Chapter twenty five

It was opened. Talia guessed it was probably opened by the breeze coming through the three arched windows in the wall opposite next to her. Ignoring the book for a minute, Talia went over the window side and closed the curtains. The windows lacked glass but it was a good thing there were no mosquitoes around to feast. Talia then returned to the four-poster bed and continued to investigate the book.

“Teleportation magic…” Strange, That could only be… Talia flipped the book over. She was right. A spellbook for dark practitioners. Did Sybil drop it here or something? Talia scoffed at the idea of teleporting. It would be a nearly impossible feat for her. After all, It was an abomination of nature itself. Talia read through the incantation, tracing the lines as she went. Suddenly a jolt washed through her. Black and electric. A vibration only her mother had. It could not be… The thought of it sent Talia into a quick state of hysteria. She flipped back to the cover of the spellbook. The fire in the grate burned brightly as she investigated the book, immediately catching the sight of a burning moth. Her family’s insignia. Her mother sent her this.

“Wait,” Talia muttered to herself. The book contained dark spells. Spells a natural Fae should be incapable of using. Not unless. Her chest ached but she refused to acknowledge it, It just was not possible. Then slowly the memories rushed back. The vision from the ritual returned in scattering pieces. Talia saw her mother’s face. She was there. Her mother had tried to save her. That was what the teleportation spell was for. It was a cryptic message from her mother. Talia madly scrolled her way through the book, a buzz of untainted power rising through her as she searched for the teleportation spell. Talia realized her mother knew black magic. She practiced black magic and that meant the prince was right. She was a succubus. There was no time to whirl in self-pity or wonder why her mom kept their nature a secret. It was time to act. If there was a way for her to leave here on her own, without signing her name out the book of life, Talia was ready to pick that option. Despite all the kind prince had said, Talia was about to cause collateral damage three times in one night.
Sighing, Talia began the chant. Small tingles rushed all through her body almost immediately. A jittery smile left her. It was working. At least, It looked like it was working. As the surge became stronger, an overpowering buzz exploded her eardrums and slowly, Talia felt herself weaken. All that power, the surge, vanished. Talia crossed a finger into her ear. A warm and sticky liquid immediately coated her hands. Talia flicked a glance to the liquid. It was red. Crimson red. Something was wrong . Talia had felt it during the spell casting with the Gemini’s When she tried to use her vita and then now. Something was blocking her magic. Not something, Someone.

***
Denys found it impossible to concentrate. He sat in the middle of the great court, battling to get rid of the girl imprinted to his mind. He tried focusing on what Minas, the royal adviser was telling him but he instead found himself daydreaming of her. Denys made a serious face, pretending to be all ears as Minas went on a rant on how werewolves would be damaging to the city once the lunar cycle approached, Almost the same time as when the Mareel would fill up the waters. Yes, That is what he needed to think about. The ritual and his better chance of lifting that cursed artifact. Only then could he finally live. More so, Denys knew he had to keep his distance from Talia It was the only way he was going to keep her out of his mother’s drama. It was difficult sometimes. He ached to see her again, hear her speak again. Maybe even watch her get into trouble again but despite the hunger, Denys knew it was best to stay away. He was betrothed to someone after all.

“Your highness?” Minas coughed.

His gaze went back to the adviser. He noticed. Denys had to say something.

“About the prowling beasts the villagers are worried about, It should be known that weres do not go around tearing up innocent people.”

A scowl drew the old man’s eyebrow together. “ Your Highness, I do not think the people will appreciate your humor. This is a very concerning issue. A riot was almost tendered by the people to kick out the foreigners from this realm.”

“Those ungrateful bastards!” Denys sneered, half angry. They did not know half the sacrifice that had to be made. Not that they would care though. With his morning finally ruined, Denys decided to hit the nail straight. “You can tell the whiny asses not to worry. We will be getting moon rings before the lunar cycle so everyone will be safe.”

This would have never happened during his father’s time. Denys found himself fighting tooth and nail to keep the kingdom afloat. He wanted to be a good king but destiny had other plans for him. He was a failure. Not one passing day went without Denys fearing the Poseidon throne would lose control over its realm. The Western Kingdom wanted that power and if they got it, The pride of his family as the top guns would go down the drain. They had already lost so much. Denys rose, ending his discussion with the noble adviser as he headed outside. Once he was out of the court, Denys reached into his pocket for the potion. The poison that had become an everyday lifestyle for him. He could not let himself be viewed as a young unworthy son of Titan bloodline. He had to prove them wrong. As the conflicting thoughts wrestled in his mind, Denys bumped into Ulu. It was not a mistake. Judging from the way she stared down at him, Denys knew she wanted a conversation and he was not at capacity to give her the light of day.

“We need to talk Denys.”

“Not now Rene.” He replied, pushing past her. However, Ulu was not going to let what she had to say be discredited because the prince was in a fit.

“We are doing it now Denys.” She shot back.

The authority in her voice was fearsome. He could only obey.

“Okay Ulu. What do you have to say?”

“Two things, Denys. It has been two days since I arrived and yet the only thing that still runs through your mind is that trident! It is why I left last time but you still have not let that shitty goal of yours chill!”

She was mad, understandable but Denys wasn’t also in a cherry mood. While she whined about romance, He had other important matters to consider and if she was too selfish not to consider the struggles he was going through. What was the use? With barely concealed anger, The prince gave her a reply.
“It is my life Ulu. You of all people should know that and since when did you give a fuck about me spending time with you. All you want from me is the title of a major god.”

Ulu winced at his words, instantly taking a step back. She seemed disoriented and maybe hurt by his statement. She finally cleared her throat and inched her eyes back to him.

“That is what my father wants. Not me. But thanks for clearing things up. Since I do not matter here. I may as well leave.”

Confusion flickered across Denys's face. Ulu usually did not have a problem with their relationship. It was only a whacky alliance. What changed? He had to understand what was causing the outburst.

“What rubbish are you saying?”

“Don’t… Do not do that Denys. I beg you. Do not try to make me stay. We both know I am nothing but a guest here. You cannot spend the rest of your life with someone you do not love. I do not have a place in your heart and it hurts. Even that demigod already has a place in your heart!” Ulu spelled it out.

“What do you mean?” Denys demanded, yanking Ulu closer.

Heavy tears escaped Ulu’s lids as she continued. “When you look at me, Your eyes lack that shine. It… is different from when you look at your mother… or her.”