Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

P rince Aeralis wrinkled his nose as he took in the expanse of the mining colony, hating every minute its putrid air filled his lungs.

“Vrex! The toxic mix of sweat and mineral rock is clinging to me like a suit that’s too small!” He shook his wings of dust.

“You would never wear a suit that’s too small,” mused Vesmona, a wry smile curving her lips.

“Of course not! That’s not the point!” He narrowed his eyes at her, unamused.

“I’m just trying to lighten your mood, my Prince.” She laughed, the sound echoing around the mine.

“Jokes won’t help! Though I hate the smell of the mines, I hate the smell of fear even more.” He looked at the gathered miners, shrinking before him.

“They’re ruining their delicious-smelling magic, spoiling my feast!”

He threw another magic wielder to the side as their drained, withered body crumpled against the stone wall. He looked at the other miners, inhaling deeply and savoring the smell of magic from those still alive .

The flickering light from the torches cast jagged shadows along the mineral-encrusted walls, and the cold, damp air reeked of metal and decay. Deep within the mountain, the mine was silent but for the occasional water drip or the groaning of ancient rock. But the screams—oh, how he enjoyed the screams—were what indeed filled the space. The echo of agony seemed to sing to him, a symphony created from his godly power as he went to work.

“It seems you enjoy personally interrogating the mining employees,” said Vesmona, having the demons drag another body to the side.

“Bite by bite is the best way to gather intelligence!” He held his stomach laughing, the shrill sound so sinister one miner passed out.

He turned his gaze to the man cowering before him, trembling like a twig caught in a storm. This one, the superintendent of the mine, had tried to hold back and resist. His eyes darted to the dried, lifeless husk of the former overseer—skin stretched tight over bones, eyes sunken, and the smell of death heavy in the air. It was all that remained after Prince Aeralis had drained him of his magic and life.

“Now, where were we?” Prince Aeralis’s voice dripped with mockery, cold as the stone beneath his boots. He bent down, towering over the man, practically quaking in his presence. He smiled, seeing the man’s eyes widen at his sharp fangs and the bloodred symbols on his face, glowing faintly with ancient Fae power whispering of death and domination.

The man swallowed hard, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “I...I worked at the Picard mine in the south when the explosion occurred. I...I didn’t see anyone with magic. But I saw a bright shield—hovering over the humans as they made it safely out of the mine.”

Prince Aeralis’s eyes flickered with interest as he inhaled the man’s magic. Delicious. He could almost taste it on his tongue. His fangs gleamed as he grinned, and the man’s eyes widened, horror choking him as he realized how precarious his life had become.

“Humans…protected by magic?” His voice turned to a hiss laced wi th disdain. “Who do you think protects them? Speak.” He savored how the man stammered under his gaze, desperation pouring from him like blood from an open wound.

“I don’t...Um, I don’t know. I swear!” The man gasped. His eyes flicked toward Vesmona, who stood in the shadows, watching with a predatory smile. She stepped forward, watching him with purple eyes as she tilted her head in surprise.

“Tell me more about the mines in the south,” she purred. “And about the humans.”

After a few more questions, he learned that the humans protected by the magical shield during the explosion in the Picard mine lived in a science outpost in the south.

The man’s lips trembled. His breath came in shallow pants, his heart pounding so loudly that Aeralis could hear it reverberating off the cavern walls. “I...I told you everything I know. Please...please don’t...”

Aeralis crouched lower, bringing his face mere inches from the man’s. The man was filthy, covered head to toe with dust. His eyes flashed with disgust.

“You think you decide when and how your life ends? Do you think you can plead and escape whatever fate I determine? I am a descendant of gods. And you are nothing but a worthless creature subject to my will.”

Prince Aeralis’s hand shot out, gripping the man’s throat just enough to make him whimper. The sharp feeding receptors on the inside of his palms latched onto the man, sealing tight like a vise. Aeralis smiled, a slow, cruel curl of his lips as he began feeding.

Aeralis could have used his sharp canines to feed but was repulsed by how filthy the miner looked. Feeding using his hands was just as effective and equally delicious. Warm and vibrant magic flowed from the man’s body, filling Aeralis with newfound power. The Vralgari Fae didn’t drink blood. They drank magic.

The man’s magic flared with each scream, his adrenaline causing his magic to heighten in power, only bringing Prince Aeralis more pleasure. Desperate, the man tried to use his failing magic to push him away. The fight was little more than a nuisance as Aeralis held tight. Red Fae were strong, and their magic was formidable.

The taste of stolen magic was intoxicating. Each gulp strengthened Prince Aeralis, giving him the power of gods. He drank deeply, enjoying the magic as he felt the man’s life force whittle away. The man convulsed, and his eyes rolled back.

Prince Aeralis pulled back, releasing his victim before his last breath left him. “You poor man. Why did you go and make things so difficult on yourself?” he asked, his voice quiet and soothing.

Collapsing, the man cried as he tried to crawl backward. “I have a young family. Please don’t kill me,” said the man, his voice barely a whisper.

Vesmona nodded their way, her smile sharp and approving. “The Picard mine in the south, Prince Aeralis,” she said. “It seems we’ve been wasting time searching the larger mines in the west and north.”

“Hmm, wasting time while filling your vrexing bellies with magic wielders!” he sneered. But Vesmona knew to keep her mouth shut.

Aeralis straightened, his gaze distant as he processed the information. A magical force field saved the humans. But humans don’t have magic! It’s a riddle for another time, but it’s fascinating nonetheless. Who’s protecting them?

He glanced down at the trembling wreck of a man. “You’ve served your purpose,” Aeralis murmured. “And now...mercy.”

He extended a hand, and the man dared to hope. A moment of relief crossed his face. Foolish.

Aeralis’s hand closed around his throat again, this time with a finality that crushed both his windpipe and any lingering hope. The man’s eyes rolled back, his body going limp as the last bit of life and magic drained from him, leaving behind a dried husk.

Prince Aeralis stepped back, admiring his work, the power humming in his veins. To decide who lived and who died was his divine right. It was a pleasure to be the one with such control .

“They will all bow to me—their god. Prince Aeralis of the House of Vralgari, vampiric Red Fae, descendant of gods. My will is absolute!” He loved his title just as much as he loved power.

Vesmona bowed low. Her demons did the same, always obedient and following her lead.

The smell of death filled the air as Prince Aeralis savored the faint taste of magic still on his hands, licking them clean. He looked around, satisfied with their interrogations.

“We’re ready to head south, my Prince,” said Vesmona with a wicked smile.

Aeralis turned to her, his smile matching her cruel delight as he nodded. Gathering his Vralgari army and the horde around him outside the mine, it was time to head south.

“Today, our mission is to find a magical object of great power. Only the Vralgari are worthy of wielding such power!”

His Vralgari army pumped their wings back and forth, the sound deafening, as he continued to chant, “The Vralgari are devourers of lost souls, rebirthing them into what the gods intended.” Wings continued to beat furiously as the demon horde joined in, howling allegiance.

“All must worship the House of Vralgari as their gods or cease to exist!” He knew within his soul that the Vralgari’s mission to have the universe bow to them would become a certainty.

“House of Vralgari. House of Vralgari,” they chanted.

Raising his hand, he looked at his army of Vralgari warriors. Their cheeks were etched with bloodred symbols representing the House of Vralgari.

He knew they would die for him. “We bear the signature of gods on our face. With their magic, we lead with righteousness. And all who don’t bear their signature must serve.”

Vesmona stood at the front, her horde behind her as she lifted her delicate hands. And before their eyes, they morphed into claws as she shape-shifted into a demoness.

Crown glowing with bloodred flames, Prince Aeralis lifted his leathery wings, rising above his army. His Fae warriors were a diverse group of men and women from elite, Red Fae houses with beautiful ethereal skin ranging from pale to dark hues.

Their hypnotic eyes filled with barely restrained power. But when hunger or fury overtook them, their eyes became bloodred, glowing with an insatiable thirst for battle—and the magic they would siphon from their enemies. The vampiric Red Fae were fearsome predators.

Their sharp fangs were perfectly suited to pierce skin, feed, and drain magic from their targets. The Vralgari had subdued kingdoms and brought entire races to their knees, including other Fae courts that failed to worship them.

“Take to the skies!” Prince Aeralis commanded, watching his army fly into the air. They spread their wings wide, the claws at the tip ready to cut through anyone who opposed them.

They looked majestic in their armor, adorned with sacred Vralgari markings and blessed with dark Fae magic. It was nearly impervious to bullets, blades, and mortal weapons. And when faced with a threat, a shield would vibrate around their armor.

Each Vralgari warrior flew with a demon in their clutches since they didn’t have time for the demons to arrive on foot. Prince Aeralis held Vesmona close, sheltering her in his arms as they flew fast.

“My Prince, we will find what is yours!” she said against his chest. “The Vralgari King will praise you when you hold the magical object!”

He savored the idea of being revered like his father. They were already so much alike. Their dark red hair contrasted with their ethereal, sandy skin tone. Clean-shaven, their chiseled cheekbones made women drool. And they had tempers that matched the fiery flames of the crowns they wore. Prince Aeralis’s crown was bloodred, and his father’s was so blue that it looked like a god had crowned him with icy fire.

Prince Aeralis smiled as he surveyed his Fae army. The Vralgari was perfection—fearless, ruthless, and his to command. They would follow him wherever he led, tearing through worlds and bending them to his will. He was their prince and god, and the entire galaxy would soon know his name. And my father will see my true worth!

The Vralgari warriors flew on both sides of him, waiting on his command.

“The magical object was used to protect humans at a mine in the south. We will march upon them and take what belongs to me.”