The Awakening

Chapter Two

Darkness followed him as he paced through his study, a heavy weight had rested on his shoulders. The wooden floorboards groaned as his steps turned heavier. Books were scattered around his table as his search eluded him. Some books were open, laying idly, where other books had been crumpled due to frustration. He had stopped pacing for a split second and silently leaned onto his table to study the maps that lay open before him. Vexar- his world, the world of elements. Ruled by magical beings - The Fae.

Built around five continents, each defined by a different element: fire, earth, water, air, and spirit. Known by the Fae as Teine, Talamh, Uisce, Gaoth and Anam.

His gaze had lingered on the continents, studying them. Absentmindedly he traced the continents one by one. With a snarl of disgust, he started with Teine. The fire continent, his continent. The continent that did not want him for his lack of fire. His snarl deepened as darkness lapped around his feet. Images of volcanoes, deserts, and blistering sunny days ran through his mind. However dull it had seemed, the continent itself had a beauty to it that was underestimated. Power seemed to radiate form the map itself as he outlined the lines.

Forcing himself to look away he trailed the drawn mountains of the earth continent. Mountains that were filled with forests, greenery and caves. The exact opposite from what he had known of the fire continent. Talamh, had by far been the most beautiful apart from Anam- the spiritual continent.

Struggling to contain his lingering rage, he distracted himself by briefly studying the water continent, a place of oceans, islands, and rivers. Darkness peered around his shoulder, as if wanting to know what had distracted him from the reason behind the books scattered around his table.

Forcing himself to look at the maps and not give into the darkness that seemed to consume his aura, he followed the patterns and lines of the air continent. His affinities' continent, a land of endless blue skies, puffy clouds, and sweet-scented winds. He huffed an irritated breath. Weaklings. He thought idly.

Shrugging uncomfortably at the tug in his mind, he lastly settled his gaze on the spirit continent, a land of dreams, magic, and mysteries. Anam, more powerful than even the fire continent, however so innocently portrayed. He noted nothing on the map indicating the power that lay hidden beneath the surface. Turning away from the maps, he peered at the chaos in front of him.

"There should be something in these damned books!" He slammed his fist down onto the table. Pages flew from the table, stopping midair before starting a slow spiral around him. He had liked to think of himself as a master of wind, though somehow a consuming fire had burned in his soul. His darkness. He was contained by none, however, ruled by a need to master everything. This need had surpassed all his innermost thoughts. It had made him cruel. Cruel enough that he did not care about his family, friends, or the continent. Caring had made him weak, and he did not tolerate weakness. Power was power- simply put.

His sons had seemed as though they understood the darkness, surprisingly, however his wife did not. He thought he could tolerate her, deal with her, though she could not tolerate him. The bitterness of her death lingered on his lips. He tasted the hatred and the loveless words she yelled at him before she took her own life.

A growl rumbled low in his throat. He knew that when he had finally found what he was looking for, every single Fae would grovel at his feet. Earthborns- pure mortals, would have no choice but bow. Though they were almost impossible to find, he would herd them all and make them bow. Unfortunately for now, only his frustration had lingered at his empty hands. Today, he had not succeeded in his task. He clenched his jaw in disapproval, feeling the tension rolling off his shoulders in thick plumes.

His black eyes were fixated on the hearth of the fireplace in front of him. The flames were attracted to him, leaning slightly out of the hearth- reaching toward him as though they were greeting an old friend. His jaw clenched as he urged the flame toward him- straining slightly. The flames slowly spread from the hearth and licked the pages that lay on the floor, almost igniting the floorboards. He would not allow it though.