Cherreads

Chapter 24 - Chapter Twenty-Three

Elysium rested her chin on her palm while she rode in her carriage. She and Alastor hadn't spoken in a week; not since their night together. He'd been busy doing damage control in Sheol, and she was working to pull Alaria back onto its feet. They'd managed to reconstruct the kingdom fairly quickly after separating the kingdoms into their original state. When she pulled into the palace gates, she quickly hopped out and started towards her quarters. Zeta immediately stopped her at the front doorways, her face filled with concern.

"What is it?" Elysium worriedly asked. 

"Prince Alastor is here to see you," Zeta replied quietly.

Elysium felt her heart sink as she brushed past Zeta. She pushed the palace doors open; Alastor stood on the tile floor with his head low. Elysium stomped over to him, her face red with fury. 

"You haven't said a word since-"

"-I know," Alastor replied, tilting his head up. 

Elysium felt her anger melt into hurt. She took a step back and looked up at Alastor.

"Why?" Her voice was soft.

Alastor sighed and nodded his head to the back balcony. The moon shone over the gardens while Alastor and Elysium walked down the pathway together. Elysium lifted the hem of her emerald gown from the dirt as they tiptoed towards the ponds. Swans swirled in the water, and crickets chirped from the bushes. Alastor leaned his back against a nearby tree, folding his arms over his chest. 

"I hope you have a good reason for this," Elysium said. 

Alastor looked towards the water, collecting his thoughts. His eyes glanced back to Elysium, and he poked the inside of his cheek with his tongue. 

"Sheol is weak right now," Alastor's voice turned serious. "Lupus damaged my kingdom greatly."

Elysium swallowed while Alastor continued. 

"I've spent my days dragging bodies from the streets and rebuilding village homes." Alastor's eyes were sad. "But, I'm sorry."

That was one of the first times Alastor had ever apologized to her, or probably to anyone in general. Elysium chewed her lip while she stared at the ground. She felt a tinge of guilt when she realized how much he was dealing with. 

"I'll send some of my guards to help you," Elysium finally said, her head rising.

Alastor knit his brows together.

"What?" He blinked. 

"Our kingdoms are bound," Elysium said. "Let us help."

Alastor took a breath before he replied. 

"Thanks." He said lowly. 

Suddenly, a voice hissed from the trees.

"What a tender moment."

A man walked into the moonlight, his mocha hair shining. The man looked to be about their age, with broad shoulders and towering height. His sharp jawline was traced with a scar that traveled down his cheek, right below his dark, hooded eyes. Elysium froze, eyes wide. 

"You've really let things fall apart since I've been gone." The man said calmly. 

"You shouldn't be here," Alastor replied, his voice tight and controlled.

The man smirked and stepped forward, closer to the pair.

"And yet…" he raised his hands from his sides. "Here I am."

The fireflies' light twinkled across the man's black armor. His smile never faded; it was like he was amused by their interaction. Elysium raised one of her brows while she glanced from the man to Alastor. He stared daggers at the man, clenching his fists at his sides. Blaise's eyes flickered to Elysium. 

"You must be Princess Elysium," Alastor's body tensed. "I expected someone less… interesting."

Elysium swallowed and stepped back a bit. Alastor stepped slightly in front of Elysium, his posture stiffening. Elysium could sense the tension between the man and Alastor; she just couldn't figure out why. 

"Tell me, Prince Alastor," the man leaned his palm against a tree. "Have you finally learned restraint?"

Alastor swallowed, clenching his jaw. Elysium's mind raced while she tried to decipher their history with each other. If he were royalty, she would surely know who he was. But, she'd never seen his face before.

"Who are you?" Elysium asked steadily.

Alastor spoke before the man could.

"Blaise Ambros," Alastor's eyes were still glued on Blaise. "Prince of Virellion."

"Prince?" Elysium muttered to herself.

It suddenly struck her. Virellion was thought to have been a dead kingdom after the assassination of Balder Ambros, the tyrant king. 

Blaise must be his son. Elysium thought. 

Virellion was a kingdom that wielded dark magic. Magic seeped through the air, and voices could barely travel through the smoke and mist that blanketed the villages. The kingdom was built with black stone, veined with a faint silver glow. Torches burned low at a near-blue color. It was the kingdom of mystery; nobody had heard the name in years. However, she did know that in the past, Virellion and Sheol were enemies. But that was years ago. 

"You look at him like you trust him," Blaise said while he looked at the pair. 

Alastor looked as though he was about to explode. His eyes were dangerously dark as they glared at Blaise. His back muscles tensed while he bit down on his jaw. 

"Relax, Alastor," Blaise said as he observed the palace. "If I wanted to destroy this kingdom, you wouldn't be standing in it." He smiled.

When he stopped, his eyes trailed up and down Elysium, fixating on her gown. Alastor grabbed Elysium's wrist and pulled her back. Blaise clasped his hands together behind his back while he trailed back towards the forest.

"We'll be seeing each other again," He said with his back to them.

Then he turned his head around and looked directly at Elysium. 

"I look forward to it." He said to her.

Elysium felt unsettled as she waited for Blaise to disappear back into the darkness. Then, her eyes turned to Alastor. He silently stood with a vacant expression, like he was miles away. 

"What did he mean?" She asked him.

Alastor didn't reply; he just shook his head and started walking back to the palace. 

A week passed without peace, only distance. Elysium nervously sat at her vanity while her assistants tied her into her dress and pinned her curled hair back. Her corsetted dress was decorated with shimmering emeralds across the ivory material. Light green tule had been tied into a bow at the small of her back and blended down the back of the dress skirt. A green tourmaline choker was clasped around her throat, with one small emerald hanging in the middle. She stepped into her sage green heels and pinned her tiara onto her head, before starting towards the door. Tonight's ball would change the trajectory of the realm's future. The ball served as both a celebration and a recruitment for the next leaders of the orphaned kingdoms. Elysium hadn't spoken to Alastor since she'd seen him in the gardens; she'd grown tired of chasing him. Regardless of his feelings, they were bonded, and nothing could change that. Not at least one of them killed the other, at least. 

Elysium could already hear the music trailing through the halls while she headed towards the stone mezzanine that overlooked the ballroom. When she stepped into view of the partygoers, a roar of excitement sounded through the room. Cheers and claps echoed to her, and she forced a smile while she curtsied to the crowd. Her eyes suddenly glanced to Alastor, who stood deep in the sea of people, a blank expression resting on his face. 

The atmosphere was elegant, but tense at the same time. Elysium could feel the competition for power brewing in the crowd. Gold and deep red decor were placed around the palace, with dimly lit candles set on the chandeliers. 

Elysium walked down the grand staircase and across the floors, her heels clicking on the tile. She walked right past Alastor without looking at him; she completely blocked him out. Alastor's head turned, and he watched her walk towards Zeta near the back of the room. Zeta's dark hair was pinned back, and her sea-blue dress spread across the tile floor. Elysium squeezed Zeta's hand and leaned in to whisper to her.

"How is she?" Celeste hadn't left her room in weeks.

"She's…" Zeta held her breath. Distraught."

Elysium frowned and looked away for a moment. As betrayed as she felt, she pitied Celeste. She'd fallen into Lupus's trap just like she had; Elysium just pulled herself out of it. Zeta led Elysium to the center of the dance floor; Elysium could feel Alastor's eyes on her. The music escalated while the crowd paired into their dancing groups. Zeta served as Elysium's first dance partner; she wouldn't dare touch Alastor right now. 

For the first few hours of the night, Elysium and Alastor completely ignored each other. They stood on opposite sides of the ballroom, refusing to acknowledge each other. That was, until there was a shift in the room. Voices suddenly began to falter, and heads turned, murmuring to one another. Elysium could feel the fear seeping from the crowd. She exchanged worried glances with Alastor across the room before the crowd began to spread apart. As they timidly backed up towards the walls, Blaise stood on the staircase, his golden vest and maroon jacket glimmering in the candlelight. Blaise's dark hair messily scattered itself along the nape of his neck, while his eyes traced over the crowd. Alastor walked towards Elysium, his tall figure towering beside her. Alastor's eyes narrowed to Blaise as the pair walked towards the end of the staircase. 

Blaise met the pair on the floor, his wide smirk never fading. His eyes trailed down Elysium's gown until he looked up into her ivory eyes. 

"You clean up well," Blaise's voice was a slimy hiss. 

Alastor pulled Elysium behind him; his voice was thick with hostility.

"You've overstayed your welcome," He growled. 

Blaise's smile widened as he walked further into the room.

"I wasn't aware I ever had one," he chuckled lowly. 

Alastor's eyes darted between Elysium and Alastor while his body shielded her. 

"Shall we talk privately?" Blaise asked, raising a brow.

Alastor looked down at Elysium, who wore a concerned expression. He looked back at Blaise.

"I guess so," He replied through gritted teeth. 

Blaise walked towards the dark hallway, and Alastor reluctantly followed until they disappeared around the corner. Desperate to keep the party going, Zeta signaled for the music to start up again. Zeta placed a hand on Elysium's shoulder, pulling her from her trance. Elysium blinked awake and turned to Zeta.

"I'll be right back." Her voice was filled with determination.

Elysium hurriedly walked around the corner and down the hallway before she stopped in front of the library; she heard muffled voices from inside. The door was barely open, but just enough for Elysium to peek through it. Inside, candles were scattered on the windowsills and desks, dimly lighting the room. She squinted until she gained a view of Alastor and Blaise. Alastor leaned against one of the bookshelves, while Blaise faced the windows with his hands in his front pockets. 

"I don't want you near her," Alastor's voice was low.

Blaise laughed softly, still facing his back to Alastor.

"Ahhh, there it is," his voice was full of amusement. "You always were predictable when it came to the things you wanted."

It was clear Blaise was trying to get under Alastor's skin. The scary part was that it was working. Elysium had never seen Alastor so on edge. His muscles were tense, and the veins in his forearms pulsed to the surface of his skin below his rolled sleeves. 

"I'm not asking," Alastor said gruffly.

"No," Blaine's voice turned low as he turned to face Alastor. "You never do. You just take." 

There was a pause before Blaine spoke again.

"Does she know?" He asked, his voice growing mischievous again.

"Don't," Alastor replied sharply.

"No?" Blaine crossed to lean his forearms against one of the desks. "You didn't think she deserved at least that?"

"This isn't about her," Alastor said stiffly, crossing his arms. 

"Everything is about her now," Blaise replied to Alastor.

There was another beat and a moment of silence. Alastor stood with a blank expression on his face, zoning out again. Blaine saw his moment of weakness and jumped on it as quickly as he could. His eyes suddenly flickered to meet Elysium's. She gasped and shot back, pressing herself against the wall in front of the door; Blaine had already spotted her. 

The silence carried for a few more moments before Blaine finally stirred the pot again.

"You killed my father, Alastor." 

"He tried to take my kingdom-." Alastor's voice was low and dangerous. 

"-So you took him instead." Blaine snapped back, cutting him off.

That was when Blaine's voice grew quieter, colder even.

 "Tell me… did it feel like justice?" He asked, pressing harder. "Or did you enjoy it?" 

That was all it took for Alastor to snap. He angrily lunged at Blaine, knocking books from the shelves and scattering them across the wooden floor. Alastor clutched him by his shirt collar, nearly lifting him off his feet. Holding Blaine's weight with one hand, Alastor sent the other towards Blaine's face. His fist collided with Blaine's cheek, spattering blood across the walls. Alastor kept punching him until Blaine's body weight slumped against the bookcase. Alastor dragged him towards him and began to send flying punches into Blaine's chest and sides. In the wake of all the pain, Blaine still lay on his back, smiling and laughing. Beyond the pain, Blaine enjoyed seeing Alastor crack.

Elysium pressed her hands against her ears, trying to block out the sounds of punches that echoed through the room. Finally, she'd witness enough. Elysium burst through the door to Blaine, cowering beneath Alastor, his face smothered with blood. A flap of skin hung from a strand on Blaine's nose. Elysium gripped Alastor's wrist and pulled him backward. Blaine slowly stood up, wiping the blood from his nose. He grinned while he licked the copper liquid from his gums. 

Alastor breathlessly huffed while Elysium pressed against his chest, blocking him from Blaine. 

"You knew she was standing there, didn't you?" Alastor snarled.

Blaine only laughed softly and walked slowly out the door.

"I'll leave you two to talk," He said softly. "I look forward to seeing you again, Princess."

Elysium pushed Alastor back, showing her fists repeatedly into his chest.

"What did he mean?" She asked aggressively. 

"It's nothing," Alastor mumbled quietly. 

"Don't you dare lie to me," Elysium's eyes narrowed. "You killed his father?" Her voice went soft.

"He was going to destroy everything," Alastor's voice cracked. "I didn't have a choice."

"There's always a choice," Elysium argued.

 "Not when it's your kingdom or theirs!" Alastor exclaimed angrily. 

Elysium was growing more frustrated.

"So what?" She circled him. "You just get to decide who lives and who doesn't??"

Alastor's head dropped, his raven hair falling over his forehead. 

"That's what ruling is." He replied hoarsely.

A hush fell between both of them. Elysium tried to choke out her words.

"And what happens when I'm in the way?"

Alastor's eyes widened as though he was offended she'd ever even ask that. Before he could reply, Elysium walked out the door and shut it behind her, heading up the staircase to her quarters. Tears pooled beneath Elysium's eyes while she tiredly dragged herself down the hallway. She froze when she reached her bedroom door; it was cracked open. 

Elysium whipped the door open and yelped in fear when she saw Blaine standing on her balcony, leaning over the railing. His head turned when he heard her yell, and he pressed his index finger against his lips, telling her to keep quiet. Elysium was desperate for answers, so she quietly shut the door behind her and walked out into the brisk air. Blaine's dark eyes looked into hers while a wide smirk crawled across his face. 

"It's a difficult thing," he said. "Realizing the person you trust isn't who you thought."

Elysium bit her cheek and angrily looked up at him.

"You don't know anything about him." She kept her voice low.

Blaine smiled, amused.

"Don't I?" He sighed, then continued. "He's always been like that… ruthless. Decisive. Efficient." 

Those words made Elysium's skin crawl.

"The question is…" Blaine said while he walked to exit her room. "What happens when that ruthlessness turns toward you?"

Elysium swallowed as her bedroom door shut, leaving her alone.

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