Chapter 49 The devil’s son
The way he looked at her made Elara’s heart slam violently against her chest. There was no curiosity in his eyes. No confusion. Only cold awareness, as if he had already decided what she was.
Fear clawed its way up her throat. Without thinking, Elara turned on her heel and ran. Her boots scraped against the stone path as she sprinted through the dark garden, breath tearing from her lungs. Thorned vines brushed her arms, leaves snagging at her clothes. She could hear nothing but her own heartbeat, loud, frantic, pounding in her ears.
She had taken only a few steps when something wrapped around her ankle. A force invisible yet crushing, yanked her backward.
“El—!” She stumbled violently and hit the ground, the air knocked out of her lungs. Pain shot through her palms as she skidded across the cold stone. She tried to scramble up, panic blurring her vision, but her body refused to obey. It felt as if the earth itself had swallowed her legs.
She lifted her head. He was walking toward her. Each step was slow. Deliberate. Deadly. The air around him shifted, thick with heat and pressure. Shadows curled at his feet, reacting to his presence. Elara’s teeth began to chatter uncontrollably as he closed the distance between them.
“P-please…” she whispered, though she wasn’t sure why.
He didn’t answer. He raised one hand. Flames bloomed in his palm, raw, crimson fire twisting and pulsing like it was alive. The heat licked her skin instantly, scorching the air, stealing her breath. Elara screamed. She tried to crawl away, digging her fingers into the stone, but her body wouldn’t move. The invisible force holding her down tightened, crushing her chest.
Tears streamed down her face as terror completely consumed her. She was going to die. Here. Alone. In a world she had barely entered.
The fireball shot toward her. Her eyes widened. She squeezed them shut, bracing for pain for burning for the end.
But it never came.
Instead, a powerful surge of energy exploded in front of her, sending sparks flying harmlessly into the air. The heat vanished instantly, replaced by a protective barrier that shimmered like glass.
Elara gasped and opened her eyes. Someone stood in front of her. Tall. Familiar. Relief crashed over her so hard she nearly sobbed.
Damon. He stood between her and the prince, his back straight, one arm raised as the last of the flames dissolved around his palm.
“Varian,” Damon said sharply, though his voice trembled with urgency. “I know you don’t like anyone intruding into your space. But she’s a new student. She didn’t know this place was forbidden.”
The garden went deathly silent. Varian’s gaze lifted dark, furious locking onto Damon.
“Get out of my way,” Varian muttered. The air vibrated. Without hesitation, another fireball formed in his hand larger this time, hotter, crackling with lethal intent. Elara whimpered behind Damon, her body shaking violently.
“Please,” Damon said quickly, stepping wider in front of her. “I will personally punish her. She will never step foot here again. I give you my word.”
For a long moment… Nothing happened. The fire trembled. Varian’s eyes flicked briefly to Elara, still frozen on the ground, tears streaking her dirt-smudged face. Something unreadable passed across his expression. Then the flames vanished. The pressure lifted suddenly. Elara gasped as the invisible force restraining her dissolved. She collapsed forward, coughing, hands shaking as she pressed her palms against the ground.
When she looked up again… Varian was gone. No sound. No trace. Just silence, heavy and suffocating.
“Stand up,” Damon muttered, turning quickly to her. “We’re leaving. Now.”
She scrambled to her feet on trembling legs and followed him, barely aware of where they were going. Her entire body felt weak, her heart still racing wildly in her chest.
“Don’t ever go near that place again,” Damon said tightly as they walked. “No matter what you hear. No matter what you feel.”
She nodded quickly, unable to speak.
They had barely reached the edge of the garden when a loud cry echoed behind them.
“Elara!” Seraphina came running, her blue hair flying wildly behind her. She threw her arms around Elara so hard it nearly knocked her over.
“I thought you were dead!” she sobbed dramatically. “I turned around and you were gone and I just knew it, I knew something terrible happened I called Dad immediately!”
Elara laughed weakly through her tears and hugged her back. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Damon nodded once and disappeared without another word.
The girls slowly made their way back toward the dormitory.
“Let’s get you changed,” Seraphina said firmly, wiping her eyes. “It’s almost dinner time.”
Elara nodded, though her thoughts were still trapped in that garden. In those eyes. In that fire.
As they walked, she hesitated then asked quietly, “Who… who was that?”
Seraphina stiffened. “That was Prince Varian,” she said softly. “King Vyrian’s son.”
Elara swallowed. “He looks… dangerous.”
Seraphina let out a dry laugh. “He is. Very dangerous. He rarely hurts anyone unless they stress him, break his rules, or do something he hates. But when he does hurt someone…” She paused. “He kills them.”
Elara stopped walking. “But how is that allowed?” she snapped, fear turning into anger. “He almost killed me!”
Seraphina sighed. “Because he’s the prince. And because no one can stop him.” She squeezed Elara’s hand gently. “You’re safe now. Just stay away from him. He doesn’t care about anyone.”
Elara nodded slowly. But even as they walked away… Her mind betrayed her. She saw his face again sharp, cruel, breathtakingly beautiful. She had never seen anyone dangerous
Her chest tightened not with fear this time. With something else. Something dangerous.
She shook her head sharply, forcing the thought away. This world was already too much. And Prince Varian… Was someone she should never, ever think about again.
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.
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.
Seraphina’s voice filled the air as they walked, her words tumbling over one another with excitement, complaints, and random facts about the academy. She spoke so fast it was almost impressive, but Elara barely heard a single word. Her attention was completely elsewhere.
She walked slowly, eyes wide, turning her head from side to side as if afraid she might miss something if she blinked. Everywhere she looked, the world felt unreal. Students passed them in small groups, laughing, arguing, showing off their abilities without restraint. Some had hair that shimmered like molten gold, others with silver strands that reflected the light like mirrors. One girl’s hair flowed like water, transparent and constantly moving as though touched by an unseen tide. Another boy had faint scales at his temples that glinted emerald and blue.
Elara stared openly. No one here looked normal and yet, somehow, no one looked out of place. They all belonged. She watched a pair of horned boys arguing playfully while sparks crackled between their fingers. Nearby, a girl with translucent wings hovered a few inches above the ground, twirling slowly as she talked to her friends. A tall student with shadowy smoke trailing behind him leaned against a pillar, grinning lazily as others passed. This place was alive. It felt like the world itself was breathing.
Elara’s fingers twitched instinctively. If I had my phone… she thought. I’d take a thousand pictures. Nothing like this existed where she came from. Back home, she had been stared at for being different. Here, being different was the rule.
They finally reached the massive dining hall. Elara stopped short. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared. The doors alone were towering, carved from dark crystal veined with glowing runes that pulsed softly. As they opened, warm light spilled out, along with the sound of voices, laughter, and clinking plates.
Inside, the hall was breathtaking. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, painted like a living night sky where constellations shifted slowly. Chandeliers made of floating crystals hovered in the air, glowing gently without chains. Long tables filled the hall, already crowded with students. And what shocked Elara most There were no divisions. No separate sections for ranks. Everyone sat together. Wolves beside witches. Vampires laughing with fairies. Elementals sharing food with sirens. It was chaotic, loud, and strangely beautiful.
Only one area stood apart. At the far side of the hall were elevated seats carved from black obsidian and crimson stone. Dark banners hung behind them, embroidered with ancient symbols. “The demon section,” Seraphina muttered quietly. “They’re the highest rank here.”
Elara glanced toward them. Her heart skipped. The demons seated there were nothing like the monsters she’d imagined. They were… terrifyingly beautiful. Sharp features, commanding presence, eyes that glowed faintly with power. Their auras alone made the air around them feel heavier. Royal. Deadly.
“This is amazing,” Elara breathed, her eyes lighting up as tiny winged fairies fluttered through the hall, carrying trays of food far larger than their bodies should allow.
Seraphina smirked proudly. “You’ll get used to it.”
Elara had just sat down when a familiar voice spoke beside her. “Hey, Elara.” She turned and immediately smiled. “Aurelius!” He slid into the seat next to her with an easy grin, his silver hair catching the light. He looked relaxed, confident like he belonged everywhere he stood.
“Hey,” she said softly, surprised at how glad she was to see a familiar face.
Seraphina froze. Slowly, she turned and glared at him like he’d personally offended her ancestors. “How do you know him?” she demanded.
Elara blinked. “He helped me this morning. He showed me the master’s office.”
Seraphina’s expression darkened instantly. “Stop talking to him,” she snapped. “He’s a fool. I hate him.”
Aurelius scoffed loudly. “You’re the real fool. And I hate you even more.”
They immediately launched into a heated argument, insults flying effortlessly between them.
“You’re insufferable.”
“You’re dramatic.”
“You have no manners!” “At least I have a brain!”
Elara stared at them, mouth slightly open, eyes wide. They bickered like children, completely ignoring the stares around them. Finally, with an exaggerated sigh, Aurelius grabbed his tray.
“I’d rather eat with demons than sit near you,” he muttered.
“Good,” Seraphina snapped. “They suit you.” He shot Elara a wink before moving away.
When he was gone, Elara finally found her voice. “…What was that?”
Seraphina crossed her arms. “I hate his guts. And unfortunately, I can’t avoid him. Our parents are friends.”
“Really?” Elara asked, amused.
“Yes,” Seraphina groaned. “He’s King Hunter and Queen Juniper’s son.” Elara blinked.
“Wait the King Hunter? Vampire King?” Seraphina nodded. “Unfortunately. We’ve hated each other since childhood. He’s so immature. Elara laughed softly.
Before she could respond, the hall suddenly went silent. Every voice died. Every movement froze. A heavy presence filled the air. The demons were entering.
Elara stiffened as several demons strode in, commanding attention effortlessly. One of them sat astride a massive black wolf, the creature’s eyes glowing faintly red. Gasps rippled through the hall. The demon dismounted gracefully, his boots hitting the floor with deliberate force. The wolf shifted. Bones cracked. Fur receded. In seconds, the creature transformed into a boy, now kneeling at the demon’s feet, head bowed, eyes on the floor.
Elara’s stomach twisted. “Why… why is he doing that to him?” she whispered.
Seraphina’s face darkened. “That’s Valerian. A prince”
Elara frowned. “A prince?”
“Yes,” Seraphina said quietly.
“Varian’s stepbrother.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice.
“Valerian is the legitimate son. The true heir. Varian was born of a slave witch illegitimate.” Elara’s eyes widened.
“But Varian is stronger,” Seraphina continued. “Stronger than anyone. Even their father can’t challenge him.” Elara watched as Valerian slapped the kneeling boy sharply across the face. Her fingers curled into fists without her realizing. Anger surged through her. She glared openly.
Valerian suddenly turned. Their eyes met. His lips curved into a cruel smirk. Elara’s breath hitched. She looked away quickly, heart pounding.
Then she noticed someone else entering. A girl with flowing golden hair and eyes the same radiant shade stepped into the hall. Her presence was softer, but no less commanding. Her movements were elegant, fluid almost like she was gliding.
“She’s beautiful,” Elara murmured.
“That’s Lyonesse,” Seraphina said. “Alpha Xavier and Luna Sirena’s daughter. Half siren, half wolf.” Elara watched as Lyonesse took her seat gracefully.
“What about Aurelius?” she asked suddenly. “What is he?”
“A vampire,” Seraphina replied. Elara smiled faintly. As she watched Lyonesse, their eyes met. Lyonesse’s expression hardened instantly. She glared. A cold, sharp look that made Elara’s skin prickle.
Elara looked away slowly, unease creeping into her chest. This world was beautiful. Powerful. But beneath its elegance… danger lurked everywhere. And somehow She felt like she had just stepped into the center of it all.