Narrator's POV
In the bustling halls of Skyhill, the disciples were in a frenzy as today welcomed the arrival of the Queen of Pyroterra at the temple. Her visit was particularly to lay eyes on the Rogue Gifted, now labeled as A Prisoner. After Kali lost consciousness, Mark and Eavan transported him back to Skyhill, confining him to a room where the Chain of the Divines was reinforced. However, this action seemed unnecessary as Kali's already weakened Mana rendered him unconscious, with the Chain further sapping his strength. Despite their efforts, Kali remained unresponsive, still unconscious.
In the midst of these developments, Caden found himself detained in a private chamber for seemingly speaking out in defense of Kali, an act deemed disrespectful to the Headmaster. It was acknowledged that if not for Kali's intervention, Skyhill may have faced destruction. Eavan, on the other hand, was under the watchful eyes of the Headmaster, granted some freedom of movement but required to report his activities consistently.
Meanwhile, Mark was preoccupied with preparations for the imminent visit of Queen Antonia of the Pyroterra Kingdom. She held the authority to determine the punishment for an A prisoner, and her presence at the temple was crucial for the announcement.
Unbeknownst to them, King Michael of the Zephyrthorn Kingdom was en route to the temple. He harbored a recurring dream of interacting with his deceased younger brother, sensing it to be more than mere imagination—a fragment of his past. Thus, he sought Mark's counsel as his trusted advisor upon reaching Skyhill.
In a private chamber, Caden paced anxiously. Despite his confinement for defending Kali, he harbored no regrets. He believed in Kali's integrity, challenging the conventional belief that Gifted individuals born with dark magic were inherently malevolent. Caden contemplated on the skewed perception within the cultivation world, realizing that those who proclaimed purity may have bloodier hands than the Rogue Gifted they condemned. Perhaps, the ones who claimed innocence were truly the ones tainted by darkness.
Interrupted by the resounding bell signaling an important guest's arrival, Caden's train of thought halted. The Headmaster, Eavan, and Mark congregated at the gates of Skyhill to extend a ceremonial welcome to Queen Antonia of Pyroterra upon her arrival. The Headmaster, Eavan, and Mark congregated at the gates of Skyhill to extend a ceremonial welcome to Queen Antonia of Pyroterra upon her arrival.
Queen Antonia Vasquez, the formidable ruler of the Pyroterra kingdom, exuded an icy demeanor and a fiery temper, embodying a stark contrast to her evocative name symbolizing scorching deserts and relentless flames.
Antonia's striking beauty commanded attention, her imposing figure accentuated by dark hair pulled back tightly in a severe bun, framing a countenance etched with a lifetime of power and dominance. Her eyes, akin to smoldering ash, possessed an ominous intensity, reflecting her brilliant yet unforgiving mind. Her very presence inspired both reverence and fear, emanating an aura of authority that brooked no opposition.
Descended from a lineage of ruthless monarchs, Antonia inherited a calculating nature marked by logic and unyielding pragmatism. Her decisions were rooted in cold rationality, seemingly untouched by the emotional bonds that tied her subjects. While her reign ushered in stability and prosperity to Pyroterra, her iron-clad rule cast a shadow of unease over her people, enforced with strict order and an iron-fisted policy against dissent.
Antonia's tempestuous spirit erupted in fits of rage as sudden and unpredictable as a volcanic eruption. Quick to anger, she met transgressors with swift and severe retribution, instilling a pervasive fear among her subjects. Every action bore the weight of dire consequences, instilling a sense of constant vigilance and trepidation.
"Welcome to the Skyhill Temple, your majesty Queen Antonia," the Headmaster greeted, along with Mark and Eavan, honoring her with a deep bow.
"Stop with the pleasantries; I want to see this A Prisoner right now," Queen Antonia coldly commanded, cutting through the formalities with an air of authority.
"With pleasure" the Headmaster replied promptly, leading Mark and Eavan as they followed him.
Lined up in respect, the disciples of Skyhill greeted Queen Antonia as she passed by, each bowing with utmost reverence. Upon reaching the expansive court where the trial of the A Prisoner was to unfold, the Headmaster quickly retrieved Kali from confinement.
As Queen Antonia beheld Kali's appearance, marred by dirt-streaked hair, disheveled robes, and a pallid complexion, her attention was drawn to his enduring ethereal beauty even in his weakened state. Amidst her observation, the Queen's derisive remark about the disciples' admiration prompted their heads to bow in shame.
Mocking Headmaster Dean, Queen Antonia questioned his teachings, eliciting a lukewarm response defending the disciples' intrinsic human emotions. The Queen found amusement in their captivation, turning her gaze back to Kali, who met her with a piercing stare, his cold silver eyes betraying an intense resolve capable of penetrating one's soul.
Enraged by Kali's unwavering gaze, Queen Antonia unleashed her fury with a resounding slap that echoed through the court, leaving a lingering sting on Kali's cheek, his expression numb to the pain. Despite Eavan's internal struggle witnessing the scene, his restraint held firm in the presence of his brother and the Headmaster.
Not sensing any magic within Kali, the Queen expressed her disdain, acknowledging Mark's explanation of his weakened state upon capture. Her terse approval marked the onset of the consequential proceedings unfolding at Skyhill.
The Queen elaborated with a sardonic grin, "It has been a long time since I've encountered an A Prisoner, so I will ensure that you are the last Gifted to attempt dark Magic cultivation."
With an outstretched hand, the Queen conjured a red and yellowish magic circle that shimmered as a gem floated at its center—the Fire Gem. This magical stone, iconic for embodying the essence of fire, emanated a captivating and radiant energy mirroring the fiery glow contained within. Resembling a flickering flame, the gem's allure was undeniable.
Roughly the size of a human fist, the Fire Gem boasted a polished surface that shimmered with fiery shades of reds, oranges, and yellows, emitting a mesmerizing luminance akin to living flame. Its translucent quality offered glimpses into swirling patterns within, mimicking the fluidity of flames that danced and shifted, creating an ever-changing interplay of light.
As the Fire Gem illuminated brightly at the Queen's silent command, a searing cry erupted from Kali as his body temperature surged, bathing him in fiery hues. The agonized shriek sent shivers through onlookers, who empathized with his pain despite being shielded from experiencing it firsthand. The rising temperature in the court caused all present to perspire profusely.
Kali's anguished pleas and tormented cries pierced the atmosphere, setting an uneasy tone throughout Skyhill. Eavan trembled witnessing the harrowing ordeal unfold, deeply affected by Kali's distress, evident in his tear-streaked face, pulsating veins, and desperate pleas for mercy met with deaf ears, amplifying Kali's suffering.
"I—I can't endure this any longer!" Caden's inner turmoil erupted as tears streamed down his cheeks, hands clamped over his ears in a futile attempt to soften Kali's agonizing screams for help.
Driven by desperation, Caden rose, summoning a silver key that radiated with potent energy in response to its new master's urgency. With a fervent invocation and a blinding glow, he called forth the creature tied to the key—the Stone-eyed Serpent, Gorgonius. Enveloped in a silver magic circle, the verdant archway materialized, emitting the essence of nature's whisper and untamed allure, culminating in the grand appearance of Gorgonius, a creature of formidable strength and dread.
This towering serpentine being exuded an aura that inspired both awe and terror, its eyes emanating power that could petrify beholders with a mere gaze. Those unfortunate enough to meet its powerful stare faced a chilling fate—solidification into stone. Gorgonius, a creature of haunting elegance and formidable fear, served as a grim reminder of mortality's fragility within its enchanting yet perilous presence.
The chamber trembled under the immense presence of Gorgonius, the colossal serpent, instilling deep fear among the guarding disciples. Naive and unassuming, they gazed directly into the creature's silver eyes, unknowingly falling victim to its innate ability—the Petrifying Gaze. A mere glance from Gorgonius could instantly petrify living beings into stone, leading the disciples to stone-cold transformation.
Before anyone could notice anything amiss about Gorgonius, Caden swiftly commanded, "Close Portal," preventing any further chaos. Gorgonius' form radiated brightly before vanishing, prompting Caden to rush towards the court where Kali was situated.
Kali lay unconscious on the ground with a resounding thud, his torn clothes accentuating his fair complexion, drawing admiring gazes from onlookers. As the Queen inspected her handiwork, she ordered, "Put this prisoner in a cell and find strong men to ensure his flesh is torn. If I don't see any sign of his defilement by tomorrow, I will burn this temple instead." With that, she gracefully left the court, trailed by her fitted red gown swaying with her exit.
Mark shared a glance with Eavan, his dark expression mirroring his internal fury. "How dare she! How dare she ruin something that is mine!" Eavan seethed, his fists clenched with pale intensity, consumed by possessive thoughts.
Turning to Mark, Eavan expressed his earnest desire, "Brother, I want to claim something for myself." Since childhood, Eavan had refrained from forming attachments, knowing the Headmaster's stern hand left no room for emotional connection. However, encountering someone with exquisite refinement stirred unfamiliar feelings within him, scrutinizing his own desires and apprehensions.
Eavan's emotions surged after learning of the Queen's intentions towards Kali, inciting a protective fervor within him. The possibility of Kali being defiled ignited an intense protection for him, driving Eavan's spirit with an unyielding determination.
Interrupted by the Headmaster's directive to prepare a private chamber for the prisoner, Mark and Eavan refocused on reality. Eavan's icy gaze lingered as the disciples escorted Kali away, leaving a solemn atmosphere in their wake.
Later that evening, King Michael Giacomazzi unexpectedly arrived at the temple, catching Mark and the Headmaster off guard. Despite the surprise, they managed the situation adeptly, preparing a chamber for the King of Zephyrthorn. The presence of two royals within Skyhill was a great honor, likely to be envied by other Clans for the grand occasion.
In a secluded and private chamber, lay the unconscious Kali, oblivious to the impending tragedy that awaited him. Dressed in a thin robe, his prone form was vulnerable and exposed to anyone entering the chamber. Despite being thoroughly cleaned, enhancing his allure, his defenseless state could incite desires of dominance and possession in an onlooker. Footsteps approached, the door opened and closed, secured by a glowing sword acting as an unbreakable lock. The man turned, his icy gaze ablaze with desire upon glimpsing the object of his newfound, awakened fantasies. He advanced slowly, taking a seat beside the unconscious Kali, whose skin still bore traces of the intense fiery torment inflicted by the Fire Gem.
Delicately, he caressed Kali's prominent cheekbones, relishing the moment until his fingers trailed to the perfectly curved, parted lips from which ragged breaths emanated. Moving closer, Eavan started with tender kisses on Kali's forehead, then nose, cheeks, and bit Kali's earlobe, eliciting a shudder. Driven by burgeoning desires, he proceeded to explore Kali's lips, inexperienced yet fueled by fervent passion. Unsatisfied, he turned his attention to Kali's slender neck, marking the skin with evident traces.
"Sweeter, more!" echoed Eavan's mind.
Removing Kali's sheer robe, he stood entranced by the milky, unspoiled skin and seductive curves of Kali's physique. Pinching Kali's rosy buds with unsated hunger, he proceeded to explore further, leaving fresh, reddish marks on Kali's body. Eavan's ardor heightened as he marked Kali from torso to thigh, with the aftermath of his fervor glistening in saliva-laden bitemarks. Impatiently shedding his own attire, Eavan, while still youthful, radiated a lean, masculine physique with an assertive presence, driven by fiery desires that overrode his rationality.
Due to Kali's weakened state from mana depletion and lack of nourishment, Eavan found ease in positioning Kali's legs apart, his actions guided solely by instinct and primal urges. Though inexperienced, his carnal desires compelled him to act impulsively, entering Kali's alluring entrance forcefully, met with quivering response, a result of the spell cast upon Kali that kept his body inert to Eavan's advances.
With each vigorous thrust, Eavan's movements intensified, echoing through the chamber with a rhythmic cadence of flesh meeting flesh. Relentlessly seeking release in the enticing confines, Eavan's fervor surged, his focus unwavering on satisfying desires and forging a profound connection with the entranced Gifted beneath him.
After experiencing carnal fulfillment, Eavan found himself in a moment of lucidity, realizing the consequences of his actions towards the unconscious Kali. Observing the aftermath of his deeds—Kali's body imprinted with bite marks and bruises, and his composure stained with turmoil—Eavan grappled with the weight of his transgressions.
"What have I done?" he mourned, his heart heavy with regret and remorse for defying his original intent to safeguard Kali, the one he held dear and failed to protect from his own destructive impulses.