With a howl that resonated through the trees, Jamten charged forward, the primal energy of his beastly transformation surging through his veins. The vampires, his sworn enemies, barely had time to react as he tore through three of them, his claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. "That's three down, nine more to go!" he declared, exhilaration coursing through him. The thrill of battle ignited his senses.
But the vampires were not mere prey; they were cunning and prepared. "It's amusing how you believe you can defeat us just because you transform into that hideous beast," Jasper, the leader, taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "We are well aware of your nature."
Before Jamten could retort, Jasper and his remaining comrades leapt into the air, unleashing small bombs that burst open in a cloud of thick darkness. "How foolish! Do you really think smoke will help you?" Jamten scoffed, his voice a low growl, as he charged through the haze.
"It's not smoke; it's poison gas!" Jasper cackled, the sound echoing ominously in the shadows.
As the acrid fumes enveloped him, Jamten's lungs burned, and he staggered, coughing violently as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He felt his transformation fading, the overpowering weakness seeping into his bones. Just as Jasper advanced, sword drawn, ready to deliver the final blow, a shadow darted from the depths of the woods.
A blur of motion interrupted the scene, and Jamten watched in awe as a figure emerged, swift and silent. With a flurry of strikes, the newcomer dispatched the remaining vampires with lethal grace. The forest fell eerily silent, the only sound the rustle of leaves as the last vampire crumpled to the ground.
"Who—who are you?" Jamten gasped, struggling to prop himself up against a tree, his body trembling.
The figure stepped into the moonlight, revealing sharp features and a piercing gaze. "My name is Alexi Centry, and I am the leader of Trifectus," he announced, his voice steady and commanding.
"Trifectus? That makes you an assassin, doesn't it? So why are you helping me? Were you planning to kill me yourself?" Jamten asked, a hint of fear creeping into his tone.
"Don't be a royal ass, King Jamten! If I wanted you dead, you'd have been long gone," Alexi replied, a smile that didn't reach his eyes spreading across his face.
A chill ran down Jamten's spine. "Then why are you helping me?" he managed to ask, desperation lacing his words.
Alexi sighed, his expression shifting to seriousness. "All your questions will be answered if you come with me." With a snap of his fingers, the world around them blurred, and they teleported to a hidden fortress, one that radiated an aura of ancient power, fit for a king.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as a booming voice echoed through the halls, shaking the very foundations. "Well done, Alexi! You have my thanks for acting on my behalf. Here's your payment." A man materialized, cloaked in shadows, and presented Alexi with a bag of gold and an ancient map.
Alexi knelt before the man, his demeanor shifting from the confident assassin to a respectful subordinate. "Lord First One, or Shadow Lightning, I should be the one thanking you. If you need my help again in the future, just let me know." With a flourish, he vanished, leaving Jamten alone with the enigmatic figure.
The man turned to face Jamten, his presence imposing yet oddly comforting. "I know you must be confused about what is going on, Jamten, but allow me to explain." He smiled, revealing a hint of warmth beneath his shadowy exterior.
"I have a lot of questions! Who are you? Where am I? Why did you pay an assassin to help me?" Jamten fired off, his curiosity piqued.
"Who am I? I go by many names, but you may call me Shadow Lightning," the man replied, his voice a blend of authority and intrigue. "The reason I helped you is that there are those who believe they can toy with fate, and they think I will do nothing."
"What do you mean? Who are you talking about?" Jamten pressed, his heart racing with curiosity.
"I can't tell you much right now, but I can point you in the right direction to figure it out on your own. First, acknowledge that there's a traitor in your kingdom. Second, someone is trying to kill you. I cannot reveal who it is, but I can offer you some protection." With a snap of his fingers, seven demons appeared, their forms shifting from shadows to solid shapes.
"Allow me to introduce them to you. This is Kieran, Ciarán, Kertoh, Danve, Riyo, Fi-five, and Fi-six. I don't need all seven of you; I only need six. Fi-six, I want you to return to the demon realm and become the demon king," Shadow Lightning commanded.
"Yes, my Lord, it shall be done," Fi-six responded, determination in his eyes. He turned to his brother, Fi-five, and with a nod, they shared a moment of brotherly affection before Fi-six vanished, returning to the demon realm.
"Now, as for the rest of you, I want you to become Jamten's bodyguards until he uncovers who is targeting him. You six are to obey his every command. Is that understood?"
Shadow Lightning's voice was stern, leaving no room for defiance.
The six demons knelt in unison, transforming into knights that bore a striking resemblance to Jamten's loyal guards, their eyes glowing with a fierce loyalty.
Jamten, still reeling from the sudden turn of events, felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension. His kingdom was in danger, and now, he had a team of demons at his side. "Thank you, Lord Shadow Lightning," he said, his voice steadying. "I will uncover the truth, and I will protect my kingdom."
"That's what I like to hear; however, when you return to your kingdom, do not tell anyone about everything that happened," Shadow Lightning said with a smirk. "Because you may alert your enemy, do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand!" Jamten responded.
"Excellent! I shall send you back to your Kingdom," Shadow Lightning declared as he snapped his fingers, opening a portal to the Kingdom of Wolfect. Jamten and his six new bodyguards walked through it, a mixture of resolve and trepidation settling in.
At that very moment in the Kingdom of Wolfect, someone was looking through the gate. It was none other than Prince Jamtoe Wolfect, with a worried look on his face. He spoke to the captain of the knights.
"Captain, my father has been gone for a very long time. We need to send someone to look for him," Prince Jamtoe said, feigning concern.
"Crown Prince, there is no need to worry; for you see, your father reached the gate," the captain of the knights said, his tone assuring.
Before the prince could respond, someone shouted, "Open the Gate by Order of the King!" One of the king's bodyguards shouted.
The gate creaked, revealing Jamten and his demon bodyguards. The atmosphere shifted, tension crackling in the air like a summer storm.
"Father! You... you have returned!" Jamtoe exclaimed, genuine surprise flashing across his face as he stepped forward, but his eyes flickered a hint of anger. "Impossible! This is impossible! How is he still alive, and not only is he not dead but his bodyguards appear to be unharmed as well?" he thought to himself.
Without saying a word, King Jamten turned to return to his chambers.
The prince also took the initiative to rush back to his chambers as well. Upon reaching his bed, he grabbed a blue crystal from under it. He then proceeded to squeeze it in his hand, and a hologram of a man in a red robe appeared, his piercing red eyes locked onto Jamtoe.
"Greetings, Crown Prince! If you have initiated contact with me, it would mean that my men have carried out the task?" The man asked. This was none other than the high enforcer, Dracula.
"Dracula, that's what I am calling to tell you! My father is still alive," Jamtoe said, gritting his teeth.
"I see! This could be problematic. Crown Prince, from this moment on, we cannot assist you. Take care of this matter yourself and then contact us when it is done. Until then, goodbye," Dracula said, then his hologram disappeared.
With a growl of frustration, Jamtoe hurled his ornate goblet across the room, watching as it shattered against the stone wall. The fragments scattered like his thoughts, each shard representing a piece of his unraveling composure.
"Damn it!" he said, pacing the room. "I have to figure this out all on my own. Damn it, now I am mad!" His fists clenched, he felt a fire igniting within him; a mix of indignation and determination.
Jamtoe had expected assistance, guidance, perhaps even a flicker of reassurance, but instead, he was met with dismissal. "Take care of this matter yourself," Dracula had said, and now those words echoed in his mind like a haunting melody.
But I guess if you want something done, you've got to do it yourself. The first thing's first: I need something to quell my anger, Jamtoe thought to himself.
"Your Highness! I heard a commotion; is everything okay? Is there anything I can do for you?" came a soft voice from the door, breaking the silence like a gentle breeze.
Prince Jamtoe turned to see a beautiful young maid standing hesitantly in the doorway. Her long, flowing hair shimmered in the moonlight, framing a face that radiated innocence and grace. In that moment, an idea began to form in the prince's mind—a temptation that stirred within him like a flame igniting dry wood.
"Excellent and untouched maiden in my chambers," he thought, a wicked smile curling on his lips, "I shall give in to my desires tonight."
"Yes! There is something you can do for me. Come inside and close the door, then lock it," Jamtoe commanded, his voice smooth and enticing.
The young maid felt her heart race as she followed his instructions, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of excitement and fear. The door clicked shut behind her, sealing them in a world where only they existed.
"Now tell me, what is your name, and how old are you?" Jamtoe asked, his gaze piercing yet playful.
The young maid's blush deepened, her voice barely a whisper. "My name is Rainnaly, and I am 18."
Prince Jamtoe smiled again. "I have one more question for you. Are you willing to do whatever I ask of you?" he asked, licking his lips.
"Yes, your highness! I shall do what you ask of me," Rainnaly said.
"Very well then, take off your clothing and lay down on the bed," Jamtoe said with a sneer.
Rainnaly's heart raced as she followed his instructions and lay down on the bed. "Your highness! I ask that you be gentle with me, because this will be my first time." She blushed a deep crimson.
"Don't worry; I will," Jamtoe said as he climbed on top of her.
To be continued....