The Damned Demon
chapter-666

In the tranquil Nightshade Kingdom, the sunlight cast a crimson glow over the pavilion where Silvia and Kayla sat together, surrounded by the wild creatures in the forest afar.

The pavilion, adorned with intricate dark woodwork and velvet cushions, starkly contrasted the vibrant energy of the bustling preparations back in House Valentine.

Silvia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she presented an elegant red scroll to Kayla, "This is the invitation to Silvia's wedding. Of course, it goes without saying that you have to come, hehe."

Kayla accepted the scroll with a warm smile, holding it close to her chest, "Even if you hadn't come all the way over here, I would have gate-crashed your wedding."

Silvia giggled, her laughter ringing softly in the air, "Silvia won't mind that. It's more fun that way. Maybe Silvia will do it if you hold a surprise wedding."

Kayla chuckled softly, her smile tinged with wistfulness, "I won't be marrying any time soon. I still have yet to... figure out some things."

Silvia's smile faded as she observed her friend's somber expression. She leaned forward, concern etched into her features, "Are you still... haunted by those bad memories?"

Kayla's expression grew heavy as she closed her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper, "I keep trying my best to not think about it, but whenever I sleep... I can only see the lifeless bodies of my family. I feel guilty for not only what happened to them but also for your late queen. Many things have gone wrong ever since that day."

Silvia pressed her hands together over her chest, her voice trembling with empathy, "Do you... know who that cruel woman in the black cloak is?"

Kayla shook her head slowly, her eyes filled with pain, "No... she did something to my mind, preventing me from ever finding out who she was or why she killed them all. Why did she spare me? Why did she not kill me along with them? Then maybe... it wouldn't feel so painful."

"Don't say that, Kayla," Silvia said softly, reaching out to hug Kayla's arm, "Your people and grandfather still need you. I need you. You are my only friend."

Kayla smiled gently and held Silvia's hand, "I'm sorry. I was being selfish. I won't say it again."

The atmosphere shifted as Kayla's expression grew contemplative, "But I remember something else."

Silvia's brows raised with curiosity, "What did you remember?"

Kayla's brow creased in concentration, "Your princess consort... Rebecca Drake. She was with us but was the last one to split up with the queen. That's when the rest of them went in search of them. Don't you think something is wrong here?"

Silvia's face tightened with anxiety, "She killed everyone? That doesn't sound like her. She is scary and haughty, but like my father said, she doesn't dare to do anything too bold like that…not without any reason."

Kayla hesitated, her gaze flickering with uncertainty, "I don't know. Maybe this is just a wrong speculation, and I don't want to create unnecessary trouble at a time like this. That woman in the black cloak…I could barely remember her aura, but…it didn't feel cold like a Thorne's aura. So it's confusing to me. But it must be someone we all know. Someone who knew we were going on that journey."

Silvia pressed her lips together, her mind racing with the implications, "Maybe she didn't. But she might know something."

—

Asher, Isola and Oberon descended into the valley nestled between the Dracyra and Oseon continents, a place so steeped in dread that even the shadows seemed to recoil in fear. The descent was made more surreal by the serpentine form of Lori, her massive coils undulating with a grace that belied their size. Her sinuous body cut through the thick, nauseating miasma that filled the air, and her dark purple eyes quickly scanned her surroundings.

The land below was a haunting expanse, blighted and cursed. Twisted trees with gnarled branches reached out like skeletal fingers, their silhouettes dark against the backdrop of perpetual twilight. The air itself felt heavy and oppressive, churning with a nauseating stench that clung to the throat.

Asher's gaze was fixed ahead, unbothered by the dismal surroundings, but Oberon's eyes widened in trepidation as he lowered his hood, revealing a face etched with dread, "W-What is this place? Are we going into that cursed-looking cave?"

Lori, the large serpent, hissed with annoyance, "You pusssssy. You dare call my humble but old home a cursed-looking cave?" She adjusted her cowboy hat with a flick of her tail, causing the dim light to gleam off her metallic scales. Her voice carried a sharp edge of pride.

Oberon's fear only deepened as he mumbled, "Your home? Then where is that expert you were talking about? And why..." Oberon glanced at Isola who was coldly staring at him, "...is she with us?" Oberon only felt more uneasy seeing this fish bitch who can toy with one's mind.

Asher's smirk widened, his gaze flicking toward the cave's maw, "First, let's go in. Lori, keep a look out. We don't want anyone snooping."

Lori's eyes gleamed with a touch of mischief, "Pssssh, no soul would dare snoop on my home," she said with a proud flick of her tail as she slithered away into the shadows, her massive form vanishing into the gloom.

Oberon took a deep breath, his heart racing as he warily followed Asher into the cave. The air grew colder, more oppressive, as they ventured deeper. The cave walls were adorned with dark purple crystals barely lit up their path. However, the air inside was no longer dangerously poisonous due to the absence of its owner.

Halfway through, the cavern seemed to exhale a chill that seemed to pierce through the very soul. The silence was abruptly shattered by a woman's voice, cold yet regal, echoing through the cavern's expanse.

"Are you sure this fool will succeed?"

From the darkness emerged a vision of otherworldly beauty. A woman with voluptuous curves and stunning elegance stepped into the dim light, her vast dark silver wings unfurled behind her like a darkened storm cloud. She wore an off-shoulder dark red gown that flowed around her, and her silver-lavender hair cascaded down her back in luxurious waves.

Oberon's eyes widened in shock and fear. His legs nearly gave way as he stumbled back, memories of pain and torment flashing through his mind, "You... What are you doing here?" His voice trembled, a faint but painful echo of his past suffering at Rhygar's hands surfacing. Despite the fog of his fractured memories, he recalled this draconian bitch as the one who had captured him and delivered him to Rhygar.

The woman's gaze, cold yet unreadable, bore onto Oberon, making him flinch even more.

"Relax. She obviously isn't here to kill you. Do you think I would have to resort to such ways to assassinate a pathetic one like you?" Asher's tone was dismissive, almost bored, as he addressed Oberon.

Oberon swallowed hard, struggling to regain his composure. His fear was replaced by confusion as he struggled to understand the scene unfolding before him, "T-Then... what is the meaning of this? Why are you together with the queen consort of the draconians? Don't tell me…you plan to betray our kingdom??"

Asher's voice cut through, laced with scorn and authority, "That's rich coming from the dog who tried to kill his own king numerous times. But I am not scum like you, and you aren't owed any explanation. All you should know is that you are going to become her slave."

Oberon's face went pale, his eyes widening in disbelief, "W-What?! Slave?? You... You can't be serious... You can't!" His voice quivered as he took an involuntary step back, his heart pounding furiously in his chest.

Asher's smile was cold, mocking, "Why are you getting cold feet when you asked me for a chance to prove yourself? I'm giving you that chance now. So let her place the slave seal on you, and Isola will make sure to fill in some details in your head so that Kira won't suspect anything, even if she pokes your head. Then I'll see how well you can perform." His gaze was unwavering, his tone brooking no argument.

Oberon's fists clenched tightly at his sides, knuckles whitening, "A slave seal from her? Why? Whatever it is, I will do it without any stupid seals and without having my head toyed with," he snapped, his voice edged with defiance and frustration.

"Shhh, don't raise your voice before me," Asher said with a dismissive wave of his hand, "You either do it, or you run back home. Of course, I would be happy to let your mother serve me for eternity. She seems to be better at her duties than I thought and she likes it too. No pressure." He shrugged nonchalantly, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

Oberon's face twisted with agony, and he shook his head vehemently, 'You... you motherfucker!', he cursed aloud in his mind, not daring to voice it.

The thought of his mother being enslaved while he was forced into this grim situation made his blood boil.

Lysandra's voice was cold and unwavering, "I can just forcibly put a seal on him until he breaks. We don't have to waste time."

Asher shook his head with a mocking smile, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement, "It's okay. We can't force him. I promised his beautiful and loyal mother that I wouldn't hurt her precious son or force him to do anything. This has to be his choice. As a king, I feel I should honor my words. Otherwise, I would have put one on him myself," His tone was deceptively gentle, but the threat was clear.

Lysandra let out a resigned sigh, her gaze shifting to Oberon with a cold detachment. She stepped back, allowing the moment to stretch in taut silence.

Oberon's hands were shaking, his face contorted in pain. Each mention of his mother from this fiend's mouth was like a stab to his heart, "Fine! I will... do it..." he gritted out through clenched teeth, his body sagging as he fell to his knees, the weight of his decision nearly unbearable.

Asher's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, "Good. Now, once you become her slave, she will order you to do what I told you to do. Find out where Kira is hiding and somehow make her take you to her place. Make sure not to get killed before that. If you succeed, we will remove the seal, and you can happily return to your mother. Got it?" His voice was sharp, every word laden with authority and disdain.

Oberon's heart hammered against his ribcage, the fear and anger roiling within him. He nodded bitterly, his expression a mix of defeat and desperation. But he held onto the slim hope of finally freeing his mother from this fiend's clutches.

"Asher...a word?" Isola said in a low voice, making Asher furrow his brows and walk towards her to stand in a corner.

"What is it?" Isola had a serious look as she said, "On our way here, I briefly examined his mind. And just as we thought, his mind is protected by multiple Mind Walls. It must have been erected by the experts his mother hired."

Asher shrugged and said, "So what? I am sure you can break through them. You are already a High-Level Soul Devourer. You have been working tirelessly to gain strength ever since we returned from the Quest of the Worthy."

"It's not about that. These walls had been erected and strengthened over decades and decades. To bring it all down is possible, but it will take time," Isola said with a sigh.

"How long?" Asher asked with a narrowed gaze.

"I would need at least a month because I also have to make sure a powerful expert like Kira won't find anything suspicious until it's too late. Do we have such time?" Isola asked worriedly.

Asher gently held Isola's arm and said, "Don't worry about it. Even if it will be close, we can still make it. You can go ahead. We don't have any other choice. But it seems he must be hiding something inside his head. So it all might be worth it."