Older brother? Zedekiel was stunned. Alaric was Ron's older brother?Ron pouted cutely and turned his back to Alaric. "Go away. I don't want to talk to you.""Oh I'm not here to talk." Alaric said. He stomped forward and grabbed Ron by the back of his collar and yanked. "I'm here to drag your naughty ass back home."Alarmed, Ron scurried to his knees and stretched out his hands. "Maelda!"Maelda immediately responded, sending her vines out to Ron. He grabbed them and pulled himself back. "I'm not going home! Not now!"Alaric groaned still tugging on his collar. "Ugh, why do you have to be so stubborn?""Let go!" Ron shouted, holding on to the vines of the Mother Tree. "I'm not going home! Not until I see him!"Alaric huffed angrily; "Come on, Ral. We have to go back! Mum and dad are worried sick. You've been here since yesterday.""Go back and tell them to not worry." Ron said, hugging the tree tighter. "I'm fine, Alaric. I just need to see him."Zedekiel watched the entire exchange,
In the end, he sighed and stood up. “Fine. You’re right. You’re your own person. I have no right to dictate what you should and not do. I don’t want you to ever feel like that’s what I’m doing. You’re my baby brother Ral, and you mean the world to me so I’m just trying to protect you. I’m sorry if I came off as a dictator. You don’t have to come back with me. You can stay here and wait for him. I’ll figure out what to tell mum and dad.” Not expecting his headstrong brother to agree with him and even apologise, Ron was stunned. He stood up and gazed at his brother with a kind of look that was a mixture of shock and joy. “Really? You mean that?” “Of course.” Alaric nodded, smiling. “Would I ever lie to you?” Ron knew his brother always meant what he says and always kept his word so he broke into a large grin and engulfed his brother in a big hug. “Thank you thank you thank you thank you! Gosh brother you’re the best!” Zedekiel couldn’t help but smile at the entire scene. He was g
The urgency in the guard's voice echoed through the halls as they burst into the room, their breaths heavy with adrenaline. As the guard's words pierced the air, the throne room was engulfed in a sudden eruption of emotion. Gasps and murmurs swept through the gathered courtiers like a gust of wind. The Officials rose from their seats, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of concern and urgency. Servants scurried to relay the news throughout the castle.Zedekiel’s younger self, seated upon the throne, stood swiftly, a mixture of emotions flickering across his face: worry, relief and determination. “Is he alive?” he asked as the guards gently laid Prince Kayziel’s body on the floor. The body was motionless, skin wet, matted with blood and dirt.The current Zedekiel watched quietly for he could remember everything that had happened concerning his betrayer of an uncle. If he had known everything his uncle had planned, he would have made sure he died right on the floor.The air hummed w
Zedekiel floated around his younger self impatiently. He could get that his younger self was hurting but it had been a week already! An entire week and he didn’t even remember Ron who was always diligently waiting for him under The Mother Tree. Instead, he was by his treacherous uncle’s bed every time, waiting for him to wake up. He wished he could materialise himself so he could knock some sense into his younger self’s head. He was wasting too much time! What if Ron decides to stop loving him? He wondered if that was what caused them to break up. Wait, no. Alaric had mentioned that he killed Ron with his bare hands. He shook his head, refusing to believe Alaric’s words. He knew it in his heart that he could never hurt Ron. Never. Despite that, he still prayed Alaric was wrong for it were true, he didn’t think he’d ever be able to forgive himself. Anyway, he wished his younger self would remember Ron already. His poor Ron was sitting all alone, growing tasteless apples and eating th
Fredrick gritted his teeth as he listened to everything Ron said. He had just described Zedekiel and everything he had done!“Oh yes,” Ron continued. “He also has to be an Elf Prince and the second child. He has to be kind and call me sweet names every day. He has to feed me and take care of me and give me all the goldenberries I want.”“That is basically Zedekiel!” Fredrick shouted angrily. “How do you expect me to be exactly like my cousin?!”Ron scoffed. “You can never be like him. What I was trying to tell your dumb brain is that if it isn’t Zedekiel, then I don’t want anyone else!”Zedekiel, who was listening, was so elated that he wanted to pick Ron up and hug him tight. He wanted to shower his cute little face with kisses.Every single one of Ron’s words broke Fredricks’s heart. He didn’t know why his life was like this. First, his father brought him into the world then abandoned him. He was insulted and ridiculed all his life. Everyone called him a royal bastard. His cousins t
“My brother is yours?” Alaric chuckled coldly. “What an introduction.”“Brother, he’s the one we saved some months ago.” Ron informed Alaric.“That drowning smelly Elf?” Alaric asked.Ron nodded. “He’s the one. I’ve told him many times that I cannot return his feelings for me but he just won’t leave me alone. He said he’d rather see me dead than with someone else.”Hearing that, Alaric's anger ignited like a roaring inferno. “You want to see my brother dead? My brother?" Alaric's queried, his voice rumbling like thunder, laced with a dangerous edge that sent chills down the spine of anyone who heard. Even the neighbouring leaves, bushes, flowers, and animals were not spared. They trembled at the sound of his voice and the intensity of his magic.His chest tightened, and muscles tensed as if coiling to strike. The mere thought of someone wishing harm upon his beloved sibling was enough to send his emotions spiraling out of control. He shielded Ron behind him and held out his hand as he
Without hesitation, Alaric closed the distance between them, enfolding Ron in a gentle yet firm embrace. His arms wrapped around his younger brother, offering a comforting anchor amidst the storm of emotions. He pressed Ron close, as if trying to shield him from the pain and disappointment that threatened to overwhelm him.Zedekiel floated into the shadows, his heart hurting as he silently watched Ron cry. He couldn’t believe that in the past, he hurt Ron so much and made him cry. He felt like total jerk. A complete asshole. He was the one who had approached Ron first and declared him his wife but here he was, abandoning the person he claimed to love. This must be why Alaric had been so mad at him back in the coven.The Elf King had no idea that he had seen nothing yet.That night, Alaric succeeded in convincing Ron to go home, rest, and eat some good food then come back the next day and wait again. Zedekiel on the other hand, floated back to the castle. On getting there, he noticed t
“Good. You will rest for two full weeks and heal properly. Only then will I allow you to take my children into war with the humans. I get that you’re all angry. I too am brimming with rage and there’s nothing I wish more than to see those humans dead but we all have to wait. We have to be patient and strike when they least expect it. We have to be at our best so we can avenge the lives they took from us. Understand?”Prince Kayziel nodded instantly.She turned to Young Zedekiel and although he didn’t want to agree, he could not go against her. Especially after his uncle had agreed. “Yes, Mother.”Zedekiel, who was watching, closed his eyes and sighed for he knew what came next and he wished he had listened to his Mother. His stubbornness and impatience had cost them the lives of more Elves and had nearly cost that of his Mother and siblings as well.********After listening to Prince Kayziel's side of the story, Young Zedekiel was walking back to his room when a guard frantically appr
The shorter skeleton spoke, voice lighter now. "My sons, you all finally came back." It sounded relieved. "Where’s Zedekiel? And my sister?"The taller one added eagerly, "Were you guys able to get Ron back? Is that why you’re here now?"It all suddenly dawned on Ludiciel who the skeletons were and his eyes burned with unshed tears as he forced himself to speak, voice barely above a whisper, "Mother?... Mariel?""Ludiciel," The shorter skeleton laughed, a sound filled with both sorrow and joy. "I knew you'd recognize us. Unlike your little brothers who are hiding behind you."Tariel and Sariel peered cautiously from behind Ludiciel and Talon, their eyes wide with uncertainty. "Brother, are those really…?"Prince Ludiciel inhaled sharply, willing himself to believe what his heart already knew. With a flick of his wrist, he dispelled the illusion he had unknowingly placed upon them.The moment the magic faded, there they stood.The Queen Mother, regal and serene, draped in flowing pale
Talon sneered, yanking him closer. "Necromancers are always weak as shit. You hide behind your army, and everyone thinks you're powerful. Look at you now. You're nothing without your magic."Hugh's swollen eyes flickered open, and to Talon’s surprise, he started laughing—a wet, gurgling disgusting sound that make Talon want to rip his throat out."You think that's all I have up my sleeve?" Hugh rasped, his lips curling into a wicked grin. His gaze flicked downward.Talon followed his eyes and felt the faintest prickling sensation crawling up his legs."You think humans and animals are the only ones whose skeletons I can call upon?" Hugh sneered. "I can call upon even insects! Those ants will bite at you till you die! Even if you kill me, they won't stop until there’s nothing left but your bones, and I will gladly add you, Phoenix King, to my army!"Talon scoffed. "Oh really?"Without hesitation, his body ignited in a pillar of flames. His form shifted, his flesh turning into golden-re
"Zedekiel," he whispered shyly as he took Zedekiel’s hands in his.Zedekiel’s brows furrowed slightly in concern. "What is it? Did that thing do anything to you?" he whispered back, brushing a soft kiss against Ron’s temple. "Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"Prince Ron shook his head, biting his lip nervously. "No, it’s not that. It’s just... there’s something you need to know."Zedekiel frowned, concerned. "What is it, love? You can tell me anything."Prince Ron took a deep shaky breath, about to tell his beloved about their babies when his gaze landed on his belly and his eyes widened in utter disbelief. He completely froze as he tried to process what he was seeing.There, protruding before him, was his enormous, round belly. It was so large that he couldn’t even see his own feet.He suddenly let out a tiny squeak of horror, his face going pale and before anyone could say anything, Ron’s eyes rolled back, and he fainted on the spot.Zedekiel looked at everyone and they all began to
Even in his ghost-like form, Kayziel was completely red in anger. "Again, NOBODY ASKED YOU TO!!!"The hands however, did not want to face their Lord's wrath. The Lord never tells his name to ordinary creatures and for the small beautiful prince to mention it, they knew there had to be truth to his words.The hands immediately sped up their work, yanking Kayziel toward the circle with urgency.Kayziel howled, his voice cracking in desperation. "STOP THIS MADNESS! I CAN FIX EVERYTHING! I SWEAR! PLEASE STOP!!!"Prince Ron let go, dusting off his hands as though he’d just finished a hard day’s work. "Say hello to your Lord for me!""YOU ARE INSANE!" Kayziel shrieked. He was already half-dragged into the glowing circle. “THIS ISN'T OVER RON!!! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!! DO YOU HEAR ME?!! YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS!!!”Prince Ron just smiled sweetly and waved. "Have a safe trip!"With a final, desperate cry, Kayziel disappeared into the gate, the circle sealing itself shut with a faint hum.********At
Prince Ron just sat on the floor and tucked his arms to his chest, turning his face away. Hmph! The Elf spirit wanted his help but was calling him a bastard. Was that even how to ask for help? Besides, his beloved was working hard to get them back together. Who was he to interrupt his beloved's work? Whatever was happening to Kayziel was exactly what he deserved."Do you think I'll help you after what you subjected us to for three whole months?" He scoffed, glaring at Kayziel. "Shoo, hurry and go to wherever those hands are taking you."Kayziel gasped in pain, rivulets of tears and mucus running down his face. He screamed as the smoke-like arms pulled him closer to the circle. He could feel the heat of hell singe his feet. "I'm sorry" He began to cry. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry Ron. I'm sorry for everything. I just- I just wanted to live my dream for once. Your husband snatched that from me when I was alive and trapped me underground for centuries. I just wanted to live. I just wanted to l
Kayziel’s laughter softened into something darker, more insidious, as he stepped closer. “Yes, Ron,” he murmured, his voice a low, chilling caress. “Think about it. Think about it well.” He began circling Ron like a predator stalking its prey, his ghost like form slithering around Ron’s form. “If you take your body, Zedekiel will lose all hope. The rest of your family? They’ll perish, one by one and Netheridge will eventually fall into ruin. The Elves, your kind, might even face extinction. And Zedekiel? Your beloved Zedekiel will live in a world of agony. A world without love..."He paused by Ron’s ear. "A world without you.”His words slithered through Ron’s ear like whispers of a devil, laced with a cruel, hypnotic allure. He moved closer, his hands ghosting over Ron’s trembling shoulders. “Can you truly take your body back, knowing you will be the cause of Zedekiel’s undoing?" He whispered. "Of his suffering for all eternity?”Ron’s breath hitched. His body tensed and his heart be
Alaric nodded, his expression understanding. “Of course.” He turned to the others and gestured toward the cave’s entrance. “Outside, everyone. Give them some space.”The group shuffled out quietly, leaving Zedekiel alone with Ron. As the echoes of their footsteps faded, the cave grew eerily silent.Zedekiel knelt beside the bed, his silver hair falling like a curtain around his face as he rested his hand on Ron’s swollen belly. His other hand found its way to Ron’s chest, where he could feel the faint, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.He lowered his head, pressing it against Ron’s chest. At first, there was only the sound of his own breathing, but then it broke. A small, ragged sob escaped his lips, followed by another then another. Tears spilled down his cheeks, slowly wetting Ron’s robes.“I'm sorry, love,” Zedekiel whispered, his voice breaking. “I'm so so sorry. I left you alone even after I promised to protect you. I let you shoulder the responsibilities that I should have. I-I'm
Elliot knelt beside Rose, his hands glowing faintly as his magic coursed through her twisted arm while she stared at him in awe.Zedekiel had left her on the floor and in pain. Those undead creatures were almost closing in on her and just when she thought she was really going to die on the battlefield, a dark haired man with pointy ears descended from the sky, blowing them all away and in the process, stealing her heart.She gazed up at him with tears and admirations in her eyes. His features looked almost otherworldly among the all chaos happening on the battlefield. He had smooth skin the colour of chocolate milk, dark hair like spun silk that fell in soft waves around his face, and eyes like molten amber, flecked with gold and crimson, which contrasted perfectly with his shimmering silver armour.Rose kept staring, momentarily forgetting her pain for Elliot looked just like the Princes in fairytales she had read to Ron about before bedtime."Okay, you have to stop," Elliot sighed,
Hugh paled and before he could react, Prince Ludiciel moved first, his fist connecting with Hugh’s jaw in a bone-shattering punch. The force sent him flying across the field like a ragdoll.But it didn’t stop there. Talon vanished in a flash and reappeared ahead of Hugh’s trajectory, slamming a powerful kick into his ribs midair. The impact hurled Hugh back toward Ludiciel, who with both hands gripping his sword, brought the hilt down, slamming Hugh into the ground with a resounding crash.Dust and debris erupted around them as Hugh’s body sank into the earth, the necromancer groaning in pain.He coughed, chanting some ancient words and his body shimmered with a sickly green light before dissolving into the soil like water into sand.“Stay alert.” Ludiciel warned, his grip on his sword tightening, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield."Ugh, necromancers are fucking disgusting." Talon grimaced, his nose wrinkling in revulsion as the stench of rotten corpses filled the air around the