Chapter 96 - A demon?
-Roxana's Room, Fortress of Ossa-
Roxana's blood-curdling scream shattered the oppressive silence of her chamber, echoing off the cold stone walls. Her body convulsed violently as she collapsed to the floor, limbs twisting at unnatural angles. Obsidian lightning erupted from thin air, coiling around her like hungry vipers.
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"FUCK! MAKE IT STOP!" Roxana shrieked, her voice cracking under the strain. Every nerve ending ignited simultaneously—her skin felt as though it was being flayed one layer at a time. The dark energy pulsed through her veins, replacing blood with liquid fire.
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Her back arched impossibly as another wave crashed through her system. "RICHARD, YOU BASTARD! HELP ME!"
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Through tear-filled eyes, she glimpsed Richard's silhouette at the chamber's edge. He stood motionless, watching her writhe with cold indifference.
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The lightning intensified, wrapping tighter around her throat. Roxana clawed at her neck, desperate for air, leaving crimson trails where her nails broke skin. Her vision darkened at the edges as thousands of invisible needles seemed to pierce every inch of her flesh.
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"Please," she wheezed, the word barely audible. "I can't—I'll do anything—just make it stop!"
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The veins beneath her skin turned black, visible through her sweat-drenched gown as the corruption spread. Her teeth ground together so forcefully she tasted blood. She curled into herself, a futile attempt to escape the agony consuming her from within.
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"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" Roxana's scream tore through the air, primal and raw. "IT'S BURNING ME ALIVE!"
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*2 minutes later*
Time lost all meaning in the endless sea of torment. Then—sudden silence.
The lightning dissipated like smoke, leaving nothing but the echoes of her screams and the scent of charred ozone. Roxana lay trembling, each shallow breath pure agony. Every muscle in her body felt shredded, her throat raw from screaming.
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On the left side of her neck, a complex pattern of interlaced black lines had appeared—an intricate tattoo that seemed to absorb what little light reached the chamber.
"Why..." The word came as a venomous hiss through cracked lips. Summoning what meager strength remained, she rolled to face her silent observer. "Why the fuck did you just stand there?"
Tears welled in her reddened eyes, spilling down her cheeks. Her voice grew desperate, fracturing with each repetition.
"Answer me, you heartless prick! Why? WHY? WHY?"
Richard approached with measured steps. The sound of his boots against stone thundered in her hypersensitive ears. He crouched beside her broken form, his expression revealing nothing as he extended his hand. With calculated gentleness, his index finger lifted her chin, forcing her tear-streaked face to meet his gaze.
"Your control over that child is gone," he stated, his voice as cold as winter frost. "How much more pathetic can you get?"
Roxana's eyes widened in disbelief. "You son of a—"
"Spare me your theatrics," Richard cut her off, his tone razor-sharp. "This was necessary. You've grown weak, Roxana. Sentimental."
"I'll show you weak," she snarled, attempting to rise but collapsing back to the floor.
Richard's lip curled in disgust. "Pitiful. The mark will remind you of your purpose. Of what's at stake."
"I don't need a fucking reminder," Roxana spat, her words laced with venom.
"Clearly, you do," Richard replied, standing. His eyes glinted with a cruel amusement. "Rest. When you can crawl again, we have work to do."
As he turned to leave, Roxana's hand shot out, grabbing his ankle. "This isn't over," she hissed through gritted teeth.
Richard looked down at her, a hint of dark satisfaction in his eyes. "No," he agreed, his voice a low, menacing purr. "It's only just begun."
-Helia Palace; Luxana's Study-
Kryll's voice sliced through the silence like a razor. "Let me guess, you'd rather face a horde of demons than babysit for an hour?"
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Cillian's reply was arctic, his eyes narrowing to glacial slits as he glared at the coral-haired boy. "I'd sooner gouge out my own eyes with a rusty spoon than endure the company of these snot-nosed brats."
(Meaning: Kryll's voice cut through the silence, sharp as a blade. "You hate kids, don't you?"
Cillian's reply was ice incarnate, his eyes narrowing to slits as he glared at the coral-haired boy. "I loathe them.")
Kryll's voice was a tense whisper, laden with urgency. "Elmir's forces are primed for war. The Alizahs are poised to strike at the Azone fortress in Ossa. Any moment, now."
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Cillian's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking from Kryll to Luxana, still wrapped in an embrace with the others. His mind raced, piecing together the implications.
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So, the Alizahs make the first move, he mused silently. No wonder Helios was so intent on altering Luxana's ignition. He wouldn't be this composed unless...Cillian's thoughts spiraled as realization dawned. Despite being branded a traitor, he must have leveraged his former connections to amass an army in support of the Azones.
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His eyes lingered on Luxana's smile, a bittersweet pang in his chest. What a shame, he thought ruefully. That smile won't ever be mine.
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"Remi," Cillian called out, his voice cutting through the moment. "To me. Now."
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Remi disentangled herself from the group, snatching Luca from Luxana's arms as she hurried to Cillian's side.
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Cillian's eyes met Luxana's, a storm of unspoken emotions swirling in their depths. His voice softened, tinged with genuine warmth and a hint of regret. "It's been... more than enlightening. You've touched my heart in ways I never expected. Thank you, Luxana."
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In the blink of an eye, obsidian lightning crackled to life, encircling Cillian, Kryll Remi, and Luca. The air itself seemed to warp and twist.
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"HUH?" Luxana's shocked exclamation was cut short as the group vanished, leaving nothing but empty space and the lingering scent of ozone.
"What did I tell you?" a familiar voice boomed from behind Luxana, cutting through the silence like a knife.
Luxana whirled around, her heart pounding in her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes landed on the figure standing by the window.
It was Roxana. Her biological mother.
Roxana stood sideways, one hand pressed against the glass, her silhouette stark against the fading light outside. Her eyes, cold and unyielding, bore into Luxana with an intensity that made her skin crawl.
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Luxana's mind reeled, memories of Omeen's illusions flooding back. Was she once again going to tell me how much she hates me and tell me not to get along with Cillian? Because she doesn't like him? No. Wait. That was all an illusion. It was just that little girl's game in Omeen. It wasn't real. Mother knows nothing about it. I'm sure. Luxana's expression turned serious as these thoughts raced through her head.
"Did I not warn you?" Roxana's voice dripped with disdain, each word a carefully aimed barb. "Didn't I tell you that happiness is fleeting, that love is a fool's errand?" she chimmed, her expression equally serious.
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Luxana stood frozen, caught between the shock of her mother's sudden appearance and the weight of her words. The room seemed to shrink around them, the tension palpable in the air.
A sinister black mark marred the left side of Roxana's neck, drawing Luxana's gaze like a magnet.
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"This mark?" Roxana's fingers traced the intricate design, her body now fully facing her daughter. A cruel smile played on her lips. "Oh, my sweet child. It's proof. Proof of my quest for supreme control over a—" She paused, savoring Luxana's widening eyes and slack-jawed expression.
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"Over a non-human," Roxana finished, her voice dripping with dark satisfaction.
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Luxana's face hardened, her gaze dropping to the floor as she processed her mother's words. When she spoke, her voice was low and laced with pain. "If hurting me doesn't hurt you, then don't ever tell me you love me."
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She spun on her heel, desperate to escape the suffocating presence of her mother. But fate had other plans.
*BANG*
The door flew open with such force it rattled the walls. Helios strode in, his imposing figure filling the doorway before he slammed it shut behind him.
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"And," he hissed, his eyes burning with barely contained rage, "Where do you think you're going?"
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"Fa-father," Luxana stammered, instinctively taking a step back.
The air in the room crackled with tension as Helios advanced, his face a mask of cruelty that Luxana knew all too well. His eyes, once unconcerned and indifferent, now burned with an intensity that made her blood run cold.
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Luxana retreated, her steps faltering as she sought escape. The desk loomed behind her, a false promise of safety. Just as her fingertips grazed its edge, firm hands clasped her shoulders from behind, freezing her in place.
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A chill slithered down her spine, paralyzing her with fear. Roxana's touch, once a source of comfort, now felt like icy tendrils creeping into her very soul.
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SHOULD I KILL THEM? The thought exploded in Luxana's mind, shocking her with its intensity. Her eyes remained fixed on the floor, unable to meet the gaze of either parent. Her expression hardened, a storm of emotions raging beneath the surface.
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Helios closed the distance, towering over his daughter. His narrowed gaze bore into her, searching for weakness, for submission. The air between them seemed to vibrate with unspoken threats and long-buried resentments.
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"Look at me," Helios commanded, his voice low and dangerous.
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Luxana's fists clenched at her sides, her entire body trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. She stood trapped between the two people who should have protected her, now the very source of her terror.
-Amoria Palace; Inner Training Grounds-
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In the inner training grounds of Amoria Palace, the air crackled with tension as a black magic circle materialized on the ground. From its depths, a dark mist erupted, hissing in confusion and anger.
"ARRGGH!Bloody hell!" the mist snarled. "What's this bollocks? Thought I was shot of you, you prick."
Helios turned, his face an impassive mask. "Still as eloquent as ever, Xerxes."
Shifting his attention to Kyle, Helios commanded coolly, "Inspect the army. Ensure their readiness."
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"As you wish, Your Majesty," Kyle replied, bowing deeply.
As Kyle rose to leave, Xerxes couldn't resist a jab. "Yeah, piss off, you overgrown kale."
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Kyle's eyes narrowed before he exited, shutting the door behind him.
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"So," Helios began, turning back to face Xerxes. But before the mist could respond, Helios did something unexpected. He swung his arms wide, as if inviting Xerxes for an embrace.
"Come on then," Helios said, a hint of warmth creeping into his voice. "I don't have all day."
Xerxes froze, his misty form flickering with surprise. Then, in a burst of motion that belied his ethereal nature, he rushed into Helios' arms.
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Xerxes inched closer, his form gradually solidifying. "Don't get any ideas, you tosser."
Helios chuckled, nearly stumbling backward from the impact of Xerxes' enthusiastic response. "Wouldn't dream of it. Well then. Will you ever betray me again?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips.
"No....." came Xerxes' soft reply, barely audible.
"Hmm, Good. And?" Helios pressed, his tone taking on a childish lilt. "Aren't you missing something?"
"Sorry," Xerxes mumbled, his voice so low it was almost imperceptible.
"What? I can't hear you~" Helios teased, his smile widening.
"I'm sorry," Xerxes whispered, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.
"WHAAAAAAAAAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOUUUUU~" Helios pushed further, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Finally, Xerxes broke. "I'M SORRRY!" he shouted, pulling away from Helios' embrace, his misty form swirling with embarrassment.
Helios chuckled, clearly enjoying Xerxes' discomfort.
"SHUT UP, BITCH!" Xerxes snapped, thoroughly flustered.
"Alright, alright," Helios conceded, his laughter subsiding.
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Helios' lips twitched in the ghost of a smile. "Now, care to explain yourself?"
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"What's there to explain? I'm a right bastard, you know that," Xerxes grumbled.
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"True," Helios agreed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But even bastards have their reasons."
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Xerxes fell silent, the tension between them palpable.
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"Out with it," Helios prodded, his voice low and steady.
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Xerxes sighed, a sound like wind through dead leaves. "Look, I was gonna fuck up Domino's lot, right? But then I heard about your girl, Luxana. Got me thinking about... well, you know."
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Helios' expression hardened almost imperceptibly. "Go on."
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"Thought maybe...Christ, I don't know. Maybe I could spare her the shit I went through," Xerxes muttered.
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Helios' face darkened as Xerxes continued, "I thought... perhaps it would be kinder to end it before it began."
"Are you saying," Helios hissed, "she's destined to become like you? A demon?"
Xerxes' silence was answer enough.
"If that's the case," Helios said, his voice low and dangerous as he stepped closer, "then I'll assist you in ending her life myself."
-Fortress of Ossa; 12PM-
The midday sun blazed overhead, casting harsh shadows across the battlefield as the Alizah forces launched their assault on the Fortress of Ossa. The air shimmered with heat, adding to the already oppressive atmosphere of impending violence.
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A deafening battle cry erupted from the Alizah ranks, signaling the start of the attack. Thousands of soldiers surged forward, their armor glinting in the sunlight. Dust clouds billowed up from their advance, obscuring the lower portions of the fortress walls.
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Catapults, positioned on nearby hills, unleashed a barrage of stone projectiles. The massive rocks whistled through the air before smashing against the fortress walls with thunderous impacts. Chunks of masonry exploded outward, raining debris on defenders and attackers alike.
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Alizah archers formed lines, loosing volley after volley of arrows that arced high over the walls. The sky darkened momentarily with the sheer number of shafts, forcing Azone defenders to seek cover or raise their shields.
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Siege towers, pushed by straining teams of soldiers and draft animals, lumbered towards the walls. The wooden structures creaked and groaned under their own weight, while inside, Alizah troops readied themselves for the assault.
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At the main gate, a massive battering ram swung forward. The rhythmic booming of wood against metal rang out as Alizah forces attempted to breach the entrance. Defenders atop the walls poured boiling oil and loose stones down on the attackers, their screams adding to the chaos.
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Azone ballistae atop the towers returned fire, launching massive bolts that tore through Alizah ranks. Bodies flew as the projectiles found their mark, but still the attackers pressed on.
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As the battle raged, the air filled with a choking mix of dust, smoke from fires sparked by flaming arrows, and the metallic scent of blood. The clash of steel, the screams of the wounded, and the constant barrage of siege engines created a hellish cacophony.
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The siege of the Fortress of Ossa had begun in earnest under the unforgiving midday sun, promising hours of brutal combat ahead.
To be Continued...
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