Chapter 41

Imagine being in the situation where you know what to do but you can't do it because you're scared of what the consequences may be. I should ask for a negotiation straight up but...

"You do not fight a war with war and you do not fight a demon with it's weapon, else you become the demon yourself." Sylvia once told me. In her own view, She became the demon herself when she allowed her mother die instead of her. She could have just saved them both but she paid hatred with hatred. Just like staring too long into the abyss and the abyss staring back at you.

Hmm, i've got to be wise. Negotiation, it is. Let's hear what they have to say.

"Negotiation, what is it about?" I can't stop questioning the king. He's not my king neither is he my god. I'm just a stranger here paying for some punishment i know nothing about. This i had to remind myself of.

"HMMMN..." he groaned. "Since you belong to no one. First, you will pledge allegiance to my territory. You will become our own and member of our coven. You will pledge your allegiance till death do us part. Second, you will not only become a member of this coven but also our head of army. you will be taught all of our statues, you will train our army and lead them to a war you must win. That will determine how long you will live Katrienair" He paused." Do we have a deal?"

This must be a big dream. That I, me , Katrienair Mitchell, will become a demon army commander. Weird. Stupid. Gross. How else can I describe it? I guess he didn't give enough thought to these.

Sush! Katty Are you saying that the leader of the 'world' doesn't think?

He's asking me to pledge allegiance to this dark world, that's not going to happen. Or does light and dark ever become one?

What is he trying to do? Use me? Take advantage of this whole situation?

No!

"What if I do not agree with these things you've stated?"

"Hahaha!" He laughed again or rather roared. I wasn't too scared, I anticipated more anyway. "I'd love to watch you suffer little girl but the lake of fire is your place."

Lake of fire? Instant death. I don't want to die yet, at least it's not my time yet.

Luna whined beneath my dress. She jumped out and rubbed her face on mine. Sweet girl, she's always there when I need her.

"Luna, what do you suggest I do?" I sent to her. She just continued to lick my face.

Huh... what is she saying? Follow your heart? My heart has no choice.

"We do not have all day! Make your choice before I loose my mind. Your flesh would make good meat for the demons at the lake." The sound of that made my stomach churn.

"Do we have a deal?!" He yelled.

"Why should I trust you?"

"you don't need to"

"what if this is one of your tricks ?"

"And if it is?!" he scoffed."Do we have a deal?!"

"What will happen to me aside being your soldier?"

"It's life or death. You've got only one to choose."

I was silent, thinking. I bit my lip and winced in pain. I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't notice that the time was running.

Then I heard: "To the lake!"

My chains got detached from the post and the hefty men in were already dragging me.

"Deal!" I heard myself scream. Gush, I had no choice.

I was let go instantly. Some sort of ritual began.Books were opened and the m n spoke about n their holy tongues. A hot metal was brought against my calf. It was so hot that I felt like my flesh was being melted. When it was removed, the king spoke.

"Henceforth, you will be called Commander Claudia. It's your new name. You now belong to us 'cause you've been marked as our own."

I looked down and saw a downward cross tattoo on my calf. Luna stood by my side expressionless . I'm doing all these for her sake. The chains on my hands were lose and my dress was changed. I felt like I was being treated like a new queen. My hair was washed and an helmet was placed on it. Wow, it's really happening. I'm a soldier in the dark kingdom. I'm more one of the delusional being. Well, I'm surely going to make a difference here.

**Emiliar's POV**

I SAT AT the mirror starting a myself, pangs of guilty eating me up. I've failed too much. In fact, I've lost myself. This beautiful lady is no more Emiliar. Emiliar's cheerful, smart, strong-willed, worse, though , bossy, domineering and all but now live here, caged by some guy I know nothing about in damn territory. No this in not me. Huh, do I need any genie to tell me that I've been transformed negatively. I've lost myself to fear, not even knowing what the e damn place likes like. It's fear Emiliar, fear. For the past few days I've spent in this room, my image has been the only company I had, hence the only one I talk to. So yeah, Emiliar you've got to wake up. You are gifted, do not let all that go to water here. You know the worst thing Emiliar, I caused these things myself. I thought life on earth was not worth living. I thought life on earth was not loveable without Katty. I was practically feed up with life but her I at my worst to be sincere. I'm here to help save Katty's life but my stupid self has began to catch feelings for a punk, the demon prince. What's wrong with me? It's prefer to be in that miserable earth than to stay here without doing anything to help. I'm a witch right, let the witching begin. It's time to explore your powers Emiliar.