The Catalyst

Chapter 39

The Dragon agreed to see Tessa despite the early hour. He lit up many candles throughout his study with a flick of his hand, then offered her his desk chair.

"I'll stand," she said.

So he did as well, a few steps away from her, his eyes the only part of him she could see. "What can I do for you, my queen?"

"Spare me the pleasantries. Is Bellissa all right?"

A shadow crossed his eyes. "The demon bonding ceremony is not without some risks. Unfortunately, Bellissa wasn't strong enough . . . to make it through."

Hot anger tensed her shoulders and clenched her jaw. "You killed her."

"She made her choice whilst knowing the risks."

"Why did you do it to me? I don't remember being given a choice."

Something somber festered in his eyes. "I am not always given a choice either, my queen."

Tessa started to pace the room, her gaze frequently going back to him and the mask behind which he hid. "Who controls you?" she mused.

He gave no answer, as expected.

"You should know, Bellissa did not leave this world without sharing some precious information with me. For instance, the fact that you became the Dragon in the year 965 of the Felleran calendar." He showed no reaction. Tessa resumed her pacing.

"My tutors always did appreciate my keen memory for dates. Feel free, however, to correct me if I'm wrong. Now, Emperor Dylani – grandfather to our common friend Shezenos – was the second Azurian Emperor, and his reputation grew more formidable than the first. By all accounts, he was a beloved ruler. Sadly though, Dylani's rule was cut short as he died at the age of 44. The official story is he died of some mysterious illness, although many believe he was poisoned, though it was never proven. This happened in the year 965."

Aware of the Dragon's intent stare on her, Tessa went on, "This fascinating emperor was also famously known for a birth defect that turned out to be an advantage. Pale blue eyes, quite unique for an Azurian person, yet people saw it as a blessing from the gods. Of course, if he'd survived, that would bring him to the venerable age of 106 years old. Unless some form of magic were at play."

Interrupting her pacing, she turned to face him. After a few quiet moments, the Dragon surprised her by reaching up with his gloved hands to delicately take off his hood and mask.

His eyes were indeed striking in a face of smooth tan skin and well-balanced features, topped by a thick black mane neatly tied behind his neck. Tessa had seen a portrait of Emperor Dylani once and this was unmistakably the same man. But where were the black marks?

"What you see is an illusion," he answered her unvoiced question. "One I could maintain if I wanted to, yet I choose not to. I don't want to forget what I am – what I've become."

"Do you expect me to feel sympathy for you?"

"I don't care much what you feel, Tessa Nightvale."

Anger stabbed under her heart. "Must be why you had no qualms drugging me and splitting my soul with a demon against my will." She sighed and crossed her arms over her robe. "Well, there exists an object called the catalyst that could possibly break the bond between a human and a demon." He looked at her with sudden curiosity, which surprised her. "I was under the impression that you were after the catalyst as well?"

"Breaking that bond is not possible." But she had instilled doubt in him, she could tell.

"The catalyst was taken away from me before I fled Veicira. However, if we join forces and get it back, it might perhaps be a solution for you, as much as it is for me, now."

"My situation is a tad more complicated than yours, my queen."

"Think on it." She hated that she had to play nice with such a man. "Come to me should you have a change of heart."

She made to leave, but he said, "Tell me, Tessa, how will you fight?" She glanced at him over her shoulder and saw his amused expression. "You told your men you would fight by their side. How will you do this? Do you have any training? How's your sword arm?"

Tessa kept her expression impassive. She needed him and his followers to get her realm back. But the second it was over, she would make sure he perished in the most horrible way. She would have him convulsing and bleeding out as he had done to Bellissa.

"I have a wedding to prepare for," she said. 

But the fiend wasn't done, "There are ways magic could help you. More ways than you know. I could teach you."

"I'm afraid I have to decline."

He smiled. "Come to me, should you have a change of heart."