Young Zedekiel quickly stood up and scanned his surroundings, searching for any sign of the mysterious benefactor who had saved him. He knew that he had been wounded by iron and had been stabbed multiple times in the chest to which there was no way he could have recovered on his own but the landscape remained eerily still, devoid of any trace of the presence that had saved him from the brink of death. He tried calling out to see if anyone would answer but he was met with silence. Even the spirit s of the Vale dared not respond for they could feel the dense magic resonating in his body.Seeing as all traces of the person who had helped him had disappeared, Young Zedekiel deduced that the person didn’t want to be known so he didn’t dwell on it further. Instead, he picked up his sword and flexed his muscles, giving his neck a satisfying crack. He marvelled at how he was brimming with energy and strength. All the wounds on his body were completely healed, as if they were never inflicted i
The air was heavy with foreboding as the Elf wedding ceremony began. The garden was shrouded in a somber, grey mist that clung to the trees like a damp shroud. The Mother Tree's branches hung limp, seeming to sag under the weight of her grief, her leaves looking wilted.The music was a slow, haunting dirge, played on instruments that seem to be crafted from the very shadows themselves. The notes were mournful and forlorn, echoing through the garden like the cries of lost souls. The sound sending shivers down the spines of the gathered Elves, who whisper to each other in hushed tones of dread.Some of them weeped openly, their faces streaked with tears as they watch their Queen stand beside an Elf they once trusted but now despised. Others covered their faces with their hands, unable to bear witness to the sorrow that hung in the air like a palpable force.The ancestors' wails filled the air, intertwining with the slow music, making the atmosphere drearier. The entire Kingdom was aware
The Elves that had gathered for the wedding began to whisper and murmur within themselves.‘Didn’t he say Prince Zedekiel was killed by Prince John?’‘He said they were ambushed on their way to the human Kingdom.’‘Yes, and he said the Prince gave his life to protect them.’‘I knew he was lying! The bastard! If anyone should give their life, shouldn’t it be him? Why would he let our Prince sacrifice himself?’‘Did you hear what he said? He stabbed our Prince with iron. He just confessed.’‘The traitor!’‘He deserves to die!’Prince Kayziel's face went as white as a corpse, his complexion drained of all colour as if the very life had been sucked out of him. He stared at the figure before him, his eyes wide with horror, mind reeling with the implications of his own foolishness. He had just revealed his own secret to the entire Kingdom!With lightening speed, the Queen Mother appeared before Prince Kayziel and gave him an ear splitting slap. Blood spurted from his mouth as his head whipp
Zedekiel raised his sword again, about to cut off the second arm when Prince Kayziel screamed in the link; ‘Wait Zedekiel! Wait! I’m sorry! Forgive me my dear nephew! Please! Your Father and Berthiel would never want you to treat me this way!’SLASH!!The second arm was sliced off and blood sprayed out like rain, dying the green grass below. The arm fell to the ground followed by a horrid shriek from Prince Kayziel.Zedekiel scoffed and shook his head. “I only took your arms but look at you screaming and shaking like it is the most painful thing to experience in this world. You better endure it for it is nothing compared to the agony you put my family through. I will show you real pain, uncle.”He recalled Berthiel’s cries. The way he had described the feeling of iron melting his organs. The way he kept saying he couldn’t breathe and how he felt like he was dying. He remembered holding his father and brother’s heads, burying them with his own hands. He remembered the feeling of being
Prince Kayziel's mind reeled as he tried to comprehend the implications. The whispered tales of Soulflaying, a punishment so heinous it sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest warriors, now seemed all too real. He thought back to the ancient chronicles of the Nordor Elves, Evil Elves that had ravaged the lands with their insidious machinations. Their ruthless leader, Nordor, was said to have inflicted this unspeakable torture on any Elf who dared defy him.According to the ancient lore, Soulflaying was a fate worse than death itself, for it left the victim's soul trapped in the earth, forever deprived of rebirth. He knew that once the process began, there was no going back. The soul would be painfully torn from his body and trapped in the earth forever, never to be reincarnated.‘No...please,’ he begged, his voice barely above a whisper. ‘Don't do this to me. I'll do anything...I'll do anything you want.’Zedekiel's laughter echoed through the garden, sending shivers down Kay
He then gazed at his younger self, unsurprised to see the exact look of shock and confusion on his face. Even in his ghostly form, just the sight of Ron with Fredrick made him feel like his heart was ripped out of his chest. If he could feel like that, he knew what his younger self was feeling was way worse."Why did you ask to meet here? I could have gone to the garden as usual," Ron said, a soft smile gracing his lips."I didn't want to stress you, my love," Fredrick said, taking Ron's hand and planting a kiss on it. “This place is much closer to your home, isn’t it?”“It is.” The sweet action made Ron blush but he quickly retracted his hand and frowned. "But why are you doing this? I thought you didn't want to see me again. The things you said to me that day...""...were all a mistake," Fredrick quickly interjected. "I didn’t mean any of it, my love. I was blinded by anger and took it out on you. I'm deeply sorry for my thoughtless words." He wrapped his arms around Ron's waist, pu
"Why did I do that?" Zedekiel cried. "I should have calmed down and listened to you. I let my anger and jealousy overcome my reason. I did this to you with my own hands. The hands I swore to protect you with. Oh I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.”"I'm so sorry," he cried again and again, each time the words more anguished than the last. "Fuck, I'm so sorry."He didn’t leave the place until Alaric found Ron’s body a few hours after and judging by the look he saw on Alaric’s face, he knew that there would be hell to pay.He was right.That same night, an attack was launched on the Elf Kingdom which was led by Alaric and his parents. Normally, the Nightshades were a reclusive and peaceful coven of Witches. They never got involved in the affairs of the world and focused on healing but that night, they unleashed their full fury against the Elves.Zedekiel’s ethereal form floated in the sky, watching as the Nightshades wreaked havoc on his kind. He didn’t remember ever fighting Alaric’s coven whi
The blades caught him full force, tearing at his skin and clothing, sending him crashing to the ground. He landed hard on his back, the wind knocked out of him. He struggled to catch his breath as he coughed out blood. His entire body was burning but it was nothing compared to the ache in his heart. The regret, guilt, and shame.He had been thinking of Ral since the day he broke up with him. He missed him so much and he wanted him back. After much thinking, he had decided to find him and apologise. He wanted to get back together with him but when he saw him with Fredrick, he lost his mind. He couldn’t stand it. He thought everything Ral had said to him were lies. He thought Ral had played with his feelings.But all along…. He was the one misunderstanding.He laid there, helpless and battered, unable to move or defend himself. He didn't even try. The pain was nothing compared to the weight of his guilt, the crushing burden of knowing what he had done. He closed his eyes, feeling the te
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