GUARDIAN DEMON | BL ✔

CHAPTER 79

Night had just fallen when the traveling group finally reached its destination. Klein, Denzyl, and Jun stood before the mouth of the elders' cave awaiting the head elder to permit them to enter. This was Denzyl's first visit to the cave, and he was curious as to how they managed to live in this harsh environment. The cave was secluded from the rest of the clan, and there was no food or vegetation readily available. The elders were hardly spoken about or visited except for marking and crowning ceremonies and never visited the clan's village.

Denzyl had always been curious about the elders and their lifestyle, and he was about to discover something that would haunt any person should they too know. The cave was lit by torches anchored to its rough walls as well as lanterns that hung from the cave's ceiling. Jun stayed close to Denzyl who was looking around to scan his immediate surroundings for any tool that would aid in escaping the ceremony that was about to begin. 

After a few moments of waiting in silence, boots clinking on the stone surface of the cave sounded from its dark mouth. The ruffling of soft fabric accompanied the sound of the boots, and soon, a beautiful woman emerged from the darkness. The torchlight revealed her elegant body and soft features. She was tall and had long, dark hair with amber eyes. The woman donned a dress that hung from her shoulders gracefully and flowed with her every movement. She donned a smile as she came to a stop before the three men and greeted them. "Welcome. We have been expecting you. Please, follow me."

Prodded by a knife against his back, Denzyl begrudgingly followed his father into the cave where they were led by the woman to a vast expanse held within the mountain. Seven thrones sat on a platform that had been carved from the back of the cave, and Denzyl watched with furrowed brows as their guide walked to the throne in the center and took her seat among her fellow elders. What caught Denzyl's attention was the fact that the woman was the only elder to maintain her youth. The six other elders who sat on either side of her were old and haggard with grey hair and wrinkled skin. 

"Elder Daena, you look beautiful as ever," Klein greeted the woman with a bow. The rest of the group filtered into the vast room as the woman made herself comfortable on her throne among the elders. 

"Thank you, Klein," the woman responded. Her voice was just as beautiful as her face and flawless skin. Daena's gaze turned to Denzyl and then to Jun before returning to the emyr. "Which is the one who will inherit?" Klein was prompt to answer the head elder and gestured to Jun before saying, "He is the one I have chosen to take on my role."

Daena's gaze became piercing as she scrutinized the young demon. "Did you really have to steal another clan's avex?" The woman inquired, her tone sharp. "I understand your son is no longer fit to lead, but...must you taint our blood so?"

"Please do not think of it as tainting our blood, Elder Daena," Klein said while bowing his head. "Jun's clan is pure demon and will enhance our dark qualities once he produces an heir."

Daena leaned back in her throne as she raised a brow. "So, you got him for breeding purposes? I don't see anything wrong with our blood, though."

"It will make us stronger and able to better control our dyre," Klein persuaded. Daena scoffed at the emyr's reasoning. "But your son has mastered his dyre," the woman pointed out. "Don't use your weakness as an excuse. It's sickening."

Klein fell silent at Daena's reply. The entirety of the group had entered the room and stood before the seven elders, six of whom had remained quiet. Denzyl realized the silent six's purpose when Daena said, "Well, there's nothing I can do since you already went through the trouble of stealing the boy. I will perform the ceremony on one condition."

"Of course, Head Elder, please instruct me on what to do," Klein eagerly responded.

A smile came to Daena's lips at the emyr's enthusiasm to fulfill her condition. "It's time to replace the elders. They've all passed their prime."