The Return of the Demon Prince
1157 Words
I was leaving the Queen's Quarters when I spotted Shira emerging from the Royal Kitchen.
Judging by the sideways glances and whispered murmurs of the servants nearby, news of my transfer had already spread through the palace like wildfire.
As Shira approached, her confident stride faltered.
We stopped face to face.
Without hesitation, I reached forward and slipped my sapphire necklace from around her neck.
She gasped, ready to protest, but the icy stares of the royal guards standing nearby silenced her before a word could leave her lips.
"This is the only thing I would have returned for," I said, letting the sapphire rest in my palm.
I fastened it around my own neck before meeting her stunned gaze.
"Thank you for keeping it safe. But it looks much better on its rightful owner."
A few nearby maids stifled amused laughs as I walked away, leaving Shira standing speechless.
~
The Grand Capital roared with celebration.
After nearly a year defending Velmoria's southern border against the armies of Solvarion, the King and the two Princes were finally returning home.
Every corner of the royal castle had come alive with preparation. Long banners bearing the silver wolf crest fluttered from the towering walls, fresh garlands of white lilies and moon blossoms adorned the marble corridors, and polished chandeliers scattered warm light across the gleaming floors. Servants hurried through the halls carrying trays of food, flower arrangements, and embroidered banners while musicians tested their instruments, filling the palace with lively melodies.
"Come on, Asphodel!" A cheerful young woman grabbed my hand as we hurried through the bustling corridors.
"The royal procession is almost here!"
"Excuse us!"
"Pardon!"
"Oh!" One servant stumbled aside as Auren narrowly avoided colliding with him.
Laughing, she pushed open the grand double doors.
Inside, the vast rehearsal hall buzzed with life. Dancers practiced graceful formations while musicians perfected the triumphant anthem that would welcome the royal family home.
"The procession is almost at the castle gates!" Auren exclaimed. "Let's go greet the King with everyone else!"
"No, Auren," the chief singer replied calmly.
"Aww... Why, Daphne?"
"You already know why." Without looking up, Daphne continued arranging the performance costumes.
"We've spent six months preparing for tonight. Missing the procession is a small sacrifice if it means delivering a flawless performance."
She smiled knowingly. "Besides, you'll see your beloved Prince Cassian tonight."
"Uuu..." The dancers burst into teasing laughter.
Auren's cheeks turned bright red. "I can't help it! Prince Cassian is incredibly handsome!"
"And what about Prince Azravael?" Lyra asked mischievously.
Auren folded her arms. "No. He's handsome too, but not nearly as mysteriously charming as my Prince Cassian."
Their playful bickering made me laugh.
"Hey." Someone gently pinched my side.
"Oh!" I jumped before turning around.
"Ivan!"
He leaned casually against the wall with an amused grin. "Ready for your first grand performance?"
I shook my head. "Not really... I'm quite nervous."
"You shouldn't be." He smiled reassuringly.
"You joined us at the perfect time, and from everything I've seen, you're a natural performer."
"Oh, stop,” I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile.
"We both know I'm right."
He gave my shoulder a light pat. "So relax. Tonight, we'll create something unforgettable."
As he walked back to the others, I found myself smiling.
"Something unforgettable…”
~
My flowing pink-and-light-green gown billowed through the air as Ivan lifted me high above the stage.
For a fleeting moment, I floated like a blossom carried by the wind before falling gracefully into his waiting arms while the other dancers spun around us in dazzling harmony.
Thunderous applause filled the Grand Hall.
Nobles, Alphas, royals, and delegates from allied packs watched with admiration beneath glittering crystal chandeliers.
Upon the raised dais sat King Dominic, regal upon his throne. Beside him, Queen Cassandra radiated quiet elegance. Prince Azravael sat poised at her side, while Crown Prince Cassian reclined beside his father.
Part of his face remained hidden behind the gold curtain draped above the royal seats, yet his piercing crimson eyes shone through the shadows, carrying an overwhelming aura of power... and danger.
As the performance neared its end, I stepped forward for the final act.
A hush settled over the hall as I poured my heart into the melody.
Tonight, they did not see my scar. They saw my soul— the soul of a lonely nightingale.
As Daphne stepped forward to conclude the performance, I quietly retreated into the shadows.
Then, a strange scent reached me. It was dark… eerie and, revolting!
"Asphodel..." Someone whispered my name from backstage.
I ignored it, scanning the crowd instead.
‘Something is coming!’
The King and Queen had already risen from their seats. Just as Daphne stepped forward… I shoved her aside.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion shook the open hall.
One of the massive pillars supporting the royal dais collapsed, crashing onto the very spot where Daphne had been standing.
Screams erupted.
Panic swept through the hall as nobles fled in every direction while the royal guards rushed to protect the royal family.
Then, through the smoke and shattered stone, a towering beast emerged.
Its earth-shaking roar echoed through the palace as crimson flames erupted around it, spiraling toward the ceiling.
"Demon!" Cries of terror rang out.
"Restrain the prince!" Queen Cassandra shouted.
‘The prince?!...’ My heart stopped.
That enormous beast… was Crown Prince Cassian.
With one sweep of his gigantic arm, he hurled waves of fire at the approaching guards, sending them flying.
His furious howl shook the entire castle.
Amid the beast's roars, I heard another voice.
"Help me..." I froze.
"Don't kill them!..." I slowly turned.
What's happening?
‘Am I the only one who can hear the prince's voice beneath his wolf's rage?’
Suddenly, unfamiliar words poured from my lips. "Elaris nox vaelun... Sylvara en Luneth..."
My hands moved on their own, weaving unseen patterns through the air, as silver light gathered at my fingertips.
I couldn't stop.
"Elaris nox vaelun… Sylvara en Luneth… Myr solae… Cassar vel thyr… Lunara, elyth na vae!”
Flowers burst from the scorched earth beneath my feet, blooming in impossible brilliance…
The world around me blurred in fuchsia haze. I vaguely caught a glimpse of the beast charging straight toward me.
"Asphodel!"
BOOM!
Another explosion thundered across the hall.
A whirlwind of luminous flowers burst from the floor, surrounding both the prince and me in a radiant barrier that concealed us from everyone's sight.
The blossoms spiraled upward, wrapping around the raging flames until the inferno was swallowed whole.
Then came a powerful shockwave.
Petals drifted gently across the marble floor.
The beast… was gone.
In his place lay an unconscious Crown Prince Cassian.
Silence swallowed the hall.
"How...?"
"Impossible..."
"She's a witch!" one of the elders cried.
Within seconds, hundreds of royal guards surrounded us with weapons drawn.
A crushing wave of exhaustion washed over me. My knees buckled and darkness consumed everything.
BLACKOUT
- Writer
