The Dragon Prince: Maledictus Angelus [ongoing]

IV (Updated)

Chapter IV: Mortem Regis

Ivan was lying in bed, staring blankly up at the ceiling. He should feel guilt, but he felt a strange numbness, almost euphoric. Ivan sat up, looking down at the bandages that covered his upper body. The battle last night was grueling. The King died, many soldiers were murdered, and he plunged his spear into the heart of one of the elven assassins. Ivan had been trying to make himself feel guilty, but his heart raced with an uncertain excitement. "Do not feel ashamed; what you did last night was heroic. Even though the King has unfortunately perished, your bravery in eliminating that elf saved many soldiers." Viren walked in, holding a sterner expression on his face. "I did what needed to be done," Ivan said.

Viren nodded before furrowing his eyebrows. "I think it's about time you learn how to use magic."

"What?" Ivan immediately turned to his father. "I'm not capable of actually fighting, you know? That was only self-defense. My only duty is to be a priest. I don't understand why you sent me to protect the King in the first place; I nearly died." He scoffed, crossing his arms.

"Yes, I understand that. But we are on the brink of changing times. So while Claudia and Soren search for the Princes, I will teach you our magic." Before pulling out Ivan's journal, Viren stated, flipping through the yellow-stained pages covered in smudged drawings and incoherent phrases. "These spells are ancient; the fact you saw these in a dream makes you exceptionally special. I'm not your real father, but I think of you as my son. And I will train your accordingly for the sake of humanity."

Ivan tightened his fists around the bedsheets, happy that his father, who adopted him many years ago, thought so highly of him. A faint smile crossed his features, "I see; well, I guess I'm in no place to object. I suspected I'll have to learn Dark Magic somehow." He sighed, finally accepting that magic has something to do with his abnormal condition. Viren then instructed that he mustn't tell anyone, not even the church, as they are heavily against dark magic practices, saying it's a gateway to evil. "Dark Magic is not evil, my son. It is a way for us humans to reach our full potential. If you learn it, you'll do great things."

"Yes, father."

- ♢ -

"You look a bit pale, Ivan." Opeli pointed out, walking up to the white-haired man as he entered the church with a usual smile. "Well, I do have albinism. Don't worry about it; I'm perfectly healthy." He smiled innocently, holding his hands together. Ivan spaced out a bit, his mind wandering to the incantations he practiced. "Well, I hope you don't mind me asking, but how did you get that scar?" She asked, touching his cheek gently. "It looks painful."

Ivan looked down at her, his eyes full of life despite the pallor of his skin. "It's nothing; I was only scratched by a wee cat." He lied, but she seemed to believe it as her hands rested at her sides. Opeli wanted to brush it off, but she couldn't help but feel suspicious. Ivan's sermon went on without a struggle; the people always seemed to like how he spoke, how his gaze would hang low as if in reverence. He said his final words before ending today's sermon. Ivan walked away from the altar, sitting down with other church members until the bell rang, letting others know they could continue their lives. Ivan stood up, engaging in small talk as the people slowly started to leave. He glanced over at Opeli, her eyes following his every move. "Are you heading back to the castle after this?" She paused. "We could walk there together if you're up to it?" Opeli questioned, suspicion lacing her voice. Ivan's smile brightened as he tied a scarf over his head to shield his face from the bright sun. "How could I say no?" He laughed, clapping his hands together. The white-haired man would talk nonstop during their journey back to the castle. They soon departed; Ivan, heading towards Viren's study, did not find him there, so he assumed he was in the secret dungeon. He opened the painting that concealed a hall, walked through the private entrance, and ensured no one saw him.

"Good afternoon Gren. Have you seen my father?" Ivan asked, turning to the commander who was imprisoned down here. "Nope, haven't seen him all day! Or is it night? Haha! I don't know since I haven't seen the sun yet!" He stated enthusiastically, and the white-haired man returned that enthusiasm, giving him a fist bump. Ivan then turned the corner, walking through another door where Runaan was previously held hostage. "Oh, magic mirror, what are you in-store today?" He sang, plopping down in the chair and propping his legs up on the armrest, looking at the arrangement of items on a small table before the mirror. He looked closely as the room soon became dark. He blinked a couple of times before taking in the soft glow of what seemed to be a study room. He stood up, noticing that his surroundings were oddly familiar. Ivan noticed a tall figure, the one whom he had seen days ago, walk through a doorway. The creature walked towards the mirror as he noticed the white-haired man on the other side. Suddenly, Viren burst through the doors. "What are you doing in here? I strictly ordered you to not touch that mirror." He grabbed his arm, pulling him away from the magical artifact, much to the figure's dismay. "Get out," Viren stated in a fit of anger.

"Excuse me?" Ivan pulled his arm away, wanting answers. "Who is that?" He questioned, glancing at the mirror again, not realizing Viren had finally forced him out of the room with the mirror. "That is none of your business. If I see you in here again, I will stop teaching you magic."

"That's not fair! That person! I-" Ivan was cut off.

"Stop. Do not tell him, not yet."

The voice echoed in his consciousness, forcing his mouth shut. Viren raised a brow, now intrigued by what his son had to say. Ivan turned away, leaving the secret dungeon with a sour expression.

- ♢ -

Viren looked at the mirror where the figure stood silently, holding the knife to their hand, pestering the high mage to do the same and cut his palm. "Why should I trust you?" Viren scoffed before grabbing the cloth and covering the mirror.