The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 486

Chapter 486: I Choose To Endure

Drayce and Yorian felt the ominous presence of potent darkness, though its source was distant.

After ensuring Seren was asleep, Drayce emerged from the chamber and joined Yorian in the expansive lounge, bathed in the soft glow from the lamps hung on the walls. Both men directed their attention toward a looming mountain on the horizon.

Standing shoulder to shoulder, Drayce felt the palpable surge of formidable energy emanating from the mountain’s direction. "Is that Oriana?" he inquired.

Yorian’s gaze remained fixed, his expression unreadable. "It appears your friend is bearing the brunt of his mate’s wrath."

A shadow crossed Drayce’s face. "Arlan hasn’t fully recovered. If this persists, he could sustain grave injuries. I must—"

"Stay your hand, King Drayce," Yorian interrupted, locking eyes with him. His tone was solemn, weighted with a haunting conviction."Have you ever watched someone take their final breath right before your eyes, knowing you had the power to save them, yet being utterly powerless to intervene?"

Drayce recoiled, Yorian’s words piercing him with an unsettling resonance. They unearthed memories of his childhood when he had helplessly witnessed his mother’s tragic leap from a cliff. As a young boy, his emotions were a tumultuous mix of sorrow and resentment toward his mother’s choice. Yet, the rawness of a child’s feelings paled in comparison to the complexities an adult could experience.

"I’ve lived through that very torment," Yorian confessed, his visage darkening with haunting memories. "To witness someone I held dear sacrifice themselves on my behalf, leaving me utterly powerless—it’s a crushing weight," his voice quivered, carrying the heavy burden of past memories. "In that moment, you grapple with a profound sense of helplessness and despair. You only end up resenting that person, even if they rationalise their sacrifice as a noble act of protecting you. How can you find comfort in living a life attained through such a heart-wrenching loss? Wouldn’t you rather prefer dying than endure such a loss?"

Drayce was rendered speechless, gripped by a chilling realization. Should Seren ever make such a sacrificial choice, he feared he would be plunged into an abyss of grief so profound it could shatter worlds, leaving him adrift in a reality devoid of her presence.

"Oriana was unwavering in her determination to shield him, prepared to exhaust every avenue. Yet, Arlan denied her that chance, leaving her to witness his final moments," Yorian conveyed with a grave tone. "The anguish she experienced must have been so profound to awaken powers of such magnitude. Can you fathom the depth of sorrow required to stir such formidable strength? If Oriana harbors resentment toward Prince Arlan, her feelings are justified. Unless she confronts and releases this pent-up rage, she risks imploding, wreaking havoc upon herself and those around her."

"I grasp the severity," Drayce began, his voice tinged with concern, "but—"

"Have no fear," Yorian interjected, sensing Drayce’s apprehension. "Oriana’s intent isn’t murderous. While she seeks retribution, it’s born from a place of deep-seated affection towards Prince Arlan. No one desires Arlan’s safety more fervently than she does. Her fury stems from profound emotion."

With a resigned sigh, Drayce’s gaze drifted toward the distant mountains. The palpable aura of dark magic, wielded by a formidable Demoness, permeated the air. Despite their awareness of the unfolding events, they found themselves relegated to the role of mere spectators in a complex tapestry woven by two deeply intertwined destinies.

After what felt like an eternity, the tumultuous energy finally subsided. Drayce exhaled deeply, his instinct urging him to rush to his friend’s side, yet he restrained himself.

Yorian chuckled softly, "I half-expected you to vanish instantly, making a beeline for your friend, King Drayce. It’s just as well you stayed put."

"I earnestly hope they reconcile their differences swiftly," Drayce remarked, his voice tinged with restrained concern. He sought comfort in the knowledge that Arlan, being a Dragon, possessed the fortitude to endure severe injuries, even if the healing process would demand time.

----

Arlan cradled Oriana tenderly, continuing to hold her close. As her sobs eventually subsided, he realized with growing alarm that she had slipped into unconsciousness. Given her already weakened state, exerting her powers so intensely had taken its inevitable toll.