Chapter 263: Origin Of The Curse
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After Kael led them to his massive throne room, he strode toward the elevated dais and settled into his grand seat. Lennox took his usual place nearby, while the rest of the group stood at the center of the marble floor, dwarfed by the towering pillars and gilded walls.
Kael’s gaze flicked briefly toward Lennox before returning to the newcomers – the man and woman he presumed to be their leaders.
"For starters," he began, his tone calm but commanding. "I’m High Magus Kael, ruler of this realm. What are your names?"
"The name’s Donovan Morgrim," the young man replied with a faint nod. "And this is my mate, Esmeray– of the Montague family."
Kael’s brow lifted at that, interest gleaming in his eyes as he reclined on his seat. "The Montague?" he echoed, a hint of smile forming. "I’ve heard a great deal about that family. I must have met your father once or twice before his passing. He was a wonderful man. But what’s this, a Montague and a Morgrim?"
He turned to Lennox, the spark of mischief in his gaze impossible to miss. "Wow Lennox– left for your own enemy? That’s not something you hear every day. I see why you hate him so much."
His words lingered in the air, light on the surface, but with an undercurrent that made the room’s tension sharpen. On the other hand, Kael seemed to savor the sour moment, like he was watching a play unfold before his eyes.
Lennox exhaled slowly and rubbed at his temples, as though the very conversation was giving him a headache. "That isn’t why I brought them here," he muttered, his tone tight.
"Of course it isn’t," Kael said smoothly.
Then, in an instant, his focus shifted back to Donovan and Esmeray, his expression cooling into something far more measured.
"For two weeks now, there’s been... disturbances in my land. Something connected to the Morgrim’s specifically."
His piercing gaze fixed squarely on Donovan.
"Your curse is spreading into my territory. Over three hundred of my people have been afflicted by the dark waters- the same corruption that seeped from Illyria to this side of the realm. Not to mention how you and your people even managed to make it past the sea. I was told the sirens were also afflicted. Not even my people were allowed near the sea after that horrible news."
His voice deepened, echoing faintly through the vast chamber. "So tell me, am I missing something? I’d very much like to know the true origin of this curse."
He paused, then added softly, almost politely, "But before you answer, kindly step forward, the both of you."
Donovan and Esme exchanged wary glances but obeyed. They moved forward, separating themselves from the group that hesitated behind them.
Kael rose slightly and raised his staff. A low hum filled the air as a dark violet sigil flared to life beneath their feet, encircling them in a ring of shimmering runes.
Althea gasped at the sight, and before anyone else could react, Kael lifted his hand, his tone calm and reassuring. "Don’t worry," he said smoothly. "It won’t harm anyone. I’m not that cruel. This will merely ensure they don’t lie to me. I really can’t afford to trust strangers, right?"
His blue eyes glowed faintly as the sigil pulsed once, locking into place. "As long as they answer truthfully and try not to leave the sigil" he added softly, "I assure you, they’ll remain unharmed."
Even though Lothar and the rest clearly didn’t trust Kael’s assurance, Donovan gave them a brief nod– a silent promise that everything would be fine. Reluctantly, they held their ground, though unease rippled through the group.
Esme’s pulse quickened in her ears.
This was more than precaution from her little understanding, it was a test of loyalty and truth. She didn’t intend to hide anything, but the fact that Kael felt the need for such a measure meant he suspected far more than he was letting on. She wondered what conversation he had with Lennox, and what the two of them might have shared together.
A few seconds went by before Kael descended from the dais. The soft rustle of his robe echoed faintly as he approached. He stopped a few feet from the glowing sigil, his expression composed but his eyes remained sharp with curiosity.
"Let’s begin, shall we?"
He tapped his staff once against the marble. The sound reverberated through the room, commanding silence.
"What is the origin of the curse? And does it have anything to do with your presence here in Mariana?"
For a moment, no one spoke. Even Lennox appeared taken aback by his question. Then Esme lifted her chin, her tone steady but edged with restrained emotion.
"I understand your frustration," she said softly, "even if you refuse to show it. But we have nothing to do with the dark waters. The true problem is the curse- that much you’re right about. But it isn’t Donovan’s doing."
Her gaze flicked toward her mate before returning to Kael. "They’re all victims of the curse, and it began with someone from his lineage. We call him– the True Bearer."
Esme hesitated as the sigil beneath her feet pulsed with a dim violet glow, its symbols shifting. Her breath caught, but she forced herself to remain still. Kael noticed the uncertainty in her eyes.
"Carry on," he said lightly. "Ignore the symbols– it does that sometimes."
His tone was casual enough that she believed him, or at least tried to. Taking a slow breath, Esme continued:
"We’re here because we heard that the True Bearer achieved immortality after visiting the three witches. We... traced that back to its origin and learned that there were once three dark mages who broke the laws of magic here. They were cast out of the realm, or so the records claim— but we discovered they never truly left. We came here to find them. We genuinely mean no harm at all for your people."
Kael’s expression shifted, almost thoughtful now, with no sign of mockery. "I see," he murmured, tapping his staff against the marble floor again.
He turned and ascended the steps to his throne once more.
"You’re not wrong about the dark mages," he said, settling into his seat. "But they’ve been dead for more than four decades now. As much as you speak the truth, you should be aware that they were executed for their crimes. I trust your source, but I don’t believe they’re still alive."
"They are alive," Donovan spoke up, gaining his attention. "They’ve always been. If you think we’re still responsible, then how’s it possible one of our own contracted the disease?"
Kael’s brows arched in mild surprise. His gaze swept over the group until it settled on Acheron.
"Oh," his tone shifted. "How strange, it affects half-demons too? Step forward."
He gestured lazily with one hand, and Acheron obeyed, stepping forward.
Kael clicked his tongue. "I’m not sure how I feel about keeping someone infected in my home. But... we’re trying hard to work on a cure. You’ll be staying in the palace. I’ll prove the witches are in fact dead. In the meantime, my guards will escort you all to your quarters for the night. But Donovan, I need you to stay behind."