The King's Beloved

"It's time for us to go to the next door," Ducis reminded Rania, Elliot and Luna, as they ate breakfast. It was the following morning after the sprites' sudden visit because of Elliot's command.

The three nodded and not long after, they went back to Anguis Solum, and unto the next door that they had to venture. This time, the door was made of large, dark purple scales that seemed to belong to a giant snake. The team entered the black hole and the next thing they knew, they got transported to a very dark place - too dark they couldn't see anything.

Suddenly, bright purple lights came from the ground and encircled them. This alerted the team and they gathered together, back to back from each other to prepare for whatever was happening. The lights on the ground formed a full circle around them, then scattered and created a sign of a pentagram with a basilisk in the middle. It was a magic circle! As soon as the magic circle got completed, they teleported to yet again, another place.

When they opened their eyes, what awaited them were luminous lights and a magnificent view of a cityscape. There were lots of skyscrapers, billboards and city lights that lit up the night sky, luxurious cars driving around the city, and technology all around. The whole city itself was an artwork - too spectacular to look at. It was like being in Las Vegas in the height of the night. The only difference was, if you look more closely, the technology here looked more advanced. Everyone was awed by its beauty.

Upon entering the city, the team were welcomed by a group of men wearing black suits.

"Welcome to Tenebris, the City of Pleasure!," they all greeted them.

An old man wearing a suit of a butler stepped out from the crowd. "We have been waiting for your arrival, our esteemed guests," he welcomed them and gestured his hands towards a black limousine. "If you may, please come with us. The City Lord would like to meet with you all".

Speaking through each other's eyes, Rania, Elliot, Ducis and Luna agreed to come. They all boarded the car, and the old butler accompanied them inside. After getting in, the driver started the car and drove them to their destination. As they travelled, they witnessed more of the elegance and splendor of the city.

Elliot himself marveled from the many things he was seeing since it was his first time to be in a place rather than the Forbidden Chamber or the forest. Even the first and second gate that they've been to, looked similar to the chamber and the forest. The whole city was a complete mystery to him, and somehow he looked like a child who wished to explore the place. Rania chuckled at the sight of him, innocently looking at everything they passed through.

A few minutes later and they finally arrived at the City Lord's mansion. It was yet another sight to behold as the whole mansion looked as if it was made out of gold. The butler led them inside, up to the uppermost floor, where the City Lord resided.

"Ah … ah … ah …," the moans of a woman could be heard as soon as they entered the room. A handsome man with short, dark purple hair, and golden eyes, were pounding on the woman. He was grinning at her like a devil and cared not that someone entered his room and just continued pleasuring himself. By the looks of it, he was the City Lord that the butler was referring to.

"Kyaaa!!!" Luna screamed as soon as she saw such obscenity. She turned back immediately and buried herself in the chest of Ducis who was behind her. "Rania!"

"Ugh," Ducis scowled - he was mistaken for a girl. He opened his mouth to argue but held back since even he was not pleased with the scenario.

Rania quickly averted her eyes as well as soon as she noticed. Only Elliot was brave enough to look straight to the City Lord's eyes.

"Is this the welcome we're supposed to have?" Elliot dauntingly asked.

"Ahhh …" the City Lord seemed to have climaxed and finally gave them attention. He tossed the woman aside like a doll and fixed the golden robe he was wearing. He looked back to Elliot and grinned at him.

"Oh, sorry about that my dear guests! You came in while I was in the middle of something important and I had to finish first, of course!" His speech was that of a real devil, with no signs of remorse from what he just did.

Elliot glanced over Rania and Luna. He felt rage boil inside him - the audacity and disrespect of him! Then, he glared back at the man and demanded, "Apologize to my companions!"

Rania and Ducis were both surprised to see Elliot being aggressive and angry.

Instead of annoyance, the City Lord looked rather pleased upon hearing Elliot's command.

"As expected of my chosen! You are indeed worthy!" the City Lord praised him, "Please, be my successor!"

Elliot knitted his brows in confusion.

"I don't hear your apology," Elliot persisted.

"Hahahaha! Fine, fine, I apologize, my dear ladies," the City Lord gave up. "To make it up to you all, why don't you enjoy your stay here in my city? Go and explore and buy anything you want! Do anything you want!" he joyfully announced and gestured his hands towards the butler.

The butler somehow understood what he meant. Turning to Elliot, Rania, Ducis, and Luna, he spoke to them, "If you'll follow me, please".

And so, they went out of the room. As the door closed, Elliot saw the City Lord going back to the woman he just tossed. Elliot shook his head in irritation.

"What is the meaning of this madness?" Elliot asked the butler.

"I sincerely apologize for my master's behavior. It seems that he was not in his best condition. But please, let us make it up to all of you".

And yet again, they were guided back to the luxurious car and unto the city to let them experience nightlife in Tenebris.

Meanwhile, the City Lord watched them from his room's windows as they departed.

"Finally, the long wait is over …" he mumbled to himself. His evil grin and devil's stare changed into a sullen look. "I hope you surpass this trial ... Elliot".