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.âDidnât he say Prince Zedekiel was killed by Prince John?ââHe said they were ambushed on their way to the human Kingdom.ââYes, and he said the Prince gave his life to protect them.ââI knew he was lying! The bastard! If anyone should give their life, shouldnât it be him? Why would he let our Prince sacrifice himself?ââDid you hear what he said? He stabbed our Prince with iron. He just confessed.ââThe traitor!ââHe deserves to die!âPrince 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; âWait Zedekiel! Wait! Iâm sorry! Forgive me my dear nephew! Please! Your Father and Berthiel would never want you to treat me this way!âSLASH!!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. âI 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.âHe recalled Berthielâs cries. The way he had described the feeling of iron melting his organs. The way he kept saying he couldnât breathe and how he felt like he was dying. He remembered holding his father and brotherâs 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.âNo...please,â he begged, his voice barely above a whisper. âDon't do this to me. I'll do anything...I'll do anything you want.âZedekiel'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. âThis place is much closer to your home, isnât it?ââIt is.â 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 didnât 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 Iâm sorry. Iâm so so sorry.â"I'm so sorry," he cried again and again, each time the words more anguished than the last. "Fuck, I'm so sorry."He didnât leave the place until Alaric found Ronâs body a few hours after and judging by the look he saw on Alaricâs 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.Zedekielâs ethereal form floated in the sky, watching as the Nightshades wreaked havoc on his kind. He didnât remember ever fighting Alaricâs 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 couldnât stand it. He thought everything Ral had said to him were lies. He thought Ral had played with his feelings.But all alongâĶ. 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
As the wind howled, Alaric gazed at Zedekiel's face one last time, his expression a mix of sadness and resolve. With a heavy heart, he slowly lowered the spear, its point hovering just above Zedekiel's chest before withdrawing it completely. He turned away from Zedekiel and vanished into the swirling wind.********âOh my God.â Prince Ludiciel sobbed, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. âI canât believe Ron sacrificed so much for my brother.ââHe did.â Alaric smiled, handing him a white handkerchief which he used to wipe his tears and blow his nose. âAnd Iâm sure heâd do the exact same thing or more if time were reversed.ââYou know, I wonât be surprised.â Prince Ludiciel sniffled. âRon took an arrow for my brother some weeks back. Fredrick attacked them in the castle and he protected my brother with his own body. Brother didnât trust Ron from the beginning. He always thought Ron had some ulterior motive for following his sister to our Kingdom but that day changed it all. Ron
Kayziel snickered inwardly, though he kept his expression solemn. It didnât matter whether the phoenix joined or not. The moment Zedekiel saw what he had to show, the damage would have already been done. He couldn't believe his nephew was still so naive. Even after all the centuries that had passed, he still trusted people easily.So foolish.Zedekiel had hacked off his limbs one by one and sealed him beneath the sacred roots of the Mother Tree. Stripped him of power, dignity, and freedom.Now, he had destroyed his plans to take over Netheridge and live a good life. Why should he let Zedekiel be happy?He already knew that Zedekiel was not going to let him off. He was going to die in the most painful way Zedekiel could conjure so he would take something from Zedekiel first.If he could not live, then let his nephewâs love burn instead.âWhat are you waiting for?â Zedekiel snarled, his grip tightening around the Soul Crucible. He had half a mind to not see what Kayziel wanted to show t
Alaric didnât answer. His face, usually impassive, was drawn tight. His onyx eyes were stormy and his lips parted as if he wanted to speak, but no words came. He clenched his jaw and fists, unable to tell Zedekiel what he was about to see. How would he even tell him? They had opened the lantern, ready to unleash hell on whoever had possessed Ron but when they saw who it was, they knew Zedekiel had to be called back.Zedekiel drew in a deep breath. He didnât need words to know something was deeply wrong. He couldn't wait to know what it was so he increased his speed, disappearing in a blur and reappearing before the cell door in the dungeonâs lowest levels. Alaric arrived three seconds later.They both stood still for a moment, facing the thick metal door and Zedekiel curled his fists. It was time to face whoever had made their lives hell for 3 months.He pushed open the door, the hinges creaking as they stepped inside. The room was dimly lit by the light pearls embedded into the walls
âWow, I never knew Prince Ron was so brave and fierce.â Elliot said to Prince Ludiciel, looking thoroughly fascinated.Prince Ludiciel wasn't sure if it was because of Prince Ron or the story or both.âJudging by his looks, one would think he cannot handle a sword but did you see those moves?â Elliot continued. âHe once wrestled a python and rescued a princess from a tiger. Then he saved your brother and travelled all the way to the North to marry him. Isn't that amazing?âPrince Ludiciel didn't know whether to laugh or cry. âIt's amazing indeed.â He answered, nodding. He couldn't even imagine Prince Ron wrestling a python or rescuing a princess from a tiger. Knowing the lazy Prince, he would just assign Leo to do all the fighting and rescuing.Then again, it didn't really matter. It was a nice story Prince Ron told. Now he knew how Prince Ron met his brother.âBut wait,â Elliot said, pausing. âIf Prince Ron went after your brother, when did he get the chance to tell the story to the
He paused dramatically and everyone shook their heads.âExactly! No, he didnât!â Prince Ron pointed with glee. âHe turned every one of them down, declaring boldly that he would only marry for true love!âEveryone went; âAwww.ââAnd then!â Prince Ron threw up his hands with a dramatic flourish. âOne day, the brave Prince was at an inn. Heâd heard rumors about some King in the Northâone who dared to ask for his sisterâs hand in marriage. But this Prince wasnât the type to trust someone based on hearsay, so he went himself to gather intel.âAt this point, Zedekiel frowned. Why did the story sound familiar but wrong somehow?âSo there he was, chilling at the bar, sipping on ginger ale and chatting with the barkeep, when he spotted someone. A ridiculously handsome man, sitting alone in the corner, just enjoying his meal.âZedekielâs frown deepened. This story sounded really familiarâĶâWhat the handsome man didnât realize,â Prince Ron continued, âwas that a group of shady-looking bandits ha
Prince Ron gasped, eyes going wide. âYour what?!âElliot smiled sheepishly, but his eyes flicked affectionately to Prince Ludiciel as he held his hand. He never really thought some harmless flirting with an Elf Prince in a flower house would result in a relationship but he was happy it did. Prince Ludiciel was the most caring, considerate, and loving creature he had ever met.Prince Ron was still stunned. He glanced at his beloved who was just smiling and then he realised that his beloved already knew! Was he the only one that didn't know? Was he the last to know? Why didn't they tell him first? His brother-in-law had found a partner! He was the one that was supposed to announce it in a grand style! Throw a party! Celebrate!He gazed at the couple then asked with little hope. âI-I'm not the last one to know, am I?âZedekiel shook his head with a sigh. Was that was his little husband was concerned about?The Ice Fairy Queen, Prince Ludiciel and Elliot chuckled.âWellâĶthe entire Royal f
Prince Ron sat obediently on a bedâwell, as obediently as he could manageâwhile the Ice Fairy Queen moved gracefully around him, her shimmering white gown trailing like mist on ice. Her crystal blue eyes sparkled as she checked over him and gently examined his belly.âWould you stop staring at her and smiling like that?â Zedekiel, who was beside him, holding his hand, huffed.Prince Ron blinked. âBut Iâve never seen an ice fairy before, let alone their queen.â He replied with a pout. Besides, she was really pretty. Her knee-length snow-white hair swayed as she moved, and everything about her was elegant, etherealâĶ cold, but really beautiful. He wondered if she had wings and if she would show him if he asked.âI donât care.â Zedekiel grumbled. âStop staring. Now. It's rude.â And what happened to him being the most handsome in the world? If his little husband wanted to stare at someone, couldn't he stare at him? The Ice Fairy Queen was his friend but he couldn't help feeling jealous whe
From the sidelines, Alaric and Talon watched in silence. Neither spoke, neither moved. They just stood there, watching Zedekiel and Prince Ron, a million thoughts racing through their minds.Talonâs gaze lingered on Prince Ron and Zedekiel, the way Zedekiel held his Prince Ron so tight, yet so gentle, the way Prince Ron melted into him, safe, reassured, like he trusted Zedekiel more than his own self and looked to the Elf King to keep him together. Prince Ron looked at Zedekiel like he was the only one he could see. As if when they were together, nothing else mattered and it was just them.His hands clenched at his sides in frustration. He wanted that. He wanted that and more. He felt enviousâachingly envious. To the extent that his chest felt stuffy, and his teeth ached. He wanted to hold a particular person like that, have the person look at him with that kind of love, that kind of devotion. He wanted the person to trust him, to make him feel like he was the only one in the entire w
Prince Ron beamed, rubbing the back of his precious frying pan. Oh, heâll make it count alright.And make it count he did.Some minutes later, the dungeon echoed with a loud CLANG as Prince Ronâs frying pan made direct contact with Hughâs head. The unfortunate man let out a strangled grunt before slumping forward, completely dazed. He didnât know if it was because he had received several beatings from Zedekiel earlier, but the human Princeâs hit was quite painful. He was tired and he wanted it all to stop.But Prince Ron was not done. He signaled the guards to lift Hugh up which they did. He then took two steps back and BANG! smacked Hugh on the side of his face. Blood sprayed against the wall of the cell and Hugh groaned, coughing out a mouthful of blood and a few teeth.Everyoneâs eyes widened in alarm. Was the human prince that strong or was the frying pan really that heavy?Prince Ron glared down at Hugh, his grip tightening around the handle of the frying pan. For three months, h
Prince Ronâs attention, however, was immediately drawn to the weird and spooky looking lantern. His emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity as he pointed at the lantern. "What is that?" he asked, staring at the glowing light. He had never seen such a lantern before. Could it be a genie? He wouldnât be surprised if it was though. He fell in love with his sisterâs husband to be who turned out to be an Elf, married him while having sex under the moonlight and was now carrying his babies. He had also been kidnapped by a deranged Elf and was saved by his beloved who brought along a weak rude witch. They even battled the Dark Lord from hell who came to take him away and some hours ago, he was possessed by an evil uncle Elf spirit. Seeing a genie now who could grant three of his wishes would not surprise him at all.Although, he did truly wish it was a genie. His first wish would be to have more stamina so he could go long hours in bed with his beloved! He could never forget the way his beloved