Chapter 12:The Hidden Plan
After their training, Victoria and Lucas went back to the city of Valor. But Victoria's powers were very strong and caused a lot of noise and damage, so the King noticed.
The King had heard old stories about a demon leader, so he called them to his court. Even though he didn't know exactly who they had met, he knew they came from Axel. Since the stories about demons seemed to be true, he became worried and asked if Valor was about to go to war with Axel.
Victoria was surprised by the question and quickly tried to calm him. She said they came in peace and did not want trouble. She didn't tell the whole truth. Instead, she said that she and Lucas were married and had run away from Axel because their relationship was forbidden.
The King felt she was hiding something, but he had no proof, so he let them go.
Later, in their room, Lucas asked why she didn't just tell the truth. Victoria said she wasn't sure if they could trust the King.
Lucas said the King was a good and honest man and believed they could trust him. Still, he agreed to wait until she was ready to share her secret.
In the Kingdom of Axel
At the same time, Eric and Den were having problems. Their partnership was weak because Den refused to teach Eric how to fully control him.
Hidden deep inside a secret room was an ancient book called the Keeper's Book. It had been stolen long ago by King Arthur. The book held a dark secret about Victoria's life from before she was even born.
Den was searching for the book in secret. He didn't tell Eric because he didn't trust him. He knew Eric could betray him and didn't want him to gain that kind of power.
Eric couldn't stay calm. He stomped around the room, pacing angrily.
"You're hiding something from me. Why? You sent me to do your dirty work like I'm your servant. I'm not—I'm the king, not your toy."
Den growled softly and replied, "Fine. What do you want to know?"
Eric said, "Teach me how to merge with you."
Den burst out laughing. "Merge with me? That's funny," he said, still laughing.
"You're holding back," Eric insisted. "Why won't you teach me? You promised me power, but I haven't gotten anything."
Den knew he had to lie. If Eric ever merged with him, Den would lose control because Eric was too ruthless.
"Control?" Den said. "You don't have what it takes to control me. Control is earned, not given."
Not wanting Eric to discover the hidden chamber, Den suddenly disappeared, pretending to be angry. This made Eric leave and return to his room, disappointed.
As soon as Eric was gone, Den started searching for a special book. He moved quickly through walls until he found it in a small study-like room. The Book of the Keeper sat on a black stone, sealed with magic. It could only be opened by someone with a rare bloodline—the silver-golden blood seen in Victoria's eyes and bracelet. Den could open it too because he shared that bloodline.
When Den found the book, he let out a dark, chilling laugh. His shadowy hands trembled as he reached for it.
He opened the book and read:
"A child born of shadow and light will rise—not just as a bridge, but as a foundation. If the golden bond breaks, the realms will begin to merge in order to survive. The daughter's heart must be given to secure the father's power, but it will not end her. What is taken will change, and what is sacrificed will still live on."
After reading, Den closed the book and said, "Finally… my path to becoming human. If this is true, then she is my chance to become a god."
He laughed as the ground shook.
Den knew Victoria was in Valor. He began to plan how to bring her to him without letting Eric—or Victoria—know the truth. If Victoria found out what was written in the book, she would never come willingly.
Den was smiling as he thought of ways to trick Victoria into coming to Axel. Just then, Eric walked in.
"You're smiling… why?" Eric asked. "Are you mocking me? Remember, I can lock you back in that hole. That's one spell I'll never forget."
Den looked at him and said, "What are you doing here, Eric?"
"What do you mean? I'm here for my training," Eric replied.
"Training?" Den said. "You're weak and slow. There will be no training until you learn patience."
As they argued, Den reminded Eric about the sacrifice he had asked for. Eric got annoyed. "You haven't trained me, yet you want me to do your dirty work. Anyway, since Elder James is out of reach, who do you want instead?"
Den smiled and said, "Your father-in-law… Zane."
"You mean Phina's father?" Eric asked.
"Yes."
"He's old and weak," Eric said.
"Maybe," Den replied, "but his mind and blood are strong."
Phina overheard their conversation but stayed quiet, listening carefully.
The next day, when Eric left the kingdom for a walk, Phina made a plan to speak with Den.
"Den, the traitor!" she called.
Den appeared, his shadows filling the room and darkening everything.
"You dare to call me?" he said. "Aren't you afraid of death?"
"Death is just a name," Phina replied. "I'm not afraid of you. I came with a better plan… and fresh blood."
Den smirked. "Go on. If I like your plan, I won't drain your energy. But if it's foolish, you won't survive."
Phina smiled. "Trust me… you're going to like this plan."
Phina said, "You want my father because of his pure blood, but his heart is weak. I don't think he will be useful to you. What you really need is fresh blood—and someone without a weak heart."
Den waited impatiently. "Speak up," he said angrily. "Don't waste my time."
Phina continued, "You want the blood of a king in your veins so you can become a god."
Den shouted, "Hurry up!" His voice was so powerful it shook the ground and scared her.
She finally said, "Marcus—Eric's friend and King Zack's illegitimate son. He has royal blood. If you take his blood, you can control both the land and the realm. Eric doesn't even know this."
Den looked at her suspiciously. "How do you know all this?"
Phina explained, "The night the king was poisoned, he told his most trusted advisor, Brian, to protect Eric from his brother Marcus."
She added, "The king didn't die from my poison. Marcus killed his own father, and now he plans to kill Eric to take the throne."
Den thought to himself, This is a good plan. With the king's blood and my daughter's heart, I can rule both realms.
He then asked Phina, "What do you want in return?"
She replied, "When you become ruler of both realms, I want Axel to belong to me. You will rule the shadow realm, and I will rule Axel without your interference."
Den laughed loudly. "You bargain well," he said. "Now tell me—how will you bring Marcus here without Eric knowing?"
Phina answered, "Eric will bring him himself, without realizing what's waiting for him."
However, Marcus had protection. He wore a hidden pendant that could only be seen by someone with pure blood. Because of this, Den could not harm him directly. Also, Marcus had a secret group called the Forgotten, who were hiding in the forbidden forest.