"It translates to the Curse Of Heaven and Hell." Alexander began, "It wasn't a curse initially, the supreme beings thought it would be wise to grant humans the ability to solve their own problems with ease. They had therefore granted those who were deemed worthy the power of magic to help those whose problems seemed more complicated for the human capabilities." He paused to throw out the intestines he'd successfully removed
"This phenomenon created the first sorcerers. A book was created, to help them learn their newly acquired gifts. Within the pages of the book that lied all the spells that could solve any problem humans faced. Things obviously didn't go as the deities planned, the sorcerers grew jealous and were overthrown by their lust for power. They turned on each other, each one of them seeking for the supreme knowledge of sorcery. They all wanted the book for themselves." Alexander paused again to glance at his intrigued little brother.
"Realizing the danger and threat they had released upon the earth, the book was cursed by the two supreme being. A curse from the two ethereal realms promising death to anyone who would dare use the book for their selfish purposes, only one who was pure of heart and devoid of bad intentions could possibly house this curse" Alexander concluded. "it's probably just a myth, I mean nobody has seen it in centuries now" He added before returning to the dead goat on his table.
Daniel paused for a moment trying to process everything he had just heard. If the book had been lost for centuries, how possible could it be that his father of all people found it.
'Rose' Daniel thought. She was the only person who could have ever seen or known the whereabouts of the book, considering that she had lived for more than centuries.
She must have disclosed it's location to Jeffery in hope of revival but his selfish father had done otherwise, and had imprisoned her instead as a bodyguard. 'How thoughtful Jeffery' He commended his father before picking up his brush.
Daniel was still in thoughts, trying to figure out why he was the one, a powerless sorcerer from a cursed clan. het was far from pure of heart, and most certainly not devoid of bad intentions. He has always schemed of ripping his father's head off his body, and that did count as a bad intention.
He couldn't also help but wonder what his father was doing with the book, was he practicing with it? Or merely keeping it as a trophy? The latter was an absolute no no Knowing his father well, he would have probably gone halfway the book by now. He was curious about what his father was up to, and the curiousity was slowly eating him alive
***
Daniel retired to bed earlier than usual, he was exhausted from the unyielding training and excess work. He wasn't sleepy at least not yet, and things weren't lively in the Bruce mansion. It was almost impossible to differentiate when you were alone or not, everywhere was always quiet and people around here minded their business a lot.
Climbing down from his bed, he teleported outside the mansion, a little walk might tire him out and he could finally sleep.
Greenland City park wasn't too far from their residence. He recalled how he would stay there after school just to avoid having any confrontations with his father. A walk forth and back should be able to tire him out. He took a deep breath, exhaled before starting his walk.
The neighborhood hadn't changed a bit, not that he was expecting much change, he had only been away for a year and he doubted they even noticed. In fact they would be happy he left, they could finally get some rest from all the ceaseless arguments that happened every night.
Nightfall was speedily approaching and his walk had suddenly become a night jog. The roads were already lonely and the park was deserted when he arrived. The sudden loneliness of the streets had left him uneasy, and didn't like the ominous sensation he felt around the place.
He decided to add a little speed to his jogging just to cover more distance in less time. He knew better than to stay outside at night when everyone was inside especially knowing the type of world he lived in.
Fear had crept into him the more and soon enough, he was already running. No one knew he was away from home and they probably won't ask until tomorrow morning. He paused abruptly, something had just caught his eyes.
Across the road, a lady was struggling with her vehicle. His human conscience kicked in, urging him to help the stranger, but the fear he harbored spoke otherwise. His human conscience seemed to have won the fight because he had crossed the road and reached her almost before he could realize.
"Is there a problem ma'am?" He asked trying to sound as caring as ever. His reply wasn't exactly what he had planned, the stranger had turned on him and had forcefully planted a kiss on his lips before vanishing almost at the same time, a smirk of satisfaction on her face as she disappeared. He stumbled to the tarred road, unable to make sense of what had just happened.
It was already clear that she was a sorcerer and he knew better than anyone to trust anyone of them. Getting himself up, he continued his run until he finally reached home. Teleporting once more, he appeared in his room, got rid of his sneakers and collapsed on his bed.
***
Everything seemed foggy since he woke up but he ignored the sensation, it was probably loss of blood from training or his eyes were still tired.
Walking down the spiral staircase, his head spun even the more. It was definitely much more than what he had in mind, holding firmly unto the railings, he supported himself and prevented himself from rolling down the stairs, or worse falling off.
Things were getting seriously worse by the minute, and he had become excessively clumsy. Daniel had no idea how it happened, but everything had gone blank for a minute and everywhere had became cold. He was falling, the air was doing it's best to keep him afloat but his overfed body did otherwise. His eyes flung open once again, this time things were clearer and he was floating. Alexander had saved him from his untimely death.
Gently lowering the boy down, Alexander asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Daniel replied "just a little bit sleepy" He added before walking past his brother who casually pulled him back.
A symbol was on his neck, and Alexander had recognized it. He was marked with the symbol of death.
"How did you get this?" Alexander asked dropping down his cup of coffee. His composure had suddenly changed and he seemed riled up.
"What's going on?" Jeffery's voice echoed announcing his approach.
"He's been marked, the symbol of death" Alexander replied showing his curious father the mark on his son's neck.
"How did you get this?" Jeffery repeated the question.
Daniel couldn't think of anything unusual that happened aside from the kiss. That must have been it, his mind clicked. 'That bastard' he cursed inwardly.
"While I was out jogging last night, I got kissed by this weird lady" Daniel provided. He had no idea what was going on, but in the next moment the two them beside him chorused;
"A Judas kiss"