The Awakening of the Dark Lord’s Son

Chapter 18

The Awakening of the Dark Lord's Son

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Cater stood in the void, surrounded by an oppressive darkness that seemed to stretch infinitely in every direction. No matter how hard he tried, no matter what power he summoned, the shadows around him refused to break. His flames sputtered uselessly, as if this place itself consumed all light.

He could hear faint echoes from the real world—the muffled voices of Alric, Jane, and Vera. Each word sounded distant, as though they were speaking underwater.

"Stupid prince, do you actually think I came to save him? He'll die today, just like the rest of you."

Vera's voice rang louder than the others, filled with venom. Hearing her mocking tone sent a surge of anger through Cater, but he was powerless to act. His body refused to move, and the chains of the nightmare world bound him tighter than ever.

"Alric…" he whispered, his voice trembling.

Then, cutting through the void, he heard Alric's voice—clear, desperate, and filled with emotion.

"Cater… I need you. Please wake up," Alric said, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Cater's heart clenched. He had to get back. Vera was still there, and if he didn't wake up, Alric would be in danger. No—Avalor itself would fall. With renewed determination, Cater focused all his energy on breaking the chains that held him, but the darkness only tightened its grip.

Not yet, he thought. I can't leave him yet.

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Alric stood at the door to Cater's room, his hand resting on the handle as he hesitated. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. How could he save Cater? The words from Jane played over and over in his head.

"Kiss him, and he'll wake up."

It sounded absurd. What would people think if they found out the prince of Avalor had kissed his servant? But despite the doubt gnawing at him, one thought cut through the noise: Cater is my friend. I can't let him die.

He opened the door slowly, only to freeze in shock at the scene before him. Vera stood near Cater's bed, her hand crackling with deadly lightning aimed directly at Cater's unmoving body.

"Stop!" Alric shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

Vera turned, her expression twisting into one of cold amusement. Without hesitation, she redirected the lightning toward Alric. He barely had time to dodge as the bolt struck the wall behind him, leaving a smoking hole.

"Stupid prince," Vera sneered. "Did you really think I came here to save him? I was going to kill him first, but since you've arrived, I'll start with you instead. Don't worry—once I'm done with you, he'll follow soon after. Today's the last day. Even if I don't kill him today, Cater will never wake up."

Alric gritted his teeth and drew his sword, holding it tightly in front of him. "Guards!" he shouted, his voice commanding.

Within seconds, the room was filled with armored knights, their weapons drawn. They surrounded Vera, but the demon only laughed.

"You think these weak humans can stop me?" she hissed. "I've lived for over a thousand years. I am the gatekeeper of the underworld! You'll all fall before me, just like your pathetic kingdom will soon crumble."

Alric stepped forward, his sword glinting in the dim light. "Cater might be a servant," he said, his voice trembling with anger, "but he's my best friend. And I won't let you harm him."

Vera's laughter echoed through the room. "Your best friend?" she mocked. "How touching. Do you even know what he really is? Foolish prince. Humans are so naïve."

With a wave of her hand, Vera unleashed a shockwave of energy that sent most of the guards flying back. She transformed into her true form, her skin turning dark and her eyes glowing dark.

"I'll teach you to fear the underworld," she growled, her voice layered with unholy resonance.

She raised her hand, summoning another lightning bolt aimed directly at Alric. Before it could strike, Jane burst into the room, throwing up a magical shield to block the attack.

"You're a witch?" Alric said, staring at her in shock.

Jane didn't bother to deny it. "Yeah, but now's not the time to talk about that."

Vera flew to the window, hovering in the air with a malicious grin. "You fools are nothing to me," she taunted. "I've been playing with you, but now I'll show you what true power looks like."

The lightning in her hands grew brighter, the energy crackling wildly. Jane stepped in front of Alric, her eyes glowing blue as she began chanting a spell.

"Stay behind me, Prince. I'll protect you," she said, her voice steady despite the fear creeping into her heart.

Jane's shield deflected Vera's lightning, but the strain was evident. Vera's power was immense, and Jane was struggling to hold her ground.

"You're fighting a losing battle," Vera sneered. "Your little friend isn't here to save you this time. You'll die alongside him."

Before Vera could unleash more power, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. She looked down to see Alric's sword piercing her, the prince glaring at her with determination.

"You can't come into my kingdom and threaten my people," Alric said, his voice steady. He shoved her back, sending her tumbling out the window.

Vera caught herself in midair, pulling the sword from her body with ease. She laughed, her voice echoing across the castle grounds. "Do you think your blade can kill me? Only the Sword of Death can harm me. Your human weapons are as weak as your kind."

Jane grabbed Alric's arm, stopping him from advancing. "You need to wake Cater," she said urgently. "Only he can defeat her."

Alric hesitated, confusion flashing across his face. "Cater? He's just my servant. What can he do that we can't?"

Jane stepped closer, her expression serious. "Cater is more than you think. He's the son of the Dark Lord. Kiss him, and you'll find out what he's capable of."

As Vera prepared to attack again, Jane cast another spell, deflecting the demon's lightning. But the strain was becoming too much. Sweat dripped down her face as she struggled to hold the shield in place.

Vera smirked. "You're finished, little witch," she said, summoning a shadow spell. The dark energy coiled around Jane, trapping her like chains.

"Finally," Vera said with a laugh. "You're mine."

Before the shadows could consume Jane completely, another force pulled her free. Vera froze, her smile faltering as she turned to see Cater standing beside Jane, his eyes glowing red and his sword wreathed in flames.

"You forgot something," Cater said coldly, his voice low and dangerous. "I'm the son of the Dark Lord. And whatever power you think you have, I can do it better."

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