The Dark of the Core

Distance

The prince was not happy. Everyone around him could see that. Ever since he returned with his group of soldiers a few days ago, he seemed to have changed. No one knew what had happened on that short trip except for the soldiers. However, even the soldiers themselves do not know what has gotten their prince so upset. Now he sat in his room with an open book in front of him. No matter how many times he read the first sentence, he could not place any meaning on the words. The same image kept invading his mind over and over again. With a sigh, Teor stood up from the chair he was sitting in and moved to the window. It was a fine sunny day yet his feelings express otherwise.  He felt as if he had forgotten something important when he arrived back at the castle. Whatever he did, his mind would constantly go to her. It frustrated and annoyed him to no end. He hated her for she had lied to him but, why did he keep thinking about her?

Teor sighed and raked a hand through his golden hair. He thought back to their farewell when he had pointed the tip of his sword at her throat. She did not look frightened instead he saw relief in her eyes. She then closed her eyes expecting him to kill her. He almost wanted to drop the sword right there and then but he didn’t. His eyes then spotted the bleeding bite mark on her neck. Even now he was concerned and wondered how she had gotten the mark. He should have killed her. She was a demon after all. However, he could not do it. Instead he retracted his sword and wanted nothing more than to disappear, to never see her again. She had then stopped him and pleaded with him to strike her down. Teor felt an ache in his heart he did not understand so he lashed out at her in anger before leaving.

The ache never left him as he travelled back to Teledrius. He could not explain the emotions he felt and are still feeling. One moment he would feel sad, betrayed and angry yet as soon as she came into his mind, he felt happy and blissful. Another sigh escaped Teor as he leaned his head against the wall next to the window. 

“What are you doing to me?” He asked out loud. They were two strangers brought together by pure coincidence. He will never meet her again. Just that thought made the ache inside him even more painful causing him to groan. Teor was absolutely sure she had already forgotten his name and his face. It was not like he gave her any reason to remember after wanting to kill her.

Teor was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not hear the soft knock at his door until it opened. He turned and was surprised to see his father walk in. He quickly moved away from the window and towards his father. 

“Is something the matter, father?” Teor asked nervously. His father hardly ever came to see him and when they meet, no words are spoken. As expected, silence passed between the two. Though they looked alike, Teor was sure he did not know a thing about his father besides his name, Ulisse.

“How was your trip?”

The question was so sudden that it caught Teor off guard. It was also the first time his father initiated a conversation. He could only nod his head in the positive as an answer. 

“Did you achieve your goal?” Ulisse asked again. Teor hesitated and wondered what to say. He had not succeeded in killing any demons. He obviously could not tell his father, the king of the light forces that he had a friendship with a demoness. The girl kept invading his mind and he could not stop thinking about her. This was not something he could tell his father who was prejudiced against the demons.

Finally all Teor could do was nod his head again. Ulisse seemed pleased with the answer and the tiniest of smiles tugged at his lips. Seeing this, Teor felt guilt inside him. Why do I have to pretend to hate demons to make my father happy? A question he had asked himself often in the past appeared in his mind again. Without thinking, he blurted it out. “What is the animosity between the demons and humans about?”

Ulisse’s eyes narrowed dangerously causing Teor to take a step back. Any traces of a smile disappeared to be replaced with a scowl. 

“I apologize, father for my insolence.” Teor quickly said and bowed his head slightly. Ulisse did not reply and merely stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Teor cringed before breathing a sigh of relief. It seemed that no matter what he did, he was a failure as a son and a man.

***

He walked through the halls of the castle and out to the bustling streets. He tried his best to remain conspicuous. After all, it was not every day you see royalty walk down the streets. Ulisse knew he had overreacted earlier but it was an unexpected question. Animosity...? What he had against the demons, especially one in particular, ran deeper than just mere animosity. It was pure hatred and anger plus a sense of betrayal. He did not know how far he had walked until he found himself at the outskirts of town. The sun was also making its way out of the sky. A large forest stood in front of him bringing back sad and happy memories from the past.

The battle was fierce around him. He could hear his advisors calling him back from the battlefield but he was born for this day. His eyes glanced up from where he had just slain another demon and connected with a pair of violet eyes. He could see the determination and revenge that matched his own. He would not give up. He would not lose.

Ulisse tried his hardest to get to the middle of the battlefield as quick as possible, keeping his eyes on his enemy who was doing the same. He had just averted his eyes for the shortest of moments to kill a relentless vampire when he glanced back up. His enemy was no longer in sight. Frowning, his eyes scanned around to find the violet eyes but to no avail.

However, he did not let down his guard for one moment. He continued his way through the battle. His eyes had just landed on his next two targets, a pair of demon brothers, when they ran into the forest. Ulisse made to follow them but stopped. He had heard rumours of the forest and the dangers that lurk within. What if the two demons were leading him into a trap?

Ulisse had just decided to enter the forest when a figure walked out towards him. He did not recognize the person until the hood fell back. At first he assumed it was just another female demon when his eyes fell on the familiar luscious brown hair and red eyes.

“Dagny...?”

His expression was one of utmost surprise. He no longer recognized the woman he loved. Even though she had told him when they first met that she was indeed a demon, he had never seen her true form. Now she stood with large curved horns and wings with tails on the end of them. He had to admit that he was indeed fearful.

“Why are you here?”

The question was stupid because he already knew the answer but he wanted to hear it from her mouth. He hoped that she would say she was wrong and would willingly return to him. However, his hopes were dashed when she spoke.

“You know why.”

Anger boiled within him. She rightfully belongs to him not to the other. He had never felt such murderous intent towards someone, not even a demon. Violet eyes took away his first true love and happiness. He would not allow the enemy to leave. He tried to walk past Dagny who blocked his path.

“You cannot find him. He is gone.”

Ulisse did not think as he pulled out his sword and pointed it at his lover’s throat. It was nothing more than an attempt to force her back to allow him past. She did not back down like he expected. Instead she tilted her chin up until her neck was exposed.

“Why?”

The word escaped him before he could pull it back. It was always something he asked himself over and over again. What did that demon have that he, Ulisse, Prince of the Light Forces did not have? He could provide her with everything she wanted. He would make sure no harm will ever come to her.

“I love him.”

Those three words cut him deeper than any sword will ever be able to do. He knew she loved him as well but her heart always belonged to someone else. The child was proof of that. His hand trembled and she held it firmly with her own hands. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.

“I have wronged you both.”

He could not help but scoff in disbelief at her words. When had she ever wronged the demon? He was the victim. He was the one getting his heart ripped out of his chest. In the end he was no match for a demon. He was a mere human after all. What hope was there that she would ever love him…?

“I love you.”

Ulisse felt his throat tighten uncomfortably. How long had he waited for her to say that? Now at his weakest moment, she made him even more vulnerable. He shook his head sadly and slowly.

“If you really loved me, you would not have done what you did.”

His words caused the tears to roll down her cheeks. He wanted nothing more than to drop his sword and embrace her passionately but he no longer had the right. Instead he tugged his hands out of her grip roughly and turned around. His eyes were welling up with tears as well. She was the only one who could make him so emotional.

“I did it all for peace yet…in the end I am the cause of a war…”

The pain was evident in her voice but he did not turn around. Ulisse continued walking and walking back to the battlefield until he could no longer hear the quiet sobs. He stopped in his tracks. Was she still there or had she left? When he saw that all the demons and humans had stopped fighting, he abruptly turned around. The love of his life had collapsed on her knees with a dagger in her stomach. Without thinking, he ran back to her just as she closed her eyes.

Blinking back the tears that had somehow found their way to his eyes, Ulisse took a deep breath. He half expected her to just walk out of the forest as if nothing happened. They would then go back to the castle and live life like they were meant to. He stood staring at the forest for quite some time when he suddenly saw movement amongst the trees. He blinked a few times to see if he was dreaming but there was still definitely movement.

“Maybe Jocene left because she hates me. I don’t blame her…especially after what I said to her.”

The voice stopped as a low growl sounded. Ulisse saw the figures step closer towards the edge of the forest where he stood. He swallowed deeply but stood frozen in his spot. If it was a demon or some other creature of the undead, he would definitely be dead in less than a minute. Finally he saw one figure walk out from the trees while the other stayed hidden in the trees. Ulisse’s eyes landed on the girl and felt his breath catch in his throat. He found himself walking closer towards the girl who stood in her spot unmoving. He stopped just a few feet away from her. Though he did not know her name, he could recognize that black hair and crimson eyes anywhere.

“You are a demon…” Ulisse spoke softly not wanting to scare the girl away. He already knew the answer before she even nodded her head. He had no doubt this was the exact same girl that belonged to his lover and the other demon. His first reaction was hate but as his eyes fell on the black crystal around the girl’s neck, it changed to a glimmer of hope.

The sun was just setting over the hills making the sky seem like a colourful picture. She stood with her back to him. He could just imagine the smile on her face as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sunset. She looked so beautiful with the sun illuminating her silhouette.

“Dagny…”

He called her name softly as he approached her from behind. She turned around and gave him her breathtaking smile before turning back to lean against the railing. They both stood in silence just watching the colours swirl in the sky.

“Isn’t it beautiful…?”

She asked in a soft voice and smiled. This was the perfect moment. Taking a deep breath, he took a necklace with a clear crystal dangling from it. He unclasped it and slipped it around her neck. She gasped and fingered it then turned to him with wide eyes.

“Ulisse, why…?”

She never finished the sentence as he pulled her to his chest and covered her lips with his own tenderly. Her eyes were wide in surprise before closing as her lips curled into a smile. They parted for a breath after a few moments and her cheeks were flushed red.

“Because I love you…”

The memory played in his mind before he could think. He saw movement and saw the young girl in front of him tilting her head to the side curiously. When he met her eyes, she looked away immediately causing him to frown slightly. 

Quickly clearing his throat, he held out his hand. “May I know the young lady’s name?” He asked gently and bowing his upper body slightly in respect. The girl stared at his hand before biting her bottom lip.

“Skye…”

Her voice was barely audible but he heard it and it sent warmth through his whole body. “I’m Ulisse.” 

Skye still did not take his hand and just when he was about to retract it, she placed her hand softly on his. He gave her a smile as he kissed her hand gently causing colour to rush to her cheeks. Suddenly a low growl sounded from behind her and a huge grey werewolf appeared. Ulisse immediately took a few steps back with his hands on the hilt of his sword as the wolf bared its teeth menacingly at him.

Skye sighed and shook her head with a small smile before turning to the wolf. “Diego, he is not going to hurt me.” She said in a soft voice while patting the wolf affectionately on the head. The wolf growled in response but lowered its head slightly nonetheless. 

She seemed happy with its answer as she turned back to him. “May I ask…are you related to Teor?” She asked in a small voice keeping her eyes downcast. When she had emerged from the forest earlier and saw the man, she had thought immediately it was Teor. However, after she had observed him closely, she realized that this man was much older. Perhaps they were brothers or something along the same lines.

Ulisse was taken aback by her question but he nodded his head. “He is my son.” He replied wondering how the two knew each other. The girl’s eyes widened slightly at his admission and the blush on her cheeks deepened. 

“I see…” Her voice was so soft he had to strain his ears to hear. The wolf beside her nudged her softly with its nose. She turned to it and nodded her head in understanding before looking at Ulisse briefly.

“Could you…” Skye paused as she bit down on her lip wondering if she should continue. Teor had said his father was more prejudiced towards demons yet she was still standing unharmed. 

Ulisse chuckled slightly at her reaction. “Could I…?” He prompted her. 

She took a deep breath and sighed. “Could you tell Teor that I am sorry for not telling him my true identity?” Skye asked and kept her eyes on the ground. “After seeing the way he was so determined that I was not a demon, I didn’t want to disappoint him.” 

When she heard no reply, she looked up and saw Ulisse smiling at her. “Of course, I will be sure to pass him the message.” He replied, his smile widening. 

Skye’s expression became curious as she turned her eyes away. “It seems like Teor is wrong…” She mumbled under her breath.

Ulisse raised an eyebrow in question waiting for her to elaborate. A very small smile lit up her face as she shook her head. “He told me that his father is more prejudiced towards demons but…you have been nothing but kind and friendly to me. It is obvious Teor is wrong in this aspect of you.” She replied not knowing the effect her words had on him. “Farewell, King Ulisse.” Skye said before turning around and disappearing into the forest with the wolf beside her. Ulisse stared after her, her words replaying in his mind. He could not deny the girl was right. His son did not know him very well and that was all Ulisse’s own fault. He vowed to get to know Teor more as he made his way back to the castle.

***

“What?”

The exclamation sounded out throughout the room. Silence filled the room then there was a shuffling and soon only three demons remained in the room. They all had horns except for the one on the left and wings that were different in size and colour. The middle demon however was the only one that had matching pointed wings and horns. 

“Calm down, Devin. The news should not alarm you that much.”

The demon on the right who had two pairs of large black wings, curved horns spoke up. He tried to put a hand on his brother’s shoulder but Devin jerked out of his reach. Devin then turned his electric blue eyes to his brother, Vince, angrily. 

“Do you not see what this means, Vince?” He asked, trying to keep his anger under control. “If we had met her earlier, we could have prevented all the pain and sadness!” Devin exclaimed, his body trembling slightly causing his fangs to protrude as he thought back to what he had seen through the pendant. A hand clasped down on his shoulder tightly and he moved to shrug it off but it remained firm. He turned and stared straight into violet eyes.

“Now that I have found her after all these years, I will not let any harm come her way.”

Devin slumped slightly under the larger demon’s grasp and shook his head. “It doesn’t matter if we protect her for the present and future. It is the past that cannot be erased.” 

The larger demon knotted his eyebrows together in confusion. “What do you mean?” He asked and Vince was about to speak when Devin shot him a warning glance. 

“You will find out in due time.” Devin said just as the stone to the room rolled away. A red-haired female demon walked into the room, her hooves tapping noisily on the stone floor. She stopped just a few feet away from the three demons before bowing her head slightly in submission.

“Eavis, I have returned.”

Eavis threw a glance at both Vince and Devin to signify they will talk about this later before stepping towards the female demon. “It has been a while. How was your trip?” He asked, allowing the female demon to straighten herself up. She looked at him with her yellow eyes then a small smile played onto her lips.