Leave it to me

Sebastian and James entered the quiet room, the air still heavy with tension. James gently guided Sebastian toward the bed.

"Sit," he said softly.

Sebastian sat down, his eyes lowered. "I can take care of myself."

James's voice firmed. "I said lie down."

Hesitating only a moment, Sebastian obeyed, leaning back against the pillows. James pulled a chair beside the bed and placed a hand gently on his forehead. Sebastian exhaled, already feeling a bit better from the warmth of his presence.

James slowly withdrew his hand and then began to unbutton his shirt. Sebastian's gaze flicked up, and he quickly looked away, his cheeks flushing with color.

Noticing the reaction, James offered a faint, apologetic smile. "Sorry. I have to do this to check your condition."

He reached forward and rested his hand over Sebastian's heart.

A glow of light magic sparked beneath his palm.

But suddenly, Sebastian's body tensed. His eyes flew open, burning a deep red.

His heart pounded rapidly, and in a blink, he grabbed James by the collar and pulled him down onto the bed.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sebastian growled—but the voice wasn't his own. It was deeper, twisted. Dark.

James's eyes widened. "Sebastian…It's you. I know it is."

But the cursed prince leaned closer, eyes glowing, shadows flickering around his form. "Don't ever try to play with him again," the voice whispered, venomous and cold.

James froze, stunned.

Then—just as fast—the red light vanished from Sebastian's eyes. His body slumped forward, and he collapsed, unconscious, into James's arms.

Heart racing, James carefully adjusted himself on the bed, lying down properly and brushing hair from his pale face.

He stared.

"Sebastian… you're… a demon?" he whispered. "Or maybe… the demon lives inside you…"

James stood up and crossed the room, opening the small drawer in the wooden cabinet. Inside, several magical necklaces lay hidden, control stones. He picked one out, selected a fresh crystal, and carried it to the table. With a practiced motion, he performed a light-based sigil in the air. The stone absorbed the enchantment, glowing faintly.

Once it was ready, he returned to the bed and clasped the necklace gently around Sebastian's neck. The magic shimmered against his skin.

James hesitated.

He looked at Sebastian's lips—soft, parted in sleep. His eyes narrowed, conflicted. Slowly, without even realizing it, he leaned down and brushed his lips against Sebastian's… light and brief.

Then he snapped back, blinking hard.

"What the hell am I doing…" he muttered, standing abruptly.

He turned on his heel and left the room, heading downstairs just as the front door opened.

Oliver stepped in, removing his cloak. "Prince James… you're here."

James nodded and pulled off his hood. "Yes. I had to step in. Sebastian lost control in the market."

Oliver's eyes darkened with concern. "Is he alright?"

"He's fine now… but only because I was there," James said sharply.

Oliver said nothing.

"I want to know," James continued, following him into the study, "why you never told me… he's also a demon."

Oliver shut the door behind them and sighed. "I thought he was under control. It's been stable for years."

"He's not well," James said.

"I know," Oliver replied quietly. "I already removed the darkness from his heart… but the demon inside him… It's not something I've fully understood yet."

"Then we need to talk," James said. "Let's go downstairs."

They walked to the main sitting room, where James placed something on the table—a broken necklace, the control stone shattered.

Oliver picked it up, his eyes widening. "This is Sebastian's…"

James nodded. "It broke when he lost control."

"That means… his power is getting stronger," Oliver whispered.

"Maybe too strong," James said, eyes distant. "And we're running out of time."

Oliver looked down at the broken control necklace in his hand, his expression heavy with worry. "If his power is growing this fast… I might have to hide him again," he said, almost to himself.

James stood firm. "You don't need to," he said, his voice steady. "I'm taking Sebastian with me—to Dravencia."

Oliver glanced up, surprised. "Are you sure?"

James nodded with quiet conviction. "Yes. If he truly is the key to stopping the war… if he can save the kingdoms… then he deserves to live freely. Not hidden away. Not as some monster."

"But the world still sees him as a dark magic user," Oliver said carefully. "As something cursed… even in Dravencia."

James gave a small, confident smile. "Then I'll change the way the world sees him. No one will hurt him. Not as long as I'm there."

Oliver studied him for a moment, searching for any trace of hesitation. Then he sighed and set the broken necklace back on the table. "If you say that… then I'll trust you."

"But," he added seriously, "you still need to ask Sebastian what he wants. This choice has to be his."

James gave a nod. "Leave it to me."

—

Prince Noah lounged in a velvet chair, his legs propped carelessly on the ornate table. A magic knight stood rigidly before him, clearly nervous.

"You're telling me," Noah said slowly, voice dripping with disdain, "that Kaereth is planning to shake hands with Dravencia?"

The knight remained silent for a moment, then gave a stiff nod.

Without warning, Noah grabbed the porcelain teacup from the table and hurled it at the knight. It shattered against the man's temple, drawing a sharp line of blood down his face.

"Get out," Noah snarled.

The knight bowed his head slightly, blood trailing down his cheek, and turned to leave. Outside, a tall, composed butler was already waiting in the hallway. His eyes immediately fell on the injury.

"My, my," the butler muttered, gently catching the knight's arm. "You're bleeding. Come, let me take care of that."

The knight followed him without a word to a small side room. The butler fetched a first aid kit and began carefully cleaning the wound, his hands practiced and calm.

"Prince Noah has a kind heart, you know," the butler said quietly, dabbing at the blood. "But he masks it behind cruelty. Especially when he's angry."

The knight flinched slightly. "I made him angry. I shouldn't have told him about the treaty. I— I should've kept it to myself."

The butler gave him a knowing look. "You're the Commander of the Magic Knights. Hiding information isn't an option. Even if it hurts."

The knight sat in silence for a beat, then took a deep breath as the butler finished bandaging his forehead.

"You shouldn't give up just because of one outburst," the butler added gently. "You still have a duty to fulfill."

The knight stood, shoulders squaring once more. "You're right. I can't back down now. I'll do my best… no matter what."