The Crown and The Rose
Chapter 40: Inevitable

Chapter 40: Inevitable

The Crown

"How the hell did Abyliths come here?!" Another guy from my side exclaims, "It’s i-impossible! Abyliths can’t be here!"

Just as he screams, a wave of dark shadow swarms out of the woods surrounding the fields. Their upper body—head to shoulder—resembles humans and their lower bodies gradually fade to black smoke. Their whole being is intense dark energy that is shaped into the darkest shade of smoke I have ever seen.

Dread pools in the pit of my stomach and my throat is a desert. I have read of Abyliths many times. There are countless myths about this mysterious creature. They suck people dry. I mean dry. They suck your soul, your blood, and your magic out. Just getting close to it can be deathly. Though they are included in the race of demons, they are life-taking, even for demons.

But these creatures live in the western domain of the demon realm. There is no way that they are here. Demons are forbidden to step into a demon lord’s domain without the permission of the lord. It is a vicious crime in this realm.

I squint, there is another figure in the middle of the riot of the Abyliths, seemingly leading them. My mind starts to race as I try to scrutinize the situation while the other demons run to the opposite to save their lives.

"Lush, get the fuck out of here!" Erick bellows as he starts to drag me out of the way of the Abyliths, horror, and tension clear in the way his eyes are darting and how he is sweating profusely, "Do you have a death wish?"

But I don’t budge, my eyes narrowing at the dark figure, "They can’t get close to me Erick." I assure him without looking at him, "Being close to me will only kill them. I am a light magic wielder. You run for it, take Edward with you, and let Lord Vermillion about the situation."

Erick’s eyes dart between me and the Abyliths moving toward us with a dangerous speed then gives me a tight nod before letting go of my arm and running toward the healer’s camp.

"Okay then—" I look around the almost empty field, "—let’s get to work." I roll my neck, relishing the sound of the knot in my neck snapping.

I flick my wrist and a sword of light appears in my hand. I charge forward to the launching wave of Abyliths. There are at least 200 of them. I am already on a magic surprassent potion and my magic is down to 30%. There is not much that I can do. But I can’t let these immature demons die. Maybe I am well too compassionate but I am not cold-blooded like them. Many people have already died in these hellish trials. I can’t let any more of them die. I don’t care if they know I am the prince or shit. I need to get out of here first to think what they will do to me.

Every Abylith dissipates with a blood-crudling howl as my blade touches them. The night sky is black as Abyliths covers it. Only the shining light of my blade is leading my way. I can now clearly see the figure standing amidst them. And my eyes widen as I figure out who the person is.

It’s Peter.

My heart sinks. His mouth is a hanging gap, his eyes are the darkness of the abyss and skin is as pale as a sheet. A horrified gasp tumbles past my lips and Peter’s head snaps in my direction.

Guess it can hear me.

In the state Peter is, it’s evident that there is nothing I can do to save him. His soul, blood, and magic have been sucked dry and by the look of it, he is possessed as well. I gulp down the forming knot in my throat.

I need to breathe. But I can’t. There is too much dark magic around me. And I am running out of magic power rapidly. But I refuse to die here.

All I need to do is to eliminate Peter, right?

I take in a suffocating breath, aim my sword in his direction, and charge at him. As my sword pierces him, everything stills. I let out a breath.

It was easier than I thought.

"Your magic is too weak, my prince." That voice. That mysterious voice in the woods from last night rings through the air. "It cannot pierce my soul."

Ice slides down my spine and my gaze drops to Peter’s body, which is leaning against me, my sword still invading his abdomen. Peter’s head cracks up to meet my eyes, there is the creepiest smile I have ever seen. Fear paralyzes me and I simply... stop.

All my instincts start to scream at me to go as far away as possible from this thing. I let go of my sword and jump back, tripping over a stray brunch, my buttocks hit the ground. My eyes are wide with fear and sweat forms on my hairline as I see Peter’s body crack and something slowly starts to come out from the back of his body. It’s just as furry and white as last night. It is almost like the entity is shading its skin.

"You are too weak to face me, little prince." The voice says again.

And I know death is inevitable. Its presence is almost as overwhelming as Vermilion, but it’s far more violent and evil. My eyes start to dart around, looking for an escape. But I am trapped, I am trapped among Abyliths. They are surrounding me like a clock. I haven’t even noticed when they did that.

Now that I think about it... why does it all seem like it’s been planned? To kill me...? My thoughts are interrupted by the overwhelming fear in my system as I see two white furry ears coming out from the back of Peter’s head. Then a pair of foxy eyes. I freeze in my spot.

As I am about to give up on the hopes of getting out of here, a red silhouette appears before me and I see the light amongst the darkness. I know I am saved.

Vermilion.