The Demon Prince's Possession
Chapter 5 – Hard Truths

Grace

I sat in front of the vanity, lost in thought while combing through my hair for what seemed like hours.

“What’s wrong, Songbird?” Damien rested his hands on my shoulders behind me.

I placed the comb on the vanity and looked at him in the mirror’s reflection. “I miss my son. Our son.”

“I do too, more than you know. I would do anything to bring him back to us, but I also know what he’s going through. I was there once, or have you forgotten?”

Damien was revered as the Demon of Darkness once upon a time. I remember that all too well.

“This Allegra woman, I know she can help.

“After what happened with Celia, he never allowed himself to get close to anyone, including us.”

“Maybe she can, but if not, I know he will find his way back to us on his own. You can’t rush these things Grace.”

“I know,” I said, turning to face him.

I stood, letting Damien embrace me in his consoling arms. I swear, this man may look intimidating, but he was the best comforter in the world.

I eventually made my way towards Calcus’s room. I wanted to know what he meant when he said he had a theory about why Allegra reacted the way she did in the library.

I knocked on his door, waited until Calcus opened, and invited me inside.

“How is your room?” I asked.

“Very over-the-top,” he teased.

“How is everyone,” I asked, taking a seat on the green leather sofa in his room.

“Zelda is as strong as ever, a more fiercer leader than before. She and Ethan adopted two human children; their families were murdered by a few rogue Demons, and they had no family left. But they captured the ones responsible and are waiting to stand trial.”

“That’s terrible; if they ever need me, I am always here,” I replied empathetically.

“There haven’t been as many attacks, maybe a handful a year, but there are still a few out there that don’t agree with current times. It’s nothing Zelda can’t handle.”

Zelda was our army commander-in-chief, which now included people of all backgrounds. She was mainly in charge of rescue missions; some parts of the world were unfortunately unrelenting of the old ways, so Zelda travels most of the year, saving humans and Seers and giving them freedom and safety.

Ethan followed by her side, of course, and Seth was immediately promoted to second-in-command shortly after.

Forneus followed in his father’s footsteps and became more and more like him as the days passed.

“And how have you been?” I asked, taking his hand in mine.

“I have discovered Seers with untapped powers a few years since your new reign 19 years ago. There is one young man in particular whom I am teaching the way of the Seer’s awakening tradition. He has great potential and may even take over my position one day.”

“That won’t be for a while,” I laughed.

“Child, I am 140 years old; I am near the end of my life. I am surprised I have lived this long,” he smiled wholeheartedly.

“Well, I came to ask if you have any news on Allegra?”

Calcus sighed before answering, “I do, but I should discuss it with Allegra when she wakes.”

“I understand,” I nodded. “Is it good news?” I asked, hopefully.

“Let’s just say it’s… unforeseen,” he replied, his lips transitioning into a thin line.

I knew that meant nothing good, but all I could do was wait to hear what he had to say.

“Send my love to everyone. If there is anything you need, no matter what, you contact me,” Calcus gave me a nod before I left his room.

Allegra

I woke on a soft surface, feeling much better than I did the day before.

The headaches I was having seemed to be getting more frequent and more aggressive each time they came.

I turned over, noticing the empty spot on the bed.

It never bothered me that Cerberus slept beside me last night. If anything, I found it soothing. I didn’t want to be alone after what happened, and strangely, I knew I would be safe with him beside me.

I was interrupted by the sound of a door opening in the room.

As Cerberus emerged from the bathroom, the towel he had wrapped around his waist did little to conceal his toned and muscular v-line. His damp, raven hair hung down in tousled locks over his broad shoulders, droplets of water trickling down his chest and leaving behind a glistening trail on his chiselled torso. The heady scent of smoky sandalwood filled the air, captivating my senses and momentarily taking my breath away.

I couldn’t help but bite my lip as Cerberus disappeared behind another door, only to reappear moments later, looking effortlessly stylish in a long black turtleneck and perfectly pristine white jeans.

“How you feeling?” he asked with his back turned as he grabbed a long black trench coat from a hanger.

“Better, much better,” I almost stammered. “What’s the time?”

“Midday,” he responded.

I must have slept for nearly a whole day!

“You hungry?” he asked, his orbs glistening a magnetic gold.

Based on what Grace had told me, Cerberus’ Angel was in control right now.

“Yeah, I suppose I am. But I need to wash,” I said, pointing to my creased apparel.

I stood from the bed, but my abrupt movement made my head spin.

Cerberus rushed to my side in a flash, almost too quick for my human eyes to see, and then scooped me into his arms.

“I can walk…” I tried to assert, but his raised brows immediately told me he wouldn’t take the chance.

Before long, I was sitting on the edge of the tub, watching as water rose to the top. Cerberus added a clear liquid to the water; I observed, intrigued, as the room was engulfed by fresh lavender and mint.

“It helps with stress; Calcus gave it to me yesterday and said it could help with your headaches.”

Cerberus always seemed to baffle me. How could someone be so caring and gentle one moment, then so cold the next?

“I’ll leave you to it,” he said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck before leaving me alone in the bathroom.

I removed my dress, then slowly melted into the water. I felt the warmth of the water enveloping me like a soft embrace. I let myself sink in and closed my eyes, savouring the sensation of the hot steam caressing my body. The scent of the soap filled my nostrils, a familiar aroma that reminded me of him.

I lathered myself, losing track of time as I relished the sensation of the suds against my skin.

Eventually, my stomach growled, breaking the spell. I knew I had to get out, but I hesitated. I didn’t want to leave the cosy cocoon of the tub. Yet, I couldn’t stay here forever.

I reluctantly rose, feeling the sudden chill of the air against my wet skin. I looked around for something to cover myself with, but nothing was in sight except the dress I had worn earlier. I couldn’t put it back on, not after I had just cleaned myself. So I took a deep breath and dashed out of the bathroom, hoping Cerberus wouldn’t see me again.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I noticed he wasn’t there, but that quickly diminished as I watched the door handle slowly turn. So I grabbed the first thing I could and wrapped it around me.

It was one of Cerberus’ coats, only it reached my mid-thigh.

Cerberus walked inside, not noticing me until he was halfway across the room. His eyes were completely black; his Demon was in control. I don’t know how he switched between his two sides, but it was freaky how sudden it was and without warning.

He took long strides towards me from across the room. I instinctively stepped backwards as his predatory eyes honed in on me until my legs hit the bookshelf.

His arms caged me in. I clutched the coat with dear life as though it would slip from my shoulders.

His cold, lifeless eyes stared back at me in a way I couldn’t understand. Yet, those times I had feared those eyes, now I was only entranced by them. The way they changed between a magnetic gold and a blackless night left me curious. He was a strange being indeed, and that sort of curiosity could get me into a lot of trouble.

He leaned lower until our foreheads touched. I inhaled a sharp breath, not knowing what he was about to do, until his palm planted on my waist and squeezed.

“You’re wearing my clothes,” he spoke huskily; I could feel the deep vibrations of his voice travel through his fingertips and onto my waist, making an unfamiliar shiver travel through me.

“I… I forgot to take clothes to change into,” I managed to squeak out.

I felt a tingle travel from my stomach down towards my core.

I don’t know what I was feeling, what was happening, or even why I was having these reactions, but my lips parted, and I leaned a slither closer without realising.

He narrowed his gaze, growled, and then released me before exiting the room as quickly as he came.

I released my awaited breath.

Once I realised I was alone, I ran towards the bedroom-sized wardrobe and locked the door.

What the heck just happened.

Cerberus

Seeing her in my clothes did something to me. Something my Demon didn’t like. It was almost as though he feared, but my Demon never fears; he only destroys and feeds off the terror of others around him.

But the second I could sense her arousal, that sweet scent of honeycomb, I ran.

I wanted to get rid of her; my Demonic side was itching for her to be gone, so I decided to speed things up a little.

I headed towards the dining room where my mother, father and Calcus were.

“You tried to say something yesterday; why did she react the way she did?” I shouted.

Calcus’ expression was calm and collected, as always.

“I think it should wait until Allegra has joined us,” my mother answered for him.

I turned towards my mother, anger in my eyes. I didn’t mean to direct it towards her, but right now, my Demon seemed to think he was going crazy or at least possessed with how she had so much control over me.

“Cerberus,” my father stood, using the commanding tone of a King, which he employed when he spoke to others who showed disrespect.

I felt my Demon fight an internal battle, either obey his command or challenge him for disrespecting me.

I don’t think I could outmatch my father; he is 260 years old and the strongest greater Demon’s alive. Yet, the fire that fuelled my Demonic side was ready for the challenge, prepared to prove that no one overpowered me.

That was until I heard the sweet voice call out from behind.

“Cerberus,” she spoke in a hushed whisper.

I turned, facing Allegra, who looked confused and hurt, not the frightened features I expected her to have.

“You’re here,” my mother spoke and headed towards Allegra.

She assisted Allegra towards a seat beside her, yet Allegra’s enchanting sapphire blue eyes never once wandered from mine.

“Call him back,” my father asserted, “Control your Demon.”

I narrowed my gaze; my Demonic side did not like to be told what to do.

I faced Allegra again but only realised the mistake once it was too late.

Her eyes softened, and she smiled a despairing smile. Her eyes were filled with fear, but not fear because of me, fear for me.

No one had ever looked at me like that, as though I was the one who needed saving.

I felt my Demon retreat to the back of my mind; my Angel pulled through until I could see the reflection of my golden orbs through the reflective silverware on the table.

Allegra, along with my mother, released small sighs of relief.

“S…Sorry, I don’t know…” I began but was interrupted by a firm hand on my shoulder.

My father stood opposite me.

“It’s okay, son, I understand,” he whispered the last part.

I took a seat beside my father, opposite Allegra, waiting for Calcus to deliver the news we had all been waiting for.

Allegra

Cerberus was back to his old self, his tense frame calmed. His father whispered something to him, and they joined us at the table.

“What did you find?” I asked, turning my attention to Calcus.

“When I looked into your mind, I hate to say it, but I couldn’t see anything,” he admitted defeatedly.

“Has that ever happened before?” Grace asked from beside me.

“No, it has not.”

“Why?” Cerberus added.

There was silence for a few moments before he continued.

“There is one reason why, but I am sorry to say it’s nothing of good news.

“It shouldn’t be possible, not with your permission or someone with my power, unless someone purposefully blocked your memories. In simpler terms, it’s been locked away by an unbreakable wall.”

“Why would someone block my memories?”

“I do not know…”

The air seemed to grow thicker; silence ensnared the room as we waited for him to continue.

“When something like this happens, it is impossible to break it. Not unless you remove the block yourself.”

“How do I do that?”

“Sometimes a familiar face, surroundings or even a tiny trinket could trigger your lost memories. But without knowing where you came from, that possibility is improbable.

“If you try to think back to the past, you will experience excruciating headaches, to the point of near-death if you dig too deep.”

“What should we do?” Cerberus asked.

“Nothing,” he answered, plain and simple.

“Nothing?” I repeated in shock.

“Yes. The more you probe without something to trigger, the more the spell cast upon you could kill you.”

“Who would do this?” Damien asked; he had been so quiet I almost forgot he was present.

“Only a powerful seer could have placed this barrier. There is nothing I can do. Either your memories get triggered, or the one who placed the barrier removes it.”

“Thank you,” I said dryly.

“Viora, maybe she could help. She might know someone with that kind of power,” Grace added.

“Maybe, but you would have to find the seer who cursed Allegra and make them reverse the bind,” Calcus stated.

“Thank you, Calcus,” Grace smiled.

I excused myself, wanting to be alone to digest all the information I had been told.

I found myself in a garden filled with rare wildflowers and vibrant blooming blossoms. It was a sight to behold, and I probably would have appreciated it more had I not felt so bothered.

A few minutes later, Grace stood beside me, gazing into the scenic view of the gardens.

“I’m sorry, Allegra; I know that’s not what you wanted to hear.”

“It’s not your fault. You have all helped me so much already,” I replied.

“I know you may not want to hear this right now, but your being here has been a blessing in disguise.” I turned, facing Grace with a look of perplexity.

“I spoke to you about Cerberus before, and what I said, I truly meant it. For some reason, you have worked your way into his Angelic side. You sparked hope in my heart for my son to return to me.

“Today has been a lot to take in. I’ll have something prepared for you in the kitchen; you must be hungry.

“If you decide to leave, I won’t stop you.”

With that, I was left alone again, dwelling on my thoughts.

They have all helped me so much, taken me in when they didn’t need to, and helped me try to regain my lost memories. I’ll have to live with that hard truth; I probably won’t ever recover them.

But if I truly am the only one who can help Cerberus, then I will do my best as thanks.

That’s the least I can offer.

Viora

I could sense my call.

Grace needed me.

I could always sense when she did, but right now wasn’t a good time.

Since finding out she had been released, I had been trying everything in my arsenal to locate her, to put her back where she needed to be for the safety of the world.

But no matter what I tried, I couldn’t find her. It was as though she was simply erased from reality.

There were still a few more things I could try, at least until I went to Grace to see what she needed me for.

Sorry Grace, you’ll have to hold out a little longer.

If what I know has truly come to fruition, then we may all be doomed…

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