Page 79 of Where Darkness Falls

“Welcome home, my son.”

Myson.

I haven’t been his son since the day he forced me to train, kill, and destroy. It’s why I made a point to never be referred to by my title. No, Prince Emyreus Alastair II of Zulgalros ceased to exist after he released me on Malvoria like the weapon of destruction he hoped I’d become.

I haven’t considered him to be my father in years, because no loving father would’ve subjected a son to such torment. A caring father wouldn’t beat kindness and compassion out of their child because they wouldn’t view such attributes as a weakness. A compassionate father would have listened to their son’s pleas to stop when they’d gone too far with their cruelty of others. A proud father would’ve stood tall on the cusp of their son’s accomplishments—not just the ones that end in death.

As a young boy, I remember the moments when Tiernan was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a wise king. He was compassionate toward his people, and he laughed often.

I think that might be the part of him I miss the most.

When my mother died, a piece of him died as well. He became so self-absorbed and paranoid, listening to the dark whispers from the Abyss rather than helping me through my own grief. He became colder and more distant, often leaving me alone to wander the palace.

Once my ability manifested at eleven, it was the strongest display any Galrosan had seen in centuries before the aging ceases at twenty-five. Much like Malvorians, a Galrosan’s ability doesn’t fully become accessible until then, yet I could access mine in its entirety.

“He’s the pride of Zulgalros,”the priest had declared.

I believe that was the moment something snapped in him because my training began slowly after that, accelerating once I was fourteen. The father I knew isn’t the king that now stands before me. Only now, when he’sproudthat I succeeded, does he call meson. I should scream at him, but it wouldn’t end well for me, as his punishments intensify with each one given. So, I keep my mouth shut and bow once more.

“I’ve brought the Dragon’s Flame to you, my king,” I reply, hoping that my disgust doesn’t reflect in my tone.

“Rise,” he commands. “You’ve done well, Emyreus.”

I bite my tongue.

His sharp eyes search behind me, dulling slightly.

“Where is our special guest?” he asks.

“The maids have taken her to rest after our expedited journey,” I reply.

“How fortunate it is to have you return to us so swiftly,” he says, unphased. “Is there any particular reason for the early arrival?”

“As if you don’t know,” I retort, my temper slipping. “The ancient basilisk appeared in Delerauh, leveling it.”

Tiernan cuts a glance back at Domhnall, who freakishly hasn’t moved from his spot.

“I thought I informed you that the basilisk would question her AFTER she arrived here, Domhnall,” Tiernan states.

“Apologiesssss ssssire. I misssssunderssstood. A grave error on my partttt,” the urchin hisses.

“Indeed,” Tiernan snarls, turning back to me. “A miscalculation. However, seeing as none of you are dead, I assume the basilisk found her worthy. I’m quite curious about what he said to our little prize. Anything of use to report?”

“What is it that you desire?” I scoff. “She’s suffered greatly, my king.”

A cruel smile curls across his lips. “It’s delightful to watch the Malvorian wretches suffer, isn’t it?” he asks. “We suffered greatly because of their rulers, didn’t we?”

“Yes, Sire,” I reply, bile rising in my throat.

“Yet no one cared for us in our weakness. Why should we care how they suffer? I’ve given them jobs and freedom from their oppression of the light, thanks to you, my son. Am I not a kinder ruler than the ones they put their faith in?” he says coolly.

“Of course, my king,” I reply.

Everything in me wishes to tell him how I find him cruel and wicked. How I hate that he forced me to bring Maeva to him, but I know that if I do, they’ll be the last words I ever voice aloud. I refuse to leave the Cadre or Maeva alone in his “care.”

“That’s my boy,” he replies. “You know what you must do in regards to her, Emyreus. All the other tantalizing details will be revealed in due time. Now, tell me what it is that you heard.”

I remain silent.