I rocked back on my heels and glanced up at Tynon, shaking my head. “Fine, but it won’t be up to me if he comes out or not,” I said coolly. I warned them all—what happened next was up to them. Reaching for the telepathic link in my mind, I found that thread of darkness leading me to the spiritual plane.
“Brax,” I said softly through the bond.
He was quick to reply, “I heard, and my answer is no.”
I sighed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “We don’t have a choice. If they don’t see it, they’ll assume I did the forbidden ritual later on, and we’ll die at the hands of the executioner for that crime.” Abraxes grumbled, his presence heavy in the back of my mind. “Fine,” he finally relented, his essence wrapping itself around my consciousness, taking over completely.
When I opened my eyes again, I felt taller, more powerful—a streamlined form that was undeniably more masculine. But I was not in control; all I could do was hope Abraxes would behave himself. It was a strange experience, like staring through windows that were my own eyes. I noticed Tynon take a step back, appearing a bit frightened. Why was that possible?
I felt a tingle through the mental bond as Abraxes spoke telepathically, “Because, unlike his demon, I am a prince. I am bigger, stronger, and a thousand times more powerful than Tynon.”
The council stared at us in awe as Abraxes met their gazes with his deep ruby stare. He crossed his long pale arms over his chest and glared at them, annoyance etched across his features. "Are you going to ask your intolerable questions or are you all just going to gawk at what a marvelous spectacle I am?" he said, positively oozing arrogance.
The council looked absolutely appalled, frozen in shock at his audacity. "Well, can’t say Killie didn’t warn you," he continued, a smirk creeping into his expression. "She said I’m an asshole in no uncertain terms. Don’t go acting so surprised." His voice was cold and held a lilt of an accent that gave it an extra edge. It was deep and raspy, as if his vocals were a bit damaged, adding an almost haunting quality to his words.
The tension in the room was so thick one could cut through it with a knife, a blend of disbelief and wary intrigue. I could feel the council's scrutiny, but Abraxes stood unflinching, relishing in their discomfort. It was strange to witness such boldness in someone so powerful yet so unashamedly abrasive. For all his arrogance, there was a magnetic quality to his demeanor, a presence that demanded attention and respect, even while eliciting irritation.
"Come now," he said, leaning slightly forward, his expression shifting to mock concern. "Surely you didn’t expect me to meander around with pleasantries. Let's cut to the chase." The council began to exchange nervous glances, clearly unsure how to proceed.
abraxes tapped his foot waiting for any of them to speak as selia silver wind spoke up shyly from the far end of the semi circle " are you also capable of killing antire civalizations or...are you too gentle to do so?" as he leaned back, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "I prefer to pick my battles wisely. Besides, chaos can be so much more entertaining than outright slaughter. if your asking would i fallow an order to do so i would say fallowing the command of those below me seems counter productive where as achron seemed to listen when asked." Selia's brows furrowed, torn between fascination and horror at the notion.
Tynon shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his lineage pressing heavily on his shoulders. He managed to stammer, “Not all commands come from above for the sake of obedience… Sometimes they hold meaning.” His voice trembled as he spoke, aware that any misstep could seal his fate.
Abraxes chuckled, a low rumble that reverberated through the air. “Ah, but that’s the essence of my disdain for hierarchy. Meaning is subjective, isn’t it? While Achron may have thrived on madness, I thrive on possibilities—on the chaos that erupts from lust, not orders.” He leaned forward, fixing Selia with a penetrating gaze. “Do you see the difference? Power isn’t just about strength; it’s the ability to manipulate the threads of fate as you please.”
Selia, emboldened by Abraxes's confidence, replied, “So you choose to be a harbinger of opportunity rather than destruction? That sounds almost noble, in a twisted way.”
With a smirk, Abraxes waved a hand dismissively. “Noble? Perhaps. But only to those who can appreciate the finer points of existence. To me, every life holds potential, a story to unfold. Why would I snuff that out?” His eyes sparkled with a devilish light, teasing at the thought. “Or maybe, I relish the idea of watching them choose their own demise. That’s the true entertainment, isn’t it?”
The tension in the air shifted slightly, curiosity mingling with unease. While Abraxes was captivating in his wicked charm, the council seemed almost enamoured by his words.
Selia sat back against her seat, contemplating the implications of Abraxes's thoughts—the allure of freedom wrapped in chaos. “And what if their lust would lead to absolute ruin? Do you still find amusement in that?”
With a flick of his wrist, Abraxes waved away her concerns. “Ah, but ruin comes with its own lessons. Every downfall births new growth, just as every storm nourishes the soil. It's all part of the cycle.” His voice turned slightly softer, almost introspective. “To truly understand power is to understand the dance of creation and destruction.”
Tynon clenched his jaw, realizing the depth of the conversation drifting into dangerous territories. “But isn’t it dangerous to allow chaos to reign unchecked?” he interjected, desperate to steer the debate away from exposing his own desires
Abraxes shrugged, the smile still playing on his lips. “Dangerous? Perhaps. But tell me, Tynon, is there any other way to truly live?” His gaze swept across the room, daring anyone to challenge his philosophy further.
The moment hung thick in the air, charged with unspoken fears and the allure of dark possibilities, as each attendee carefully processing implications of Abraxes's devil-may-care attitude towards life and power.
Claudia Mallows interjected, her small stature and wide-eyed fascination making her stand out among the crowd. "Can I just say you are a beautiful demon, to say the least? Your perspective on life and death is... brilliant. You are quite intelligent, but can you tell us exactly why you chose Kirishina? She isn't exactly a strong specimen for a demon of such prowess, if you will?"
Abraxes carefully dissected her statement in less than a millisecond, his response measured and deliberate. "She appears frail because nature requires a balance. Her sickness began when I decided she would be my host at just three months old. But do not mistake her frailty for weakness; her mind is brilliant. I compensate for her lack of physical strength, and she possesses the ability to outsmart anyone in this room."
He continued, his tone unwavering. "I chose her because of her complete defiance of authority and her unwavering commitment to justice in her actions. When she decides to take action, she pours her entire being into that choice, provided her reasoning is sound enough. It is this passion and conviction that make her strong, far beyond mere physical capabilities."
Claudia raised a brow. "So you're saying you chose her out of her disdain and clear defiance of authority?" Her tone held a hint of skepticism, curiosity mingling with confusion as she tried to grasp his perspective.
Abraxes smiled, an amused glint in his eyes. "Sort of. She follows the rules because she has to. If it were simply a guideline, she'd do as she pleased and fuck what you guys suggest."
Claudia frowned slightly, processing his words. "You think that rebellious spirit is a good thing? She could end up causing more chaos than we need."
"That’s just it," Abraxes replied, his voice steady. "Chaos can be productive. There’s a certain strength in her refusal to blindly obey. It means she’s thinking for herself, and in your line of work, that’s invaluable. you don’t need more drones; you need thinkers—people who can adapt and challenge the status quo."
"But what if her defiance leads to disaster?" Claudia countered, her eyes narrowing. "We can’t afford mistakes, especially not from someone who’s clearly struggling to control her own demon."
"Every choice is a risk," Abraxes said, a hint of passion lighting his expression. "What if her reckelessness lead to growth? What if she surprises you and becomes more then what you are anticipating her being right now? That’s how legends are made. You didn’t rise to your position by playing it safe. now did you madam of the moonlight"
Claudia sighed, unable to shake the feeling that this was a dangerous gamble. "I just hope you know what you're doing. We need stability more than we need another wild card."
"I get that," Abraxes admitted, his gaze drifting toward the crowd. "But stability can turn stagnant. Sometimes, it takes a little fire to ignite change, and I believe she has the potential to do just that."
Torrence’s face flamed with anger as he glared at Abraxes, fists shaking at his sides. “You think this is a joke? The council’s complacency is what puts us at risk! Kirishina’s very presence is a liability. We’re not talking about a mere recruit; she’s tied to a legacy of shadows and danger. You’re underestimating what she’s capable of. she could kill us all as we slept and not bat an eye about it!”
Abraxes rolled his eyes, clearly unfazed by Torrence’s outburst. “Underestimating? Hardly. I understand precisely who Kirishina is—just as much as you do. But you’re missing the bigger picture, Torrence. Strength lies in unpredictability. It can be a powerful tool in our line of work. besides if she wanted you dead she wouldnt have a need to do it while you slept.”
A murmur of disagreement rippled through the council members at the mention of Kirishina’s legacy. They exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the air thickening.
Torrence continued, his voice low and direct. “You don’t see the danger she poses. We’re not just training her; we’re giving her an arsenal she might turn against us. Do you really want to take that risk?”
Abraxes leaned forward, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “What’s the alternative? Keep her hidden forever, hoping she’ll fade away like a ghost? Or perhaps you think the best course of action is to send her packing, deny her any chance to prove herself?”
A cold silence fell over the room, punctuated only by torrences frustrated huff. “We’re not denying her; we’re protecting ourselves. There’s a difference!”
“Let’s not pretend any of us are above suspicion,” Abraxes retorted, his laughter dissipating into a sly grin. “After all, it’s a dangerous game we play. We all have our secrets, our ambitions. Kirishina Darksbane might just be another player on the board—or perhaps she will upend it all. Either way, it’s a gamble I’m willing to take.”
“Gamble? You’re playing with lives!” Torrence shot back, anger boiling just beneath the surface.
“Indeed, and if we play it smart, we can turn that gamble into an advantage. We’re hunters, Torrence. Not pawns in a game we don’t understand. Just remember, trusting your instincts is crucial—and dismissing potential allies can be deadly.”
Abraxes, tired of his moment in the spotlight, waved goodbye as his form shifted back to my own. I gave an awkward smile, feeling the weight of everyone’s attention. “I told you he’s not fond of people,” I added nervously, shifting my gaze as the murmurs began to ripple through the crowd.
Claudia Mallow clapped her hands together enthusiastically. “That was marvelous! I’ve seen Tynon in battle a great many times, but to witness the strength of your demon and share our unique perspectives—well, let me tell you, it was a real treat!” Her grin stretched from ear to ear, infectious despite the unease still churning in my stomach.
A murmur of agreement rippled through the semi-circle of onlookers. Some were leaning in, eyes bright with admiration and curiosity. Others were nodding, expressions a blend of awe and excitement. I felt the flush of heat rise to my cheeks—part gratitude for the praise and part embarrassment at the sudden attention.
What I had just experienced felt surreal; it wasn’t something I often shared with others. Abraxes was a part of me, yet standing here, feeling the weight of their scrutiny, made my connection to him feel both profound and intimidating.
“They really seem to like you,” I muttered telepathicall as i felt the shimmer of a response through the bond "well of course they do, im me. i practically expell charisma in every word i speak, plus my intelligence and wisom is unrivaled. what isnt to like" he responded as i rolled my eyes and shot back " your narscissim and arrogance are...something" i replied and turned my attention back to the council.
I took a deep breath. “There we are; I have proved what I came to prove today. Am I excused? I must say, as much as I am honored to have sat amongst you today, it is my only day to myself, and I have some rather pressing matters to attend to.”
It wasn’t a lie. I needed to go to the library and, of course, the ancient repository, searching for answers regarding the Battle of Telmytherin. Everyone seemed to have a different retelling of the events, and I wanted to sift through the truths buried beneath the layers of myth and rumor.
As I stared into the faces around me, I could sense a mix of admiration and curiosity. Perhaps they saw the determination in my eyes, the urgency in my voice. I couldn't tell, but they seemed to accept that my time here was done.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind me, I sprinted up the six flights of stairs, each step echoing my urgency. My lungs burned, and I felt like I was suffocating, gasping for the fresh air that seemed just out of reach. I pressed my hand against the cool wall to keep my balance, my heart pounding in my chest as if it were trying to break free. It felt like life itself was rushing back to me, compared to the heaviness that had settled in the room I had just fled.
Every thud of my heart echoed in my ears, drowning out the chaos and confusion that had just enveloped me. I had felt trapped confined inside of my own worst night mare the council of 12 shades was as intimidating as everyone said they were, but now, away from that suffocating atmosphere, I could breathe a little easier.
Finally reaching the top, I paused, leaning against the railing to catch my breath. I stepped into the great hall of the castle, and stopped stunned by the beauty before me. The ceilings soared high above me, elegantly curved and crowned with a stunning glass dome that allowed streams of sunlight to cascade down, illuminating the space with a warm glow. The light filtered through the intricate designs in the glass, casting colorful patterns on the marbled floor that stretched out before me like a grand tapestry.
At the center of the hall, the marble was polished to a shine,the fountain withing the middle of the floor that stretched up with beautiful koi fish and spewed water in every direction that streamed down in shimmering archs. My eyes were drawn to the majestic staircases branching off in four main directions, each one sprawling upward with an air of elegance. They split further into threes, leading to various wings of the castle, each promising more secrets and unexpected discoveries.
One staircase beckoned in particular, leading to the wing where my tower bedroom resided. The idea of retreating to my personal sanctuary filled me with a sense of comfort amidst the overwhelming grandeur of the hall. I could envision my room, the musky smell of yew and pine from my four post bed the shimmering deep blue curtains, a stark contrast to the intricacies of the castle's architecture which of course wouldnt be complete if i neglected to mention each stone that build this place was colored pitch black.
I moved my rucksack to the side to gain access to it, yanking out a map of the school that my father had left behind in one of the drawers in my desk. I unfolded it carefully, scanning the intricate lines and labels to locate the library.
As I peered over the top of the map, my heart skipped a beat. There, at the top of one of the branched staircases, leaned Azune Stone, arms crossed casually against the wooden railing. His silver-grey eyes locked onto mine, piercing and almost playful in their intensity.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. I felt a rush of warmth wash over me, a mix of surprise and something else—something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. His presence was striking, the way he held himself with an effortless confidence. id be lying if i said he wasnt the sexiest thing to walk my way in three years.
“Lost, are we?” he asked, a slight smirk playing on his lips, dressed in an ensemble just as black as mine but with a few more custom touches that set him apart. peeling my jaw off the floor I could feel my cheeks flush as I struggled to regain my composure, abruptly shifting my focus back to the map, trying to decipher the tiny print amidst the sudden flurry of my thoughts.
“I’m not lost,” I replied, perhaps a bit too quickly, the words coming out with a hint of defensiveness. “Just… looking for the library.” I pointed to the map, trying to appear nonchalant, though inside, I was anything but calm.
Azune pushed himself off the railing and took a few steps closer, glancing down at the map over my shoulder. “You’re pretty far off,” he stated, and my heart sank. I was already feeling out of place, and now this? “Follow me; I can show you.”
I hesitated for a moment, indecision swirling in my mind. Part of me wanted to tell him I was fine on my own, that I could navigate this place myself. But another, louder part longed for the connection...i actually missed him? the thought made my stomach turn. no i did not miss him. that was gross. " fine, if you think you know a better way then a map i was provided with. lead the way.." he scoffed and rolled his eyes " your the one trusting a map thats dated prior to the changes 15 years ago, not me"
As we walked side by side, I couldn’t help but steal glances at him. The way he moved, with a grace that seemed effortless, made me feel both awe and frustration at my own awkwardness. The library was just a few corridors away, but it felt so far away..."why are you being so nice all of a sudden?" i asked
Azune glanced at me from the side and offered a smile. “I won’t poison you again if that’s what you think. I’ve been monitoring your improvement this past month. You’re learning faster than I ever anticipated, and maybe I’m just sick of trying to avoid you.” He smiled, and I bit my lip, my brows raising in surprise.
“Trying to avoid me?” I echoed, feeling a mix of confusion and intrigue.
He chuckled and turned on his heel, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ll see you later, Darksbane. Try not to get lost and maybe grab an updated map; that thing is older than my dad,” he teased before walking away.
As he disappeared down the corridor, I found myself standing there among towering shelves filled with books, each level stacked high. The sight was both daunting and thrilling. There was a wealth of knowledge so close yet so far, and the idea of getting lost in these shelves, both literally and metaphorically, awakened a thrill in me i had never anticipated.8Please respect copyright.PENANArFJ1Iqntvv
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