Dance of the Damned

Thirty

My claws tore through Caimen's flesh, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The anger inside me consumed all rational thought, and I paid no heed to the onlookers or the danger I was putting myself in. All I cared about was inflicting the same pain that he had bragged about inflicting on Zeddicus and Dean. His screams filled the air, mingling with the gasps of shock from the surrounding crowd. No one dared to approach me in my beast form, a wise decision on their part, for I was ready to kill. It didn't matter that he was already dead; if he could die again, I would ensure it.

As the beast within me subsided and my scales and claws faded away, I surveyed the aftermath of my rage. Caimen lay lifeless on the ground, surrounded by a pool of putrid-looking blood. The stench was unbearable. Everyone stared at me in a mixture of horror and fear.

A man adorned in green and orange, the colors of Emotis, approached first, drawing his sword towards me. He must be the King of Wisdom, but I paid no attention to his identity. I snarled in return, but my body seemed too exhausted to summon the beast again. Rowan and Vasso joined him, their swords pointed in my direction, ready to confront me. However, Arter, Nayte, Dean, and Bastien also drew their swords, pointing them at the kings of the Light Kingdoms.

"Step aside, son. You know the law. Venya is a Grim, a danger to us all," Rowan spoke gently to Arter. "Believe me, I don't want to harm her, but we have these laws for good reason."

"No. You'll have to go through me first. All of us," Arter responded through clenched teeth, aiming his sword directly at Rowan's chest.

"This is my kingdom, and she is under my protection," Zeddicus interjected calmly from the sidelines. I didn't turn to look at him; my entire body trembled in shock as I stared at Caimen's lifeless body on the ground. I had caused this. They were right—I was dangerous. A part of me wanted to tell them to stand down and allow me to be executed, but the words eluded me.

"You were aware?" Bastien asked Zeddiucs in astonishment. I didn't glimpse at either of them, feeling a wave of dizziness and nausea wash over me.

The man clad in green and orange, responded, "It is unimportant. Allowing a Grim to survive is dangerous for all of us. Zeddiucs, you are the exception, for obvious reasons. But she is not."

"It does matter, Stelios. Because you hold no authority here. This is my home, my kingdom." I sensed the sinister power emanating from Zeddicus, yet even that couldn't break me free from this trance. Gradually, their voices faded, and I became trapped within my own thoughts, replaying the haunting images of me ruthlessly killing Caimen. I had only ever taken the lives of monstrous creatures in self-defense during my time in The Middle... I had never killed someone so human before.

I stood there in a state of shock, unsure of how much time had passed. It wasn't until Zeddius gently placed his arm around my waist and orbed us back to my bedchambers that I regained full awareness of my surroundings.

"I killed him..." I murmured softly in shame as I sat down on the large black couch near the bed.

"He was already dead. He will return next year," Zeddicus reassured me, attempting to alleviate my guilt. "I have also killed him on a few occasions throughout the years."

"A few occasions? More like fourteen times," Dean chimed in, his sudden presence catching me off guard. I didn't see him orb in. "And our father, well, he deserved it every single time. He's an asshole."

"Now, everyone is aware of ehat I am..." I spoke quietly, feeling the weight of the consequences. "I might have jeopardized any possibility of receiving aid from the Light Kingdom against Kalyani."

"I have managed to persuade them to attend the meeting I scheduled for tomorrow," Zeddicus responded, offering a glimmer of hope. "However, I believe it would be best for you to remain hidden during the proceedings."

"They are right. I am a threat. Execution seems fitting," I admitted, my gaze fixated on the dark carpet beneath my feet. Zeddicus, however, surprised me when he lifted my chin with his index finger, forcing me to meet his gaze.

"Do not say such words. I will not allow your execution," he declared firmly, his eyes locked onto mine with unwavering intensity.

"Why do you even care?" I mustered the courage to question him, but he had already moved away from me, directing his attention towards Dean.

"Did you really have to choose tonight, of all nights, to reveal your true identity to everyone?" He snapped at him, his frustration evident.

"You were aware of who I truly am. I couldn't bear hiding it any longer, and yes, I wanted to provoke Caimen's anger. Can you blame me? I had no idea you were concealing a Grim right under our noses!" His voice grew louder, still carrying a feminine and familiar tone.

"Why are you even here?" Zeddicus asked, irritation evident in his tone.

"I came because I wanted to ensure the well-being of my friend," Dean replied simply, his gaze shifting towards me.

"I... I'm fine. I just regret the trouble I have caused everyone," I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by guilt. All those years of hiding seemed useless now that my secret was exposed. What will happen if I ever decide to leave Ardor? Will the Light Kingdoms execute me on sight?

"Don't be sorry. This has been the best Agelastus we have had in years," he smiled at me reassuringly. "However, I will go help Bastien with damage control. He is anxious to see you, but I informed him that Zeddicus is the one who can provide immediate help, being a Grim himself."

"Thank you," I forced a small smile, feeling grateful to have such a loyal friend. Dean orbed out of the room, leaving behind swirling shadows, and I found myself alone with the King of Death.

"Take this. It will help," he said, handing me a black canteen decorated with scarlet jewels. I took a sip and nearly choked on the fiery liquor, causing Zeddicus to burst into genuine laughter. It was a sound I had never heard from him before – not the usual sarcastic chuckles or forced laughs. It was a truly pleasant sound that filled the room.

"Sorry, I should have warned you that it's whiskey," he chuckled.

"No, it's okay. You're right. It does help," I replied, forcing down a few more gulps. When I handed the canteen back to him, I couldn't help but make a face.

"So I guess I'm going to need a lot more training to gain that self-control?" I asked.

"You will. We'll be returning to the Grim Cave every weekend until you master it. You'll also train with a sword, bow, and sphere like other Grims," he informed me.

"Great. That sounds like a real blast," I replied sarcastically, earning a small smile from Zeddicus that I couldn't help but return. "Do you want to sit down?" I scooted over to make room for him on the couch beside me.

"No, your brother and his strange little friend will be here any moment now. I'll take my leave if you promise not to attempt to kill anyone else," he said, half-jokingly.

I shook my head. "No, I'll be okay."

"Alright. Can you do me a favor?" he surprised me by asking.

"It depends on the favor," I replied cautiously.

"Be careful around Bastien. I don't trust my cousin for good reasons," he responded.

"Is this about whatever girl came between you two in the past? Because I am not—" I began to protest, but he cut me off, his eyes growing dark.

"That's not any of your business," he snapped. "Goodnight, Venya." Zeddicus dissipated into smoke and shadows before I could respond.