Chapter 48

  Drakkel jolted awake, gasping for air with sweat beating his brow. He looked around and found himself in a bed situated in the middle of a room.

  The room was spacious and opulent, lit up by one candle that sat by a corner.

  When his eyes finally adjusted to the light, he saw what made up its contents.

  Gold etched paper lined the walls while fur carpeting sat on the floors.

  Looking down at his appearance, he realized that he was dressed in black robes that seemed made of cotton and leather.

  To the right side of the room was a door.

  Pushing down his caution and wariness, he walked towards it and opened it.

  On the other side was a woman whose figure he had yet to forget. Although her appearance was thinner, her face remained the same.

  “Reila?” He asked.

  The woman bowed. “I’m glad you're awake, Your Highness. I must inform you that Reila is not my real name. It’s only the name I have kept while staying in Waterfall's End. My real name is Re’ila Lune and I am a demon.”

  Drakkel's heart dropped. He swayed a bit, but was caught by Re’ila.

  Had he heard her right?

  “Your Highness? A demon? What do you mean?”

  As she held onto his arm, Re’ila answered, “the Demon Lords will explain it to you. They have been waiting for you to wake up.”

  Drakkel was still confused.

  He allowed Re'ila to walk him through several long corridors until they reached a place with tall double doors.

  Behind the doors, seven people stood in lines opposite each other. In the middle of the lines was a long carpet that led up a short staircase, atop which sat a throne-like structure.

  At first, the people seemed engrossed in talks, but when they noticed his presence, they bowed.

  “We're glad that you have returned, Your Highness,” they said in unison.

  Drakkel didn't understand. Who were they all referring to? It couldn't be him… could it?

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  He glanced at Re’ila and she quietly said, “Why not take a seat first?”

  He nodded and she led him to the seat atop the dais.

  The people’s attention turned to him, their eyes gazing at him expectantly like soldiers awaiting orders.

  Once seated on the chair, Re’ila said, “If you have any questions, Your Highness, you can speak them out now as we understand that you may have your doubts. After all, before you are the council of Eight Demon Lords who serve the demon royal family.”

  Drakkel looked around but only noticed seven demon lords.

  Reila, seeming to pick up on his confusion said, “Unfortunately, one of the demon lords had gone missing many years ago. The story will be further explained to you in time. Just know that all of us here will diligently serve you.”

  Drakkel was in disbelief. “Why would you serve me?”

  Re’ila bowed her head. “You are our previous Demon Prince’s, Demon Prince Fal-On's, son. Since you are our current monarch, of course we will serve you.”

  Drakkel could only nod.

  He wasn’t used to this, but he had other concerns.

  A few questions had already been swirling through his mind.

  “Fine.” He said. “How long have I been out?”

  One of the Demon Lords who had purple hair braided into a ponytail behind her back, stepped forward. “You’ve been sleeping for ten days, Your Highness.”

  Drakkel's heart began to thump in his chest as he asked the second question, “What happened to the Golden Peak Swords Clan?”

  The woman answered again, “The attacking demons retreated when you left.”

  Drakkel leaned forward in his seat.

  “Did you all send them?!”

  The woman shook her head. “Those demons separated from us long ago. You could consider them a different faction. Even now, we don't know what their intentions are.”

  Drakkel calmed down again, staring at the ground to gather his thoughts.

  “My clan,” He said. “I’m afraid they’ll be implicated. I should go back and tell them to escape.”

  The demons in the room all lowered their heads nervously, none daring to meet his eyes.

  “What is it?” He asked.

  He gazed at Re'ila, pleading for an answer. “Re'ila?”

  Re'ila averted her gaze from his eyes as well.

  A deep panic came over him. “Why do you all look like that?!”

  The woman who answered before said, “After a long battle, your clan was…” She lowered her head and tightly closed her eyes. “Completely annihilated by the Golden Peak and High Mountain Glaive Swords Clans.”

  Drakkel’s heart dropped. So, it wasn’t a dream! None of it was a dream! His master! His Swords Clan!

  Drakkel all of a sudden found it a struggle to breathe. He gripped his chest as his vision blurred for a moment, his body breaking into a cold sweat.

  This couldn't be real. It couldn't be possible!

  Looking at Re’ila, he desperately said, “Take me there! Please…”

  A thoughtful look spread on Re’ila’s face as she nodded.

  She turned to the demons. “You heard his Highness! Prepare to depart!”

  Everyone in the room bowed. “Yes, Your Highness.”