place as one of the high four.”
“Tobias taught you to summon oblivion.”
“Well I asked him how it was done. It just came naturally when I invoked it.”
“I don’t know how to grasp this.” I was still shocked. “I can’t believe you kept this a secret all this time—behind everyone’s back. I don’t know if the king will either be overjoyed or threatened. Tobias and he has never been on good terms in the first place. Your grandfather was supposed to be the true king to the Empire, but he denied his position to stay as a soul collector. King Balthazar only received the throne, because of that.”
“I never knew they had a conflict,” she answered. “My grandfather doesn’t talk much about neither the empire nor the king. “I know he wanted the princess’s hand in marriage, but she declined him. Which is how he came into an agreement with my grandmother? They both needed an heir and my grandfather doesn’t really have charm. My grandmother just needed a strong bloodline to bring into the Dark Clan. It was a well-matched deal until my grandmother didn’t keep her end of the bargain. I guess now I’ll fulfil the broken deal by choosing to stay.”
“This is all overwhelming. Not in a bad way though…. I’m just so happy that you are sharing this with me. It means we have trust, which is what I desired from you in the first place. Contract will finally bound you and me in the Underworld and you will have my lineage flow through you and yours into mine. That means I’ll be above my sister.”
“Yes… That’s if I do make myself known to the king and council. I’m not sure if it’s the right decision yet—but after everything—I don’t think I should keep myself hidden any longer. Not with the rebellion showing its true colors. My grandfather will share his powers with me and maybe even make a deal with my grandmother to help bring stability back to this Empire, since its lords are not all to be trusted. Not with the lengths one has to endure to ensure the safety of their family and love ones.”
“Bringing in the Harpys is not the best idea to bring stability here. Your grandmother might even collect you instead of leaving you to your grandfather to help keep a balance to a falling faction.”
“She wouldn’t do that,” she answered. “My grandmother has a lot of respect for me. She learned her mistakes from my mother that free will shouldn’t be taken away. My mother can always make another heir when she wants to. She knows it—my grandmother will make sure she will make another heir. I don’t need to be taken by force, because of it. My mother considers me special, but she won’t cross my grandmother again.”
“That’s good to know that the Dark Queen can be rational. However, getting back to the subject of your lineage as a lord. You are going to need proof that you are an heir to the Erebus family.”
“I don’t need it. My grandfather will come when I summon him to announce who I am.”
“Tobias hasn’t set foot in this castle in ages. Are you sure he will do so?”
“He will if I ask him to.”
“Does anyone else know about this?”
“Just you. I haven’t even told Lord Derex. I actually don’t want to associate myself with him anymore.”
“Eric said he was getting you information on the wolf that killed your father.”
“Yeah… I don’t want to go after him anymore. I just—want to find peace in my life once again. That feeling when I was a child. I get that feeling when I’m here—with you. Live my life out the best way possible. Besides… Too much has happened, and this is what I truly want.”
“You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say this.” I kissed her softly. “I won’t have to worry about you anymore.”
“Hopefully you don’t have to for now on. There are no more battles I want to fight. Not for anyone. Just you and me—like this. Even Claudia is someone I’ll like to get close to. I failed her and I want to make up for it somehow. Maybe, over time she will forgive me.”
“Eric’s death is not your fault. I nearly lost you too. But if you want to get close to her, I’ll help you. She has reason when she is not angry and rampaging through these halls. Besides, she helped you. Maybe, there’s hope for you yet to make Claudia as a friend and a sister-in-law. She even gave her support to our relationship. Anyway, are you absolutely sure your mother will allow this?” I asked, thinking about it suddenly. “This would mean it would bound you to the Demon Empire for eternity. This would become your home.”
“Angelica—you are my home. I chose not to give up my heart and lose you over the Dark Clan. My mother will just have to respect my decision and accept that she will just have to produce another heir.”
“I’m thrilled right now.” I embraced her lips once again. Suddenly, Ali’s stomach rumbled. “Are you hungry?” I giggled to the loud sound echoing in the room.
“I haven’t eaten actual food since yesterday.”
/>
“You need to go to the kitchen and get some pie.” I moved away from her. “There should be some leftovers on the counter from dinner.”
“Apple pie?”
“Yes… The chefs made your favorite today.”
Ali stood up quickly from the bed and dressed in a hurry. “I need to get to it before anyone else then!”
“Take it slow.” I ordered her sternly. “You are still healing. Don’t be careless.”
“I won’t.” She smiled. “That pie is waiting for me.” She didn’t struggle to get her vest on and slacks. Even the wound on her arm didn’t seem to bother her as she raced out of the room barefooted, leaving her boots behind.
I guess she really wants that pie.
This will be my life for now on.
The wife of a Dark Elf.
CHAPTER 29
Ali
THE MARBLE FLOOR WAS COOL on the bottom of my feet while walking the dark corridors. Shadows shifted around the ceiling to the moon shining in through the arched windows. The halls appeared to be in silence for an evening of mourning. Usually there would be soldiers gossiping, yet the further I reached the kitchens, there wasn’t a soul in sight.
Suddenly, I smelled the scent of a delicious aroma that my stomach had long awaited for. It was a freshly baked smell, which was strange since the mess area appeared abandoned with not a cook or servant in sight. I entered the kitchen where the scent was coming from and in a dimmed area of the large space by the brick ovens; I saw Claudia, standing next to the countertop. Below her eyes was a steaming apple pie. The fires in the brick oven was still ablaze to light the room where I could see her in her usual short black dress; shoulders exposed with sweat dripping down her chest. It was warm and comforting being around all the fresh fruits and vegetables in stacked crates and the silence of just me and her meeting each other’s gaze across the room. At first, I didn’t know how to react, just standing there wide eyed and speechless that she would be in place that nobles don’t venture.
A crooked smile formed on her flushed face. “I figured you’d head this way, eventually.” Then I noticed a knife in her hand as she sliced into the flaky crust. “I found out you love apple pie. Unfortunately, all the desserts were eaten before the evening. Demons find an excuse to eat a lot when there has been death. So, I did the honor of making you my special recipe instead.”
“I didn’t know you baked.” I sniffed more deeply from a distance, as the aroma was more intoxicating the closer I drifted towards it without controlling my body.
“You’d be surprised about the things I know… Baking a pie is simple for someone like me who can mix ingredients well for potions and spells.” She lifts a slice on a plate and sets a fork in it. “This will taste more delicious than anything you’ve ever tasted.” She extends the plate towards me. At first, I was hesitant. Then she took the fork and ate from it. “It’s good. I promise… You will like it.”
I finally took the plate from her and sniffed the piece again. “Thank you, it smells wonderful.” I used the same fork to cut into the crust, caramelized apple, and tasted the warmth of its sweetness in my mouth. I could feel blood rush to my face from how fresh the flavors were. Even the crust melted on my tongue, giving me a sensation of happiness to taste something so good after being too close to death.
Suddenly, Claudia moved towards me, closing in the gap between us. “See—it’s good isn’t it? Not even Eric knew this secret skill of mine for sweets.” She glared at me seductively like that day she tried to seduce me. Her eyes have ill-will intent that didn’t allow me to trust her, so I stepped back. She followed me, moving her arm around my waist. “You like sweets, don’t you? Actually, I believe that’s your favorite since you arrived here in the kingdom. You’ve had an eye for pastries. Did you not have such things on that forsaken island you once called home?”
I put down the plate and tried to move away, but her grip became tighter. “Can you not—please?” I uttered out, trying to keep my distance, but her strength pulled me back in and held me firmly.
“Please what?” Her face became stern. “I can’t help the things I say, Ali. I’m honest about what I think and how I feel. Nothing holds back my anger when something enrages me. When I’m sad I don’t hold back my tears. When I love someone—that creates a completely new side of me. A vulnerability that gives me no comfort right now, because the one I loved is dead.” I sighed and looked away from her sad face coming towards mine. “Now the one that denies their love for me won’t look at me.”
“I’m sorry that I couldn’t uphold my word. It hurts me more than you think to look at you right now.”
“You would have rather died instead.” She forced me to look her in the eye. “Granddaughter of Tobias.”
My eyes widened suddenly remembering the dream. I gasped, and she squeezed me tighter. “You saw it…”
“Of course, I did. I saw everything. Every—little—dark secret you have kept from me and my sister.”
“Claud…”
Her hand grazed over my lips to silence me. “Don’t talk right now! I’m a lot stronger than my sister when it comes to invading someone’s mind. It only took an instant to break down all those walls to see everything. Believe me, your mind revealed all to me about your life. The hardships you had to endure. Even the memory of the wolves that gave you these scars.” She caressed my cheek with hers. The heat from her face was hot like the pie I just tasted.
“I’m sorry,” was the only words that could spill from my shameful lips.
“You’re sorry.” She whispered in my ear. Her hand grasped the back of my neck hard. “Which part are you sorry for? The lies about working for Lord Derex. That you are a Demon lord—next in line to the throne once, the king and princess are gone. Alternatively, is it you’re sorry about spilling the blood of your own friend and betraying your brothers by leading them to their deaths? I have to admit you are wicked, manipulative and conniving under those innocent eyes. They scream such pain that even I can’t compare to.” Tears fell from my eyes where she licked them up. “I wonder what dear Angelica would think of you now if she knew what you have done. She will be so disappointed. That trust will wither away. Scheming with Derex to keep us from being killed. You could have outed him if you wanted to or taken his life yourself. However, something else drove you to agree to it. What was it?” She pressed her lips on my face holding me gentler than before. “Say it… What did he say to you that night that made you turn on the king?”
“You already saw it. Why do you want me to say it?”
“Because I want to hear it from your lips.”
I sighed. “You were under enchantment Claudia. He had you under his grasp without you knowing it. It was have them turn you to ash or do as he says. His roots run deep here. You’re not powerful enough to go against him or you wouldn’t have been caught so easily off guard. I thought you were strong enough to protect your family.”
“And were you strong enough to protect all of us?”
“I wasn’t… I did what I could. You are my twin flame. It was not a hard decision to make and Angelica is my soulmate. I will do anything for you both.”
“And that’s the thing my sister doesn’t know. I am your twin flame. The very thing you have manipulated. You trick me to fall in love with Eric to avoid me noticing you, and you lied about it saying it was me that hasn’t noticed you all this time. You were just avoiding Derex having even more leverage over you. Our hearts were toyed with if you really think about it.”
“Eric really loved you, Claudia. He chose you over himself. It would have been easier if my life was taken instead of his. Then you would know none of this.”
“So, you would let my sister suffer without having you instead? I believe you haven’t thought this through. Besides, I fell in love with the person who wrote that letter. The words grabbed ahold of my heart and there was no escape after that. I thought Eric was the one. You all fooled me. Whom I read in that letter that night was you. And I saw
it all in your mind. Inspiration wasn’t because of your love for my sister. It was the pain of being torn between two women you cannot resist. You spilled every ounce of your soul that longs to have me. Even the thoughts of those memories came into me. The confusion you have felt having both Angelica and I in your sight. The two sisters you cannot seem to choose, so you made it less hard to make a choice. Me or Angelica.”
“Angelica loves me and has been more kind than what you have been all this time. You have been so stuck in your ways you could have noticed on your own without me coming forward about it. Because I’m a Dark Elf and not considered worthy of your presence, it was easy to let someone else have you. At least I’d know Eric would treat you well for eternity.”
Claudia recited:
“In the darkness I fall,
In the dark I shall stay,
Her whispers are like sweet chills that embrace,
My heart is alive at long last,
She vanishes before my eyes,
She is gone,
Nowhere in sight I seek,
She is my soul,
A spirit black as night,
Her heart is my moon,
Guiding my way,
This love for you is genuine,
I’ll never stop with the hardships we play,
I love you no matter what is at stake,
Forever and always…
My sweet Angel of the Night.”
Claudia finished expressing what I wrote to her perfectly with sadness in her eyes. “Maybe you’re right. That just means I’m now left alone with a broken heart because of you. What are you going to do to make this up to me?”
“So, you’ve memorized parts of the letter.”
“I’ve memorized it all.”
“What do you want from me Claudia? I don’t know what to do.”
“Don’t push me away anymore and I will accept everything you have done.” She looked me in the eye. “I want you to be with me, not Angelica.”
