The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 465: Marks The End

Chapter 465: Marks The End

At the peak of the mountain, where the air was thin and the wind howled relentlessly, an ominous atmosphere enveloped the surroundings. The vast expanse of the ground below stretches out in every direction, shrouded in darkness, amplified by the absence of the moon on this new moon night. The absence of natural light intensifies the sense of foreboding, turning the landscape into a place of shadows and mystery.

Every rustle and creak were magnified by the darkness, crafting an unsettling symphony that heightened the tension. The limited visibility and the solitude of the mountain peak fostered a feeling of isolation and vulnerability, as if the ordinary rules of the world were suspended in this sanctum of ritualistic power.

Arlan materialized in this ominous setting, his demeanor composed, his cold gaze scanning for his target—the very person responsible for two decades of suffering for him and his family. Now, she threatened the life of the woman he loved.

A cloaked figure, draped in darkness from head to toe, stood amidst the vast expanse, seemingly aware of Arlan’s presence. Her gaze bore into him from beneath the dark veil that obscured her face.

The sole source of illumination emanated from numerous candles and lamps, flickering defiantly against the wind. Their dancing flames cast unsettling shadows on Arlan’s countenance, rendering him even colder than usual.

Edna, with a subtle flick of her fingers, conjured magical circles that adorned the ground in various places, altering the very appearance of the surroundings. She advanced toward Arlan, her gaze searching not only for him but also for someone else in the mysterious gloom.

"I don’t see your betrothed here," she remarked, circling around him. "Are you not aware of what we are about to undertake today?"

"I am," he replied.

"Then, where is she?" She halted in front of him. "Why are you alone here?"

Arlan returned her gaze, his eyes piercing hers from behind the dark veil as if he could discern them clearly. "What we are going to do doesn’t require her presence. I alone can make it happen."

Edna silently studied him, noting the difference in his gaze from his usual demeanor. She chuckled, "My Prince, you should abandon whatever is on your mind. You know the consequences. Do you wish to wake up to your father’s lifeless body tomorrow?"

His resolute expression remained unchanged. "Try it."

Edna smirked, "As you wish, my Prince."

She closed her eyes for a moment. Upon reopening them, her gaze was filled with shock. "How can this be?"

The blood curse on the King had been lifted. To break that curse, only Edna could accomplish it, or someone as powerful as her could wield black magic. Furthermore, to perform the magic required to lift the curse, the witch needed knowledge of how to incorporate Arlan’s, a Dragon’s blood into the ritual. Arlan can sure give his blood to lift that curse but who could be the one that was capable of performing this curse lifting magic?

’Oriana?’ Edna pondered, ’She isn’t powerful enough to perform such black magic. Who could have done this?’

She gazed at Arlan in disbelief. "How did you do it? Who aided you?"

Arlan remained silent, but in the next moment, his appearance underwent a transformation. His eyes flickered between gold and red, and his skin became adorned with flashes of golden scales. The implication was evident—the Dragon was harnessing his powers. Suddenly, a potent surge of golden light emanated from his being like a flood, enveloping them in a vast, sparkling golden globe that encapsulated the entire area. It seemed he had not only planned to vanquish the witch but obliterate the entire space she had prepared for her dark rituals.

Edna’s voice, tinged with panic, echoed, "What are you doing?"

His red eyes locked onto her as he continued emitting his powers. "Putting an end to your greed and my suffering."

Edna understood his intent. "Do you plan to kill me? You’re aware that you’ll have to destroy yourself, your very soul as well."

Arlan remained impassive to her words, the power radiating from his body intensifying. The globe that surrounded them grew stronger, as if each infusion of power would obliterate everything within its confines.

Edna looked around and realized Arlan was setting a stronger trap so she wouldn’t be able to step out of it and then he would kill her.

’I need to get out of here.’

Edna used her power, trying to get out of that energy globe Arlan had created but she failed.

’He is using every extent of his power. I can’t beat it.’

Arlan’s power was much more stronger than her as her stronger power’s origin was Arlan’s divine blood. If it was not for his family’s life at the stake, he would have killed her long back. With his family free from the curse, now she had no means to stop him. She knew, if she couldn’t get out of it, it was her end.

"You’ve never been this resolute before, but suddenly you’ve changed. Why? For whom? That girl, your betrothed?" Her words fell on the deaf ears of a man orchestrating her demise.

"Why is she so special to you? Don’t tell me you’ve chosen her as your mate?" She uttered it on a whim, but realization dawned upon her. She realised how he tried to keep Oriana away from her and even protected her all the time. It was not due to the fear of her blood could free Edna but he feared of Oriana’s life. "That’s it. You found your mate? The daughter of your enemy is your mate? Instead of killing her, you’re trying to protect her? You’ve lost your mind, my Prince. Have you forgotten how that old man killed your mother in front of your very own eyes? Have forgotten your mother’s pain?"

She continued her tirade while Arlan completed the creation of the powerful globe. As he opened his eyes to meet her gaze, she sensed the impatience within him to carry out her execution. He took a step forward, prompting Edna to retreat.

"You must cease, my Prince. If you harm me, you’ll make the gravest mistake of your life. Your mate... ughh...."

Before she could finish her words, Arlan moved with lightning speed, his powerful grip tightening around Edna’s neck.

"Today marks the end for both of us," Arlan spoke through gritted teeth, his hold constricting around her throat.