Chapter 47: Chapter 47:Dark magic(10).

❝It's pretty big. ❞Zhia Xiang spoke as she studied the artifact.

Victor touched the artifact and inspected it in detail.

❝Let's destroy it. ❞Zhia Xiang said leaning over the artifact.

Victor looked at her and said:

❝It has a magic barrier that would alarm everyone if we try to destroy it. ❞

Zhia Xiang laughed a little.

❝Of course they'll do that. ❞ She sad getting angry. ❝Can we break the barrier? ❞

❝The barrier can be broken by destroying the talisman the head of the church has. ❞Victor explained.

❝So the head priest has it? ❞Zhia Xiang asked.

Victor nodded his head and Zhia Xiang sighed annoyed.

❝Fuck their barrier. ❞ She said and took her journal out.

❝Are you alright? ❞Victor asked when Zhia Xiang fell silent as she stared at her hands.

Zhia Xiang hummed in response and finished her sentence: The barrier is broken.

Victor opened his mouth to ask her if she is sure, but closed it back when he sensed the barrier disappearing.

❝How? ❞Victor asked amazed.

❝My secret. ❞Zhia Xiang replied with a mischievous smile and placed her hands on the artifact.

She concentrated and let her dark magic roam in the artifact, breaking it from inside, a shiny stone rolling to her feet.

❝That must be the core. ❞Victor voiced out, taking the stone in his hand to study it.

❝What does it do? ❞Zhia Xiang asked looking at the stone in his hand.

❝It's the part that transforms the dark magic into light magic. ❞Victor explained.

❝I see. ❞

❝I will keep it for the time being. ❞Victor said putting the stone in his pocket.

The two then left and snuck out without being spotted by anyone. The church was preoccupied with finding Maec who seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Next day arrived and meets Zhia Xiang with an unexpected visit from Isabella.

❝What's the reason for your visit? ❞Zhia Xiang asked as she sat down, staring at the clearly tired Isabelle.

❝I came to ask for a favor. I really have no one to turn to, your grace, so please hear me out. ❞Isabelle pleaded, her voice weak.

❝Speak. ❞Zhia Xiang permitted.

❝Maec... the head priest's son disappeared last night and I'm very worried. I came to beg your grace to help me find him, I'll do anything. ❞Isabelle spoke, holding her hands in a praying motion.

Zhia Xiang looked at the desperation in Isabelle's eyes and a memory from her past came into her mind, making her zone out for a while.

Isabelle took Zhia Xiang's silence as a sign that she was thinking about her favor.

❝Mother... wake up, please. I'll do anything, just open your eyes.Mother? Why aren't you waking up? There's blood... everywhere. ❞  The little girl begged, shaking her mother's body with despair in her eyes.

Zhia Xiang closed her eyes and managed to push the memories back in the corner of her mind.

❝I didn't know you and Maec are so close that you'll beg me for help.❞Zhia Xiang said looking at Isabelle.

❝We... aren't that close, but Maec is a kind man. I don't want anything bad to happen to him. ❞Isabelle said with a smile on her face as she remembered her time with Maec.

❝Why isn't Duke Albertine looking for him? Since he was planing to maki him his son-in-law. ❞

Isabella's smile dropped and she frowned.

❝I don't want to see him or speak to him.❞

Zhia Xiang raised her eyebrow curious about what she missed.

❝Why is that? ❞Zhia Xiang asked.

Isabelle looked at the ground, playing with her bracelet as she though is she should disclose her secret or not.

❝I'll just do it. No more coward acts, Isabelle. ❞ The girl thought and clenched her fists.

Zhia Xiang noticed the sudden boldness in Isabelle and smiled internally.

❝My father did something bad. He abandoned his wife and daughter because she was born with dark magic. Also having an affair with my mother... I can't believe he was such a monster hidden under a smile. ❞Isabelle spoke, getting angrier by second at her father and at herself for not noticing earlier.

Zhia Xiang looked at Isabelle's angry expression that reminded her of the angry emoji and chuckled quickly.

❝You should learn to not get deceived so easily. ❞Zhia Xiang said, supporting her head with her palm as she looked at Isabelle who seemed to change for the better.

Isabelle's mouth opened unconsciously.

❝Someone... told me the same thing before. ❞Isabelle finally spoke with a sad smile, remembering the encounter with Zhia Xiang in front of the store.

Zhia Xiang hummed as she decided something at that moment.

❝Are you willing to turn against your father? ❞She asked, gazing into Isabelle's eyes with a mischievous smile.

Isabelle was startled by Zhia Xiang intense gaze, but she quick regained her calm.

❝Yes!❞ She replied determined.

❝Even if you'll have to harm him? Perhaps even kill him? ❞

❝I'm willing. ❞

Zhia Xiang laughed and applauded.

❝Do you think your lover is willing to do the same? ❞Zhia Xiang asked curious.

Isabelle blushed and averted her gaze.

❝He isn't my lover... ❞

❝But you like him a lot. You've lost sleep over his disappearance. ❞

Isabelle's face reddened more.

❝Listen to me. I'll help you be together with him, but you'll have to convinge Maec to not stand in my way. Otherwise he'll die. ❞Zhia Xiang warned Isabelle with a serious look.

Isabelle bit her bottom lip.

❝May I know what you're planning to do, your grace? ❞

❝Destroy the church and Oliver Albertine. ❞Zhia Xiang said, her eyes displaying a fire of determination and hatred.

Isabelle gasped and covered her mouth.

❝That's... isn't it too much? ❞Isabelle asked worried.

❝Hm...do you think it's too much of a punishment for people who kill innocent humans that were born with dark magic only to take their magic and convert it into light magic so they can become stronger? ❞Zhia Xiang spoke, venom in her every word.

Isabelle looked horrified at the shocking news.

❝Your grace... are you sure the church is going such things? They... they are God's people... ❞

❝Don't get deceived again.❞Zhia Xiang said and Isabelle swallowed hard.

❝Such people deserve to die. ❞Isabelle added, deciding to side with Zhia Xiang.

❝Is this your choice, Isabelle Albertine? ❞Zhia Xiang asked as she stood up and walked in front of Isabelle's chair, holding her hand out.

❝Yes. ❞Isabelle said shaking hands with Zhia Xiang.

❝So be it. You can't go back now. ❞Zhia Xiang said and dragged Isabelle along.

❝Where are we going?❞

❝You'll see. Close your eyes and don't open them until I say so. ❞Zhia Xiang instructed Isabelle who did as told.

Zhia Xiang opened the passage in the library and dragged Isabelle in the secret room where Maec was tied in.

❝Care to explain? ❞Victor asked looking at Zhia Xiang and Isabelle.

❝I decided to give her a chance to become stronger. If it backfires on us, I'll take responsibility. ❞Zhia Xiang spoke calmly.

❝I trust your judgment. I assume she's here to see him. ❞Victor spoke.

Isabelle was confused by what's going on as she didn't get permission to open her eyes.

❝You can open them. ❞Zhia Xiang said.

Isabelle opened her eyes and froze in spot when she saw Maec tied up to a chair. Then she saw the crown prince and her  surroundings.

❝You're in Victor's secret room. ❞Zhia Xiang said as she sat down.

Victor turned his attention to the table where he was working on the stone they found in the artifact.

Isabelle walked to Maec who was unconscious due to sleeping medicine.

❝Shake him a little. ❞Zhia Xiang added.

Isabelle nodded her head and shook Maec by the shoulders. She smiled when she met his confused eyes.

❝Lady Isabelle? What are you doing here? ❞Maec asked worried.

He saw Zhia Xiang on the armchair and Victor's back and his concern grew.

❝You're safe. They won't hurt you. ❞Isabelle said softly, making Maec turn his attention on her.

❝What is going on? ❞Maec asked.

❝I'm not sure either. ❞Isabelle replied honestly.

❝You're being held hostage that's what's happening. ❞Zhia Xiang replied to his question.

❝What do you want from me? ❞Maec asked again.

❝Let me ask you something, Maec. Are you aware of what the church is doing when they kill people with dark magic? ❞

Maec furrowed his eyebrows as he looked puzzled.

❝They clean the word from evil. ❞Maec replied.

❝Wrong. They collect the dark magic from the deceased and transform it into light magic therfore growing their own magic. ❞Zhia Xiang explained.

Maec froze and soon began to shake.

❝No, that's not true! My father wouldn't do such thing! ❞

❝Then how do you explain their constantly growing power? ❞

❝They receive it as reward for doing good acts. ❞Maec replied.

Both Zhia Xiang and Victor burst into a mocking laugher. Maec and Isabelle fell silent.

❝Then what about the artifact in the dungeons that deeply hidden behind a wall?❞Zhia Xiang asked.

❝What are you talking about? ❞Maec asked confused.

❝Oh? ~ You don't even know about its existence? ❞Zhia Xiang asked.

❝There's no such thing, you're trying to deceive me. ❞Maec spat out, raising his voice.

Victor stopped his study and gave Maec a threatening glare and said:

❝Raise your voice again and you won't have any soon. ❞

Maec fell silent, trying his best to free himself from the chains he's been tied with.

❝It's useless, you won't break them. ❞Zhia Xiang said noticing his attempt.

❝Release me! You'll pay for this!❞Maec threatened.

Isabelle looked silent not knowing what to do.

❝Like father like son. ❞Zhia Xiang mumbled.

❝Maec isn't a bad man! He just trusts his family... like I did. Don't be harsh on him. ❞Isabelle said looking at Zhia Xiang, afraid that she done a mistake.

❝Lady Isabelle? Don't tell me you believe them. ❞Maec said.

❝I don't feel like Lady Giselle is lying, Maec. Just like that time with Morgan... I can sense their honesty.❞Isabelle spoke looking at the ground.

❝My father wouldn't do such thing! ❞Maec argued.

❝But what if he is, Maec? I never thought that my father was a monster, but here we are. What if they are speaking the truth and the church is the evil one? I've never understood why they treat people with dark magic so harsh even if they haven't done any evil deeds... just being born with a type of magic is enough to deserve to be killed? Is this where your morals lie? ❞Isabelle spoke, looking into Maec's eyes.

Maec shook his head and spoke:

❝It's not like that, I don't think  being born with dark magic is a reason to be killed for,but my father... How could I not know if he was evil? ❞

❝Evil disguises. ❞Victor spoke.

Zhia Xiang walked to Victor's table to see what he's working on since they came here.

❝It's the stone we took, I've reversed its effects. ❞Victor explained before Zhia Xiang could ask.

❝That's impressive. ❞Zhia Xiang praised.

Victor smiled proudly.

❝What are you two going to do? ❞Maec asked after calming himself down and taking in consideration that he may be in the wrong actually.

❝Destroy the church. ❞Victor replied as she placed the stone on a cushion.

Maec looked at Victor trying to guess what's on his mind, but to his disappointment Victor was hard to read.

❝Can you prove that your claims against my father and the church are true? ❞Maec asked, still trying to have faith in his people.

❝That can be easily done by taking a subordinate of your father and giving him a truth potion. ❞Victor said.

❝Can you... do it? I need to know if my father is the one I know or a stranger. ❞Maec spoke sadly.

Isabelle felt bad seeing him so lost and confused so she placed her hand on his for comfort.

Maec looked at her and smiled shyly.

❝Alright.I'll do it. ❞Victor replied and left the room.

Zhia Xiang relaxed in the armchair and poured herself some calming brew that Victor made.

After an hour, Victor returned carrying a priest on shoulder. He threw the unconscious man on the ground and walked to the potions shelf, taking the truth one.

Zhia Xiang tied the priest with rope so he won't be a bother as Victor walked up to him, potion ready to be used.

❝Do you want to test the potion? ❞Zhia Xiang asked Maec.

❝Yes. ❞Maec replied.

Zhia Xiang took the potion from Victor's hands and gave Maec a sip.

❝It's the right one. ❞Maec replied, his heart beating fast with anticipation.

Zhia Xiang forced the drink down the priest's throat and shook him awake.

The priest looked around confused and scared.

❝What's going on here? ❞He asked.

❝Ivan... I want you to answer a question. ❞Maec spoke, his stomach hurting from anxiety.

❝What are you doing here? What is going on? ❞The priest asked looking at everyone in the room.

❝Ivan!Tell me... is it true that the church kills people with dark magic to take their magic with some secret artifact that converts it into light magic? ❞Maec asked.

The priest's eyes widened in shock and he immediately tried to deny it, but the truth magic did its job.

❝Of course it is! ❞ Ivan spouted, trying to say "of course it's not".

Maec froze as he looked at his fellow priest.

❝Father... he knew all along and kept killing innocents? ❞Maec mumbled, tears forming in his eyes.

Ivan closed his mouth shut so he won't say anymore.

❝You all knew?! You accepted such sinful action to go on?! For how long? ❞Maec shouted angry.

Ivan avoided Maec's gaze which made Maec even more angry.

❝I can't believe I've called you all family! You're all demons! You'll rot in hell for those you've killed!❞Maec shouted, breaking down in crying.

Zhia Xiang walked to Maec and untied him, allowing Isabelle to hug and comfort him.

❝Everything will be fine, I'm sure of it. ❞Isabelle spoke, hugging Maec closer.

❝He's a cold-blooded killer... my own father, can you believe it? The one man that's supposed to fight for justice and good is an evil monster. ❞Maec spoke with a trembling voice.

❝I understand how you are feeling... It seems like both our fathers aren't what we thought they were. ❞ Isabelle added.

Zhia Xiang knocked the priest down and gestured for Victor to leave with her to give the two privacy.

❝You like them? ❞Victor asked Zhia Xiang.

❝I guess so. I see them as victims of deceive, no reason to kill them. ❞She replied.

❝I'll respect your decision then.❞Victor added.

He placed his hand on hers and took a box out of his pocket. Zhia Xiang gave him a questioning look.

❝The ring I've promised you. After all you're my fiance and I haven't gave you a ring yet. ❞Victor explained, opening the door.

A gorgeous ring with a royal blue gem meet her eyes.

❝You really did it. It's gorgeous. ❞Zhia Xiang said looking at the ring.

Victor took the jewel in his hand and with the free hand, he took Zhia Xiang left hand and raised it, placing the ring on her finger.

❝Thank you, Victor. ❞Zhia Xiang replied with a smile.

❝Now that you've accepted my ring, I'm your problem and you can't leave me. ❞Victor said smirking.

Zhia Xiang rolled her eyes and laughed.

❝Menace. ❞ She said looking at him.

The two looked into each other's eyes and smiled.