Stiles POV
Our journey to the gate was smooth sailing. Though we traveled by foot, they took turns carrying me on their back. Are people outside so kind? Taking care of me as if I were a close relative.
"Where is this place located?" I inquired, looking at the giant walls of the fortress from a distance.
"To the north of Alcelia." The man replied, moving ahead of the group.
If I recall correctly, this should be the name of this continent, then the "north" would refer to the geographical location of the fortress. Though I'm interested in the fortress's name. "What is the fortress name?"
"Kynburgh… that's its name." The male replied.
I've never heard of such a place during my readings. Maybe it's just some backwater village in the Alcelia continent.
"Can you tell me a short story about this place?" I asked politely, not able to hold back my curiosity.
"There is nothing to tell. Unless you wanna hear of the mishaps." He stated, grudgingly.
"You don't have to be rude, David. He was only curious." The female rebuked, patting me on the head.
I guess this place is not all good. Though it seems peaceful on the outside, there must be something troubling them… I thought, my curiosity increasing.
"Don't mind him, boy." The woman commented. "What's your name?"
I don't want to get attached to these strangers, so I should better stop my interactions with them here.
Urghh! I can't keep up with this woman's antics. How can I be so willing to share things with her? Is this what Mom meant?
"Stiles," I said, giving in to the urge.
"Veronica." She uttered cheerfully.
So that's her name. Not like I asked for it… I lampooned.
"Kynburgh has been our home for a long time. The fortress kept us safe from bandits, famine, and other negativities that plague the world." Veronica said with a sigh.
"But recently, things seemed to be going down the hill. To survive, we have to hunt by ourselves. Crime rate increases with every passing day. Enemies of our home seek to annex it for themselves."
I could feel the sadness in her voice. Though I could not empathize with her. What do I care about their sorrows? I have better things to think of.
"What about you? How did you end up here?" Veronica inquired.
"As I told you, I'm a demon," I stated proudly.
"Hard to believe."
Her words were true. After scrutinizing myself, I discovered nothing evil-looking about me. That's if I understood the real meaning of evil.
"How do demons look?"
"Mmhh. Horns, tails, wings, and miasma." She replied. "These are the features that define a demon."
"Can't they disguise themselves… like morphing into a human form or something…?" I moved my fingers to elaborate on my point.
It would be weird if the demon race could not shapeshift. After all, they are known as tricksters.
"They can, but we are hunters. Senses are our biggest weapon." She replied proudly.
"We are here!" David grudgingly said. If I didn't know better, I'd think he had some issues with me.
Forgetting about the burly male, I followed his sight to the fortress.
The gate was huge. I'm sure Giants would find it hard to infiltrate this place—the thickness of its constituents was something out of this world.
"Amazed?" Veronica asked.
"Won't lie, I am," I said under my breath. "Was it built to stand against Giants?"
"The world." She stated. "It was built to withstand the attack of the world."
I was perplexed by her words. Who would build a fortress to withstand the attack of the world: some war maniac, an insecure jerk, or an overcautious man?
"I know you don't believe me. I don't even believe what I'm saying. I'm only telling you what I read in the archives."
Ohh! History, mythology, story. Still, I would have seen it in the records if it was famous—Maybe it's just some folklore.
"Next!" A man, dressed in uniform yelled, glaring at our group. "Which town?"
"Blythe," David replied, showing the guard some papers. I could also see him hand over a glittering object to the guard.
"Pass."
Immediately after the order was given, Veronica took me through the gate.
Crack
With the cracking sound came a sudden sense of freedom, one that made me draw the surrounding energy to myself.
What happened? I thought to myself, strangely looking at my hands. The ornaments on my hand had a strange glint to them.
"Stiles?!" David called out in trepidation. I could see, feel, and almost touch those feelings. He was like a book before my eyes—a book without a lock.
Slowly, those senses heightened. I could feel more than just David's feelings. Veronica's, and all passersby's feelings came rushing to me.
No no no…! I thought as they engulfed me. Among these intense feelings, I could not tell which truly belonged to me.
I felt love at that moment, hatred, depression, hunger, poverty, pain, fear, and many more.
It was hell—the hell Mom talked of—a place filled with horror.
"I–it's the crown?" David stuttered, immediately taking a knee on the ground.
I could feel the tremble from Veronica. It was clear she was shocked. But suddenly, all the horrendous feelings that covered me started mutating.
No fear, no pain. Funny how emotions can change so fast. Now all I felt was excitement and hope from the masses—as if their savior had come.
"Greetings, Lord. The savior and ruler of Kynburgh!" The multitude echoed as they knelt.
What…?! As I had those thoughts, my body exploded with a well-known energy—one that had plagued me since my birth.
Now I felt sorry for them. They will surely die at the hands of my overflowing energy. My heart ached as I felt pain from Veronica's emotions. I had grown to like her despite our short time together.
Farewell, I thought, letting the darkness engulf me in its embrace.
***
"Stiles?"
"Stiles!"
"Stiles."
My name was called with different emotions attached. Some questioned while others were excited.
"A new ruler has been born."
I heard the voice I would never forget; the voice of the ethereal female.
"You?!" I said, veins popping on my imaginary head.
"Yes, My Lord!" She replied excitedly.
"What's this?" I asked in a somber tone.
"You wanted to die, so I sent you here. I'm sure you'll find what you seek." She stated in a proud tone.
"Bitch!"
"It's time to wake up."
I'll fucking kill her.