Bride To His Darkness
Chapter 221: Lost Connection

Chapter 221: Lost Connection

After the Lanterns were successfully released, Ivan strode through the passageway to his library chamber, but on the way, he came to a stop when his eyes inadvertently spotted a young man sitting on the bench that had been placed beside the passageway. Ivan’s eyes subconsciously rolled to the back of his head at the sight of him, but nevertheless, he walked up to the bench and took his seat beside the dark-haired man who gazed into space.

The young man’s eyebrows twitched in displeasure, his expression solemn, but he did not bother to look in Ivan’s direction as he said, "it’s rather unusual to see you sitting here when everyone else avoids me like I’m a disease. To what do I owe this unfavorable company?"

"How’s your health?" Ivan asked differently, as if he never heard the question that was being said to him, and that only made the young man grow more confused. Infact, he felt slightly embarrassed by that question, and he wasn’t in good spirit to indulge in topics that concerned his illness. Despite his aristocratic refinement, if one got a closer look at him, they would notice the slight hollowness of his cheeks, and his eyes, which were downturned, didn’t do anything to aid him.

King Duncan was the new ruler of Caledonia, the son of a distant relative of Ivan’s from his Father’s side, though they left Vesunard long before Ivan’s family did. He possessed the features of a typical vampire– skin, pale and spotless, eyes crimson-red, and he never makes an appearance during the day except at night. His endurance to the light of the day was extremely limited, and the only reason he was able to be a part of the clash of valor event was because he had a shade to keep him protected.

His Midnight-black hair, which sprawled past his shoulders to his back, framed the side of his face, and despite suffering from an illness that he had to grow with since his tender age, it didn’t take away his charms. He was still lusted after, but due to his illness, he was greatly avoided as they feared he might pass it on to them. The only ones who still kept contact with him were Ivan, Alistair, and some other relatives who were still in Vesunard, but presently, he didn’t need anyone’s company.

"If you keep staying silent about it, it won’t do you any good. I want to help you get better, but if you keep declining my offer to aid you in finding the cure, then there isn’t much I can do." Ivan admitted to Duncan whose lazy eyes glanced his way, but, knowing Duncan was someone who hardly said much, Ivan shoved his hand in his pocket and brought out the dark purple crystal he had seized from Agathe. He showed it to Duncan who eyed the object before returning his gaze to Ivan.

"Can you tap into the memory of this, it belonged to Agathe." He said, "she was using this crystal to communicate with someone, but it slipped my mind before I could ask her for the name. When invoking a demon, the name has to be mentioned. Now I’m sure, the war isn’t over yet, and whoever used her in the name of helping her has the aim to ruin the legacy of our Family’s name. Do you think you can tap into the mind of the crystal?" He inquired from Duncan who gazed at the crystal warily.

Asides from being ill, Duncan possessed a powerful bloodline that could ascend him to becoming an indestructible Lord like Ivan, but due to his illness, it prohibited him from making it to that stage. However, he was gifted the ability to tap into the past memories of anyone, including objects they have held, but it is not possible without consent.

Receiving the crystal from Ivan, Duncan gazed at the glowing object, feeling the darkness that raptured within it. His irises shimmered unnaturally with tiny gold flecks, whilst connecting with the artifact, and although the images that flashed in his head were vague, he could make out the figure in front of him to be Agathe. He was picturing the scenes from the crystal’s view, and more images flashed incessantly through his mind, along with a low-pitch whispering voice that made no sense.

"The voices are incoherent." Duncan murmured, still staying tied to the crystal. His closed eyes squinted into concentration, and eventually, he got a clearer picture of Agathe as she sat in her Chamber. She had brought the crystal from where she hid it, and in her eyes were evident fear mixed with determination, she whispered forth.

"Demon of the shadows, I summon thee. Reveal thyself through this gem and answer my call." Her voice was clear in the minds of Duncan. She uttered more chants that Duncan failed to understand, they sounded diabolical, but when it got to the part where he was close to hearing her reveal the name behind the crystal, the images immediately blacked out in his mind.

"..."

Duncan could no longer sense her voice, nor his connection to the crystal. Ivan, whose eyes were veiled with hope, watched as the crystal which glowed mysteriously lost its luminous effect, and just like the one he had found with Callum, the once mystical crystal turned plain.

"The connection was cut." Duncan opened his eyes and looked at Ivan, handing him the crystal. "It seems like whoever picked up on my presence has destroyed its connection with the crystal. I could not get the name." He handed the crystal back to Ivan and rose to his feet, "Whatever you’re dealing with is preventing you from finding its whereabouts. I advise you to thread carefully, or you might fall into its trap. If you need me, I’ll be in the piano room."

Leaving Ivan with these words, he turned to take his leave.

Ivan gazed at the crystal with evident apprehension, and he no longer felt the energy it once pulsated. Who could be behind the crystal, and why was it manipulating people using their emotions? First it was Callum, then Lady Agathe, it made him dread for who might be the next to fall victim to the crystal.

Shoving it into his pocket as he released a sigh, he stood up and left.