Chapter Twenty-Nine
Still on his knees, Alastor struggled inside, desperately searching for another route. Blaise watched him closely, observing his stress; His eyes then flickered to Elysium. She shook her head, panic-stricken. Tears spilled down her cheeks while she wrestled with the chains that bound her to the thick pillar.
"Go on, Dark Prince," Blaise's voice hissed.
His eyes grew wider while he waited for Alastor's decision. With his head hung, Alastor let out a long sigh. Still looking down, he spoke with a low voice.
"You talk too much for someone who believes they've already won." his voice was dangerous.
Blood began to trickle down his throat again as the blade pressed harder.
"That wasn't one of your options," Blaise tilted his head.
Alastor's chin slowly lifted, showing his icy-sharp eyes, cold and unyielding.
"I don't choose," he said flatly.
Blaise's jaw tightened when he heard Alastor's answer. Elysium froze from across the room.
What the hell is he doing? Elysium thought to herself.
"I take both," Alastor's lip curled. "Or I destroy everything you've built trying."
Elysium's chest tightened, pressing her back further against the pillar's hard surface. Alastor snapped then. He was explosive, steadying himself to lunge towards Blaise. The circling guards stepped forward, starting to reach towards Alastor. Blaise raised a hand, signaling them to halt. He exhaled, shooting Alastor a disappointed look.
"There it is," he let out a quiet laugh. "The arrogance."
He stepped back slightly, folding his arms over his chest.
"Let him try."
The blade lifted from Alastor's throat. Alastor unbuckled his armor and let it drop to the hard floor, the clanking metal sending echoes through the room. The bulky material would only slow him down; he needed to be swift for this. Elysium's heart dropped when she watched him remove his protection, leaving himself bare of security.
Without hesitation, Alastor moved. He twisted, slamming his elbow into the guard's ribs, grabbing the sword when the guard's grip loosened. He spun around, steel flashing. Blood spattered across the tile floors as the guard stumbled backwards, dropping to the ground. The crack of his head hitting the hard tile floor echoed through the room.
Alastor's eyes were wild, teeth clenched.
"I warned you," he snarled, gripping the sword's handle.
Elysium jerked forward against her chains, eyes widening. The glowing metal pressed harder against her throat, choking her with every tug.
Blaise didn't rush himself; he circled Alastor, keeping a wide grin on his face. He kept himself composed, watching Alastor grow more agitated. Alastor's rage-driven body charged Blaise, and their blades clashed, sending a ringing crack through the air. They moved almost in sync, strategically combating each other with swift movements. Alastor ducked beneath Blaise's sword as he swung it towards his head. Alastor reared his wrist back to make his next strike, clanking against Blaise's when he swung. Blaise almost looked bored from the fight, rolling his eyes.
"You're emotional," he said calmly, blocking Alastor's blow.
"Shut up," Alastor snarled through gritted teeth.
Suddenly, a small object whizzed through the air and struck Alastor's side. Eyes wide, his fingers traced the needle of the dart before his head began to spin. He froze, expression shifting. He realized what was happening…but it was too late now. The magic surrounding Alastor began to flicker before completely fading out. He winced in pain, stumbling backwards and clutching his torso. He gripped his messy hair with his free hand, falling to his knees in agony. He growled in pain, collapsing onto his knees.
"What did you-"
Blaise slowly rolled his shoulders and stepped forward towards Alastor.
"Careful," Blaise said, soft and satisfied.
Alastor's muscles tightened while he fought to summon his dark magic; It didn't work. His body only grew weaker with every failed attempt until he could barely rise to his feet. He was vulnerable and weak, trembling as he tried to hold himself upward. Across the room, Elysium sat paralyzed, her face drained of color.
Without magic, Alastor was mortal; He didn't need the scythe to be killed.
He fought anyway, desperately.
Blaise struck over and over again, forcing Alastor backwards. The blade swiped Alastor's side, slicing through his side. He clenched his jaw tightly, masking the pain while he clutched his side. Blood began to pool into his shirt, wiping onto his forearms and chest. He tried to hold off Blaise's strikes as much as he could, but he could feel himself pushing back on Blaise as much as he possibly could. Another swing struck Alastor's bicep, slicing through his sleeve and leaving the material hanging by a thread. Blood trickled from his wound, staining his skin a deep red. Blaise folded his free hand into a fist, sending it barreling into Alastor's face. His head tossed back, stunned from the hit. Alastor blinked, trying to regain focus. Each hit landed harder, forcing Alastor down to one knee…then both, his breathing ragged and heavy.
Elysium squealed through her muted scarf, tugging herself forward. The thick metal cut her skin, bruising around her neck. Tears streamed down her face as she felt her head start to spin from pushing screams from her covered mouth. Blaise coldly glared over Alastor, pointing the edge of his blade towards Alastor's face.
"This is what you are without it," he hissed. "You are nothing."
Alastor laughed weakly, his breath wheezing. Blood dribbled from his teeth down to the corner of his mouth. He licked the metallic blood from his gums, grinning slowly.
"I beg to differ," he said hoarsely, letting out one weak laugh.
Blaise had never felt more powerful. Here he stood in front of the Mad Prince who murdered his father, forcing him to run a kingdom in the midst of his grief and anguish. This was the man who caused years of wars, and the man whose kingdom thrived on greed and chaos. Now, this man was at Blaise's mercy, weak and pathetically cowering on the floor below him; There would never be a feeling to satisfy Blaise more. Elysium yelped in pain from across the room while she gripped her forearm, staring at the glowing tattoo on her wrist. She burnignn sensation traveled through her body while she clenched her jaw.
Adrenaline buzzed through Blaise as he lifted the tip of his sword one last time, ready to finish it.
That was when Elysium's body finally went still, and something shifted. Her breath began to slow and sharpen, her chest tightening. Eyes shifting from fear to anger, Elysium's hazel irises burned brightly, blazing over towards Alastor. Her brows drew down, jaw tightening. A bright light began to shine around Juliet while her chains suddenly broke, scattering little splinters of iron across the tile floor. Blaise's head shot around, stunned, as Elysium's body began to rise from the floor, placing her up onto her feet. Her eyes flickered open, and magic erupted from around her, sending a strong wave pulsating through the air. The force knocked the guards backwards, slamming them into walls and pillars surrounding them. Alastor fell forward; His body had finally given up on him. Light burst outward, stinging Blaise's eyes while he pulled his hand up to shield his face. The room began to bellow and shake, sending the crystal chandeliers crashing down onto the floor. The glass shattered, making the floor sparkle from the small cuts of reflective crystals.
Blaise turned around to face her, but it was too late. She stood, radiant and terrifying, defying all the allegations that had been thrown at her throughout her journey. Now, she wasn't the weak princess she was perceived to be; She was a hero. Elysium was no longer the naive eighteen-year-old who fell for Lupus's tricks. She would be the one to restore the realms. Elysium had surpassed every challenge that had been thrown her way. She allied with her enemy, avenged her fallen friend, and took her kingdom back. Now, she was going to save Sheol.
"That's enough," Elysium's voice spoke with a power she couldn't even recognize; It scared her.
Blaise's smile grew with excitement.
"There she is."
Blaise and Elysium clashed together, sending sparks of supernatural force flying into the air. Elysium's movements were sloppier than Blaise's, but her power was stronger; She wasn't going to hold back. Elysium's feet swept beneath Blaise, and he jumped in the air, dodging her move. While she was lowered, Blaise's fist collided with Elysium's side, sending a sharp pain into her ribs; It only made her stronger. Stretching her fist back, Elysium summoned all the magic she possibly could, then sent it tunneling towards Blaise, throwing him backwards. His body hit the concrete pillar behind him, knocking the breath from his lungs. He heaved, doubling over in pain. Elysium panted while she kept her hand up, reloading her hands with magic.
Blaise's eyes scanned the room before he quickly reached behind him, pulling a shiny handle into view. Elysium froze; The scythe was gripped between Blaise's fingers. Now, Elysium was in just as much danger as Alastor was. Blaise's mouth curved into a terrifying grin as he raised the blade of the scythe above his head, ready to slice. When he brought the weapon down, it jerked to a stop. The magic from Elysium's palm formed a shield around her, blocking the deadly blade from her face. The strength of the magical scythe sent Blaise faltering backwards. The weight of the heavy blade pulled at Blaise before it released from his grip, soaring across the room and sliding into the tile floor. Sparks spat from the sides of the scythe, scattering around it. This was Elysium's chance; She stepped forward, choking back the tears that fell from her face. Her eyes burned while she clenched her jaw, glaring intensely.
"You took everything from me," she growled through gritted teeth. "Not him."
With one final breath, Elysium released her full energy, sending exploding light through the air. Blaise flew back into the pillar again, this time, his force sent crinkling cracks through the cement, little drops of concrete falling onto his head. As the cracks widened, Elysium began to step away while Blaise remained planted at the base of the pillar, barely holding on to consciousness. Alastor's body crumpled on the floor a few feet in front of Blaise, caught in the crossfire of the crumbling cylinder.
The pillar began to split, cracking down the center and tilting forward, towards them. Elysium only had seconds to act. The crushing cement began to tumble down, and Elysium quickly snatched Alastor's wrist, dragging his dead weight across the floor. Blood smeared the golden tile from his body, trailing across the room. Once Elysium had pulled Alastor from the danger, she panted, watching the heavy concrete fall upon Blaise's weak body, crushing him. When the dust settled, Elysium stumbled over to the scene, tearing through the rubble. She froze when she saw Blaise's dismembered body, torn apart by the jagged concrete shards and heavy weight. She swallowed, pulling back. Her hands trembled while she watched the vivid light slowly swirl away, disappearing around her palms. Then, she turned, coming down from the high of her incredible power. She froze, slapping her palm over her mouth. She hurriedly stumbled over to Alastor's side, clinging to his hands. She dropped to her knees, running her hands around his body to search for his wounds.
"Alastor-Alastor-" she frantically fumbled her words. "-Wake up-Alastor!"
There was no response. His eyes were peacefully shut, his fluffed, charcoal hair brushing over his forehead. Elysium gripped the sides of his shirt and pulled his head onto her lap, holding him close.
"No, No!" She shouted, tearing the front of his shirt open.
Tearing the fabric open, Elysium held Alastor's bicep with her hands, examining the slice. Blood poured from his arm, but she hadn't seen the more severe wound below. Her eyes trailed down his body until she froze when she saw his side. His skin had been pierced from his ribs down to his hip, painting the floor below him with blood. Elysium's hands trembled, coated in a thick layer of red.
"Please don't-"
Elysium's hands hovered over his body, unsure of what to touch. Her tears sprinkled down onto Alastor's face, mixing with the blood that trailed down his cheeks. Her tattoo began to burn even more severely, sending her head back in pain. She dug her nails around her wrist, trying to fight the agony. She screamed, the fiery torture taking over her body. Elysium fiercely grabbed Alastor's face.
"You don't get to leave me!" She yelped, wrestling with the torment.
She cupped his face with her hands, sobbing over him. She angrily yelled into the air, stomping her fists into the floor.
"Dammit!" She yelled, letting her head fall forward. "You said you'd stay…" Her voice grew quiet.
It was then that she began to feel a surge inside of her. The light aura surrounded Elysium while her eyes widened. Light began to flood between them, stinging Elysium's eyes. She could feel the power leaving her body and pouring into Alastor. The light began to fold together, circling the pair until it exploded, colliding together with such force that Elysium's hair whipped behind her. The light quickly faded, leaving the swirling air to falter around them.
Once the air settled, Elysium's eyes glanced back down to Alastor. His head sat on her lap, draping the rest of his muscular body across the floor. Elysium sat impatiently, desperately waiting for a sign. Suddenly, a small light dimly shone from Alastor's tattoo. As it grew brighter, Elysium's wide eyes peered down, squinting at his marking. His body twitched once, and the light became even brighter. The light faded, and Alastor twitched again, his eyes slowly blinking open. He groaned, barely able to move. Elysium cradled his upper body, holding him up.
Elysium gasped when she scanned his body, free of the deadly and deep wound on his side. A weak smile crept across Alastor's face when he looked up at her.
"Aw," he pushed out a small wheeze. "You thought you could get rid of me that easily?"
Juliet laughed through her tears, clutching Alastor's body against hers.
The grand doors suddenly burst open, invading the room with their army, led by Zeta. She dropped her sword in the doorway, letting it fall to the ground. Sprinting towards Elysium, Zeta grabbed her, hugging her tightly. Squished between Zeta's armor-decorated arms and chestplates, Elysium wriggled herself free. Zeta's eyes flickered down to Alastor, and she gasped, examining him.
"That's what you get for being reckless," Zeta said, half-joking, to Alastor.
Two of their soldiers stepped beside Alastor, carrying him between their arms. He used them as crutches and limped towards the palace doors. The sunlight brightly shone over the burned kingdom, now without a leader or guidance. The villagers remained camped away in their homes, fearful to leave. Elysium shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand while she stepped out onto the palace steps. One guard had herded the horses to the palace entrance, leading a trail of cavalry down the hills. The guards carrying Alastor emerged into the sunlight, carrying him carefully down the steps. His head hung low, weak and tired. They hoisted him onto one of their horses, holding him steadily behind them for the duration of their journey. Elysium and Zeta stood at the palace gates, looking out over the rubbled kingdom.
"We did it," Zeta said, leaning her head on Elysium's shoulder.
"Don't hold your breath," Elysium muttered with a half-smile. "Gods only know at this point."
The pair squeezed each other's hands while they mounted their horses, preparing for the journey ahead. Elysium's bloodstained clothes had been covered with a hooded cloak Zeta had brought for her, keeping the terrible memories out of her mind for the time being. Alastor remained silent for the entire ride back
The dark forest of Sheol rested in front of them. They traveled through the winding trees to the obsidian gates, the Sheolian guards separating themselves as they approached. With Alastor still on the back of their horse, they nodded to Elysium before heading towards their healer's hut a few miles past the gates. The young prince was barely holding on, slowly losing consciousness.
Elysium watched his limp body disappear into the kingdom, leaving the Alarian army circling her. She signaled for the group to continue towards Alaria; she desperately wanted to be home. Zeta and Elysium rode side by side, leading the team through the winding pathways and valleys ahead.
"Zeta, I was wondering," she said quietly. "How would you feel about ruling Valkareth?"
Zeta blinked, confused.
"Me?"
Elysium nodded slowly.
"I've always been your-"
"You'd be the perfect leader, Zeta," Elysium pleaded. "Please, at least consider."
Zeta paused and let out a long sigh.
"Fine."
Zeta was the most ideal candidate for the position. She was the strongest fighter in Alaria, and her strategies would be imperative for Valkareth's success as a kingdom. There was still so much damage control left to complete before balance could be restored; They needed leaders for the kingdoms, and they needed to find a way to unite Alaria and Sheol's kingdoms.
The cavalry stopped in front of Alaria's palace gates. The palace guards and servants flocked to the gates, preparing to house the army. One of the servants herded the group of horses towards the stables to rest. Another led Elysium and the rest of the army up to the palace doors. Alaria finally looked as it used to before Lupus. Light magic sparkled in the air as they trailed down the hallways of the castle.
After everyone had settled, Elysium nervously paced up and down the hallway, waiting for any word of Alastor's condition. Still in the clothing Blaise had dressed her in, her body was coated in blood and dirt. Her mind raced while her sandals clicked against the crystal floor.
Elysium jolted back when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She spun around to see Zeta, standing in front of her with a concerned look on her face.
"Look at yourself," she said quietly. "You need to clean yourself up and rest."
Elysium had been so wrapped up in the moment, she'd completely forgotten what she looked him. She peered down at her blood-stained hem and mud-covered sandals. She sighed and nodded to Zeta, trailing up the staircase towards her wing. Zeta gathered Elysium's servants to bathe and clothe her for the night. They buttoned the back of her pink, silk nightgown; The hem trailed down to the floor while she walked over to her balcony.
Peering out over the railing, the Princess watched the dimly-lit courtyard, flocked with her advisors and army celebrating with chalices of wine and ale. Amarok's fur whizzed through the gardens, chasing rabbits away from the blooming flowers. She rested her chin on the stone railing, observing the party below her. She sighed, curling up beneath her covers in her bed, and lying her head on the pillow, desperate for some rest.