The Villain Can't Lose

[Hector's POV: While Rowen Was In The Palace]

I sat in my dark room, the only light coming from the flickering candles on my desk. I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I thought about the knights I've set up for Rowen. They should keep him busy for a while, giving me the time I need to control the demon inside of me.

I felt the demon's presence grow stronger within me, but I was determined to keep it under control. I took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. This was not the first time I have battled with the demon, and it won't be the last.

The room was so dark that I could barely see my own hands in front of me, but I didn't need any light to feel the demon's power. It coursed through my veins like a raging river, threatening to consume me at any moment.

But I won't let it. I was Hector, the new power of the kingdom. I closed my eyes and focused all my energy on controlling the demon. I felt its power waning, and I knew that I was winning the battle.

As I sat in the darkness, I was filled with a sense of satisfaction. I knew that I was strong enough to control the demon, no matter how powerful it may be. And with the knights keeping Rowen occupied, I could continue my battle in peace.

[…blood… I need more blood…]

The demon's voice filled my head. He was talking to me, and asking me for blood. I could feel the hunger in him, even through the barrier between inside my body.

"No," I said firmly. "Not now."

He came out… snarled at me, and his hands clamped down on my face, digging into my skin as he forced me to look up at him. His eyes were glowing red with rage and hatred—and hunger.

[You are mine!] He shouted it over and over again until I couldn't understand what the words meant anymore. [Give me blood or die] he demanded. I felt a surge of anger and defiance course through me. "You can't have any more from me!" I shrieked back at him. "I've given you everything! Everything that is inside of me!"

And then, before I knew it, I was flying straight out of his grasp, falling forward, landing hard on the ground.

When I looked around, I saw that I had been thrown clear across the room. Our bodies as one had landed right outside the main door to the room.

I scrambled to my feet and ran toward the door, but something slammed into the side of my head, knocking me off my feet. I fell onto my stomach, "aaaagh!" The pain exploded in my skull. My vision swam, and all I could see were flashes of light. When the world finally cleared again, I found myself staring up at the ceiling, covered in stars.

[Blood… I need blood!] the demon bellowed. He was so close that I could feel his breath against my face. His fingers were digging deep gouges into my scalp, and they hurt like hell. But what really made me sick was the smell of his hot, rancid breath against my skin, "wa-wait!" I will give you someone!" I shouted back at him. "Just wait! Wait a little longer, and I'll get you some blood!"

I didn't know where the words came from, but I knew that I couldn't let this one go. Not yet.

"A-a boy! There's a boy with a strong magic level!"

I took a deep breath and looked the demon in its fiery eyes. My heart was heavy with grief and fear, but I knew what I had to do. With as much courage as I could muster, I began to speak.

"Demon," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I have come to bargain with you. I know that you have been plaguing my family for months, and I know that you desire my son above all others."

The demon sneered at me, its sharp teeth glinting in the dim light of the room. [And what do you have to offer me, mortal?] it hissed. [Your soul is worthless to me, and your wealth means nothing in the depths of Hell.]

I took another deep breath and steadied myself. "I offer you my son," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I will give him to you willingly, and you may do with him as you please. In return, you must promise to leave me alone, for now."

The demon's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, I thought it might attack me. But then it began to laugh, a deep, rumbling sound that shook the walls.

[You are a fool, mortal,] it said, still chuckling. [But I accept your offer. Bring me your son, and I will spare your life for now.]

I nodded, my heart heavy with sorrow and regret. But I knew that I had made the only choice I could. I turned and left the room, knowing that I would never see my son again.

I tried to sit up, but the dizziness overwhelmed me and I had to steady myself against the wall. I knew I had to find my son. I slowly made my way down the stairs, gripping the railing tightly.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw a figure emerge from my wife's room. It was Herena, but she looked like a ghost, her eyes wild and frenzied. In her hand, she held a gleaming dagger, and I knew I was in trouble.

I tried to back away, but she lunged at me, the dagger glinting in the dim light. I stumbled back, my head spinning, and managed to dodge her first attack. "What the fuck are you doing, you crazy bitch!"

She was quick, and soon I found myself backed up against the wall, with nowhere to go.

I tried to reason with her, to calm her down, but she was beyond reason, her eyes filled with madness. "Don't you dare to touch my son, don't you dare!"

I knew I had to defend myself, and I braced myself for her next attack.

With a swift movement, she lunged at me again, the dagger flashing in the air. I managed to deflect her blow, but the force of the impact sent me reeling backwards. I stumbled and fell to the ground, my head spinning with pain.

"Are you fucking crazy? Go back to the dungeon, you crazy witch!" I shouted at her, hoping to catch her attention.

As I lay there, dazed and confused, Herena stood over me, the dagger poised to strike. I knew I had to act fast, and with all the strength I could muster, I kicked out at her, knocking the dagger from her hand.

She stumbled.

I quickly placed my hand on her thin neck and started choking her, "you stupid bitch! You want us all to die here?" I said as i choked the life out of her.

Pressing my hand on her neck, frowning at her, I could feel her pulse slow down as she collapsed . Her face went red before turning a light shade of blue in the next few seconds.

Blood boiled inside of me as I watched her fall on the ground. She came out only when I was going to kill her son, "fucking ungrateful bitch!" My left feet rose from the ground on its own and I kicked her hard on her stomach.

She fell back on the ground with a thud, groaning in pain as blood trickled out of her mouth.

I turned around and looked at her, "you tried your best but you failed to protect them," I spoke as I squatted down, "now it's time to say goodbye."