The Shattered Night

15| Matteo

The counselor watched silently as Piper turned around with heavy shoulders and trudged defeatedly down the hall. Even with all the saddened dark energy guarding her soul, the counselor could make out the clear demonic shadow lurking beneath the hell of her heart. Downfall was inevitable with the passing of time.

She was strange, that girl. Even if it had only been a few days, Matteo still didn't know how she felt about the whole deal and kingdom motives. Her emotions were extremely well hidden like a mask never to be taken off. Her heart had a cage over it. Every part of her was carefully well guarded.

Usually, Matteo's soul string would have been reaching out to him like mystical power at hand. Then the counselor would at least get some kind of signal of what the person he was calling for desired most. As for now, rather than the want to save her brother, Piper's hazy and dark energy was still mysterious and unknown. There was something dangerous about her aura, which eerily bothered the counselor. The concluding thought was only as evil and terrifying.

The girl couldn't bear to live. 

With the Fallen Angel's rising vengeance and the brewing tension between her brother and the king, the monster in Piper's heart was slowly breaking free. Matteo had thought about this earlier when the girl had first come to the palace, but couldn't bring himself to do the ambitious action. Would the gods above approve? Would this be a sin the counselor would commit? Matteo had been hesitant. Maybe this time, the alternative could happen. The king would have to agree with him. There was no other choice. The kingdom would fall in a ruin of ashes and broken souls if he didn't do what he needed to.

It's for the good of the kingdom.

Matteo wistfully turned around, his elegant white robes trailing behind him. Through the reflection within the carved metal of the sword standing next to a pillar, he could see his amber eyes staring back at him. They were always peculiar eyes, almost ones like a black cat. Strangely enough, people seemed to always find them intriguing and fascinating. 

The black braid of the counselor's hair swung to his back, as he tore his gaze away from the statue and headed to the king's chambers. He would do it this time. He had to.

_

"You want the girl dead."

Matteo stared at the ground and bowed. He could sense the uneasiness between him and his ruler. "That is correct, Your Majesty."

The king didn't turn to look at him, but the counselor could see in the reflection of his face that he was hesitant on the idea. He definitely had something on his mind, and it almost surprised Matteo, knowing that his ruler had always been a sadist.

"I trust your opinion, counselor, but what exactly are your motives this time? I know you are not fond of murder. Especially to innocent people."

As expected, the king was challenging and questioning him. The counselor had been prepared. The king was never an easy person to sway around. He was ruthless and a manipulator, his mind as cold and hard as stone. But every person had a weakness. Once the king realized it would be for his own good, he would no doubt agree.

"There is danger lurking in her soul, Your Majesty," Matteo replied smoothly. "My energy could sense it. The connection between her and the Angels are deep. There is no question she could easily overthrow you once her power is released. You and I both know the hatred she bears against you."