AM I THE DEVIL?

Liz got closer and ruffled Lucian's soft hair...

" My dear, nothing would happen as long as we stick together. As long as am alive, those bad people will never take your mother away...all you have to do is grow up fast and protect us all...alright..." Liz spoke encouraging him.

Lucian sighed, he was glad that Liz was fine but he felt disturbed. What if those bad people still managed to get his mother...or what if something happens to Liz?? He will never forgive himself for being so useless. Honestly, he could have used the beast inside, but he feared he would lose control of it. He certainly didn't want his mother or grandmother to see that demonic side of him...

Feeling his disturbance, Raphael was beginning to worry...

'Lucian everything will be fine, you have to trust your grandmother...No other alternative is better than what she is doing now...'

Raphael declared but at the same time, he was wondering why Anna's father would want to sacrifice his daughter. There must be an inner story. Looks like Lucian will have a lot of thorns on his way in the future.

In the palace courtyard of the king, Lucas sat in his armchair looking stressed, he had drunk so much alcohol and was feeling a little tipsy. Before him was the same man a few days ago with the black hood covering half his face. No one could see his expression.

"My son will be sending his troops to the last town in this kingdom...it's called... I think valley town... If we don't find her there, we'll have to make arrangements to extend the search to the next kingdom." Lucas said groggily.

"She is right here in this kingdom. The life force surrounding the red stone only extends to the end of this kingdom. If she had crossed the sea, then its light would dim. As it is giving off so much light, she is right in this kingdom... Besides I noticed something interesting yesterday...." Nathan said. There was not a bit of emotion in his voice.

"B...but what if they don't find her in that town??..." Lucas asked, he didn't want to think of the consequences. It was his fault for signing up a deal with this devil and there was no going back. He had to make sure he did everything he wanted or he'll be dead on the spot.

"Then we have a lot more interesting things to unfold... I have sensed the magic of one of my lost sorcerers... Knowing her... She wouldn't just pick up sorcery again, unless...unless she is trying to conceal something or plotting something. In my opinion, she is concealing something..." Nathan responded as his visible thin lips formed a smirk that sent shivers down Lucas' spine. He was starting to sweat. He didn't know what Nathan was talking about...

"What..."

"Quiet! Someone is coming..." Nathan interrupted his speech and concealed his presence. Though he was still in the courtyard, anyone that entered will not be able to see or sense him.

"Father!"

Nora entered the courtyard while narrowing her eyes. " Father, were you talking to someone just now... I thought I heard your voice..." Nora asked looking around. Was the king talking to himself???

"Aaah... I was just complimenting the new wine... It tastes very good, come take a sip..." Lucas replied and attempted to pour her some wine.

"Ooh father, you know I don't drink..." Nora said and pouted as she approached the king.

"Ooh...oh how could I forget...aah child pardon my old brain... anyway as you are already here, I do have something to discuss with you. I learned you have rejected all your suitors, why is that...are planning to become a nan? " Lucas asked in an attempt to divert the conversation.

"Father! That is why I've come to see you... " Nora said still pouting as she went along to sit beside the king, looking rather childish.

"Ooh...you've finally agreed on a suitor?? Who is it?? I will make a decree so he marries you immediately..." Lucas stated, looking compulsive.

Nora's eyes turned bright and sparkled with crinkles at the corners. Her cheeks were lifted giving her skin a rosy glow with her mouth turned up in a wide grin. Her brows were raised showing her delight.

Amidst her delight, she said " Father... I want to marry the man Anna was betrothed to..."