To Dwell In Nightmares and Dreams

The Waiting Throne

Stiles watched as the footsteps hurried down into the Silver Soul room. The young sorcerer looked down at himself as he realised he was practically naked. His clothes were basically rags and didn't hide much, stained with his own blood.

He realised that he was on all fours, breathing hard, everything ached and he was feeling really weird.

Something strange stirring inside him he didn't recognise.

Stiles also noticed that he was still trembling, his hands were shaking the most but his whole body wouldn't stop shivering, like he was cold despite that he actually felt quite warm.

Just as he was trying to figure out what he was feeling, a older man stumbled into view, his eyes were wide and he was wearing a white cloak.

Something about him seemed familiar to Stiles but he couldn't pinpoint what it was...

It was also weird how this older sorcerer looked so small next to him.

The older sorcerer stared for a few seconds, as if frozen in shock but finally...

"I felt it happen! I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner! Amazing! I guess it shouldn't be that surprising, the grandmaster had been starting to look well...worn, I should probably taken that as a sign. No one else seemed to feel it though but I guess it's because you haven't fully transitioned yet, my god! This-this is amazing! I'd never thought I'd live to see-"

This idiots excited blabbering started to get on Stiles nerves, was this what he was like to some people? Would he just get to the point? Stiles wasn't really feeling that patient right now.

"Would you shut up and tell me what the hell is happening to me?!

Stiles stopped himself from saying any more, stiffening in shock, wait... was that his voice?!

It was much deeper than before and it carried a confidence and strength he knew his voice lacked or it used to lack anyway.

To his shock the older sorcerer actually dropped to his knees at the sound of Stiles voice, Stiles actually saw a sheen of sweat trickle down his face.

"Y-yes, of course" He hesitated and swallowed before continuing "It seems that the Silver Soul has chosen you lead us"

Stiles didn't quite understand, he had a hard time focusing on what was going. Something painful started to creep through his body, igniting his veins with heat.

"The Grand Master wanted me to become the next Lord of Mind"

"A-ah, well it seems that didn't quite go to plan, y-you only took one drink, didn't you? Remember...Master"

At those words realisation at what was going on hit Stiles like a rocket.

He wasn't the Lord of Mind.

He was...

Oh god.

Stiles put his hands to his head, he felt relief that his hair had grown back but that didn't help his headache.

"No, wait... but I just spoke to the Grand Master"

"It's b-been a couple of hours since you came down here hadn't it? T-the Grand Master died as soon as the silver soul touched your lips. He-his been looking a little old lately. I should have seen the signs that a new Grand Master would be chosen soon" The older man looked guilty and sorrowful at that.

Stiles frowned at him, still confused

"Who are you anyway?"

"M-me? I am Ren, Lord of Souls"

Stiles blinked, surprised, this was the lord of souls? He had been expecting someone...different.

Then it did make sense, he was in the soul district after all.

The ache in his veins reached a climax once more and Stiles couldn't withhold his gasp of pain, his trembling increasing.

"You-you're still in transition, that's why y-you are still in pain. It should end soon though" Ren said, sounding like he was trying to comfort him with his words.

Stiles seriously hoped he was right.

He then noticed that Ren was still kneeling before him.

"You can stand up now" Stiles tried to control the new power inside his voice but he came out just as loud and commanding as before.

Ren quickly stood, he stepped closer warily before he started to speak.

"I-I can take you to your throne room, it would probably make your transformation easier to complete over there. There is also more room" Ren said softly.

It felt surreal.

Was this really happening?

His own throne room?

Easier, Stiles hoped that was true. He nodded, gritting his teeth against the sharp pain in his head and body.

Ren studied Stiles carefully before he slowly kneeled down to touch Stiles trembling hand.

"May I?" The Lord of Souls asked, a strange awe and excitement in his voice.

Stiles nodded, distantly he realised that the Lord of Souls had just asked his permission to touch him.

As soon as the Lord of Souls touched his hand, the silver soul room flickered, changing shape until he was in a very familiar throne room.

Stiles didn't have it in him to stand up just yet so he just looked around, there was nothing that different from last time he had been here.

Well Stiles supposed.

There was one major difference.

The huge throne was empty.

It was right there in front of him.

Waiting....