Chapter#17:Bounded

The training grounds were covered under a white blanket of snow that was slowly being thawed by the servants. Zavaikal stood in front of the first division's captain. He charged at the crowned prince with a single blow and the swords lit with fire seemed to dance and sing an ear-piercing melody of steel and stone as sparks flew in cold air. With one more hit, he landed on the captain this time the steel of the sword split into twos.

He looked at the captain as sweat shone on his temple from the fire that covered the sword.

"Not bad your highness."He chuckled when he saw his swords no longer engulfed in flames.

"You credit me too much captain."He smiled.

The first division's captain had pale skin and red eyes with a pair of sharp canines showing when he smiled. He was an upper-class vampire. Draco his name was. He had an average height like any other vampire and a strong build. He was faster than any average demon and was granted this position for his outstanding skills that outmatched Erebus if it were a one-on-one duel. Erebus was the type to lead a command behind shadows. But he was in charge of the rear of the battlefield leading thousands of demons in war.

Zavaikal had always admired him for his outstanding skills. He was a hundred years older than him and yet if one looked at him it was impossible to believe. He had the face of a handsome youth. Some servants used to say that he invests an ample portion of his income in fresh human and demon blood alike. But to Zavaikal it did not matter as long as he was under him.

"You are getting better each day you highness. Speed is what counts equally with strength. Without speed your strength is useless." he advised as he went for a sip.

The succubus maid brought a leather skin filled with fresh blood. He drank every last drop greedily and licked the remaining that was on his hand. His eyes glowed red and slit pupils contracted after his fill.

"Tell me when you need my assistance, your highness. I'm itching to go to war."He wiped his face with a handkerchief.

"That won't be necessary. We are trying to gain an upper hand in the name of peace. At least for now as his majesty wills."

He scowled and turned back to wipe off the sweat from his neck.

Zavaikal's attendant a young demon of average height, brought his shirt and escorted him back to the Spider Lily Palace.

"Was there any news from the Stygians?"He asked the attendant.

"Unfortunately your grace. No letter of reply came so far."

To this, Zavaikal lost his patience for once which made him crash the wall with his fist. The attendant despite being scared remained still.

"Is he looking for a fight? A month has passed and there is no sign of the princess. Or is he planning on keeping her?" he bit his lower lip.

He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

-"This won't do. I need to hire more shadows to track every movement in his territory."

He rubbed his eyes and strode towards his chambers.

"Bring me a paper and quill."He ordered the servant at his doors.

"Two months from now I shall officially pay a visit to him."He dripped the black candle wax and stamped the letter with the golden and black seal and asked the servant to deliver it to Erebus.

It wasn't long before a servant came with the news to attend the royal summoning.

He grit his teeth as his eyes ran word after word.

"So soon!"He thought miserably narrowing his eyes.

"You there."He pointed at the servant and asked him to prepare a new set of clothes and a bath for him.

Later at midnight, the servants escorted him to the basement where few by name were allowed to enter.

"Announcing his evilness the darkness descending upon Wahrheit crowned prince Zavaikal Alastair Wahrheit."

Every demon present in the great hall of Darkness exchanged glances and murmurs filled the hall.

-"Look. It's the low-born prince."

He could hear all sorts of whispers and slanders. It couldn't be ignored. He was of humble background. His mother belonged to the species of succubi. Those who were also known as pleasure slaves in the demon realm or demons of pleasure in the human realm. He was born half an incubus. He could have continued living as an outcast if not for his demonic traits. The only thing that took him out was his golden eyes.

His skin was bronze colored. That indicated he was half-human. And had characteristic sharp canines and wavy black hair that fell to his shoulders.

He was liked in appearance by many noble ladies. But received insults because of his origins.

Before him sat the ruler of Wahrheit. The highest position among the demons. He was larger in size and height than many. Horns emerged from either side of his forehead. Reddish-black hair hung to his shoulders. Teeth that were longer and sharper than the average vampire's. His skin was half burnt and left scars that any ordinary person would faint upon looking at his hideous appearance. His eyes glowed red. His wings were half damaged. He sat on the high chair through which lava could be seen flowing through the seams and crevices. He was chained up in large chains from every limb to neck that glowed a golden light when he tried to pull at it and sparks flew in darkness.

"I Zavaikal Alastair Wahrheit here at service to the most evil existence and possessor of the darkness of the worlds." he knelt on one knee.

"About time you showed up... How is the progress?"His voice was sharp thunder crashing inside the abyss.

-"He went to the point... "Zavaikal frowned as he dared not look up into those horrifying murderous eyes. The entire hall remained silent. None of them dared to speak up. He knew these were those who wanted to see him in humiliation. Those who would curry up to the favors of the evilest source of energy to maintain their status in the demon world. These had no heart for anyone. Let alone their kin.

"Rest assured my lord. The plan is smoothly working out. Within the next few months, it will -"

"Do you know how many a time have I given you chances Zavaikal?"He said with another roar.

"Have you forgotten the reason you were taken in? It is not the worthless life I look for. It is the seal that requires completion. How many millennia has it been since I was chained up because of that damned Amanécer? None of you fools were able to break the seal."

He remained silent. He dared not protest or reason with such an existence that was like a blade up his throat.

"I shall do whatever it takes to satisfy your needs," he said in reassurance.

Instead, he received a flash of lightning that burned his left arm. The pain was excruciating. He let out a cry in despair. Blood gushed out and pooled on the stone floor.

"Your words are an empty shell."He responded unfazed by his cries.

"Have mercy your evilness." he was forced to beg for one last chance.

"I swear it upon my life to this realm. I will bring her with me."

"Everyone here is a witness to your words... Get her and bring her here before me. And only then you shall be spared."

He staggered back to his feet. His grip tightened around his arm.

"As you command." he stammered and left the court whilst faint whispers continued behind his back.

His attendant ran to him to give him a helping hand. Trying to maintain his stance he slapped away his hand and walked briskly toward the Spider Lily Palace. The Emperor saw the sight and ordered the servants to escort him to the main palace instead. The emperor had no command over demons as the demon lord did. But he was the second-highest in rank. He looked in the direction from where his adopted son emerged and followed back inside the palace.