Another Life in The Grand Library

Chapter 27. The Flame of Wrath

With Ashmedai grimoire at hand, Lord Vlad was drawn to happiness. He indulged himself  in his thoughts and emotions, his smile grew wider. Finally he had everything that he needed, he was about to set the curse in motion that would destroy everything.
Everything!
Even his rivals would be destroyed! And with them gone, his empire was ready to begin a new era! His heart soared at this thought, and he felt like the most beautiful God in all history.
He laughed softly.

Vlad thought to himself, "which curse shall I try first? Or maybe I should begin to prepare everything for brewing the elixir of youth?! I've waited long enough." He was eager to make it happen, he wanted to finally put his plan into action. He couldn't wait any longer! He would finally be able to make his move!

His mind went back to his former mentor. "Ah... how foolish I was. Alvard.. I thought that by keeping you alive, I will somehow get this grimoire. I thought that if you die, then the secret of its whereabouts will also die with you," he chuckled darkly, said as if he was talking in front of Alvard himself.
"I never thought that it is only by killing you, I can  finally get what I wish for from you. If only I knew, I should have killed you years ago. Ah.. well.., now it doesn't matter anymore. Because now it's in my hand-" Lord Vlad muttered to himself, smiling at the thought that Alvard was tortured to death in Another World.

His excitement was only disturbed by the sounds of door knocking.

"My Lord," one of the Sect members opened the door, "the preparation  is complete"
The Sect leader bowed his head towards him, and left the room after a curt nod. The door closed with a bang that seemed to echo through the halls.

Lord Vlad smiled again, his eyes glinting with madness and excitement. The ceremony was nearly done and the time had reached the most crucial part.This ritual was important to gain protection from the powerful being, to secure the glory of their House.

He stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him and walking down the hall.

"Now it's the time to pick my beautiful wife..." he whispered.

Allison was hidden in the basement chamber which no one even knows the way that led to the place, because by using his power, Vlad could hide the secret passage from sight and sound. The barrier was almost unbreakable.

At least that was what he thought.
Never did he realize that there were two other persons who could find the way and enter the room easily. Yes, It was Alvard and Dryad -though Dryad never knew why she could break in.

Vlad opened the magic seal, revealing the path down to the basement. He went downstairs , heading to his bride's chamber with a confident step. But his joyful moment shattered at once as he realized what happened. From afar, he saw that the door of Alisson's bedroom had been opened!

"What?!!" Vlad dashed to the room, swung the door open and saw the mess inside.
"The magic chains... No.. how is this possible!!? NO!!" he roared with fury in his tone. "Who dared to disturb me?!" He shouted angrily.

He growled and ran upstairs, telling everyone that the life-offering had run away. He demanded them to look for Allison as quickly as possible.

"Where is that filthy bitch?!" he cursed under his breath "she dared to run away?!?"

With a beating heart, Vlad entered the ritual altar, looking for Allison.

"This cannot be..!" he muttered furiously, pacing around. There was nothing, not even a hint. Her absence caused pain in him. A sharp agony. His eyes widened, his breathing ragged as he looked around frantically.

Ashmedai would not be pleased with this...

But the time ran out. Before even finding the perfect life-offering, Ashmedai appeared before his eyes.

"IT’S THE TIME ALREADY!! WHY THE HAS RITUAL NOT STARTED YET? WHERE IS MY OFFERING?!!" Ashmedai, the king of demons, screamed with rage.

Ashmedai was a powerful and ruthless demon with three heads. One on top, one on the left and one on the right, making him look like the king of the underworld. The third eye was in the middle of his forehead. Each time his eyes shone red, that was a warning sign that he had gone insane, his senses were heightened.

A furious glare was sent in Vlad's direction. The demon king's anger was burning inside like a hot flame, threatening to spill out at any moment. and without hesitation, he grabbed Vlad by the neck, lifting him up, slamming him into the pillar. A loud crack echoed throughout the room. Vlad was choking, struggling to breathe. He tried to get up on his feet, but staggered back so he leaned against the pillar.

"P.. Please... I can explain! Give me a chance!" Vlad pleaded in an unsteady voice. “she… she ran away. But I will find and bring her immediately to–”

"I'M TIRED OF WAITING!! FIVE YEARS AGO YOU DIDN'T PRESENT ME LIFE-SACRIFICE FOR THE SAME REASON LIKE NOW! THE BRIDE RAN AWAY! TWICE!! I FORGAVE YOU AND HAD GIVEN YOU A CHANCE! NOW, THE CHANCE HAS ENDED! OUR AGREEMENTS ARE OVER!!!" Ashmedai shouted with fury.

The Demon King Ashmedai released a flame that soon enveloped the whole altar. There were almost half of a hundred of the sect members, but no one was bold enough to help Vlad because everyone was terrified by Ashmedai's wrath.

All scattered, ran for their lives when the fire began to engulf the building. Screams filled the air; they started to run in panic,

Before the fire reached Vlad's body, Ashmedai gripped his body and threw him away through the tall window,  sending his frail body flying across the building.  He crashed loudly onto a window ledge and fell onto the ground below.
Vlad was lying on the ground, blood streaming from his broken face. Pain and shock ran through every cell of his body.