Predestined Meeting Part 5

This was it—the place I had been striving to reach for so long. I stepped inside and found myself in a large, circular chamber where dim light filtered through narrow windows, casting just enough illumination to reveal the chaos within. Jars of strange substances, bottles, cracked vials, and old books lay scattered everywhere, while unfamiliar marks covered the floor—symbols written in a language I had never seen before. Black, intricate symbols were scrawled across the walls, too, some half-erased, as if someone had once tried to scrub them away. Around the room's edges were clusters of arcane relics and several huge and transparent crystalline tubes filled with a green, luminescent substance.

But none of it mattered. All of it—every bizarre object, every shadowed corner—was nothing more than a blur to me.

In the center, surrounded by an eerie, faint glow, was a platform. And on it—chained, barely upright—was a woman.

"Z-Zaine!?"

I swallowed, the lump in my throat making it hard to breathe. I'd waited for this moment, fought for it through so much, yet now that I was here… I couldn't move—the sheer weight of finally seeing her, of standing face-to-face...

I began to walk slowly toward her, each of my steps echoing. I had seen this scene countless times in my dreams, in that endless world of darkness, but never with such clarity. For the first time, I could make out the color of Zaine's hair—long, dark purple hair spilled down, covering her face. Now I noticed that one of her horns was broken in half. Her arms were raised high above, wrists locked in chains just like in my dreams. She was wearing a tattered, stained nightgown hanging loosely over her form.

Every step, every second felt like an eternity, but finally, I reached the platform where she was. I stepped closer, close enough to see the bruises on her wrists where the chains dug into her skin.

"Zaine..." I whispered, my voice barely audible, as if saying her name might shatter her frail form, "I found you," I whispered, half to her, half to myself, the words thick with emotion, "After everything… I found you. Sorry, it took too long."

.......

"Namy, Usofra…" I began to speak, but the words died on my tongue, "They came with me, only they had to stay behind. They both really wanted to see you..."

....

No response. She didn't move, didn't speak, didn't open her eyes, or acknowledge my presence in any way. She remained lifeless, her body limp, head hanging forward as though all the fight had been drained from her. She looked so… lost, like a piece of herself had slipped away, far beyond my reach. Her breathing was shallow, each faint rise and fall of her chest a struggle, but at least I knew she was still alive. I'd imagined this could happen. Zaine wasn't simply asleep; her demonic energy had been drained, leaving her barely clinging to life after so many years. She must be on her last legs. Waking her and restoring her strength will be difficult, but that's a problem for later—first, I need to free her and get us to safety.

I stepped closer, kneeling before her, softly reaching out her hair, brushing it to the side, and removing it from her face. Her skin was cold, but her pulse still beat faintly beneath the surface. But more than that, I finally saw her face. She is ...beauti-

"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

Suddenly, behind me, I heard someone's voice, which scared me, taking me by surprise and making me turn around quickly to see who it was.

"Who is there?" I asked with shock.

Standing behind me was a man—no, a demon, his figure cloaked in an unsettling aura. He looked almost human, save for the long, sleek horns arching back from his forehead and a thin tail that moved idly behind him. His dark hair fell in tousled waves, framing a sharp, angular face with high cheekbones and piercing, narrow eyes that gleamed with a faint, unnatural light. His smile—too smooth, too precise—that, for some reason, gives me chills. He had an air of elegance, yet there was something sickeningly off about him, like he was a mask hiding something rotten underneath. His clothes were as well-kept as his appearance, with elegant attire and jewelry.

He looked at me from top to bottom, giving me an unpleasant feeling of being studied, as though he were dissecting me with his gaze.

"You're surprised? Good," The demon's voice grated in my ears, a nasal drawl that conveyed mockery with each word. He took a step forward, his eyes flitting back to Zaine, though the smile remained, widening almost predatorily, "No one senses me if I don't want them to. I quite enjoy… making my presence felt when least expected."

I held my ground, instinctively shielding Zaine with my body, even though I had no idea what this demon might do, "Who are you?" I demanded, keeping my voice steady, "And how did you—"

But he raised a slender hand, dismissing my question with a smirk, "Oh, I think we both know there are more interesting things to talk about, "His eyes drifted over Zaine with a weirdness that made my skin crawl, "She's exquisite, isn't she? The Demon Queen, every demon with an ounce of sense—and more without—dreamed of winning her. They all failed, of course," His lips curled in bitter amusement, "Including me. Which is disappointing. Really disappointing, especially since we've known each other since we were young."

I clenched my fists. I don't know who this guy is, but I don't plan to waste any more time here. I have to free Zaine and get away from here before the red-eyed guy outside finds me.

Somehow, he realized my intentions. His smile grew as he took in my reaction, seeming to be delighted by my anger.

"Ah," He sneered softly, "Protective, aren't we? I assure you, boy, I would never dream of harming her. Well," He laughed, a cold, hollow sound that grated in my ears, "Not mortally, at least."

I bristled, my every instinct telling me this demon couldn't be trusted, "Who are you?" I demanded again, voice sharper now, laced with anger, "If you think—"

But he interrupted once again, speaking as if I hadn't even spoken, "My name is Duke Dagrol," He said, a touch of grandiosity in his tone, "Surely, you've heard of me. This region is mine, and even though I'm not as popular as the other Dukes, I'm sure it's only polite to address a Duke respectfully, don't you think?"

So this is Duke Dagrol. He wasn't in his fortress after all. But how on earth can he be here when this place is deadly to other demons like Namy and Usofra? Who the hell is this guy? With Duke Vanth, I felt from the beginning that he was powerful, but it was a fight that I could win. With the guy with the red eyes outside, it is clear to me that he is far above my level. But Duke Dagrol… I can't gauge him at all. There's something off about him. Something strange that I can't figure out what it is.

The thought of attacking him surged within me, my hand instinctively moving to reach for my sword, but Dagrol raised an eyebrow, his lips curling in that same infuriating smile.

"Careful," He said, almost lazily, as if my aggression was a trivial annoyance, "Attacking me wouldn't end well for you. And besides…" He gestured vaguely toward Zaine, his smirk softening with something resembling nostalgia yet tinged with malice, "She was once a… dear friend, if you will. And though I've had my share of… disappointments, I'd prefer not to see her damaged. Much."

"Other times, I don't mind being underestimated, but right now, I don't have time to entertain whatever this is. I'll take Zaine by hook or by crook." I said, taking out my sword.

Dagrol's smirk deepened, a gleam of pride flickering in his unsettling eyes, "Hahaha, If you calm down, I'll answer your other question. You seem a little… surprised, boy. Didn't expect me to slip in so easily? I admit that it was inappropriate for me to interrupt the emotional meeting that has been on the making for hundreds of years," He gave a casual shrug as if the feat were the most trivial thing in the world, "Well, you can thank my pet for that. He teleported me here."

I felt a flash of confusion, "P-Pet?" The word sounded strange coming from him, almost as if it held some twisted meaning, "And what do you mean by… teleporting?"

He let out a sigh, looking at me as though I were the dullest creature he'd ever encountered, "My pet. A red-eyed fellow, I'm sure you must've noticed him outside. Eldrin. Ring any bells?" Dagrol's lips curled into a smug smile, "Once, Eldrin was a mighty warrior. Not just any warrior, mind you—a direct descendant of Zrephia's royal family when he was alive, hundreds of years ago. He was feared and respected, a shining symbol of the goddess Imris's lineage. Although, in reality, he was a piece of shit."

I-Is he fucking with me? A descendant of the royal family of Zrephia? Does he think I will believe something like that? But his eyes and his appearance. When I saw it, I immediately thought about how the books described the royal family of Zrephia, and their appearance and power seemed to fit.

Besides, the way Dagrol spoke of Eldrin was chilling, his tone dipping from admiration to disdain in the blink of an eye. Who the fuck is Dagrol, really? How come he has Zaine locked up and also seems to have some sort of control over someone as powerful as that Eldrin?

"But that was then. Now, Eldrin is nothing more than a pet. My pet, in fact. And he obeys my every command," Dagrol's eyes narrowed in satisfaction as if savoring the shock on my face, "As a descendant of Zrephia's royal line—and, therefore, of the goddess Imris herself—Eldrin possesses the unique space-time magic. Not quite as powerful as he was in life, I'll admit, but enough to… well, make an entrance, wouldn't you agree?"

"S-Space-time magic?"

The words were barely out of my mouth when I felt it—a cold pressure against my throat, the unmistakable touch of a blade's edge. I tensed, my heart pounding as I realized what had happened. Before I could even process the threat, a shadow loomed behind me, and the tip of a sword rested against my skin. I moved my head slightly and saw the red eyes of the figure holding a sword in my throat, emotionless and rigid. He wasn't in this room before. I'm sure of that. He just ...appeared behind me.

"See? He's marvelous, isn't he? Though…" Dagrol tilted his head, almost as if confiding in me, "Keeping him… tamed, let's say, does take all my power as a necromancer. But it's worth it, wouldn't you agree? Trading a huge army of non-living for him is a good choice."

"Relax, kid," Dagrol said, his voice as casual as if we were discussing the weather, "There's no need for all this hostility. I assure you, I'm only here because I wanted to meet you in person. After all, you can't blame me for being curious about the one Zaine waited hundreds of years for. Besides, Ziges wouldn't be pleased if I were to damage you beyond repair. Cooperate, and my pet won't... well, slice that pretty neck of yours."

Hundreds of years? And who that fuck is Ziges? I'm barely understanding half of what he says. I kept my breath steady, trying not to let the chill of the blade against my skin distract me. My mind raced, searching for an escape, a plan—but Dagrol's gaze told me he was watching, waiting to see what I'd do.

"Once we've had a little chat," Dagrol continued, his tone almost playful, "I'll let you go. And yes," He added, "You'll be free to take Zaine with you."

W-What? The words struck me harder than I'd care to admit. I narrowed my eyes, distrust creeping into my voice, "You expect me to believe that? You're just going to let us walk out of here?

Dagrol chuckled, "I get it. Trust doesn't come easily to people. But I mean it. My priorities... have shifted. I had already achieved what I wanted. I have… different goals now. And those goals require both you and Zaine to be alive."

I swallowed, my anger bubbling, "Goals?" I said, trying to keep my voice steady though my patience was wearing thin, "Do you think this is a game? Why was Zaine kept here? What did you do to her?"

"Ah, now that... is a story worth telling," He tilted his head, that creepy smirk reappearing, "You've come this far; you deserve to know. However, for you to understand, I must tell you a little about who she really is—Zaine's story."

I held his gaze, trying to decipher his motives. Something told me he wouldn't give up Zaine's history so easily if it didn't serve his own twisted agenda.

Dagrol folded his arms, his gaze shifting to Zaine with an oddly nostalgic look, "To understand, you need to know the tale of Ziges, the current Demon King... and the former Demon Queen, Zaine."

So Ziges is the name of the Demon King. I don't remember if I had heard his name before. I never asked Namy or Usofra.

"You see, Darx, they are more than mere rivals," Dagrol paused, letting his words hang in the air before dropping the revelation like a stone in still water, "They're siblings."

The shock hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at Dagrol, struggling to process what he'd just said, "Siblings?" I repeated, almost incredulous, "Zaine and Ziges?"

"Oh yes," Dagrol said, a strange, satisfied gleam in his eye. "Zaine is the youngest of three siblings. I bet you've heard tales of one of them—the eldest. Humans know him as the Demon King, who was betrayed and slain by the Queen of Calamity. A sad story, by the way. He was a demon admired and revered by all in those days. Powerful. Zaine's oldest brother. An unparalleled ****, a demon more powerful than any in history, capable of feats even legends can't fully capture. The strongest demon to have ever existed."

Of course, I've heard that story. The tale of the Demon King betrayed by the Princess of Calamity, sparking the great war centuries ago. Could he really be telling the truth? He spoke as if he'd been there as if he'd witnessed it all firsthand. Just how old is this demon?

Dagrol's voice took on a darker tone, "The details, I'll spare you. But know this—when Zaine's older brother, the Demon King of his time, was murdered, it shattered the balance of power. His **** ignited the Great War, plunging everything into chaos. And with the throne of the Demon King left empty, someone had to step up to claim it."

I listened intently, on the one hand, because I couldn't do anything about it having a sword on my neck, but on the other hand, I was really interested in knowing more about Zaine and about the current Demon King who turned out to be one of Zaine's brothers.

"When a demon king dies," He continued, "Their successor must undergo a ritual—one fraught with dangers beyond what most can fathom. This ritual is the only way for a demon to inherit the powers and authority needed to hold the throne. Ziges… he attempted it. He wanted the throne, but he failed," Dagrol's lips twisted into a weird smile, "Still, Ziges's failure didn't diminish his desire. If anything, it fueled him. He still wanted the throne and was willing to do whatever it took to get it," He paused, his gaze resting briefly on Zaine's motionless form, "However, Zaine… had other ideas—a vision of the future that clashed with her brother's ambitions. And it came down to one inevitable conclusion," Dagrol's eyes narrowed, "The siblings met in a battle to the ****, each unwilling to back down, their visions as fierce as their power."

I felt a shiver run down my spine, "And she won..." I murmured.

"Oh, she did," Dagrol replied, "Zaine emerged victorious. She then undertook the ritual herself,and succeeded where her brother had failed." He leaned in towards Zaine, "She took on the full powers of the Demon King and claimed the title of Demon Queen. And for centuries, she ruled. However, she made a serious mistake. Zaine believed her brother to be dead, never imagining he would rise again. A few years ago, Ziges reappeared. Not only had he survived, but he had gained powerful allies," His eyes gleamed, the malice barely hidden, "Allies who were once loyal to Zaine herself—those who turned on her in a final, devastating betrayal. With them at his side, Ziges orchestrated her defeat."

"And you helped with that, right?" I said, looking at him with anger.

"That I did," He responded, but this time, his smile disappeared, "You may already know this, but there are twenty generals who serve the Demon King. Eight have the titles of Duke and govern one of the nine regions of the demonic territory. The work of the other twelve is in direct service of the demon king, and their main job is to protect him. Ziges, with my help, managed to sway six of the generals sworn to protect Zaine, along with three of the Dukes. Though Ziges was still weaker than Zaine, he and his traitorous allies caught her off guard. Together, they overwhelmed her in a brutal ambush. In the struggle, two of Zaine's loyal generals who fought to defend her until the very end were slain."

"You're a fucking traitor! Didn't you say Zaine was your friend?" I spoke.

"She was," Dagrol responded blankly, "But she never saw me the same way."

"Tss, so what? You managed to dethrone Zaine, but you still haven't explained to me why you have her trapped in this place." I said.

"As I said, Ziges failed the ritual, and it isn't something that can just be attempted over and over. Ziges could never become the Demon King by those means. So, we had to… improvise. After years of searching, I discovered a way to extract the power Zaine gained from the ritual," Dagrol said, the twisted satisfaction in his tone impossible to miss, "It's a delicate process—agonizingly slow, but effective. That's why she's confined here, Darx. The power she obtained in the ritual is being drawn from her essence bit by bit, as carefully as one would drain a precious elixir. Her power, her strength, all being transferred to Ziges. Little by little, he grows stronger, and on the other hand, Zaine loses more and more of herself. Still, if you ask me, it's better than having been killed in her confrontation with her brother."

"You two are sick!" I said, "I'm going to get her out of here."

"Even if you take Zaine out of here, Darx," he began, his voice low and controlled, "she will not awaken. She's too far gone. Her condition is beyond anyone's ability to heal—except for mine. She'll succumb to her condition soon enough."

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine at the finality of his words.

Dagrol continued, his tone shifting slightly, now laced with more of a business-like edge, "However," He said, lifting a finger, "In exchange for all the information I've shared with you, you must answer one of my questions. Tell me, Darx, how did you manage to locate Zaine? There seems to be no logical explanation for how you could have found her, given the distance between you and this place. No one should have been able to track her down... yet here you are."

"Do you really think I'm going to tell you?"

"Should I remind you that your life and Zaine's depend on me?" Dagrol responded, "It's not like you have anything else to lose, so just tell me."

He is right. I really have no way out.

"... A dream," I murmured, "I can see her while I sleep."

Dagrol's eyes narrowed slightly, his fingers tapping lightly against his chin as if mulling over the information he'd just extracted.

"So it was through dreams, hm?" Dagrol mused, his voice now taking on an almost speculative tone, "Fascinating. That would mean... there's a part of Zaine's soul within you. How very strange," His gaze flickered toward me as though the answer was just beyond his reach, and he was struggling to understand.

I swallowed hard, trying to process his words. A part of Zaine's soul inside me?

"This… should mean just one thing," He paced back and forth slowly as if his thoughts were unraveling in real-time, "If I'm correct… Zaine must have been with the princess, then. When she destroyed the city of Zrephia."

When did she destroy the city of Zrephia? W-What?