Empire of Shadows

Chapter 19: Xue

After the Mage Council meeting some changes occurred in the lives of Xue and Huang Fei. Their father Master Zhu was rigorous and precise in his intentions for the siblings to behave and act like they're supposed to based on their royal status, not how they would like to live. So, in short, both brothers now were controlled by the elder Fei. He ordered Huang to finally make time for political affairs and focus his attention on their people's recovery from the recent attack. As for Xue, he was to replace Huang in Wushih Institute as a lead and not intervene in the clan's business. It was very much humiliating for him. After all his hard work and efforts to prove himself to Zhu Fei that he was a worthy heir, his desire and passion to do it faded. And instead, the seed of hatred and contempt cultivated in his heart for the father. The younger Fei sibling thirsts for revenge and takes a crooked path, continuing to learn dark magic. He began to do it a long time ago, but at one time Adrian unknowingly managed to keep Xue from acting rashly. Entering his life calmly and soothingly, he instilled hope in Xue's heart.

He showed that not all people wish him harm, he made it clear that there is still mercy and sincerity. But still, despite Adrian's good intentions, Xue could not calm down his hatred for his father, and could not overcome his thirst for revenge. That's why the youth hired spies who would find out what was happening in the world, they were his ears and eyes. He started studying the dark arts and became interested in Seal of the Seven Elements. The younger Fei brother succumbed to vice and no longer expected redemption. His path now lay through hell and if he had to go through it, he'd do it.

"Young Master," addressed Xue one of the workers who was ready to leave home, "will you stay late today?"

"Yes," breathed out the youth, turning his head towards the man, "I have to because it's not so easy to understand my brother's drawings at first glance."

"You're doing very well for someone who isn't a scientist or mechanic," smiled the stranger sincerely. "Your help at the institute is very valuable."

"I'm glad to hear this," Xue tried to sound polite and plastered a fake smile on his face even though he hated the idea of being there.

They exchanged glances one more time before the worker bowed goodbye and left the institute building. The younger Fei sibling was left in splendid isolation. The light from the torches flickered on the walls and nothing was heard except Xue's breathing. There was a ringing silence. In the twilight of the room, the youth's eyes flashed with an unkind fire. Finally, they all are gone and I can practice dark magic. I should also contact the spies later; they haven't reported anything to me for a long time.

He turned around and stretched his limbs. His back made a crunching sound which made Xue chuckle. Am I getting old? Shaking his head, he closed the window curtains with one movement of his hand. Then the youth ran both palms through the air and extinguished the torches, plunging the room into darkness. Taking a deep breath, the young master snapped his fingers and the lights flared up again, only this time with a scarlet flame. The younger Fei brother flexed his fingers, concentrating on his internal vigor. A ball of dark energy began to form in his hands, gradually growing to the size of a large snowball. Suddenly he clapped his hands and the energy ball disappeared. The room was quiet for a while, then Xue felt a movement from behind and someone else's breath behind him.

"Good one," smirked the youth, not turning his head back, "missed me?"

***

One weekday at Wushih Institute, while in Huang's office and going through his drawings, Xue, who was already accustomed to such situations, was disturbed when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," the younger Fei sibling called out in a nonchalant tone, continuing to study the drafts.

One of the workers burst into the office, out of breath. "Young Master Xue, a letter was handed to you, the messenger asked to deliver it personally."