Chapter 65

Alexis didn't allow herself to be dragged this time and moved at her own will. Albeit, slower than Dwayne who strode forward with a face full of fury.

As if timed, Alexis heard a loud commotion happening in the throne room as they neared it. Screams echoed across the halls, people rushed out, a few of them staying to watch the rest of the show.

Dwayne held her in a tight grip near the doorway, no longer guarded by soldiers as they had rushed to stop what was happening. Alexis turned her head trying to get a good sight of what was happening and when she did, she gasped.

Alastair stood, shrouded in that familiar shadowy mist, it possessed him to take a hold of Agathus who was still in human form and was now in a choke hold by Alastair. The black mist that seemed to encompass both of them left a trace that slivered in thread like strands from one person.

Alexis scowled.

She couldn't see the body, but she was sure it was Darron.

She thrashed against Dwayne's strong hold, digging her heels into his feet and still he didn't budge. But she couldn't give up, the longer she stared at Agathus' face that turned a deepening shade of blue, the more she tried to escape.

It was by pure luck she caught the Silver dukedomes daughters eye. She was the only one who noticed them and the bright glow on Dwaynes necklace. It's visible reaction to mana repelling made it eye catching.

She quickly made a signal for help which was returned with a nod. The silver haired girl then disappeared to Alexis' disbelief.

'This is hopeless…' with her only chance of freedom gone she continued to pull away from him.

Just as she had given up, Dwaynes grip on her loosened as he let out a groan. Not checking to see what happened she escaped, using lightning magic to increase her speed so she appeared before Alastair.

She quickly released the shadow magic she had been warned against using, overthrowing whatever possessed Alastair. The mist vanished as did his hold on Agathus.

Alexis rushed to the fallen hybrid who still looked to be a human boy. His shaky breath was the only thing that relieved her trembling body. The sight of his mangled neck made her whimper as she quickly channeled her healing magic onto him.

The bruises quickly disappeared and despite the normal appearance he now sported, she decided it was best to do a full sweep. When she noticed the colour in his face, she relaxed. His soft breathing made her gasp of relief.

Understanding the urgent situation, she turned to Alastair's shaken state, he had fallen to the ground at one point while she was healing. His face was the epitome of shock as he stared at the carpeted ground.

"Alastair… it's alright. None of this was your fault", She grasped his trembling body, "I'll be staying here. Right by your side", she whispered to him. His gaze drifted to her from the ground, nodding as he understood the look in her eyes.

"Shine bright, Alexis". He whispered in her ears.

She steeled her heart and turned to the one responsible for this mess. Her hands raised, unleashing the beast she had contained for a bit too long. The dark shadows caused shivers among spectators and when she found her target disguised as a young man.

"Darron Kaedmen, on the account of possessing the Emperor with shadow magic, as his mage I strip you of your ability to perform shadow magic", and just like that, the façade of a young man broke revealing an obese, wrinkly raisin.

His face filled with horror as he realised what the terrifying small girl had said. He felt it. The moment he lost that darkness that made him so powerful. It was gone.

His knees collapsed.

"Father!" Cried Dwayne who rushed to his side, holding the helpless old man who seemed to lose all signs of will to live.

"How dare she" he muttered in his dead- faced state and then in full rage, he snapped his fat neck towards them, "how dare you attack the royal Emperor of this land! Soldiers!" He yelled, pointing his finger towards her in fury.

"That's enough Darron" came a sharp remark from Bentley who rolled his eyes at the angry man. "To pull such a silly stunt like this, you've really done it now. You should quietly accept your punishment unless you want it to be more painful than it needs to" the man barked. Alexis almost scoffed at his change of attitude to the shift in power.

'What a little bitch…'

Alexis realised she was done with the old man as soon as the soldiers apprehended him and rushed back to Alastair who still sat with a now very awake Agathus. Hector stood nearby as well, monitoring Agathus' condition.

"Is he alright?" She asked, approaching the three of them. Hector nodded.

"Yes, thankfully".

Alastair straightened up just as he spoke. No longer was he confused and distraught, and left in his wake was a strong man who had plans that must proceed.

"No! He- He's responsible for all the goblin infestations around the Empire! He's planning a human genocide!" Screamed Darron, who ignored the taunts of his retired Mage and the soldiers that once obeyed his every will, and now threatened him.

Alastair smirked at the strong accusation.

It was perfect.

"It seems my father has lost his mind. My soldiers have uncovered the truth behind the infestations. As many of you are aware, my Mage has cleaned all the caves of their infections", murmurs broke out among the nobility. Most agreed and others kept silent, staring at the deranged Darron. As if he were a warning.

"That's right!", Duke Jewel intervened. People seemed to side towards Alastair at the appearance of the influential backer.

"What? That's nonsense! I haven't heard of this!" He retorted. Dwayne also seemed confused, this made Alexis frown.

'But there was so much talk?' She furrowed her brows. Her gaze landed on the triumphed smirk on Alastair face, she realised he must've done something them. What exactly? She had not a clue.

She recalled a spell Emilia had told her about. One that made whatever words you desired to not reach the ears of your enemy. But, it was extremely mana draining.

At the emperor words, the nobility began to feel more and more inclined that the previous emperor had in fact become senile.

"It seems to have missed your ears father. Roger bring them in!" Alastair's eyes gleamed as a steady stream of elves walked in, all normal, beautiful elves.

They stood in front of Alastair, and then one by one their gazes' went to Darron. Looks of surprise and then alarm flittered across their faces as they started to point to Darron.

"Y-Your Majesty! That's him!" One shouted out backing away from the helpless old man.

"He's the one who did that spell right before I fell asleep!" Another finished.

"That's right!"

They all murmured in agreement, only silenced when Alastair lifted his hand to speak.

"Upon cleansing our mines, the royal Mage uncovered that every infestation was the result of strayed elf. However, upon further investigation it was uncovered that the elves in fact weren't strayed, but possessed by a curse made only by shadow magic", Roger stated, reading off a scroll.

Gasps were heard as he spoke.

"The magic was traced to Darron Kaedmen, The previous Emperor. Thus the Royal family will be imprisoned until the truth is uncovered. The Emperor will decide their punishment!"

"No!" Dwayne stood up, brows harshly arched as he murderously glared at Alastair.

Alexis decided to move in front of Alastair, in an attempt to protect him, but he held her back with a soft smile as he descended the steps from his throne. David Crotina followed behind him, along with Adam and Duke Jewel.

Alexis felt a presence beside her and turned to see a familiar head of silver hair. The Silver families daughter stood beside her.

"You're welcome for earlier", was all she said.

It was clear at that moment. That Alexis' work had payed off. But, that was farthest thing from her mind. In her mind she wanted to boast of what a great man Alastair had become. Standing up to the man who had belittled him his whole life.

Dwayne backed away, his eyes looking for any sign of help in a sheer moment of desperation, his eyes went to Alexis who flinched at the intensity.

She turned away.

At her rejection he slumped forward. Chuckles of crazed laughter escaped him.

"I sentence the previous emperor Darron to execution", Alastair's words were heard despite Dwaynes laughter that became louder and louder.

"Oh stop it, brother", he seized his giggling and glared at his brother with bloodshot eyes and a chilling smile, "you've already lost, don't you see? You've taken everything away from me so I'll take the one thing you love, more than anything, more than life, money or that stupid throne. I'll take away the one you love the most".

Panic rushed through Alexis as she thought of Emilia, but before she could move to rush to wherever she might be, she felt the gazes' of everybody turn to her, before she could question anything warm liquid spilt from her mouth.

She saw the terror in everyone eyes and then she felt the pain, her abdomen screamed in agony, the warm liquid muffling any screams she tried to release as she caught the gleaming knife that penetrated her from behind. The tip of the blade inches in front of her.

Before she fell forward, she saw a familiar face.

"Assa- Assassin's creed?" She muttered, but when she looked again she saw no hooded figure and just the fear filled eyes of Alastair who seemed to rush somewhere with her body. He whispered words she couldn't hear, his hand rubbing comfortingly on her head that seemed to lull her into a sleep.

A very exhausting sleep.