Theodore woke up with a start, a strange, almost suffocating weight pressing against him. His sharp crimson eyes fluttered open, scanning the dimly lit room. Everything seemed normal, except for the unusual warmth on his side. He turned his head, and his breath hitched.
Luna, her silver hair gleaming faintly in the morning light, was curled up beside him, sleeping soundly.
"What the—" he growled, his irritation bubbling. Sitting up abruptly, he shook her off, careful not to be too rough. "Mimi! Get in here! Now!"
The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing Mimi, her shadowy figure bowed in respect. Her eyes widened at the sight of Luna on Theodore's bed. "My lord, I sincerely apologize! I didn't see Lady Luna this morning, and I—"
Theodore cut her off with a glare, his voice sharp but calm. "Mimi, you said you'd take full responsibility for her. I expect you to keep your word. She is to stay in your room from now on. I don't care for sharing my bed."
Mimi bowed deeply, her tone filled with remorse. "Understood, my lord. It won't happen again."
Carefully, she lifted the still-sleeping Luna into her arms, cradling her as if the child were made of glass. Luna stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent before nestling into Mimi's shoulder. With a final bow, Mimi exited the room.
Moments later, Belial entered, carrying a tray with freshly baked bread and steaming tea. The faint aroma of herbs and butter filled the room as he set it down on the small table near Theodore. His crimson eyes sparkled with amusement as he glanced at his lord.
"My lord," he said with a smirk, "it seems you've developed quite the aversion to children. I could hear your voice echoing all the way from the sitting room."
Theodore sighed heavily, leaning back into his chair. "It's not that I hate children. Don't make me sound like a monster, Belial. They're innocent, after all." He paused, his eyes distant, as though searching for the right words. "It's just… I hate physical contact. It unsettles me."
Belial tilted his head, genuine curiosity in his voice. "Why is that, my lord? If I may ask."
Theodore's expression darkened, his voice dropping to a quieter, more serious tone. "Because I'm not used to it. My previous life—before this one—was hell for me. Contact wasn't comfort; it was a reminder of pain, betrayal, and exhaustion."
Belial's smirk faded, replaced by a rare hint of sympathy. "My lord…" He didn't press further, sensing the weight of the topic.
Theodore straightened, shaking off the somber atmosphere. "Anyway, what's done is done. Let's move on. I've noticed my mana reserves are completely depleted after the ritual for Luna."
Belial's sharp gaze focused on him. "That's understandable, my lord. You poured immense energy into that transmutation curse. It's a miracle you're even standing. But you should be careful. Overusing your mana could lead to permanent damage."
Theodore clenched his fists, his muscles flexing instinctively. "I'm fine. I've still got enough aura and some mana to keep myself functional. But you're right—I need to rebuild my reserves."
Belial's expression shifted slightly, his tone thoughtful. "My lord, while training is crucial, have you considered studying your dark magic? You've been relying heavily on mana and aura. But dark magic is your true strength, isn't it?"
Theodore frowned, his crimson eyes narrowing. "What do you mean, relying? Of course, I use mana and aura. It's what everyone else uses. Dark magic is forbidden—it's not something I can openly wield."
Belial's lips tightened as if suppressing his thoughts, but after a moment, he returned to his usual composure. "As you wish, my lord. I simply wanted to remind you of your unique advantage."
Theodore sighed, letting the tension ease. "Fine. For now, let's focus on something else. Prepare for the meeting with the Queen. Ensure Mimi and Luna are ready as well."
Belial nodded, bowing slightly before exiting the room.
Once alone, Theodore sat cross-legged on the floor, his posture straight as he prepared to meditate. Closing his eyes, he focused on the faint trickle of mana flowing within him.
Blue energy began to gather around him, wisps of mana drifting like smoke as it was drawn into his body. He visualized the flow of his mana channels, pushing the energy through them with precision. His breathing slowed, each inhale and exhale perfectly timed with the flow of mana.
The forest outside his window seemed to respond, the natural mana resonating faintly with his own. Leaves rustled softly, and the faint hum of life filled the air.
(If I don't improve, I'll never achieve what I want. I need more power. More control. I'll master everything—even if it kills me.)
Theodore continued meditating, his determination unwavering as the room filled with the faint glow of mana.
Moments later, Belial and Mimi returned. Mimi carried Luna, now dressed in a soft pink dress that contrasted beautifully with her silver hair, which had been tied into a neat bun. Luna looked radiant, like a porcelain doll come to life, her glowing eyes wide with curiosity. Mimi beamed with pride as she held the child close, cradling her as though she were her own.
Theodore sat quietly, observing them. His crimson eyes narrowed as an unusual thought crossed his mind. (Strange. Mimi… she seems to act like a mother.)
Finally, unable to contain his curiosity, Theodore broke the silence. "Mimi," he said cautiously, his voice low but firm, "do you… feel emotion? I've noticed how you treat Luna. It's as if you genuinely care for her."
Mimi froze for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, softly, she spoke, "Because I was once human, my lord."
Theodore's gaze sharpened instantly, his surprise barely masked. "A human?"
Mimi nodded slowly, adjusting Luna in her arms. Her voice was calm, though tinged with something unspoken. "Yes, my lord. It's because I am your first shadow. When I consumed this human form, I retained pieces of what I was before. But originally, I wasn't the only shadow—there are thousands of us. Once, we were all human. When we died, our souls became lost, vengeful. We couldn't move on. That's why we cannot reincarnate."
Theodore leaned forward slightly, his voice edged with curiosity. "Who took your souls? How did you become shadows?"
Mimi hesitated, her gaze distant as if searching for fragments of a forgotten memory. "I don't remember, my lord. It's been an eternity since I became a shadow. I've lost half of what I once knew… even the ability to feel emotions fully."
Theodore's expression softened, a rare flicker of empathy crossing his features. For all his ambitions and cold resolve, he was not entirely devoid of understanding. "Tell me, Mimi," he said quietly, "how did you die?"
Mimi's grip on Luna tightened slightly. Her voice wavered as she began, "Bandits raided our village. We were poor. We had nothing of value to offer them. They… they took my children, intending to sell them as slaves." Her voice cracked, but she pushed on. "I fought back. I tried to save them, but…" She raised a hand instinctively to her neck, her fingers brushing the air where a scar might have once been. "They slit my throat before my children's eyes."
Theodore's breath hitched. His fingers curled tightly into his palm as he listened. Even Belial, ever stoic, seemed shaken.
"That's…" Theodore hesitated, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "That's tragic, Mimi."
Mimi nodded slightly but maintained her composure. "It was… a long time ago, my lord. Time has dulled the pain, but the memory lingers."
Theodore closed his eyes, the weight of her story pressing down on him. "Do you resent being a shadow?"
Mimi shook her head, her movements slow but deliberate. "No, my lord," she replied. "When I died, my soul was consumed by vengeance. I was angry—at the bandits, at the gods who allowed it, even at myself. Becoming a shadow gave me purpose, a way to exist. And besides…" She glanced at Theodore. "I have served many masters before you."
Theodore's eyes narrowed. "Many masters?"
"Yes," Mimi said. "The book of shadows you carry… it has chosen others before you. I have served them all. Each century, I see a new face, a new soul burdened by its power." Her voice softened. "Some sought glory, others revenge, and many sought freedom. But none…" She paused, looking directly into Theodore's crimson gaze. "None have been like you, my lord."
Theodore leaned back, his mind whirring. (So this book… it has existed for centuries. And I'm just another in a long line of its so-called masters. How many have fallen to its temptations?)
"It must have been hard," Theodore murmured, his voice barely audible. "To see new faces, new lives, every century."
Mimi's eyes glinted faintly, her voice low but steady. "It is my purpose, my lord. But perhaps, with you… things will be different."
Theodore nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "Now that you mention it, where are the rest of the shadows?" Theodore asked, his curiosity piqued as he leaned back in his chair, studying Mimi intently.
Mimi hesitated before responding, her voice calm but tinged with unease. "There are thousands of shadows like us, my lord. We reside in a place called the Dark Soul Realm. It is a vast underworld, a realm created specifically for shadows. It is… chaotic and untamed."
Theodore's crimson eyes glinted with intrigue. "Can I go there?"
Belial's expression immediately darkened, his hands clenched at his sides. "My lord—"
"You can," Mimi interjected cautiously, though the hesitation in her voice was evident. "But my lord, I strongly advise against it. The shadows in the Dark Soul Realm are unbound and wild. To command them, you would need to tame them—a feat that requires both incredible strength and an unbreakable will. If you are unprepared, they will devour you."
Theodore's lips curved into a smirk, the faint flicker of a challenge lighting his gaze. "Then I'll face them."
"WHAT?!" Belial and Mimi exclaimed in unison.
Belial immediately stepped forward, his voice tinged with urgency. "My lord, are you certain of this? The shadows there are in their natural habitat, their home. Entering that realm is akin to walking into their lair. It's no different from willingly offering yourself as prey. At least allow me to accompany you!"
Theodore shook his head firmly, his tone resolute. "No, Belial. This is something I must do alone. I didn't even know the extent of my power over shadows until recently, and now I have an opportunity to unlock it fully. If I am to use this power to achieve my ambitions in the future, I must first earn their loyalty. They are part of me, and I must prove myself worthy."
Belial opened his mouth to protest, but Theodore's unyielding gaze silenced him. Finally, he sighed heavily, bowing his head in reluctant acceptance. "As you wish, my lord. But I beg you, tread carefully."
Mimi, however, couldn't hide the worry etched on her face. "My lord, you're only ten years old. The Dark Soul Realm is not just a place of chaos—it's a domain where even experienced masters have perished. Are you sure you can handle this? You're strong, but…" Her voice faltered, a rare display of genuine concern.
Theodore gave her a faint smile, his crimson eyes softening momentarily. "Mimi, I've faced death countless times in the mental trials of the Shadow Realm. My soul has endured more pain than most adults could comprehend. This will be no different."
Though uneasy, Mimi nodded, trusting in his resolve. She stepped forward, pulling a dagger from her belt and plunging it into the ground with precision. A tremor rippled through the room, the air growing heavy as reality itself began to shift. The dagger's blade glowed with a faint, eerie light as a massive door materialized before them. Its surface was covered in writhing shadows, thick mist spilling from its edges like living smoke. The ominous energy it exuded was almost suffocating.
Belial's fists clenched as he stared at the door. "My lord, I've never feared for you before, but this realm… it is merciless. If you fall there, there will be no return."
Theodore turned to Belial, his expression calm but commanding. "Then it's simple, Belial. I won't fall."
He placed a hand on the shadowy door, feeling its cold, pulsating energy seep into his fingertips. Taking a deep breath, he glanced back at Belial and Mimi, offering a faint smirk. "I'll see you both later. Wish me luck."
Mimi bowed her head deeply, her voice soft but steady. "May the shadows guide you, my lord."
Belial, though reluctant, knelt on one knee and bowed his head as well. "We await your return, my lord."
Without another word, Theodore stepped into the portal. As he disappeared into the swirling darkness, the door sealed behind him with a deafening boom.
The room fell into an eerie silence. Belial stood, his gaze fixed on the now-vanished door. "He'll return," he said, almost as if convincing himself.
Mimi, clutching the handle of her dagger tightly, whispered a quiet prayer. "He has to."