(Al'Morthal's hideout)
In a dim lit room, dark and red tendrils circled around a boy. Beads of sweat formed on his skin, his body absorbing the mana that was being transferred into him. His eyes snapped open, his irises glowed red.
After he had finished absorbing the mana, he stood up, walking towards the two people he had known as his only family since birth.
"Aunty Phoebe, uncle Rock. I did good, didn't I?" a smirk formed on his lips.
A sinister smile formed on Phoebe's lips. "You did exceptionally well. You are really living up to your name as the demon's reincarnate." She patted his black hair.
"When will I go on my first mission?" he tilted his head.
"Soon," Rock answered. "Now go practice your spells."
Daemien nodded his head before walking out of the room, heading to the spell room.
After he had gone out of sight. Phoebe turned to Rock, a worried frown forming on her face. "Isn't he strange? It feels like there is something off about him… of course he is exceptional. And he could handle magic that would kill kids his age. But why hasn't his hair turned snow white yet?"
Rock's jaws clenched. "Maybe he has to get to a certain age first, or maybe his powers have to grow to a certain stage. I believe he is the demon child. He is too exceptional not to be, but look at the brighter side… we are the only ones who knew the demon child is not born with snow white hair… so it was easier for us to deceive the mages that they had killed the right child." he paused.
"Daemien can go out freely with no one suspecting that he is the demon child. That is to our advantage." he added with a small smile.
Phoebe sighed before resting her back on the wall. "Seraphina sent a message that Raven will be out soon. And that will be the beginning of a problem."
Rock scoffed. "Not if we tell that her little brother is dead."
"You are so cruel, Rock. I heard the rest of the factions of the Al'Morthals will be coming here very soon."
"Well that means more trouble. We have to train Daemien harder."
.....
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden lines across the floor. Kaelith's eyes fluttered open at the sound of knocking.
He groaned quietly, his body still sore from the previous night's fight. The couch beneath him felt too stiff, and every inch of his skin throbbed with dull pain. 'This body is too weak,' he muttered to himself in irritation, before sitting up slowly.
The curtains danced softly to the faint breeze. The candles had burned low, and the room smelled faintly of ointment he had used to treat his wounds. His gaze shifted to the bed, annoyance flickering through his eyes.
Scarlet was still asleep, curled up on the far side with the blanket half-tangled around his legs. His small chest rose and fell in even rhythm, completely unaware of the world around him.
Kaelith wished he had gone all the way, before the sight of him wouldn't have annoyed him this much. He had chosen the couch on purpose, he couldn't bring himself to share the bed with Scarlet without ending up snapping his neck.
Another knock came, louder and firmer this time.
Kaelith stood up, stretching his limbs with effort. He walked to the door and opened it slightly.
Agnes stepped inside, wearing a deep red robe embroidered with gold threads, her gaze warm but calculative.
Her gaze swept over him, then past his shoulder into the room. She didn't comment on Scarlet lying on the bed. Instead, she stepped inside, her perfume clashing with the warm morning air.
She looked around, the scrolls on the table, and the healing potion still open.
"You are injured?" she asked dryly.
"Yes, just a minor one," Kaelith replied, his voice flat.
Agnes gave him a suspicious look, but she chose not to probe further. She walked over to the window, her red robes brushing softly against the polished stone floor. "Still refusing to act like an heir, I see." she stared down the window.
Kaelith didn't respond. He moved past her and leaned against the far wall. His eyes observing every single move of his mother. Something told him she was already aware of what he had been doing.
"You made quite the scene yesterday," she continued, her voice calm but sharp. "You didn't bow to the Emperor or the Patriarch. Do you realize how reckless that was?"
"I didn't know kneeling was a requirement to inherit power."
Her lips pressed into a tight line. "You lack etiquette. Discipline. And if you want to be taken seriously as an heir to the throne, that needs to change immediately."
"So you're here to teach me?"
"No," she replied coolly. "I'm here to inform you that starting today, you'll begin formal training. Court manners, imperial law, and your future responsibilities. If you want to stand among nobles, you need to act like one."
"Is it important for me to learn all that boring stuff?"
"It is very important." her voice lowered, her eyes serious. "You must know that we are not exactly favoured by the Emperor. Which means we can't afford to make a mistake. I bet you must have another assassination." her eyes flicked down his stomach.
A glint flickered across Kaelith's eyes.
Silence lingered in the air before she continued again. "Why didn't I know anything about this?... except you were not in the palace." her expression slowly turned angry.
"I handled it just fine." he muttered.
"I can see." she muttered sarcastically. She waved her hand over his stomach, and his wounds healed, his skin stitching together, forming a smooth skin underneath his clothes.
Kaelith stared at her, silent for a beat.
Kaelith gave a slight nod. "Fine. I'll learn everything I need to know." He agreed, changing the direction of the conversation.
She looked surprised for a second, then she narrowed her eyes at him. "Good. I'll arrange the tutors." she didn't probe further. She was well aware of the identity of her son.
Kaelith said nothing more, waiting for her to leave. 'Fine, I'll learn their laws and politics for now… only to tear them apart later.'
Agnes lingered near the door for a moment. "You're different lately," she said softly. "I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not."
"People grow," Kaelith replied. "Even children."
Her expression didn't change, but her eyes looked thoughtful, she knew her son was smart and intelligent. But now she wonders if it was a good thing or a bad one. She turned and walked out without another word.
The moment she left, Kaelith closed the door, locked it, and let out a breath. His body still ached, but his mind was clear.
The day passed slowly. Kaelith spent it in silence, pretending to study. But his mind was already looking forth to tonight.