Chapter 80 #2
“Idiot. I will control the army. They will be bonded by my essence. Erebus will be able to take control of only one body. But even then, he will be bound to me, a bond he won’t be able to break.
It’s like guaranteeing a loyal guard dog.
Don’t insult me, son. I haven’t gotten to this position by making rash decisions.
This has been in the works for hundreds of years.
Very careful planning.” Marcus watched as his son slowly nodded but still seemed to be deep in thought. “What now?”
“What are your plans for the nycrops?”
“The nycrops?” Marcus shrugged with a laugh. “It doesn’t matter. If Erebus does his job, she will become just another minion in my army. And if he doesn’t …” He rose his shoulders again. “She is hardly a threat. I can look at her and turn her to ashes. But she has her uses.”
“You shouldn’t trust her.”
Marcus laughed loudly. “Of course I don’t trust her. You don’t get to my position by trusting people.”
Taric looked to the side and took in a slow breath as he gathered his courage to say what was really on his mind.
“Is all of this really necessary? If your plan fails, it will put a target on all of us. Things are fine the way they are now.” He looked up to see his father glowering down at him.
Marcus’ heavy aura enveloped Taric, threatening to crush him where he stood.
“And this is your problem. Content. You’re content to just be who you are. No desire for more. No desire for power. You disgust me. A pathetic excuse for the Demon King’s son. Where is your drive?”
“I have drive,” Taric said indignantly, defending himself. “It just isn’t the same as yours. I don’t see the benefit. What do you want with this takeover?” He paused as he eyed his father. “You aren’t telling me everything …” His voice trailed off, the hurt clear in his tone.
Marcus laughed and grinned widely. “Of course not. Trust no one. That includes you. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to do what I tell you to.”
“You … really don’t trust me?”
“You’re not going to cry, are you?” Marcus smirked as he watched his son straighten his shoulders. “Listen to me. This is my kingdom. I know you’re called the prince, but I have no plans to EVER give you or anyone the crown.”
“Did I ever give you the impression that I wanted it?” Taric snapped.
Marcus stood up and took a couple of intimidating steps toward his son.
“Don’t get your panties in a twist. These emotions are unbecoming for a son of mine.
Of course you want it. Because you would be a complete disappointment if you didn’t.
But the difference is that now you know you can’t have it because you’ll never be strong enough to take it from me. Understand?”
Taric balled his fist as he averted his gaze from his father. “I understand.”
“Good.” Marcus scowled as he gazed at Taric. “Such a disappointment.” He sighed as he turned around to go back to his throne. “Leave. You’re spoiling my mood.”
Taric turned and silently walked away, his hands shaking.
He knew his father was never the affectionate type.
But he thought there was a level of trust and respect between them.
Had he not proven himself? He had done everything his father had asked him to do.
He’d always shown his loyalty to him. He couldn’t help it …
it hurt to hear his father didn’t trust him.
Taric walked slowly through the dark corridor.
What was his father not saying? For him to keep it a secret, it must be something he was afraid could be used against him.
Was there some power his father was after?
A power that could be a threat to him in the wrong hands? Yes … that must be it. But what was it?
The day was quiet as the sun crept over the horizon.
The sky was red, and the ground was painted in orange and yellow.
The color of the sky matched the rage that was currently building up inside Ken.
Mikah and Ken had been searching tirelessly for Alexa, and while Mikah was able to pick up some signals, they hadn’t been able to pinpoint the location.
Ken watched Mikah walking around quietly, trying to determine which direction the pull was coming from.
It was infuriating that Ken couldn’t even sense his soulmate.
He just wanted her back. She belonged in his arms. He let out a deep sigh as his anger started to boil over.
His fists clenched, his breathing became heavy, and his eyes narrowed.
“I’m going to kill that fucking god,” he breathed out through gritted teeth.
All the time he’d spent searching for Alexa, all of his worry, his pain, and his anger … he was going to make Erebus pay for it.
“Not if I kill him first,” Mikah snarled as he turned his head toward Ken. He had learned that he was powerful enough to stand toe-to-toe with the deities. He just needed to embrace his power fully. Which he now could. He wasn’t afraid of himself anymore. All of his thoughts were focused on Alexa.
The more Mikah concentrated on Alexa, the more a strong, primal power began to emerge. The darkness inside him was being absorbed by something else, almost as if it was becoming part of him instead of a separate existence. The bloodlust wasn’t taking over anymore.
“I hope she’s alright …” Ken whispered, looking up at the sunrise.
He knew he needed to find Mikah back then, but he regretted leaving Alexa’s side.
Had he stayed with her, this wouldn’t have happened.
Erebus knew him far too well. Wherever he had taken Alexa, he knew how to keep her hidden from him.
Mikah closed his eyes, concentrating on Alexa. He focused on his thoughts of needing to find her. Of having to be by her side. As he did, he could feel himself being pulled. It was like a gentle tug, but it was enough. He opened his eyes and looked at Ken.
“That direction. She’s in that direction.” Mikah pointed his finger in the distance as Ken walked up to him. Ken gripped his shoulder, and the next second they were transported again. Each time, they were getting a little bit closer to finding her and killing Erebus.
Alexa looked out the window as she watched the sun rising over the ocean waves.
She was trying to formulate a plan in her head on how to get Erebus to talk.
The topic of Ken seemed to strike a nerve.
There was a good chance that Erebus would talk more if he was upset.
She decided to start asking questions about Ivory and take it from there.
No matter what, she needed to find out what he knew about the demons.
She turned and looked behind her as she heard her door creaking open. Erebus stepped inside, and his eyes immediately found her.
“Oh good. You’re up. Good morning, princess. Time for breakfast.”