Chapter 5: The Darkness Within

Betrayer!!

Those were the exact same words Visha heard every time he wakes up, let it be in the morning, evening, or in the middle of the night.

The Dark Crown Prince sat up from his bed, panting. Tears and sweat flowing through his face.

He hugged hugged his knees, closing his eyes. He wiped the stains away from his face, before taking a quick bath.

If he could change the power he has, he would rather have the power to control time.

That way, he would be able to fix any mistakes he had made.

But, this was reality.

And, in this reality, there was no turning back.

"Arf!" The villain turned to the dog in front of him. It had awoken, as well.

He petted the dog's shadowed—body and proceeded to stroll outside of the Dark Castle.

A prince lived in a palace, in this cold and dark palace with only two people to converse with.

Visha's father has always been away, not spending any time with his own children.

And, his older sister is still mourning from the death of their eldest brother.

He was not supposed to be the next ruler, his sister was the Crown Princess, but after Boris' death, he had proposed to take over his sister's position.

He was not sure if he had helped her, but he hoped he did.

Inhaling the cold, scentless air, he let the darkness flow through the wind with his hand.

Wherever he went, the darkness followed.

He was not sure if it was his own, if it was a monster.

He had never tried to find out.

There was no use to.

He has fought a monster before, and the only thing to do that was to be an even bigger monster.

But, it seemed that instead of fighting it, it had become one with him, completely.

The darkness in his heart, the coldness in his skin, and the blur in his eyes, there was only one person who could save him.

Maybe, this time...

Valdemar could save him, once again.

Visha had changed to his villain clothes with a black long sleeves shirt, a black suit jacket above it and a necktie, a pair of black pants and some black shoes.

The prince breathed in one last time and teleported with the shadows to their gigantic kitchen.

They had no workers, everyone either feared or hated the descendants of the Demon God of Darkness, though there were not to blame.

He had hated himself at some point, and maybe that point hasn't ended yet.

There was only one way to not feel lonely in this dark and vast castle.

It was to create a friend, just like how he created Shadow, his beloved and loyal companion.

This dog has been there for him, always. And even though he was not like those who have fresh and blood, he was still the best friend he could ever ask for.

"Brother... You've woken up early." A woman's voice startled the prince.

He composed himself, glancing at the lady. "Yes, the Rival Selection Ceremony is happening in a few days time. I have to get ready." He explained.

"You know what this means, as well, right?" Stella asked. "Other than you choosing a rival—"

He continued his sister's words. "I'll officially be crowned as the new Dark Emperor of this era."

"That's right." His sister nodded, uncertainty displayed on her pale, flawless face.

His brother was the last Dark Emperor, but the title has been returned to his father after he had failed to defeat his opponent.

It was an utter defeat in the people's eyes, but Visha and his family knew the truth.

Even with this overpowering darkness, there was a glint of light in their hearts.

This glint of light was what they called hope.

"I'd have to congratulate you later on." Stella blurted out.

"I appreciate it, sister." Visha bid. "You should rest for now. Don't try to imitate the way I have these." He pointed at the bags under his eyes. "It won't suit you as much as it suits me." He teased, letting out tiny giggles.

"How tragic of that." Stella chuckled which made Visha smile.

"Then, I shall get going. I have someone to annoy, after all." The prince bid.

"Hope that someone won't find you annoying any time soon." His sister joked.

"I'm sure he won't." Visha was certain with his answer. He knew this person more than himseld, after all. "Let's go, Shadow."

"Won't you have breakfast first?" His sister asked.

"No, I'll have breakfast I'm the Human Realm." Visha told his sister and she nodded.

The prince took a deep breath in before placing his hand on the dark barrier. The moment he did, it had scattered away like a thousand insects, leaving an open passage for him.

Outside the barrier was another large, empty and dead silent area.

It was an unending darkness, it had caused him breathlessness so many times, and he had been trapped in there, as well, but he got used to it now.

As he walked on the lightless path, a door was soon to be visible.

A smile played on his face as he looked down on his dog, it was waggling its tail

"Don't worry, Shadow." He said, patting the dog. "We'll arrive there soon!!" He added and the dog's red eyes glimmered.

"Arf!"

As he opened the door, he was teleported to the Black Tower.

It was where Black Magic and Dark Attribute Users train or at least, in his situation, a place to stay.

"It's the Dark Prince." A collective whispers erupted.

"We greet his dark highness." The trainees and trainers had their heads down and Visha gestured for them to arise.

He did not pay attention to them, they were not his reason to be here.

Shadow stood beside him as the darkness was willing to take them somewhere they wanted to be.

"I guess he has classes again, today." He muttered to the dog.

"Who had won at the latest World War?" Visha's breath hitched as he heard his hero's voice.

"Demeter." The students said in unison.

Visha had always hated the Light Attribute Users for killing his brother but he had always known, as well, that it was their inescapable destiny.

It was either the villain or the hero prevails.

And, if they do, pain will be inflicted to either of the parties, maybe both, as well.

Visha placed a wide grin his face, his cheeks reddening.

As he prepared himself, he kicked the door open, revealing himself to to the professor and his students.

"Miss me?" He asked, standing with pride.