The Damned Demon

In the heart of the Whispering Cove, the charmingly imposing building located in the mist-veiled Mistshore Village, Asher lazily sprawled on a plush, crimson chaise lounge in his private chamber. This chamber was just one of a dozen of the Whispering Cove.

This haven, originally constructed as a meeting place for his vassals, had evolved into a personal retreat, a space where the cacophony of the outside world was held at bay, allowing for moments of introspection and privacy for Asher.

Kookus, with an enthusiasm bubbling forth over his face, was attending to Asher with a mix of overwhelming reverence and excitement, "Boss, is it really true that my sister is the granddaughter of the Moon Guardian? Won't that mean I am his grandson?? Maybe there is a peak Soul Devourer inside me too, like an Alpha Kookus! What do you think, boss?" His voice, ripe with hope and naivety, filled the chamber, though inwardly he was dreaming of sitting on the throne of the Moon Guardian as the next hidden successor with a couple of beauties from all races at his side.

He grinned as he thought that beauties would be waiting in long queues to obtain his favor. Asher planted his hand against his forehead, exasperation etched into the lines on his forehead as he shot Kookus a mock weary look, "I highly doubt even a leech would want to live inside you. Stop dreaming and get out of here; I have work to do," he snapped, and planted a kick on his face.

"Aiyo!" Kookus's departure, marked by a squeaky howl as he rolled out of the door, left Asher alone with his thoughts. Asher came to know that Ceti told them about what happened to Merina and Kookus. He couldn't understand why she would tell such things to her big-mouthed idiot of a brother. But he could see that she loved her family more than anything.

But at the same time, he also learned that Merina also had no idea and was equally shocked about Luna and who she really was.

He then decided to make sure he was prepared to receive his guest...Esther Thorne. He was pretty sure she would come after receiving his letter.

After all, by holding the future of their House hostage, they can't risk flexing their strength at him. Otherwise, someone like Esther would never make themselves seem small by coming to him.

He retrieved a small jar from his cupboard, its contents a dark, oily liquid that concealed a severed small body part, a shriveled cock, floating within the jar.

He let out a subtle scoff as he placed it on the table. He had made careful preparations to preserve it to use it as an ace card against the Thrones. Still, he had to thank Sabina for making the whole thing as easy and smooth as possible.

He never thought he would have an ally like her within their House. Thinking about it, that crazy woman deserves to be tortured more in his hands after everything she tried to do. He began to think of plans on how to torture her until she passed out.

But suddenly, his brows raised, and he closed his eyes to sense the person who came outside, giving him a slight surprise to see that it wasn't Esther.

A subtle cold curve touched his lips, "Oh? Looks like your patience is running thin," he murmured as he slowly opened his eyes.

Meanwhile, on the outside, the umbralfiend guards stood their ground, their loyalty forged in the fires of respect and admiration for the king's deeds and his love for their princess. Tales of the king's valor and his benevolence towards their people had elevated him to a revered status among them, taking oaths to protect him despite the complicated history they shared.

Never did they expect they would come to love the person they hated so much before. But since their princess opened their eyes, they were happy to respect and protect the Bloodburn King as their own.

But the tranquility of the day was shattered as a vast shadow enveloped the area, drawing the natives and the guards' eyes skyward to a sight that set their hearts racing. A massive flying beast, its presence as cold as the grave, descended towards them, its dark blue eyes scanning the surroundings with an otherworldly intensity. But it was the feminine figure that alighted from the beast's back that truly sent a ripple of dread through those assembled. Rebecca, with her long silver hair and a gown as dark as night, exuded an aura of terror that eclipsed even that of her monstrous mount.

Whispers of her son's capture by draconians had reached their ears, sparking speculation about the nature of her visit. Was she here to seek the king's aid in her time of desperation? She must be really worried for her to come all the way here instead of requesting an official audience.

Rebecca's approach was marked by a frigid determination, each step a silent declaration of her purpose. The visible discomfort of having to seek an audience with that alien scum, whom she deemed unworthy of her respect, was a bitter pill to swallow, her pride chafing at the indignity of her situation.

The umbralfiend guards, recognizing the gravity of the moment, found themselves having their bodies tense upon seeing this woman approaching them.

But just as Rebecca was about to step past them, the guards stepped forward and stood in her way.

"What business do you have with His Majesty? We didn't receive any orders from him to anticipate your arrival," they inquired, their voices steady yet filled with an undercurrent of apprehension. No matter who came here, they were determined to fulfill their duty and uphold the Bloodburn King's orders.

Rebecca's response was laced with barely-contained fury, "How dare you pathetic creatures stand in my way? Don't you know who I am?" Her voice, icy and sharp, cut through the silence, her patience fraying at the edges.

The guards, despite the chill and contempt that Rebecca's gaze sent down their spines, stood resolute. Their leader, embodying the courage that defined them, replied with a calm born of fierce loyalty, "We do know who you are. But forgive us. We cannot let you enter unless His Majesty allows it. We do not want to unnecessarily cause any trouble. So please understand."

Rebecca's hands curled into fists as she snarled, "You weak little-"

"Did you not hear them?"

Rebecca frowned upon seeing a tall, armored figure walking out from the entrance of the building.

The guards felt relieved upon seeing the Bloodborn Guard, Eradicator.

They immediately made way for her as Eradicator stood in front of an irritated Rebecca and added, "No matter who you are, I won't let anyone disobey the orders of His Majesty."

Rebecca, her fists clenched in frustration, found herself at an impasse. Her desire to unleash her wrath on these bastards was tempered by the knowledge that any rash action could jeopardize her son's chance of rescue.

The stakes were too high, and her maternal instincts cautioned against any move that might give an excuse for that alien scum to use against her.

But right before she could say anything, Eradicator's gaze shifted briefly before she looked back at her and said, "His Majesty has sensed your arrival. He is willing to see you. You may go inside now," Saying so, Eradicator stepped aside without even looking at Rebecca.

Rebecca harrumphed as she walked past Eradicator and the guards with loud, sharp steps before disappearing into the building.

As Rebecca stepped into the hall, her gaze swept the room, sharp and assessing, reflecting her surprise at the absence of servants. Not even a single soul was present in this building other than him.

But she felt this was better since she could be herself before Asher instead of trying to maintain decorum.

However, the moment Asher made his entrance, the air between them crackled with tension, her gaze locking onto him with an intensity that could curdle blood.

"You know why I came here. So let's not waste any time and tell me what you can do about it," she stated, bitterness lacing her words.

Asher's response, a laugh tinged with disbelief and a hint of scorn, echoed in the hall, "Is that the way you ask for help from someone whom you owe a lot? From someone who has the only chance of saving your son?" he countered, stepping towards her with a confidence that seemed to fill the room.

Rebecca, unyielding, retorted with a mix of indignation and anger, "Owe? I believe whatever quarrels you had with Oberon were settled the moment you sent him into a coma for 3 years. But I am not telling you to bring back Oberon for me. You have to do it for the sake of our kingdom. He is still a respected prince of this kingdom. It won't do you any good if he is being imprisoned any longer or if anything happens to him."

Asher, closing the distance between them, wore a cold smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Really? I am sorry. But I have no reason to care about saving face as the king when I reveal to everyone what your dear son did during our journey."

Rebecca's confusion was palpable, her furrowed brows as a growing unease took root in her, "What are you talking about?" she whispered, a mix of tension and confusion in her voice.

Asher's demeanor suddenly turned icy, his words sharp as a blade, "Your son betrayed his king by leaving him to die more than once. He abandoned his people when they needed him the most and only cared about saving his own skin. So what do you think our people would want me to do once they learn about your son's loyalty? Obviously, there are a number of witnesses who saw it. They are only remaining silent because I am silent...so far."

The revelation hit Rebecca like a physical blow, her wide eyes reflecting a turmoil of emotions. What could have driven her son to such extremes?

She knew even if Oberon hated Asher with every inch of his being, he would never do anything to compromise himself.

Otherwise, he would have tried to assassinate Asher so many times.

But for him to go this far and make himself like a traitor before everyone else made her wonder what Asher did to him during the journey for Oberon to act like this.

Asher, observing her reaction with a measure of satisfaction, leaned in, his voice low and compelling as he looked down at her, "So before you make any demands, you are going to listen to mine if you want to have a chance of getting your son back."