The Crown and The Rose
Chapter 41: Darkness

Chapter 41: Darkness

The Rose

"Tenebra, I have once forbidden you to step a foot onto my territory two hundred years ago and yet you dare to disobey me?" I raise a questioning eyebrow at the white-haired, fox, who is currently in his human form—though it is clear that he is a fox by those white husky hair and nine waving tails behind him, "Not only that you dare to lay your hands on what is mine?"

Peter’s sucked-dry body is lying limply on the side. I knew that all these kidnappings were done by this nine-tailed fox. But I needed to know who he was using for this job. Last night when I found Lush in the woods, I knew who was possessed by Tenebra’s soul. I wanted to handle it silently but seems like I am a bit late.

My cold eyes flicker over him and then I focus them on the looming foe before me, my eyes narrow into slits.

"Come one, Vermilion." Tenebra shrugs, "This is so fun playing with a curious and brave fellow like Lush."

"Tenebra, it’s a futile attempt to deceive me." My mind racks over the place without taking my eyes off him, he is way too dangerous for that, "I know you have some other motives. Whether you will tell me or I will make you tell me, your choice."

Tenabra’s smile doesn’t dissipate as he swings his snow-white tails dancing in the air, "I chose neither of them, brother,"— My eyes sharpen further—"Why do you hate playing with your younger brother so much?"

"Do not dare to call me, ’Brother’, Tenebra." My voice is ice—if not colder—as I enunciate my every word, the cold flame of fury flaring in my chest.

"You never change, do you, brother?" He drawls and then his eyes flicker behind me and my jaw clenches as I realize who he is looking at, "However this is not the right time we have this conversation, brother." His eyes are back to mine, "I shall take my leave now. Take care of your pawn, brother. He is a great weapon."

"I may not let you leave this place." I state as I take a step toward him, my foot setting the ground beneath it on fire, resembling my anger, "I cannot let you roam free."

"You cannot catch me, brother." Tenebra smiles smugly that gets on my every single nerve, "And before you catch me, I think you should stop these Abyliths. they will annihilate every single life in this field." And he vanishes into the thin air.

Serahina and Tenebra is very similar to each other. Their that signature poisonous smile. They way they provoke their enemies, etcetera. But their looks doesn’t resemble each other. Tenebra looks rather like... me. His snow white hair and sharp structures are like my carbon copy but aside from his eyes. Which are yellow. There is nothing that is alike other than our presence and appearance. I loath him from the depth of my bones.

I scan the area. Tenebra is not wrong. I cannot allow these creatures like this. I look down on Lush, who is seemingly on the verge of passing out. His face is as pale as a sheet and I can clearly see the tremor in his limbs. I have decided what I have to do.

"Professor Felix." I call out in my mind, my voice is as calm and collected as it has ever been, "Thake all the students and evacuate to the Syx. Also, take those who are still trapped in the forest of the human realm. There is no time to eradicate them. And we cannot afford any human to spot the."

Felix’s reply is short and simple, "Yes, sir."

By connecting with someone’s core we can forge a path where we can communicate with each other from miles away. This is called telepathy. A lost art. I, myself haven’t used this art for centuries. I never needed to. But I have no problem using it when the situation calls for it.

This is why I like Felix. He did not flinch or waste any time pondering over how I was talking in his head. He is always ready for a good treat.

I snap my finger and everything freezes within 100 meters redius. Ice starts to consume the dark magic flying around us. Abyliths are frozen inside the thick lair of my ice though they are still floating in the mid-air. Then they start to fade into black smoke and get consumed by my crystal-clear ice.

I fist my hand and my ice melts away, raining down from the sky and getting mixed into the environment. I have learned this kind of concentration and control over my magic throughout the centuries. No normal human or demon can master such magic. Even demon blue-bloods are far more inferior than me. They don’t stand a chance against me. This is just how formidable I am.

I slowly approach Lush. My heart clenches for unfathomable reasons as I see the fear in his eyes. I can imagine how he felt when he was surrounded by Abylthis and encountered Tenebra. It is not unusual for him to be scared. Not even Seraphina can withstand his wrath. And Lush is a mere human.

Tenebra is pure evil. It is not like that I am not. But it would be a commendable mistake if one put both of us on a scale. He and I are different. He does things solely for his own fun. And I...

I pick up Lush from the ground, sliding my one arm under his knees and the other behind his back. I hold him close to my chest. I can feel him trembling slightly.

"You did well, prince." I whisper to him though my tone does not give away any emotion, "Your first mission is accomplished."

Tenebra is gone. I can’t sense his presence in my domain anymore just like I did since he stepped his foot here. Peter is gone. And without much doubt those, who were kidnapped by him are dead as well. There is nothing more to investigate. Thus Lush’s first mission is accomplished.

You are way stronger now Lush Von Blade. Two years later, you better be grateful for all the things I have done for you...