Chapter 1

Author’s note

This is important, I would like to explain some things before we begin just to avoid any confusion because this is a book 2….

1: if you hadn’t read (Aeneas: the Underground King) please do this before you begin this one or else things will be pretty confusing because the plot, past events, and characters all come from the first book.

2: to those who have read the first book, there is going to be a time skip in this one. It will be four years on Earth

but in

hell,

it is going to be

twenty years.

I need Aeneas’ son old enough for this one and for that to happen this kind of time skip is necessary and will be explained further in the book.

3: It will be mainly about two couples…..

                     Diego and Sean…… As we left, Diego was cursed and Sean had completely rejected him. We will be following their journey to break the curse, friendship, and more.

                      Arthfael and Jun….. Our second couple, the name (Arthfael can be pronounced as you want) but to me, it’s Arth-fa-el….if that makes sense. These two will be on their journey as we watch Aeneas’s son live life and try to be with a mate. If he will be like his father or not, will be known in the book as we go.

So please have fun and let’s enjoy this one like we did the first one.

That is all….love you

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Chapter 1

The book of Helios

“What is going on here?” A gray-haired man with a walking stick inquired as he tapped his stick reaching closer to his men that surrounded a child not older than twelve. The child was bound to a chair with ropes around his torso. The tickling of blood on the side of his mouth made the old man turn his eyes to his guards with an angered look “Who did this?” This time he aimed his question at one specific guard called Martin. The leader of the army that is supposed to protect him from any threats. Arresting and abusing little kids wasn’t one of those threats.

Martin bowed respectfully “He was caught trespassing sir”

“And you hit him” The old man walked faster from his guards and over to the child “Are you alright?” He warmly asked while untying the ropes. The child gave a curt nod, he neither looked scared nor in pain. He was calm and all his attention was on the old man “We should take you to the hospital” he side-eyed his men as he helped the child up.

“That wouldn’t be necessary” the child denied whilst retracting his hand “I would prefer to have a chat with you” The old man fully turned and glanced down at the child

“About what, if I may ask?”

“My name is Diego and it is nice to meet you Mr. Harvey” Diego gave him his hand, Harvey shook the hand gladly with wonder, what did the child want to speak to him about “I have some questions about the book of Helios” the man boomed with laughter, not a mockery one but the one where he seemed amused.

“Why would a child be concerned with such an ancient book” his chuckles died down “As a matter of fact no one has ever asked about that book in a very long time”

“I’m glad to be the first one in a long time” Diego replied calmly his hands behind his body “If it’s not too much to ask I would like to take a look at the book in your possession”

“Of course, why would I deny you such an offer? And after what my guards have put you through…I will be glad to show it to you, please follow me” The rest moved out of the way as Mr. Harvey passed with Diego in tow. Mr Harvey has been holding onto the book of Helios and in his years no one has ever been interested in it. Having someone ask and be interested to take a look sat well with him. He was willing to tell this child about anything “Would you like to know anything specific about this book?”

Diego had the question in his head way before Mr. Harvey offered, “What year was the book you possess translated?”

Mr. Harvey didn’t have to think too much about the question, the answer was right at the tip of his tongue “It is from thirteen sixty-three, this book was directly translated from the original book of Helios just as it was taken to safety. It is said that the original book of Helios can’t be held by just anyone, and for its safety and everyone’s it had to be kept hidden. Some believe the book had been empty and that is why it was hidden. But those are the people with little beliefs. The ones mistranslating every holy book ever created”

“Why would people think the book of Helios was empty?” That was a new formation in Diego’s ears.

“Because Lord Helios wrote his book, some believe he is still doing so up to this date” Lord Helios didn’t write his book, Leroy did. He tried to keep the words of his lord and then added his story after his lord’s death. The misconception of the book ran deeper than Diego has ever thought of.

While Mr. Harvey continued about how his great-great-great grandfather was one of the translators. Diego was half listening and politely contributing to the conversation but he couldn’t help but have so many questions…The book of Helios has been translated a couple of times, and with each generation, it got worse.

He was of Helios and growing up he learned all the history behind Helios. He knows enough history to know what is a lie, however, when it comes to his curse he is completely lost. Growing up he was told stories about his god, his great-great-great grandfather, Leroy, the first white Aki, and the king told them about the day Lord Helios died.

Lord Helios had created a creature that turned evil known as Abnus the first and last dark Aki, it was undefeatable. He caused mere destruction, Lord Helios and the moon goddess came together and created another creature known as the white Aki to destroy Abnus. They got into the toughest fight in the history of the sun children and it ended with the dark Aki running and the white Aki almost dead. This left Lord Helios devastated, his two creatures almost ending each other was not what he ever wanted. He only wanted peace for them, freedom, and happiness, not war.

And As Lord Helios healed the white Aki it’s said he cursed anyone who will be born of the sun children that would dare ever start a blood-pouring battle, at least those are the words Diego has heard of. He didn’t know what the curse was about, what were Lord Helios’ last words.

Diego knows he spilled the blood of the sun children and he is also of the sun, and as a result, he got cursed. He needs to know how to stop it and to do that he needs to understand Lord Helios’ exact words.

He hopes to break the curse, there has to be a solution to this. Diego wishes to find the real book of Helios and get the answers only a god would have known. As they reached the part of the library with ancient books. Diego zoomed back into Mr. Harvey’s words “These books have been around for so long and they hold information that will be needed in the future. Even if the new generation tends to care less about the history of gods. Call them unreal and imaginary, trust science every day and forget that with the gods… belief is everything, and once you believe you see”

Diego couldn’t reply, this was where his hope lay. If this book held the truth maybe he would be able to turn his life around. If it didn’t then it means these past four years were in vain and he had to start over once again like he has been doing his entire life. His heart was in his throat hoping for this to be the real one, a few years ago he had found one but it was so wrongly translated that it showed they knew nothing about Lord Helios or his people. He has fallen onto so many different versions and most of them don’t deserve a mention cause they are a disgrace to Lord Helios himself.

However What surprised Diego about the book Mr. Harvey has just handed him is that it had another extended title ‘The Book of Helios and his Creations’ Diego glanced at Mr. Harvey “This has a different title, was it translated from the original too” No other book he has come across had an extended heading.

“My father said the book talks about his first creations” Mr. Harvey took a seat “This book shows us the real God of the sun. The real struggles he went through before he could successfully create his first creature. What most don’t know is that he didn’t just create creatures like most gods. His power was quite tricky and as it says on page 307…” Mr. Harvey opened the book landing on the page “He couldn’t create any creatures unless he slept for ten thousand years-” Diego already knew about the history of his god.

Helios wasn’t capable of creating creatures as most gods could. His power has to be preserved for years but even then he would still have a hard time creating a creature that would stay alive, most died in days. Their bodies were unable to hold the energy given, he was constantly trying and trying until one day it worked and he was able to create a creature that stayed alive and strong. “His creations hold a strong bond to him” Even if Abnus was a dark Aki who brought distraction, Lord Helios still felt love and protectiveness because he was still his child.

Diego flipped the pages right onto page six hundred-two. He read out loud “And those who ruin peace will live to suffer for eternity shall they have my blood” Diego frowned while teleporting another book into his hands.

The old man gasped almost falling back from his chair, caught by surprise by the power sprayed in front of him.

Diego on the other hand was opening up the same page and when he landed on it, it had different words that he read out loud once again “After the fight between his creatures Lord Helios was filled with anger and sadness he cursed everyone with words “And those who cause war deserve war, those who bring peace deserve peace but those who pour the blood of their kind deserve eternal suffering”

Diego glanced at the old man not even reacting to his shocked horrified face “Why are both these scenarios different” Diego argued turning both books to Mr. Harvey “This book…” he pointed to Mr. Harvey’s book “Was directly translated from this book yet both scenarios are different and Lord Helios says different words with a different attitude. Yours is calm and this…” he pointed to the book that was made in the ten thousand “This is filled with anger and he says it right after the fight between his creations, yours doesn’t even talk about any fight”

Mr. Harvey put on his glasses and looked at both books. They were quite different, in all his life he was never made to question this book. Yet now he was looking at an older book but it had different words and actions than the one he has “This isn’t just a mistranslation, they changed everything”

“Even the book before, says something different” Diego teleported five more books of Helios older than the other two and they all had different actions and words. The curse changes in each book. “The actions leading to the curse also change, some don’t even talk about the fight”

“Helios’ creatures didn’t fight, they lived in peace-”

“No, the fight happened” Diego argued, “This and this-” he pointed at two books in particular “These are right about the fight but the words he says or how the fight ends are all different. The words in each book changed, the curse changed…” Diego held his waist while walking away from the table feeling frustrated. He had more questions than answers, what should he believe at this point.

He has searched for those books, after failing to find the original book of Helios. These books are supposed to be direct translations of the original yet neither of them speak the truth nor match words and actions. All Diego needed is to know what kind of curse he has. What did Lord Helios say before he died?

What kind of curse takes you to the body of a ten-year-old and how to stop it? The curse had to have been spoken about, he couldn’t have gotten it if it wasn’t spoken about.

Every book just speaks about eternal suffering, none of the books even acknowledge the fact that Lord Helios died right after the gruesome fight between the white and dark Aki yet they each change Lord Helios’ last words.

The most important ones, the ones that could save Diego from all this suffering and torture “Arrest him” Diego turned to find all the guards piling into the room.

He should have known better than to expose his powers like that to a human. It wasn’t the first time and he knows it will never be the last time either until he finds the cure to his curse. Desperate times call for desperate measures and in a time like this he needs answers.

“Mr. Harvey?” Diego raised his hands, not in panic “I came here for answers, I don’t want to fight anyone” Diego turned around with his hands still raised to show no threat. He was not here to fight, he wanted to see the book and they kindly showed it to him. He would not harm them.

He was willingly surrendering when he felt his neck constrict. He held onto the wall and started gagging without anything coming out. The footsteps that had stepped closer all ran back when he threw up a bunch of blood on the ground.

The rejection was still affecting him, it made him weak. It made him slowly lose all of his remaining powers. He felt like a draining battery yet he knew he couldn’t die and not because he didn’t want to but because he was cursed with not only being in a ten-year-old body but also immortality.

His curse had three layers, being trapped in a child’s body. That came with the rejection from his mate.

Immortality and the worst one of all, his power to shift into an Aki.

He felt disconnected from everything he has ever been, this curse was eating him alive and he wanted it to stop.

He wanted it to end and as he lost consciousness all he could think about was ‘He needed to find a way to end this curse’

Author’s note

Hope you enjoyed the intro, much is to come as we dive into the story more but remember….

All of this is fictional, all made up by my bored brain.

Have fun, stay safe love you, and thank you for joining this journey.

Chapter 2

The Prince of hell

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Arthfael, the underground prince. The only son of Aeneas Asmodeus and Alexander Acacius the current king of hell. He has grown up hearing stories about his father, from his past life to this life. How he was able to take back his kingdom from Demetrius. The King no one remembers or talks about because his reign was never worth a mention.

With everything he has heard Arthfael can complain about only one thing in his life, it is the fact that he is constantly compared to his father or expected to be like him. Everyone expected him to be just as strong and even if that is not far away from the truth Arthfael couldn’t be more different from his father than he is.

All the similarities end with appearances, the rest he is so different from what everyone expects. His father the ruthless demon managed to get himself friends that he can rely on with his life. Friends that fought beside him in battle whereas Arthfael has a strong dislike for not only communication but also living creations.

That could be the reason why most demons keep their distance and that is also why he has no friends. However Arthfael can’t complain, he would prefer his company any day.

The second thing is that he always looks angry at the world, it makes people consider him as tough as his father and that could have been right if his heart wasn’t as soft as a feather. However no one knows about that, he would rather be considered tough than weak and soft.

The third thing and probably the worst thing is that he has a strong dislike for blood, well everyone thinks he has a strong dislike and by everyone, he means his close family. Only those close to him know about this, however, what he hides is that he just doesn’t have a strong dislike for blood he has a fear of blood.

This is something he would prefer to take to his grave before exposing it to anyone. He knows he has hidden it very well from everyone because he didn’t want to seem weak. He would prefer if he seems like a clean freak than a demon with a fear of something that he should be a huge fan of just like his father.

And like they say Aeneas has always had an eye for every detail. He always knows and with his keen eye, he found out that his son has a fear of blood. Arthfael at first felt uncomfortable when his father found out, he thought he will see him as weak but instead, he tried to help, and even if none of it worked at least he tried.

However, when Alexander found out they both decided to erase his brain and pretend the fear does not exist.

Alexander worries too much whereas Aeneas knows how to ignore the elephant in the room and Arthfael loved him for that. His fear was his to deal with plus Aeneas failed in all his attempts to cure him. Not even his magic could have taken away the fear Arthfael experiences every time he sees blood.

He doesn’t take that as a weakness anymore, he has found a way to not see it even in the worst positions that Aeneas tends to throw him in. He knows how to handle it, it was a great thing Aeneas was so bad with communication because it meant it was rare he ever went into a deep conversation with Arthfael. It feels good to ignore and not talk about his fear.

They both tend to cover up what they can’t control with empty threats and arguments that frustrate Alexander.

Alexander differs from the two, he likes to talk about every detail. He doesn’t like to leave things as they are and that is why Arthfael never tells him anything because he hates talking plus his hatred for touch disconnects him further from his parents especially Alexander who likes hugs like no other.

Arthfael has his moods, when he wants to hug his father he does but most of the time he would rather go without anyone being in his space which connects him even more to Aeneas coz Aeneas would rather die than hug his son…unless he is teasing him and trying to make him uncomfortable, he is a professional at that.

Alexander is respectful on the other hand and listens to even the smallest words that Arthfael says except when he starts an argument with Jun.

Jun is the Larpon that Aeneas took in after the war was done. Arthfael has not found out why he did but up till now he knows he dislikes that kid with a passion and Jun knows how to get on his nerves by acting like a bitch in every way possible.

Jun is the only creature on all planets that would dare jump onto Aeneas like a koala. He is a clingy creature that Arthfael has not liked since his birth.

Jun had always wanted to carry him, play with him but Arthfael has never been interested and the more Jun persisted the stronger the dislike Arthfael felt. He looks at the tiny creature and most of the time just walks away because he has zero respect for him. Most times Jun makes it hard.

Jun knows how to use his mouth, he speaks and speaks even when Arthfael is completely uninterested. Sometimes he would find him in his peace and just reads a book to him for no particular reason, Jun would care less if Arthfael was listening, all it took was Arthfael’s silence for him to read, and damn was Arthfael always silent.

Most times he would walk away yet Jun would follow, sometimes he would tell the boy how low he was and Jun would throw back an insult then the next day he would act as if nothing happened and try to play with him despite Arthfael’s disapproval.

To him, Jun acted childish and never understood when someone didn’t want him around. Arthfael was glad he has never tried to get into his personal space and knew to not touch him or he would have ended him long ago.

However, Arthfael learned to start hiding from the childish boy and as years went by Jun took a step back. Arthfael appreciated it very much when Jun stopped trying and reading him his silly books, those years were peaceful.

All he wants to know is why his father would go into the land of the people who betrayed him and take their heir. Arthfael understands why his father would do it, maybe as punishment but why bring him here to grow with demons? This was not a punishment that fitted the betrayal and even if his father has never explained further Arthfael has always held suspicion in his head. He has never dwelled on it harder than he needed to because he had to hide from Jun.

At one point in his childhood, Arthfael felt as if his father loved Jun more than he loved him. Aeneas was always there to protect Jun and let him sleep in their bed…all of that made Arthfael jealous in an unexplainable way.

He felt like the second child and all because of some useless larpon.

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Alexander observed his son closely. It hurt him that he could never figure his son out. He is always a mystery, always on his own. Doesn’t interact with anyone, not even Jun who has tried his best to communicate with him but still nothing.

Aeneas keeps telling him that their son is fine and just enjoys his time alone but to Alexander, Arthfael seems lonely. Alexander was not one with many friends but he was also not one to keep himself from those surrounding him whereas Arthfael ignores his surrounding and once he focuses on them he always just ignores or insults them

He knew there had to be an explanation for his behavior yet he didn’t know what it was… Hands wrapped around him and Alexander knew exactly who it was. The only one who was supposed to touch him like this “Stop worrying about him”

“He is my son, I can’t stop worrying” Alexander leaned into Aeneas “He seems lonely”

“He is in peace” Alexander kicked his mate’s leg in frustration. Aeneas always says the same thing and never takes his words seriously his son seemed lonely “Maybe it’s time we give him his mate”

Alexander turned his head to glance at his mate before asking  “Is he ready for such a journey?”

“I think it’s time”

“What are you saying?”

“It’s time they start to learn how to be mates” Alexander glanced back at his son. He looked to be in his head and sometimes he would smile for no reason and then frown.

“They have no bond, how will they work” for all Alexander knows, his son has never liked Jun and Jun even if he tries to hide it he seems to dislike Arthfael as well.

“Just trust me”

“Whatever you do make sure it doesn’t involve blood, remember he dislikes it” Aeneas paused for a bit but after a quick second, he pecked his mate’s head.

“You know about that?” Aeneas had just erased his mate’s brain not so long ago. Alexander had been worrying about Arthfael’s fear for blood he could barely sleep and with no cure at the moment Aeneas decided to make him forget so that his mate could have good rests.

“Don’t tell me you forgot about it, it might not be severe but at least we have to minimize it so it doesn’t become a problem” Aeneas nodded, as long as his mate doesn’t know to what extreme then it was fine.

“He will be fine, this will also make him less lonely” Alexander sighed, maybe this will help. It was time for Arthfael to start making his way closer to his mate. It might get him out of his shell, even if Alexander feared his son’s safety he knew this was another way to help him, and what better way than for him to discover his mate?

“How are you going to get him to work with Jun?”

“I always find a way” Aeneas knew one thing, his son is as curious as day about Jun. That is one thing Arthfael can’t hide even when he stops talking.

And another thing is that he knew both Jun and his son so it will be easy to get them to work together.

It was going to be easy to get them to work together, it’s the journey they had to face that made Aeneas worry for his son. So much was waiting and Aeneas had no way of changing it.

Seeing his son’s future was both a blessing and a curse.

Author’s note

Hemophobia is going to be a big plot in this book, I admit I know little to nothing about this phobia so this does not describe people with it.

This is my own way of trying to portray it so don’t get mad when things don’t add up to ‘reality’…. it’s all fictional.

🫶🫶🫶

Comment, like and share

Chapter 3

Imprisoned

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“What are you?” Mr. Harvey asked while taking a seat outside the glass where Diego was locked. When he woke up he was in this glass box as big as a room with Mr. Harvey watching him. He didn’t know how long he has been out but he feels extra weak.

His eyes scanned the entire glass room while pushing himself into a sitting position he asked “What is in this room?” the absence of panic in his eyes caused Mr. Harvey an uneasy feeling. he felt like he was the one locked up even if it was the other way around. He just expected that Diego will panic just like every other creature that has been in that room yet Diego seemed to be doing the opposite.

“Something to stop you from using your powers” Diego didn’t even bother to try it out and see if he indeed can’t use his powers. He was exhausted with empty-looking eyes gazing into space.

“I am guessing…I am not the first one in this room?” Diego sighed with a weak smile “I just know I am the only one not hating it” his eyes moved to Mr. Harvey’s “It feels like death and I like death”

“Why?”

“If you were me you would understand”

“Make me understand” Diego gazed into Harvey’s unmoving eyes. Curious for the unknown, tempted. Maybe the fact that the years were waving a flag scared him. He seemed like he was searching for a solution like he didn’t follow mythology for the sake of ancient history but rather to find a way to bend it to his will.

“We are seeking two different things Mr. Harvey” Diego stood up and Harvey followed “You want life, I wish to end it. See how we can’t understand each other”

“Indeed we can’t, you have immortality I don’t”

“You are a child of God, you age and die. That is a gift”

“It’s a curse!”

“Immortality is a curse, not aging is a curse”

Mr. Harvey glanced up and down Diego “You don’t age” the delicacy in his voice, like he would break the words if he said them hard enough.

“That is the real curse” Diego took in sharp and fast breaths as he slid down the glass wall taking a seat again. He felt like his heart might jump out and burst. His eyes mist with woefulness.

“You’re Eirenaios” Diego has not heard that name in a long time. His real name, the name his parents gave him. It meant ‘peaceful’ yet he disgraced it. He never caused peacefulness. All he caused was chaos “I have read about you, I just didn’t know you were this young” Diego closed his eyes and lightly banged his head on the glass with no intention to break it but to feel something.

To not have this strong feeling stuck in his chest, “I can help you” Diego stopped banging his head and turned towards Mr. Harvey.

“The only thing that can help me is finding the original book of Helios” Diego knows that if he doesn’t find that book he will be doomed for life and his mate will reject him forever.

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Sean held the back of his head in pain, after accidentally letting loose of his hold on the pole he landed on the stage head first. He felt like it had cracked open and the more it bled the more he believed his theory. He was helped off-stage by his co-workers and brought back to his changing room before everyone went back to their jobs. The show had to go on even if he has had an accident.

Sean heard footsteps outside and the heavier they became the more he knew they were coming into his room, it had to be none other than his boss who will not be appreciative of the accident. Not even two seconds pass before his boss stormed in and yelled “What was that? How can you be that clumsy? Do you know how much money you have just cost me right now”

“I will go back and finish…I just need” he took the cloth off the back of his head and it had a lot of blood. His eyes were seeing sparks, he was disoriented. He knew that no matter what, he couldn’t go back on the stage with the way he was feeling “I will make it up”

“No, you won’t coz you’re fired” Sean knew it was long coming. He has been out of it and he didn’t blame his boss, he took it as much. His day job on the other hand fired him within a week. He was just lucky to have held onto this one for so long, he knows that his other part-time job at a restaurant will also not last that long.

He has had so many jobs in the last four years that he could no longer count.

He looked at the roof and cursed at himself, why couldn’t he get a grip on his life? Why couldn’t he get rid of the dismal feeling?

It’s been four years for goodness’ sake. He should be over the stress, the halfness. The worrying, he should be fine by now and only think about feeding his sister instead of THAT world.

It was not his, it was never his, and ever since Diego appeared it was not what he was searching for yet his heart and head show him something else.

Like he is half.

He is missing something and lately, it has been getting worse. His brain can’t focus and that was how he fell off the pole dance and landed on his head.

It’s not like any of those people care anyway. Not like he cares about someone he shouldn’t. He is trying to convince himself that he is better, that he doesn’t want to care for that young man or whatever because to him he was a young boy.

Even if Sean has started to regret pushing him away, maybe that wasn’t the best idea. Maybe they should have been friends as Alexander had suggested, maybe he could have helped him on his quest to search for the cure to his curse.

With each passing day Sean can’t help but remember Diego’s weak body on that bed, each day he regrets leaving and cutting them off like that even if he feels like it is what was best for him and his mental state. Being around Diego was not good for him.

But why was it getting worse now?

He pulled out his phone and called a number that was on his speed dial “Hello baby” Jushua his boyfriend called from the other side happy

‘Why isn’t he enough?’ Sean asked himself. Joshua has brought nothing but care and loves into his life, he was everything he searched for in a man since he can remember yet something just seems to be missing so terribly.

“Hey, I kinda banged my head and got fired. Could you pick me up”

“Are you okay?”

“I will need you to take me to the hospital” he could feel he will need some stitches.

“I’m on my way, don’t move” Sean wasn’t planning to. He hang up while massaging his head and now that he has talked to Joshua he felt like whatever he was thinking about was not it. Joshua was his future.

What he has is enough, he just had to focus on finding a new job. One that doesn’t involve him spinning around on a pole. Everything will be fine and in a year he will get married to Joshua, and Sabrina will become a woman who will go on to search for her path.

If Sean handled these past four years he can handle it for the rest of his life. People have dealt with worse, he knew he has dealt with worse to let something like this break him.

He was strong enough to withstand the death of his mother and the disappearance of his father. He was strong enough to get a job and a college scholarship. He has been strong enough to raise Sabrina, nothing can break him at this point, he’s better than a world he doesn’t understand. His life was on the best course, he’s got this and he won’t be letting anyone break it.

Chapter 4

Family dinner

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Arthfael sat at the dinner table where his parents have called him. He had felt them looking at him earlier when he was experiencing his peacefulness. His papa tends to intervene and try to get him out of his thoughts yet this time he kept his distance. Arthfael couldn’t catch what they were speaking about so on that note he is still blank. However, he can feel the plot swimming around his father’s brain.

Dinner was never something they usually did, Both Aeneas and Alexander are always busy at that time and no one hates dinner as much as Aeneas. The fact that he was at the table today proved Arthfael’s suspicions and just as he was still trying to figure out what exactly was going on Jun entered. His bad mood went sour that he couldn’t drown down the comment in his throat “What is this low life doing here?”

Jun’s eyes perked up showing a smile before it reached his lips. Another trait Arthfael hated about Jun, his happy demeanor. As nothing could ever make him unhappy “I was going to ask the same thing, stoic prince”

“It’s time for dinner, let’s not argue” Alexander tried to blow down whatever argument that would have been if he let them throw words at each other. These two have never seen eye to eye, Jun apologized with a bow politely. Arthfael just served himself food and started eating acting as if none of that happened.

“I wanted to ask if I can go visit my parents today”

Alexander nodded worryingly, he didn’t want anything to happen to Jun right before they begin a journey with Arthfael. Jun was a sweet child, polite and charming. The opposite of Arthfael, Alexander believed that Jun would be the light in Arthfael’s darkness “Only if your energy is enough” Alexander added, he preferred Jun’s safety above anything else.

When Arthfael heard that he only grimaced, if the Larpon was so eager to go back home why not stay there permanently “Why can’t you just go and stay there so that you can all cry together like the weak pathetic creations you are”

Alexander wanted to intervene, his son had a way of bullying Jun. Aeneas shook his head telling him to not intervene, this was going according to his plan.

“Don’t talk about my people you stoic demon”

“You don’t want me to call you what you are, weak and pathetic” Arthfael’s words stung “And yet here you are the so-called prince of the most useless creation being raised by demons without knowledge of the people you will one day lead” Jun held the fork hard in his grasp when Arthfael pointed out the most insecurities that he thinks about every day “And come to think about it I have never seen you cry like your pathetic kind”

“Arthfael” Alexander had to intervene. His son was being brutal to Jun for absolutely no reason. It wasn’t called for.

“Their kind cries whenever one of them dies, you mean to tell me that out of the ten thousand larpons, none has died for the past twenty years” Arthfael ignored his papa’s warnings as he pointed out his exact thoughts. Jun was way too happy for his kind, his kind are considered ‘mourners’ like Arthfael wants to call them. Larpons cry every time one dies, which means Jun should be in mourning every second of the day and less happy.

“Since you brought the topic” Aeneas intervened before his mate ruined his plans “How about you two find out together?”

“Find what out?”

Aeneas pointed at Jun “Why he doesn’t cry when one of his kind dies?”

This was the biggest task his father has ever given him. He was willing to find out why Jun doesn’t cry and whatever he did, Arthfael will know “Don’t worry father I will find out” Arthfael is willing to find out why Jun survived a curse that consumed all his people. How did he survive it?

“You will be finding out together” Arthfael glanced at his father “That is your next mission and it will involve zero blood. Aren’t I generous?” his smile showed another intention other than the one he was speaking about and Arthfael felt it. His father was cunning, the less he spoke the more he plotted everything out in his head.

“Is this your revenge father, it’s petty” Arthfael recalled the last time the two spoke. Aeneas promised to get revenge after he threatened to tell his papa about Aeneas erasing his brain countless times now.

“Who said the king of the underworld can’t be petty” Aeneas spoke more while sipping on his drink. Arthfael was a child, and the years he has lived are a snippet of the life Aeneas has come to experience in his life “I can get even pettier if needed to be, would you want me to try Arthfael” His son took in a deep breath as he laid his fork and knife neatly down. Aeneas leaned onto the table “You are going on a journey with Jun and find out why they were cursed with crying then find out why Jun is immune to it”

“And this is pettier because you know why but you want me to find out myself”

“Exactly”

“Alright, when are we leaving” Aeneas stopped a bit, he expected more fight than he was receiving from his son, and with suspicious eyes he replied…

“Tomorrow”

“You want to read my mind father?” Arthfael was right on point, indeed his father wanted to read his mind and figure out what he was thinking about “Don’t worry, I am just thinking of ways to wake up your worst enemies, I just have to find the right spell”

“Don’t say things like that” Alexander sighed out. Aeneas and Arthfael always end up threatening each other and with little to no knowledge of what goes on inside Arthfael’s head, they can never know what he is completely capable of. All Alexander is proud of is that Arthfael has a mate like Jun, even if Jun sometimes loses his temper and battles back,  at least he is more sensible and patient.

Coz, with all the fear of his son not being okay aside Alexander knows that his son is not so different from his father, only time will tell what he will become. All he knows is that his sudden dislike of blood has never stopped him from following his father on some missions. Alexander had thought it might get him to stand back but no, It just changed the way he does things, the perfectionism in him makes everything he does ‘the perfect murder’ as Aeneas usually calls it.

All in all, they are both headaches except one headache worries him, and the other…well it excites him. Alexander has come to like that cunning side of Aeneas coz every time he tries to figure out what is happening in his mate’s head he always gets the best time of his life in bed.

“Let’s just have a perfect dinner, then you two will go back at it” Alexander canceled the arguments with the clearance of his throat.

“I am going to see Will and say goodbye” Arthfael stood up with his empty plate, and Alexander caught it before Arthfael could step away.

“I will wash it for you” he knew what will happen if he lets Arthfael get into the kitchen.

“I don’t want to disturb you my angel” Arthfael spoke mocking his father. Aeneas raised his eyebrows at his corny son. That was the thing with his son, suddenly sweet and suddenly touchy and in just seconds he will be irritated by any touch or form of closeness.

“I am the only one who knows how to wash your plate, I will do it” Alexander argued taking the plate. He was saving himself from the argument that will happen in the kitchen. Arthfael had a way he wanted his plate to be washed but he just doesn’t do it himself so he stands over a worker and starts ordering them through the process and not in a calm way but a very terrible way that is traumatizing for everyone involved.

Arthfael pulled his chair and put it next to Alexander “You’re my light papa” He hugged him, Alexander felt like he was on the moon. The first time in three months and yes he counts them. he hugged his son back with a peck on the temple. It took a second before Arthfael pulled back now done with the affectionate touches

“And me, am I, not your light” Aeneas teased when he saw his son trying to get over the fact that he was touched. Arthfael scoffed saying goodbye to his papa right before walking out.

“First one in three months” Alexander sighed kind of disappointed that he will have to wait another three or more months to touch his son once again with little to no conversation.

“Maybe I should make myself rare as he does and get you longing like that” Aeneas flirted making his mate blush

“I would die if-” Suddenly Aeneas snapped his hands disappearing after making Alexander believe they were going somewhere. He sighed taking his attention back to the quiet Jun, after twenty years he is now used to his mate.

“Jun are you okay?”

“Yes, why?” Jun smiled awkwardly.

“I’m sorry about Arthfael”

“I can’t say I haven’t heard those words from his mouth countless times” Jun Breathed out, getting angry with Arthfael now feels like a waste of thought.

“Still-” Alexander cut himself off “I have to go, we will finish this conversation when I get back” Jun nodded, Alexander pecked his forehead before running outside, and with his wings, he flew away in a hurry.

Jun sighed looking at the table, his mind swirled with everything. He needed to talk to someone and he would prefer it if that person wasn’t a demon plus if he was going on this kind of journey with none other than Arthfael he needed to get some advice and who is best with advice than his mother.

---

Jun got into his village, kids were playing around. It was rare for him to show up since he needed the orb to get in every time and draining its energy can be dangerous. It was the only map that could get him back home.

He couldn’t waste the orb’s magic by making his visits frequent not to mention the risk of being followed. It used to be better when his mom lived in hell with him but she had to leave, she had a duty as queen plus Aeneas was done with her.

She was there to help them know everything about pregnancies and Jun stayed because they needed to learn how to raise a child and he was the experiment.

It wasn’t horrible, well at first it wasn’t. Alexander was a sweetheart, Aeneas just learned with time. How to not be cruel, he put in the effort because his mate told him to until Arthfael was born… “Jun” His mom called with a smile hugging him.

“Mom, I missed you” She laughed while pulling out of the hug and taking him in.

“How is everything?”

“Arthfael” That was the only comment his mom needed to know that things are only going Arthfael. It is a term he uses when he means bad, or horrible.

“Good you’re here, I will make them un-Arthfael” They laughed while getting inside “Want some food?”

“Yes” He didn’t eat with all the arguing on the table and he was already worried. Before the news was delivered to Arthfael at the table he had already heard about it beforehand and he wouldn’t say he is happy, not sad but not happy either. He is in between because he wants to find out why his entire clan was cursed with such a burden that makes them weak.

His clan is seen as low lives and Arthfael reminds him of that every day. As the next king of his kind he wants to be the one to stop the cycle, children all deserve a good upbringing instead of carrying burdens that aren’t even there’s. They are crying over people they have never met, they feel the pain that isn’t there’s, it’s sad and should stop.

When he heard about it from Aeneas he wanted to do it but not with the person he was asked to do it with. He knew he needed Arthfael because behind his stoic annoying personality is a strong demon “Here darling, eat” Jun smiled and dug into the food, he hadn’t taken his first bite when his father walked in. His father stopped in surprise obviously having not expected him to be back.

“Father-” Jun stopped midway to greet his father when he spoke.

“I am glad you’re back we need to talk” he didn’t sound pleased.

“Let us let him eat first-”

“No, this is too important to pull off” Arjun the king cut his wife off “I was about to ask Lord Aeneas for his audience but now that you are here I can let you know before we speak to him. You are the prince of this land and we need you back here permanently”

Chapter 5

Prince of the larpons

---

The room fell silent, this has been a topic for years now. He was taken at four years and he is almost twenty-four. Aeneas says he still needs him. For what? He can’t just take their future king, make him grow among demons, and learn nothing about his culture. As the future king, he was supposed to grow up with his people, to learn about them and their suffering not be someone else.

Jun couldn’t be far away from his people than this.

Arjun has exclaimed his disapproval of this countless times and when his wife came back it increased. He needed his son back too now the entire council is at his throat. Jun was a grown-up, twenty-four years old, and needed to be with his people.

“Father you know this is not our decision to make” Jun broke the silence.

“But it’s time for us to make it, this is degrading. He took our prince, no one in this land knows you, they don’t know their future King” Jun understood his father’s worries now more than ever. Time was saying goodbye, he was supposed to take over at eighteen but that was impossible when Aeneas said he still needs him for what? No one seems to know coz all Jun seems to be doing is reading, eating, arguing with Arthfael, sleeping, then repeating.

“Father, I know it’s time for me to get back but right now more than ever I can’t”

“And why is that?” Arjun gave his son a disbelieving face, he should be the one supporting them more than ever.

“Arthfael and I are going to find out why the Larpons are cursed” His mom gasped holding a hand over her mouth, his dad was trying to process those words exactly “This can save our people, we can end the suffering-”

“You’re not doing such a thing” Jun was taken aback by those words, he expected them to be happy. This was hope, they could stop the cycle so that the next generation can be healed and saved.

“Father-”

“We are not cursed, never say such words again” Jun’s mom came and stood in front of her son when Arjun launched toward him.

“He doesn’t know anything” She defended

“All the reasons to be back” Arjun held his waist “What we feel makes us who we are, it’s not a curse, it’s a blessing”

“How is that a blessing?” Jun argued “Children feel adult pain the second they are born” Jun stood in front of her mother “We are made weak because of this, I need this orb just so I could find my own home every time I have to visit. We are hiding, from the world, because we all know what we are…what makes us, is nothing but a weakness” Arjun got closer to his son, just a meter or so taller than his son.

“You are not the king these people need”

“What these people need is saving and I am going to provide that even if I don’t become their king. I will not rule a kingdom where children are grieving every two seconds”

“Get out” Jun knew that what he was saying is real and his father felt it but was too prideful to understand. Arjun passed his son and made his way out, Jun sighed pushing his hair back. His father was never like this but now he seems on the edge with everything.

His mom held his shoulders turning him around “We all know the thing that connects us is nothing but a curse that we have failed to break. Now we have to embrace it, and call it a blessing because there is no hope for stopping it. Your dad is just worried you will lose hope just like we all did”

“I won’t, I will stop it and make sure we are normal and happy even if it is the last thing I do” Jun didn’t care about the throne, he cared that they were looked down on. Every creature is stronger than them, they are nothing but a laughing stock, they are nothing but mourners.

---

“Diego?” Mr. Harvey called lightly tapping the glass trying to get Diego out of his head. He had leaned into the glass, eyes open with tears pouring down his cheeks as he seemed to be looking into space “Diego…Diego?” he called aimlessly trying to gain attention once again but he got none.

He ushered in his men, he was too afraid to open that door all alone and get snatched up just in case this was a trap. He held one of his men’s hands before they could yank the door open “Be careful, remember he is not like us” Mr. Harvey cautioned.

The first man carefully pulled the door open and as soon as it was pulled ajar no one made a move as they took in Diego’s reaction who had yet to offer any. He glanced back at the two guys behind him as he took his first step inside the room with an electricity stick that zapped a bit, just in threat but still, Diego was unmoving.

And as they got closer Martin signaled his partners to take a position and surround Diego. Mr. Harvey closed the door behind them in case things didn’t work out in there. His men didn’t notice the action all too engrossed in watching the unmoving danger in front of them.

Martin held his zap up and hit Diego’s shoulder then took a step back, Diego didn’t react. He did it again this time holding it onto Diego’s shoulder for a couple of seconds but still got no reaction.

He glanced at Mr. Harvey who encouraged them to wake him up. He needed Diego alive and he would do anything to understand these creatures and how they have immortality. The second guy brought the stick into Diego’s torso and still received zero reaction, he smiled, and having enjoyed that more than he should have he brought the stick down again and held it for longer this time.

“What is happening?” Mr. Harvey questioned after seeing zero progress from his men who have been in there for a minute now.

“He is not waking up” Martin answered then zapped Diego again only for Diego to snap his eyes to him in a quick snap it scared him hard enough for him to trip and land on his ass.

The rest stepped back in fear, Diego lifted his hand holding the zap stick of one of them reversing the electricity. The guy fell with a single yell before passing out, the rest dashed for the door only to find it locked with Mr. Harvey not willing to open it for them.

Diego stood up and instead of attacking he moved to the other side, he pointed his finger at the glass, and the entire glass wall shattered into tiny pieces at their feet. Now nothing was separating him from Mr. Harvey who was too stunned to run except look at Diego with fear of getting killed.

Diego turned towards the scared men and those who were running in. Fear could be smelled on them, Diego wiped at his eyes as he took in what he had just done and the guy who had just woken up “I’m sorry” Diego raised his hands and everyone flinched yet he was not about to harm them “I didn’t mean to harm anyone. I just…” he sniffed holding his head “I just got caught up in a bad memory” He didn’t want to indulge in something like that with the humans so he left it to that “But I have to leave now” he had stayed because he thought the box could contain him but when he got sad his energy flowed back into him and it no longer felt like death.

He took the first step, and everyone flinched away including Mr. Harvey, as Diego got closer to him “Let fate guide you” Diego said without looking at him as he was given a pass to leave with no harm done.

Diego knew that his words had done nothing to stop the old man from trying to be immortal. He just hoped that Mr. Harvey would be clever enough to stop before things got bad.

That is some advice he wished to have told himself when he was young. He should have listened to what others were saying and stopped trying to be better than anyone. Trying to get what wasn’t his. His greed for more put him where he is, at the lowest, anyone can get.

Some things are not worth it.

Proving yourself where needn’t be ends with you in hot water and with everyone gone.

Time can’t be reversed, Diego knew this and he tries to tell himself that that day will never come back. That mistake will always be a part of who he is but in the future, he is going to try and fix everything.

Chapter 6

A visit from an angel

---

Sean slowly crawled out of bed not to wake Joshua up and put on some shorts and a shirt then snuck out without being heard.

He got into the kitchen and got a glass of water. He took constant sips of it to soothe his throat. His mind was telling him he was forgetting something he just didn’t know what. He moved towards the window and glanced out, the moon full high in the sky.

His first thought was about werewolves and it made him chuckle. Not everything about that world was bad, weird yes but not all bad. Some were fascinating, some beasts engrossed in death and chaos. Sean felt like it would be hard to die and go to hell and then find Aeneas, he would give a bad punishment with a smile on his lips.

Meanwhile, his mate would… Sean shot up, he has finally recalled his dream. It was weird and he knew only one person could help him with it. Without thinking he whispered “Alexander” unsurely, it has been four years since he cut ties with him and told him it was permanent yet this dream couldn’t seem to wait-

Alexander showed up right in front of him, he was lightly startled that some drops of water fell out of his glass. He didn’t have a chance to back out of his decision of summoning him. “Thought you would never call me again” Alexander was kind of startled by the call.

“Well I thought that too but I had this dream…” He rested the glass down and started searching for a pen and a piece of paper “This weird creature appeared to me- where is the pen. You might have seen it somewhere, it glowed in a blue light…” he found it and ran back to Alexander as he drew exactly what he remembered from his dream then handed it to Alexander.

He wasn’t good with art but he thought it was understandable since it was with someone who knew about creatures. Alexander gave it one look then glanced at Sean “What is this?” Alexander asked.

“The creature, I thought you might understand it”

“Well I don’t”

“Is it my drawing, I can explain it. It was shining-”

“Sean you have not contacted me in over twenty years and this is what you tell me the minute you summon me” Alexander sounded angry not even showing any care for what Sean was talking about.

“Twenty years?” Alexander clenched his jaw and then discarded the paper without care.

“I forgot, four years on earth” Alexader held his hands over his chest “Four years Sean, you had thrown me out of your life. You didn’t want to see or my son, you refused to talk to me and called me names. Now you summon me and show me this fuckin creature that I don’t even fuckin know” Sean was startled by the outburst but also the cursing

“You curse now?”

“I have learned a thing or two from my mate plus it’s hard to not curse with a complicated son or as his father likes to say that he is just complicated because the angel blood is conflicting with his demon blood which has to be a lie but I still can’t help myself but wonder if it might be true and that is why my son is the way he is” Alexander hastened through words as if he has been holding them on his heart for so long.

“Do you want to take a seat and we talk about this?”

Alexander walked onto the couch and took a seat, Sean got some water and followed with it handing him a glass “Thank you, You have no idea what I have been through ever since I gave birth, it has not been easy on me”

“So your son is?”

“He reached twenty, two months ago”

“How does time fly down there” Sean is counting just four years and they are counting twenty. That was crazy and hard to wrap his head around yet he has seen enough to no longer be this surprised.

“It does” Alexander turned to him “I missed my best friend”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there but I had to”

“No you didn’t” Up to now Alexander doesn’t think Sean had a reason to just cut them out like he did “You just wanted to, I don’t blame you. You freaked out and it’s okay but what you told me was not okay”

“I’m sorry” Sean remembers what he told him that day, they were hurtful words “And I am sorry to have missed seeing your child”

“I am just glad you contacted me and I apologize for yelling at you”

“I kinda understand” Sean replied with a chuckle, Alexander needed to let it out. He seemed like he was bottling things inside “But let’s go back to your son, how is he?”

“I don’t know, all I know is that he worries me. Sometimes he is too quiet then when he opens his mouth he is too mean and very straightforward then sometimes it feels like he is planning something evil in his head then sometimes he is so sweet and in the next second he is dreading being too sweet. When you try to talk to him he goes mute completely, it’s like there is no way of getting through to him no matter what I do”

“There is no behavior without a root, you just have to dig deep enough”

“I think Aeneas knows but doesn’t want to tell me”

“But this is your son you should know”

“I should but I promised to trust him with our son and that is what I am trying to do”

“Well I guess you should trust him, he is the father too after all” Alexander nodded, he is doing what he can and leaving the rest to Aeneas “I want to meet him too”

“I have always wanted to introduce you” Alexander smiled proudly as if he has been waiting for the moment all his life. Sean felt excited…Suddenly Alexander groaned “Trouble in paradise…” Alexander got up “Or in hell, at this point don’t know”

“At this point, you need to rest”

“Not if you have a child” he sighed “Anyway, I will take whatever this is to Aeneas, he will know what creature this is”

“Thank you so much, Alexander”

“Payment for rambling your ears off” He bid goodbye before disappearing in thin air. Sean wasn’t shocked, it has been twenty years maybe he got new powers.

“WHAT… WAS… THAT!?” Sabrina screamed running into the room with wide eyes and fingers up. She looked too shocked to speak yet too excited to stop squealing.

“What was that?” Joshua came out of nowhere shirtless with sleepy eyes. Sean felt like his heart might jump out, this was a world he didn’t need either of them to see or know about “What is with the yelling?” Joshua added moving over to Sean and giving him a peck.

Sabrina squealed once again “I saw an angel, I saw an angel…..” She continued chanting while disappearing into her bedroom.

“What is she on about?”

“A nice dream I guess” Sean laughed awkwardly, he hopes he can convince Sabrina that what she saw was nothing. He hopes he could convince her, but first, he needed to know  what she saw exactly.

Alexander wouldn’t make himself visible to her ‘Or would he?’ Sean thought. Evil tends to chase you even when you are pure, Alexander might have become conniving too “Let’s go to bed” Joshua yawned leading the way. Sean felt a presence behind him, he glanced back and there was nothing.

It was weird, he could feel it yet he couldn’t see a thing every time he looks back “Babe, come to bed”

“I’m coming”

Chapter 7

Summon me

---

Diego didn’t have to turn around to know someone has just arrived. He kept his eyes glancing over down the mountain, the greenery down was beautiful to look at yet his mind was somewhere else and his eyes didn’t see beauty, they just saw a cursed life.

Beauty was no longer a vocabulary, he has seen it all and was no longer impressed except for one person who couldn’t stand the sight of him. He was a true beauty, even with the little effort he would put into himself. Diego thought Sean was just one of those people who were born sexy and attractive but they wouldn’t care about their appearance. Diego didn’t know if Sean knew how attractive he was and if he did he still wished to be one of those people that would tell him that. Only if he ever got a chance, he didn’t want to cross the line that Sean has drawn yet he still wishes they were at least friends with each other than nothing at all.

It was too painful having to sneak just to have a peek at him so his heart could settle. And having to see him with someone else was another kind of pain that he couldn’t help but try to erase coz if Sean is happy then he was happy too. That is all that mattered, even if they were destined to be together Sean is still a child of God and has the freedom to reject and start a life with the person of his liking “I brought good news and here you are ignoring me”

Diego had ignored Aeneas’ presence altogether but with the good news he turned towards the tall man who provided shade from the scorching sun “Good news?” Sean hardly ever got those. Aeneas handed him a piece of paper, Diego took it and upon unfolding it he was hit with his mate’s scent. His fingers traced the paper as if it would break not even caring about the drawing on it, the fact that his mate had touched the paper he was holding right now counted as great news.

“Do you know that creature?” Diego had not seen the creature, he was holding it upside down indicating he had not cared about it at first. He tilted it around and inspected it closely while taking in the scent.

As his fingers traced it he nodded “A moon demon” The drawing wasn’t that descriptive but it showed enough to know what creature it was. The moonlight lines onto the demon were enough to let him know what kind of creature it was plus the lines on its face, the shining light lines coming off of it. Only one creature depended on the moon like this, the more demon. It had no form whatsoever until it was hit by the moonlight.

“Indeed” Aeneas responded “A moon demon was in your mate’s dream” Diego stood up slowly not wanting to panic since he didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad one.

“What did it do or say or….” Moon demons are nothing out of the ordinary demon. All evil and conniving, the only difference is that they don’t have a form without the moon plus without the moon they are weak. However killing them during the day also seems challenging enough because you have to have the moonlight to see them and with that, they can use it against you. They are tricky but mostly they have kept to killing other demons and taking over more land, they have never attacked a human or gone in their dreams, and if they had Diego has never heard of it.

He doesn’t keep tabs on creatures that don’t possess a danger to him. All he knows is that moon demons have never gotten themselves involved with God’s creatures “We are going to your mate to find out”

Diego wanted to go and find out more about this. Did the demon indicate danger toward his mate? He needed the answers and was anxious to know more but meeting his mate was not something he would do after Sean made it clear how he felt. He didn’t want to see him and as hurtful as those words are he has kept his word “Did he ask for me to join?” he knew he was just wishful thinking, Sean has never wanted to see him, not once.

“No, he didn’t” Diego felt his heart fall, the little hope that had consumed it had all disappeared and he tried to not show it as he took a seat on a rock once again.

He was going to fulfill his mate’s wish “You go find out, you will tell me what he says”

“So you’re not going to ask your mate why a dangerous demon appeared in his dream and what it said”

“I know he is not hurt so I don’t have to go” Diego sighed “He doesn’t want to see me, he made himself clear, and as long as he doesn’t want to see me I won’t show up”

“You only show up when he doesn’t see you” Diego was ashamed of this. Sneaking to see his mate like a stalker was not the best decision but sometimes he needs a little encouragement and seeing him is enough for it. To not give up, he had something to hold onto and that is his mate.

“At my weakest, yes” Diego admitted if he can help it and not go see his mate then he wouldn’t but sometimes it’s hard to control. Sean was the only living person that he connected with on a spiritual level, the rest are dead.

“And right now”

“Aeneas just leave and go find out, I am not going anywhere when he hasn’t summoned me. Even with this, he called those he trusts and not me, why would I show up” Sean clearly trusted Aeneas more than him, and it hurt because, after four years without Sean interacting with the underground world the minute he does, he summons someone else. It shows where he stands in Sean’s life which is nowhere.

Diego held onto the paper as if his life depended on it, it felt like a gift and he knew it will help him through these couple of days. His mate’s scent will ease his body “How can he summon you without knowing your real name?” Diego didn’t know why Aeneas was trying to help his situation even if it was clear that there was nothing to help. His mate didn’t want him and that was that.

“Give him my name and if he does summon me I will be there” Aeneas didn’t waste any time going through the portal leaving Diego with his broken heart that was nowhere close to healing and to make it worse, he is far away from finding the real book of Helios.

At this point, it felt like even if he does his mate has already moved on, not like he had anything to move on from but still. Sean seemed happy with his boyfriend that has been spending weeks at his place constantly for the past months.

Diego feels like he lost all the right to be angry about it, before everything went down he was the one sleeping with the mated creatures. This was a taste of his karma, just like how his mom used to say “One day they will sleep with yours’ He would laugh because he knew he would reject his mate.

Being tied down wasn’t his cup of tea back then. He never enjoyed seeing one person for more than eight hours, what would change if he had a mate, at least that is how he felt but now that he has found his mate after maturing, he is the only one he wants yet he beds someone else.

He would have listened to his mom often, everything he is facing he was warned by his mom and nanny but he never listened. He was grown-up acting like a child, his mom’s last words as the entire clan of white Aki fell still rung in his ears.

The sadness she had watching everyone fall at the hand of the merciless Abnus, she was helpless in her last minutes of life. No one was ready for the war Diego had caused, his tears fell like a river but he didn’t move.

Every time that day comes to his head he feels helpless but most of all he felt like he deserved everything he was going through for letting his people down and ending them in a massacre.

---

Sean was washing his dishes at his new job when a figure appeared out of nowhere. The plate almost fell out of his grasp but he was lucky enough to have held it tighter before it could hit other plates “Aeneas” He breathed out with a soapy hand on his chest “I don’t remember summoning you” he went back to wiping the plate clean.

“You denied my help to wash dishes”

“Are you here to insult me” Sean turned to him, he wasn’t scared for reasons unknown to him

“There is a lot to insult but I am here to ask about your dream”

Sean gave Aeneas an insulted look, that was an insult. He took in a deep breath before going back to his dishes “There is nothing to tell about my dream because nothing happened in my-” Aeneas held the back of his neck and tapped into his memory. Sean had no fighting chance as his body was taken into a relaxing stage only for it to end shortly after Aeneas retracted his hand. He gasped holding the back of his head feeling somehow dizzy.

“Nothing,” Aeneas thought out loud.

“I just told you that” Sean groaned feeling violated, being invaded like that was not cool yet he felt like arguing with Aeneas will end them nowhere. He regretted summoning Alexander, he should have known Aeneas will show up.

“Eirenaios, that is the name to summon when the moon demon appears once again”

Diego couldn’t fathom what he was told, with his hand still on the back of his head he was able to voice out his question “What?” only for Aeneas to disappear without further elaboration “Thank you for nothing and Irenos” If that was even the name.

He went back to doing the dishes as he tested it out “Irenos…irenos…Irenaos” he knew he got the wrong name coz it had to be. He needed to hear it more than once, no one can pronounce such a name after one listen that wasn’t even clear enough.

He didn’t want to trust Aeneas but summoning someone else instead of him was better. Sean would do anything to not be in the same room as that demon so he started singing the name. Maybe if he was lucky he will get it right “Irenaeus…” he stopped feeling like that is close to the name he was told “Eirenaios” he spoke slowly trying to catch each syllable and a figure appeared next to him. This time he wasn’t lucky enough to not break a plate coz he did.

He was shocked by the entry plus the person who has just shown up wasn’t the person he was expecting to be seeing Diego. He wasn’t expecting anyone since he has been getting the name wrong, even the way he said it he knew it was still wrong.

He just knew never to trust Aeneas again, why not give him a warning? The last person he expected was Diego, hell he didn’t know who he was expecting altogether. Sean didn’t know what to say or think. All he knows is that his heartbeat escalated abnormally, he felt terrified of the presence before him even if he had no reason to be scared. “Hi,” Diego greeted nervously.

He looked so young and skinny, skinnier than he last saw him. He felt bad and wondered when was the last time Diego had a meal. His worry increased from the days back. Now seeing Diego again he didn’t know what to do. All he knew was this was the one person he didn’t want to see or know anything about “What are you doing here?!” Sean burst out as he took a few steps back forgetting the plates he had thrown down.

“You summoned me” Diego replied noticing the harsh tone from his mate, he could feel Sean didn’t know who he was summoning. Diego would have known that Aeneas was the kind of demon to give a name but not the description of the person they were summoning.

“I didn’t know it was you” Diego felt a pang in his heart, so if Sean knew he wouldn’t have summoned him. The reality of the thing he already knew, he knew it has to be an accident for Sean to summon him. He made it clear the last time he met him in Aeneas’ house on that bed where he felt like he was dying. After the war and being rejected, he was at his lowest but his mate told him to stay away.

“I will leave” Diego replied but didn’t make a move to go, he expected Sean to change his mind at least this once. He was begging on the inside for him to at least not try to run away as if Diego was a disease. He felt a tear slip out of his left eye, the look on Sean’s face was anything but inviting.

“You’re still here” Diego immediately vanished into thin air. His mate’s harsh voice was enough to make him leave no matter how much he wanted to stay. Even after four years Sean still didn’t want to see him, he was still as harsh as ever. Nothing has changed, his mate can’t stand the sight of him at all.

Chapter 8

Journey to Cinder Village

---

Arthfael walked through the dark alpines, they seemed so many years old at how long and wide they sat. The chilling air was going deep into their bodies. Arthfael created a warmness on his body with an umbrella trying to avoid any speck of dust that might land on him.

The umbrella was a hindrance to their journey yet he seemed not to be bothered by it. His feet moved so fast, Jun was having a hard time keeping up with the heavy bag that held his orb.

A branch almost landed on his forehead but he held it only to see a smile on Arthfael’s face “I would suggest you put aside this kind of game and focus on….” Jun trailed off as he slipped on a protruding root that caught his shoe, he ended up landing face-first into the black sand.

“Make sure you don’t touch me” Arthfael would have laughed if dirt wasn’t involved. Now he was disgusted by Jun more than he already was, Jun picked up the dirt and threw it to him. Arthfael reacted as quickly as possible using the umbrella to shield himself from the incoming threat and he got saved “Try that again and you will lose a finger”

Jun rolled his eyes, he got up dusting himself as best as he could though most stayed. Arthfael continued the journey and the more they walked the higher it got. Going down seemed dangerous right now and Jun was getting scared. He held onto his bag and strutted closer to Arthfael trying to not be left behind.

“Ugh…Aeneas is going to pay for this” Arthfael groaned when his shoe sunk into the sand that was getting steeper. He used his power to clean his shoe but he was mad. Yes, he wanted to find out why the larpon behind him didn’t cry he just didn’t want it as a mission. It feels like a waste of his time, why does it matter? “I am going to make my revenge sweet”

“And what would you do?”

“I wasn’t talking to you” He was simply thinking out loud “But since you asked, I will tell you. What about I break his bond with Papa?” Jun stopped walking and took in a sharp breath.

“Don’t do that”

“You don’t tell me what to do” Jun walked closer and even if he was short he pointed at him.

“Don’t even think about it Arthfael” He argued “How would you feel if they did that to you?”

“I wouldn’t know, I haven’t met my mate yet”

“You never mess with a mate bond” Jun advised “It’s sacred and if you don’t want to hurt your papa don’t do it” Jun passed him with anger.

“You don’t tell me what to do”

“You need to be told what to do because you’re not only a stolid demon but ignorant of something everyone knows about”

“Who says I don’t know what a mate bond is?”

“If you did then you wouldn’t have suggested what you just did” Jun fired back with anger, this time he was walking fast and Arthfael had to catch up with him

“I don’t like the way you’re talking to me you low life”

“You don’t understand anything do you” Jun stopped and turned around this time taller than Arthfael since he was stepping on a high land than he was, he got a chance to look Arthfael in the eye as he added “You get a chance to find a mate, someone who is meant to care and love you. I will never get the chance to experience it unless this works”

“I am trying to figure out why I should care if you get a mate or not” Arthfael rested his hands over his chest “For a matter of fact, I renounce my okay to go into Cinder with you”

“What?” Jun fixed his bag on his shoulder “You agreed”

“Before I knew I was here helping you find a mate. I would rather die than let anyone be cursed to be with you” Arthfael pointed right into Jun’s chest. Jun pushed the finger away in anger, this wasn’t the kind of game that they should be talking about.

“This is not a game, this is about my people and the suffering they have had to endure throughout these years. It’s not about you or me it’s about an entire clan of people-”

“I don’t care” Arthfael whipped out a clothe and laid it onto a stone before taking a seat to show his little care.

“You don’t have to care you agreed to do it”

“I did to spite my father now I don’t care” Arthfael stood up “In fact, I should go back home, enjoy your journey-” Jun held his wrist, and before he know it he was pushed into a tree with Arthfael’s hand on his neck, “I told you not to touch me” He growled his demon almost out.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry” Arthfael groaned demonically before blinking and stepping back.

“I didn’t mean to attack you” Arthfael admitted, it was unnecessary on his part even if it was instinctual. He hated anyone touching him plus Jun had just bathed himself in the dirt and was far away from being clean as anyone can get.

“I know” Jun understood, they argue but he tries to keep his distance when it comes to touch. Arthfael despised it.

“Anyway” His mood came back “I am leaving”

“No wait” Jun knew that using logic wouldn’t be able to help him plus Aeneas wouldn’t help because Arthfael wasn’t scared of his father. So he was left with begging or offering, he knew Arthfael would like that. He enjoyed looking down at him and most days that would lead to a heated argument, however today this wasn’t about him but his kingdom “Let us put everything aside and you just help me….please”

Arthfael turned to him with a tiny scoff “And why would I put everything aside?”

“Arthfael” Jun took in a deep breath “Just help me, we are already here”

“Which means you can do it all by yourself”

“Okay, what do you want in exchange for your help” Jun knew he was selling himself to the devil at this point but he had to.

“Kneel”

“Kneel?” Arthfael nodded “That’s all, then you will help me?” Jun had to make sure they were on the same team coz that seemed like something easy. He expected something worse than kneeling.

“Kneel and I will help you” Jun went down on his knees in a second without any hesitation “See, you were meant to kneel at my feet” He scoffed and then continued his journey. Jun picked up his bag and followed him.

“For real, I didn’t expect your demand to be that light” Jun confessed. He expected something worse.

“Kneeling is the worst thing a demon like me could ever do. That is a punishment worse than death”

“It’s just kneeling” Jun shrugged, Arthfael stopped and turned to him.

“It’s submitting yourself like a dog to a superior power, it’s degradation to another level”

“Did I look like a dog to you”

“For a matter of fact, you did”

“Whatever demon, you’re helping me after all” Kneeling was a small price for his people. The demon might deem it as an awful act but to him, it’s a saving act that could be taken in so many ways. Respect, pleading, or submission, and on his part, it was pleading for his people “Let’s get to Cinder as quick as possible, we have wasted enough time here as it is”

---

Sean has been holding the bottle of water on his lips for hours now. His brain was on the scene he had at work with Diego. His appearance out of nowhere was scary yet calming. He might have let his fear overcome the calmness that he had to chase Diego brutally but now he regrets it.

After four years of trying to ignore it, it was now facing him in the eye and he wanted to know what he has to do to overcome it. Facing it seemed like the best option right now and he has been considering it.

Pushing away the problem hasn’t worked out for him in the past four years. Maybe if they became friends they might manage to overcome whatever was happening.

He didn’t want his head to be messed with yet he felt like he should try and do what Alexander had suggested. Help out, maybe that is why he hasn’t been able to find peace. The fact that he brutally refused to help his mate out….no not mate.

He and Diego can only be friends, and helping out a friend is always good.

Sean rested the bottle down as he got ready to summon the name. He knew this moment would change his life a lot. It would either be in a good way or a bad way. He didn’t know for sure but he was willing to risk it. As he opened his mouth a flash hit his eyes.

He screamed falling back from the flashing light in his eyes  “

Treximo“

A voice whispered into his ear. He could feel a figure breathing right into his ear. He wanted to open his eyes yet he couldn’t

“Erchetai”

Then suddenly everything disappeared and Sean could see clearly once again but the room was empty.

He could hear the words in his head, the breath on his ear was still fresh that it brought goosebumps onto his skin. The wind was heavy with an open window, this time Sean didn’t hesitate as he summoned the name.

“Eirenaios”

Chapter 9

Friends?

---

Diego heard his mate’s call but this time he didn’t jump to go see him. After what happened the first time he knew better than to jump to conclusions, Sean might have called it because…Diego didn’t know what to think.

All he knew was the fact that his mate couldn’t have summoned him. It had to be an error or he was summoning Aeneas or even Alexander and got the names wrong. His mate wouldn’t want him anywhere near him and he has proved that one right. Even after four years he still felt the same, it was time to accept his mate didn’t need him around.

Diego was about to let it go when he got called once again, it was his mate’s voice. This time calm and collected, Diego loved that voice. The way it summoned his name was everything he lived for even if it was an accident once again “Eirenaios come to me” The third time it was soothing and soft.

Diego couldn’t fight the urge to go see his mate, there was no regretting this later. He summoned him three times, that has to count as something.

He took in a deep breath before appearing in front of Sean. This time Sean didn’t jump back, he squeaked a bit but that was all. Diego had his heart in his throat, worried even regretting his decision to show up “Hello” Sean breathed out as if he was someone who was taking a load off his chest.

Diego felt his lips curl up into a tiny smile, the first time his mate has greeted him and nicely to that. He wasn’t running or stepping back, his eyes were softer than earlier “Hello” He replied, in the same manner, his eyes looking up into his mate’s eyes. Sean was short but with Diego’s body, he was even shorter, not like how he used to be in his real body.

At this point, he didn’t want to worry about the curse or the body he got trapped in. His eyes were in his mate’s eyes that had a smile in them. Not anger or fear, just light. It felt like the best moment of Diego’s life in so long.

He took a step forward and Sean went on alert “Whoa what are you doing?”

“Nothing, um nothing” Diego almost scolded himself, his mate has just summoned him and he was already ruining it “You summoned” He added while clearing his throat, he hoped that didn’t ruin anything.

“Yes three times”

“I’m sorry, I thought you didn’t want to see me”

“Well…” Sean had thrown him out earlier so that was understandable. Sean felt shy all of a sudden, and that felt weird in a very weird way. He couldn’t rest his fingers on it and the eyes Diego was shooting his way were not helping at all. Joshua gives him looks yet the looks from Diego were different in another kind of way “Can we seat? We should seat” Things felt awkward.

Diego nodded and they both moved to the couch with enough distance between them. No words just smiles. Genuine smiles that no one understood exactly where they were coming from. Both sides are just unknowingly happy. At some point, Sean felt his face heat up and that was when he decided to end whatever that was coz it was getting creepy at this point.

He cleared his throat “Um, I summoned you because Aeneas said I should call you when…something happens” Diego nodded jumping over the fact that he was here because Aeneas had told Sean to call him in case of anything. He was just happy to see his mate and that is all that mattered and not the reason behind it “And something did happen” he nodded again “I didn’t see what it was but it was here”

“Here?” Diego glanced around the room, he didn’t smell anything the minute he got in. If something was here he would have at least smelt it.

“I don’t know” Sean wasn’t sure “Light was blinding my eyes and then something came to my ear and whispered something”

“What did it whisper?”

“Treximo, erchetai” He doesn’t know how he remembered those words but he does. They are implanted in his brain without meaning, he felt like a messenger of some sort but wasn’t given the power to understand. If he didn’t know about this world he would say he is crazy.

“It’s coming, run?” Diego translated easily with a questioning face “What is coming?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t even know the meaning up to now” Diego nodded, if he was worried he didn’t show it “So what are you going to do?”

“Um-” Diego felt like he was being put under a strong microscope coz he didn’t know the answer. He has lived for so long but each day still feels like his first and he doesn’t know what he is doing most often or where to go. He is still searching for solutions and answers so his mate looking at him as if he was the last hope puts a lot of pressure on him.

He didn’t want to disappoint, this was the first time his mate has called for him or needed him in any kind of way so it was tricky. If he couldn’t help then he will search for help somewhere else but if he pretends to know what he is doing then more trouble might arise or he will be looked at as a child that doesn’t know what he was doing.

Both were terrible decisions.

“What are you thinking about?” Diego was yanked out of his conflicting thoughts. Sean was indeed curious and it showed on his face

Diego looked at his mate and he knew that whatever he said right now will seal the fate he has with his mate. Either lie to know, a thing he has done in the past that has brought him to where he is standing right now, or be truthful.

Lying and knowing all or pretending to know has brought nothing but pain. Truth isn’t always the best either but at least he will be put down for the truth. He didn’t know, creatures that whisper things like those. In all honesty, he didn’t know it all. He wasn’t like Aeneas who grew up knowing it all, Diego used to be self-centered, after he destroyed his life his only course was to break the curse, cry, and try again.

The only times he ever felt like himself again was when the moon goddess needed him. Those were the only times he got a temporary Aki from the moon goddess.

Like the time she wanted him to save Aeneas in the war against Demetrius. After that, he has never shifted again and he doesn’t think he will unless the moon goddess needs him again. It was a tough life and it will become tougher with his mate if he starts with lies “You asked me what I was going to do?” Sean nodded “The truth is I don’t know”

For some reason, Sean could feel the uncertainty from Diego, like he was scared of not knowing and that didn’t sit well with Sean “Maybe I phrased it wrong, I meant what are we going to do?”

“We?”

“Yes we, we are not going to let this go just like that” Diego was still in disbelief, his heart was having palpitations “I might be in danger or you or my sister”

“But if that’s true we need Aeneas He is fast”

“There is a reason I didn’t summon him” Diego waited for it with a happy heart “There is a reason he told me to summon you. I feel like this isn’t about him but rather you and me”

“So you want us to find out together”

“Not together, together-”

“I meant together as friends” Diego explained with a smile, he knew they can’t be together like that and he was completely fine with it. As long as he got to do something with his mate. That was all that mattered.

“I don’t think we are there yet but okay” Diego released a laugh, it baffled him how it was easier to laugh with his mate. Like all the heavy load was off his chest. He felt lighter in some way, it felt good. This was just enough. Friends or not friends, as long as they were helping each other.

“So where do we begin?”

“We will have to visit the land of the moon demons if he visited you first. I believe he might have visited again”

“At the moon?” Diego laughed while shaking his head, that was cute.

“No, they live here on Earth. They just depend on the moonlight quite a lot. That is why they are the moon demons” Diego got up “Should we leave?”

“Yes- what now?”

“It’s already night, if we miss tonight then it has to be tomorrow night”

“My sister is about to come back from her friend’s house. I can’t leave her alone”

“Then we should do it tomorrow night” Diego suggested, if tonight was an inconvenience then tomorrow he is still free. The book of Helios can wait plus it’s not like he has had any luck ever since he started.

“No, let us do it tonight” Sean got up and got a piece of paper and a pen. He scrambled down something before turning to Diego “Let’s go”

“Are you ready?” Sean nodded, Diego raised his hand and created a portal. Sean was excited that he passed through right as Diego got into it at the same time. It took a second but Sean felt like a million years had passed and then he got thrown back into the world.

He held his knees and took in deep breaths ready to throw up everything he had in his stomach “Are you good?”

“Yeah, I’m fine” Sean had to take in deep breaths and as he did his eyes caught sight of where they were. The moon shines brighter here than anywhere he has ever been, the moon looked prettier and closer.

The entire place seemed like a fairytale from a fantasy land “Wow” These demons were living better than any demon he has ever met. His eyes wandered around, he knew he looked like a deer caught in headlights right now. The place was just so magical not to take in, even the air seemed fresh to breathe in.

Diego on the other hand was enjoying watching his mate look like that. The moonlight shined brighter on him, his skin seemed like it was glowing.

“What is a child of the sun doing in my land” A bright creature spoke, Sean turned and glanced at it. He got wowed once again. It was like seeing the moonwalk toward you. The light was bright enough to blind your eyes yet too beautiful to look away from “With a human” he snarled, that is when Sean knew he wasn’t welcome in this beautiful place. He drew closer to Diego just in case.

“My name is-”

“Eirenaios, the only remaining Aki and probably the last” Diego closed his eyes in hurt, that stung like hell. It will always hurt when someone points it out like that “The cause of the demise of the Aki clan”

“You seem to know more about me than I know about you”

“My name is Moonlight El” It didn’t ring a bell to Diego at all “It doesn’t matter if you know who I am. It matters that I know who you are and what you’ve done”

“You know why I am here?”

“To know what’s coming, And why you should run” Moonlight El started floating around them like a floating ghost. Beautiful at that Sean had to admit, the creature was pretty but petty “They are angry”

“Who?” Diego turned his body to follow the creature.

“The gods” Moonlight El floated until he was behind them “And they are coming for your mate”

Chapter 10

Mage

---

Once they reached Cinder City, the smell of burnt coal hit them, the acrid smell made them both cough while covering their noses to protect themselves from the strong smell, it was too strong they felt like they were consuming it.

Arthfael raised his hand to purify the air into a nicer scent when it suddenly vanished then appeared a lady. Arthfael was ready to argue about the terrible smell they found but first, he had to clean his insides “Your father informed me of your visit, I didn’t expect you to be late” The lady said with a warm smile.

“We ran into minor inconveniences, mage Cyanide” Jun bowed politely. Mage Cyanide had her eyes on Arthfael who raised his eyebrows in question.

“You look so much like your father” Mage Cyanide spoke while getting closer.

“You’re not fucking me” She stopped after Arthfael’s comment “You’re not the first one to use that line on me, so lady, back off”

Cyanide took a step back and with a smile still etched on her lips she asked “Does it hurt you, To be wanted by those who can’t have your father”

Arthfael gave a short dry laugh “Hurt? ha, why would it hurt to know I have the genes of someone wanted by all? I just have a class. I wouldn’t say the same about my father” His eyes showed exactly how he felt about her. His eyes degraded her right on the spot “So back off grandma”

“Arthfael” Jun ran over but didn’t know where to start. Cyanide seemed angry and her eyes were already glowing “Mage Cyanide please forgive him-”

“Get off my land!” She squealed loudly, Jun knew it was time to leave and not mess with a strong mage of her caliber.

“Arthfeal let’s go” Jun tried taking Arthfael away but he wasn’t barging “Arthfael, you’re going to get us killed” Jun tried to talk some sense into him but he wasn’t barging and he can’t touch him or they will have other problems than the mage “Arthfael please” He glanced down at Jun, the poor boy was pleading with him to leave. He has never listened to him but he felt like they should leave plus there was nothing left to do there.

He walked backward his eyes still on the fuming mage, Jun wanted them to hurry before she could rain horror on them yet Arthfael was acting like they had all the time.

Jun couldn’t have been more grateful than he was when they finally got out of the mage’s territory. Arthfael who seemed cool the entire walk out lost his cool immediately “My father sending me to bitches he has fucked before” He groaned pacing in anger.

“You have just made us lose an opportunity to find out what happened to my people”

“Read my face, do I look like I give a fuck” Arthfael argued his voice going up a bit when suddenly Jun ran into him and they went tumbling down the hill to the bottom of it. Arthfael felt sand getting into his clothes and onto his skin and all because of a stupid larpon that rushed into him. As soon as they landed Arthfael was ready to finish off the larpon right there when something snarled above him.

His eyes moved toward it, vicious animals had surrounded them. Jun groaned waking up a second later and was met with the sight. He had seen one that was about to attack Arthfael before they stumbled down but now he is either delirious or they have multiplied.

Arthfael stood up and dusted himself off with a quick spell as he watched his enemies. It was clear the witch had sent them, he could have seen that coming. No mage ever let them go, they always sneak behind and do something like this “Stay behind me” he instructed Jun as he raised both his hands “Let’s first cover this sight before we…” He created a cloud around himself so he wouldn’t see what he was about to do. As much as he enjoyed ripping things apart he didn’t enjoy watching them get ripped apart.

With his eyes closed his ears worked the best, his skin could crawl with each snarl made. Not in fear but excitement. Arthfael has to admit that his fear of blood has made him able to see without looking. He could see in gold, he could feel the warmth emitted from every creature, and he could listen to every step on the ground. He lets his body connect with the earth below them so that each move made by the enemy could be felt by his body. The wind flowed on his command, that was his power and when one jumped to touch his neck, he held the creature with ease snapping its neck without the need to look.

His hands now moved faster when he felt them trying to gang attack. He whirled his fingers around and a flying knife passed through them before coming back to him. It floated next to his face, he knew it was filled with the blood of the deceased creatures. He felt the knife even if it wasn’t in his hands as he pushed it back for another round of slaughter. He missed a bit with his hearing sense when one jumped onto him. A grunt threw the creature off him, Jun had helped and the minute Arthfael went back to connecting his senses he started slaughtering each creature that dared to attack.

His knife went through them, his fire burned most that dared to get closer. He squashed them until he could feel zero life except his, Jun’s, and the mage’s which was at a distance. He stood calmly as he raised his hands scorching the dead creatures and making sure no blood was anywhere in sight before opening his eyes.

The remains of each animal were matched in order with no blood in sight. His eyes caught sight of the mage high up with her glowing stick. She didn’t look happy at all, Arthfael blew her a kiss before turning around and walking away victorious.

He might not be as strong or as fast as his father but he was someone not to be messed with. The mage should have known that before she tried to attack him.

---

Diego glanced at his mate for only a millisecond. Those words kind of shook him to the core, what more suffering can he go through? Why were the gods after his mate?

“Why my mate?” Diego asked finally breaking the silence, he could feel Sean’s worried heart pounding. He wanted to find a way to comfort him if his own heart wasn’t about to leave his chest.

They can’t hurt his mate “Don’t say I didn’t warn you”

“What I did is unforgivable, I deserve what I have gone through but my mate…he has done nothing to deserve any of this” Diego knew this was a lose-lose situation but he can’t allow this “Not my mate”

“I warned you, there is nothing else I can do” Diego stepped back as he created a portal. He took Sean’s hand and passed through it ending right back in Sean’s house, he leaned onto the wall his head going blank for a minute.

He felt helpless, he has gotten his mate into something much worse than he had anticipated. He never expected them to go after his mate, he wasn’t at fault. He didn’t even have an idea if he will get a mate or not. This was not his fault yet right now there was absolutely nothing that could be done.

He had to save his mate, he had to do anything in his power to protect him no matter what. He had to act fast, if moonlight El warned him then it was soon coming. They were about to rain havoc on his mate.

Sean touched his shoulder, and Diego stopped taking in a shaky breath as he turned his head to his mate “Everything is going to be okay” Diego knew that his mate knew none of this because if he did he would know that it was one hundred percent not okay. If the gods were angry with him then they are about to pour pure wrath on him.

He needed to find the book of Helios, the only chance he has to be able to stop whatever is coming. He doesn’t have time now more than ever “I’m so sorry about this but we have to act right now” Diego started calmly trying to ease his mate into the things that are going to happen in the next few days “You are going to have to live with Aeneas for a few days”

“And you?”

“I have to search for the book of Helios, that is the only way to figure out how to stop this thing before it’s too late but in the meantime, I have to ensure your safety”

“No” Diego didn’t know why there was a no after everything he has just said. This was a live-or-die situation, choices were cut to the minimum at this point.

“Sean, please just-”

“I have said no to you in the past, this is the time for me to help you” Diego’s heart warmed up but he knew this was definitely not the time. Back then Sean had to go with Diego to offer emotional support but the journey wasn’t as dangerous as it looks right now. Right now this is a very dangerous road and all he needs is for his mate to be safe.

“I am so happy but not this time-”

“Aeneas said I have to be with you for this to work”

“That was then, right now the gods are angry at me and are coming for you. This isn’t what Aeneas was talking about this-”

“You should find a safe space for my sister. I am not going anywhere plus the book you were speaking of…I think I have seen it before”

“The book of Helios?”

“Yes, I go to this library-” A shadow passed the window, they both saw it and Diego can smell it. The danger was lurking outside….the glass window burst into pieces with a pressure that pushed both of them back. Diego landed on his back but was up instantly and got face-to-face with a xaloc.

The second hand of lord Aliros, Lord Helios’ brother and One of his favorite and most treasured creatures, snarled its talons digging into the ground it stood on. Its eyes were on Sean, Diego knew that the warning came very late. They were in danger. Diego was worried but he wasn’t going to allow anyone to touch his mate, not on his watch.

He ran as fast and as he jumped up it hit him with one of its hands in the stomach throwing him into the wall “Diego!” Sean yelled when he saw him fly. He was about to run to him but the xaloc was already launching at him.

Diego was up again and as he ran he held its tail swinging it back and away from his mate “You have to pass through me” Diego clenched out as they stood face to face, his torso was ripped and bleeding all over the floor. The xaloc launched once again and so did Diego, he passed right under it as the adrenaline kicked in.

He snapped its leg and with a quick wave of his hand, he tore it up on the thigh. As it swiped its tail and slapped him across the face Diego was thrown into the glasses but was back up again and this time he came with two sherds of glass and tore its back while avoiding its attacks.

He yanked its tail throwing it into the wall once it started glowing, he ran over to Sean holding his hand and creating a portal, and in seconds they were out of the house. Diego’s powers were unstable which made the landing on the other side rough since the portal came short.

Diego was hurt, his energy was at its lowest, and fighting a xaloc that was nearly as strong as a god made him even weaker. He was lucky enough to have escaped, they needed to disappear before it gained in on them. “We have to go”

“You’re hurt first sit”

“We don’t have time, that xaloc will be here in no time” Diego groaned holding his torso. He could see that Sean was worried for him “Whatever happens to me remember one thing, I can’t die” he held Sean’s hand

“Now let’s go”

Chapter 11

Friend?

---

“Trust me on this” Arthfael soothed Jun who had little to no trust in anything Arthfael said. He was skeptical of the demon after the encounter he has just had with mage Cyanide. The worst part is that Arthfael seemed not worried or angry about what he did, his eyes were staring at the Willow tree attentively. The wheeling air around them was as cold as ice and Jun was starting to freeze while regretting his decision to follow Arthfael out here.

He should have stayed on his answer to go back home and tell Aeneas what happened before he decided to accept Arthfael’s idea of him knowing a better mage who hasn’t fucked his father. Of course, Jun remained suspicious but Arthfael hit him with ‘I am not letting my father send me to one of his past fucks’ and then continued by dragging him to this willow tree that he has been staring at for the past five minutes straight.

Jun still can’t believe he followed him up here, he feels deep down that this was going to go two ways, bad or worse. With Arthfael you can never know, maybe it will go terribly, horribly worse.

To make matters worse Jun knew for the life of him that Arthfael doesn’t have friends yet he said they were here to meet a friend. Friend? Arthfael doesn’t even know the meaning of that let alone have one… Suddenly Arthfael jumped up the tree and held a tail of a squeaking animal that looked like a half bat.

“Here she is, isn’t she cute” Arthfael scratched the creature’s neck, the creature was far from being cute as he had claimed. The big yellowish eyes stood out on its entire face making it creepy. The creature screeched fighting to get out of Arthfael’s hands.

“Are you sure she is your friend?” Jun walked closer inspecting it closely “She doesn’t seem to like you very much”

“Of course, she does” The creature screeched even harder making Jun chuckle a bit and giving Arthfael a look that said I told you so.

“Whatever. She is going to lead us to another mage, right bimbo”

“Her name is Bimbo?” the creature whined with its arms up as if saying its real name.

“It’s bimbo period” Arthfael cut it off, it whined but stopped there “Now lead the way” It jumped onto Arthfael’s shoulder before going through the trees leading them. Jun noticed how Arthfael was fine with it jumping on him like that. It made him wonder if Arthfael was in one of those moments when he was fine being touched or if he just didn’t mind animals having contact with him. As curious as he was he knew he couldn’t ask, he will not be getting a genuine answer. He had to find out himself like he always does, by observing Arthfael closely.

It seems weird but he has always wanted to learn about Arthfael. Always been intrigued in so many ways, his close inspections had helped him find out some personal staff about Arthfael that he would have never found out if he asked directly. Now he needed to know if he was fine with the animal’s touch, if he was in the mood, or if it was just Bimbo special.

Maybe he had a soft spot for the animal. Jun smiled thinking about that. Arthfael has a soft spot for something, he has never seen it except when he hugged his papa. The rest he usually has a stoic face.

Jun returned his eyes to the creature that was leading the way when he caught his eyes on the side of Arthfael’s face. The pinkish skin of Bimbo made him get worried that it was cold out here, the weather was freezing.

“Isn’t cold”

“Nah, its body is as hot as dragon fire” Jun made a huh with a nod. That was a discovery, for today. Plus every creature learns how to live in any habitat no matter good or bad. Jun noticed Arthfael’s eyes on the creature too, his face wasn’t stoic but just rested. A rare face, he always has his guard up.

“When you told me we were going to meet a friend I expected a human-like friend” Jun decided to steer some anger out of him.

“Who needs human-like friends when I have bimbo”

Jun laughed with a hand on his chest “Aww, you can’t make friends”

“We are here on important business” Arthfael increased his pace not interested in the conversation anymore coz it was going deeper and touching the feelings he pretends to not have.

“I can’t make friends either” Jun pushed the conversation. It was rare to get Arthfael to talk without raging out. Their conversations usually took two seconds and mostly in the hallways. Never deep, Arthfael didn’t stay long enough to get deep even if Jun had wanted to “Growing up among demons made it hard for me to connect with my kind. Most of them don’t know me”

“Why didn’t you grow up with your people?”

Jun sighed glancing in front “You know, your father wanted to learn how to raise a child. He chose me and my mom”

“But why you?”

Jun couldn’t help but get pissed. “I’m the prince. Of course, he was taking revenge” he tries to control the emotions that were flowing through him. Arthfael was about to say something but Bimbo screeched pointing at a wooden road Sign with words engraved into it. A name ‘Lady destiny’ll’

“We are here, thank you bimbo” Bimbo ran away and they continued in silence. The trees felt thicker and thicker each second, Jun held his bag tighter until they reached a small hat with engraved foreign words and a sigil on top “Lady Destiny’ll, we request your audience” Arthfael announced.

The door creaked open and out came an old lady with a stick, Arthfael bowed a bit and Jun followed in curiosity. Arthfael has never respected someone enough to bow, that little bow was a surprise to him “It is a pleasure to meet you lady Destiny’ll”

“The pleasure is all mine Arthfael Asmodeus” The lady greeted with a tiny bow of her own “Come in please” She led the way and they both walked in Jun keeping close to Arthfael. The inside looked nothing like the outside though, the inside was warm and homey compared to how the outside was…dark and scary “Take a seat” A chair pulled itself closer to them, Arthfael took one and Jun sat into the next one “Would you like something to drink?”

“Thank you but we don’t have much time” Arthfael rejected politely ‘who knew he can be polite’ Jun sighed trying to stop himself from indulging in Arthfael’s changed attitude “We are here to know about the Larpon clan, and the curse” Lady Destiny’ll glance at Jun for the first time and then back to Arthfael.

“Anger” Lady Destiny’ll begin with her eyes on both of them “The first rulers of the larpon kingdom Nalani and Tielo gave birth to two twin princesses. Adea and Idia. They were both treated equally all their lives until they each found their mates. The oldest Adea found a white Aki as a mate and a big celebration was held. Having such a creature as a mate guarantees protection to the entire larporn clan. It granted wealth, power, and a higher social status. With their first daughter getting someone as special as an Aki they wanted the same for their second daughter. It didn’t happen, Idia found a poor larpon as a mate. No celebration was held and both the King and queen started deeming her as lesser than her sister”

Lady Destiny’ll light up a fire “This went on for some time. Idia would notice how they gave less care to her mate. Never invited him to family dinners or anywhere around Adea’s Aki mate. As months passed the twins were both pregnant. The care that Adea received made Idia jealous. Her parents had cared more about her sister than her. This caused a commotion in the castle, and Adea backed up her sister. She has also noticed the unfairness yet everything stayed the same because they valued the hybrid child over the larpon that Idia will give birth to”

“Idia couldn’t stand it all she moved in with her mate for the remaining months of the pregnancy until she gave birth. Her family was around on that day, and a little celebration was held for the birth of Idia’s first child. They even wanted her to come back to the castle but she declined having found peace in her mate’s small home. Sadly three weeks later she lost her child and while grieving Adea had given birth to the hybrid that everyone had been excited to meet. The biggest celebration of all time was held for three days”

“With the celebration going on, Idia was grieving, she was in pain but no one cared. The Akies we’re all celebrating, it was such a disrespectful act. She told her parents to try to stop the celebration but they said they will mourn later because it was time for celebrations and that was when her anger took over. She wanted everyone to mourn, but she didn’t stop with the larpons. She went after the entire clan of Akies and made sure they are all destroyed”

“I thought Eirenaios ended his entire clan”

“The question is how it came to be but I know that is not the story you came here to find out” She cut herself off with a small smile “Do you have any questions?” her eyes were on Jun who had been itching to ask questions.

“How did she do it?”

“It’s called a binding spell, it was a big spell performed by the very strong mage. she bonded her dead child’s body to her soul and then to the entire clan. As long as there is death everyone will be in mourning”

“How do we break it?”

“Child that is a spell no one can break”

“There has to be a way to break it, it can’t be…impossible” Jun was desperate for this to work. He had to help his people, he wasn’t going to rule over mournfulness. The suffering had to end, past mistakes were past mistakes. The King and queen were in the wrong but that was for them not for the new generations.

“I like your spirit but-”

“Please” Jun begged, he needed to try “I am willing to die trying than let them live like this”

“Aren’t you one of them?” Lady Destiny’ll ask in curiosity. Jun spoke as if he was different from his own kind.

“He is yet he isn’t a mourner” Arthfael replied for him

“I see” Jun started to feel uncomfortable, it wasn’t his fault he isn’t one. All he knows is that by the time he came to live in hell, he was definitely a mourner yet not long after it all stopped. He couldn’t feel the strong weight on his chest, it all disappeared “Are you willing to lay down another life to break the curse” Jun hesitated like Lady Destiny’ll had expected him to. “You think you’re going to break a curse without ending a life when an entire clan was sacrificed for it to stand”

“I can do it, just tell us what is needed” Lady Destiny’ll give a nod as she picked up a quill and an old piece of paper.

“The first thing you will need is the witch that performed the spell and I know you have met her Arthfael” She smiled “Mage Cyanide” Jun knew the spell wasn’t going to be done after he heard that name. They had pissed her off- “The second thing is you need the remains of both Idia and her child. They have to be in the same place” She quilled down another thing “The third thing is the light of the sun, and the fourth and final thing is you need the mate bond of an Aki’s soul”

Lady Destiny’ll look at the two of them, Jun has lost all hope yet Arthfael sat still so confident. “How do we get a mate bond?”

“If an Aki has a mate and you pull out its soul before the mating. That is a mate bond and to reply to your question Arthfael, to get a mate bond you have to take out its soul before it’s mated and yes it means you kill it”

“But there is only one Aki left”

“Then you have to find it and take its soul”

Chapter 12

The book of Helios

---

Diego and Sean reached the library late at night, it was already closed but they had to find a way inside. Diego stepped onto the trash can and pulled himself to the window and after breaking it he jumped in.

Sean yanked himself up and with Diego’s help, he also landed safely “This way” Sean led the way and ran through the isles. Diego’s bleeding decreased after some time and even if the wound was still open he could feel less pain.

Sean led them into one aisle, the moon lightened up the dark library which helped their search. He got a ladder and climbed up as his eyes searched through the aisle of books that were properly arranged “Sean hurry, something is here” Diego could feel it itching closer to them. Another fight with a xaloc might leave him close to death and Sean dead. That wasn’t the fate he hoped for.

“Found it, catch” Sean threw the book to Diego and he was sent on his ass “Sorry, I didn’t think it was that heavy”

“No, it’s not heavy….” Diego trailed off after noticing the glowing light. The minute Sean’s feet hit the ground he noticed the light too.

“What is going on?”

“This is the real book of Helios” Diego was captived, he has been searching for this book for centuries. He couldn’t believe his mate knew exactly where the book was. The real one, the one they say was hidden a long time ago. He didn’t expect it to be among human books in a public library. Diego brought his hands down to it and as he opened the first page his mesmerization disappeared. The book was empty “No” he flipped into it and each page was the same. All were empty “No, this is it. This is the book why-” the crashing of the window cut him off.

Sean picked up the book and hid behind the aisle as Diego followed too “I am going to need you to run” Diego instructed the minute he smelt what had entered. This wasn’t a xaloc. As much as a xaloc is stronger than what has entered he knew the one here right now held anger inside it. The dragon wolf was something dangerous and he needed to leave in order for his mate to be safe.

“I am not leaving you”

“Right now” He brought his head out and was met with fire that almost burnt his head “You’re going to have to” He got up while holding his mate’s hand as the fire was blasted toward them “Run” Diego pushed his mate to the side as he put himself in front of the enemy.

He got blasted into all the shelves and he went flying with all of them “Eirenaios” The creature growled as it menacingly walked over to Diego “It was a pleasure to be granted the right to kill your mate”

Sean was hiding behind the shelves and he heard that. He brought his head out and found a creature that looked like a mixture of both a dragon and a wolf. His eyes moved to Diego who was having a problem getting off the ground. He knelt as he stared at the creature with determination “No one is touching my mate” Diego got up wobbling on his feet, he had a badly burnt arm but he wasn’t giving up. Not yet, not when his mate is still alive.

The dragon wolf growled snarling at him, it blew fire out of its mouth. Diego jumped over the shelves landing to the side before launching towards it as he waved his hand throwing it back with a puff of air that sent all the books flying in the air…

The wolf blew fire and as Diego tried to avoid it his shirt caught on fire burning his chest and sending him to the ground “Where is your power” The dragon wolf taunted, he could feel how weak Diego was. He wasn’t the same man he used to face, the one he could never take a hit on. boastful and powerful, a power he could not handle himself.

It stood right in front of him ready to scorch him until he was unrecognizable. Diego was weaker than he has ever been. In the past with his Aki he was stronger, and undefeated even if he was young. After the curse, he was a shell of the powerful man he had been.

The creature stalked towards him with a menacing look and Sean waited to see him run out of the way yet he made no such move.

“Diego” He called gaining the attention of the creature, it stopped turning towards the human it was sent to kill. It knew to kill Sean would be more hurtful than trying to scorch the already immortal Diego.

“Sean” Diego did his best to stand up. He was weak no matter how hard he tried. His body couldn’t respond, his wounds were healing at a low pace “Sean” he fought as hard as he could until he got on his knees trying to crawl toward his mate.

“I want you to watch as I kill your mate” The creature seethed making its way to Sean who pushed himself back in fear. The book was still in his grasp, the fear that came off of him made the creature enjoy the process. It likes it when it scared its prey.

“Deefla please” Diego begged, the creature was nowhere close to listening to his pleases. It turned to him and with a snarl, it opened its mouth to end Sean when a bright light came from Sean and lit up the entire library.

The light was no ordinary light as it burnt Deefla until nothing was left of her. As soon as she died the light died down slowly and the once-bright library was now dark with just the light of the moon. Sean took his hands off his face and looked around, he threw the book off his lap as he pushed himself back.

They both looked at each other still shocked at what has just taken place. Their eyes glanced toward the book only to find it not blank… the blank pages were no longer blank. Diego pushed himself to it as Sean tried his best to crawl still frightened.

Diego hesitantly turned to another page and it also had words. As he went through it they found it filled, page after page. Diego couldn’t be happier at this moment “We need to find somewhere safe first” Sean said after taking in Diego’s situation. He knew he can’t handle another fight any time soon.

“I know a place”

---

Arthfael took a seat on his father’s throne as he clenched his teeth. He knew he couldn’t trick his father, his father was the master of tricks and manipulation. He knew when he sent him into Cinder that he will mess it up and get them in trouble.

He knew his son will find another witch, to tell them what happened and he must have known what was needed to break the curse and then he disappeared like a good old father would leaving his son to fix the mess he created.

How were they going to find everything needed, how were they going to get the witch they have already angered? If that wasn’t bad enough they needed the remaining of the child and the mother.

An Aki soul mate bond

How were they going to get all of that?

He has been asking himself why he even cares, he should have just left the larpon to deal with this itself but he was thinking of ways to help break a curse that has nothing to do with him. He knows he has to finish this to show his father that he can finish what he started and win in the end.

“Jun” he called the lost larpon “We are going to do this”

“I am not spilling blood”

“Are you going to let your people suffer?” Jun thought he could do anything until he was told what to do now he feels like he can’t do anything “This has two choices, your people or some stranger”

“It’s not that easy” Jun argued “I am not breaking a mate bond”

“Wow, you’re worried about some mate bond” Arthfael couldn’t help but scoff at the hopeless larpon. Why care about something like that right now “Diego doesn’t deserve your sympathy, he has sinned enough to deserve this”

“No one deserves something like this”

“But your people do” Jun glanced at Arthfael, of course, he will not understand. As usual, he can only see his side and no other side. He shook his head and was ready to leave when Arthfael spoke again “If you walk out right now, you have chosen to not help your people”

“You don’t understand”

“We are going to kill one Aki, what is there to understand” Arthfael got off the throne and walked over to him “One person for an entire clan, the odds seem fair to me. We both don’t even have to look”

Jun counted it in his head, he is willing to do anything but as soon as it got to spilling blood and mate bond he felt like giving up. But what kind of King gives up on his people, he should take the odds and get this here even if he doesn’t trust the demon in front of him “Why are you helping me willingly?”

“Because I don’t hate you” Jun can’t say he wasn’t surprised “I just can’t stand you” and there it is, that was the right answer “Plus with my father’s disappearance I have nothing to do except help a group of weaklings get back their weak lives”

“On behalf of these weaklings, we thank you”

“Don’t admit it, it makes you even weaker”

Jun laughed surprised by Arthfael’s shiver. As if Jun’s words bruised him in some way. Jun believed that behind the stoic demon is something of a surprise and he couldn’t wait to find out more.

Chapter 13

The curse

---

“Diego, what are you doing here?” Verity asked with surprise. An old friend, it had been so long since they saw each other after Verity decided to live like a human, shift houses when convenient for him to leave little to no suspicion behind about his lack of age.

“Can you let us in?” Diego asked, Verity stepped aside and they got inside with Diego getting support from Sean until they rested him on the couch.

Verity saw blood floating onto his couch, he was saddened yet concerned about an old friend coming in bruised “What happened? Did you try again?” Verity knew Diego usually tries to end his life even if he always fails. After the decades that they have not seen each other he thought he will be done with it after learning multiple times he could not die.

“We got attacked” Diego replied shaking off the impression Verity was trying to bring out. He didn’t try anything. He got attacked, His skin was not as bruised as it had been when they left the library even if he was covered. “Sean can I see the book” Diego couldn’t wait to learn what was written in the real book of Helios.

This was his salvation, he has even witnessed its power. This was the book that was going to turn it all around.

Sean pulled out the book, Verity saw the cover and was immediately fascinated by it. Diego wasted no time flipping through the pages onto the page that he has always checked. The words engraved in it were different from any book he has been reading.

The verse said

    The battle was unavoidable, it had to happen for the peace of other creatures. I had to sacrifice the life of my first child for the good of all. And right as the battle between my children ended. My child Abnus ran for the hills badly injured while my second child Leroy fell onto my feet and whispered “It’s done my lord” before falling onto his side. I Lord Helios knelt next to him as he lay on his back. A single tear fell out of my right eye.

I felt both their pain. Abnus was still my child no matter the destruction he has caused. All I have ever wanted was peace between them, their differences to cause happiness. I wanted them to live happily. I know I can’t get that, I am too weak to create peace between you two. I hope one-day peace will follow as for me, I can’t watch my child die as I continue to live. With the power left in me ’I end your pain and grant you will live as you want. To love and be loved, and remember my child, even when I am gone I will always be by your side for as long as my blood lives in you, I shall live“

And when you take your first breath once again, I will take my last.

The book was in the point of view, claiming to be Lord Helios writing the book. He couldn’t have written the book, seen what was happening, and written it down. Diego wiped away a tear that had slipped as he glanced at the others in the room “There is no curse” he announced while resting the book on the table. He has been searching for this book for almost his entire life only to find it mentions nothing about the curse. It has to be here, if all the rest were fake the real one had to have the answers yet it couldn’t be far from it.

All hope that he had was now lost, that book had to have the answers. “Diego” Sean called when Diego stormed out of the house in tears.

“Leave him” Verity instructed as he took the book off the table. He dusted it off then took a seat on the couch opening it up and reading the page Diego has just read.

“What is it? What does it say?”

“The words of a true god” Verity smiled “Helios, the god of the sun didn’t curse his children”

“I don’t understand”

“What do you know about the curse?”

“Nothing” Sean has never put in the effort to understand. Up till yesterday, he hasn’t tried to learn about Diego’s curse.

“When the god of the sun Helios created his first creature it turned evil and started taking innocent lives. Lord Helios and the moon goddess came together and created another creature strong enough to take down Abnus. The creature was called Leroy, the first white Aki. As strong as a demon but as pure as an angel. When the fight happened Leroy defeated Abnus but was left injured to the point of death. Lord Helios knelt and granted him his immortality and blessed him with a life he would want before he took his final breath”

“This book says everything from Lord Helios’ point of view. How he felt and how he was willing to lose his life for Leroy. This book describes a true god and those of the past generations understood this. However, after the entire clan of Akies was attacked and killed. Diego…by then known as Eirenaois was cursed. The next books of Helios that were translated turned Helio’s last words to be a curse. Someone changed the book and its entire history and as time went by, the curse became the history that was being taught” Verity passed his hands onto the book.

“What does it mean?” Sean felt like he was getting half of the story. He still couldn’t understand what was happening.

“Diego’s curse is not from Lord Helios”

---

Once Sean was left alone he sat down and started reading, the book that saved his life as he waited for Diego’s return. The sun was now raising and he has been reading the book after taking a shower. He was trying to understand Diego’s world even better than before.

It was time to understand everything and as the book went on he could trap in Lord Helios’ inner feelings. The book was vulnerable like a diary but of a god. His history and how he came to become a god, his journeys, and the salvation he did for those in need. The light and hope he gave. He was strong but unable to create creatures like other gods.

It took him eons to be able to create a creature strong enough to live for it to turn out evil. With the help of the moon goddess, he was able to create a creature strong enough to defeat Abnus.

The emotions shared throughout the journey sat deep inside Sean’s heart. He felt sad enough to get tears from his eyes… Especially the part where Lord Helios is saddened by his brother, even though the book didn’t go into details the emotions were strong to ignore.

The door was opened and in walked Diego “Thank the heavens you’re here” Sean ran over to him. Diego just hugged him, Sean could feel how much Diego needed the hug so he hugged him back and heard his cries onto his chest.

The hopelessness from every sob.

He felt his heart start to hurt because of the pain he could feel Diego was in “Everything will be okay” Diego cried even harder coz he knew at this point nothing was going to be okay. Everything was just wrong, all hope was lost “We are going to find out what happened”

“What is there to find out, this book is as wrong as the rest. It’s probably also fake like them” Diego broke the hug wiping away the tears from his eyes.

“If that book is fake it wouldn’t have saved our lives today” Sean responded “It’s the real book”

“But it doesn’t talk about the curse. His last words were about that-”

“But they weren’t, you have just read that” Sean pulled Diego into the couch “He never cursed you, which means we need to find out who did”

“You don’t know what I did-”

Suddenly a portal appeared right next to them, Diego was ready for a fight when out came Arthfael and Jun. He took in a deep breath, he got scared for a second thinking they found them that quick and managed to break through Verity’s defenses without his knowledge.

“Why are you here?” Diego asked

“We are here because we know who cursed you”

Chapter 14

Past me

---

Diego glanced at Sean as they waited for Arthfael to start explaining himself. He took a seat with Jun right next to him. He was lightly briefed into this visit but not given all the details because Arthfael claimed they were losing time and needed to act efficiently “We were searching about the larpon curse and we found out that they are connected” Arthfael began “You were both cursed by the same person”

“Who?”

“Her name was Idia, she was a larpon princess”

“What do I have to do with that?”

“One of your kind mated with her sister Adea” Diego nodded “They gave birth to the first hybrid Aki-”

“I remember that” The story rang a bell “But I have nothing to do with it. Adea was mated to Exton, I had no relationship with those two”

“Are you sure you have never slept with her twin Idia”

“I think I would remember if I have ever slept with a Larpon”

“Would you?” That was a question he could not answer. Would he? vaguely no “The woman you slept with before you did what you did. Who was she?”

“I don’t remember” Diego denied not willing to indulge in any of those memories at this time. They remind him of who he was.

“Do you remember what you two talked about?” Diego exhaled a deep breath before leaning back not once glancing at his mate.

“She played into my fantasies” Diego fumbled with his fingers as he remembered that night…

He had just taken his last drink and was ready to retire when a hot lady stood in front of him. Her short revealing dress destructed him enough to forget about going back home as she walked up the stairs of the brothel he followed with his dick jumping at the sight of a fine ass.

He had seen enough of her but he had also never been mesmerized like he was that night and as soon as they got in the bedroom he got one of the best nights of his life… or so he thought.

The lady was not only fine but great in bed that he didn’t find the will to leave it like he normally would. This time he stayed, he could have sworn he was in love for the first time. The way he felt inside, he knew she was the one that he has been searching for “You have taken my heart, Kal”

“You flutter me my prince” Kal smiled as she traced his firm chest “But you have taken my heart too, it feels like you’re my mate”

“You feel it too” He felt happy to find out that they were both feeling it. It felt like a real mate bond and for the first time he was willing to get mated, it just felt right.

“In every bone in my body and I know you could defeat Abnus” She whispered the last words seductively. Diego glanced at her, she was indeed the one. No one has ever believed he could defeat Abnus. Everyone thinks that the first Aki Leroy his great-grandfather was the only one that could do it.

“You are the one” He leaned in for a kiss but she stopped him.

“How about you call him in and show everyone how powerful you are”

“That is not a good idea-”

“Listen” Kal held his hand “You are going to become king one day. Which king do you want to be, your father or your great-grandfather who will be remembered for a lifetime because he defeated Abnus?” Sean was young and naive back then but something about her words made him want to prove her right, he was ready to show not her but everyone what he was capable of.

“I want to be a great ruler, even better than Leroy”

He doesn’t remember much after that but he knows he committed the worst mistake of his life right after that night “Her name wasn’t Idia, she was Kal and she wasn’t a larpon” Akies memories are always great, they never forget a detail of anything.

“Are you sure? Coz right after the death of your clan. You were cursed and so were the larpons almost the same time”

“I don’t understand” Diego had nothing to do with the larpons. Why would he be cursed, why would Idia do something like that? He was cursed for other reasons, not the ones they were talking about.

“Idia was angry because the Aki clan together with the larpon clan were celebrating when she was grieving. She bonded her child and her soul together with an Aki’s and would then sacrifice your clan for the curse to work. Since she used you to get your clan killed don’t you think the curse comes from her?” Jun glanced at Arthfael with an open mouth.

Arthfael didn’t even glance at him pretending to not have seen his eye. Arthfael was lying, no one has told them that. Diego was not involved at least not in the ways Arthfael was phrasing it. This was a lie and Jun knew it yet he didn’t speak up, to tell the truth.

He is just following a plan that he wasn’t told about.

“Why me?”

“You were ambitious enough to fit in her plot” Arthfael then stood up “We can get to the bottom of this together, find out what happened and how to end it. We will give you time to think about it” he created a portal and left the house.

“What was that?” Jun asked right away, he didn’t even know they were going to meet up with Diego. Imagine his surprise when he meets the person he has to kill to end his people’s curse.

“We are keeping our prey closer”

“Don’t call him that plus you lied”

“You wanted me to tell him the truth about our plans” Arthfael scoffed “We need to be smart about this. Cursed or not he is still an Aki and Akies are strong, they are not hybrids like I am. They are full demons and full angels, we can’t let him know our next move”

“So what now, we lie to him then take him to his death”

“Yes, we lie. Pretend we are working together and when we need him dead we do it, break the curse and tada we win” Arthfael patted Jun’s shoulder “Don’t worry, I am going to save your weaklings”

---

“I am embarrassed and ashamed” Diego got up with his hands covering his face. He couldn’t handle even the sight of his mate looking at him, this was beyond everything he has ever done. To find out he slept and had allowed himself to be seduced by someone who wanted to destroy them is beyond shameful.

Now he did not doubt that he deserved to be cursed, he deserved worse than this. He let down so many people, got them killed, and all for a woman to play with him yet he could have just waited for his mate “I deserve to die…in the worst way possible-”

“Diego stop that” Sean tried to subdue him, instead Diego started slapping himself hard “Diego…Diego!” Sean yelled pulling him into a hug.

“I deserve death, I deserve everything…I deserve-”

“No, you don’t”

“You don’t know what I did!” he argued getting out of the hug and turning away from his mate “You don’t know what I did…” He whispered brokenly “I invited Abnus into my town” he turned back to Sean “I wanted to fight him in front of everyone…to show how str-strong I was. I showed him how to get in undetected!” Diego cried “I thought he will give me a fair fight but instead, he used the information to form an attack on us. I got everyone killed”

Diego held onto the wall as he slid down “He slaughtered them and left me behind because I was his ally” Sean took slow steps and sat next to Diego without saying a word letting Diego feel everything he feels right now without interruptions. It’s normal to feel everything at once and it is better to feel them than feel nothing at all.

Diego leaned to his side leaning his head onto Sean’s shoulder still in tears. This was breaking Sean more than ever, to him Diego looked like a child experiencing the worst days of his life and he was once that kid.

He was once a child confused about where to go in the world. When foster care wasn’t an option for him or his sister, a time when he was lost…yes it was nothing compared to what Diego has had to face but if he keeps regretting the past mistakes that can’t be changed then they will lose a lot of time. Trying to fix mistakes is a waste of time, it’s better to try and not make those mistakes again then get a chance to live on.

“When I was a child” Sean started “My mom died while giving birth to my little sister Sabrina and you know what our dad did” Diego lifted his head and looked at Sean who turned towards him “He took us to foster care and claimed unfit to be a father. He didn’t try…he just threw us away and never looked back. I resented him for it, I wished him the worst. I felt betrayed, lost, and alone with a sister to take care of yet he just bailed. I thought I could never forgive him until one day at school the news dropped that a kid had killed his father after years of physical and emotional abuse”

“That day I started seeing things through his perspective. Getting married and expecting to spend the rest of your life with someone and then they die, you would feel lost. Maybe he did feel like that, maybe he knew he would turn into a monster we would hate, he knew he wouldn’t be good enough to take care of us without his wife. Maybe he needed to heal and his life would have reminded him of what could have been…I am not saying what he did was okay coz we also needed a father but what I know is that if he came to me and apologized and proved to be a better person I would give him another chance”

“Not everyone deserves another chance”

“I agree, not everyone because not everyone is regretful of their actions but I think that those who are regretful deserve a chance coz it takes time for growth to happen in all of us” Sean held Diego’s shoulder “Growth is worth noticing”

Chapter 15

The larpon land

---

“Sean, where have you been?” Joshua sighed bringing Sean into a hug “I’m sorry but I have some bad news”

“Bad news?” Joshua was giving him a worried look. As if he doesn’t know where to begin from.

“Someone came in and took your sister” Joshua blunted out in one breath then held his hand over his lips in worry “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her-”

Sean felt his lip quiver, the thought of his sister being taken took him back to the actions that transpired last night. People who were after him, what if they took his sister “Who? Did-” He couldn’t fathom the words in his head. Everything swirled and he felt like collapsing and the thought of his sister being in danger.

“She was strong, like really strong for a lady and she threatened me with a knife. I have just called the police, they should be on their way-”

“Hello Sean” Samantha jumped into the house, Joshua jumped back while pulling Sean behind him.

“That is her”

“Samantha” Sean wiggled away from Joshua.

“You know each other” They both ignored Joshua’s question.

“Aeneas sent me to pick Sabrina up, she needs someone to take care of her now that you’re leaving” How did they know?

“You have her” Sean exhaled a deep breath when Samatha nodded. Not the safest place but at least safer than his mind thought of.

“She wanted to come with me, an angel told her she will be safe” Samantha smiled while Sean groaned, Aeneas always plays with people’s minds “Anyway, I have to leave now” She clicked her tongue before walking out with Joshua still flabbergasted about it all.

“What was that?”

“Sabrina is safe” Sean walked into his bedroom to pack his bag. The reason that brought him back home, to begin with, and now that his sister is in good hands, he can leave without worry.

“Where are you going?”

“Somewhere and I don’t know when I will be back”

“What are you talking about?” Sean kept on being busy without replying. He was on time, he had managed to convince Diego to not give up and try once again. The book might not have had an answer but he knows what Arthfael knows might have one. They just have to have faith in all of this and if it turns out to not be the answer Sean was willing to stay until they do and not give up.

Aeneas was right, Diego can’t do this alone. He needs someone to show him that no matter how much you fail you can go on. He needs someone to show him that giving up is not the solution, it only stops you there until the pain gets much stronger and you want to try once again.

And if you keep on giving up the cycle repeats itself. He might have found the solution a long time ago but he didn’t have someone that made him sure to not give up.

Sean has not been with Diego for long but he has seen him quit way too much in just hours. He has seen him lose faith more than he breathes, he understood that this wasn’t about him being mated to Diego but about destiny. Some things can’t be done alone, sometimes you need someone to hold onto as you go through a storm.

Even if they take you as far, the rest of the way gets easier than starting alone.

Sean was going to start this with Diego until he finally see him smile without tears in his eyes. He was going to make sure he is the happiest despite his past mistakes no one deserves such torture…and those who know their mistake and learn from them deserve a second chance.

“Sean, what is going on?”

“Joshua not now” He dismissed while tying up his backpack ready to leave when Joshua blocked his way

“You have to tell me what is going on”

“I can’t explain this kind of thing, I need to leave” Joshua held his elbow stopping him again. Diego appeared in the doorway, Joshua felt a figure behind him and as he turned he found a kid not older than twelve standing in their doorway  “I have to leave”  Sean shrugged out of his touch and made his way toward Diego “Let’s go”

“Sean” Joshua kept on calling but they ignored him as they went outside.

“Are you ready?” Sean nodded as Diego created a portal, they passed through and ended up meeting Arthfael and Jun who were already waiting for them.

“Now that you’re here we should leave,” Arthfael said without wasting any second. He led the way and Jun ran to catch up with him while Diego and Sean stayed back walking side by side slowly.

“Where are we going exactly” Sean broke the silence, he needed more information about where they were going.

“The Larpon land” Arthfael turned to him “The old Larpon land” he repeated with a distinctive voice. His way of talking was different from his father’s yet equally intimidating.

Sean couldn’t help himself but feel like he needed to voice out his thoughts “I still can’t believe you’re here…like Alexander was pregnant just yesterday yet here you are all big and buff”

“You speak as if you know my papa so well”

“Yes I am his human best friend, Sean” Arthfael stopped walking and they all halted in their steps

“The one who advised him to take father to the top of the mountain and feed him pizza”

Sean felt his face heat up, “Well yes, but I was telling him about my ideal dinner date. It was all hypothetical, I didn’t know it was possible back then-”

“Look” Jun called, they all turned to where he was pointing to find a green scenery not far away from where they were, “I think we have reached” They all got back to walking. Following the path slowly with a peaceful silence.

“It looks beautiful” The yellow and green plants brought color to the place. It was clear that no creature has been here for centuries and if they have they have not ruined it. It has become hard to find nature that looks this good, the smell alone was so calming.

As they entered the plants could reach their hips, and Sean passed his hand through it the feel of it on his fingers so calming “This-” his eyes landed on Diego who was looking everywhere anxiously missing out on the moment. It was like the beauty didn’t captivate him enough.

Sean took his hand and rested it on the flowers “Don’t miss a moment” Sean guided the hand through the flowers lightly. The smoothness on his hand felt good he giggled missing the tiny smile on Diego’s lips “Now do it”

Diego lifted his other hand and passed it through the flowers. The feeling was not the one that calmed him but rather the look on his mate’s face. The calmness and warmness, like a tiny glow on it, made Diego feel relaxed enough to be in the moment “It feels nice doesn’t it?” Diego smiled with a nod of his head, it wasn’t the flowers. He has seen them enough for them to no longer feel special. Sean made it special.

He plucked a single flower from the plant and as he tiptoed he rested it on Sean’s ear. Sean opened his eyes slowly with surprise as he held the flower in his hair, he smiled with his cheeks warming up “A souvenir to remember the moment”

“Are you two done coz I think we have gotten ourselves an obstacle” Arthfael spoke, the two broke eye contact as they ran over to the other two.

“Which obstacle?” Diego questioned, Arthfael lifted his hand up and a purplish light came through. It was like an invisible shield that kept them out. Diego lifted his hand and the same reaction happened, he kept his hands on it trying to feel where its force is coming from.

Sean brought his hand onto it and instead of getting the same reaction as the others his hand went through. He gasped pulling it back “Did you guys see that?” he gasped

“See what?” None of them had their eyes on him. He lifted his hand once again and it went right through.

“How are you doing that?” Arthfael questioned as he tried once again but kept on being blocked by the force of the shield “I am going to break this damn thing down”

“Patience” Diego advised “Everything has a door. I believe we can find something”

“Or Sean can go in and tell us what is on the other side”

“There has to be another way in” Diego would never send his mate through when he doesn’t know what is on the other side. He walked along the shield trying to find out how to get past when it started to shake. He stepped back only to find Arthfael using his power to try and pull it apart.

“Oh my god, what is that” Sean gasped, they all turned and Diego felt his feet paralyzed because he was staring at none other than a white Aki.

Chapter 16

Exton?

---

“I thought you were the last one of your kind” Arthfael questioned, if he was scared of something it was an Aki. Those creatures were damn powerful and being face-to-face with one at this time wasn’t one of his plans.

“That is what I thought” Diego had no explanation at all about this. It flew above them and as it got closer Diego noticed something “It has purple eyes, no Aki has purple eyes” Just as those words came out of his mouth it attacked throwing a staff right at them. It pulled the staff back into its hands and landed on the ground retracting its wings.

Diego was still in shock, he has never thought he will ever look at a creature of his kind and when it got closer he could see its face. It was Exton- “We need to leave” Arthfael was not planning on facing an Aki, not now at least. When he is ready and has formed a contingency plan and mapped everything out.

“I am not leaving until I understand what is going on” Diego walked over to it, this was one of him. It has been long since he looked at his kind except for Abnus. He thought he was alone but if one is still alive then he would want to know how.

He got pulled off his feet by the aki as it pulled him close “Exton” Diego called only to be thrown to the side. He hit the ground hard he rolled countless times before gaining his footing “Arthfael don’t” Aethfael was already sending fire towards the Aki without mercy.

It was quick, the agility it used as it jumped right into Arthfael sending him into the ground too. Jun ran back in fear landing on his ass, he didn’t have any energy. The Aki raised its hand but Arthfael sent a wave of power that pushed it right through the shield.

He took in deep calming breaths, that was a close one… “Where is Sean?” Diego questioned after noticing him missing.

“I think he jumped in”

---

When Sean saw Diego being thrown he tried to run over and help him but got sucked into the shield. His attempt to yell failed because as quickly as he was pulled he was already in.

He glanced back and choked on his cry at the sight in front of him. A dessert of skeletons everywhere he looked. All scattered. He stood up as the sight fully sank in, everything was… It showed how much death had taken place-

Something shot through the shield, he covered his ears as it landed with a thud inside falling into the skulls. His eyes widened when the Aki stood up and ran over to shield with force trying to break through but was thrown back.

He ran away and hid behind the excuse of a tree nearby. The branches looked like they stopped aging a thousand years ago and maybe they did. As he hid behind it the tree had the most disgusting scent in the world. It was wet and squishy

His focus couldn’t stay on the tree when the shield suddenly boomed like thunder right before collapsing. His eyes caught both Diego and Arthfael who had the Aki in their hold not allowing it to move until Diego hit it on the back of the head and it passed out “Sean?”

“I’m here” Sean walked out of his hiding spot. Diego nodded with a sigh of relief.

“You scared me” Diego was worried and those minutes were the worst of his life. Not knowing if his mate was okay, he could feel he wasn’t dead but that alone isn’t enough after he had disappeared behind a mysterious shield.

Diego’s eyes went back to inspect the Aki while Arthfael and Jun had their eyes on the remains of all the larpon that had lived in this place. Diego checked Exton’s pulse and he was still alive “I need to take him to a healer”

“No, he is connected to this curse he has-”

“We will think about that later, I have to first make sure he is okay” Nothing mattered right now, not the curse, not nothing. This was his hope, if Exton was alive then he won’t feel so alone.

“Go make sure he is alright. I will tell you what happens when we meet again” Sean said, Diego nodded before creating a portal and disappearing with the Aki.

“Do you smell that?”

“It was coming from that tree” Sean pointed walking over to it once again. Arthfael followed and it was indeed stronger there.

Arthfael noticed Jun looking at all the dead larpon, the sadness filled his face yet no tear strung down “Jun?” Jun turned to the two and then made his way closer. He was frustrated that he can’t cry after seeing his kind lay down like this. They were all left behind without proper burial, it was sad to look at and he felt like he wanted to leave right away.

“Are you alright?” Sean asked worried about him.

“Yes” Jun lied, he needed to leave this place as soon as possible.

Arthfael held onto the branch so old, dry yet wet. The branch broke off and blood started flowing out “The fuck” The tree started flowing with blood. They all stepped back as blood pooled right below the tree. Arthfael felt sick, the sight of blood has never been his thing. He used a spell to wipe his hands clean but he couldn’t hold his guts in. He turned around and threw up, his mind got dizzy. He wanted to erase the fact that he has touched it, looked at it, or even smelt it.

His strong fear started to sink in, he started shivering and struggled to breathe. He couldn’t function so he ended up passing out “Arthfael” Jun called running over to him when a child started crying so loud, getting louder with each passing second that they had to close their ears. Sean fell on his knees the sound getting loud, his eardrums felt like they would burst only for him to lose consciousness.

Jun followed a second later.

---

Diego watched the star witch work her magic but every spell collapsed as if they were lifeless. Diego knew little to nothing about healing magic but even he could know that spells collapsing isn’t a great sign in any way.

“Why are they doing that?” The star witch sighed glancing at Diego, Diego knew it was bad news just from her eyes.

“He is dead”

“An impact to the head doesn’t end an Aki’s life”

“He didn’t die today” She held onto Exton’s body “He died a thousand years ago”

“Then how could he be alive, he didn’t die. He was alive-”

“Diego I know how much you want this to be true but it isn’t” She held onto his shoulders “If he was alive then it wasn’t him. His soul was taken out of his dead body and replaced with whatever we are dealing with right now”

Diego walked over to the table where Exton lay. He passed his fingers onto his arm before holding his hand “What did they do to you?” The star witch held onto his shoulder.

“I am going to find out” Exton suddenly sat up with his purple eyes open. He lifted his hand and sent Diego flying, the star witch held him before he could swipe a hit on her “I will get you demon out and make sure that body rests in peace” Exton threw her away before flying out of the house.

Diego wanted to follow but he doesn’t have the wings to do so ‘Where is the moon goddess when you need her?’ at this time he needed to connect to his Aki soul. He needed to follow Exton “Use this, follow him. He must be going back to his master” She threw dust onto him, then handed him a bag full of magical flying dust “Be careful”

Diego flew out and followed the Aki, he remained on its tail. And as expected it flee towards its master, into cinder right in front of mage Cyanide. Diego landed in front of the two “I’m going to kill you” he threatened.

The fact that this mage was using an Aki’s body as a vessel for a demon so he can order him around was unacceptable. Diego wanted her dead…

Mage Cynaide sneered “Before you do anything, make sure you know where your mate is”

Chapter 17

Escape

---

Sean opened his eyes to find himself in a cave that resembles a fighting ground. Jun and Arthfael were right next to him still passed out “Hey wake up” Jun stirred awake, he tried Arthfael but he didn’t get a response again when something snarled and growled.

His eyes snapped and there right opposite them was an animal behind a metal door ready to attack “Arthfael we have to leave right now” Arthfael opened his eyes but didn’t move, he seemed to be in a trance.

Sean stood up and glanced at where they were, there was no way out unless someone throws them a rope down or someone can teleport them out from the valley “Arthfael” Jun called and as he was about to touch Arthfael’s shoulder he stopped himself and retracted his hand “Are you okay?” Arthfael didn’t reply. He just curled up like an infant and stayed in his trance.

“What is wrong with him?” Sean asked.

Jun got up and while glancing around he said “We need to find another way out right no-” The cage opened and the animal walked in. Sean remembers it well, the same thing that attacked them in the library. The dragon wolf snarled as fire shot out of it. They both shot back in fear, Jun ran over to Arthfael and got lost. He didn’t know what to do, he can’t touch him yet they needed to run at least try to survive as long as possible “Arthfael I am sorry but I have to touch you, Sean come help me” Sean ran over.

Jun held Arthfael’s hand and threw it over his shoulder as Sean did the same thing. They lifted him off the ground and started running with him “There” Jun pointed to the cave and as they got in the animal started running “Wait, rest him down I think I can do something” Jun rested Arthfael down as he pulled out his orb. It had little energy and he knew he was going to be wasting massive energy right now but with Arthfael unable to fight he needed to do something to ensure their safety.

He held it in both his hands and started chanting, as the dragon wolf came into sight he raised his hand and continued chanting “Cover his eyes” he yelled when he felt the animal about to burst into pieces. Blood splashed all over the cave, and the animal’s insides are all around “We need to leave” he ran back, they didn’t know how many of those were coming in and safety was more important. Jun could defeat one not so many and the person who could do it wasn’t feeling like himself at the moment.

As they passed through the valley of rocks Arthfael felt heavier by the second. A loud growl behind them didn’t do anything to ease their comfort plus the hurried feet were even worse than the growl “Sean?” Diego landed in the valley next to the three with a big sigh “Are you alright?” he thought he was going to find the worst.

“Yes, glad you’re back but we need to leave” Diego turned to create a portal only for it to not work “We should run”

“What is wrong with him?” Diego asked only for Arthfael to release himself from the hold the two had on him and puke his guts out on the rock close by… “We need to continue” The two held Arthfael once again and they continued strutting, trying to find a better hiding space from the animals after them “Here”

They entered another cave, Diego pulled a big rock and covered the space to make sure no one comes in. Both Sean and Jun rested Arthfael down as Jun brought out his orb once again and provided light to where they are “We should be safe for now” Diego said as he walked over to Arthfael “What is wrong?”

“He will be fine in a couple of hours” Jun affirmed while getting closer to him. He didn’t want to tell anyone about Arthfael’s problem. He opened his bag getting out a bottle of water, he rested it onto Arthfael’s lips, and even if most slipped out most got into his mouth. He got some cloth and wiped his forehead. When he was done he leaned onto his ear and whispered “You’re clean now” before taking a seat. Hoping that his words might help Arthfael feel better even if it was unlikely to happen because Arthfael needed more than a few hours to get better.

Sean and Diego didn’t know what was going on but they took a seat opposite the two “How is Exton” Sean asked. Diego remembered how Exton’s body is being controlled by that witch. He held his hand in a fist trying to fight his anger, he had to leave him there because his mate was in danger but when he survives this he was going to go back and get Exton. Make sure that demon is out of him.

“He was killed and they took his soul” Jun snapped his head towards Diego so fast “And replaced it with a demon, now he is being controlled by that mage Cyanide”

“I’m sorry” Sean took Diego’s hand in his. Jun felt ashamed, that was also his plan. To kill Diego and take his soul, now hearing that it has been done before made him feel even eviler than Cyanide.

“What is that?” Diego got up, and Sean followed into the darkness. Diego thought he saw something and as he got closer he realized that the cave had another passage taking them somewhere “We will be back soon” Jun nodded, he was already unwilling to follow them the guilt eating him up.

“We are not going to control him” Arthfael suddenly spoke “We are just going to kill him”

“I know” Jun replied glancing back down at the orb, he just can’t help but feel guilty even if he knows what they have to do.

“If you know then why are you feeling guilty-” he cut himself off when he felt like throwing up again.

“You should rest” Jun advised, Arthfael couldn’t argue with that he leaned back and tried to take in deep breaths “And I think you should start considering medicine for your condition”

“What condition?”

“I know your fear for blood, don’t think you hide it so well when you end up falling just anywhere at the sight of it” Jun didn’t bite his words “And I have seen Aeneas carry you every time from fainting”

Arthfael knew he couldn’t act as if Jun didn’t know what he was talking about coz he did. Jun was smart like that though he decided to deny it “It’s not a condition, I just dislike blood” he turned to Jun “And medicine is for humans, I am not human I don’t need it”

“Yes you need more”

“What do you mean?”

“You need a check-up, a human check-up” Jun emphasized

“Over my dead body”

“Of course, maybe I should tell your papa about it and inform him about the times you two erased his brain”

“Maybe we should erase yours”

Jun scoffed “You can try” he knew no one can enter a larpon mind. As weak as they may seem that is one thing no one can do. Their brains show emptiness just like their scents.

“If a healer can’t do it how can a human do it” Arthfael has gone to a healer but he is fine and normal like any demon. If a healer doesn’t know then there is zero chance a doctor knows. He admits he gets worried sometimes, this fear creeps up on him and maybe one day it might get worse than it already is. They have tried to find a solution, they have never tried a human doctor though.

“Guys this path continues we should try it” Sean came back “Are you feeling alright now Arthfael?”

“I am always alright” he pushed himself up and even if he felt dizzy he tried to hide it.

“Sean I want to ask you something” Jun called “In your world, is there something or rather someone afraid of blood”

“Hemophobia?”

“What is that?” Jun didn’t understand.

“The fear of blood” Jun glanced at Arthfael with an ‘I told you so look’ humans get sick a lot, and of course, they would know the cause of everything, and even if they are not humans they still have similarities to them “Why do you ask?”

“We have to go” Arthfael cut off. He didn’t want that conversation to go deeper even though he was glad he put a name to his ‘condition’ hemophobia. Whatever that was it sounded scarier than his condition “Diego?” Arthfael found Diego looking at a stone.

“There is something written on here” Jun walked in providing enough light to take in what was written. They were drawings, of a woman covering up the light of the sun with a sword in one hand and a child in the other. The light behind her was hitting one part specifically as if the light got redirected to point in one spot. A soul

“That is where we have to go,” Arthfael said pointing at a specific point diverting Diego’s attention “That is where the ritual happened”

Chapter 18

Ideal mate type

---

The four had been walking forever and everyone felt like their bones might break if they took another step. Soon the only solution left was for them to rest. They decided to rest in the darkness of a steep valley Arthfael lit up a fire to create some warmth and light around the dark place.

They haven’t had any conversations since they started this journey. It has been more of attacks and fighting and once they start walking everyone seems to be in their world. Thinking of different things, their problems, worries, and some guilt.

The resting wasn’t different, they all sat and no one uttered a single word to the other. Sean pulled out the Helios book and started passing his eyes through it while the rest glanced into an open flame.

Arthfael was still not back to his normal self even if he has been hiding it very well. In all honesty, he still feels dizzy and has been doing everything to not think of that moment again. Or what he saw and whenever his mind drifted there he would blink and try to think of other things.

That was his weakness, he has tried to work around it all the time but it always finds a way to creep up on him.

“Oh my god” Sean exclaimed with a laugh and made everyone turn to him “Sorry” he felt ashamed yet a smile was stuck on his face.

“What is making you laugh” Diego was now intrigued even if the rest went back into their worlds.

“No, it’s…just-” Sean fixed himself turning towards Diego “The way Leroy conned his mate, it was so sweet and funny”

“Powerful aki but hopelessly romantic” Diego sighed leaning back on the tree “He used to tell us stories of how he got his mate and yeah, we all wish to have stories like those” Sean could hear the sadness behind Diego’s words. That sadness he wishes he could wash away, no one deserves to be this sad.

“Who was your ideal mate?”

“Back then or now”

“Back then” Sean corrected, Diego, shook his head with a tiny smile “Why are you smiling?”

“I was wild back then” He turned to his mate “I liked a fat ass” Sean’s eyes widened, and Arthfael chuckled having heard what was said “But then again I didn’t care about personality, it was all physical. Pleasant to the eye”

Sean shook his head with a smile, this was the first time to hear Diego talk about the past and not be sad about it. He figured he should leave it to happy memories and not go anywhere they both would feel uncomfortable “What about you Arthfael, who is your type?” Sean asked and Jun lifted his head right away.

“I don’t have a type”

“Everyone has a type, you don’t need to be secretive” Sean argued. Arthfael felt himself being pulled into the corner, this was personal and maybe that is why Sean was his papa’s best friend. They were both inquisitive.

“Well…” He chuckled to himself kind of embarrassed to be getting such an audience when he least expected it. This was a rare sight to him, his papa is the only one who asks him questions well plus the annoying Jun yet this time he felt like he was talking to someone outside. Someone, he shouldn’t feel like hiding. If he didn’t know better he would say he enjoyed the company he was getting even if he is used to sitting alone and enjoying his own company. This wasn’t bad. He has never had any friends, not like he wanted Sean to be a friend but the feeling he was getting was there…maybe he was getting one

“Well!” Sean urged showing how much he wasn’t going to give up.

Arthfael felt kind of shy even if he kept his face passive and irritated “If they are understanding and don’t compare me to my father” he finally voiced out, his voice kind of low as if unsure.

“That was better than fat ass,” Sean remarked making them burst out in laughter. Arthfael didn’t expect that to be taken so well but he appreciated that and when Sean moved on to Jun Arthfael paid close attention “What about you Jun?” Jun was surprised, he had everyone’s attention right now.

He cleared his throat “Um, I don’t care who it is. I just hope they are an angel, I have always admired angels”

“Why angel?” Arthfael asked, Deep down he felt kind of disturbed by Jun’s answer.

“Because they are beautiful and kind-hearted”

“So you mean if you get a mate who isn’t beautiful or kind-hearted you would say no”

“I didn’t say that” Jun defended, “I said my ideal partner but whoever the moon goddess chooses for me I am fine with them” That is if they manage to break the curse and make him able to get a mate.

“So they will be second best if they aren’t an angel”

“Not what I meant” Jun defended with a groan “Why are you even getting offended ‘Mr. I want someone who understands’ when you are hard to understand”

“My mate will”

“Well good luck to them” Jun huffed glancing away from Arthfael in bitterness.

Sean and Diego glanced at each other but said nothing, they didn’t know what that was about and they decided to not intrude letting the silence clean out the tension.

---

When morning came, they all continued in silence once again. The tension between Arthfael was stiffer than the other two. The argument from last night still lingered in the air, it had been one of the arguments where they didn’t let go of the things said quite easily like they usually did.

This felt more personal to another degree “Ugh finally” Arthfael groaned when they reached the shrine or what is left of it. Vines and blackness had consumed it all leaving the broken pieces to hold what could have been.

The statue of the king was broken in half “Help me” they all jumped when the ghost came out of the shrine. Just like in the tree, Arthfael stepped back getting ready for any blood that might appear…nothing happened.

Just innocent ghosts wailing in pain, wanting to be saved “All these people tortured and for what” Diego looked at every soul, kids of all ages. Mothers, fathers, and old people. All souls are trapped in here just for a curse to stay in place. Paying for something they had nothing to do with, paying for the faults of others.

This brought back memories of how his people fell, paying for his fault. His own mistake was paid for by the innocent ones. Why is it that the innocent ones always have to pay and not the guilty ones? Diego still lives and the rest don’t.

He walked into the shrine without a wait, ghosts crying next to them while coming out of nowhere. Sean felt like he was the only one who was scared to death, unlike the others who were not flinching at the fact that ghosts were surrounding them.

Even if they weren’t being attacked by them, they still terrified him to no end. He would gradually glance back to make sure no one was following them inside- “There it is” Diego spotted the alter where everything took place.

A child’s remains were on one altar while the other consisted of what seemed to be a grown person’s remains “I think that is Idia and her child” Arthfael observed closely, they were told they will be together, and indeed they are. They just needed to grab them, get Cyanide and Diego, and then the spell will be done. His eyes met Jun, they knew what they had to do “We need to take them”

“The remains?” Sean asked curiously.

“Yes, we need them for the unbinding spell” Arthfael raised his hand to pick them but Diego stopped him.

“There has to be a ritual needed before touching them. I don’t think they don’t have a spell on them” Arthfael understood right away coz Diego had a point. It has to be impossible that no one has tried picking them up when they are that simple to get to…well not that simple but still.

“Any ideas” Diego had none, he just thought it wouldn’t be right just touching the remains of the dead.

“This place is scary guys, we need to figure something out and leave” Sean urged. Diego leaned on the altar and observed it closely. The patterns on it are not known but he had to be more careful, one wrong move could lead to something wrong.

“No one is touching it, we are going to fly it out” Diego picked up the dust he was left with. He poured some onto the remains and they started floating.

“Is that safe?” Jun asked

“No, but it will save us from risking anyone getting cursed again” Better safe than sorry “Let’s go” He moved and they followed them behind.

“I don’t think we can make it on foot altogether. Someone should fly back with it then the rest will meet up” Arthfael suggested. It was a great idea. Walking back will be more challenging with flying remains

“I have someone who can inspect it-”

“No, let me take it” Arthfael insisted “She is the one that told us to come here, she will know exactly what we need plus we need someone faster to take it before it falls flat on the ground”

“Okay, but I hope you can trust her. I have something to do” Diego remembered he left something unfinished with Cyanide. He needed to save that Aki from her evil clutches.

Chapter 19

The ritual

---

As Arthfael, Jun, and Diego took another course Diego used the flying dust and flew straight back into Cinder, and as soon as he spotted her he attacked with everything he’s got. Cyanide tried holding herself in the air but he followed up with another kick that threw her into her hut ripping it into shreds.

Exton held Diego by the shirt trying to yank him back, even with Exton being stronger Diego managed to push him off “You’re not an Aki” Diego yelled as he ran into Exton, and they flew into the sand. Diego was thrown a few meters away from Exton but with quick swiftness, he jumped back and held Exton by the neck “You’re just a demon” Diego broke its neck without a blink.

He didn’t give himself time to think or sympathize. The only sympathy he has is for the body that has been tortured for years. It needed rest and being controlled by a demon was not peace.

A blast threw him off of Exton’s body, he turned and found Cyanide glaring down at him with red eyes “You’re not going to ruin my plans-” Diego threw the flying dust at her. She screeched as she started getting off the ground. She tried getting down again but everything didn’t work.

“A witch can’t use another witch’s flying dust” Diego explained while getting close to the floating Cyanide. She growled whilst trying to get her hands on him “I-” Diego didn’t get to finish his sentence when he got a blow to the back of his head. Fast and clean, he passed out instantly.

“I knew he could get you where I wouldn’t need to fight” Arthfael celebrated. This was going fairly easy for him, Cyanide is here, and he has gotten Diego. Nothing was left and it was time to break the curse.

“Let us end this”

---

Jun has been pacing all around anxiously. This was going as planned but he couldn’t help the fact that his head and body were having conflicting feelings and thoughts.

This was wrong, everything was wrong. They can’t just do this, they couldn’t be going through with this even if it might end a strong curse that has been going on for so long. This might help his relationship with his father after the fight they had on the day he left.

He might even get some friends, his people might welcome him with open arms after archiving the impossible. This will go down in the history of the Larpons, he ended the sadness that had eaten the land for so many years and forced them into hiding.

Those were all great achievements but at what cost? Seeing Arthfael bring in Diego, Cyanide, and Exton made him even more worried than ever. This was happening, he felt like he could turn back before it was too late.

He should put an end to this if he speaks right now before it’s too late. Before Lady Destiny’ll start the ritual yet something tells him not to. If this doesn’t go through there won’t be any other opportunities to come.

Jun took in a deep breath and then opened the door to the ritual room inside Lady Destiny’ll’ home “Everything is done we may begin” She announced. Jun felt his heart drop from his chest, seeing Diego pass out with Exton’s body not far away from him and Cyanide tied against the wall.

Jun gasped when he saw Sean also tied up in the corner. Jun ran over to Arthfael and asked “Why is he tied up?”

“In case Diego tries to fight us”

“This is going too far, no we can’t do this to them”

“The sun will be lining up soon, we need to begin” Lady Destiny’ll announced as the sun came close to the reflecting glass.

“We are not doing this” Jun decided to back out before this went too far. No matter how much he wants the curse to end he was not going to entertain this. He started it and he is going to end it.

“You can’t stop it right now…whenever you’re ready start” Arthfael wasn’t backing out at this moment. Jun wanted to make it stop but Arthfael held him just as the sun hit the reflecting surface shooting the sun directly onto the two alters of the still-bound remains.

Arthfael had made sure they reached intact and it was the right thing to do. They are bound together and any separation without a ritual might have caused an attack or worse.

Just as the sun shone onto the remains, both Diego and Sean woke up. Diego felt weak, his head had a strong sting on it. Cyanide’s screaming was getting louder and that made him focus on his surrounding.

He glanced up to find himself in a ritual room. He was a few feet from the altar where a witch stood with her hands up and white eyes. Arthfael was holding Jun while Sean was tied to the wall “Sean” he called and tried to crawl over to him.

“Don’t move” Arthfael warned “Do as we say and we won’t touch him” Diego looked lost and confused at the same time.

“They were lying” Sean spoke “The Larpon curse has nothing to do with you, they were just using you” Sean had discovered their plans when he caught them talking to Lady Destiny’ll, and right before he could run Arthfael knocked him out.

Diego glanced at them and then spotted Exton’s body not far away from him. He should have seen it coming the minute his eyes landed on an Aki. Even on the wall, there was an Aki on it, his mind didn’t fly to this moment straight away yet all the pieces were in front of him. The spell needed an Aki’s soul to be put into place, of course, they would need one to break it. It was on the stone in the cave, he just didn’t pay it any mind “My mate has nothing to do with this right?” He hoped so

“No, as long as you corporate with us”

“What is going to happen?” Diego asked

“You die” He nodded his eyes glancing at Sean who had a look of surprise “And the larpons heal from the years of mourning” Death has never been a problem to Diego, he has been waiting for centuries and maybe it was his time to end finally.

“No, it’s not happening” Sean denied already on his knees “You’re not…you’re not going to kill him…no” He shook his head as if it will stop what is about to happen.

“Sean it’s fine-”

“No, we will find another way to break this curse you just ha-”

“I don’t want to do this-” mage Cyanide screamed as Lady Destiny’ll start pulling power out of her. It shot through her body and directly into the remains.

The light of the sun directed straight onto Diego, and as Lady Destiny’ll start chanting the room got heavy. Purple colors emitted off of the remains before directly shooting into Diego.

“Stop this” Sean yelled but no one was listening. Arthfael let go of Jun who had stopped fighting and was watching the ritual happen. Another light from Lady Destiny’ll’s hand shot into Diego once again before she started pulling.

Diego screamed getting lifted off the ground as they pulled him out of his body. The most excruciating pain he has ever felt. He felt empty, like how his whole being was being washed out in front of his eyes. Sean kneeled on the ground and watched the scene knowing he can’t help.

The more Diego got pulled the more Sean felt his heart feel empty. The connection between them breaking. The room started shaking, and a loud growl was heard just as Exton woke up once again “Kill them” Cyanide yelled weakly. Arthfael wrapped a rope in Exton’s neck yanking him away from Diego.

He didn’t need anyone interrupting this ritual. This had to be done today, the fight with Aki wasn’t a simple one as it kept on throwing him all around. It reminds him why he doesn’t like such creatures. He doesn’t like feeling inferior and an Aki had a way of making him feel exactly like that.

A round purple fog made a globe right above the remains. Half the spell was complete. They had to disconnect them now, she pulled Diego’s soul until it was completely out of Diego’s. Diego’s body landed on the ground void of life. She brought the soul closer to the purplish globe and shot it directly into the conjoined spirits and just as Diego’s soul broke the spell Arthfael heard a whisper “ Mate“

He glanced at Jun in shock, Jun was giving him the same look. Both were completely lost for a second. They felt it at the same time, the voice was heard. The two were completely lost in their heads that they missed a ghost that walked in and pierced a spear through Lady Destiny’ll right before she could completely break the spell.

And as if time was moving in reverse everything went back. Diego’s soul moved back unbreaking the binding between the mother and the child.

Cyanide was able to break free of her chains and created a gush of wind blinding them all.

Jun and Arthfael were both coughing as the air cleared finding an empty altar without Cyanide and the remaining.

As flabbergasted as they were Another cough caught their attention. Exton was waking up. Arthfael got on high alert, the Aki was the reason he got distracted and missed the ghost that came in last minute.

Exton was bent over on his knees. He lifted his hand which was now bigger than it had been, he lifted them and touched his face. It also felt different, his eyes landed on the body he should be in and it was a few feet away.

Diego realized he has just entered a body that didn’t belong to him

Chapter 20

Mates

---

Arthfael got up in anger and was ready to strike Diego who raised his arms in surrender “It’s me, it’s me…Diego” He defended before the first hit struck. Arthfael stopped but only for a second before letting it land. He was not going to believe this kind of trick.

Diego was on the ground dead, this was the Aki that has ruined their ritual “Arthfael stop” Jun yelled, Arthfael turned toward him with a groan.

“You don’t tell me what to do”

“Yes but you’re hitting someone who isn’t hitting back”

“Because he wants us to believe him” Arthfael held Diego up by the collar getting them face to face “I am not falling for this trick-”

“You have just tried to sacrifice me to break your mate’s curse” Diego choked out. Arthfael didn’t have a reason to believe but he let him go because of the mating part.

“I didn’t know he was my mate” Arthfael spoke while glancing at Jun who glanced away and without looking back he walked out.

Arthfael followed.

Diego, got up and walked over to his still-bound mate “Sean” He lightly patted Sean’s cheeks “Hey wake up” Sean opened his eyes, and as soon as he saw who was in front of him he screamed “No it’s me, Diego”

“Get away from me, get away” Sean yelled completely freaked out and when he spotted Diego’s body he cried “Diego wake up, Die-”

“It’s me-”

“You killed him” Diego held Sean’s cheeks and made him look him in the eye.

“It’s me Diego” He repeated once again as he softly started undoing his binds one by one until he was free. Sean looked at him before getting on his feet and running over to Diego’s body “Sean”

“Don’t come anywhere near me you demon” Sean was protective of Diego’s body. Holding his head in his chest as he pointed at Exton not allowing him to get any closer. He felt the bond break, he was scared to lose him when he has just only started to know him.

“Sean you have to believe me, I am Diego. Eirenaios, remember we got the book of Helios together” Sean hiccuped as he held Diego’s body tighter

“If it’s you then why is your body here?” Sean asked. He remembered the pain he felt when they pulled Diego’s soul out. As soon as it was out he felt like he couldn’t live and ended up passing out, something inside him broke.

Diego got closer once again and he looked at his previous body. It was a shell, like a vessel he used to live in but was now completely void of life “When the spell broke I had a chance to get back in my body but then I saw Exton’s body right next to mine… I didn’t want to be a child again so I took it instead”

“So what happens to him?”

“It is cursed, it won’t die. We have to bury or burn it so that nothing enters it”

“It?” Sean questioned with tears “This is you, the real you this is your real body. Stop talking as if he was just a body you went through and then discarded after some time” Sean was getting emotional over this “I don’t want him to die”

“But he is me”

“Yes, he is” Sean glanced at him while wiping his eyes “But why are you there? Why are you using someone else’s body? How would you feel if someone was using your body? What you did was selfish”

“It was but in that body, I was stuck, I want to be with you”

“And you think changing bodies will make me want to be with you”

“You won’t consider me a child-” Sean slapped him hard enough to get his head to turn to the side

“That child was my friend and was better than whatever you think of yourself right now”

“That is so unfair Sean” Diego pleaded “You have rejected me countless times because of that body, right now you can’t be unfair to me for wanting to feel and look like a man” he took Sean’s hand “You have to understand me, I lost hope. Arthfael and Jun lied to me, I almost died then I got a chance to turn my life around and finally feel like me inside and outside”

“Congratulations” Sean stood up and left. He was not going to be a part of whatever that is. Diego stayed glancing into space as tears fell from his eyes, he thought things might change if he changes the body he is into.

That his mate might value him more yet now it seems like he values him as lesser than he ever did.

---

Arthfael met up with Jun and took a seat next to him on the ground. A rare thing for him, he always finds a nice place but this time he just sat down because it was next to his mate who had pushed himself to the side so as not to get any contact with him.

“We are mates”

“That doesn’t change anything”

“And why is that?” Arthfael questioned, this changed everything. Jun didn’t bother to reply “Is it because I am not an angel”

“Because you’re everything I wouldn’t want my mate to be” Jun snapped before standing up and walking away.

Jun didn’t know but Arthfael had been waiting for him forever. He was never keen on the mate thing because a bond sounded forceful. He wanted a slow love that was intoxicating and worth a wait. Finding out that Jun is his mate was a huge step for him, as much as he hates mate things he enjoys romance and he was hoping to start something with Jun.

Coz he felt it, even if the mate bond lasted just three seconds he felt it and felt like he wanted to pursue whatever that bond brought.

So Jun speaking like that was actually harmful but he wasn’t willing to force what is not there. All he knows is that he can never look at Jun the same anymore.

When he said he wanted someone who understands he meant someone brave enough to not fear him. Someone who can understand when he is angry or vulnerable. Someone who won’t make him feel like he has to act tough and be better than his father.

Someone who knows that he is far away from being like the man who birthed him. He was himself and starting something with Jun didn’t sound so bad. He was willing to look at him as more than just a nagging larpon that grew up with him.

He has never seen himself with anyone but he always wishes to get the person who will understand and who else than the person who already knows enough about him.

Someone who isn’t a stranger.

---

Jun got into his bed and tried to cry, he was so overwhelmed by everything. The spell almost broke, they almost killed Diego, kidnapping Sean, and him finding out that Arthfael was his mate. It was all just too much to handle for him, where does he go after this?

After everything they have done, how do they live with themselves and now…

Arthfael is his mate. It is not disappointing, he has always liked him in some way even if he knew it can never happen plus the fact that he can never feel his mate due to the curse, so he knew they could never work out no matter what.

He thought Arthfael belonged to another but now that he is supposed to belong to him he is terrified. It was unexpected. He has had a fantasy of them together but it being true scares him.

It makes him remember everything that would happen if they mate ‘It’s not like Arthfael would want to go that far anyway’ but it still doesn’t wipe away the worry he has.

He has grown up in the demon kingdom, having a demon mate means he belongs with the demons all his life. He can’t be a larpon king and be mated with a demon, they already think demons stole him and this.

His father will never agree, he would want him to settle with someone of his kind.

A demon would have no place in his life, hell he would have no place in Arthfael’s life.

Jun was so confused, how can something exciting feel this terrifying

Chapter 21

Lies

---

Diego took a seat in the house of the star witch, Exa the healer, and close friend of his for years. She has been there for him in most parts of his life as much as she could, Diego couldn’t blame her for the years she wasn’t around as it was even hard to get her to talk to him ever again after she found what he had done.

But once she forgave him the connection came back, he just knew when to not cross her boundaries. When needed she is there but when she isn’t then she is not available even for him.

Right now she is checking him out in a non-sexual way. It was a curious gaze, she is surprised to see an old friend who has been a child for as long as she can remember now in a grown-up body and much less an aki body. It felt like destiny brought Exton’s body for him to get into “Congratulations, I guess” She sighed while taking a seat on top of the table opposite Diego “How does it feel?”

“I haven’t adjusted much so heavy” Diego explained, he has to stare at his reflection just to make sure he hasn’t turned back into a kid.

“It’s a dead body after all”

“A dead body that is giving me a second chance”

“I don’t want to discourage you but this isn’t a second chance-”

“Don’t, I have been scolded enough for the day” Sean did the job. He didn’t give a reaction Diego was expecting…. that is if he expected anything at this point. What he did was on impulse, with no thinking behind it.

“Who did?”

“My mate didn’t like me going into this body”

“Oh, he didn’t? I thought he will find you sexy” She teased with a smile

“I thought he will start considering me as someone more than a friend or a child” Diego corrected, he didn’t mind so much about the body he was going into. What mattered the most was being in a body old enough to date Sean “Instead now he hates me”

“I don’t think so, I think he doesn’t care about the body but more about the heart and that is a good thing”

“I guess, if I get him to talk to me” Diego just needed his mate. To see him as more but he realized that patience will have to do until his mate realizes that he is still the same Diego he can be friends with or more “I will let him process his thoughts and not pressure him into something he doesn’t want. I have enough time to wait”

“I have seen you get to the man you are today. Your past self would have handled this in ways that would disgust you right now” Diego knew what she was talking about. He wasn’t so pure in his past self. Expecting everyone to want him and if Sean didn’t he would have handled this in different ways “The growth you have archived deserves to be loved and cherished” She moved and sat beside him

“He will fall in love with you”

---

Sean got back into his apartment, it was empty for a change. No Joshua and no Sabrina, he had just come from seeing her and she seemed excited about where she was staying and Sean had no reason to take her back.

So he decided to get home and have some rest in a soft bed. After taking a shower he got into his bed and covered himself with a blanket engulfing himself in the warmness he has come to miss after spending a night in a valley and having creatures chase after him.

He was falling into a deep sleep when he felt a body lying next to him. Sean tried to escape only to find Joshua “I didn’t mean to wake you” Joshua apologized while giving him a peck on the cheek. Sean nodded laying back down and Joshua followed holding his hand as they glanced into each other’s eyes “Where have you been?”

“Can we not talk about it tonight” Joshua leaned in and attached their lips, Sean reciprocated just to stop and pull back for a second before asking “If I changed a body right now, will you still love me”

“I don’t care about the body you’re in, I love you for you” Sean leaned in and attached their lips again in a harsh kiss. Joshua chuckled as Sean climbed on top of him “Are you trying to tell me something” Joshua gasped out while pulling Sean’s shirt over his head

“Just shut up” Sean didn’t want to hear more. Joshua got the memo he flipped them around as he started grinding each other, he bit his lip while holding onto the sheets with one hand around Joshua’s neck.

He was getting turned on yet not as much as he wanted, he was still kinda limp “Take them off” he ordered while pulling Joshua’s pants down. Maybe not seeing him fully naked is the reason he wasn’t getting turned on as he wanted.

He felt frustrated about what Diego did, how could he get into another body? He was no better than the demon mage Cyanide had put in Exton’s body. Sean felt like Diego rushed, that wasn’t the solution that is not his body…

Joshua pulled his pants off remaining in his boxers. Sean could feel Joshua was rock hard yet he wasn’t “Fuck” he pulled Joshua onto his body trying to feel the warmness yet still nothing. He was getting frustrated. He closed his eyes as he took in a deep breath, it was probably stress that got him like this.

After taking in deep breaths he opened his eyes and gasped, it wasn’t Joshua on top of him. It was a very handsome man with glowing golden skin. He looked nothing like Sean has ever seen, he was such a pretty sight to look at. He didn’t look familiar yet he felt familiar. Instead of getting scared, Sean was mesmerized his fingers moved up to trace the skin of the being on top of him “Who are you?”

The long hair flowed on the side of Sean’s face, he believed he has never been in love as fast as he was right now. He felt the tingles flying through his body, the person on top of him was everything he wanted to stare at, the softness. The warmness, those intoxicating eyes…

The person leaned down closer, their lips inches away “You called for me, are you my mate?” the creature smiled, a very sad smile “Help me” The light intensified blinding Sean, and as he closed his eyes to keep them from completely getting destroyed, by the time he opened his eyes the person was gone and Joshua was on top of him.

“You’re hard” Joshua got back next to his face, “I thought I was losing my touch” He kissed him but Sean’s head was somewhere else. He could no longer feel the touch on his body, his eyes were stuck on the person he has just seen. His hands tingled at the softness he has just touched.

Someone he has never touched nor seen before, he was definitely one of the most enthralling beings he has ever seen. He believes he has never seen someone like that in his life “Joshua stop, I’m not in the mood”

“But you’re hard-”

“I am not in the mood” Sean replied sternly, he wasn’t feeling it and wanted it to stop. Joshua got off of him and pulled the sheets onto his body before completely leaving the bed.

Sean knew he was pissed and kind of felt bad but what could he do if he wasn’t in the mood anymore. Plus he was forcing himself to be in the mood to begin with because he was frustrated with Diego. His going into another body wasn’t the right move, Sean didn’t approve even if it wasn’t his call.

He got out of bed and picked out some clothes before deciding to leave “Where are you going?”

“Don’t wait for me”

“Are you cheating on me?” Joshua asked while holding Sean’s hand denying him exit

“I am not”

“Then where were you?” Sean tried to get his arm back but the hold was strong “Where are you going? To see him?”

“None of your business”

“It is my business if my boyfriend is cheating on me”

“I am not cheating on you” Sean yelled getting his hand back “I am just tired of seeing you every day” Joshua bit the inside of his mouth trying to mask his hurt. Sean instantly felt bad, treating someone who has treated him with nothing but kindness like this was not okay “I’m sorry”

“No, I will make myself scarce”

“That is not what I meant” Sean threw his bag back down now feeling like he shouldn’t leave as he followed Joshua to where he was putting his shirt back on “Joshua, I’m sorry” he held him into a back hug “Forgive me”

“I thought you wanted to see me as much as I wanted to see you”

“I’m sorry”

“What are you sorry about?” Joshua turned “Not wanting to see me as much as I want to see you”

“I do want to see you” Joshua sensed a but that Sean was hesitant to add.

“But you want to break up with me” Sean wanted to deny it yet he couldn’t bring himself to, after getting back into the other world he felt emotionally not ready to be with Joshua “You have wasted three years of my life Sean”

“I’m sorry”

“I thought we understood each other. We had both come from horrible relationships” Joshua couldn’t believe it, he thought Sean was the one. After the horrible pasts, they have both experienced in relationships, finding someone who understands your pain and living with each other means they can’t do you worse. They know how it hurts yet here he is, having trusted him with all his might now this is what he gets

“I lied”

“What?”

Sean glanced up at him “I lied when I said I had been in a bad relationship before you” Joshua couldn’t believe it. A three-year relationship based on lies

“You’re worse than him” Joshua walked out without trying to hear him out.

Sean knew that Joshua’s statement was right. He was worse than his ex, he has done nothing but lie to him ever since they started being together. Nothing has been real, he was using him to forget the messed up life Alexander had thrown him in. He was just running….

Now he has just hurt a nice man who deserved nothing but love and truth.

Chapter 22

Neutral agreement

---

“Jun…Jun…Jun hey” Arthfael called as he touched Jun’s shoulder turning him to him “I have been searching for you” Jun didn’t reply his eyes cast down “You can’t avoid this, we need to talk about it we are mates”

Jun lifted his head, he glanced around to make sure no one heard that “Come with me” They walked into Jun’s room which was void of any scent. The only time Arthfael ever smelt the larpon was when they broke the spell for only those seconds because the rest of the time Jun has zero scents. All he knows is that in that second Jun smelt like someone he would want to smell for the rest of his life.

“We need to finish the spell”

“You know what we need to do, is talk about the fact that we are mates” Arthfael pointed, Jun keeps on trying to avoid the subject as if it will disappear. Yes, they are mates but they have no bond because the spell is still in place. Right now they can either decide to be together or not.

“There is nothing to talk about, it’s not like it’s going anywhere”

“Because you’re ignoring it”

“What do you want me to do Arthfael” Jun walked closer “You want us to sleep together and show you how much I am acknowledging it”

“Step back” Arthfael warned “I want none of that and you know it”

“Yes, you don’t like being touched”

“We are mates but we have no bond, if you reject me now I will feel nothing. That is why I just want us to start knowing each other more and see if we can work” The bond was for only seconds so unless they break the spell they will never feel that bond ever again.

“I don’t want to know you like that”

“Why are you guarding yourself, we both know we felt something for each other way before the mate thing happened”

“I didn’t”

“You know what Jun if you don’t want this to go anywhere fine. Do your thing, search for an angel and I will finally open myself to someone since I know I won’t be finding a mate”

“Wait” Jun stopped Arthfael before he could leave “I need your help, we need to break the spell”

“Yeah good luck, I’m not doing that again”

“Come on help me, don’t be like this because I rejected you”

“I am not saying no because you rejected me, I am not like that. I am saying no because I can’t work with someone who is ninety-nine percent not willing to do what has to be done”

“This time I am willing to do what it takes”

“What changed?”

“My father visited me earlier” Jun started while walking away “When we broke the spell most larpons found their mates, most gained hope that it could happen and now they are putting pressure on my father to break the spell or else they will take away his crown and find a king who is willing to end their suffering”

Arthfael listened intently and then nodded “I will help you”

“You will?”

“That is what I just said but now we need a different strategy” Diego knows their plans which means they had to think even harder than last time.

“You mean you’re not going to make me kneel or something”

“I want something in return” Jun nodded dreading whatever is coming “I want us to be friends”

“Friends?” Jun was shocked.

“We were almost mates, the bond might be nonexistent but at least it deserves a little respect. Don’t you think?” Jun was only surprised, he couldn’t utter a single word “I will go visit Cynaide, think about it and give me an answer”

---

Mage Cyanide hasn’t healed after her energy got drained by Lady Desntiny’ll. What scares her the most is the spell, it’s weaker now after Diego’s soul almost went through it.

It won’t be able to withstand another breakage and Cyanide wasn’t going to allow this. The spell has been standing for centuries, this can’t be the end of it. The larpons deserved to suffer for eternity and so did the Akies.

He was going to make sure neither of them got their happy ending. She gasped holding onto her stomach as she continued concocting up some medicine after it was done she chanted while pouring it into a circle.

A gush of wind consumed the symbol on the floor right as a figure appeared in front of her. Her knees went weak “I need your help” She gasped out, as she felt her life slip through her fingers. The energy that kept her strength had been taken from her.

“Who do you want me to kill?”

“All of them, destroy them” The figure held her body before she could hit the ground.

“Don’t worry Mother, you can rest now” Cyanide took in sharp ragged breaths right before she took her last breath

“All of them will pay”

---

Arthfael was already back on the quest of searching for Cyanide. The first place to go was back to Cinder, when Cyanide ran she had already been made weak and if it wasn’t for the ghost that interrupted the ceremony everything would have gone great that day.

He would have been able to feel more of the mate bond, it felt nice to have that feeling and in those seconds he understood why it was sacred. He felt like he could never feel something like that with anyone else.

He admits though, that is not how he wants to fall in love with someone. He wants things to move slowly, he wants steps and nothing to be rushed. He wants it real, he wants it to be his everything…

Arthfael stopped walking once he felt a light wind pass behind him. He turned and examined the place, it felt more intense. He took a step back as he turned around after seeing no one. His ears were sharp and when the thing tried to pass again he was ready, he held it mid-air before it could disappear.

He turned his head to see what he has caught and it was an Aki, a dark Aki “What the fu-” the creature held him by the throat cutting off his windpipe.

“Hello, Arthfael” The creature greeted as it pushed his neck backward with its magic. Arthfael tried fighting but his hand got held and tied up unable to be used. It tied his other hand too “I would advise you to not use any tricks” it spoke calmly.

Its hands rested behind its back while Arthfael fought to unbind himself “Who are you?” For all, Arthfael knows all Akies are dead mostly dark Akies. It was one and Diego ended its life, his father confirmed that.

“My name is Darthaniel” He responded standing in front of Arthfael “The son of Abnus and Cyanide” This was an Aki and a witch all in the same person.

“I’m not scared of you” Arthfael stopped fighting the binds and glared at Darthaniel. “You should-” Arthfael used his mind to try and kill the Aki only for it to hold its thumb onto his forehead taping into his mind “No, no, no-” Arthfael tried blocking his brain but it was too late and Darthaniel was already inside.

Arthfael watched all his life flash through his brain and every piece was being watched by Darthaniel. The more he tried fighting the harder he failed to and became weaker as he got pushed back.

After everything was dug out of his brain Darthaniel let him fall onto the ground “I said no tricks but thank you for that” Darthaniel said watching Arthfael hold his spinning head, “I will leave you with this” Blood poured onto him.

“AARRHGH” Arthfael yelled trying to run away but the blood had circled him all. His breathing came out in bits, his worst fear was happening. Blood was all over him, his heart pounded in his chest so hard it hurt, and his brain was all foggy and spinning intensely.

His throat was not his, he tried to spit out the blood from his mouth but it was too much. And it kept on pouring, he felt like he was sick and the more he tried to wipe off the blood the more it continued pouring onto him…he choked on it until he passed out.

Chapter 23

Darthaniel

---

Sean had stayed at home after the argument he had with his now-current ex-boyfriend. Thinking about each moment he has had with Joshua in the past three years and how they met. He was feeling so lost after meeting Diego and when Joshua approached him… Joshua having been a broken man Sean decided to play the broken man too. It wasn’t a complete lie however he just couldn’t speak the truth about the world he had witnessed.

He never meant to use Joshua, all he needed was to wash away and forget. Now things got out of hand, Joshua thought they were building something yet he was too messed up to be what Joshua desired in a life partner…

Suddenly, a light lit up

He held a hand over his eyes and once the light died down he opened them to find a creature standing in his room. It looked like the one he had seen earlier in his…thoughts when he was going to have intercourse with Joshua except this one did not shine like the other one.

This looked dark with soulless eyes. Sean instantly felt fear creep into his skin when the creature took a step forward. It stopped before the foot could reach the ground and instead took a step back.

Its eyes were not on Sean but rather on his nightstand. Sean glanced and found the book of Helios shining as if it was about to open itself. Right before it did the creature disappeared and the book closed itself once again.

Sean picked it up and held it onto his chest knowing it has saved his life two times now. Whatever that creature was about to do was not going to be so… the book started shining again.

He rested it down and it opened itself onto a blank page where words started appearing Sean read each word as it appeared “Darthaniel, dark Aki” Immediately Sean called out…

“Eirenaios” Diego appeared in the room as if he had been waiting for him to summon. Sean gasped a bit when he saw a grown-ass man only to remember that that is the new Diego. Diego was now not in a child’s body but a man’s and Sean couldn’t help the strong hate feeling he felt towards him “We have a problem” Sean didn’t allow him to say anything as he stood off the bed walking over and showing him the book.

“Something dangerous was here” Diego sensed while looking around-

“Look here, read this” Sean aggressively turned him to the book. Diego read the words and tilted his head towards Sean “This thing was here”

“A dark Aki called Darthaniel?”

“Yes, it was here and the book saved me then it wrote this”

“I don’t understand, who wrote this?”

“The book, it wrote in itself. I don’t know how but the words started appearing right after it had scared the Aki away”

“Sean, there are no Dark Akies left? I killed the last one, the only one”

“Then it wasn’t the last one coz one was right here just now and if it weren’t for the book I would be dead”

“Sean there can’t be another dark Aki” Diego stated calmly “Lord Helios didn’t give Abnus that, he didn’t want a creature like Abnus to reproduce” Diego was trying to convince himself at this point, this couldn’t be real. There can’t be another dark Aki, he thought when he ended Abnus everything was over. No dark Akies to torment the world but now-

Suddenly he started feeling a burn on his arm, he lifted his shirt and his flesh was burning. He turned away from Sean trying to hide whatever was happening from him but the pain intensified “What is burning?” Sean questioned sniffing the air.

“I have to leave” Diego wasted no time going through the portal and to the star which “Exa” he called, she entered and instantly smelt something burning “Something is happening” he showed her the arm. Exa stepped back in shock “What? What is this?”

“A demon has infected the body you’re in”

“What does it mean?”

“It means unless you get out of that body, you’re going to die”

---

Jun had waited for all most eight hours to hear something from Arthfael but he has heard nothing. This has been making him more and more worried by the second.

Arthfael had told him to stay, and he had insisted to go with him because this concerned his people but was comforted by Arthfael about how he got this but right now having heard nothing from him was extremely worrying him.

He picked up the orb and as he swiped his hand over it he chanted a spell as well as Arthfael’s name. The orb swirled around for a few seconds and then showed Arthfael’s position where he was passed out in cinder all surrounded by fog “Arthfael”

He stood up and with the orb still in his arms, he ran through the castle. With Aeneas and Alexander having disappeared from the face of hell, earth, and heaven he knew Elvis was his hope to get where Arthfael was fast.

In the disappearance of Aeneas Elvis had to take care of everything for him “Elvis” Jun called while urgently taping onto Elvis’s chamber.

The door opened, and Elvis looked down at the small freaked-out boy “It’s Arthfael” he held up the orb showing it to Elvis.

“Where is he?”

“In Cinder, I don’t know where exactly. He went to find Cyanide but-”

“I will go fetch him” he created a portal, Jun wanted to join but was stopped as Elvis passed through.

“Don’t worry, everything will be alright” Edward comforted “Come take a seat” Jun walked over to the orb still in his hands. His worry is too big to even think of anything else “He will be fine, don’t worry so much”

“I sent him there” Jun regretted, he shouldn’t have allowed him to go even if it was for him “I shouldn’t have allowed him to go there-” Arthfael suddenly woke up and Jun held the orb up. Arthfael writhed in what seemed to be pain and the minute he opened his eyes his mouth opened in what seemed to be a cry only to pass out again.

Edward sat up and hugged Jun, he can’t say that he wasn’t worried too. Arthfael didn’t seem like himself, whatever was done to him might be dangerously scary

Jun saw Elvis lift Arthfael up and in the next second, they passed through the portal and appeared back into the room.

Jun instantly ran over to him “I don’t know what is happening to him but I don’t smell any spell” Elvis observed “We are going to need a healer”

“No,” Jun objected while holding Arthfael’s hand “We take him to earth. He needs a doctor” Jun knows a healer won’t find anything and if he is not under any spell there had to be only one thing that could get Arthfael like this.

Both Elvis and Edward didn’t argue, Elvis made a portal for them and they ended up right outside a human hospital “What do we have here?” Doctors and nurses ran towards them with a stretcher, Elvis rested Arthfael onto the stretcher and as he got wheeled in the doctor kept on asking questions about the patient.

“He has a fear of blood” Jun explained “And I think he saw it or touched it. can you do something?”

“Is he allergic to anything specific” the doctor questioned.

“No” the doctor nodded as he entered the room closing the door behind him. Jun hope that this was the right call for him if it is true that Arthfael had an episode with his fear of blood.

“Has this happened before?” Edward asked after a few moments of silence. They all knew Arthfael didn’t tolerate blood, they all didn’t know it would cause such a reaction from him. He has been cautious and maybe a perfectionist they called it.

“He always bounces back after a few hours but…”

“So it has happened before,” Elvis asked just to make sure.

“Yes but it has never been this bad” This had to have a strong cause, it has never been this bad ever… The door opened and the doctor came out “How is he?”

“I had to give him three shots as the first two seemed to not be giving a reaction but now he is resting. We will have to wait for him to wake up and talk to him as for the rest everything seems normal. I just need to have a chat with his parent or guardian”

“About what?” Jun asked

“Who are you to him?”

“I am his dad, what do you want to tell me” Elvis gave himself up as the father.

“Yes, he has just had a psychotic breakdown. He is seeing blood everywhere” the doctor prevaricated “I will have to keep him here for a while and monitor him” Elvis and Edward both glanced at Jun expecting him to know but he also doesn’t.

“What can be done to help the fear?” Jun asked

“I will have to put him on some medication plus cognitive therapy but for now it is not determined until I have a conversation with him first” Jun nodded with a sigh, that was hope. They might be able to heal. Arthfael “Please excuse me”

“I can’t believe I have never heard of something like this before” Elvis sighed. This was all new, maybe growing up seeing blood made him think there was no problem with it. Seeing such a thing on his best friend’s son was so new and kind of scary if it made Arthfael like this “I need to speak with Aeneas”

“You know where Aeneas is?” Jun was surprised, they have been searching for him and he has been nowhere to be found.

“No, but I will find him. Stay here with Arthfael, we will be back” Jun nodded as he walked over to the room, Arthfael’s face was the first thing he saw, he didn’t look to be in pain of some sort. He just looked peaceful and calm, he wasn’t having a horror in his head and this calmed Jun’s mind.

At least he was safe and sound now.

Chapter 24

Dead body

---

Sean groaned while pacing in his bedroom. He has been summoning Diego for the last hour and all he gets is nothing. Vanished…gone, he had a lot of things he wanted to talk about, and being ignored isn’t fixing any of those things.

This was an urgent matter, the fact that he thinks he saw Diego but another soul or creature is also there spinning his head around yet he seems to not be able to go through with Diego at all.

He made him feel like…ugh “He needs to get a fuckin phone, he can’t disappear in a time like this…Eirenaois” he tried once again with hope. He sighed falling back down onto his bed feeling idea less. Ever since he got involved with the underground again he has been feeling like he is losing his mind every day. He feels like he is digging deeper into this than he should be.

As he closed his eyes to try and calm himself down a small wind came into the room. He cracked his eye open and found Diego “Finally” he sat up “I thought you weren’t listening. You need a phone or something because this isn’t working out” Diego had his eyes on him or rather through him “Are you alright?”

“Never been better” Diego took in a deep breath as he shook his head while taking a seat next to Sean “I heard you calling?”

“Which time?” he has called so many times he doesn’t know which he was heard.

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Diego glanced at his hands trying to wash away the guilt he felt deep inside his heart.

“I guess” Sean knew he was angry over nothing “Anyway I just wanted to ask if you got any more information about Darthaniel”

“I haven’t”

“I thought that’s what you were doing, are you underestimating him or do you still believe I made him up”

“I don’t believe you made him up, I just think we should give it a rest after everything that has happened” Diego reasoned, he doesn’t want to bond with his mate only when they are in danger. How about something else, be summoned maybe to talk and not about who wants to murder them?

“I can’t rest, I need to do something or I will go crazy here alone” Diego glanced at his mate and he looked disturbed.

“Why, did something happen?” Sean fell back on the bed, Diego followed him with his eyes kind of worried. He sees how sad his mate is, he felt a sting on his hand, and as he gritted his teeth he held onto his hand glancing away from his mate as the pain cooled down a bit.

“I broke up with Joshua” Diego turned back to him in an instant.

“What happened?” he cleared his throat biting down the pain.

“I told him I have been lying ever since we started our relationship so he walked out”

“I’m sorry” Diego held his hand as the pain intensified “Do you miss him?”

“Very much” Diego stood up the pain becoming quite unbearable on both his hand and his heart “I know it’s kind of weird talking to you about things like this but I have no one to talk to”

“It’s okay, I am always here to listen” Diego gave a fake smile trying to hide his pain. He didn’t know what hurt more, his hand or his heart. “What do you want to do?”

“I want to talk to him and apologize for lying, he didn’t deserve it. He is a great guy I don’t know why I don’t love him” Diego seized as if they had poured cold water on him. Sean fell back on the bed with his hands over his face. He exhaled deeply “I should love him but I just….what the hell is burning?” this is the second time he has smelt something burning in his bedroom.

He sniffed as he got off the bed, he thought his apartment might be on fire for real “I have to go” Sean stopped him before he could leave, he saw the way he was holding onto his hand and how the smell was directly coming from him.

“It’s coming from you” Diego gasped in pain as he held onto the wall before sliding onto the floor sweating volumes “What is happening?” Diego held onto the hand as if his life depended on it. Sean pulled the hand away and as he pulled the sleeve up he couldn’t help but feel horrified.

“What is happening to you?”

---

Arthfael has been in and out of his sleep state for thirty-two hours. He would wake up then go back to sleep in a second and do it again. However this time he has been awake for three hours but hasn’t moved an inch. He was in that state where he felt so weak that he couldn’t move nor did he bother to try.

Some human doctors have been trying to get him to talk but he hasn’t uttered a word. Not even when they touched him and pushed their syringes into his skin. It was like he was paralyzed by everything “Arthfael” Jun called “I know you are not feeling good right now but could you eat something” Arthfael gave no response “Could I be left alone with him” Jun asked, the doctor nodded giving him an hour and if he has still refused to eat they will use different methods.

“I am going to touch you now okay” He didn’t give a reply but Jun touched his hand. He touched his head turning it so he would look at him “Everything is alright okay, it’s all fine. You’re in a clean place too okay-” Jun said everything, he felt like crying yet no tears fell out. He doesn’t cry, he is not a mourner like his people “I cleaned them how you like it”

“I’m fine” Arthfael lifted his head and looked all around “Is this a human hospital” his head pounded “Ugh”

“Be careful, you have been heavily sedated” Arthfael lifted his hand and healed himself, it felt better instantly that he sighed as he sat up. He glanced at the tube coming from his hand and up to the water bottle.

He yanked it out and then sealed the wound on his hand before it bled out. He swiped his legs off the bed when he noticed what he was wearing “Ugh” he redressed himself into appropriate clothes that didn’t display his ass “Did someone touch me? I need to shower, I need to leave this disgusting place”

“You’re not going anywhere until you finish your treatment”

“I don’t need it I am better now”

“You do, this was worse than anything you have ever had” Jun moved to his side “You almost died. The doctor said we need to find the root of what causes it, then you start your treatment”

“There is no root. That Darthaniel guy got into my head”

“Who is Darthaniel”

“A dark Aki that I am going to kill when I see again” Arthfael pledged. He was to finish Darthaniel the minute he sets his eyes on him and this time he will be ready.

“I don’t know who that is but you are killing no one unless you get treated” Arthfael took in a breath as he rested his hands over his chest looking down at Jun.

This weighed heavy on him to even think about it yet for some reason he was listening to the Larpon “Get treated how” he hated it when he lost but deep down he knew he needed help. The way he felt when he thought blood was on him…. was horrifying to the point he is more scared of blood right now.

“You’re getting therapy”

“Um… The one Edward goes to, the one where I have to talk”

“Yes”

“Jun” Arthfael glanced around just in case someone was listening “You might not know this but…I can’t…” Arthfael searched for a way to voice it out and he was struggling “I don’t like talking about myself”

“I know” Jun walked closer to him “But they said pills won’t work alone, you need therapy. It’s the most effective way for your fear”

“Are you sure?”

“No, but it doesn’t hurt to try”

“Okay, I will try it”

Chapter 25

First session

---

Exa did her best to stop the rapid increase of the burn on Diego’s hand and gave him something for the pain. He was now resting on the bed all sweaty and pale, Sean has never thought he will be one to watch one go through such pain as he just did.

He was now beyond worried about Diego’s health “Can you put him back in his body” Sean asked after what seemed to be the worst was over. He knows it’s not but still, Diego is now relaxed and not screaming in pain like earlier.

“I can-”

“We are not going to do that” Diego interjected, he would rather die in this body than go back to his previous body.

“If it’s possible we have to do it” Sean argued glancing at Exa wanting more explanation.

“I will need a few things to be able to perform the ritual but it’s possible”

“I said I am not going back”

“You’re going back” Sean replied sternly “You’re going back whether you like it or not. God forbid I leave you in an infected body”

“I don’t care, I would rather die like this than live as that” Diego rolled onto his side as he got off the bed his hand holding his left hand tightly.

“Get back on the bed” Sean pushed him back slowly “This is about your life, you’re in pain”

“But I can see my pain” Diego replied holding onto Sean’s hand “In that body, I felt pain in my chest, the kind of pain that can’t be soothed with time. The kind of pain that kills yet allows you to live with it. Right now I can see the pain and it won’t be long until it’s over… I’m going to be free”

“Don’t say that” he felt his heartbreak from the words.

“Don’t feel sad, I have waited for this. It’s finally here” Diego laid back on the bed with a sigh. His time was finally here, he might be trying to mask the fact that he a scared but he is. He has waited for this all his life yet right now he feels like it’s unfair. Unfair for him to go when things had started looking up even if it was for a little bit

“I saw you” Sean started while taking a seat “In…I don’t know but I did…it was like you were in your Aki form yet you looked so human. So beautiful”

“I was” Diego replied as a tear fell down the side of his eye.

“You asked for my help, your Aki soul was asking for help”

“We are both lost souls nothing more” Diego turned away from Sean completely done. Even if the feelings of giving up were strong there was something in the back of his mind that hurt him to know that his Aki soul wasn’t at peace.

“I am not giving up”

---

“Let us begin” The therapist stated as he took a seat with a notepad in his hands “I may have to apologize in advance in case I miss pronounce your name”

“I don’t forgive you” Arthfael wasn’t taking an apology made to just miss pronounce his name.

“You’re straightforward aren’t you”

“You should try it too” Arthfael was shaking his right leg feeling anxious from the fact that he has to talk. He didn’t want to be here, he doesn’t even know how talking solves his fear.

“You seem unsettled, may I ask why?”

“You may not” The guy laughed while resting the notebook down.

“A talk about your feelings seems like it’s not your thing” At all, at least the human understood “Most of my patients are mostly scared of something like this. They get scared of having to talk through the moments where they were most hurt. Relieving the past is good for recovery, to feel the pain but I understand not all my patients are the same. Most are open to talking, some aren’t and some are just afraid. Are you afraid Arthfael?”

“I am not someone who gets afraid” That was a lie, behind all the facade he puts on, he is definitely one who is afraid.

“Good” he nodded while picking up the notepad once again “So how do you face your fears?” Arthfael was not ready to answer such a question “Would you say that there is a difference between how you face emotional fears and physical fears” Arthfael bounced his leg, this was not what he wanted. He didn’t want to feel like he was at his lowest “It’s fine, you don’t have to answer what you don’t want to. I am not here to force you but rather help you” Arthfael was having his last straw at this point when he stood up.

“I’m done” This was a mistake. He opened the door and found Jun still outside waiting for him.

“One hour is not done”

“But I am” Jun glanced at the doctor and then at Arthfael who was walking out.

“Make sure he comes back to his next appointment” Jun nodded thanking the doctor then ran after Arthfael.

“Arthfael” Jun had to run and get into the elevator before it took off without him “What happened?”

“I didn’t like it” Jun turned and fully focused on Arthfael.

“It’s not for you to like but to heal, for it to happen you need to cooperate with your doctor”

“I am not sick I don’t need to heal”

“We talked about this” Jun groaned “Why do you gotta be so stubborn when this is for your good” Jun stormed out of the elevator and with no second to spare he left the hospital but as he was crossing the road with his mind on the stupid person he has left behind a car almost crushed into him stopping right before it could run him over.

Arthfael had seen the car stop right as he reached the doors. He ran over and pulled the driver out of the car with anger “You want to kill my mate”

“He came out of nowhere” the guy defended but Arthfael wasn’t one to reason with.

“Arthfael let him go, it was nothing” Jun replied knowing he was the one at fault. He was so angry he forgot to look both sides before crossing, another car squealed not far from them parking in the middle of the road and Sean walked out.

“You mother fuckers” he was fuming while pointing at them. Jun ran behind Arthfael, not in fear but in shame. He remembered what they did to him. Sean reached Arthfael and pushed him back, he didn’t budge but it at least helped him with his anger “You are the worst creature I have ever met” Sean gritted out while still trying to push the unmoving demon.

“Calm down human, it ended in the best way possible for your mate. He didn’t die” Sean yelled while fighting his arms free but Arthfael had a strong grip on them “Stop fighting me”

“He-he…” Sean sobbed giving up “He is going to die” Jun brought his head out of Arthfael’s back when he heard that “You killed him!” Sean pulled his hand away and turned back to his car when something blinded the light of the sun.

He lifted his head and found a Phoenix flying towards them. Chaos consumed the place, Sean took a step back and watched as it got closer and closer. It blew fire at the ground, Sean ran to his car and hid while Arthfael started fighting with it. Jun too found a hiding space of his own.

Sean opened the side door getting into his car and just as he was about to tie his seat belt something held his leg and started pulling him out. He yelled and tried holding on to the seats as much as he could but it was all in vain.

He grabbed his bag when he felt himself be yanked out of the car altogether. He held the bag on his chest and yelled when he saw the distance he had between himself and the ground “ARGHHH” he yelled.

“Sean” Jun called, Sean opened his eyes to find Jun standing below him giving him a stick to hold onto “Hold it” Sean strained his hand and held onto the stick as he did the creature pulled them harder and Jun found himself also leaving the ground.

Sean knew if he kept holding on they will both be taken together. He hates them but that isn’t something he would do even to his worst enemy. So he let go and the last thing he heard was screams as he passed through the sky and into the unknown place.

Chapter 26

---

Sean gasped when he was let go into an unknown place. It seemed like a castle of some sort, the injured Phoenix whimpered in pain as it fell onto the ground with drowsy eyes “My sweet creature” A lady appeared behind it.

Sean crawled back his hands still holding onto the bag that had the book for dear life “No need to worry my sweet child” the lady comforted “Here you’re safe”

“Where am I?”

“My home, Phoenix” She gestured to the big building with a slight smile. The building brightened up and turned into a beautiful castle as the Pheonix disappeared.

“Who are you?” She smiled as she swayed her hips moving towards a large throne.

“I am the goddess of phoenix” Sean has never heard of her but what would he know when he has just fallen into this world not long ago

“Why am I here?” Sean stood up, the book held firmly in his grasp.

“I brought you here for your protection as you’ve heard. Your brother is out to get you”

“I don’t have a brother”

“Yeah, no memories” She sighed while getting off her throne once again and making her way toward Sean who took steps back in fear. When she reached Sean covered his eyes and waited for whatever she was gonna throw towards him yet a single touch on the head was what he felt before voices started swimming into his head.

He yelled out in pain before the finger left him “Can’t handle godly thoughts” Sean held his head, as he watched the goddess of Phoenix walk back to her throne.

“What did you do to me?”

“Trying to make you remember but your head is too small for memories worth a god, a reincarnation ritual will be needed” Sean was confused but he pulled his book back into his arms “You human are the reincarnation of the lord of the sun, Helios”

“What?-” Thunder boomed outside the castle, goddess of Phoenix got off her throne, and walked over to him once again.

“I am afraid I have no time to explain but take Diego into the yellow city. He will be healed and do whatever it takes to find his Aki soul” She raised her hand with the staff and as it connected with the ground she whispered “Your brother has started a war, we are going to need you”

“Whoa-whoa…whoaaaa” Sean span around in the wind and in the course, he lost the book as the spinning got so hard. He tried holding onto something but it was all air until he landed on hard ground. He took in a deep breath, all the oxygen he had lacked in the course when the book hit him in the face.

All he could think about was ‘This life is not for me’

---

Arthfael didn’t want to do this, it was all against his will. When he was told to follow Sean and bring him back it was his mate’s wish but he sadly lost Sean.

Now his mate has forced him to come to talk to Diego and inform him about what happened to his mate. First, he tried to kill the guy, he would want to stay as far away from him as possible yet here he comes in with not-so-good news for him.

Exa was one to receive them and led them into Diego’s room. He entered and Jun the person who is forcing him to do this was behind him as if scared of what might happen if they go in. Arthfael sighed pushing the door open, he found Diego on the bed and instantly got hit with burning flesh.

“Diego” Arthfael called as he approached with caution. Diego opened his eyes and as they landed on Arthfael he snapped straight in his bed an act that startled the two since they weren’t expecting it.

“What are you doing here?” Diego gritted out in anger, his hand hurt terribly “Why are you here?!”

“It’s not our fault. It came from the sky and it took him, we tried to fight it off. I even tried to hold him but he let go and then disappeared into the sky. We are terribly sorry” Jun rambled, Arthfael believes he has never heard him rumble like that so nervously.

“Why are you rambling, it’s not our fault” Arthfael questioned

“Who was taken?”

“Your mate”

“Mm….what” Diego moaned in pain as he stood off the bed “ What did you do?“ His eyes turned purple but just as they came they disappeared and he fell back on the bed weak.

Exa ran in and as she examined him she knew he didn’t have much time left. The body was dying and he was going to die along with it “I’m afraid he doesn’t have much time left”

The door behind them opened with a heavily breathing Sean. All rusty with messy hair and all “Sean” They all turned to him, he took in a few deep breaths and then stood up.

“Does anyone know where the yellow city is” Exa nodded and as Sean stood up straight having started to feel his lungs “We need to go there right now, they will help him”

“I think you hit your head if you think taking a sick person in that city of gods is a great idea” Arthfael replied

“The goddess of Phoenix told me he will be healed once we get there” Sean knew he had no reason to believe the crazy lady that was going on about Helios’ reincarnation but what other hope do they have?

“Goddess of Phoenix, where did you find such a high being” Arthfael sounded surprised

“Right now, what is important is to get Diego into the yellow city and you two have to help me because you are the cause of this” After Sean put his book in the bag he held onto Diego “Now will someone transport us to the yellow city”

Jun gave Arthfael a look, he sighed while opening up a portal. Exa helped Diego up and they passed through, it was painful for Diego but within seconds they were outside of a deserted free city.

“I never thought I would ever come to the city of the gods” Jun whispered

“Now what? I hope this isn’t some kind of trap” Arthfael was now getting suspicious. All that might have been an act to get back at them.

“If you don’t trust me you can go back, we are here already” Sean wasn’t dealing with anyone when Diego was in grave danger. They both lifted Diego from the ground and crossed the gate of the yellow city.

Inside the buildings were all down, pure destruction under a grey sky with an orange sun “What now?”

“I don’t know, there was an attack before she could give me more information”

“What kind of attack?” Diego asked with a groan as he took a seat under a tree, he was tired on his feet and needed some rest.

“Remember the moon demon said the gods were angry and wanted to kill me” Sean knew he couldn’t say anything he was told with people he doesn’t trust around “We will talk later let’s go” He helped Diego back on his feet again and as he grunted they continued.

“Thank you,” Diego said his eyes on Sean “For everything”

“Don’t thank me when I abandoned you for four years”

“The thing is you came back” Diego was only seeing the positivity of this entire thing. His mate being around in the last minutes of his life was all he could ask for “And I hope that when I am gone you find the best life with someone wonderful. Someone amazing”

“Maybe if you survive, that someone might be you”

“You mean you can think of me as more than a friend”

“I want to but since you’re dying…” Seen trailed off with a tiny shrug of his shoulders. Diego smiled through his pain, the best words he believes. Sean could see the smile on Diego, even through the pain his words managed to create an impact. This was the reason he decided to be friends with him, to be his hope even if he was not there yet.

He still doesn’t see Diego as more than a friend but with the situation, he decided to voice out the words that would not let Diego down “Survive and we will talk”

“Guys, what is that?”

Chapter 27

Opening up

---

They all glanced towards the creature approaching gradually “That is a mind taur, the guardian. Vusoi, when all gods got their land to do as they pleased he stayed to keep the yellow city a neutral ground. No need to worry he is not harmful” Exa explained while getting ahead of them all “In the name of vusoi” She bowed

The creature altered in its steps, it was over twenty-five feet. Taller than any god that has ever existed and has an eye of a seer “You brought a demon into a sacred land of the gods” Vusoi reprimanded.

“He doesn’t bring harm my lord” Exa defended.

“What brings you into the yellow city” Vusoi’s voice was in tone.

“Ruxnera goddess of Phoenix sent us, she said you could help heal our friend” Exa stepped away to show Vusoi the friend she was talking about. With only a single inspection of his eye, Vusoi spoke once again

“Your friend is in a rotten body, he is already dead” Vusoi’s tone remained the same as it watched them from up in the skies “Get him out of my land” The creature turned and stomped its feet away causing a little ramble into the ground

“We need your help” Sean yelled so he could be clearly heard, and Vusoi altered and pushed his leg back “Please” They had to stumble back a bit to avoid the giant’s leg. It crouched down its hand and picked Sean up as if he was a paper then brought him closer to his face.

“Sean!” Diego tried getting up but the pain now was on his shoulder getting closer to his heart, it made his entire left side powerless and in a lot of pain.

Vusoi held Sean’s bag between his two fingers and saw the little light inside. He gently rested him down or he tried but Sean ended up falling onto his ass either way. It took another step then knelt in front of Diego who was feverish and rasping for breath “This is a powerful spell you have here” Vusoi observed.

“Can you heal him?”

“Two souls can’t share a host” Vusoi brought his finger down and cut a sharp line onto Diego’s skin then started pulling out the purple mist. They could see it moving all over Diego’s body who was writhing while taking in agonizing breaths until most were completely out.

Diego took in shaky and weak breaths, Vusoi held the most in his hand before crushing it “The curse will catch up with you” Vusoi stood once again “Leave my land” He ordered before walking away leaving the five still behind.

---

“You’re supposed to be in therapy right now” Jun reminded. It was another day and someone had therapy but was still in his bed.

“I am not going back”

“We talked about this, you’re going back get ready-”

“Jun” Arthfael called firmly “Come in”

“Inside?” Jun asked while pointing at the line, he has never crossed that line before. Arthfael’s boundaries.

“Yes enter” Jun took a step inside, he has seen the inside but not this close like he was right now “Listen, therapy might be good for humans but it can’t be for me. I agreed the first time because I thought that maybe this will go but I don’t think so” Jun held his hands over his chest with a smile.

“Arthfael, you don’t get healed on the first day”

“I just don’t understand the point of talking about it” Arthfael sighed “Shouldn’t the pills be enough”

“Those are for your panic attacks and anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy you’re on is some kind of exposure like you see something until you’re used to seeing it, work your way through anxiety until you no longer react at the sight of blood”

“I am not used to being open to someone… it’s uncomfortable”

“I know but you need help” Jun took another step but stopped when he remembered he has already gotten close enough to Arthfael’s personal space. Arthfael looked really troubled and this made Jun feel bad “You have tried everything, maybe the most uncomfortable way is the way to go”

“Will you come in with me” Jun nodded instantly because that is the most vulnerable word he has ever heard Arthfael says. Accepting help and not pretending to be someone else.

“All the way” Jun knew he had to stop his private search on how to break the curse once again. He had to help Arthfael, it was more important.

---

“Most people aren’t comfortable with having people they know in the room but I am glad you have someone you can rely on” The therapist began after confirming a million times if Arthfael was alright with having Jun in the room “It is always good to have someone you can trust, how long have you two known each other”

“Ever since we were young” Arthfael rubbed his hands nervously, this was a big step for him.

“And how would you describe your relationship with him” Arthfael passed his hands over his face with a slow controlled breath “Take your time”

“I didn’t like him”

“And why so?”

Arthfael held his hands over his face, this was the first time he was going to open up and reveal how weak he actually was compared to his father “My parents took him in before they had me, a way to learn how to parent they said…But when I came in he had already captured their hearts so I wasn’t anything special and most times I felt like my parents loved him more than me” Jun released a strangled breath. Arthfael didn’t once glance at him.

“What made you feel like that?”

“The way they treated him, I used to get jealous”

“In your words how different were you both treated”

Arthfael glanced at Jun who was already staring “He was held as if he was a fragile glass”

“How did that make you feel?”

“Bad” he glanced back at the therapist after he saw how sad Jun seemed “Until I realized I am the one who has created the problem”

“Why do you say that?”

“People always compared me to my father and the more I learned about him the more I got scared because I didn’t want anyone to learn how different I am compared to him so as a result, I stretched away from them by being alone”

“Were you scared of them finding out the differences between you and your father?”

“Yes”

“What scares you about being different from him?”

“Not being worthy of his name, destroying his legacy. He is not a quitter, he is all-powerful and calculative….” Arthfael cut himself off when he felt like he was getting emotional. Not living up to his father’s name scared him.

“Has your father ever told you to live up to his name”

“No, I just… I just feel like I can’t afford to not make him proud” Arthfael sighed “Can we end here?” he felt like he has already revealed enough for the day. He has never uttered any of those words and doing so made him feel one percent lighter.

“One more question before we close today’s session” he glanced at his pad “Could you describe the moment you found out you had a fear of blood”

“I saw my father’s parents get murdered” Arthfael prevaricated and Jun knew because neither of them was born when Aeneas’ parents were murdered.

“I’m sorry” The therapist rested the book down “And I am so proud of our session today. Your opening up is a great start as we head to your healing. How do you feel?”

“I don’t know”

“I know it is a big step for you but this right here is a step only the strong ones can take and in the future, you will thank yourself for taking it” he stood up “I will give you a few minutes” the silence he left behind could be pierced in with a pin. If Jun could cry he would be in tears. He stood up with his back on Arthfael, heavy and impaired after the truth had been revealed.

“I don’t know what to say” He exhaled.

“And I don’t want you to say anything. We talked about it so we leave it here”

“I…ca can’t just leave it here…you have just confessed the reason you disliked me and now I feel like I should be sorry and I am sorry…I” Arthfael released a short laugh as he stood up too.

“You shouldn’t be sorry, now I understand why my father took care of you. He knew all along that you were my mate, by taking care of you it’s like taking care of me in some way” He walked closer to the window and he looked outside the beautiful world of the humans down below.

“It kind of makes sense you know”

“Yes” Arthfael chuckled as well as Jun “We should have known sooner”

“This makes us stupid for not seeing it from the beginning”

“His entire life is a big circle of calculations” Aeneas doesn’t take just anyone in. You either add something to his life or you’re not in his life, there is no in-between

“Now I should be worried about the reason he disappeared,” Jun thought “He didn’t even come to see you when you were sick” Elvis couldn’t even find him anywhere or he did but is hiding it from them too.

“I bet he knows how we can end the larpon clan curse”

“Uh…I can’t believe this. That is why he sent us to Cyanide, he knew she was involved…he knows everything”

“And we have to get it all out of him”

“That is impossible” How are they going to get Aeneas and get the answers they search for from him?

“I know how we can do it” Arthfael smiled as an idea popped into his head “Who can bring my father out of hiding better than Alexander’s father?”

“Barachiel?” Arthfael smiled, only one person gets Aeneas on his tip toes right away.

Chapter 28

---

Sean was from seeing his sister and as he entered his apartment he heard things fall. He rested down the food he had come back with and ran into his bedroom where he left sleeping Diego.

As he opened the door he found Diego squatting down picking up the small wooden cartoons that he had thrown down “You’re awake” He observed, Diego has been passed out for the last two days.

“And I have never felt this good” Diego stood up with his arms out. With just a snap of his finger, a yellow light shone out of his hand, and with a snap, it disappeared. He exhaled happily as he did it again and this time it consumed his entire body.

Sean gasped when his duvet caught fire “Sorry” Diego tapped his fingers onto the duvet forgetting he was on fire himself.

“Diego, light yourself out first” Sean advised while getting inside the room and taking out the fire on the bed as Diego did the same with his body. As soon as it was out Sean pointed at the door “Powers outside and please put on a gaddamn shirt”

“Yes and yes” Sean groaned before dashing for the door almost done with Diego. Diego followed behind while pulling his shirt on.

“You must be hungry, food is on the counter” Sean pointed getting himself a bottle of water then going to the couch and pulling out his book continuing to read where he left off.

He felt the side of the couch dip in and with one glance his eyes moved back to the book and completely ignored Diego until a finger tapped into his book not even a second later “I’m sorry for almost burning your duvet and for everything else” Sean rested the book down and turned his body towards him.

“I am sorry for making you think that you have to apologize” He felt bad, the last conversation they had didn’t edge well when Diego entered Exton’s body “It was your decision to make and-”

“You didn’t like it” Sean sighed while glancing around the house trying to think hard of what to say next coz that is the truth. He didn’t like it “I did it for me….” Diego added glancing down as if unable to add more “And us”

“When your soul was taken out of your body we lost the mate bond” Sean has felt a change, how he felt before and after it.

“I know”

“Right now what I feel is based on my human emotions. When I first saw your child form I felt a connection. The time we have spent together has brought that connection into something comforting. I cared for you and I wanted to protect you and be here for you but after the soul exchange I…” Sean’s mouth opened yet nothing came out, he closed it and took in a deep breath “I feel nothing for the body you’re in right now. You look like a stranger, I feel like I know you. I feel a connection towards you, I feel attracted to you but not you”

Diego tried to blink back the tears and when he stood up to leave Sean held his hand “I didn’t say that to hurt you, I know you’re happy with how you look. I just wanted you to understand how I feel”

“I didn’t disagree with you, did I?” Diego replied while slowly taking his hand “I understand how you feel, you can never be attracted to me unless I am full”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” Sean stood up too

“I have a soul, I have an Aki soul and a body. Unless we all get back as one you can never be attracted to me” He finally turned to Sean “It’s not your fault you feel like that, it’s the curse” He slumped back in the chair “I guess there is no way of escaping it after all.

Sean didn’t know what to say, he sat back down and just pulled Diego into a hug. He pulled him into a hug that was well-needed for the both of them.

---

“And there he is” Arthfael sighed once he spotted Barachiel on top of a boat that was heading back to the shores “The man who gave my father a run for his ass”

“He looks old” Jun whispered as if Barachiel will hear them “Are you sure he is the one?”

“My papa’s head is easy to read, I have known where he is for a long time now. I knew he will come in handy one day” Arthfael put on his sunglasses to shield his eyes from the scorching sun, it was rather too hot on Earth. It felt like the sun was taking revenge on them for being on earth and he wanted to be fast to leave and go back home.

“What is the plan now?”

“We kidnap him”

“We kidnap an old man, are you crazy?”

“Are you realizing that now or do you pick up slow?” Arthfael retaliated before getting closer to the shore and meeting his grandfather. He gave a closed-lip smile “I can’t believe I am finally meeting you, you have been my hero since forever” Barachiel jumped down the boat and walked closer to the boy.

“Who are you?”

“You probably don’t know me but I know all the tales about you, Brar” Barachiel seemed lost, the kid was calling him a hero “You seem tired, What do you say I buy you a drink and appreciate all the good you have done for me and my family”

“Well I can’t say no to a drink” He chuckled that deep chuckle as he led the path when Arthfael told him he doesn’t know a great bar in these parts “I know the best one come on follow me”

“After kidnapping him then what?” Jun whispered as they walked behind Barachiel.

“My father has to be keeping tabs on him and if he disappears on earth he will know” Arthfael held Jun’s shoulder “Don’t worry, he will be coming to us”

“And he will be angry,” Jun thought out loud as he exhaled deeply before following the two.

---

“Is a god capable of reversing a curse” Sean found himself asking? His eyes still cast to the ceiling, they have been laying down on the couches opposite each other for the last hour without conversation.

Only breath could be heard, Sean’s brain has been empty. He knew he needed to find a solution to the curse once and for all, the thing he has been trying to keep down suddenly came to his head ‘the reincarnation of Lord Helios’ he hasn’t told anyone about it and he wants to know if it’s possible.

“They are gods, they can reverse anything” but getting them to do it is impossible

“How does reincarnation happen?” Sean asked once again, Diego laid a hand under his head as he replied.

“A reincarnation ritual is done before one’s death, then you get to come back. In another life, though no one ever knows when or where”

“Can a god reincarnate in a human”

“Most of them come back as humans, it’s the easiest way”

“So it has happened before” Sean twisted and instead of looking at the ceiling he turned to look at Diego.

“It happens a million times, that is why gods continue to live on”

“And Helios?”

“No one knows,” Diego did the same with his body “Before his death, he lost his immortality. Everyone believes he is gone forever”

“Do you believe he is gone forever”

“I would like to believe he is not. I don’t want to be the only creation left of the sun”

“I need to tell you something” Sean pushed himself onto his elbow “I know it’s gonna sound weird but…”

“You can tell me”

“When Ruxnera the goddess of Pheonix took me she said” Sean gulped while biting his lip, “She said I am the reincarnation of Lord Helios, at first…I- I didn’t believe her but then I started to question why I am involved in all this. Why I am your mate, don’t you think it’s connected somehow” Diego glanced back at the ceiling as a moment of silence consumed them. When Sean got no reply he decided to add discouragingly “It’s…probably impossible let’s forget about it”

“Don’t take my silence as a bad thing” Diego interjected “What you have just said right now kind of puts some things together. Why the moon demon said the gods are angry and are coming for you, not because you were my mate but rather the reincarnation of lord Helios, and then that would explain the book protecting you. It explains how you were able to pass through an inchanted wall, it explains why that xaloc had attacked us. it was not because you’re human but rather a god” Diego lifted his eyes to stare into Sean’s “It also explains how you can see my Aki soul because you’re my creator”

“Don’t say it like that it sounds…weird and fake plus it’s impossible”

“I know we have every right to be doubtful but this… if it’s true then we don’t have much time. We need to trigger your reincarnation immediately”

“How do we do that?”

“We have to go home”

“Home?”

“Akois, my city”

Chapter 29

---

Arthfael snorted looking at Barachiel, the big dangerous angel now put so low as a basic human who can get drunk from basic human liquor.

He drowned his old ass into the bottles one by one as he went on and on about losing his family in an earthquake that killed most of the villagers. It was funny how he used to be the earthquake now he is the one scared of it “I would rather get killed than be put as low as a human. His children hated him more for having done this to him”

“They kept him alive, that is good” Jun defended unsurely. He didn’t know if it was good or not, the memories they gave him were bad and he is a fisher and lonely. Working for human currency “I really feel fifty-fifty about this” Jun affirmed

“I would end my father than ever see him as this” Arthfael turned to the snoring dork “My father was actually going to be generous, death would have helped him”

“I guess the perks are seeing him alive…who am I lying to. This is worse than death”

“I know” Arthfael agreed.

“I feel bad for him”

“I pity him”….a blast showed through the room right before Aeneas made an entrance “Hello Father” Aeneas’ eyes calculated everything as he slowly lowered his guard yet kept it up.

“Son, Jun” Aeneas gave him a closed-lip smile as he glanced behind his son to a passed-out Barachiel.

“You’re losing your touch father, it took you fifty seconds before sensing his disappearance”

“I was caught in something” Aeneas held his hands behind his back “Why is he here?”

“Oh him” Arthfael feigned innocence even if it didn’t work it was to piss off his father, “I told you, father, I will bring back your worst enemy and who is better than Barachiel”

“Do it” Aeneas challenged

“Don’t challenge me, Father, I got the tricks from you but even the student can get better than the master. Don’t let me bring out all the cards” Arthfael prevaricated

“What do you want?”

“I didn’t expect you to give up easily, scared father” Jun gave Arthfael a face, the demon agreed they should start questioning before his mind starts playing tricks “How do we stop the larpon curse?”

“The orb”

“What about it?”

“If I tell you more it intervenes with fate” Aeneas gritted his teeth.

“I had a feeling you might need a little push to talk” Arthfael waved his fingers and in the air, a blue shining brain stood “Barachiel’s memory, everything that was pulled out of his head”

“Where did you get that?”

“Cael is easy to manipulate since he feels bad for what he did to his father. One of these days he will crack and give him his memory back”

“You think the man you see there is who he was in the past. He will fuckin kill you” Aeneas raved

“Maybe but then Papa will have to kill his father, won’t that be sad” Arthfael mirrored sadness

Aeneas took in a deep breath “I tied his soul to the orb, he has spent the last twenty-four years without a cry. You need to go to the center of the old larpon dead village, break the orb, and as soon as it breaks he will have his first cry. That is when you mark him and then chant these words ‘With my mark, I claim Jun And his clan as mine’ but of course, since a child of the sun was involved it needs to happen on the first-morning sunrise. After that is done then you fuck”

“W-we-we- have to” Arthfael stuttered his eyes dancing to Jun for just a milli-second

“You don’t but I think it’s time for you to lose your virginity, don’t you think? Do you even know what to do with a mate”

“I am aware of what to do with a mate, I am a virgin not stupid” Arthfael defended.

“Just checking, you might hurt our sweet little Jun over here if you don’t know what you’re doing”

“I know what to do” Arthfael gritted his teeth, he was starting to fume that he almost burned Baracheil’s brain “You’re trying to make me angry, is that story even true? Maybe you’re lying to us, the witch said the remains are necessary”

“If you don’t believe me why don’t you read my mind” Arthfael stepped back in fear “Oh yeah, you saw something you shouldn’t have seen at your age the last time and that is why we are here” Aeneas stepped closer “Your enemies don’t have to worry about you because, at the drop of blood, you’re on your back crying” Aeneas’ voice held authority.

Arthfael almost dropped the brain but Aeneas held it. He took in a deep breath and as he exhaled he made both the brain and Barachiel disappear “As much as it pains me to say, therapy is the only way for you to heal and I should have admitted that to myself a long time ago. Right now the walls are closing in and with this kind of fight I am afraid you might have to sit back”

“But I can do it, father”

“Son your enemy knows your weakness, you have already lost the battle before the war started” Aeneas threw his head back as if trying to calm himself down “I am so proud of you but I am afraid this journey has to end here, I will handle the rest-”

“Father” Arthfael’s voice was brittle close to tears.

“Uh uh,” Aeneas shook his head holding his son closer “If you go through the torture that you went through again I am afraid you won’t be able to be you again. I can’t have that, I can’t watch you break”

“I won’t break, I am strong…I can do this” Arthfael hugged his father as he cried.

“You’re strong”

“Then let me do it”

“You have to first heal, or else you’re not going to do anything”

“I will heal, I will go to therapy. I will take the medication, I can do it” Arthfael tried to convince him, this was his chance to prove to himself and everyone that he can live up to his father’s name.

“I give you six months” Aeneas replied “You have to prove you have healed and you can handle your enemies. If you don’t convince me in six months, all of this is over”

“Thank you”

“Ugh don’t touch me” Aeneas used his son’s line on him. Arthfael chuckled while wiping his eyes “Six months and don’t think of marking your mate if you’re still scared of blood” his eyes moved to Jun “I haven’t received that yet” Jun smiled and jumped onto him like he usually does “That is more like it, now I have to leave”

Aeneas made his exit “So what now?” Jun questioned, they got the answers they were searching for but it seemed impossible to do.

“I heal” Arthfael took a seat on the high table letting his legs dangle “I heal in six months or he comes in and deals with everything himself”

“You’re sad”

“Because I don’t like it when people compare me to him but I am the first one to compare myself to him!” Arthfael argued “I look up to him, I admire him. Hell I want to be like him but I feel like I can never be like him or I will never be enough to be called his son”

“You’re being so hard on yourself”

“But isn’t it the truth” Jun came and sat next to him “I am weak, my fear of blood makes me useless”

“You know if you heal your fear of blood it will make you better than him” Arthfael glanced and Jun with a questioning look “Think about all the things he did to heal it and failed so if you succeed…”

“You’re crazy” Arthfael chuckled while shaking his head “And not in a bad way”

“Yeah, the laugh gives it away. When you are being really mean you don’t laugh”

“You don’t say” Arthfael smiled so wide Jun felt his face heat up, his heart elevated to fast pumps “What else do I do?”

“You’re not normally inquisitive” Arthfael beamed leaning onto his hands. His eyes were on Jun with a smile that reached his eyes, he could see the light shade of red on the other boy and it made him happy in some ways.

“Would you like to go on a date with me?”

Jun was shocked but he didn’t show it yet his face was turning pure red at this point “You bluff”

“No I don’t, would you like to go on a date with me” Arthfael tilted his head trying to get sight of Jun’s face who was doing his best to hide from his gaze “What is your face doing?”

“What is it doing?”

“You’re making it adorable. Are you trying to appear more likable”

“What?” Jun’s face could not be pinker even if he tried.

“Yeah, your eyes are rolling in a way like…” Arthfael did it, he didn’t know if that is how Jun is doing it but he tried his best “Your face is red, you constantly nibbling your lip then letting it go…you’re trying to look adorable”

“Is it working?” Jun was doing it unconsciously but this straight demon had to throw it in his face like that and now he has to own up to it

“Kinda”

Jun held his chest and then released a big exaggerated exhale “Arthfael has a crush on me” Arthfael stammered without words coming out “Are you blushing? Are you trying to look adorable for me”

“No! It’s just happening” Arthfael waves his face, and Jun fell back in full-blown laughter. He had no idea it was this easy to tease the demon.

“I will definitely go on a date with you” Jun replied but he still couldn’t control his laughter.

Chapter 30

---

“We are here,” Diego said in a new tone that Sean has not been used to listening to. Ever since they started their drive into Akios. Diego has been extremely happy, Sean couldn’t help but smile himself. Diego not thinking about what he has told him earlier was a relief, he hated making him feel like that even if he has to say it. To say how he feels. When he saw Diego’s Aki soul he was in love, he could feel it deep down. When he speaks with him he feels something, he likes him a lot. He just doesn’t feel like he connects with the body Diego is in… “Come on I need to show you something” he jumped out way before the car could fully park.

“Wait for me” Sean tried but Diego was already out “I am a new driver, thanks for your help” he grumbled as he struggled to park. He regretted ever suggesting switching with Diego in the first place. He should have stayed as a passenger, he couldn’t help himself but laugh as he watched Diego run acting like an excited puppy.

After the long struggle of parking, he finally got out only to be yanked by the hand. He hadn’t seen Diego come back to get him, a shocked yelp tore out of him until he saw who it was “Diego I haven’t locked the…” He trailed off when it was clear Diego couldn’t care less about what he was saying. He was dragged and he had to keep up, the biggest run of his life until they reached a river. He took in deep breaths as his eyes hit the water “A river”

“Let’s get in” Diego walked in without taking off his clothes.

“I’m good” He glanced around, just emptiness. The soil beneath his legs was fertile yet grew nothing, the more he looked around the scarier it got that goosebumps grew on his skin.

“This is the path to get in”

“Through the river?” That snapped Sean back to the real world or this…Diego’s world. The river seemed deep in some places and had to be difficult to swim through, they will be taken away. Drowning wasn’t on his to-do list.

“Yes, trust me” Sean didn’t want to yet he also didn’t want to get his hands full with a sad Diego. He sighed and started taking off his shirt “With your clothes”

“I don’t want to get my clothes wet”

“Trust me, Sean, you will be fine” Sean took a step in, the water was warm and it came with a good feeling. He took in more steps and it felt like a warmth of foam touching his skin.

“Whoa, does it have soap?” Diego dived and beckoned for him to follow. Sean followed with a giggle as they swam, the water touching his skin made him want to stay in it forever. It felt kind of like Diego somehow, in his vision or dream this was how Diego felt when he touched him. The memory made him close his eyes thinking about it again. He was mesmerized and captivated. He knew that if Diego was whole again he would be one lost puppy in love. As he opened his eyes again the place took him by shock. Diego’s village, the city of Akios, the city of the sun children.

Sean noticed how the sun was somehow closer and not hurtful to look at. He stepped out of the water his eyes still on the place when he noticed that he was completely dry. He released a choked laugh while looking at his dry hands, he felt the sun hitting his skin yet it felt weird. It wasn’t scorching hot but rather warm, like the morning sun on a chilly day. He was mesmerized

“That was the sun river, an illusion made by Lord Helios”

“An illusion, it felt real”

“He made it seem real so that his children could swim” Diego took his hand and brought him to the flower that was close by, white with really tiny petals “Touch it” Sean brought his finger onto it, and as soon as it touched the petal opened up as if sneezing and threw dust into his face.

Sean sputtered while waving at his face, he heard Diego laughing “You knew it was gonna do that” Sean sneezed

“Now look” When Sean glanced back at the flower it was beautiful. Its white petals made a star shape yet the sun made it warm and gold. It mimed a floating object as it moved in circles as if dancing.

“The star flower, it throws dust in your face so you don’t see it get naked” naked? “That is it being naked, you can harm it in this position” Sean brought his finger down once again and touched it, the feeling was that of the river.

“Let me guess, an illusion”

“Lord Helios created all of these before he ever succeeded in creating us. They are illusions but they are real, we don’t get stars in the sky but when we look down we can see them and touch them”

“It sounds beautiful, I want to see it”

“You will when night falls”

“At night….do you get the moon?” Diego laughed a bit while shaking his head. He looked lighter and happier than ever.

“We do but it’s a yellow moon”

“So it’s the sun”

“You’ll see” He replied as if it was a secret, Diego pushed his hands into his pocket and took in a deep breath. Warmness on his face, he looked and felt at home.

Sean found himself smiling wishing they could break the curse and take Diego back into his body. Make him full again, that was his wish. He wanted to be able to touch Diego without feeling like it was wrong. Right now he admits he is attractive but he is seeing Exton and he just can’t shake that feeling off.

Sean took everything in, familiarizing himself with every bit of this city. Little green creatures passed by his feet making him skip as he chuckled.

They were so cute with big eyes, his eyes moved to other things and he noticed that no living human or Aki was anywhere to be seen…his eyes moved to Diego and he found him on his knees touching the soil. He squatted next to him in silence not understanding if it was a ritual so he went on his knees too and looked forward “This was where most of their bodies fell, I can still see them. Hear the screams…I can still see him slaughter them all”

Sean pulled him into a side hug, being in a place where the worst and great things happened the worst tend to overweigh the best “Should we leave?”

“No” Diego wiped his eyes as he got up once again handing his hand to Sean “I have not come home for so long because I always die inside, today no matter how much it hurts I have to accept it”

“Are you sure?”

“Let me show you my house” Like before they ran, Sean laughed lightly but caught up well until they got to the biggest house he has seen. If it is supposed to be called a house, this was a castle.

“This was your house?”

“The Palace, my house is up” They walked in and Sean got scared of the stairs “I used to just fly up so this is going to be a tough one for me too” Sean took in deep breaths and then started the course of the stairs.

Diego made it entertaining by explaining every room, corridor, hall, and painting that they passed. The portrait of all his ancestors from Leroy to his children and his children’s children “And this is my mom, dad, and me” Sean looked at the picture of Diego and he was just like the one in his vision. Only this time not glowing, this was his human form. Sean bit his lip and admitted that indeed Diego was really beautiful.

“You’re checking me out” Diego came into his vision leaning on the wall his eyes on Sean.

“I….yeah. I have never seen your true human form” Sean couldn’t deny it “You look happy”

“Thank you” Diego felt uncomfortable, it was painful to see himself back then. All that is wrong now is because of who he was in the past. He knows Sean wouldn’t have been in love with him if they met back then.

Chapter 31

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“Do you want me to come in with you?” Arthfael thought about it for a second before shaking his head.

“I think I am good today” He needed someone inside last time because he didn’t know if he was ready to open up or not and in some way he wanted to open up to Jun like that. Make it seem like it was a session coz he didn’t know if he was willing to have a heart-to-heart just the two of them, the doctor made everything lighter. Talking to a stranger was much simpler than talking to someone he knew, he wasn’t worried about the session today.

“I will be out here until you’re done”

“And you better be ready for our date when I am done” Arthfael walked inside leaving a red-faced Jun behind who found himself a seat while trying to fight off the fact that he was going on his first date. He never thought it would ever be with Arthfael or in any case anyone. Deep down he felt like he will never be able to find someone since getting a mate would have been impossible with the curse but right now he can’t say he is disappointed.

Finding out he was Arthfael’s mate was a big deal and unexpected. Yet he feels like it is not so bad, if the pull was available he would think it was working on him but it’s not. He just knows that Arthfael is his mate, maybe it worked as confirmation on him of what he felt for Arthfael even if anger was a mixture of that. It must still be unclear how he feels but he knows he would like it if this worked-

The door to where Arthfael has entered banged hard making it rattle so hard it almost fell off its hinges. Jun stood up and wondered what the hell was going on in there when a wave of fire hit right beside his face. He had to duck down and then ran when the door followed.

Through the smoke, he saw Arthfael standing in the center of the room his eyes were on someone and when Jun followed the eyes he found someone on one knee looking up at Arthfael his body was smoking, and some parts of his clothes had been burnt “I have been waiting for you” Arthfael drawled with an angry look as a flying knife came to his side and with touch it became a staff.

He chose this as his weapon against his fear of blood. There was no need to touch a flying knife, it moved with his mind plus he could just turn it into anything he wanted. It was the best weapon.

The man on his knee stood up as he blew out the tiny flames that were on his hand his lip twitched. Arthfael growled and attacked, the guy moved back and threw a kick to his side before pulling him back so that they are face-to-face.

Arthfael swiped his hand cutting the guy in the temple and making him let go. He brought his staff to push it into the Aki but it moved to the side and with agility, it pinned him onto the wall, and just like last time it had him cornered “It was fun playing” Darthaniel spoke in a tone as his wound on the temple closed up leaving no scar.

Just then Jun jumped onto his back and started scratching him. With this, the hold he had on Arthfael was lost as he tried to get the small creature off his back. As soon as Arthfael’s legs hit the ground he walked over and rested his thumb on Darthaniel’s head.

Darthaniel yelled whilst using his hand to push both Arthfael and Jun away before disappearing. Jun groaned holding onto his head, Arthfael walked over to him “Are you okay?”

“I think so…who-who was that?”

“Darthaniel and I think…I know what he wants” Arthfael slumped down next to Jun as he took in shagged breaths.

“Are you okay?” Jun knelt in front of him but Arthfael seemed to be in his world. His eyes rolled in the back, his body trembling violently with sweat coating his entire body “Arthfael, Arthfael…” Jun called worriedly, Arthfael was rasping on his breath feverishly.

“ Papa“ Arthfael raved out weakly right before passing out.

“Arthfael, please wake up”…Wind blew in as Alexander made an entrance. He walked over to both of them, Jun moved to the side as Alexander lifted Arthfael before flying away.

---

Arthfael woke up hearing noises. He opened his eyes and found his father and Papa arguing “It’s your fault, you should have told me, this wouldn’t have gotten this far. You knew and yet you threw him out there to be preyed on” Alexander argued with an overly pissed voice that Arthfael has never heard of from him.

“My love I know you’re angry-”

“I am more than angry Aeneas, why didn’t you tell me when you found out”

“Like I said I didn’t want to worry you”

“He is my son I had the right to know that he is sick. You didn’t have to hide it from me, this isn’t one of your secrets that you have to be ahead of. This is my son and if he is not okay I deserve to know. I trusted you to tell me anything yet you kept the most important part of my son’s life to yourself. This makes me unworthy of having a child”

“Now you’re going too hard on yourself, it’s not like he was going to tell you. You know how he is”

“And yet when you found out you kept it to yourself. I don’t even know if I can trust you again Aeneas, I thought we were doing this together. We were learning together what happened?” Alexander held his forehead losing it “Why do you always want to stay on top of everything, this was a matter of us figuring out how to help not you selfishly keeping it to yourself and doing nothing while our son’s life deteriorates. Why are you always like this? You tell me to trust you then you do this, it’s like you brought your tricks of war, enemies, and of a king into parenting and now look where we are. The worst parents ever”

“I tried I just failed” Aeneas admitted “I tried to erase his head and took him to the moon goddess but nothing worked. He had to help himself when he was ready and I didn’t want you to have to hear such news and bare them like I knew you would have. I might not be the best father, I might not do everything according to the books but I do my best and I know this will work”

“I’m sorry, I just hate that things have to go like this” Alexander apologized as he fell into his mate’s arms.

“Like what?” Arthfael announced himself “What will work?” Arthfael pushed himself up “And both of you stop giving yourselves credit for being the worst fathers, there are more deserving people of that title in this world. So spare me the crap and tell me what will work”

“How are you feeling?” Alexander asked with a smile as he leaned onto his mate’s chest like they weren’t arguing a minute ago.

“Like I always feel, good. When I feel any different I will inform you of the change…now what will work”

“We are not telling you that-”

“Arjun wants his son back in the larpon land” Alexander cut his mate off. He was not going to hold information from his son because of fate “He wants him to be king but the problem is he doesn’t want to deal with demons again”

“You have a plan?” Arthfael asked, of course, Jun was his mate and his clan not dealing with demons again doesn’t sit well with him.

“What I told you that day, once you do it you will have power over all larpons. They will have no way of getting rid of you”

“So marking my mate costs the freedom of his clan”

“It all depends on what kind of leader you will be, will you be taking away their freedom?”

Chapter 32

---

Sean felt the air around them shift after the portrait of Diego. He knew Diego must miss those days, days when he was full. Days when he didn’t have to worry about a curse or run from his body “Not in the mood for a tour, maybe we can go see if we can trigger your reincarnation” Diego suddenly spoke.

Sean knew he was trying to run from the house and all the memories so he nodded when words got stuck. It hurt him that he can do nothing to ease Diego’s pain and it hurts him more that he can not be what Diego needs right now.

Love

Sean can’t force what he doesn’t feel. Even if in the past they were connected, right now he feels different. It’s like the anger of the mate bond breaking added to Exton’s body…they were all emotions that he didn’t know where they came from but he couldn’t think of love with Exton’s body involved.

He despised it.

“Come let’s go, I have a short cut” He pushed the portrait to the side, and behind it is a slide. Sean peeked into it.

“Who put that there?”

“I did when I was young, I hadn’t gotten my wings and wanted to sneak out” Diego pushed his legs through “Follow me” He pushed himself and as he disappeared Sean followed behind the slide, it took long for them to reach the ground but it was quicker than the stairs. It would have been longer if they took those and Sean believed his legs were weak to go down once.

They made their way towards the holy place of Helios. Diego bowed before entry and Sean followed bowing before getting inside “Do you feel something?” Diego suddenly asked as soon as Sean stepped inside the holy place.

“Like what?”

“A connection to this place” Sean shook his head and glanced around ‘should he be feeling something?’ coz feels absolutely nothing.

“Then I guess we will have to do the ritual and see how it goes” Diego moved in front and picked up a small bowl, Sean couldn’t see what was inside but when he threw them on the ground it was ash. It spread down almost reaching Sean’s legs but then collected itself into a sigil of the sun and the eye “Step in the center, leave the bag there” Sean took off the bag and stepped in the center “I have never done a ritual like this, let’s be ready for anything”

“That is not comforting but okay” Diego started chanting, The ash started raising around him up to his chin, and it didn’t take long before he started feeling something “I feel something” The ground where he was standing was shaking then suddenly everything went back down “What happened?”

“You distracted me, please don’t talk”

“Sorry” Diego started and once again the ash went back up, Sean felt the ground shake again. Something traveled through his feet, through his calf up to the knees. He felt heavy from the knees down but it kept traveling up and now he could no longer see what was going on as the ash was covering up his entire body.

It reached his hands and that is when Sean noticed the redness inside his skin. Something shone through his skin like it was glass, he yelled when it reached his neck. It was burning him then suddenly everything stopped and as the light traveled from his feet it went back until he could no longer feel anything.

His breath was heavy, and the pain still felt like an aftershock.

He glanced back at Diego wondering why it stopped and also glad it had stopped only to find Diego on his knees with Darthaniel standing behind him “Don’t try anything” Darthaniel warned “Step out of the sigil” As Sean started moving out Darthaniel stopped him “Move this side” He pointed to the side where Sean doesn’t get to be close to the book.

“Please don’t hurt him” Sean begged, Darthaniel rested his thumb on Diego’s head. Diego started screaming as Darthaniel penetrated his brain breaking it down piece by piece “What are you doing?” Sean ran over but Darthaniel held him mid-air and continued what he was doing until Diego fell and passed out “Diego!” Darthaniel rested his thumb on Sean’s brain but he immediately pulled back with a hiss.

“I hate gods”

Sean was let go and as he hit the ground Darthaniel disappeared “Diego” Sean crawled over to him “Diego, Diego please wake up” He lightly shook him….his eyes shot open, and then a loud yell tore out of his lips. Sean was shaken up a bit “Diego….” Sean tried holding him down when he started banging his head aggressively “Diego stop” he was confused, wondering what to do. He didn’t know what Darthaniel had done to Diego for him to be like this.

“What did he do? Diego look at me” Sean was fighting but Diego was stronger and he managed to escape from his grasp. He pushed himself into a sitting position, the back of his head bleeding profoundly from knocking it on the hard floor “Diego” Sean called slowly crawling over to him.

Diego moved his eyes to him, wide and unblinking. Then he moved his head and glanced around frantically “Diego?” he moved his head back to Sean but then held his head “Diego what is happening?” Sean moved closer holding onto Diego’s shoulder. Diego pushed himself back as if in fear-

“I can’t-” Diego gritted out as he held his head hard with his teeth clutched together. He fell back down as he writhed, his breathing was punctured and agonizing.

“Diego, what is happening?” Sean crawled back to him, he tried to get Diego to focus on him yet it was in vain. Diego screamed writhing while banging his head down as if fighting with himself “Diego please talk to me” Sean held his head and rested it on his chest trying to prevent him from hurting himself once again.

Blood had completely covered his hair and forehead, and his nails were digging into his temples causing blood to drip down his cheeks “Diego stop it” Sean was doing everything in his power to stop him from hurting himself.

He held his hands tight while holding his head and when he expected to fight a lot to keep the stronghold Diego suddenly calmed down. His breath was ragged and uneven, and his eyes rolled back leaving the white on top “Diego” Sean rested him down gently while he tried to wake him up. Now Diego was unmoving, he was just still with his eyes still rolled in the back. His body filled with blood and sweat, and his breath was slowly evening out “Diego wake up…Diego!”

“Diego!”

Chapter 33

---

“We are doing no such thing” Alexander interjected “Does anyone remember that he is not fine or is it just me” Arthfael has just gotten off the bed yet here they are planning other violent activities as if nothing happened.

“He is fine” Aeneas pointed. He knew he couldn’t pull his son back before the six months are over. They had a deal, his son got a breakdown a day after but that changes nothing as he is still stuck on the six months. As long as they are over and his son is still not capable of handling himself around blood then it is the end.

“You are not allowed to speak for him-”

“Papa, I am good” Arthfael was glad when his father decided to stay on their six months deal. This means that what happened earlier changes nothing.

“Both of you shut up!” Alexander yelled in frustration “You are not fine…no body is fine! Can we acknowledge the fact that no one is fine here and talk about it instead of ignoring it and moving on to another task that can wait”

“Darthaniel can’t wait, he has kicked your son’s ass two times”

“The second time I got him good-”

“Argh!” Alexander groaned feeling like he wants to strangle someone.

“My Love”

“You both better stop bringing up Darthaniel right now or this entire fuckin building is going down”

“Arthfael, start talking” Aeneas ordered “When your papa starts cursing you know shit is about to go down” Aeneas gave his son a side eye telling him to talk.

“What do you want me to talk about?”

Alexander took a breath and then took a seat next to his son “How do you feel when you see blood? Is it connected to you not wanting to be touched”

“Um-huh…this is kind of hard to talk about when it’s not a stranger” Arthfael admitted when his throat tightened and he felt like throwing up from the fact that he had to speak about something like this. With Jun it was kind of easy and so was it with the human doctor yet with his papa he feels like he can’t.

“Or you don’t want to talk about it with me” Alexander felt hurt, he felt like a bad father.

“It’s not that” Arthfael tried to console his papa but he still didn’t want to talk about it. Most times he wants things to happen and then be forgotten and his father is good at ignoring the elephant in the room whereas his papa, on the other hand, can’t forget about anything unless it’s talked about “Father can you erase his brain so he can forget about this again”

Alexander gasped and looked at the two of them “What? Have you two ever done this to me before”

Aeneas sighed “Children,” he said in a cursive tone, Arthfael couldn’t have said that in private without Alexander here.

“Yes”

“When?” Alexander got up, Aeneas closed his eyes and knew what was coming. He is about to have two months of apologizing and then wiping off memory to be forgiven coz he knows Alexander can hold a grudge.

“When I was ten you found out I was scared of blood, you spent weeks in tears. Calling yourself a bad parent, you were sad and searching for solutions but there were none so we both decided it was easier that you forgot about it. Then we started doing it every time you would find out then again and again and again”

“Did you have to say it all?” Aeneas held his head.

“It’s not like he will remember this conversation anyway”

“You are not erasing my brain once again or we are going to have a big problem”

“That is what you say every time-”

“Arthfael” Aeneas called with disbelief, does he have to say it all? Some things have to be kept in.

“Don’t worry, you will fix it” Arthfael threw a tight lip smirk wink at his father.

“I guess you will have to deal with Darthaniel all by yourself”

“You’re not leaving him to deal with Darthaniel by himself and you are not erasing my brain once again” Alexander argued, “This is-”

“Father?” Aeneas waved his hand and put his mate to sleep. Before he could reach the ground he held him in his hands “I wasn’t ready for that lecture”

“Neither will you be ready for Darthaniel” Aeneas rested his mate on the couch “We are talking about someone strong enough to destroy planets. You need to be careful and what you did was reckless”

“I had to know what he was thinking”

“You don’t do it like that, you follow history. To be ahead of everything is to learn your enemy, confrontation is great but it only wins a battle. To win a war make sure to pass through different directions”

“Where do you want me to start with this?”

“What did you find in his brain?”

“Revenge, for killing his mother Cyanide. I saw Diego’s Aki soul, trapped somewhere I just can’t make out where it was but mostly pure destruction was in his head and, deep hatred”

“You need a strong alliance, make sure Diego and Sean are on your side before you start this. Free his soul and you got yourself a big helping hand and Sean…well let’s just say he will be a star”

“A human?”

“Don’t underestimate him. Heal his mate and you might end up being rewarded” Aeneas leaned forward with his hands on his knees “Heal yourself, make alliances, make enemies, know your enemies, study them up to the seconds it takes them to draw their breath and you will win” Aeneas picked his mate up “And one last thing if you don’t have the upper hand withdraw your sword until you can pick it up again”

---

Arthfael came back to hell feeling better. When he had entered Darthaniel’s brain all he wanted was to find out what his plans were. And after doing so he was fine until he remembered how he got into his father’s head and found blood. This had triggered the first day he saw blood, destruction, and blood moved together and that is how he got like that.

He knew that his sickness was getting worse, he had to find a build to hold onto before it got worse and his enemy used it again.

His eyes caught sight of men that don’t belong in the castle, he would not call them tall coz they were nothing compared to all the demons that live here and since he can’t smell their scents he knew they had to be close to larpons “What are you doing here?” His voice was not threatening, he kept it neutral just to give out nothing.

When the guys turned to him his mate was in the center of them with a frustrated look. If they were trying to push him or something they must have failed because Jun has never been one to push into the wall and keep quiet, he speaks his mind and fights back even to a strong force.

Arthfael respects him for that, even in the past Jun would not fall back. When Arthfael pushed he pushed back the same, weak or not he had a mouth for a debate when needed “What is going on?” Arthfael asked interested in whatever topic was going on here, Larpons never leave their land, and if they do it has to be for an important task.

“Nothing is going on” Jun gritted his teeth while passing through the six men walking over to Arthfael “Follow me” Arthfael did after looking down on all of the six larpons. They gave him a feeling that they bear bad news “Are you alright?” Jun changed his tone to that one of worry once they reached his room.

“I am always good”

“You didn’t look good when Alexander took you”

“Are you going to tell me why those Larpons are here” Jun groaned sitting on the bed and holding his head. Arthfael continued in the room but didn’t touch a thing nor did he sit down “What happened?”

“My father wants me back home in three days whether I have managed to break the curse or not”

“And those guys out there?”

“They are here to follow me everywhere I go until I get back home” Arthfael sighed while taking a seat next to Jun.

“Father has told me that if we mate and break the curse. I become the leader”

“How does that work?”

“I will be taking the curse as my own taking it from your clan”

“And you, do you become a mourner?”

“Do you want to go home?” Jun glanced in the distance having no reply to that question. Does he want to go back home or not? “Jun, the curse is not going to break anytime soon. We might have the means but I don’t know if I am ready to do this, I don’t know if I am ready to be mated to you or your clan. All I know is you need to learn your people before you make a decision about me taking the curse and I need to heal before I am ready for anything”

“What are you saying?”

“We go on our first date, then you go home”

Chapter 34

---

Sean couldn’t tell how long he had been sleeping next to Diego but the rambling of the ground woke him up. His eyes instantly moved to Diego and found him in the same position as before.

The rambling came again and this time with a loud animal growl. Sean’s eyes cast outside of lord Helios’ tempo, and he pushed himself off the ground. He made his way to the door and found a xaloc, not one but rather three of them. Sean took steps back and yanked the door of the tempo closed. He could hear the loud paw steps getting closer to where they were “Diego, Diego it’s time to go wake up”

But as before Diego didn’t make a reaction. Sean glanced around for any help he could find but he got none. He tried summoning Alexander and Aeneas but he got zero replies just like these past few times he has been calling out for them.

He was alone and terrified.

He didn’t know what was wrong with Diego but whatever Darthaniel did to him it proved not great. Sean ran over to his bag crossing it over his shoulder. He ran back to Diego and started pulling him away from the door when the Xalocs started pounding it.

Before they could hide the door was pushed off its hinges falling with a loud clash a few feet away from Diego’a feet. Sean gasped frozen in space for a second, he wielded his body to pull Diego far away from the door but the xalocs were stepping forward ready to attack.

All Sean remembers from them is that they are dangerous. Close to the gods and hard to kill. They never leave the mission unfinished. Sean’s back is on the wall and he knew he had no escape as he held the book up wishing it could at least kill them with its light like it has done so many times back “Please, please” he whispered under his breath but through the fear the book ended up outside of his grasp landing on the floor as one Xaloc launched towards him.

With his eyes wide in fear, sweat falling down his face he saw light pass through his eyes when light blasted through the tempo. Sean covered his eyes and when the light died down one of the xaloc was down with a new xaloc standing over it.

This had feathers as yellow as the sun, wings massive with reddish ends. It snarled as blood dripped down its chin before it launched to the other two xaloc which also attacked without any fear.

A battle between the three creatures tore out, the new one biting and crawling with both its claws and wings. Sean watched with fear still inside his body, his eyes looking at the yellow Xaloc and where he left his book that was now missing.

He was having a hard time piecing both together, the book of Helios turning into a xaloc was not something he expected to find out today or any other day.

He pushed himself back when one xaloc crash-landed by his feet, it struggled to get back up when a huge xaloc foot stomped onto its head crushing it.

Sean glanced up and the yellow xaloc looked down at him. It had a wound on the side of its wing, it leaned down whimpering by his head. Sean felt concerned to consume his being as if he has known it for such a long time ‘Maybe because it has been his book for days now’

His hand lifted to touch it when a figure appeared from the wall. The long hair and shimmering skin showed she was an Aki, her hair was long enough to reach her thighs, dress floated on the ground as she took small steps with her bare feet.

Sean took a close look at her and the face is familiar, she had unshed tears in her eyes as she reached Diego kneeling next to him. Her delicate fingers touched his face, and a sob was heard from her not even a second later before she lifted him off the ground-hugging him.

Sean could hear and feel her sadness, he had so many questions but he swallowed them back because the sight was sad. Diego’s situation was already making him extremely worried. The xaloc nudged his side as it licked the tears that had fallen from his face, he smiled through the sadness and ended up hugging it. He needed a hug even from an animal that has come from the book. All he knows is that it has saved him countless times now.

Sobs were heard throughout the temple for some time and no words were said. The xaloc soon slept down and Sean followed sitting next to it his back between its torso and was filled with warmth. Just then the lady turned to him, and that is when Sean realized he has not said a thing to her not confirmed if she was dangerous. He let his guard down because this was Diego’s mother.

He licked his chapped lips “Hi” he voiced out feeling embarrassed for being here in a moment like this. She looked like she needed time with her son alone but Sean also didn’t feel like leaving “I- I’m Sean” the lady turned back to her son without saying a word, Sean tried to glance at her once again but she has her attention to her son “Where did you come from?”

“The afterlife” Sean nodded “Sean” She then called when he thought the conversation would die like that “It’s time for you to say goodbye”

“Say goodbye?” he pushed himself away from the xaloc getting closer to them.

“I am here to retrieve his soul” he glanced at her and then Diego. He held Diego and took him away from his mother, was she crazy “I don’t want to do it but it’s his time to leave his place”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about but you are not taking his soul anywhere” Sean held onto Diego’s pulse and it was still steady “He is not dead”

“On the outside but on the inside” Diego took in a shaky breath “He has been dead for a while” She held Diego’s hand and Sean felt like needles going through his skin. He didn’t know the entire process of retrieving a body but he hopes that is not what she is trying to do because they will be having a problem “I killed him…I killed him the day I died”

Something flashed through Sean’s eyes. A bloody hand hitting the ground, it had a green feathery bracelet. Blood seeped out of it making a sigil of the sun and the eye of a demon.

Sean gasped back as if he had fallen asleep for a second. His eyes moved to her hand and the same bracelet was on it, his eyes moved back to her face his mouth hanging open “You cursed him” the words came out breathlessly, all along they have been searching for where the curse came from only to find out it was from Diego’s mother.

“The curse of an angry mother” her eyes stared into Sean’s “I have always learned to control my anger, no matter what he did. I would remind myself that I am a mother and he was my son. When the attack broke out and everyone died I forgot I was a mother. I forgot he was my son and that our death was punishment enough” Sean didn’t judge, he was in no position to do so. Yes, Diego has suffered immensely because of the curse but he also had no idea about what she had felt in a moment like that.

“Do you forgive him?”

“I did… a long time ago”

“Then why is he still cursed?”

“Forgiveness does not equal cure” Sean took in a deep breath having so many questions but she spoke before he could ask “There is nothing we can do for him now except bring him to the afterlife, I can not stand his suffering”

“Suffering does not equal death” Sean held Diego tighter “Unless he is dead, you’re not taking him anywhere”

“You will suffer more if we let him wake up”

“What do you mean?”

“Thousand years of memories messed with” She sniffed while holding a hand on his cheek “He will not even know his own name”

Chapter 35

---

Jun took in deep ragged breaths, he was trying to stabilize his overly erratic heart. He has never thought of being this nervous because of a date with Arthfael yet he was. He felt like he was taking the most important step in his life and he couldn’t mess it up. That wasn’t an option even if he had no idea how not to mess up.

What was he to do on a date? How was he supposed to act? Will it be good? Will Arthfael still be interested or will he lose interest?

What if it went well and he had to leave in the end and might never get to see Arthfael ever again, but also if it does go horribly then that would be great if he never sees Arthfael ever again.

Jun passed hands over his shirt and the green scarf that was wrapped in the hooks of his pants giving it a form he enjoyed. He smashed his lips together making them a bit moist when he groaned knowing nothing was going to happen to them even if he died.

He almost fell back on the bed but decided to not do it because then he will ruin his outfit that he has spent an entire day preparing. He wanted to look nice, not like his original self. He was willing to be uncomfortable for the night if it was for Arthfael.

He decided it was time to leave, there was nothing he could add, and as he left his room his father’s men were right outside. He ignored them and continued his journey to Arthfael’s bedroom. He could hear footsteps behind him, he has never felt so irritated as he was at that moment “Will you back off” he snapped turning to them “It’s not like I will disappear from the castle or something” They kept quiet like the warriors they were “I have two more days, give me peace” he groaned continuing and when he saw them still following he ran.

He ran until he reached Arthfael’s bedroom yanking it open and then closing it behind him before they could get close or notice whose room he was in right now. He took a deep exhale “Still following you?”

“Yes and…” Jun trailed off once he finally turned to Arthfael and found a well-prepared simple dinner table filled with various types of food “You made dinner?”

“Papa helped me…” Arthfael nodded whilst his eyes surveying Jun from head to toe “You look nice today, you should dress like that more often”

“Thank you?” Jun bowed mockingly with a roll of his eyes taking offense at what Arthfael said.

“It’s a compliment, you normally don’t look good”

Jun took a seat opposite Arthfael with a scoff “Now you’re just insulting me”

“I am telling the truth”

“Well your truth is insulting”

“Then I will not compliment you anymore”

“That will be appreciated” Jun firmed even if he kinda enjoyed the compliment insult. It was a win that today he cared for himself physically and not just buried his nose in a book and neglect his clothes.

“And your hair is…” Arthfael waved his hand and pushed the strand of hair on Jun’s forehead that was sticking out back into position.

“You didn’t just do that…I wanted it there” Jun glanced at himself in the mirror. He spent time pushing that strand of hair to stand out so that it could give shape to his face a bit more.

“You wanted it out of place” Jun hummed frustrated as he tried to bring it back “It was making your hair look weird and uncomfortable”

“You should have asked me before pushing it back. Do you know how long it took me to perfect it”

“It took you long to put it out of place?” Arthfael questioned with disbelief “All I have to do is…” he passed his hand through his hair and it became a mass of mess. Jun chuckled watching Arthfael’s head almost look too tiny because of the hair standing out.

“I meant one strand, not all” Jun giggled out, Arthfael rested it all back then picked one and put it up “Thats cute”

“It is?” Arthfael brought out a mirror to stare at himself. The strand was sticking out on his forehead, not something he has ever tried but he wasn’t disliking it at all. He turned his head to the side sticking his jaw out, Jun gulped biting his lip and getting into a dreamy state.

He has had these kinds of thoughts but lately, they have been sharp in his mind. Everything Arthfael did was certainly captivating. He wishes to trace his finger through his hair or his skin. His eyes were sharp and when he rested his face with his lips pressed together his face shape was sharp making him intimidating yet with just a mess of the hair or a smile his face would become soft “It works for me but I don’t think it is good on you”

“Huh?”

“I am not surprised you didn’t hear me since all you’re doing is staring at me with horny eyes” Jun turned his head feeling a blush appear on his face “Like I was saying, I think maybe you should part your hair. Like a sideway or a mid-way. It will give you a nicer look than a single strand sticking out”

Jun was glad Arthfael had let it go like it didn’t exist “Um, yeah” Jun shrugged picking up a glass of water and taking sips constantly while trying to calm his erratic heart once again.

“But overall I like your look tonight” Jun laughed disbelievingly while shaking his head. Jun picked at his food taking small bites without much of an appetite but since it was just the two of them, it was calming “I have always wondered how my first date would be”

“Arthfael” He hummed in response “Do you like me?”

Arthfael replied without missing a bit and Jun felt comforted by his answer “Hm, yes. I do like you”

“Will you miss me when I am gone?”

“I think”

“I know I will miss you,” Jun said confirming “I have a request”

“Okay” Arthfael continued devouring his food like he was in the most comfortable place…well he was. In his bedroom. Arthfael couldn’t think of anyone seeing him on a date. With the lack of privacy, he would feel as if every word he says is being heard by everyone in the room.

He trusted his bedroom better than any other place in the world. He knew he will feel safe and comfortable if he had his date in his bedroom.

“When we meet again you will hold my hand”

Arthfael almost choked on his food but was glad he didn’t. He took a quick sip of water “Why?”

“Well I want to hold your hand”

“But what if we meet and I am not ready”

“I hope you will be ready, coz I am ready”

Arthfael felt an intense pressure in his heart, Jun was ready. What if even after therapy he is not ready, how will all of this workout?

This. whatever they are doing has to be a mutual understanding and agreement. Steps to be taken together, they had to be ready together. Each step, Arthfael wants to climb each step of the ladder with Jun.

He just didn’t know if he will be ready when they meet again.

His eyes glanced at Jun’s hands, long and pale with well-trimmed nails. They were pretty to look at, Arthfael is not one to look at someone and try to pick out what made them unique. This was the first time he was trying to look at Jun as someone he can hold hands with, he didn’t feel like doing it now but it definitely didn’t feel impossible either.

He knew he will feel it when the time is right and he will not regret anything.

“I will be ready for you to hold my hand”

Chapter 36

---

Sean felt the words echo over and over, he has been wondering what Darthaniel had done to Diego. Asking himself why Diego kept on hurting himself like that, the screams.

As tears strung down his cheeks he couldn’t help but feel fear creep through his entire body- suddenly the room became brighter as more Aki ghosts appeared from the walls.

Sean felt defensive over Diego, they can’t take him like this. There has to be a solution to undo what Darthaniel had done “He’s not dead”

“This is for our honor” A woman from the crowd spoke “We can’t let him live and put shame on all the sun children. Akies don’t lose their minds”

“He is not dead” Sean whispered, they only take dead people and Diego was far away from dead.

“Since he is immortal he won’t die” Diego’s mother spoke “If we don’t do this…” The Xaloc whined as it got pushed to the side, a white light was shone onto it and it ended up landing on the ground. Sean wanted to ask what they did to his familiar but they were all getting close to Diego and he had to protect him.

“You can’t let them do this” Sean begged as they all closed in on him “He is your son, save him” Diego’s mom stepped aside when all the Akies surrounded Sean.

“Please” he begged losing all hope, they can’t take him away. He has just gotten used to seeing him around, being next to him. He had gotten used to having him around. Ever since he started being around him things have gotten easier than they were four years ago despite the dangers, he just can’t lose Diego now “You can’t take him away from me”

None of them were listening, it felt like a losing game and all he was left with was sobbing as he watched Diego’s soul get taken out of his body. They all lifted their hands to retrieve his soul when a gasp tore out of Diego, Sean wiped his cheek as he took in Diego’s eyes.

Blood still stuck on his forehead, everyone took a step back. Sean could see Diego’s eyes get filled with various emotions right before he sat up, he glanced around frantically. His eyes searched at a frantic speed until they landed on the floor which was still filled with blood.

He was about to touch it when he suddenly stopped and started hitting his head. Not later he started laughing and as he fell he was crying…

Sean witnessed various situations in one second. Diego talked to himself but in words, he couldn’t pinpoint, rushed and gibberish. He looked like he had no idea where he was and would care less about the people that were surrounding him “Diego” Sean shakily breathed out, tears freely falling down his face.

Upon calling his name Diego glanced at him and for a second Sean thought he had gotten him back only for Diego to be up and dash to the door.

One Aki held him before the rest joined in, trapping him inside the temple. Diego who was trapped looked to be interested in the light that was trapping him. Sean made his way in front of Diego still trying to add up on what was happening. He just couldn’t believe it even if the truth was in front of his eyes.

He lifted his hand to touch his face but was only bit by Diego who then began laughing like he was out of his mind.

Sean held his finger, it stung but his heart pained more. He released a loud cry, he could barely hold on. The hurt he felt overshadowed the anger he had towards Darthaniel for what he had done.

The more Diego spoke incoherently the harder Sean cried, unable to handle it - “We have to save him” Sean cried harder hearing those words, this was complete torture.

He couldn’t bare to see Diego like this, the fact that he might have to stay like that for the rest of his immortal life hurt him even more but also taking away his soul isn’t saving him.

“He is not dead” Sean got off the floor still sticking to his answer “You can’t take someone who isn’t dead” His eyes were still on Diego but he turned his eyes towards them “If this…if him being like this-” Sean sobbed in between still trying to fathom the reality of what they were facing. He still couldn’t believe this was happening. He wiped his eyes and tried to stay strong “If him being like this destroys your honor as the children of the sun I will make sure…I promise that no one will see him. I will protect him and keep him safe- please don’t take him”

“It will be tough” Diego’s mom spoke-

“We made our decision” A woman interrupted.

“You are all his ancestors and as his mate, I am begging you, please don’t take him away” Sean went on his knees begging them. They all looked at each other before stepping back.

“You’re a mortal. As soon as you take your final breath we will be back to take him with us”

---

Jun didn’t get a chance to bid Arthfael goodbye, he tried to stall for more minutes but Arthfael was nowhere to be seen around the castle and Jun had to leave before he could get one single glance at the demon that has started to sit in his heart.

His expectations of finding an angel as a long-life partner had turned into him getting a few seconds to find his actual mate. At first, it was terrifying but now it’s exciting and that excitement has started to build up into something more. Something that is hindering him from actually being happy about going home.

A place he longed for so often, a place he has dreamed of staying. Now his heart is torn into two, being a king or staying with Arthfael.

As a future king, his first choice is to learn about his culture and more about his people so he can become a great king but as Jun. A child who was raised by demons he wants to stay back and be with Arthfael. He felt sad leaving the demon behind even if they both needed time.

It was clear that they each had to take time for themselves to understand what was happening. Jun sighed as he took in deep breaths hearing loud cheers right outside his door. He is currently in his bedroom trying to convince himself that he isn’t scared of the welcome party that had been prepared for him.

After encouraging himself he opened the door and immediately met up with his new guards that were ordered to not leave his side. He is currently hating, having to not only watch his steps or walk like a true future king had to but also be surrounded by guards for his safety.

As soon as he got into view the loud cheers seized and bows began. He felt awkward not very used to this kind of attention. He wanted to disappear and when he got introduced to all the council members who couldn’t shut up about marriage he felt like dying.

As soon as they left with his father he was left on the table alone, a moment he appreciated until four kids ran to him. He smiled a genuine smile for the first time since the party started “Hello” he greeted and the children giggled shyly as they each pulled out gifts from behind their backs “For me” they nodded. He took all gifts “Thank you”

“We love you” Jun felt his heart limp from his chest as his eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t know what to say, all he knows that those words made him happy and they made him want to be a great king to these four kids.

“I’m sorry about them my prince” A woman in his late thirties appeared behind the kids.

“Why are you apologizing? They are the sweetest. They gave me gifts” He was genuinely impressed, and he lifted his hand to touch their heads but stopped when he remembered a certain someone who hates being touched, maybe even one of these kids is just like that “Is it okay if I touch your heads?” they all nodded enthusiastically.

Jun smiled and parted their head before offering them seats and learning their names. They spoke so much more about their school and families until they said something that made him pause. He was about to ask for more when a young man appeared all dressed in a soldier uniform and asked if he could speak with him.

He nodded following the man after bidding goodbye to the children, with his star on his chest he had to be a captain. Still young with a nice physic and probably one of the tallest Larporn “My name is Captain Thomas but you can call me T, it’s nice to meet you, my prince”

“Just call me Jun” He waved it off as he stopped walking  “I want to ask something…do people think I was kidnapped?”

“Weren’t you?”

“No, I wasn’t”

“Everyone saw you get taken by that demon, we are so sorry we failed to protect you” Jun felt angry, is this what they have been telling all these people all along? That he was captured by Aeneas “But we are going to protect you this time until you are ready to sit on your rightful throne” Jun nodded as he continued walking enjoying the fresh air, it was different from hell. The night looked peaceful as the wind blew it “I was assigned to teach and help you with what you need-”

“Thank you but can I be alone”

“Yes my prince” With a bow he walked away, Jun sighed wrapping his hands over his chest as he glanced into the sky. He shouldn’t be feeling like they were speaking unfairly about Aeneas when it’s true he was kidnapped when he was young.

Everyone saw it and they all know it, he knows it. Why is he feeling like they are being unfair when it’s the truth? I

‘Jun you need to get a hang on yourself. The demons raised you but they still stole you from your people’ He scolded himself.

He is back and he should be focusing on that instead of what or who he left behind. It’s time to learn his people like he had wanted to do for a long time. His chance is now.

Chapter 37

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Arthfael flew into his father’s office room and as he suspected he was in doing some work “Are you feeling alright?” Aeneas questioned while leaning back.

“Hmm” Arthfael hummed while taking a seat opposite his father “Do you happen to know where the human disappeared to…I mean Sean” He added the name to make himself clear even if he knew his father understood exactly who he was asking about.

It has been so long since he has heard of the human plus Diego. He needed them close for his fight against Darthaniel and since he happens to have found something that might get them to forgive him he feels ready to strengthen his relationship with them.

“I don’t”

Arthfael scoffed, that had to be a lie. He might not know but his father always knows, no matter where or who they are… “You don’t expect me to believe that” Arthfael leaned onto the table “I found something, Diego’s Aki soul”

Aeneas’ eyes cut down as if in the deepest parts of his brain thinking so hard “How did you find it?”

“How else, from the cracks of Darthaniel’s memories” He had been working hard to figure all the cracks out. One by one he tried to piece each piece together. Find the places, some were a dead end but with time he saw a pattern. He was able to find out where the soul was hidden, this was the biggest step.

Aki and him, will be strong enough to defeat Darthaniel “Do you trust what you saw in Darthaniel’s mind?”

“I don’t but I saw Diego’s Aki with my own eyes. Not kind what was done to it” All tied up in chains in the darkness. Weak yet still strong even from years of imprisonment “He will be strong once he reunites with his fresh. I just need to find Diego and make that happen”

“Something else you have to do is search for him”

“You don’t know where they are”

“I sensed them in the sun land village, from there I can’t seem to find them” Arthfael leaned back, which was kind of strange. He couldn’t find them either and this made things complicated. They needed to make a move, time was not on his side when they have already wasted enough time as it is.

Darthaniel seems to have all his plans mapped out and he has been struggling on finding just the what for this long plus focus on his healing. That has not been going great and is one of the reasons it took him longer to track down Diego’s Aki.

The therapy has not been fruitful at all, he still has the same fear as in the beginning. He expected to be over it by now yet it is still just as strong as the day he began “Um….how is Jun?” he hesitated as if he was pushing the question out against his will. He missed the Larpon, his presence made him calm and now without him, things feel different.

“What do you want me to say?”

“I want you to tell me how he is?”

“Preparing for a wedding” Arthfael waited for some kind of explanation to follow his words yet he got nothing in return except an empty look.

“His decision?” He asked once again trying to get more context into the situation. He has not been in contact with Jun since he went back to his people and that was several weeks ago, whereas he didn’t expect such news when he was about to admit to missing him. It used to be fun when they traveled together but now Arthfael had no one to stop him when he is about to do something reckless.

“What do you think?” Arthfael took in a deep breath as he pushed himself off the couch. This wasn’t a conversation he was willing to have with his father. it’s bad Aeneas gets to know things before he does but for him to know about that part of his life more than himself seemed invasive and he regretted having asked the question in the first place.

“If you find out anything about Diego inform me” Without waiting for an answer he disappeared getting back to searching for Sean and Diego. They are his only hope to finally end Darthaniel’s life.

---

Jun glanced at the sky, so lifeless and shallow. No sky shined as bright as the one on Earth, it pained him that in his world he had to look at a pretense of the sky that was unappealing to his eyes.

It makes him pity his people, most of them have never left the Larpon land and this is the world they know. A sky with no life, a world that looks pretty yet seems lifeless… “My prince” Jun didn’t flinch at the voice next to his ear.

“I believe I made myself clear captain” His voice sounded harsh yet his face seemed to be deep in thought.

“When will you stop calling me captain?” Jun closed his eyes taking in the fresh cool air before turning towards Captain Thomas.

“The next time you speak so close to my ear, I will make sure you lose a tongue so you can learn your place” With his hands over his chest he took a closer step “That is behind me, not beside me”

Jun walked away while disgustingly wiping his ear, the only person allowed to be that close was Arthfael. He might be back and getting ready for marriage but he knows none of that is happening.

If he is forced into marriage before sitting on the thrown then he will have to let go of the throne and think of other ways to help his people in the demon world with his mate.

His mind has already been set, he didn’t need to be king to help his people. He just needed to help them whether he is a king or not. He might turn his back on the throne but he will never let his people live their lives as they do. He has lived in hell for most of his life and the cries have never compared to those he listens to in this village.

What hurt the most are the children, all the grown-ups are used to the pain. They tend to keep it in and not wail but the children. They didn’t deserve to learn to be strong and hold the pain. They deserve a nice upbringing than the one they were getting now. He knew he needed time before he can actually start helping them.

These weeks have shown him that saving his people was more than important. It was worth ending a life for…as he took in a deep breath he noticed a shining object on his bed.

He first glanced around to see if he can find anyone, he has not been in his room since morning and the shining object was alarming to him. He took hesitant slow steps until he was at the edge of his bed and took in a close look, at a ring.

Not for a wedding, he lifted his hand to touch it, and as hesitant as he was he stopped. He walked over to his door and pulled it open “Did someone come into my room?” he asked the guards, and they glanced at each other.

“No, my prince-” he closed the door without listening to more before getting back to the bed. He was having a hard time trying to figure out where the ring came from and if he could carry it in the first place. It might be a trap, all the questions in his head could not be answered if he didn’t pick up the ring.

He got closer once again, his fingers touched the silver glowing ring between his fingers and he waited for something to happen yet nothing did.

He rested it on his palm and started examining it closely, just a plain silver ring. Even if it shined brightly it held nothing special, he picked it up and slowly slide it onto his finger. As soon as he did that a strong wind hit and without a second blink he was no longer in his room but rather in front of his mate “Arthfael” he breathed out with a tiny smile with little to no care about his surroundings.

It has been so long since he saw him, the hours strung on so slow that they were suffocating to get through “You put on a ring without knowing where it came from” Arthfael clicked his tongue disapprovingly “That was careless of you”

Jun couldn’t help but just smile as he stepped closer “I guess my carelessness gave me a gift I had been wishing for”

“A ring?” Jun couldn’t help but softly laugh as he bit his lip trying hard to not blush even if his face was already hitting up.

“I meant you” Before he knew it he was lifting his hand to touch Arthfael’s but stopped mid-way and fought off the urge to touch him. It was strong, even if it was just a tiny one he wanted it so badly. Throughout the time they had spent apart he has missed him like crazy “Did you miss me?”

“Yes, if I didn’t I would be doing something else right now” Arthfael suddenly bent down next to Jun’s face who inhaled sharply “You look exhausted” He stood back up “Don’t you sleep? Looking at you right now makes me worried”

Jun couldn’t help his heart, hearing that he was missed was something else but Arthfael being worried was something new to him “I had a long day, I was going to rest when I found this”

“Then I won’t keep you here for long-”

“No- it’s…I mean. I don’t need to sleep right now”

“Sure?” Jun hummed “Take a walk with me then” Arthfael started walking and that was when Jun noticed where they were. It looked exactly like a fantasy world, void of any living creature. A tiny bridge surrounded by yellow flowers that bloomed so brightly.

“Where are we?” It has been so long since Jun saw a world this beautiful.

“Lunar world, the world the ring creates with its seal” Jun nodded in understanding as they continued walking. His eyes were on Arthfael most of the time mesmerized by him, his face would heat up from time to time.

“How is therapy?”

“Not working” The answer is not what Jun had expected, he stopped walking. Arthfael glanced back at him “But he told me to take brave steps” With a big exhale he added “I would like to hold your hand as we take this walk”

Jun couldn’t help the strong thumps in his chest, he was ready for this yet he didn’t know Arthfael would be brave enough to ask for it this early. He had expected it to come after six months and his saying that the therapy wasn’t working showed he will not be there even in six months or it was working but he just didn’t realize it himself.

Jun lifted his hand and rested it into Arthfael’s palm, the size difference was big yet they matched. It was like a puzzle piece that looked odd yet fit perfectly, Jun glanced up at Arthfael and he couldn’t help but smile warmly.

Finally, he was holding Arthfael’s hand.

Chapter 38

---

Sean has always been strong enough to withstand any storm that came his way. He believed that every storm will get an answer eventually, all he had to do was go through the day and hope that the next day was better.

That motto has helped him half his life yet now, now that motto only reminds him how bad things are and how worse they can get the next day. Today is bad and the next day gives zero improvements or worsens right in front of his eyes.

He doesn’t know what to do, staying strong only makes him weak. This pains harder than anything, watching Diego be like this hurts him. The fact that he can neither feed himself nor connect to reality just makes him want to scream out to the world. Blame it for everything that they are going through.

Why too much suffering?

A firm grip on his shirt made him turn to Diego once more, his dead-white pale eyes stared directly at Sean. He wiped his tears taking a seat next to Diego “Did you need something?” Sean tried to smile through the sadness.

Diego’s hand only fell back on the bed weakly, he took it between his palms and asked again “What is it, do you want to tell me something?” he got no reply, just a simple groan of pain “I know, I’m sorry” he apologized knowing Diego had to be in pain but this was the only way of keeping him alive and hidden “But don’t worry, soon this will be over and you will go back to your normal self” not like he was being heard but he tried to comfort the little pieces of Diego he got left.

Even with the little belief he has, he knows a solution will come one of these days. They will find a way to reverse what Darthaniel did, for now all they need to have is patience and Sean needs strength to get him through this rough time… Sean glanced out the window. Deep inside the forest with nothing in sight is where they are hiding.

When Diego’s ancestors let him stay, Diego’s mother recommended this place as a safe place to hide from the world. It’s where Aki Leroy first stayed after the death of his Lord, it was safe from any prying eyes.

Diego having lost not only his memories but also the ability to make a thought put him in danger from others and the more his mind tries to fix itself the more Diego tries to harm himself, as a solution, Sean got a lunar star from the Aki land.

It was strong enough to make Diego weak, making him incapable of moving from the bed. As much pain as this causes Diego, it was necessary because it keeps him from harming himself or running wild.

His health hasn’t improved since that day, even in hiding for almost four months Diego is still not getting better.

Sean looked up, no sunlight can reach where they are, deep inside the forest. In the house Leroy first, Sean hoped a solution will come soon.

---

Arthfael was walking when his path suddenly changed, he glanced around and found Jun smiling at him, and he couldn’t help but smile back “Aren’t you making this more fluent” He wasn’t complaining at all, his heart warms up when he sees Jun.

“I missed you” Arthfael felt a skip inside his heart he forgot where he was going before Jun showed up.

“You look princely” Arthfael commented, Jun glanced down and he was still in his party clothes. He had escaped from boredom and decided to put on the ring so he can meet with Arthfael once again.

“You like it?”

“It suits you” Jun felt his cheeks burning up, and he averted his eyes somewhere else with a tiny smile.

“What were you doing?” Jun asked diverting the conversation. Arthfael leaned onto the tree and Jun followed, both trees were a few meters away from each other. They had a sight worth looking at yet they both had their sights on each other.

“Trying to figure out where Diego is hiding” He has searched yet still has no hope of finding a clue of where those two are hiding “I found Diego’s Aki soul”

“You did? Where?” Jun shot of the tree in both surprise and happiness. He has always felt bad for Diego and after what they did to him he deserves to have his soul back.

“Prison of the souls, the only way to free it is if I put it back inside Diego but I have searched everywhere, and I can’t find him”

“Maybe I can help” Jun took off the ring and in seconds Arthfael was back on the road only to be pulled back when Jun appeared once again with the globe in his hands “It holds enough power to search for anything”

“You can’t strain its energy, we need it, remember”

“I know but if I can do this for him then I don’t care about anything else” Jun still felt guilt up to this day. He took in a deep breath, the orb started glowing as Jun summoned Diego.

The orb started burning in his hands, and the energy emitted from it was strong that Jun let it go. Arthfael was quick to hold it before it hit the ground.

Once in Arthfael’s hands, the light turned down and he was able to see Diego through it “I know where he is” Arthfael lifted his eyes back to Jun who had his hands behind his back “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine” Jun lied, he knew since Arthfael can’t smell his scent he also won’t be able to smell the blood that was licking from his palms “Go find him” Arthfael tried handing him the orb but Jun knew he can’t take his hands from behind his back “Leave it down”

Arthfael looked at Jun for an entire second, he could see him in pain. Something has to have happened while he was holding the orb “Show me your hands” Jun’s eyes widened.

“No”

“Jun” Jun stepped back when Arthfael tried to pull his hand “You’re hurt, don’t hide it from me” Arthfael growled.

“You will never hold my hand if you see it” Those words made Arthfael stop “I will take care of it, just go” Jun didn’t know that his words hurt Arthfael. Arthfael wanted to help his mate and treat him even if he knew he was useless and would probably throw up at the sight of it.

He has known long enough that it was a huge problem but not being able to treat his mate made him even sadder than ever. Maybe for others, it wouldn’t matter but this was his mate “I will heal so that you don’t have to hide your wounds from me”

He rested the orb down and before he could disappear Jun called out to him “Be careful”

He nodded then disappeared. Jun took his hands from behind he back and looked at them, they were a mess. If Arthfael got to see them, they would have taken more steps back from where they were. Holding Arthfael’s hand was a step Jun didn’t want to lose any time soon.

As he held onto the orb he pulled off his ring and went back to his room hoping for the best to come out from where Arthfael went.

Chapter 39

---

Sean was cooking when he felt the air around him shift as if something was in the air even if he couldn’t smell it. With a knife in his hand, he made his way toward Diego’s room where he found a figure standing next to his bed.

Without waiting he ran into them with a knife on their torso “Wh-Arthfael” the realization didn’t make him put his guard down. Arthfael was also one of the people that have added to Diego’s misfortunes “Why are you here?”

“You should step away from me” Arthfael warned as he pushed Sean away “What is wrong with him?” he took a step closer. Diego was drooling.

“Stay away from him” Sean pushed, Arthfael was still in shock when he landed on the ground. He felt as light as paper, dizzy and weak “Why did you come here?” Sean asked pointing the knife, he knew the stone was draining Arthfael as well.

“What are you doing to me?”

“What are you doing here? Do you think I forgot what you did to us?”

“That is why I am here, to repay you for what I did” Arthfael argued “My mate got hurt for this shit”

“I should care about your mate?…look at what Darthaniel did to mine” Sean yelled pointing at Diego.

“What happened?”

“You should leave”

“I found his Aki”

“What- what game are you playing? Does this look like a time to mess around like this, have ever been considerate of other’s pain”

“All I want to do is fight Darthaniel, I stand a better chance if he is back to his full Aki” Arthfael finally pushed himself from the ground “You don’t need to trust me but Darthaniel is our enemy”

Sean thought about it, maybe the hope he was searching for came in the form of the one person he can never trust. Right now he has no one to trust other than Diego but he also has zero choices, Diego needs help “Where is it?”

“I can take you if you stop whatever you’re doing”

“If I stop it will you be able to hold him” Sean gave a warning “And if I find out that you’re lying to me-”

“What? it looks like you have no options” Sean knew Arthfael was right. He knelt and pulled out the lunar star pushing it into the box, Arthfael felt his energy come back as well as Diego tried to run out of the bed.

On instinct he held him in place, Diego was speaking at a faster pace while constantly trying to hit his head “What did he do?”

“You said you know where his soul is”

“I do, I just need…” he snapped his hand and Diego’s real child body appeared next to them “We need him complete and to do that we need his body available”

He moved his hands creating a portal that transported them all into the prison of souls. A cave that gave them the hardship to be able to see anything. A fire was lit, Sean holding onto Diego while Arthfael carried Diego’s lifeless child body.

Sean kept himself aware of the surroundings, the small whispering voices were all around them yet they could see no one. His gut was screaming danger yet he followed Arthfael- “Diego” Sean yelled when Diego got out of his hands and ran. He followed running through the darkness of the cave “Diego”

“Sean” Sean stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide in surprise. He glanced around seeing no one, he started doubting if he had heard correctly.

“Mom”

“Keep yourself together” Arthfael roughly pulled him by the shoulder “These are souls trying to kill you so that they can escape. They can use the person you know or used to know”

Sean nodded, that makes a lot of sense. His mom died a long time ago “Diego” Sean ran once again, Diego was lost in a dangerous place like this.

Sean paused when he found Diego on a cliff, he lifted his leg about to take a step off “Diego!!!!” Sean yelled, paralyzed in a spot. He was watching Diego about to take a step that might end his life in a blink of an eye.

Just as he was about to fall he was held and pulled back roughly onto the ground. Sean ran over holding him into his chest “Shit, something is here. We need to move quickly” His hold on Diego was stronger this time as they got back into the cave quickly.

They moved deeper into the basement of the place as strong fog consumed the entire place. Sean was following while trying to avoid his mom’s voice which was getting louder every second “Hold him” Arthfael ordered while holding his hands onto the wall. His palm pushed into it and it started to fade creating a doorway.

As soon as they stepped in the cave closed behind and fire torches turned on. In the center of the room, a soul was tied in chains. All the light on it had faded, its eyes dark and lifeless. To most, it could be mistaken as a mere human. But Sean remembers the time he saw it in his dream, it looked shinier than it was now.

A thump was heard when Diego fainted and landed on the ground. All eyes moved on him but for just a second when Arthfael rested Diego’s child body next to it “We need to start the ceremony now”

Sean’s eyes were on the soul that hasn’t moved a single inch. Was it dead? “Sean pull…him closer” Arthfael pulled him out of his thoughts. He pulled Diego’s body closer to the soul and then stepped back as Arthfael began the ritual.

The chains on the Aki untied and fell to the ground with a loud clank. The Aki soul too weak to keep itself in a sitting position ended up falling to its side, his lifeless eyes staring directly at his young body.

Sean didn’t know how he felt it but he did, the desperation it had to go back inside Diego. He could feel how desperately he wanted to touch Diego’s body… “What are you doing?” Sean’s eyes were wide open looking at the knife between Arthfael’s fingers.

“Getting him out of this body” Arthfael explained and was going to push the knife down when Sean stopped him once again. He sighed holding his waist “We are wasting time with this…I can’t kill him”

“How can I trust your word when you have a knife in your hands”

“I am not a witch, I can’t take out his soul with a spell. The body has to die for him to connect with his Aki and then proceed to his real body” He tried to explain it with little to no anger but he failed, his frustration seeped through every word he let out. He groaned and without a warning, he passed the knife through Diego’s chest.

Sean held a hand on his mouth as he watched the blood seep through Diego’s clothes. He didn’t make a sound, it’s like he died in his sleep without feeling any pain.

Sean had to hold a hand over his chest to keep himself from sobbing as he hoped that Arthfael wasn’t lying to him. He hoped he didn’t fall into another one of his schemes and handed Diego into his hands.

Moments later a light shot out of Exton’s now dead body, Sean took a step back as Diego’s soul floated at the top of their heads. Just on cue, the Aki that was laying down helplessly floated the same as it started gaining light.

They both met and collided forming one big starlight right before entering Diego’s real body.

The body of a child.

With the silence filling the small cave, Sean hoped for whatever Arthfael had done to work. He didn’t mind if Diego came back as a child or not. All he needs was for him to be alive and well. For him to come back.

Diego’s body started trembling uncontrollably, sounds of the ground shaking like the cave might bury them alive. Sean wanted to run over but Arthfael stopped him, they needed to keep their distance from him and watch the process.

“He is breaking the curse”

The cave stopped shaking as a strong light consumed the entire cave blinding them both. By the time it calmed down in front of them lay a full-grown man with ripped clothes.

As the light died completely down Sean could see the most handsome face he has ever looked at and then his eyes opened.

It all felt like the time had slowed down, trying to help him to savor a moment filled with joy. A long waited moment was finally in front of them and neither of them could believe it until Diego opened his mouth…

“Who are you?”

Chapter 40

---

Diego groaned as he felt a pounding inside his head. It was extremely excruciating with unbearable pain following it. In all his life his head had never hurt as it did right now, he snapped his finger and within a second the pain was subdued but still not gone, so he did it again ‘Is my healing effect not working?’ he thought

“Are you okay?” A worried voice got him to finally open his eyes which he didn’t know were closed due to the throbbing in his head. His eyes found red teary ones of a face he had never seen before.

Whatever he drank got him in a place he didn’t know with people he knew weren’t in his clan. The smell alone indicated that the person in front of him was indeed human and the smell not far away was of a demon. As his eyes wandered around the entire place looked like a cave with crumbled rocks covering some parts. Like they were trapped.

“Fucks sake, what did I do this time?” Diego whined as he pushed himself from the ground “I’m so dead…so dead…think, think….” He was pacing around the tiny room trying to think about what he did last night that got him in this mess. His eyes moved back to the two that were staring at him as if he were a movie.

He looked at both of them “What did we do last night? How did I come to be in the same space as a demon?…stop right there…mom is going to kill me if she finds out about this”

“Don’t tell me you’re still out of your mind?” Arthfael questioned still not catching up with this behavior. He had thought that once his Aki is back so will Diego.

“I’m I? What did you give me?” He is not one to forget, maybe the demon gave him something that wasn’t consumable but since when has he drunk with demons and humans?

“Diego?” Sean called also kind of lost yet Diego glanced behind himself.

“Who are you calling?” suddenly his face came to that of understanding…That had to be the name he used last night when lying to the human. His name is so old and most humans tend to have a hard time pronouncing it plus he has to hide his identity to not be suspicious to humans “Anyway, I have to go. Need to find a lie to tell my parents before it’s too late”

His hands moved to his body and found his clothes ripped and so tight on his body “What the fuck am I wearing?” He made his way to the door with Sean still in a trance and the last thing he heard from Diego was “Why can’t I remember what I did last night” before he disappeared.

That was when the trance disappeared, Sean ran after him but he was nowhere to be found “Diego?…Diego!” A hand on his elbow turned him around.

“This isn’t the place to yell” Arthfael warned as he pulled him through the tunnels before he created a portal and got them out of the soul prison.

“Why are we here? We should go back-”

“He is not there” Arthfael cut off his rants “He has to be on his way back home”

“What happened? What was that?”

“He came back, the spell was broken but I think he doesn’t remember anything”

“He has amnesia?”

“Not quite, he keeps on healing his headaches so I am thinking that his Aki is trying to heal him and make him remember but the more he keeps on healing his head the more he won’t remember but I think he is fine…and powerful too” Arthfael could feel the energy emitting from Diego the minute he woke up. He knew that kind of power would be needed to defeat Darthaniel “We just need to stop him from healing his head and then he will remember-”

“No” Arthfael looked at him wondering why he would say no “I don’t want him to remember”

“What? How will he fight Darthaniel if he doesn’t remember”

“That was the first time I saw him relaxed without mist in his eyes I-” Arthfael was looking at him as if he had gone crazy.

“Are you bringing your mate bond into this, this is war and I need him-”

Sean didn’t expect Arthfael to understand, he has never understood anything but for Sean he understands. This is the best he has seen Diego, even if he was all panicked and seemed crazy at the beginning but this was the only time Sean has seen him worry about something as futile as what he did last night. He has always looked like the world was weighing in on his shoulders yet right now. This was a moment Sean had dreamed of seeing and he was not going to tell it away because of war “Thank you for everything but I will take it from here”

“Darthaniel will be coming for him”

“I will be ready” Arthfael couldn’t help himself but scoff.

“Just remember, you owe me one” That was a deal with the devil but Sean didn’t care. He was thankful for everything that Arthfael did for him today. He brought Diego back and that was something he could never repay him.

“Thank you” Arthfael watched Sean run when the sting in his back increased, he moved his fingers to the pain healing it with a wave of his hand before creating a portal back to hell.

---

Sean drove the car to Diego’s village, next to the river. He didn’t know how he was going to explain the disappearance of Diego’s clan but he hoped Diego doesn’t remember that pain once again.

A frustrated cry pulled Sean out of his worry when Diego walked out of the water and lay on his back at the edge of the river. Even before Sean could move Diego had turned towards him “What are you doing here?” Diego asked calmly, Sean took a cautious step towards him.

“What happened?”

“I can’t get in!” Diego yelled while pulling at his hair then he remembered what he has just said “I mean…I, fuck. You’re human why am I telling you all this”

“You have already told me about everything”

“I did” Sean smiled as he took a sit next to Diego “Usually I don’t talk a lot…damn I don’t even know how I went into the human world and now Mom has locked me out”

“She has?” Sean glanced at the river where they passed the last time.

“I don’t even know why I am telling you all of this, but anyway I will just erase your mind”

“Or we can go and enjoy while we wait for your mom to calm down” Diego smiled glancing at him.

“I always pick the right company, let’s go” He pushed off the ground and patted down on his clothes, he seemed to have changed into fitting ones and looked dashingly cool “I didn’t get your name”

“Sean”

“Eirenaios”

“Can I just call you Diego”

“You’re my friend, why use a fake name”

“Or are you planning on erasing my memory after this”

“Well…” he didn’t deny it yet he got a reaction he wasn’t expecting. A laugh, a human who isn’t scared of the unknown got him curious. Most humans would run yet he was with a demon and an Aki but he was not scared.

“You’re staring” Sean pointed out.

“Something about you makes me comfortable and it’s making me curious”

Sean smiled as he held onto the car door “I am just glad I make you comfortable” he said before getting into the car and Diego couldn’t help but smile while shaking his head. For the first time, he is interested in a human.

Chapter 41

---

Arthfael constantly kept on healing the pain in his lower back because the pain kept on coming back. That was hours ago but now, the pain is consistent to the maximum and he can’t heal it.

He pulled off his shirt as he entered his room walking straight into the mirror, he turned around, and on his lower back was a big circle of purplish bruises. He tried healing it once again but it just started throbbing harder “Fuckin shit” he limped onto his bed and as soon as he sat the pain shot through his body making him unable to sit as he fell back on his back.

This was the first time he failed to heal any physical wound on his body. He was questioning his power and was about to call his father but he was unable to move.

Unable to move or say a word, the mirror started shaking and soon a figure came out of it. Arthfael tried pushing himself up to fight his worst enemy yet he couldn’t, he was unable to move an inch. The more he fought to get up the more painful it got.

Darthaniel stared down at him, he could feel the fury getting off of Arthfael, and he could understand. He was standing in his room and Arthfael had nothing to do about it “Hell has the strongest unbreakable seals yet look where I am” Darthaniel mocked as he took in the air feeling like a god “In hell with the son of Aeneas Asmodeus”

Arthfael seethed, breathing raggedly “It makes me just love how useful you are, playing right into my plans until you brought me to this moment. Did you for one second think that everything was a plan? Getting into my head, finding Diego’s Aki” Darthaniel’s lip twitched “Did you think I can let a child like you in here” he jumped pulling Arthfael’s neck up “I want your father, he is a worthy opponent”

Arthfael tried to wield all his power and at least punch him in the face but still, he couldn’t move “I don’t like that he is sending you” Darthaniel bit his hand and blood fell out onto Arthfael’s cheek, his anger got replaced with fear making Darthaniel scoff while getting off him and sitting beside him “You’re going to go into a deep sleep, maybe that will bring your father out” And with that, he went out how he came, through the mirror and out of sight.

Arthfael stayed in bed trembling, the trickling of blood on his cheek making him want to cry out yet only silent tears came out feeling so fearful and frustrated. Frustrated that even after all this time Darthaniel had a higher step, not only that but also the fact that he still has the same fear, his biggest weakness.

---

Jun felt like pulling his hair out, the more time he spent with his father the harder it got for them to not argue. It’s the only thing they keep doing day in and day out.

All because of different views, his father can never understand why things need to change and why if he were to rule it would be in a different way. Some things need to change from the way things are now and how they used to be.

Right now Jun couldn’t be bothered about the change in rules or something. Right now his biggest problem is marriage, it is getting harder by day to convince his father that marriage doesn’t rule. A person is willing to do anything for his people’s rules, married or not.

“-This is not like hell, we have responsibilities-”

“You mean just because they are demons they don’t” Another argument about how he was raised horribly by the demons.

“Listen to you, disobeying and talking back with no respect at all”

“Now this is about respect? I have and will always respect you but there are things I should do by myself. A throne does not equal marriage”

“With Larpons it does”

“Then we should change that coz I am not marrying anyone except him”

“Him?” Jun raised his eyes once he realized what he had just let slip. His father would die if he found out what ‘him’ meant. He despised the demons more than anything and his son wanting and willing to marry a demon might end up in his death “Who?!” he seethed his veins almost popping.

“No one, Father I was just…” Jun was still searching for the perfect lie “I just meant I don’t want to get married” He ended up wanting to go back to the original argument instead of something else but when his father gave no response he tried waving his hand in front of his face “Father” he called and tried shaking him but he was as still as a wall, he glanced around and could feel something strange in the air.

Like it was frozen still, he walked towards the door to find everyone frozen with one figure making its way towards him “Aeneas” Jun called with a wave.

“Am I not getting a hug” Aeneas teased, Jun smiled and hugged Aeneas as tight as he could.

“What brings you here?”

“When was the last time you saw Arthfael?”

“Um, yesterday when he was going to help Diego get his Aki back. Did something happen?”

“It was so good to see you” Aeneas smiled as he engulfed Jun in another hug “I have to go, come visit when you have time” Without waiting for Jun to say anything Aeneas disappeared then everything went back to normal.

“Jun!” His father yelled yet nothing could get Jun out of his worry.

“Father I need to be alone” he took quick steps back into his room picking up the ring and resting it on his figure. He was taken into the ring land yet Arthfael was not there.

There has never been a day that Arthfael was not there, even when busy the ring would pull him. Jun glanced at his hand, the healing wound on his palm reminding him how he got it. Something told him that there was something wrong with his mate and he needed to go back to hell as soon as possible.

---

“Did you find out something?” Alexander asked as soon as Aeneas got back in the room.

“He gave Diego his Aki back, I think Darthaniel’s trick was-” Aeneas cut himself off when David made a shh motion and then pointed at the mirror.

Aeneas got closer and he felt anger building inside him, Darthaniel not only got in but also left a door behind to spy on them “Should we go in” Elvis asked.

“No” Aeneas replied, sealed the door then broke the glass into pieces “If he made Arthfael like this then he wants something, from me”

“What could that be?” Will asked, all their eyes were on Aeneas. They were willing to follow his lead to save his son, no matter what it took.

“I gave my son six months, it’s only three. If I get involved I may be added to his play. A moment like this calls for a scared father to try and save his child, that has to be what he wants”

“Aeneas-”

“Alexander I am going to save our son, but if we don’t think we might end up where he wants us, and if we do think we might also end up where he wants us”

“Now you’re losing us” Edward chimed in

“Depending on how this entire thing has been going, my son has been playing into his game. Whatever we do right now, we are going to end up playing his game, we just need to choose which one”

They all glanced at each other, they weren’t scared. They were ready for anything that was to come their way

Chapter 42

---

Sean hit the brakes when Aeneas suddenly appeared in front of the car. From that instant, he knew something big was happening for Aeneas to be showing up out of nowhere like this. It’s always Arthfael that is making trouble “Don’t get out of the car” He instructed as he unbuckled his seat belt.

“Isn’t that a demon” Diego got out of the car before Sean could stop him “He looks like the other one we met earlier right”

“Just stay here” The sternness in his voice made Diego feel like Sean was hiding something. Here he was once again not scared of a demon, and not just any demon. With the aura that was coming off of the demon Diego knew this was a really powerful demon from the one they had been with earlier.

The smell and air reminded him of something, something he couldn’t put his finger on “Why are you here?” Sean questioned, stern yet his voice trembled and Diego heard it so he made his way closer to Sean.

“I’m stronger than any demon, no need to worry” Diego comforted, he didn’t know why he did but he felt like he should. He didn’t like the fact that the human was scared, he felt overly protective “Who are you and why are you here?” Aeneas moved his eyes to Sean then back to Deigo.

“You don’t know who I am?” the entire universe knew him and Diego should know him.

“He had an accident, he doesn’t remember much” Sean intervened.

“I did?” Diego was shocked, did he have an accident making him forget some things? No wonder something feels different but how would he forget? He was an Aki, capable of restoring his brain in a second how could he forget a thing? That was highly unlikely and he took it as the human lying

Aeneas made his way closer, and Diego pushed Sean behind “An Aki that doesn’t remember” Aeneas clicked his tongue, he was about to add when Sean ran to him and shook his head as if begging him to not say anything “Well since you’re my mate’s best friend, I will do as you say but I need him to come with me”

“Why?” Why would Aeneas need Diego

“He needs to break a spell for me”

“A spell?” Sean glanced at Diego “He doesn’t know how to do that” Diego sucked in a breath as his words lodged in his throat. How the hell does a mere human know about that, did he open up that much to a human?

“This one just needs his blood”

“Why would I give a demon my blood-” Aeneas walked closer and Diego prepared himself for anything.

“You always want to fight the strong ones huh?”

“A demon?” Diego scoffed, the only strong creature was Abnus but he knew if given a chance he would kill it in just seconds “There is no demon that can match me, I can even give their king a run for his kingdom”

Aeneas laughed, a short laugh but an amused one “Now I see how you got in trouble” He sighed while stepping back “How about you give me a run for my kingdom”

“Lord Aeneas” Diego spoke out with a hand on his mouth “You look different” The last time he saw him he was sure this wasn’t the face “It can’t be, he looks nothing like you or did you overthrow him”

“Who would dare dethrone me?” Diego glanced at Sean, something felt off. If Aeneas looks different, then how much has he missed? Was he out for a day or longer than that for Aeneas to have a new face? Either a body switch which couldn’t have happened. His bet was reincarnation and that proved he is missing something.

“Something doesn’t feel right-” he held onto his head which had begun throbbing once again. The more he strained himself to recall what he had missed the harder it became for him to remember. He healed himself but as before he had to do it three times before he got a bit of relief.

“Are you okay?”

“The three of us need to leave” Without warning Aeneas teleported them into Arthfael’s room where they found Alexander and Jun sitting beside Arthfael. The rest had left after they had gone through their plan of doing absolutely nothing. This was a battle that they should intervene in once asked but other than that they won’t be doing a thing.

Both Jun and Alexander gasped once they saw Diego “You’re back” They both looked at him up and down, Diego also looked at himself wondering what they were looking at, he didn’t even know the two of them. He knew the one that was on the bed “He was able to do it” Alexander glanced at his son proudly, he had finally managed to get Diego his Aki back.

“He lost his memory” Aeneas cut them off before they could say more, he moved to Arthfael and flipped him onto his side “I need you to undo this” Diego walked over and glanced at the back of Arthfael’s back.

“I can’t believe I am doing this for a demon” Diego squatted down without any idea why he was doing this. His mother would kill him if she found out where he is and who he has met “And you’re lucky, this is the only spell I can undo”

Aeneas glanced at Alexander, this was exactly what Darthaniel wanted. They all knew Diego was busy running around with girls and partying to learn that many spells and even when he was cursed the last thing he did was learn spells like these but there was only one spell he could do, retract a sleeping bug from someone.

He picked up a small glass bowl and cut a line onto Arthfael’s back. Blood trickled down into the glass and as it was closing he stuck his already bleeding finger into Arthfael’s cut-open wound.

With the power of his blood, all the poison inside Arthfael’s body started leaking into the bowl. Slowly, he started pulling the bug that was spreading the poison out all being careful to not cause more harm. He was never a professional at spell-breaking.

Never have been interested. If it didn’t involve self-defense or learning how to defeat Abnus he was not interested.

The minute the bug got pulled out and into the bowl, he closed it while it was still alive then used his magic to squash it to death.

Arthfael gasped back awake, Aeneas was quick to clean all the blood and heal his wound before he could see anything “Are you okay?” Alexander asked, Arthfael nodded while pushing himself up.

“How long have I been sleeping?” the pain was now subduing

“Just hours” Alexander replied, Arthfael stormed off the bed seething then left the room without a word

“He needs to cool off, let him be” Aeneas caught his mate who was about to follow. Jun didn’t listen he only walked out of the room and followed.

“We should leave,” Sean said holding Diego’s hand.

“Thank you so much” Alexander hugged both Sean and Diego “Thank you”

By the time they left hell, Diego had questioning thoughts. Why the hell was an angel doing in hell, who was the demon he saved? Was he Aeneas’s brother…that was impossible. Aeneas didn’t have blood-related siblings.

The demon looked more like him yet he had a hint of angel blood in him.

Plus how did they know his blood would help in such a spell, that had to be a stupid question because everyone knew that both demon angel blood could save a spell like that but the question remains, why call for him when they already had an angel and a demon in the room.

They could have done the spell.

“Doesn’t something feel weird to you, why would Lord Aeneas call for me to break such a simple spell”

“You might not know this but I have been worrying about so much for the past months, today I don’t want to do any of that”

“Oh, okay” Diego wanted to dig more into what he missed “But I need to remember what-”

“Trust me, you don’t”

“Why?” Now Diego was even more worried, what is it that he shouldn’t remember? Sean didn’t want him to find out, it would be sad for him to remember such tragedies. He will keep it from happening for as long as possible until it’s inevitable but if he can still fight to keep Diego from that pain then he should.

“Your mother locked you out because you became close with the demons, mostly the demon king” Diego couldn’t believe his stupidity, this was something that surprised even him “We met because I am best friends with Aeneas’ mate. The angel…but last night you fell into a cave and forgot everything”

“But I am incapable of forgetting”

“Let’s go and enjoy another night”

“Well, I can never say no to that” even if it still lingered at the back of his mind he decided to have another fun night with the human. He saw no harm in that.

Chapter 43

---

Jun found Arthfael surrounded by fire, seething so hard that everything around him was burning. He would throw fireballs into the walls with so much force the entire place shook from the impact.

Jun could see the fire in his eyes, this was the first time he had seen Arthfael look so completely angry yet so out of it. Without thinking so hard he ran through the fire and hugged him.

Arthfael having been taken by surprise took a step back but Jun didn’t let go. Instead, he held him tighter showing him he was here. His head on his shoulder, they were not mated but he could feel the anguish inside Arthfael.

Arthfael who was holding it in very well, who was turning his fear into anger found himself breaking down. The first time he needed a hug and without any words he was given one from someone he had started getting used to. He hugged back and cried with a scream, he felt so frustrated by everything “He has been a step ahead of me, he always is”

“One of these days we are going to be a step ahead of him”

“No” Arthfael stepped back “I can’t, he will always win. Everything he leaves behind is for me to find, for me to fall into his trap. I am not my father, I can-” Jun gave him another hug.

“Let us first calm down then we will think later”

“No, we need to stop Darthaniel right now and there is only one person who could do that” Arthfael was ready to step back and let his father handle everything. He was not ready.

“Arthfael where are you going?”

“To my father”

---

Sean pulled Diego onto the dance floor, they started dancing freely. Something Sean has wished to see Diego do. Without fear or sadness, just carelessness, and as Diego jumped up and down Sean couldn’t help but smile and try to erase every worry even if it still lingered.

A million questions in his head yet one thing lingered the most. How was he going to protect Diego from this cruel world, that was the most important thing to him “You said we shouldn’t worry but it looks like you are worrying about something” Diego whisper-yelled in his ear as he pulled him into his body and started grinding onto each other.

Sean smiled wrapping his hands around Diego’s shoulders, he had to tip-toe now that Sean was much taller than him “You know, I have never danced like this with a guy before”

Sean lightly chuckled “Is it a problem?” his voice was teasing while he pushed himself into Diego even more. Diego smiled back his hand going onto Sean’s ass and groping it.

His other hand found Sean’s side of the neck “There is something about you that just…” Sean pulled back when Diego tried to kiss him. Diego was taken back “Wow, this is a first…someone refused to kiss me and my heart is aching”

“This is the third time but I don’t plan on making you wait any longer” As Sean leaned in this time, the music stopped and everything went still. All the people that were grinding onto each other stopped and through them came a figure in a long white trench coat, and black hair followed by purely dark eyes “Darthaniel” Sean pulled Diego as he took a slow step back.

The last time they met it ended badly for the both of them and Diego still has no memory of that.

Diego smelled a dark Aki, all his life he had been practicing to be able to fight a dark Aki but there was only one dark Aki.

Then what is this dark Aki that he is looking at?

“Who are you?” Diego seethed his anger already showing and ready to attack. He is to fight dark Akies “Where did you come from?” Darthaniel’s eyes didn’t show anything, if anything they went darker as they stared deeply into his. The look was strong enough to make him feel like he was suffocating, he took a first step forward.

He was fighting with himself, he felt like his body was betraying him and moving forward against his will. With each step he took he tried to find a will to stop yet nothing happened until he was right in front of Darthaniel, and he fell onto his knees feeling weak.

He didn’t know what was happening yet his Aki was not responding. It felt like every muscle in his body was being pulled “It’s not you that I wanted but I have to admit I got myself a big fish” Darthaniel spoke looking down at Diego “Let’s go” As if on command Diego’s body got up to follow.

Sean ran in trying to pull Diego back “What are you doing?” he asked Diego, why the hell was he trying to follow the enemy?

Today was not the day to deal with the human “Sean, we will meet again-” Darthaniel got cut off when Sean ran into him. Darthaniel glanced down at the small boy with an annoyed face. He held the back of his shirt pushing him away when he suddenly lost all his energy. He slumped down onto his back unable to move with Sean on top of him.

“I was ready for us to meet” Sean responded as he got off and on Darthaniel’s stomach laid the star stone. The stone was strong enough to drain any creature’s energy, it worked well on a white Aki, and it can work just as well on a dark one “Diego” he turned towards Diego who was taking in deep breaths.

“What happened?”

“You were following him, what happened to you?” Just then the crowd resumed dancing “Help me take him out” Diego lifted Darthaniel off the ground as Sean held the stone still on his body until they reached a secluded area.

“You need to tell me what is going on” Diego argued after resting Darthaniel down, he still felt kind of weak from being close to the stone himself. He had so many questions like where Sean got his great grandfather’s stone from but the most important question first “Why did I just lose control over my Aki?” Sean who hadn’t caught on glanced at Diego and then Darthaniel wondering what that meant. ‘Control?’

“Lost control?” He asked slowly.

“He must have gotten a hold of my blood, we need to kill him now” Sean held Diego before he could launch toward Darthaniel.

“Let us calm down and think” Sean spoke, his mind was somewhere else. He regrets trusting the demons once again, he should have known something was off the minute Aeneas asked for help on a spell.

Sean held both sides of Diego’s cheeks and as he pulled himself onto his tiptoes he touched their lips in a soft kiss.

A tiny gasp escaped Diego’s lips as his eyes slowly closed his hands moved onto Sean’s back his lips parting a bit to welcome Sean’s “Diego” Sean suddenly broke it not letting it go deep with his forehead leaning onto Diego’s. Just the small simple touch made Diego’s heart excited yet calm, the feeling deep inside him was not anything he had ever experienced before ‘Who exactly is this human?’ a lot of secrets. “We can not trust anyone again” he looked at him deep in the eyes “We only have each other” Sean cried while hugging Diego.

“What do you mean?”

“Aeneas betrayed us to save his son” Sean felt Diego’s body paralyze, he pulled back to see what was wrong but Diego was not looking at him. His eyes were behind him where Darthaniel was.

Sean turned his head to find Darthaniel back on his legs with the stone in his hands. It had lost all its light and was now pitch black “Did no one tell you that a dark Aki can turn anything dark at will” Darthaniel stepped closer in front of Sean who was trembling in fear holding on to an unresponsive Diego “You weren’t meant to die today but…” his hand shot onto Sean’s neck “I see the more I keep you around the more you become a problem”

Sean got lifted off the ground, his hands tried to crawl at the hand that was choking the light out of him but he was weak. Diego wasn’t even looking, his eyes still stuck at one spot unmovingly.

“Diego?” Sean choked out but got no response, he felt his eyes roll in the back with all the life escaping his body. A loud growl was heard, and Sean felt his body crash onto the ground with his eyes unfocused.

Legs thumped around him, noises, growls, and yells were all he heard before a strong light consumed his sight and that is when he lost consciousness.

---

The second Arthfael found his father he said “You have to kill Darthaniel”

“I am not intervening until six months are over, you still have three months”

“I can’t do it!”

Aeneas took in a deep breath as he made his way closer to his child holding his shoulders “You need a few days to recuperate and heal-” Arthfael pushed his hands off.

“What don’t you get?” He seethed with a yell as he kicked into the wall creating a hole “I need him dead”

“Then kill him” Arthfael glanced at his father and with anger he held his collar.

“What don’t you see that I can’t, I want you to go and kill him” Aeneas looked at his son calmly, his son was seething and gritting his teeth with eyes red his demon almost out.

“Are you sure what you want is to quit?”

“ You’re my father“ Arthfael’s hands retracted from his father’s collar to his chest as tears fell from his eyes “Grant me this wish, kill him” Arthfael cried while hugging his father. A rare body contact.

Aeneas has seen his son every time he broke down over blood, and fainted. He has carried him from time to time but he has never seen him quit like this. He felt a certain anger bubble inside his chest and as he hugged his son he assured him…

“I will kill him”

Chapter 44

---

Sean gasped upon opening his eyes, he was in the most shining room ever. Everything shined like gold, the sheets that were covering his body were silk gold plus the floor.

His hand moved to his neck when he remembered how he was about to be choked to death by Darthaniel. He threw his legs off the bed and walked towards the window pulling the gold curtain aside. His eyes met with fire, like a fire city filled with phoenixes.

The door opened behind him and the woman he knows as the goddess of Phoenix Ruxnera “I see you’re finally awake”

“What am I doing here?”

“To help you become the god you were born to be”

---

Jun pushed the door to Aeneas’ office to find Arthfael sitting on a chair with his teeth tapping the ground anxiously. He closed the door slowly “Where is Aeneas?”

“Gone to kill that bastard” Arthfael spoke with gritted teeth, his anger was beyond what he could control and just sitting around was making him even more anxious. All he wanted was to see Darthaniel’s head bloody. He was willing to trigger his phobia just so he could see that bastard lifeless.

“Oh,” Jun nodded while taking a sit too when suddenly Arthfael yelled pushing the seat back and getting up.

“I should have joined him to witness that bastard be ripped to shreds” Jun didn’t say anything back, just those words proved that Aeneas agreed to end Darthaniel.

He was relieved coz he too was done with Darthaniel, he wanted the bastard dead and with Aeneas taking the job it will be done sooner than later.

Maybe they will get some peace after this.

---

Darthaniel had taken control over Diego and was enjoying watching him do as he says. He has always wanted to have him in his hands ever since he found out that Diego had killed his father, however back then Darthaniel was not ready to face anyone.

The ground shook when something landed ripping the entire house apart leaving both Darthaniel and Diego exposed. Darthaniel stood up to find all his creatures choking on their blood with Aeneas standing over them in his human form.

“I see I caught your attention” Darthaniel spoke while untying Diego from his chains “Don’t come back until he is dead” he commanded

“I thought you wanted to fight me, why send him?”

“I am not stupid” Darthaniel wanted his attention but he knew he was not going to go head-on with the king of the underworld. Only a white Aki can compare to his power “Kill him” Diego’s eyes turned pitch white his Aki taking full control.

Aeneas took one step back as his scythe appeared in his hand. Diego flew towards him with full force, Aeneas blocked with his scythe, and as he pushed back Diego’s hand had already ripped his shoulder open.

Darthaniel nodded in approval, the first hit and Aeneas was already bleeding.

Aeneas pushed the Aki back as it launched again but Diego sent white waves of knives towards him. The demon moved out of their way as quickly as possible and hit Diego on the head sending him to the ground.

Diego wanted to attack again but the scythe was on his neck “Get up and kill him” Darthaniel yelled, Diego’s eyes darkened… He took ahold of Aeneas’ scythe breaking the tip off right before sending Aeneas in the air.

Aeneas gasped in shock when he glanced at his now broken scythe, no one can do that but Diego did it in an instant without breaking a sweat. ‘He was indeed one of the strongest white Akies’ Aeneas admitted and watched as Diego attacked again, he sent fire towards the Aki, and with the distraction he got closer punching him on the head and sending him onto the ground.

Diego screamed holding his head in pain, Darthaniel exhaled in anger as he pulled off his coat picking up his sword “He has always been useless” Darthaniel spoke while attacking. Aeneas avoided the sword as fast as he could, his shoulder already healed and as he teleported his scythe into his hand he pushed it into Darthaniel but it couldn’t go as deep as he wanted because the tip was off, and with that, Darthniel managed to push his sword into his chest.

He pulled it out as Aeneas was bleeding, he went to cut off his head but got pushed back by Diego “You betrayed us to save your son” Diego growled while pulling Aeneas’s heart out of his chest.

Aeneas glanced at his open chest and his heart between Diego’s hands. He fell back choking on his blood while taking in ragged and useless breaths before going still.

Darthaniel pushed Diego off of Aeneas’s body and took a closer look. He was disappointed that he wasn’t the one to end Aeneas but also happy that he had managed to kill Aeneas. The undefeated king of the underworld. A surprised laugh escaped his lips as he checked the body to make sure Aeneas wasn’t healing but with his heart out that was impossible.

He glanced at Diego who was staring at his hands in horror but that didn’t matter. He felt angry that he pointed his sword on Diego’s head “I guess Lord Helios gave you all the power” he gritted out, he can’t believe he had to defeat Aeneas with the help of a white Aki. The white Akies have always been favored and he was forgotten.

He lifted his sword ready to cut off Diego’s head in anger but as he was about to he knew he still needed him. He knew he will be undefeated with Diego on his side.

He yelled as his sword chopped off Aeneas’ head “Your mate will be easy to kill now. And your son is not a threat. My real threat now is Helios if he reincarnates but I know he will not be able to do a thing if I have his mate in my hands” his eyes glanced at Diego

“I got them in my hands”

---

The goddess of Phoenix moved closer but Sean created space “You don’t trust me”

“For now the only person I trust is Diego and if you want me to trust you, you should let me go”

“But you’re not a prisoner, you can leave when you want” Sean showed he didn’t trust her at all and was willing to get out of there to search for Diego himself “But I don’t think you should leave this place as human, that will not help your mate”

“I will try”

“He is under a dark Aki’s control. How can you?..a human stop him and get your mate back”

Sean knew she was speaking facts but how is he to know she is speaking the truth? No one does a good deed, no one helps without a secret intention. Everyone cares for themselves even if it hurts others.

Sean has learned that firsthand, he has been betrayed over and over just because he trusts “Of course it’s not for free” Like Sean had guessed, she stepped closer “After your reincarnation you are to be on my side and help me fight your brother”

“I want no part in whatever is between you and Lord Helios’ brother”

She smiled “And you think staying human keeps you out, I am helping you fight fair coz your brother won’t, and as soon as he finds out that your mate’s curse is broken and he is no longer immortal he will be aiming for him” Sean’s eyes widened.

He had not thought about that, Now Diego can die. He can live a long life but he can die if attacked “Immortality is for gods and your mate is no god”

“What are you saying?”

“You should be a god to protect your mate”

“How do I do that?”

Chapter 45

---

A loud cry consumed hell and all the walls wailed. Arthfael stood up curiously, he left his father’s office with Jun in tow. They walked through the halls of hell with other demons also hearing the wails.

He met up with Elvis who was also following the wails, they ended up in his father’s room. Arthfael’s heart stopped and he pushed the door as quickly as possible to find his papa on the ground crying out loud with a hand on his chest.

“Papa” Arthfael approached holding his shoulders “Papa, what is wrong?” Alexander screamed as he tried to tear his chest out. Arthfael held his hand stopping him from hurting himself as he glanced at Elvis.

Elvis tripped back with fear in his eyes “No, no” He shook his head. Alexander cried out while fighting his son trying to hurt himself again “No” Elvis growled.

“What?” Arthfael felt it deep inside, something bad. It was something so bad “What happened?” Edward ran in after hearing the wails, his eyes were on Alexander and then on his mate.

“No” He shook his head catching up on what happened quicker than Arthfael. Cries from another room caught their attention as well, every demon was crying and this proved Arthfael’s suspicion that he was not willing to believe “This can’t be” Edward spoke while shaking his head no.

Jun was still in the dark even if he felt like something big had happened. He just didn’t know what it was but it was big enough to get Elvis, Edward, Alexander, and the entire underground crying “It can’t be” Arthfael shook his head “It can’t be” hell shook like thunder causing them all to look up except Alexander who was still wailing nonstop.

“What was that?” Elvis got up and ran through the door with Elvis.

“Jun, stay with him” Arthfael followed running after Elvis. Elvis suddenly stopped between the hallways as a package appeared. He knelt pulling the lid off.

“Stay back” Elvis ordered but Arthfael had already reached and his eyes caught sight of his father’s head in a box. He held onto the wall unable to function. His legs buckled under him, his hands trembling. He was having a hard time breathing as he slid down.

Both Alexander and Edward appeared behind them with Jun in tow. Elvis got up with a growl and without looking at anyone he created a portal, Edward tried calling for him but he was already gone. Edward glanced at the demons “I need soldiers to follow Elvis right now…Will, David, Samantha can you hear me…Elvis needs you right now…” His voice faded out the more he spoke while disappearing behind the walls of hell.

“Arthfael” Jun called, Arthfael was breathing weirdly “Arthfael” he was unresponsive, just shivering with short breaths. Arthfael held his hand squeezing it hard as if it was the only thing that was keeping him alive right before his eyes closed.

Jun glanced around for help but everyone was in a mess, Alexander was crying over his mate. Elvis and Edward with some soldiers have all gone out.

Jun held onto Arthfael with nothing else to do but watch as hell went into chaos.

---

Sean was preparing for his reincarnation ritual when the goddess walked in with a sad face “I have no idea if this will be good news or bad news for you” Sean gave her his full attention as he stopped what he was doing “Aeneas is dead and your mate killed him”

“What?”

“Now you know what that means?” Sean shook his head no “All hell will be on your mate’s tail”

“I know but how is Alexander” Sean couldn’t help but wonder, everything aside. Even the hate he had developed for Aeneas aside, he was Alexander’s mate and he knew that this kind of news would affect him more than anyone.

“I think it is time you worry more about you-”

“That is what is wrong with this world. You all care about yourselves that you don’t care who you hurt as long as you get what you need”

“But isn’t that in every world” She retaliated “Everyone is selfish, even gods and goddesses” She stepped closer again and fixed his shirt “Isn’t that what you will do when told to choose between your mate and your friend? Would you take revenge for your friend or stand beside your mate”

“We all know the person who caused him to commit such an act”

“All I’m saying, is we are all a little selfish” She exhaled “And now I think you should get ready for the ceremony, you will need all the strength for the next part”

---

“They are all going crazy, they have no king” Darthaniel enjoyed the thought of hell being in chaos without a leader.

His father had once tried to gun for the throne but it has never been Darthaniel’s aim. All he wanted was for it to get a new king, someone who wasn’t Aeneas. Because of Aeneas his father was killed and because of Aeneas Arthfael killed his mother. This was part of the revenge and the next part was soon to come.

Or he might change his mind and decide to take over the empty throne. Who would dare challenge him, he is much of a demon like them. A dark Aki.

For now, his focus was on Diego, he needed to prepare him for the next part to make Lord Helios weak right before his reincarnation to kill Diego.

Everyone in hell wanted revenge, the killer was in his hands. Maybe he should hand him over to them and watch as the last white Aki takes his last breath.

A fun sight but not the card that should be played right now.

He walked back to the chained Diego, his hand tracing his jaw before lifting his head to look up at him “What to do with you?” he exhaled while squatting down “You’re the killer, you deserve a severe punishment. Something to embarrass the white Aki clan. The great-great-grandson of the great Leroy…” the more he thought about the blood that was flowing inside Diego’s veins the angrier he got.

His hand moved to his forehead tapping inside the deep memories of the white Aki. He gasped his eyes shooting open when he got blocked, Diego’s eyes were already staring at him with fury as the chains broke.

Darthaniel was pushed into the wall with the force from Diego’s hands “How?” Darthaniel choked out with blood pouring from his mouth.

Diego lifted him from the ground pulling him close “I’m a white Aki, I can turn dark magic pure” he held one of his ribs before pulling it out with magic. He heard the crack as the bone start tearing through the fresh.

Darthaniel used dark magic to blind him and that sent him back for a second, that second was enough for Darthaniel to disappear.

Diego glanced around thinking about following but had zero traces of him. Darthaniel had completely disappeared. He cursed while breathing hard, he had wanted to kill Darthaniel ever since he heard about the dark Aki.

And after all the suffering the Aki has put him through, messing with his head. Diego remembers every single thing that he has gone through, every single thing Sean had to go through because of him.

He was going to make sure one day he held Darthaniel’s heart in his hands but first, he had to find his mate.

Chapter 46

---

Arthfael finally awakened and he was back in his room with Jun beside his bed. He shot straight up his mind recalling the last image of his father’s head in a box.

His hands trembled in fear, this was something he never thought would happen. His father was indestructible, no one could kill him. The shock of the news made him tremble as he pulled his legs closer to his chest, he wanted not to believe it but his father.

A hand-held onto his shoulder, Arthfael pushed his hair back as he lifted his head “I’m sorry-”

“Isn’t it funny?” Arthfael cut Jun off “Aeneas Asmodeus is dead… it’s funny right” He wasn’t laughing but it sounded funny, not once had he thought of the fact that Aeneas would die. Who is strong enough to kill him? no one.

Jun was at a loss for words, he was still in shock himself and wanted to cry because Aeneas demon or not, his father or not…raised him. He was there many nights to cuddle him to sleep and sometimes he sang him a song. He was his family and he cared for him. Yes, it sounded funny that Aeneas was dead “It’s not funny but I wish it were one of his sick jokes”

Arthfael glanced into space before getting off the bed, Jun followed and watched as Arthfael quietly picked out new clothes pulling them on. He wiped at his eyes before leaving the bedroom with Jun in tow wondering what Arthfael was thinking about right now.

His destination was in the throne room where they found every close member of Aeneas except Alexander present.

They all turned towards him and sadness coated their eyes. Edward was about to say something but Arthfael cut him off “Did you find out where Darthaniel is?”

“We have retrieved Aeneas’ body but for now we don’t know where he ran off to” Elvis replied as he walked over holding his hand onto Arthfael’s shoulder “I know it is going to be a hard time for-”

“Who said so?” Arthfael cut him off, his eyes showing no sadness or the fact that he had been crying. He pushed Elvis’ hand off of his shoulder “All I want is to find out where Darthaniel is” he calmly stated.

“This is not the time for revenge” David spoke appearing into view.

“I don’t care what time it is!” Arthfael snapped, he breathed heavily while trying to calm himself down “I just need to know where Darthaniel is” They all could see through his tough facade.

“Arthfael” Elvis tried once again “We know how you feel, we all want to take him out as soon as possible but not right now okay”

Arthfael stepped closer with an enraged face “Then I will go do it myself” he turned to leave but Elvis called out his name.

“You’re a king now” Arthfael turned to him with a confused look. He glanced at all of them as he tried to interpret the words correctly in his head.

“You’re his second in command” He spoke when no one said anything. Elvis was supposed to be the king even if no one jas ever thought about it.

“This is why we need to talk-”

“No, tell me what the fuck is going on. How am I, king?!” Arthfael demanded with literal fear in his eyes.

“Arthfael, I can’t be here. I need to go protect Alexander in the mating cave” Arthfael swallowed, he had just remembered his papa. He had to be suffering the most after this but still…

“I can’t be king” Arthfael shook his head, this was scarier than he had anticipated. His father has always told him he will never be king. He has made it clear that the throne was not hereditary, it only went to those deserving and Arthfael wasn’t the strongest demon or deserving of that throne.

Elvis being the second in command made him the next king. That is how it should be “I’m sorry” Will held onto his shoulder “I’m sorry this came to you like this, we were all not prepared”

“Let me go protect my papa” Arthfael suggested, anything to get him out of being king. If news gets out that he is king everyone will come and try to fight him for the throne, he is not mentally or physically ready for any of it.

“You know that can’t happen, you can’t see what he will be like in a time like this” Elvis walked towards Edward, and they spoke but Arthfael couldn’t hear a single thing.

As they made plans of protecting Alexander plus Aeneas’ funeral plans, Arthfael didn’t hear a single word. After all the plans were made they slowly one by one evacuated the room after giving him a single pat on the shoulder or the back.

Arthfael felt like the room had grown bigger and bigger each second he almost collapsed except Jun was there to hold him. He slowly rested him down as Arthfael continued to stare into space looking pale and lost from the world “Arthfael” Jun shook him a bit trying to get him back to reality

“Do you know how many creatures have ever fought against my father for the thrown” Arthfael spoke even if he still looked like he was still in a trance “Only one, even when so many creatures hated him? Only one was courageous enough to attack…how many do you think will seize this chance” he glanced at Jun “How many do you think I can fight off?”

Jun didn’t know what to add “That is not a throne anyone can have, that title is for creatures like my father. Creatures that can bath in their blood to keep it” Arthfael can’t even look at blood. Jun glanced at the throne, everything that Arthfael was saying was right.

“Until Aeneas reincarnates” His eyes came back to Arthfael who already had his on him “I believe you can hold off that many”

Arthfael has been doubting himself but those words made his heart thump loudly he thought it would stop beating. He wondered if this is what it felt like to like someone so much their words mattered even if they were untrue. Those words gave him hope, they made doubt disappear from his chest. Being believed in like that was something Arthfael never knew he needed until right now.

Arthfael pushed himself closer “Are you ready for a hug?” Without a word, Jun pushed himself closer and wrapped his arms around him. No words were shared, just the touching of their bodies communicated more than words could have. This was better than the ranged hug they had in the fire.

After everything that has transpired in the last couple of hours, it felt comforting and assuring when they both hugged… This was one of the most important moments in both their lives and Arthfael felt so glad Jun was his mate.

He had never thought of feeling this much comfort from someone’s touch. He felt the reassurance, the closeness, and the warmth. The first warmth from another living thing that didn’t bother him but actually made him alive, gave him strength that everything would be okay.

Just when Arthfael was feeling like his problems could be solved the door to the throne room opened, at first they both kept their eyes closed due to the lack of smell that was picked up but when the sound of weapons being withdrawn was heard, they both opened their eyes to look at the intruder “Father?”

---

Diego passed through the Pheonix shield getting inside their land and as soon as he landed at the castle the goddess Ruxnera was present to welcome him “If I knew it was that easy to get in I would have strengthened it”

“I just want to see my mate” was the only reason he came up here. He has never in his life gotten along with the goddess of Phoenix and if he had a choice he wouldn’t be here.

“I see having been cursed for a long time changed you” The goddess teased, she expected an answer like ‘The shield is fine, I am just strong’ that is the answer the Erenoise would have given her “How does it feel to be the true king of hell?”

“I didn’t kill him because I wanted to be king”

“Still you killed him, you’re king”

“Ruxnera” Diego sighed “I am not here to talk about that, all I want is to see my mate”

“He’s right there” Diego wasted no time following her hand into a room. He stopped after opening the door when he found Sean tying a white cloth around his forehead.

His heart skipped a bit, seeing him after so long. He couldn’t help but feel like he wanted to cry, he had been searching everywhere trying to get a whiff of his scent. Without the soul bond it is hard to find him “Sean” Upon hearing the name Sean slowly turns around to find Diego in the doorway looking at him with tearful eyes.

“Diego”

Sean threw the cloth down, jumped over the sigil, and ran straight into Diego’s hands. They had lost each other once and they were scared of letting go, the hug so deep they were both in tears holding each other like this was their last time.

“How did you find me?” Sean pulled back glancing up at Diego.

“It was hard without the soul bond but I am so glad I found you” Diego held Sean’s head looking at him all over before pulling him into a hug “I’m so sorry for everything, so sorry”

“What are you apologizing for, it wasn’t your fault”

“Sean I remember everything” Sean pulled out of the hug to glance up at him “I’m sorry you had to take care of me like-” Sean held his fingers onto his lips

“Shh” then leaned in and without hesitation, he gave Diego a deep kiss. To show how much he has missed him and how much he loves him with all his heart. There was no need to apologize for what they had zero control over and what he did was out of pure love towards someone he really cared about.

Diego kissed back with the same passion, so much time of separation and longing was poured into that kiss. All the words and emotions left unsaid were said in the movement of their lips against each other.

The time they had to build their friendship, to something big. To something where they both accepted each other fully without any doubt.

Even without a mate bond the strength in their love felt stronger than any bond. They could trust and rely on each other, that was all they both wanted and nothing more.

Chapter 47

---

“Father?” Jun called while slowly retracting from the hands of the demon he wanted to stay in for the rest of his life. His eyes moved to the larpons that had their weapons drawn at them “What is going on?”

“Why were you embracing a demon?” Arjun asked after getting out of the shock. Finding his only son embraced in the hands of a demon was beyond his expectations.

Jun glanced at Arthfael and noticed their hands still in one another. He glanced deep into Arthfael’s eyes and knew he still wanted contact with him. It was not like it had been in the past when he quickly got tired of contact with anyone, this time he still wanted it.

Jun slowly tried to retract his hand but Arthfael held him tighter. Jun gave up, he wasn’t about to fight against something that he desired as well. He glanced back at his father “He is my friend and I embrace my friends” a lie he had to go with. He knew this wasn’t the time to reveal what they were to each other.

“Let’s go, it’s time to go home for good”

Jun stood up ready to protest, Arthfael kept their hands laced with each other. All the larpons glanced at their hands but Jun tried to not make it a big deal “I can’t go home”

“You have no choice in this”

“I do and I am not going”

“You have no reason to stay, Aeneas is dead and it’s time you started behaving like a king” Arjun spoke as if he was glad Aeneas was dead and Arthfael picked up on this. Many were to be glad, he knew.

“What if I want him to stay?” Arthfael spoke while getting up, all the Larpons took a step back with their spears still pointed like they could go against him and win.

“We will start a war”

Arthfael sighed “I would love that, too bad I don’t fight family” Arthfael pulled Jun into another hug ignoring the gasps that filled the room then whispered to Jun “I don’t want to become rivals with your people, go and become king, and make sure it doesn’t happen” those words pained him to the core. Jun was like a lifeline in this moment, his life has been flipped around in a second. What was supposed to be a quick kill turned into something more, something he didn’t want to involve his mate in.

It’s going to be dangerous around here and Jun would be safer with his people that here. He can not guarantee his safety and that is why he had to push him away, he won’t be able to protect him.

“What about you?” Arthfael looked deep into his mate’s eyes and knew he was finally falling in love. He cared for the small Larpon and that care couldn’t allow him to put his mate in danger, he knew hell was the least safe place for his mate and would be safe with his people who were willing to fight for him.

“I’m killing Darthaniel” Even if he was the appointed king he knew he wasn’t the real king. Darthaniel who killed his father is the true king and he was the first creature he had to take down first to at least earn the title rightfully.

Right now he was just the holder of his father’s throne but the true king was out there. He needed to end this before he could earn respect from all the demons.

---

Sean put off his reincarnation to be able to talk with his mate. He had been worried ever since he woke up and seeing Diego back alive and well calmed his heart a bit “I didn’t think the first person I would kill as soon as the curse is broken would be Aeneas” Diego thought out loud as he leaned against the wall staring at Sean who was a few foot away from him.

“You were under Darthaniel’s influence”

“I don’t think I was” He confessed “Aeneas wanted me to kill him” Sean raised his eyebrows and Diego sighed. He had no idea how to explain it “This causes a lot of trouble for us but I know Aeneas wanted me to kill him”

“Why?”

“I don’t know” Diego confessed, something happened. He just hasn’t figured out what precisely plus Aeneas’ Scythe broke. That should be impossible no matter how strong anyone is, an ancient weapon made by the gods to be the strongest weapon for the ruler of the underground can’t be broken-

“I feel bad for Alexander and Arthfael but I am glad you came out of it alive” Sean confessed too “For once luck was on our side and I am relieved” Diego didn’t want to scare him by telling him that things going further than that.

Having killed Aeneas it makes him king but if everyone thought of Darthaniel as the murderer then it gets him out of harm’s way. He sighed walking over to his mate engulfing him in his arms. A thing he is yet to get used to, touching his mate without fear of rejection.

He had nothing to worry about, as long as his mate was by his side he was willing to fight off everyone who attacked “I can protect us even if it’s against the entire universe”

“And I don’t doubt that” Sean smiled, and Diego leaned down for a quick peck. Sean gasped in surprise before smiling when he remembered that they were okay to be doing that “This is all still new but I am glad I can hold you like this” Sean yawned, the fact that he was back with his mate brought out all the fatigue that he has kept in for all this time.

“Tired?” He hummed without opening his eyes already falling into a slumber. Diego lifted him bridal style before walking him into the bed and covering him with a blanket “I love you” Diego whispered as he left a tiny kiss on his mate’s forehead.

He sat next to him watching his face with too many thoughts running through his head. Everything his mate has done for him when Darthaniel messed with his head.

Everything that he had put Sean through had come back like a sad wave. When Sean begged his ancestors not to take him, took care of him when he couldn’t do a single thing on his own. Fought to keep him alive, and helped break the curse. Stayed when he couldn’t remember a thing.

Sean stayed even without a mate bond.

Diego felt grateful for everything and cursed at himself forever saying that he didn’t need a mate coz if it weren’t for his mate he would still be living a miserable cursed life.

“You’re the only person I trust and you’re the only person I will stand with. I won’t let anyone use us again” He stood up with his eyes on the Phoenix that laid down below “It’s us against them”

---

Jun was pushed inside his room roughly by his father who closed and locked the door behind them “Y-” Jun fell onto his knees.

“I’m sorry Father” he apologized with his head bowed “I’m sorry for being disrespectful of you, I should have never let the demons get inside my head but now that Aeneas is dead I self-reflected and understood that I was rude towards you, and our people. For what I did I don’t even deserve to be king but if you agree to give me a second chance I would take it gladly and make sure I follow each rule of our kingdom and learn more about our people”

If he could cry he would have done that just to deepen his act. Too bad that wasn’t the case but he made sure that each word that came out of his mouth sounded sincere. He crawled towards his father holding his leg “I was just under a spell father, please forgive your child”

Arjun pulled his son up “I knew those demons had done something to you” he checked every corner of his son’s face with worry “I am so glad I get to have my son back”

Jun felt bad to see the misty tears covering his father’s eyes so he hugged him “I’m here”. ‘I wouldn’t have lied to you if you would accept my relationship with the demons, I’m sorry I am lying just so I could become king and make my own rules. I am not a bad son or king, you just pushed me into the corner and I need to breathe’ Jun smiled while breaking the hug

‘I love you but my mate is my life too’

Chapter 48

---

Arthfael was getting ready to leave hell and go search for Darthaniel when the shield shook. He could smell five foreign demons outside trying to break through, even if Aeneas was dead the shield remained unbreakable.

He ran out of his room before teleporting himself outside to find the demons trying to push their weapons through the shield “Looking for me” Arthfael asked while bringing out his flying knife, now that he was going to be fighting for the throne he needed a better weapon than that. Something bigger and better to wield.

He needed to stop being scared. He had to grow out of his fear but his father’s head still lingered in his eyes. Every time he thinks about it he feels panic trying to jump in.

He fixed his fighting stance and was ready to cover the sight of what he was about to do to the demons when he felt a presence behind him. He turned around but found no one, the smell of blood intensified and when his eyes glanced down, it was all over the ground. He was already standing in it, staining his shoes with red.

His father’s head lying in blood flashed through his head and fear coated his entire body.

Through shock and fear, he fell back and tried pushing himself backward while fighting for his breath that was getting clogged between his throat ‘It’s just blood, just blood’ he chanted in his head remembering what his therapist told him ‘Blood was not dangerous’

‘Face it head-on, breath in and out. Blood can’t hurt you…just breathe’ he took in deep breaths and just when his heart was calming down a bit, his hands not shaking so much the demons attacked and he had to avoid them which caused immediate fatigue ‘If you pass out you die, if you pass out you die!’ he used his power to push the demons back then sent his knife that cut through two demons leaving three.

One avoided it successfully and then tried to attack, Arthfael’s legs gave out at the wrong time that the sword cut the side of his hand. With a hiss, he threw a punch back that sent the demon away…the scene of dead demons and blood brought back the memories he saw in his father’s head.

How Aeneas’ parents died, how they laid down in their blood, the screams. Then he remembered how his father’s head was covered in blood. He tried to fight off the visions that flashed in his mind like they were happening right now. He yelled holding onto his head trying to remember every session he has had with his therapist that would help in a moment like this yet all he could think of…all he could see were bodies covered in blood.

His father dead

He threw up as he felt extremely dizzy, no amount of deep breathing could calm him down. All he could see was his father’s head and pain started setting in once again.

Fighting against himself was a battle he could not win

“Stop” A voice announced, Arthfael was too immersed in his own vomit to look or even recognize the voice until footsteps came closer.

He got yanked up by his shirt and he came face to face with none other than Darthaniel. He opened his mouth to say something but the demon that was holding him up let go and he fell onto his side with ragged breaths.

Darthaniel squatted in front of him “I know you have a lot to say but I don’t have time now. I have a throne to take” Darthaniel laughed, Arthfael used everything in him to call for his knife and once it appeared in his hands he pushed it into Darthaniel who was able to dodge a bit, and instead of his heart, it went to his shoulder.

Darthaniel pulled it out without any pain whatsoever “As Aeneas’ son I expected you to be strong but you prove to me every day how weak you are” Arthfael was hardly breathing, anger couldn’t come to his head. Only fear coated him, blood, dead bodies. He was losing it “I wish your father was here to witness what I am going to do to his son”

He raised his hand and called in something. A transparent squared coffin-like box was brought in. The demons picked him up after throwing him inside then added two buckets of blood poured in him, Arthfael was already losing consciousness he could hardly see or know where he was but the smell intensified his fears. Everything seemed and felt real as death played in his eyes.

The box got locked with Darthaniel standing over it watching as Arthfael gasped for air until he lost consciousness “Weak creatures are always fun to torture” Darthaniel sighed “Take him away, I have a throne to claim”

---

Diego entered the land of the moon demons and since he is once again an Aki his presence was felt by all of them. Most came out of their houses and gathered around him, some ran from him having been threatened by the dangerous aura that came off of him.

“I’m looking for moonlight El” he spoke loudly and broadly, a figure appeared from behind the moon demons.

“Eirenaios, congratulations”

“Why are the gods angry?” they didn’t get to finish their conversation last time when he panicked and ran away with Sean but now he is back to receive the answers he missed last time.

“Oh now don’t be rude, thanks to me I-” Diego stepped closer and stood at the same height as Moonlight El with an equally threatening gaze “We should speak privately” Moonlight El led the way, every demon that had gathered parted for them.

Once at a distance moonlight El finally stopped walking “The gods are angry not with you but rather what you are” Moonlight El sighed when the statement didn’t give him the reaction he had anticipated.

“Why and why now?” Diego retaliated “I have been alive for so long why not attack then”

“Because you were immortal” Diego looked at Moonlight El, his eyes showed sincerity but he knew he was hiding something from him.

“You helped me once, why not do it one more time” Diego begged, he needed answers before things got out of hand. He needed to know what was going on and how he can protect his mate.

Moonlight El exhaled “Lord Helios created a lot of failed creatures before he got successful. In those failed creations there was one that lasted longer than others. She was called Alazne. She stayed alive the longest even with a big defect in her organs. Her growth was slow and Lord Helios had nothing to do except terminate her. His brother Lord Alios stopped him from doing so and promised to take care of her until she died naturally. Alazne couldn’t have stayed alive that long so Lord Helios agreed as long as her remains are brought back to him”

“As Lord Helios went into rest for years to restore his energy, Lord Alios spent thirty years with Alazne in his castle. She didn’t die like Lord Helios had anticipated, year after year she lived. When Lord Helios woke up and found out that she was still alive…it caught his attention. At first, he thought maybe the defect had healed, that was when he visited his brother… No one knows what happened inside but all I know is that Alazne died that day and the rivalry of the siblings started then. Now you know why he would want your mate dead”

“Thank you” Diego appreciated the information even if it wasn’t entirely given the little will still be useful to him and his mate “I will be going then”

“One more thing” Moonlight El stopped him before he could disappear “A human-to-god reincarnation can be dangerous if forced”

“What do you mean?”

“If he is a god his true nature will come out on its own” Moonlight El walked away without more context. Diego pulled out his wings before flying away, up high as he moved with the wing it gave him nostalgia.

How it used to be in the past and how long it has been for him to be able to fly like this. Something he wished to do every day and now finally archiving it brought him peace but most of all it made him excited because he was on his way back to his mate.

However now he knew he not only had to protect his mate but also his Lord.

Chapter 49

---

Darthaniel entered hell and caused even more chaos and havoc than it initially had. His slow-paced walk with a smile on his face made the demons step back in fear. They could smell him, a dark Aki was not a creature to mess with, and as soon as he sat on the throne no one raised a voice to protest.

“Aren’t you all going to welcome your new king” One by one they fell onto their knees. Darthaniel smiled enjoying the authority he held, even if this was not initially his plan he felt like he was on top of the world. He understood why Demetrius wanted the throne to himself and why Aeneas would die protecting it.

Having power over one of the strongest creatures felt pleasing enough plus all the souls that he had in his possession.

The thought made him happy, he glanced at his now followers and thought ‘This is not so bad’

---

As days passed, Jun was struggling with learning but he made sure to ace everything a hundred percent. He tried to be the best son and prince both his parents and people needed.

Most things were not for pretending, spending time with his people was one of the best moments he could ever dream of. Learning his culture and history made him happy even if he missed Arthfael more and more with each passing day.

He was trying to hold onto everything but his heart still yearned. He wished he could at least see him even if it was for a millisecond, or ask him how he is holding up. Whether anyone had given him trouble or not, Jun wanted to be by his mate’s side to make sure he was doing well and help him become the best king but he couldn’t.

He was stuck here trying to become the king of the Larpons. It gets tiring when he can’t be with the people he wants to be with. He is still struggling to convince his father that marriage shouldn’t be an important factor in him being a king but he is not being listened to.

It makes him want to break the good boy character and just run back into Arthfael’s arms.

---

When Diego went back to the Phoenix castle, he told nothing of what he had heard from Moonlight El Sean. He didn’t want to worry him over anything. Sean had been catching up with all the sleep he missed in the last few months and he had slept more than sixteen hours constantly while snoring.

Diego found the action cute and watching his mate sleep peacefully made the hours go by quickly. He waited patiently with his mind trying to organize, trying to find out what exactly went on between Lord Helios and Lord Alios.

It was still such a mystery but he used his time to find out more.

---

Arthfael couldn’t count how many days he had spent in the blood-filled box. The bright lights stayed on from morning to evening and it got confusing which time of the day it was…not like he has organized his thoughts well enough to think about days.

He fainted, fainted, and fainted that now he can no longer do that anymore. He felt paralyzed in the blood, his body was still in a state of fear, still trembling and trying to fight to get out yet the more he tried the more he couldn’t breathe.

Not even thinking about his sessions could help, he was trapped in one of the things he was afraid of. He wanted to die, he felt sick about lying in blood and his vomit.

He knows how he looks, not like the son of the most powerful demons but rather a weak demon that couldn’t fight the fear and get up.

The creaking of the door came, Arthfael couldn’t move to see but the figure took a seat in front of him “I came in late but I knew you could wait” Darthaniel rubbed it in his face “I was busy changing my new kingdom and now I am ready to announce my inauguration to everyone and I was thinking about taking your mate”

Arthfael lifted himself onto his elbow, and as hard as it was, he succeeded and he tried to break the glass with his weak fists “Open it” Darthaniel ordered. The cover on top was taken off, Arthfael tried to use his magic but nothing happened.

On top of that, he could not feel any energy flow in his body plus the extreme hunger he felt. He is a demon who could go long without food and not feel a thing yet right now he felt like his insides were eating themselves out. ‘How long has he been in here?’ His eyes glanced at Darthaniel with fearful eyes, wondering what was done to him exactly.

Darthaniel stood up and walked closer to the now-opened box “You had a gift” Darthaniel opened up his arm and fire floated on top of his palm “Your will was weak now I have it” Darthaniel sighed as he looked straight into Arthfael’s eyes wondering what Aeneas could have done to his son.

No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t extract any magic from Arthfael. All he could do was block it, what Arthfael didn’t know was that he was strong, he might even be stronger than his father if only he knew how to use his gift.

Darthaniel had underestimated him before but now he needed to exterminate him right away or he will become more than he had anticipated if he stayed alive.

Something inside him bubbled anger throughout his body, why would a demon like him be gifted with enough powers to defeat the world? Why trust a demon like him with such a gift, as much as he wanted him dead he wanted him to suffer just as revenge on Aeneas.

Darthaniel held the back of Arthfael’s head as a claw pushed through his thumb. He brought it closer to Arthfael’s eyeball and pulled it out then did the same with the other successfully plucking out both Arthfael’s eyeballs.

Darthaniel stepped back and watched as blood poured out of Arthfael’s eyes, his screams of pain filled his chest with enough power. Now he didn’t want just revenge, he wanted to conquer. He wanted to be the strongest creature to ever be created and show the world how useless demons are.

“Get him out” his demons pulled the passed-out Arthfael from the box “Take him into the forest, when he wakes up we hunt” As they pulled Arthfael out a presence appeared behind Darthaniel.

He turned around to find Lord Alios “Why not kill him?” Darthaniel glanced at Arthfael who was being dragged out.

“I like to make the strong feel weak first before killing them. It makes me feel powerful” Lord Alios glanced at Arthfael for a second before glancing back at Darthaniel deciding to let it go, it was not what brought him “Do you have some news”

“Goddess of Phoenix is harboring them”

“Is she planning on performing the reincarnation ceremony?”

“That is what I believe, why else would she keep them? Now that you have gotten an army I want you to go kill them”

Darthaniel scoffed “You think I am stupid” Who would attack like that “I am almost done with my part, what have you done? I am taking care of everything down here, it’s time you get up and deal with them up there” Darthaniel got yanked up and into the wall.

“Don’t talk to me like that ever again, we are not friends” Lord Alios hissed but Darthaniel hissed right back.

“No we are not and let me tell you something, Diego is immune to your powers. Guess your brother wanted to hinder you from messing with any of his creatures again”

Lord Alios lifted him and made him dangle with a tight grip around his neck “I didn’t say I won’t kill them” Darthaniel choked out, this made Lord Alios let go of his neck throwing him down “Just…get them down. I will take care of the rest”

Without a word Lord Alios disappeared, and Darthaniel remained with a sour face waiting for the day he would rid himself of that god because soon he would be stronger than hell and heavens combined and then cause chaos stronger than his father was ever able to do.

His head snapped towards the door where Arthfael had been taking.

“Time to hunt”

Chapter 50

---

The second Arthfael stirred awake he could feel the ground below him. With the sand and the smell of wet wood, even if he couldn’t hear a single bird he knew he was in a place with trees and there was no presence anywhere around. At least depending on his senses.

He fought to pull himself up, his legs buckled under him so powerless. He moved his hand to search for something he could hold onto, it took him precious seconds to find an anchor to help him up and with luck, his hand met with a strong branch.

He hugged it and tried to get onto his legs once again while trying to listen to his surrounding just in case someone approached. His sensing senses were not as strong as they used to be and he didn’t know if he was wrong or not. All he knows is that he could hear the sound of his beating heart.

With deep breathing he managed to get onto both his legs, he took the first step with his hands still wrapped around the branch as he searched for another to try and move. A breaking branch caught his attention, it sounded so close he could hear it even without his abilities.

He knew the enemy was close by, he had to escape. With no help, he started running blindly. His hands in front of him trying to make sure he didn’t run into anything. He was successful for a few seconds before tripping off his feet and crashing into the ground and started rolling.

His body collided with so many things before he could make it to a flat surface once again, even with little air in his lungs and excruciating pain everywhere he continued to run where he didn’t know. He was just trying to survive no matter what it took. If he got safe from Darthaniel then he will find a way to survive. Find a way to get to one of his father’s friends he will be fine…

A small hand held his mouth before drugging him. He tried to fight out but the fingers were strong “Shh, I am not going to hurt you. They are behind us” A soft voice whispered with a tight grip on his lips. He wanted to fight but when he heard voices yelling to search for him he stopped “Follow me” she whispered again as she let go of his mouth holding his hand instead.

Arthfael followed blindly, not trusting her but feeling like she was the best option for him right now “In here” Arthfael couldn’t see but he could smell the nasty sewer smells. His bare feet touched the water that he knew was nasty but for now, his options were not being clean but rather surviving.

The smell was not enough to get rid of his adrenaline as they both trotted through the sewer until they made it through “We should be safe for now, we can rest” She helped him find a spot to settle in, he held onto her hand before she could step away.

“Thank you” No one has ever helped him, much less a stranger. Even if he has never needed help from anyone before this is the time he needed to be helped and her being there at the right time felt like a gift.

“It’s nothing, you looked like you needed help” he nodded as he let go of her hand. He rested his head back feeling exhausted, hunger was eating up on him. He balled his fists feeling helpless… A hand came close to his face, and he held it “Sorry to startle you, I just thought I should wrap a cloth over your eyes….they might get infected” he slowly let go.

He isn’t keen on people being in his space and after the rough days he has had he couldn’t help but feel on edge as she wrapped a cloth over his eyes “Where are we?” He needed to know so he can figure out which way is faster.

“Close to the fae land, I can’t take you in or I will be eaten alive for helping a demon”

“It’s fine, just direct me back to earth. I will be fine from there” he just needed to find a way to summon Cael, he will be fine from there.

“Can you go anywhere in your state?”

“I just need to find someone-”

“How will you do that if you can’t see” Arthfael gritted his teeth in anger, not towards his helper but to himself. Right now he can’t do anything for himself “I can be your eyes” which shocked him, who was this person who was willing to help be his eyes “I want to make sure you’re alright”

Arthfael knew he didn’t have that many choices but to trust this stranger because right now he felt helpless.

---

Jun was in one of his classes when he got called for an urgent meeting. Closing the book, together with Captain Thomas who has made it his mission to not leave his side both made their way into the meeting where the elders, and some warriors all sat.

Jun took the seat next to his father while Captain Thomas remained standing not far away. Jun could feel the intensity in the room like they were about to make a discussion of a lifetime.

Arjun cleared his throat disturbing the silence that was eating at Jun. He almost felt suffocated “As we all have heard by now Aeneas is dead” his father started, everyone nodded but for some reason, Jun felt his throat tighten. He doesn’t know why but he felt on edge with the topic, his mind moved back to his mate.

When he left him he wasn’t in the best shape. After having lost his father and was facing a challenging situation Jun didn’t know how things were going with him. He had tried a couple of times to contact him, through the ring and the orb yet both ways seen to not be sensing him.

Jun had been getting worried and no matter how much he was trying to brush it off he couldn’t completely stop worrying even if he believed that Arthfael can handle himself “There is a new leader…” Arjun glanced at his son as he added “An Aki Darthaniel”

“What?” Jun stood up completely in shock “Wha-what happened to Arthfael?”

“That doesn’t matter right now, what matters is that we need to sign a treaty with the new king…” words flooded over his head. Jun almost stumbled onto the ground but Captain Thomas held him before he could fall.

The entire room got their eyes on Jun with worry. His mother ran over to him “Are you okay?” his mother asked.

“Have..” Jun’s voice trembled “Have you confirmed that he is dead?” His eyes were directly on his father and when he got no reply he yelled “Have you confirmed that Arthfael is dead?!”

“No one has seen the body but it’s confirmed” Arjun sighed “This is not the time to care about which demon is dead, we need to decide about our next step-”

“If you’re thinking about signing a treaty I say no. I would be dead before I ever get on the same side as that monster” Jun tried to get out but the warriors stepped in front of him “Get out of my way”

“This meeting is not over”

Jun turned to Arjun “But it is for me coz you are all going to outvote me. Basing your decision on your hatred for Aeneas and failing to realize how evil and heartless Darthaniel is”

“You get too emotional when dealing with this kind of matter. This meeting is obviously not for you” Arjun dismissed, Jun laughed walking back to the table and slamming his hands onto it.

“Emotional?” he glared at his father “Do you know why I get emotional when it comes to those demons? Because they are my family! I spent most of my life with those demons. Do you know why father? Because our ancestors failed to choose the right side and pissed off the wrong demons yet here we are in the same boat being given a chance to change history but what are you gonna do? Sign a treaty with the first monster to take the throne”

By the time he finishes, Arjun slapped him across the cheek, Jun’s head whipped to the side but he immediately started laughing “Hit me again, maybe that will make me cry because that is the only thing I want to do right now…do it!”

“Jun calm down-”

“You all think you’re so special” Jun cut his mother off as he glanced at every Larpon in the room “You all think Aeneas punished you by taking me. Do you all think Aeneas couldn’t have killed you all and taken me? Do you know how he ended every creature that had betrayed him,  you all didn’t get a snippet of his revenge yet here you are acting as if you had been SO wronged”

“Have you ever sat down and asked you’re selves why he didn’t extract the same brutal revenge as the other creatures” The silence in the room could be cut through. Jun felt like crying but no matter what he did he couldn’t “Do you all know why before you start judging everything depending on your embarrassment and humiliation” Jun banged the table once again with a yell. A yell for his mate, a yell for not being understood, and a yell for still being here when he should be out there trying to find out what happened to his mate… “Do you all want to know huh…..?”

“Because I am his son’s mate!”