Chapter 48: Chapter 48:Dark magic(11).

❝How... did you end up here? Are you close with the crown prince and his fiance? ❞Maec asked.

❝No. I... after you disappeared, I couldn't just stay and do nothing and the idea that came to mind was to ask her grace for help. I told her everything about my father and she asked me if I'm willing to turn against him and I agreed. She then lead me here where you were kept. ❞Isabelle explained.

❝I've always thought the crown prince is an evil ruler like father said... but now that I've seen the truth... Do you think he'll spare me? ❞Maec asked.

Isabelle smiled and nodded her head.

❝If you're willing to be on their side and go against the church, they will spare you. I trust her grace and she will keep her word. ❞Isabelle replied.

Maec looked at her and his expression softened.

❝I can't believe you did so much for me...I don't have words to thank you for it. ❞Maec added, taking Isabelle's hands and kissing them.

Isabelle blushed and avoided his eyes out of embarrassment.

❝Do you still want to marry me? ❞Maec asked,still holding her hands.

❝Yes... ❞Isabelle whispered out.

Maec excitedly hugged her. Isabelle was startled by the sudden gesture so she froze in spot.

❝After all this madness is over, let's get married. ❞Maec stated, smiling.

Isabelle nodded her head, hugging him back, happy.

❝I think it's time to get the love birds out. ❞Zhia Xiang teasingly said as she entered the secret room with Victor after her.

Isabelle coughed embarrassed as she was still in his arms.

❝Don't be embarrassed now. ❞Zhia Xiang added, her mischievous smile not leaving her lips.

❝Your highness... your grace, I made up my mind. I'll turn against the church so let me help you expose their heinous crimes. ❞Maec spoke, the fire of determination in his eyes.

❝Alright. ❞Victor simply said.

Maec smiled relieved and bowed his head.

❝Thank you. ❞Maec added.

Two days passed and the annual summer festival finally arrived. The festival is enjoyed by everyone so the streets were busy with people going from store to store.

The most exciting part about it its the fireworks spectacle held at night under the full moon.

❝That's when we'll use the artifact I've created. ❞Victor stated.

❝I see. What can I do to help? ❞Maec asked.

❝Nothing now. The artifact will work with my and Giselle's magic power. After we're done, you'll testify against the church at the trials. ❞Victor explained.

❝Understood. Can I ask for a favor? ❞Maec asked nervous.

❝Speak. ❞Victor ordered.

❝Tonight...I want to see my father and talk to him.❞Marc said, looking into Victor's eyes.

❝Permitted. One hour is more than enough. ❞Victor said looking coldly in Maec's eyes.

❝Yes, thank you so much. ❞Maec said before leaving the room.

Zhia Xiang looked at the boy's back.

❝Do you think he'll do anything to betray us? ❞Victor asked.

❝No.❞Zhia Xiang replied.

Victor nodded his head.

❝Brother! Sister-in-law! ❞Philip shouted entering Victor's study room.

❝Do you need anything? ❞Victor asked.

Philip ran to Zhia Xiang and ignoring his brother, he said:

❝I'm ready for a rematch! ❞

Zhia Xiang looked at him and smiled,asking:

❝Reedy for another loss? ❞

Philip touched his chest and said:

❝I will win today! I've trained more. ❞

❝Alright, if you say so, your highness. ❞Zhia Xiang said.

❝You'll see! ❞Philip warned and dragged Zhia Xiang to the barn.

❝Nice to see you again, Jean. ❞She said patting the horse.

❝Let's show them what we're maid of, Rose. ❞Philip said excited.

The two got on their horses and the horse race begun.

❝Should I let him win this time? ❞Zhia Xiang asked herself. ❝No, that wouldn't be fair. ❞ She untimely decided.

The race was won by Zhia Xiang once again.

❝I lost again... that's so cool!You're really better than me! ❞Philip spoke, jumping down from his horse.

Zhia Xiang looked at him.

❝Everyone I race with loses intentionally so they won't upset me and they think I don't know. But you... you've absolutely crushed me! I will get better and taste the victory! ❞Philip said determined.

❝That's a good mindset, your highness. I'm looking forward my first loss. ❞Zhia Xiang said, patting his head.

❝I'll return to training now. ❞Philip said, getting on Rose's back again.

The Queen rushed to catch Philip, but he was long gone on his horse.

❝That child can't take a break! I've told him to stay put today for the festival, but when does he listen?! ❞Genevieve complained.

❝He's a good child. ❞Zhia Xiang said.

❝I know. His energy is too much to keep up with sometimes. Have you found a gown for the banquet? Wait, is that a ring on finger? Let me see! ❞Genevieve demaneded, holding her hand out.

Zhia Xiang placed her hand on Genevieve's and the women begun to study the ring.

❝Phew, it's a very good piece. I'm glad. ❞Genevieve said exhaling relieved. ❝Have you thought about your wish? ❞

Zhia Xiang raised her eyebrow puzzled.

❝Wish? ❞She asked.

The Queen gasped and shook her head.

❝My son didn't tell you about making a wish at twelve in the night while the fireworks are filling the night sky? ❞

❝No. ❞Zhia Xiang replied.

❝So like wishing upon a falling start or candles as you blow them? ❞ Zhia Xiang thought.

❝Now that I've told you, think about what wish you're going to make. When I was your age, I wished for love and soon the marriage between me and Albert was proposed. ❞Genevieve said, smiling brightly as she looked back on those memories.

❝I will, thank you for telling me. ❞Zhia Xiang said, smiling at Genevieve.

❝I'll leave you now, enjoy the festival! ❞The Queen added before leaving.

Zhia Xiang remained in the same spot, looking at the sky.

❝Do you have something on your mind? ❞Victor asked.

❝Yes. ❞Zhia Xiang replied, not moving her gaze from the sky.

❝What is it? ❞He asked again.

❝Just thinking about what your mother told me about making a wish. ❞

❝Do you have something you want? You don't need a wish for it, I can get it for you. ❞

Zhia Xiang turned her head and looked at him.

❝I used to make wishes like that when I was a child. ❞

❝Did they come true? ❞Victor asked.

❝No. ❞ She simply replied with a blank face.

Victor looked at her face and grabbed her hand, dragging her along.

❝Will you keep dragging me like this everytime? ❞Zhia Xiang asked.

❝Yes. ❞Victor replied.

He dragged Zhia Xiang into the busy town where the streets were filled with music, dance, street shows, street food, laugher, singing and all the celebration you can get at a festival.

❝It's beautiful. ❞ She said looking around.

❝Let's try some foods. ❞Victor suggested, looking at the different options.

He dragged Zhia Xiang along and bought different traditional food prepared especially for this festival.

❝Here, it's a perfect spot. ❞Victor said stopping under a tree.

He sat down and patted the spot next to him. Zhia Xiang sat next to him and got food shoved in her face.

❝Try this, it's very sweet. ❞Victor said, holding a pastry in his hand.

Zhia Xiang gave in and opened her mouth, biting into it. Her eyes light up and she took the pastry in her own hand.

❝This tastes... like home. ❞ She said as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

Victor wiped the tear and grabbed her shoulders, making Zhia Xiang look into his eyes.

❝I don't know what happened in your life to make you have that sad expression every time you look back, but from now I'll be your home and family. ❞Victor spoke serious, staring into her eyes.

Zhia Xiang was lost for words.

❝How long has it been since I've been this speechless? This guy got bold out of nowhere... and to say such things to someone... ❞ She thought as tears formed into her eyes again.

❝If you want to cry, go on. I'll hide your face so no one else can see. ❞Victor added, pulling her face into his chest.

Zhia Xiang let a few tears fall down her face.

❝Thanks. ❞She managed to say before pulling away. ❝I want to eat the rest, you've bought a lot of things, mister wealthy. ❞

Victor smiled at her playful tease and the two continued to eat and enjoy the festival fully.

❝I'm coming with you. ❞Isabelle said.

❝I prefer for you to wait here, I won't be away for long. ❞Maec said.

❝I know, but I'm scared you'll disappear again if I let you leave. ❞Isabelle said anxious.

❝I won't, I promise. It's just an hour. ❞

❝Alright, but you better return safely. ❞Isabelle said serious.

❝I will. Take care of yourself while I'm gone. ❞Maec said kissing her forehead.

❝You too. ❞Isabelle replied blushing.

Maec left and Isabelle looked at his departing silhouette. Soon after he left, Victor and Zhia Xiang returned to the Palace.

❝You're back. ❞Isabelle said smiling.

❝He left? ❞Zhia Xiang asked.

❝Yes, not too long ago. ❞Isabelle replied.

❝I see. He'll be fine, don't worry. ❞Zhia Xiang added.

❝Thank you. ❞Isabelle said smiling.

❝It's time to prepare, one hour until we use the artifact. ❞Victor announced.

❝Yes, let's go. ❞Zhia Xiang agreed and the two left to take the artifact out and prepare it.

❝Maec! You're here, but how? What happened? ❞The head priest asked.

Maec looked at his father with dull eyes and a blank face.

❝Father... why? ❞Maec asked.

❝What do you mean? Where have you been? ❞

❝I learned the truth. ❞Maec said looking his father in the eyes.

❝What truth? Are you ill? ❞The head priest asked, stepping towards Maec.

❝Stay back! ❞

❝Don't raise your voice at me, son!❞

Maec laughed, a broken laugh.

❝You've hidden yourself well, evil monster. Do you remember when I've asked your why our powers grew out of nowhere? What did you told me then? ❞

❝Why are you bringing that up? ❞The head priest asked.

❝You said that it's because we are rewarded by God for doing good, right? ❞

❝That's right! The good is rewarded. ❞The head priest replied.

❝The good, huh? How is killing innocent people to take their magic good? TELL ME! ❞Maec yelled, his face red with anger.

The head priest realized that's happening and sighed.

❝I didn't meant for you to find out about that yet. ❞

❝Is this your response?! After all the crime you've committed? ❞

❝All is do is good, do you understand?Even if I kill those so called innocent people, so what? Their power should be ours after all, we are doing so much for the people of this kingdom. ❞The head priest spoke calmly.

Maec looked in disbelief and disgust at his father.

❝You truly are evil. ❞

❝Evil? I'm the head priest of the church, God's gifted subject, I can't be evil. ❞

Maec was sickened by his father's words.

❝Return to you room now. ❞The head priest ordered.

❝Return? Never. You're no longer my father! ❞Maec shouted.

❝Who are you to decide that? I'm the one who can deny you, not the other way. I knew you have your mother's stubbornness in you, that bitch won't leave me alone even now. She passed her idiotic genes to you and I can't change that no matter how hard I try! ❞The head priest angrily spat out.

Maec's eyes widened.

❝What did you said about my mother? You have no right to insult her, monster! ❞Maec shouted back.

❝I have no right? I have all the right, I'm the head of the church after all, the second power in this kingdom. ❞The head priest said arrogantly.

Maec couldn't believe that he'd been fooled for so long.

❝You're going to rot in hell.❞Maec said, calming down.

The head priest laughed historically.

❝Says who? I'm just going what God is telling me to do, who are you to question him? I can't believe I had hopes you're going to be a smart one. No mind, I can still make another son to take over for me. ❞

Maec smiled and turned around.

❝Dream on. You'll pay for what you've done. ❞Maec added before leaving the room.

He looked at the sky and noticed a purple light that shot everyone and recognized it as Victor's artifact.

❝It's working perfectly. ❞Victor said.

Zhia Xiang nodded and continued to infuse the artifact with dark magic. Purple light shot in the sky and then into every citizen, deleting and replacing information in their brains.

The fireworks were roaring in the sky, making everyone pay no mind to the purple light, thinking it's just part of the show.

Victor and Zhia Xiang looked at each other as they infused magic, tiredness getting to them.

❝Just a little more. ❞Victor said noticing her eyes closing.

❝I know. ❞Zhia Xiang replied sleepily.

When the fireworks show came to an end, the two stopped infusing magic into the artifact.

❝It's done. It reached everyone, we can rest now. ❞Victor spoke as he slid down in the ground.

Zhia Xiang smiled and did the same, resting her head on his shoulder.

❝Sweet dreams.❞Victor said taking her hand in his.

❝I wish to be together with you from now on and until the end. ❞Victor though as he fell asleep.

The two awakened early in the morning and noticed they've been carried to Victor's bed.

❝How are you feeling? ❞Zhia Xiang asked.

❝Just as new. ❞Victor replied.

knock knock

❝Are you two love birds awake? ❞The Queen asked.

❝Yes. ❞Victor replied.

❝Breakfast is done, get up quick. ❞

❝Alright. ❞Victor replied.

That day, the trials against the church begun and now that everyone's idea about dark magic being evil was deleted, they were all on Victor's side.

Maec testified against the church telling everyone of how he's been deceived for so long only to discover the evil within the church.

The priests were condemned to a death with their souls being burned so there is no chance of reincarnation nor afterlife, they would simply disappear forever in agonizing pain.

After the trials were done, half of Zhia Xiang's task was done leaving Oliver for the end.

❝I would like to make an announcement. ❞Zhia Xiang said in front of the people. ❝My name isn't Giselle, it's Morgan Albertine, daughter of Sophia and Oliver Albertine. ❞

Oliver who was also present felt his knees give up when he saw how Zhia Xiang's face was changing back to her black hair and red eyes.

❝The Duke threw me and my mother out after I was born because I hold dark magic. Unfortunately, my mother died due to illness and I couldn't do anything to save her as we had no money. Then I've been sold as slave and burned at steak while the Duke enjoyed like with his other daughter he had from an affair. ❞Zhia Xiang continued to speak as she looked straight at Oliver.

He was speechless, trying desperately to find a way out of the dirty glares and whispers.

❝This... ❞ He said, unable to continue.

❝I revoke Oliver's Duke title and confiscate all his wealth and possessions and I exile him from my kingdom. ❞Victor spoke clear and loudly.

Oliver fell down his knees.

❝You can't... please. Morgan... you're my daughter after all... save me from this... ❞Oliver begged.

Zhia Xiang grinned and bend down to look him in the eye.

❝The only thing we have in common is being merciless. I'll give you a goodbye gift. ❞Zhia Xiang said, forming an magic circle under the terrified man.

❝A spell that would kill you everyday, but you won't die is the perfect torment for you. ❞

She mumbled a few words and smiled satisfied as the guards took Oliver away, his screams echoed in the large room.

❝That is a cruel spell. I love it. ❞Victor whispered.

Zhia Xiang looked at him and smiled sweetly.

❝It seems like my task is over. ❞She added after a moment of silence.

Victor nodded his head and looked at his parents who were speaking to each other.

❝I actually feel nervous. That is a rare feeling for me. ❞Victor said as he felt anxiety built up.

❝You can always change your mind and stay here. ❞Zhia Xiang stated.

Immediately Victor shook his head and looked into her eyes.

❝I know that being with you is the right choice and I won't change my mind. ❞He took her hands in his, a determined look in his eyes.  ❝Let's tell them, hold my hand, alright? ❞

Zhia Xiang smiled and held his hand as the two made their way towards the royal family.

❝Mother, father, I would like to announce something. ❞Victor said.

Both royalties looked at their son puzzled as they never saw that expression on his face.

❝Are you getting married? ❞Philip asked, butting in the conversation.

Victor shook his head.

❝Me and Giselle will leave to travel the world. I don't know how long we'll be gone for, so I want to say goodbye. ❞Victor explained.

Zhia Xiang felt his nervousness burst all over and squeezed his hand to help him compose himself.

❝Looks like even mister ice cold gets nervous. Cute. ❞ She thought as she silently watched the King and Queen go through millions of emotions.

The king was the first to recover from from the shock and stepped forward, hugging Victor.

❝You're a grown man that can decide for himself. I trust you'll do the right thing and return safely to us. ❞ Albert spoke with a solemn face even if the tears in his eyes were crystal clear.

The Queen looked at her son mumbling something to herself.

❝I can do it. ❞ She said before stepping in front of Victor.

❝You better take care of yourself, alright? Write me if you can... I can't believe my son is leaving home now... yesterday you were a small child who would cry to get held by me and now you're so grown and you even have a fiance... ❞Genevieve spoke as emotions built inside her and she finally cried,hugging Victor to her chest.

❝Take care of my brother.  I'll train to beat you in a race until then. ❞Philip spoke, looking at Zhia Xiang.

❝I accept the challenge, your highness.❞Zhia Xiang said smiling.

After the goodbyes were over, Zhia Xiang and Victor got in the royal carriage and drove off for a while before the bright light surrounded them and the two were transported to the base.