The Black Curse (Rough Draft)

Chapter Twenty One

The Seer was unlike any of them had imagined. With a tiny slip of a frame, light gray skin, wavy white locks, and muted pink eyes, it was hard to reconcile that he was one of the most powerful beings in Astoria.

As illogical as it sounded, Theory thought he would be...bigger. Or at least more...ostentatious. His ears were tall, pierced with fine jewelry, and that was the only sign of luxury. He wore simple white robes like one of the two males who flanked him.

One was a Light Elf in what clearly looked like a warrior's armor. He was tall, lean, with skin as white as snow, until halfway up his face, his skin faded into a warm, darker gray. The gray made his amber eyes all the more intense. His hair was so pale, it almost matched the Seer's but there was just the slightest hint of yellow that differentiated it.

The other male was a Dark Elf, with muted deep purple skin, long black hair braided to one side. He wore simple white robes like the Seer and all the other acolytes they had seen. His eyes were the most striking blue Theory had ever seen. Something about them was...warm. Theory didn't know why that detail was so unexpected. Perhaps because despite not being dressed as a Warrior, his physique clearly showcased one.

Or it might've been the protective way he and the other Elf stood around the Seer, ready to throw themselves into action the moment he, Caspian, or Niro proved to be a threat.

"You have come a long way," the Seer continued, stepping toward the couches to sit opposite of them.

Though Theory knew he could not see, the Seer moved with such effortless grace. As if everything was exactly where he knew they'd be.

His bodyguards–though Theory wasn't sure that was an accurate title from the intimate way they watched him–sat on either side of the Seer.

"I'm afraid you will not find the solution you seek from me."

"Seer–" Niro started.

"Aldric. Seer is a title. I'd prefer if you used my name. And these are my mates; Domir and Kildr." He gestured to the two males flanking him.

"Aldric," Niro conceded. "I have heard that you have an affinity for clay creation."

Niro's words, though direct and to the point, still edged on the side of caution. As if he were unable to reveal his entire hand, unsure if he could trust the male before him.

Aldric smiled at him patiently. "That's not what you really want to ask, is it Veniro?"

Niro tensed, as did the rest of them.

"I have had dreams. They showed me your arrival, your desperation, your fears." Aldric turned to Caspian. "I've seen your future, a band of gold around your neck and unfathomable fear. Uncertainty. Blood."

Then he turned to Theory. "I have seen your death, bathed in flames."

And finally to Niro. "And you. You run from yourself. You drown in darkness and blame it on the ancient but that darkness is entirely your own. It is why you grow weak while he grows strong."

The air seemed to shift and the two males on either side of Aldric stiffened in response.

"Isn't that right, Anhumontares?"

Niro had his fingers around Aldric's neck. The bodyguards were slower to react but their blades were out only a breath later, pressing against the vital parts of Niro.