The Duke's Passion

"Uncle Stefan."

Law narrowed his eyes, etching the man's face in his head. The longer he stared at him, the more he distinguished some resemblance he had to his father. Not just by the color of their hair, he had some minor resemblance that could make one say he was connected to Samael.

"I never heard your name from my father," he said, clutching his hand as he had a bad feeling about this. "You are not invited to this party, so you should leave before I tell my father."

"Oh, no, my little nephew." Stefan clicked his tongue continuously, sighing while cocking his head to the side. "Don't be so heartless. I risked my life going here to meet and greet you a happy birthday. How can you chase me out like that?"

"I'm leaving." Law let out a sharp sigh as he attempted to turn around but stopped when Stefan crooked a finger.

"Come here, nephew. That is not how you greet your uncle."

The little boy stared at the crimson eyes glowing brightly, telling himself he should leave at once. However, he found himself approaching him and before he knew it, he was already standing in front of Stefan. The latter squatted down, tilting his head from one side to the other as he sized him up close.

"Aren't you a good boy?" The side of Stefan's lips stretched until his teeth were showing. "Unlike your wretched mother and that damn father of yours, their son is less... detestable."

"What have you done to me?" Despite sensing the danger and anomaly of his action, Law remained calm. He had to. This man was controlling his movements, so Law secured his mind on instinct. 

"Nothing, boy. I did nothing. Why you came here is because you are... attracted to my scent," Stefan explained with a low chuckle, ruffling Law's hair lightly. "Or maybe you can blame it on your father for suppressing the monster in you."

"I see..." Law nodded in understanding as seeing this man up close made him understand one thing, hatred. "Did you come here to speak nonsense? Expecting to manipulate me with your empty words? You are a fool if that is so."

"Oh?"

"I may be weak and still a child, but your words don't matter to me. You can speak of anything — even insult my father right in front of me. But, I will do nothing now since I am weak and still a child." Law's voice lowered, staring into Stefan's menacing eyes bravely. "Even so, I will surely remember it and return the favor once I become stronger."

"Pfft —!" Stefan laughed loudly, hunching in with his arms on his stomach. This child was surely Lilou's and Samael for he was just as annoying as them.

Law just stared at him in silence, trying to move away, but couldn't. It was as if there was an invisible chain wrapped around his ankle, keeping him on his spot. 

"So funny! Haha!" Stefan wiped the invisible tears on the corner of his eyes, chuffed at this boy's words. "You remind me of someone!"

"Uncle Stefan, are you planning to abduct me?" 

Suddenly, Law inquired without beating around the bush. Right now, it was just the two of them. If Stefan's plan was to abduct him, then he would succeed if he did it now.

"Huh? Why would I abduct you, my nephew?" 

"If that is not your plan, then why did you lure me here?" his follow-up question came quick, blinking languidly while keeping his cold front. "Well, I guess abducting me will give you a lot of trouble since my father is friends with the Chief Knight. If I go missing, they won't leave you alone."

Stefan's eyes drooped until they were just partially open. "That is right. If I abduct you, it will be troublesome. I told you, my nephew, the reason I am here is to greet you on this special day."

"It is not needed, but thank you."

"Hmm. What a child." A sigh slipped past Stefan's nose, cupping his jaw with his eyes on this little version of Samael. "I wonder... if I talk about Lilou, will that cold front break just like your father?"

The young boy's slight change in expression was enough for an answer to Stefan as he simpered. It seemed his nephew just loved his mother so much that he would lose his composure once she was the subject. 

"Do you know, nephew? You shouldn't have been born. Lilou and I were together first, after all. We even planned to have children together — we're almost there, nephew. Almost. But alas, your father... that damn creature stole everything from me." Stefan sighed heavily, making Law furrow his brows as he watched his disheartened uncle. "First, he stole the love of my life and then took away my beloved brothers. Then, my power, position, my people."

The more Stefan added the list of what Samael stole from him, the more Law tried to tell his feet to move. The danger signs were hovering over his head, but he couldn't move a muscle anymore. All he could do was to witness the wicked man speaking hatred in front of him.

"My nephew, there were so many things that your father took away from me. And yet, here I am, talking to you instead of sending your head to him! Aren't I generous?" his grin grew sinister, leaning his face forward to see Law's pale complexion. "Just like your damn father, your life had stolen the life of my child. You shouldn't have been born, but my child — Lilou and mine."

"You're sick," Law spat out under his breath, unable to look away from his eyes. "I don't know why you hated my father so much, but never speak of my mother's name with such a disgusting look in your eyes."

"Hah! How silly...!" Stefan laughed but then held Law's head with both his hands. "You... my nephew, is just as detestable as your father and I can squash your head if I so pleased, but killing you is not enough to make him suffer."

"Ahh...!" Law clutched Stefan's wrist, feeling his head being crushed slowly and painfully. "Ah! It — hurts..."

"Haha... dumb child. My nephew, I told you I came here to greet you, right? It will be impolite if I don't give you a present!" Stefan leaned closer, forcing Law to look into his eyes. "Happy Birthday, Law! I hope you will treasure my present."

Law's eyes slowly dilated as the life in it dimmed. 

— End of Volume 5.2 — 

NOTE: As you noticed, volume 5 part 2 is a break from all that has happened from the previous ones. It is also a volume to set the tone in volume 6 (TDP's last volume). Yes, this is final. Volume 6 is the last volume for TDP's main story. 

Fret not, the story will have side stories of their life after. There will be short stories about the characters, backstories (for example: Samael's life while raising Law), and longer narrative around their children (?) I'm not sure about the last.

As we slowly reach the last part of the book, I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone who reached this far with me. Your support means a lot to me, comments, gifts, votes GT and PS, and just by reading my work. THANK YOU. I hope to see you all till the end <3

I would also like to promote my other works: 

- Sinbound: His Majesty's Witch (Soon be Villainess for the Devil) (under revision)

- True Alpha's Chosen Mate (ongoing)

- The Devil's Pet (soon)

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