Heart of Darkness

Lucrezia knew that she could not disclose everything yet because what she wanted to do was to reorganize the whole ruler system of the demons and those ruling were very dangerous. She needed Skender for those changes so she didn’t want to put him in danger before that.

She took Skender away to somewhere spontaneous just for the safety of what she was going to tell him. Now that he was complete, she could see the sharp focus in his eyes and she was sure her actions alone were giving him hints.

He looked around concerned as to why she took them away. He stepped closer and came to stand in front of her. “Who are you afraid of?” He asked in a low tone.

“Those that you should be afraid of as well.” She walked away and led him into the woods where they walked down a narrow path. “People in power will always want to uphold their power and anything that is seen as a threat to their power will be eliminated.”

He listened in silence.

“As you know, you are not only an Arch because you belong to the third generation of demons, you are also a defender which means that your power is passed down all generations without decreasing if you reproduce with another defender. There is something special about your bloodline that differentiate you from other demons and that could be it.” She continued to explain.

“Some say that defenders have an endless amount of power and depending on who they fight to defend, their powers can extend to the needed capacity.” She turned to him. “That makes you a threat. But perhaps there is something more as we know your bloodline is special.”

Skender sighed looking disturbed. “How much of that is true then? The power that can expand in capacity.”

She shrugged. “I am not sure. Only you can know if faced with such a threat, but there is something else. A prophecy. A vision was seen by the demons with prophetic abilities, like myself.”

Skender frowned.

“An Alexander that would come in times of tyranny to save the world. It could be you.”

“Could?”_.

“Well, visions are complicated. When you were born and were expected to rise and fight the tyranny that existed during that time, you didn’t because of your curse so some abandoned the belief that you were the Alexander in the prophecies, but there has been no other Alexander. And I think the tyranny you are meant to fight is different.”

He didn’t like what he was hearing. She could understand that it was such a burden especially since a fight always brought loss on both sides.

“Don’t worry about that part. I am sure you will know when the time is right if you are the one or not. Right now, we should focus on how to find that archdemon and for you to keep your powers hidden as much as possible. If something happens that exposes you, or the best way becomes to expose you, then you have to make yourself not look like a threat. You will be no one than what they want you to be. Someone they can weaponize and use for their own benefits and that will allow you into their realm which will be the first step.”

He looked at her with a frown.

“The arch is also divided and that can work to your benefit.” She summarized.

He nodded understanding her meaning.

“How do I know which side to appeal to?”

“Trust me, when the time comes you will know.”

“As always, you just leave me more confused.” He said.

“I need to go now and work on finding more information. Wait for me until then.” She told him.

She was about to leave when he grasped her arm. He pulled her closer, his blue eyes burning into hers. “Answer one question. What do you gain from all of this?”

“Freedom.”

He looked at her for a long moment then slowly released her arm. “And what are you willing to sacrifice for that freedom?”

“Nothing. I want it without sacrificing anything. I just know I have to sacrifice something and perhaps after I have done so, I won’t think it is worth it. We will see.”

He regarded her thoughtfully but said nothing.

“I’ll see you when I have some more information.” She said and then teleported back home.

Many thoughts ran through her head and she began to think that perhaps exposing him would be the right way to make him gain power by making him join the Arch. But she would have to make sure first that it would work and make some kind of promotion.

She sighed, not liking the idea in her head. She made her way to where she could normally find her torturer, one of his homes where he received guests. This was probably the first time she came to his home without being invited.

She made herself comfortable in the parlor and waited, knowing that he would come as soon as he was free. His servants watching his home had probably already informed him and she was right. He came to her just a moment later.

“Am I dreaming?” He said watching her intently as he neared. “It is the first time you have come to visit me.”

“Probably the last time as well.” She had to remain hostile for him not to become suspicious.

He sat across from her and watched her with a tilted head. “You probably came for a favor so you shouldn’t behave that way or perhaps you are doing it because you know, I would do the favor for you anyway.”

Lucrezia could never understand how his twisted mind worked.

“As you know, I spend a lot of time in the human world because of my work. It has come to my attention that an archdemon could be involved with the shades.” She said.

He nodded unfazed. “What makes you think so?”

He wanted to extract information from her but from his reaction, he knew something.

“I just don’t want one of us to be the enemy.” She said not answering his question.

His gaze drifted to the side as if contemplating something, then he looked back at her. “Just keep yourself away from the shades business.”

She frowned. “I can’t. I should know so I can protect myself and those I am responsible for.”

“The ones you punish?”

“Yes.”

“Forget them.”

“You know their redemption is the only way I can find mine.”

He sighed.

“You don’t need redemption.” He leaned closer. “I will get rid of those things.”

He was overly self-confident. That was one weakness she had on him. He wanted to get rid of the old rules which meant he would have to get rid of the ones who kept those rules. Other demons, as powerful as him.

“Until then.”

“So you are on my side?”

“You should not speak carelessly.” He had also become too bold over the years.

He stood up from his seat with a smile and came to sit beside her. Close to her. He put one arm behind her back but didn’t touch her. “Are you worried about me?” he said leaning closer.

She didn’t turn to him. “Not at all.”

“Don’t worry. I have things under control and I wish for you to be by my side when the time comes.” His arm came around her from behind, gently pulling her closer to his body. Lucrezia tried not to flinch as she felt his hot breath through her hair. “I know you are ambitious and I like that about you. If you are with me, you will have it all.”

She drew herself away but he wasn’t willing to let go. “How much longer will you make me wait, Lucrezia? I have been very patient but my patience is running out.” He spoke, his tone thick with frustration.

“I already told you not to wait. It’s useless.”

He grabbed her jaw and turned her head to face him. “You are only doing it to upset me. You said never so you want to uphold that even though you have changed your mind. Have you not?”

The man was delusional.

He cupped the back of her neck, forcing her face closer to his. “I won’t tease you about it. Come to me now.”

She placed her hand on his chest and pushed herself away. “If you are not going to help me, then I will help myself.” She said standing up.

“Sit down!” He told her sounding angry. So he was truly losing his patience? She knew this time would come sooner or later.

When she didn’t, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her down to sit. “I think I have been too nice to you, so let’s do this. I will help you but what do I get in return? Because trust me, you will need my help.”

“I will give you my loyalty.” She said.

“Not enough.” He told her.

“Then what do you want?”

“You will give me a real chance and spend time with me.”

Her skin crawled.

“Alright. I will give you a fair chance because you really think it will work but your help has to be worth it.”

His eyes darkened. “The shades are created by my brother.”