The Damned Demon

The Demonstone Castle stood imposingly in the heart of the Bloodburn Kingdom, its dark, jagged towers piercing the storm-ridden skies.

Deep within the cold, stone walls, a sense of finality hung heavy in the air as Rowena, Naida, Isola, and Ceti stood before the Key—the Void Reaver, a crimson great sword towering higher than they were, its blade buried deeply into the dark marble floor.

A subtle, pulsating light emitted from its core, casting eerie shadows that flickered like the last embers of a dying flame.

The Deviars that had surrounded the Key, once shimmering with energy, were now reduced to flickers, their forms dissolving and shattering into nothingness as the Key absorbed everything they had to offer. The room grew still, save for the low hum of the sword's glow.

Rowena's hand instinctively reached for her belly, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as her eyes focused on the sword's ominous power. Her heart clenched with unease.

"Oh no..." Ceti whispered, her voice thick with dread. "It really absorbed all our Deviars faster than we expected."

Isola's expression darkened, "That time came sooner than we ever imagined. The barrier is down. We're vulnerable now," she said, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on her, "The Draconians could attack at any moment. We need to tell Asher."

Naida nodded gravely, her eyes fixed on the Key, "Asher is still in the Tower of Hell. We can't reach him until he comes out." Her voice was steady, but there was a glint of worry in her eyes.

Rowena's fingers moved gently over her belly again, a conflicted expression crossing her face.

Despite the joy that blossomed in her heart at the thought of carrying Asher's child, the weight of the moment was undeniable. The kingdom was on the brink of collapse, and she could feel it in her bones.

"What are we going to do, Your Majesty?" Ceti asked, her voice soft but filled with concern as her gaze fell to Rowena's belly. She knew Rowena must be feeling the strain of this impending war more than anyone.

Rowena's voice was low, filled with a quiet dread, "Is it really confirmed that Lysandra's insurgency failed?"

Naida's face tightened with sorrow. "I'm afraid it's true. My informants confirmed it. She somehow managed to escape, but now she's being hunted by every Draconian and their vassals. They'll stop at nothing to bring her down."

Rowena closed her eyes, her breath catching in her throat. For the first time, she felt the sharp sting of fear for everything she had fought for—the kingdom, her people, and the future she hoped to build with Asher. The weight of it all pressed down on her chest, suffocating.

She knew now, with cold certainty, that Lysandra's failure had sealed their fate. Unless Asher had another plan in mind, survival seemed increasingly impossible.

"Tell our people to prepare themselves for an imminent war," Rowena said, her voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions inside her, "We need to hide the elderly and the children in the place we discussed earlier, far from our kingdom."

Ceti and Isola exchanged a brief glance, their expressions grim, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Naida stepped forward, her hand gently resting on Rowena's shoulder, offering what comfort she could, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Asher will be back soon. We'll all think of something to save the kingdom. Until then, I will go and prepare the resources my House has to offer."

Naida's words were reassuring, but Rowena couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness. Naida's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she left, her presence a temporary solace in the storm.

"I will also go and inform my father," Isola said, her voice urgent, "Seron and I will make sure our armies are ready for the coming battle." With that, she too departed, leaving Rowena and Ceti alone in the cold underground chamber.

Ceti's soft voice broke the silence as she stepped closer to Rowena, gently taking her hand. "Your Majesty... I hope you keep in mind that no matter what happens, you and Asher have to survive. At least for... you know, the child's sake."

Rowena looked at Ceti, her gaze filled with a quiet sadness. She cupped Ceti's hand in hers, giving a faint nod, "Worst comes to worst, we'll ask Asher to try and use the Key," she said, her voice quiet but firm, "It took almost all our Deviars. We have to make it worth it."

Ceti's lips pressed together, unease still shadowing her features. She nodded slowly, reluctant but understanding. There was no other choice. "I hope it won't come to that," she whispered, but she knew that the Key, for all its ominous power, might be their last hope despite what she saw.

-

The throne hall of the Bloodburn Kingdom was a cavernous space, its high ceilings supported by towering columns that seemed to stretch into the heavens themselves.

The air was thick with the tension of a kingdom bracing for war. Rowena sat on her throne, the weight of the kingdom's fate pressing down on her as she addressed her ministers and vassals.

"Prepare the armies," Rowena commanded, her voice cold yet authoritative, echoing off the stone walls. "Mobilize all units immediately. The Draconians and the likes of Kira will be at our gates before we know it. We can't afford any delays."

The ministers, some pale with fear, others steely-eyed with determination, nodded in unison. "Yes, Your Majesty," they chorused, their voices a blend of loyalty and anxiety.

Rowena stood from her throne, her crimson gaze sweeping across the room, "Do not let fear control you. We have fought to protect this kingdom for centuries. We will not fall today. We fight not just for survival but for the future of our people."

Just as she was about to turn and leave the hall, Seron and Silvan stepped forward, their presence commanding attention. Rowena paused, sensing their urgency.

"Your Majesty," Silvan said respectfully, bowing deeply, his voice unwavering despite the stakes, "May I be entrusted with guarding the southern gates? I wish to take command of 8,000 soldiers from the Crimson Army. I'll ensure the enemy is slowed before they even reach our walls."

Seron, standing beside Silvan, nodded in agreement, "Other than the soldiers the other Houses had stationed, House Thorne will secure the northern gates, and House Valentine will defend the western gates. The Umbralfiends will guard the eastern flank. Silvan can handle the southern gates, and he will cut down as many of them as possible before they breach further. It's the most strategic option we have, Your Majesty."

Rowena considered the plan for a moment, her mind working through the logistics and potential dangers. She felt the tension in her chest tighten, but the plan seemed solid—well thought out, with every gate accounted for.

"Agreed," Rowena said, her voice steady and resolute, "Execute it immediately. I'll oversee everything myself. But first, I will collect the battle plans from my study and ensure all is in place."

With a firm nod, she turned and made her way toward the study hall, leaving the throne room behind. As she teleported to her study, she felt the weight of responsibility like never before. The lives of her people depended on every decision she made now.

Once inside her study hall, the room dimly lit by flickering candles, Rowena stepped toward her desk. Her gaze fell on the meticulously organized papers before her, yet something caught her attention.

A single letter, ominously wrapped in black, rested on her desk. Her breath hitched as she stared at it.

It had been a while since she'd received anything like this—knowing it was an enemy trying to destabilize her with their lies and manipulations. She had always believed herself immune to their games, but seeing the letter again sent a chill through her.

Her frown deepened as she approached the letter, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. The familiar sensation of uneasiness surged within her as she grabbed it and tore it open, curious to know what fresh venom it contained.
Continue your adventure with M V L

But the moment she opened it, something dropped from the letter— a Sight Stone, small yet brimming with something.

Her brows furrowed, confusion clouding her thoughts as she held the stone in her hand. What could this mean? What does this person want to show her now?

She glanced back at the letter, which only had one short line written inside:

[ See the truth about your husband and ask yourself the kind of man you gave your heart and soul to. Remember…the head holds the final truth. Seek it for your father's sake. ]

The words hit her like a blow to the chest. Asher. Why was this person so fixated on making her doubt Asher? And what was this head they were talking about? Could it be…

But Rowena froze her thoughts, confident that this was just a desperate attempt to unsettle her again and wanted to just crush this Sightstone.

Yet a part of her was preventing her from doing it as the words in the letter echoed in her mind, especially when it mentioned her father. What has he got to do with Asher?

Before she knew it, her eyes flared with intensity as she activated the Sight Stone, placing it into her palm. A sphere of light erupted from it, forming a three-dimensional projection before her eyes.

Moving images flickered in the air, each one showing Asher in various places and situations, things she had never seen before.

But as seconds passed, Rowena's eyes widened, her crimson gaze flickering between each image, her breath caught in her throat, seeing things she'd grow to regret the most.