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2024-11-22 13:32:29
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Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 11
Rafael sat in the dimly lit corner of the bar, the flickering candlelight dancing on the scratched wooden table. The glass of wine in his hand was nearly empty, but he wasn’t in a rush to refill it. His dark, piercing eyes stared blankly at the crimson liquid, searching for answers he knew he would never find. The revelation that the child Annette carried wasn’t his felt like a dagger stabbing into his chest. He was shattered, but the cold anger coursing through his veins kept him grounded. The betrayal felt like a poison slowly spreading, burning every corner of his mind.Caesar, ever loyal, sat across from him. He wanted desperately to ask why his master looked so broken, but he didn’t dare disturb the silence. Instead, he cautiously broke it with a soft question. “Sir, have you considered returning to the capital?”Rafael lifted his gaze slightly, his dark eyes meeting Caesar’s. He didn’t respond immediately, allowing the question to hang in the air. Finally, after a long pause, Ra
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 12
Seeing the growing rift between Annette and Rafael, Frederick seized the opportunity to drive them apart. He swore to sever their bond entirely, intending to marry his niece off to the wealthy Marquess Greyson Yrewich, whose name was currently the talk of the aristocracy. Frederick could hardly wait to kick Rafael out of the house for good.Frederick had just stepped out of his study when he paused, hearing the heated argument between Rafael and Annette over the child. He stopped in the shadowy hallway, his figure concealed behind the wall’s divider. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as Annette’s angry voice echoed louder. Every harsh word pushed her marriage further toward collapse—precisely what Frederick had long anticipated. Taking a slow, steady breath, Frederick leaned against the wall, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver the final blow to Rafael.“I’m sick of you asking who the father of this child is!” Annette’s voice rang sharp and furious. “Yes, you’re right! This chi
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 13
After the argument with Rafael, Annette followed Frederick into his study. She sat on the intricately carved wooden chair, her pale fingers gripping its arms tightly. The warm glow of the setting sun filtered through the large window, but the orange light failed to reach her skin. Annette’s eyes, usually brimming with confidence, now stared blankly at the floor, lost in a fog of emotions she couldn’t quite name.“Uncle...” Annette’s voice finally broke the silence, soft and almost trembling. She raised her troubled face toward Frederick, who stood tall in front of her. “Did I make the right choice... divorcing Rafael?”Frederick tilted his head slightly, a gentle smile softening his usually stern face. He stepped closer, lowering himself slightly to meet Annette’s eyes, his tone soothing like a father consoling a child. “My dear Annette,” Frederick began, his voice calm and persuasive, “there is no better decision than this. You are a Hurbret. Our name carries dignity that must be pre
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 14
The sky had started to turn blue above the horizon as a classic black car sped down the long, gravel road, leaving the Hurbret family estate behind. Inside the vehicle, Rafael sat silently in the back seat, wearing a neatly tailored black suit he didn’t seem to care much about. His gaze was fixed on the window, where the countryside gradually transitioned into a dense forest.Beside him, Caesar, his loyal right-hand man, sat with his hands folded in his lap. The man's face was tense, though he tried to conceal his unease about the atmosphere around them. "Sir," Caesar said, breaking the heavy silence in the car, "I just want to confirm... Are you certain about leaving the shield behind?"Rafael turned his face away from the window, his cold black eyes locking onto Caesar. "That shield was made to protect them," he said slowly, his voice low and sharp. "And now, I have no reason to protect them, let alone care about their downfall."Caesar nodded faintly, though his expression remained
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 15
The capital city of the Carlies Kingdom buzzed with a rare energy. The main streets were packed with citizens who had traveled from all corners of the kingdom. Flags and banners fluttered on street poles, while children ran around waving small flags in the kingdom's colors. The sweet aroma of street food mingled with the crisp midday air, creating an atmosphere of excitement.On balconies overlooking the streets, women waved with wide smiles, while men spoke animatedly about the arrival of someone they believed had long disappeared—the Swordmaster, also known as Duke Rafael De Carlies.Inside a sleek black car, Rafael sat silently, gazing out at the throng of people lining the streets. Their joyous faces didn’t seem forced; they looked genuinely thrilled at his presence. But Rafael couldn’t shake the skepticism gnawing at his mind.“Caesar,” Rafael said softly, his voice almost drowned by the cheers outside. “Are they truly waiting for me?”Caesar, seated in the front, turned his head
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 16
Rafael sprawled on the luxurious, plush sofa, his eyes closed as he indulged in the rare softness beneath him. The vast room around him was adorned with expensive tapestries and gilded carvings, a stark reminder of the grandeur of the Carlies Kingdom’s palace. Yet, to Rafael, this opulence was nothing but a facade—a painful reminder of a past he loathed.He exhaled deeply, letting his mind wander. The image of Frederick flashed in his thoughts, his face fraught with panic and despair. A faintly wicked smile curved on Rafael’s lips as he envisioned the impending downfall of the Hurbret family. Without his protective magic shielding their lands, the ferocious creatures would soon exploit the vulnerable borders."Feast well, you beasts," Rafael murmured under his breath, eyes still shut. "I've prepared a banquet for you."In his mind, scenes of ruin, panic, and the ultimate collapse of the Hurbret family played out like a theater performance crafted for his satisfaction. For years, he ha
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 17
The luxurious chamber fell silent after the heated exchange. King Tremos stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his emerald eyes locked sharply on Rafael as if trying to decipher every detail of his son’s expression. Finally, Tremos took a deep breath, his voice lowering from its usual commanding tone.“So, what is it that you want?” Tremos asked, at last, his voice calm but still cold. “Do you wish to be king?”Rafael, who had been standing nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets, raised an eyebrow, as though surprised by the question. Slowly, a thin, meaningful smile curled on his lips. He didn’t answer right away, letting an awkward silence stretch between them. Finally, with a casual motion, he stepped away from the sofa, standing tall in front of his father.“Yes,” he answered firmly. “Restore my status. I am still your son, am I not? Isn’t it time I replaced you? Though times are changing, the title of king might not hold the same significance in the future. Even so, I’l
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 18
The banquet hall that night was filled with the aroma of exquisite cuisine, the clinking of wine glasses, and the lively chatter of knights. The majestic pillars of the royal dining room stood tall, adorned with golden carvings reflecting the shimmering light from the crystal chandelier above. However, the jovial atmosphere abruptly shifted when King Tremos rose from his seat, raising a hand to command silence."Brothers!" Tremos' voice boomed with authority, echoing throughout the hall. "Tonight, I wish to introduce someone many of you thought lost to us. He is my blood, a son who has proven himself far beyond these palace walls. My own son—Rafael De Carlies."Sitting calmly beside the king, Rafael raised his wine glass slightly, a faint, unreadable smile gracing his lips. Some of the knights looked puzzled, while others immediately rose from their seats, bowing respectfully."Greetings to the Grand Prince of Carlies," one knight proclaimed with reverence."Isn't he Duke Rafael, the
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- Duke Of Darkness
CHALTER 22
Rafael stood tall before the massive mirror adorning the wall of his lavish chamber. His broad shoulders were cloaked in an outfit tailored to perfection, befitting his new title as crown prince. A sleek black suit with modern cuts hugged his frame, paired with a long crimson mantle that shimmered subtly under the golden light. The royal crest of Carlies, a gleaming gold emblem, adorned his chest, a symbol of the authority now officially his.Servants moved swiftly around him, adjusting the folds of his suit, slipping white gloves over his hands, and ensuring every detail was immaculate. Rafael, however, remained calm, unfazed by the flurry of activity.His gaze in the mirror reflected the bearing of a leader, though beneath his composed exterior lay a flicker of satisfaction he couldn’t entirely mask. It wasn’t just the restoration of his rightful title that pleased him—it was also the ruin of those who had once dismissed him."Frederick," Rafael murmured softly, his voice laced with
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 21
Three days had passed, and the devastation in Hurbret was undeniable. Small villages lay in ashes, fields were barren, and refugees filled the main roads with despair etched into their faces. The air reeked of smoke, blood, and death. Frederick stood on the balcony of his now-disheveled estate, his sharp eyes scanning the empty fields below, his jaw clenched tight.Inside the house, the chaos mirrored the destruction outside. His trusted secretary stood with his head bowed, clutching a stack of official documents. His voice trembled as he spoke, trying to deliver the news delicately.“Baron,” the secretary began softly but firmly, “I’ve just received a report from the royal envoy. The kingdom is planning a welcoming feast for the new crown prince.”Frederick froze for a moment, then slowly turned with eyes as sharp as daggers. “What?” he asked, his voice low and filled with menace.“A welcoming feast, sir,” the secretary repeated, swallowing hard before continuing. “The new crown prin
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 20
In the vast silver-toned chamber, Rafael sat in an armchair, holding a glass of red wine in his hand. The room felt warm, but Rafael’s mood burned hotter. A brief report from Caesar had just been delivered, and every word in it brought a wide smile to his face.He read the letter again, letting his eyes dance over the words describing the downfall of the Hurbret family. The collapse of trade guilds, attacks from wild beasts, and the growing number of refugees—all these details seemed like personal entertainment to Rafael. But the highlight was the description of Frederick, the once-arrogant baron who had now become a desperate man groveling for help to survive.“That coward truly is like a dog,” Rafael muttered disdainfully.He couldn’t hold back. A booming laugh erupted from his lips, echoing through the chamber like a victory bell. Tossing the letter onto the table, he swirled the wine in his glass lazily. “Utterly hilarious,” he murmured, his smile curling into a sneer.Rising from
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 19
A week had passed since Rafael left the Hurbret territory, and chaos had begun to unfold. The once-thriving trade guilds collapsed one after another. Goods failed to arrive on time, and trading partners gradually withdrew their support. Meanwhile, wild beasts from the forests, which had previously kept their distance, began attacking nearby villages. Farmers lost their fields, and residents started abandoning their homes in search of safety elsewhere.In the grand but now hollow Hurbret manor, Baron Frederick paced back and forth in his study. The once-confident man now bore a somber expression, deep lines of worry etched across his forehead. Reports piled up on his cluttered desk, none of them bearing good news."Why is this happening?" Frederick muttered in despair, staring blankly at the scattered papers.In the corner of the room, Marquess Greyson Yrewich sat with a tense expression. His fingers massaged his temples, his tired eyes reflecting his growing frustration. As a landlord
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 18
The banquet hall that night was filled with the aroma of exquisite cuisine, the clinking of wine glasses, and the lively chatter of knights. The majestic pillars of the royal dining room stood tall, adorned with golden carvings reflecting the shimmering light from the crystal chandelier above. However, the jovial atmosphere abruptly shifted when King Tremos rose from his seat, raising a hand to command silence."Brothers!" Tremos' voice boomed with authority, echoing throughout the hall. "Tonight, I wish to introduce someone many of you thought lost to us. He is my blood, a son who has proven himself far beyond these palace walls. My own son—Rafael De Carlies."Sitting calmly beside the king, Rafael raised his wine glass slightly, a faint, unreadable smile gracing his lips. Some of the knights looked puzzled, while others immediately rose from their seats, bowing respectfully."Greetings to the Grand Prince of Carlies," one knight proclaimed with reverence."Isn't he Duke Rafael, the
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 17
The luxurious chamber fell silent after the heated exchange. King Tremos stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his emerald eyes locked sharply on Rafael as if trying to decipher every detail of his son’s expression. Finally, Tremos took a deep breath, his voice lowering from its usual commanding tone.“So, what is it that you want?” Tremos asked, at last, his voice calm but still cold. “Do you wish to be king?”Rafael, who had been standing nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets, raised an eyebrow, as though surprised by the question. Slowly, a thin, meaningful smile curled on his lips. He didn’t answer right away, letting an awkward silence stretch between them. Finally, with a casual motion, he stepped away from the sofa, standing tall in front of his father.“Yes,” he answered firmly. “Restore my status. I am still your son, am I not? Isn’t it time I replaced you? Though times are changing, the title of king might not hold the same significance in the future. Even so, I’l
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 16
Rafael sprawled on the luxurious, plush sofa, his eyes closed as he indulged in the rare softness beneath him. The vast room around him was adorned with expensive tapestries and gilded carvings, a stark reminder of the grandeur of the Carlies Kingdom’s palace. Yet, to Rafael, this opulence was nothing but a facade—a painful reminder of a past he loathed.He exhaled deeply, letting his mind wander. The image of Frederick flashed in his thoughts, his face fraught with panic and despair. A faintly wicked smile curved on Rafael’s lips as he envisioned the impending downfall of the Hurbret family. Without his protective magic shielding their lands, the ferocious creatures would soon exploit the vulnerable borders."Feast well, you beasts," Rafael murmured under his breath, eyes still shut. "I've prepared a banquet for you."In his mind, scenes of ruin, panic, and the ultimate collapse of the Hurbret family played out like a theater performance crafted for his satisfaction. For years, he ha
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 15
The capital city of the Carlies Kingdom buzzed with a rare energy. The main streets were packed with citizens who had traveled from all corners of the kingdom. Flags and banners fluttered on street poles, while children ran around waving small flags in the kingdom's colors. The sweet aroma of street food mingled with the crisp midday air, creating an atmosphere of excitement.On balconies overlooking the streets, women waved with wide smiles, while men spoke animatedly about the arrival of someone they believed had long disappeared—the Swordmaster, also known as Duke Rafael De Carlies.Inside a sleek black car, Rafael sat silently, gazing out at the throng of people lining the streets. Their joyous faces didn’t seem forced; they looked genuinely thrilled at his presence. But Rafael couldn’t shake the skepticism gnawing at his mind.“Caesar,” Rafael said softly, his voice almost drowned by the cheers outside. “Are they truly waiting for me?”Caesar, seated in the front, turned his head
- Duke Of Darkness
CHAPTER 14
The sky had started to turn blue above the horizon as a classic black car sped down the long, gravel road, leaving the Hurbret family estate behind. Inside the vehicle, Rafael sat silently in the back seat, wearing a neatly tailored black suit he didn’t seem to care much about. His gaze was fixed on the window, where the countryside gradually transitioned into a dense forest.Beside him, Caesar, his loyal right-hand man, sat with his hands folded in his lap. The man's face was tense, though he tried to conceal his unease about the atmosphere around them. "Sir," Caesar said, breaking the heavy silence in the car, "I just want to confirm... Are you certain about leaving the shield behind?"Rafael turned his face away from the window, his cold black eyes locking onto Caesar. "That shield was made to protect them," he said slowly, his voice low and sharp. "And now, I have no reason to protect them, let alone care about their downfall."Caesar nodded faintly, though his expression remained
