She guided the griffin to a hover, her hands gently pulling the reins as she saw three men approaching from the distance. Their fiery wings glowed like bursts of sunlight against the clear sky. She recognised the the lead figure and her lips curled into a smile. The griffin’s flapping slowed as the men stopped before them, their wings gently stirring the air. "Oh Dorian," she called out. "You didn’t have to come all the way out here to receive us." Dorian, the royal physician of the Infernal Mountain Kingdom, let out a hearty laugh. He was quite tall and a little chubby with curly grey hair and a bushy mustache. "Nonsense, Sera. We go way back." He chuckled. "Of course I’d come receive you myself and the King of the Elves." His eyes shifted to Zedekiel, lying still on the griffin and his expression darkened. "Oh my, this is serious. We need to get him inside right away. Follow me." Without further delay, Dorian turned, swiftly flying downward, back toward the Kingdom and Sera
True to their word, within minutes of him returning to his quarters, a knock sounded on the door. When Alaric opened it, a servant wheeled in a cart laden with food. The aromas of roasted meats, fresh bread, and a rich stew filled the room, making his stomach rumble even more. "Thank you," Alaric said as the servant set the tray on a table. The warmth of the meal seemed to chase away any lingering discomfort from the journey. He sat down, eagerly digging in, all the while thinking about how much smoother things had gone than he expected. No Talon, good food, Zedekiel was getting treated, and a chance to rest. It wasn’t so bad after all. After finishing his meal, Alaric sat back in his chair, letting out a contented sigh. There was no fruit salad but the food was good. He reached into his robes and pulled out a shard of the contact mirror. It was a mirror that enabled one to contact anyone from anywhere. The enchanted piece shimmered faintly as he whispered a spell, summoning the ref
Whispers surrounded Prince Ludiciel, unfamiliar words fading in and out as he floated in darkness. Slowly, he drifted back to consciousness, his senses emerging one by one.His eyelids felt like lead, but he managed to open them, only to be met with foggy shapes and colours.Then, pain.Raw, unbearable pain surged through his body, and he screamed out, feeling as if his entire body was burning.“Shhh, it’s going to be okay,” a soft voice said. He couldn’t see clearly, but a gentle hand touched his hair, stroking it tenderly. The touch was warm, comforting, easing his mind as if drawing the pain away bit by bit. His breathing slowed, and he began to calm down, lulled by the soft, rhythmic strokes.When his vision cleared slightly, he looked down and his eyes widened in shock. His body was a broken mess. Blood covered the sheets. One of his legs was gone, ending abruptly at his thigh. And there was a gaping wound on the side of his stomach, leaving a hole large enough to fit a small bal
The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of charred stone as the flames in the west wing of the castle raged out of control. The fire roared, devouring walls and licking up toward the sky. A thunderous crack echoed through the night as the western tower groaned, teetering on the edge of collapse.Talon was suddenly hurled through a window but a powerful gust of air. His body twisting unnaturally before crashing heavily to the ground. The impact sent a shockwave through the charred remains of the courtyard.From the fiery ruins, Alaric emerged, leaping through the shattered stone and billowing smoke. He soared through the air and landed squarely on Talon, pinning him to the ground while holding a spear of swirling wind.He raised the spear, aiming to drive it into Talon’s shoulder but as his eyes met Talon’s, something in those fierce, crimson orbs madr him hesitate. Talon's gaze was hardened, blazing with anger but also laced with an intensity Alaric couldn’t ignore.Talon lay
He wanted to take off the sheet covering his body but then, he hesitated, fear gripping him as he recalled what he had seen last time. All the blood and the missing limbs. Had they grown back or was he a cripple now? He was afraid to lift the covers and see for himself.“You can look, you know.” A light-hearted chuckle broke the silence. “Everything grew back a week ago.”Startled, Prince Ludiciel lifted his head to see a familiar figure standing by the door. A tall, elegant man with broad shoulders clad in blue robes that fit him perfectly, as if tailored just for him.The man leaned casually against the doorframe, his warm, dark skin the colour of rich chocolate milk, and his eyes a shimmering golden-brown, flecked with hints of red that sparkled in the light.But it was the playful grin that struck Prince Ludiciel the most. A grin that was beautiful, mischievous, and all too familiar.Prince Ludiciel knew that he had definitely seen the man before. “Do I know you?” he asked. “Have
Hugh nodded. "That's the only reason I can come up with. I don't see why else they'd want to control the Mother Tree.""Fucking hell." Kayziel cursed. "They want to wipe us all out of existence. Do you know what will happen if the Dark Lord gets released?""I am aware, Your Majesty." Hugh replied."Then you know that we cannot let that happen." Kayziel said firmly. "I am not strong enough to fight the Dark Lord. Neither are you and I have already killed the one strong enough to do so. If he isn't dead then he's surely a vegetable. Put your undead army to use. Secure the Mother Tree and the tighten the security outside and around the Kingdom. Increase the number of guards at the gate. No one enters or leaves without thorough inspection.Hugh immediately stood, bowing. "Yes, Your Majesty."Kayziel was about to add something when a sudden wave of nausea hit him. He barely managed to jump from his seat, rushing to the nearest window before heaving violently.Alarmed, Hugh grabbed a jug of
Well, it was no surprise considering the way they went at it like bunnies for four days. But still, Prince Ron was overjoyed. Tears spilled down his face like a waterfall as he stared at them, unable to express his joy.He got pregnant! He really got pregnant!Seeing his mother cry, the little baby with green eyes started bawling too. "Wah, brother made mummy cry, wah wah"Startled, the baby with violet eyes stared at both his mother and brother, at loss for what to do. What did he even do wrong? He had already apologized for hitting their mother. Why was their mother crying then?He began to panic. Unable to handle the sight of his mother and brother's tears, and also thinking it was his fault, he moved closer and rubbed the spot on Prince Ron's forehead. "Mother I'm sorry. Does it hurt? Look, I'm rubbing the place now so it won't hurt anymore. Please stop crying okay? I won't do it again."Prince Ron’s heart turned to mush. What a sweet child. He struggled against the chains, wishin
The babies nodded.Prince Ron stared at his babies, his mouth slightly open as he tried to absorb their words. 'F-Four?' He stuttered, beginning to panic. 'You’re kidding right?'But his babies looked absolutely serious. The definitely would not joke about the existence of their siblings.'No way… there’s four of you.' Prince Ron muttered, still trying to comprehend the news. 'I mean... do you even know what that means? That's a whole squad! Four blankets, four little outfits, four... four times the crying!'He stared at them, half-exasperated, half-amused, trying to let it all sink. 'How am I supposed to keep track of four little people? I mean, I can barely keep myself in line, and now I’m supposed to be responsible for a whole mini-army? What if I accidentally mix you up?' He gasped, looking at them in horror. 'What if you all look identical and I end up calling you the wrong names?'The babies watched him, little smiles on their faces, and something softened in Prince Ron’s chest.
"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
He gasped, unable to believe it. A tear slipped down his cheek, landing softly on the fabric of Ron’s robes. His violet eyes flickered with emotion as he turned to the royal physician and whispered, “It’s true.”The physician nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. He held hands with Welyn, happy to see their King alive and well again. Never did they think a day will come when they would see their king so emotional and so in love.With a human at that.Zedekiel gazed back at Ron, his expression softening further. “It’s really true,” he whispered. “We’re going to be parents.”Cordin, and the others smiled, their hearts swelling at the sight of their King’s rare happiness.However, Kayziel, still slumped on the floor, went even paler. His jaw tightened, and his wide, disbelieving eyes darted between his big belly and Zedekiel. “P-Parents?” he stammered, confused and horrified.What was Zedekiel saying? How was that even possible? Prince Ron was pregnant? But the body belonged to
A deep, cold chuckle echoed through the throne room, silencing all other noise.“Is that so?”Before anyone could react, a crushing pressure descended upon the room like a tidal wave. It was suffocating, all-encompassing, and merciless.Elves dropped to their knees, their eyes wide and red as they coughed up mouthfuls blood. Their hands clawed at their throats, desperate for air and fear twisted their faces, bodies trembling as they panicked.Official 3 tumbled from the throne and down the stairs, writhing on the cold marble floor as if his very life was being ripped away. His hands gripped his neck, his mouth opening and closing in silent agony."What...what is this?" someone choked out between gasps of bloodied breaths.The pressure carried a bloodlust so intense it felt as though death itself had entered the room. They all felt ice cold, as if their lives were about to be stripped in that moment.Then, slow and deliberate, came the sound of footsteps. Each step reverberated through