MY INNER DEMONS: Another Try

CH1 / PROLOGUE: WHEN ONE PORTAL OPENS

AN: EEEEEEEEEE i'm genuinely so excited to finally be putting another story out!! i love love LOVE My Inner Demons, so happy to be able to write this!! AHH!

In the heart of a moonlit forest, a softly glowing soul hovered serenely, casting a gentle light amid the darkness. Two vigilant silhouettes remained at the ready, one perched among the branches while the other grounded below. As the luminescent soul hesitated in its ethereal dance, moving with graceful uncertainty, a silent countdown seemed to hang in the air. 
Then, in a sudden burst of energy, one of the shadowy figures snapped, "Now!" A spark of anticipation laced his command as both hunters swiftly closed in on the radiant orb, deftly ensnaring it within a glass jar.
"That was easier than expected," remarked one of the hunters, a man distinguished by his stark white hair and distinct green bull-like horns. His companion, adorned with orange horns, breathed heavily while adjusting the jar to let it rest on his hip. "Easy for you to say, Leif, you have a higher lung capacity than I do."
With a light chuckle, Leif playfully attempted to relieve his friend of the jar. "Let me carry it, Noi," he insisted, though Noi stood firm.
"No, you'll just end up dropping it," Noi teased back, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
With a shared laugh, the two hunters exchanged a knowing glance before retracing their steps towards the magnificent castle looming in the distance. "Let's get back to the castle. His royal highness will be so pissed if we take longer than necessary," Leif suggested, quickening his pace. Despite his light-hearted tone, there was an unmistakable determination in his gait as they made their way homeward, the captured soul emitting a gentle, ethereal glow in their possession. The sun cast long shadows across the lush landscape, painting a picturesque scene as they headed back towards the safety of the fortress, their camaraderie solidified by their successful quest.

A third companion, Teal horns shining slightly in the torchlight of the hall, stood awaiting their arrival outside the secret chamber of the Daemos Palace. He was a royal knight, the two both knew him well as they had grown up together. It was his unwavering loyalty and steadfast sense of duty that had led the prince to entrust them with the crucial mission they now undertook. Silent but for the warmth of his smile, the knight's eyes spoke volumes as he beheld the precious cargo.
"The last human soul..." Leif remarked. "We're lucky no one else got to it first. These things are seriously powerful."
Noi, always curious, piped up, "Hey, Pierce, why exactly does the prince need this?"
Pierce remained solemn, his expression unreadable as he shook his head in response to Noi's question.
"You don't know?" Noi prodded further, to which Pierce simply replied, "...nope."
Pierce pressed his hand firmly against the heavy wooden door, channeling his magical energy into the ancient surface. The teal electricity surged out from his touch, forming intricate, crackling patterns in the air that hummed with power. Noi couldn't help but jump slightly at the sudden display of magic but quickly composed himself. The trio pushed open the door and stepped into the well-lit room, where they were met by the prince's trusted advisor, Rhys, whose indigo horns glinted in the yellow lamplight.
"Ah, you're back," Rhys greeted them, rising from his seat as they approached. "Good timing. We just wrapped up the final calculations."
Leif's brows furrowed in annoyance as he demanded, "Calculations for what, exactly? You still haven't been transparent with us about why you need this soul."
Rhys hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "It's a rather complex matter to elucidate. I suggest we wait for the return of the high priestess before delving into the specifics." As he spoke, he accepted the ethereal soul from Noi, placing it gently on the ornate desk behind him.
The advisor made a sweeping gesture towards a colossal obsidian structure that loomed ominously in the distance, capturing the attention of the three individuals who had up until that moment been oblivious to its presence. With a solemn expression, he proceeded to elucidate on the matter at hand, explaining the intricate workings of their upcoming task.
"In general terms," he began, his voice carrying a weight of importance, "We will be harnessing the potent magic contained within this soul to fuel the operation of the portal before us. It is imperative that each step we take is executed with precision and utmost care, for the consequences of any misstep could be dire." The advisor's words hung heavily in the air, underscoring the gravity of their mission.