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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 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 1
Amid the fog of war that continued to shroud the border, a figure in a black cloak moved silently among the ruins. Rafael De Carlies, known as the Shadow Sword Master, moved as tracelessly as the wind. His eyes were sharp and calculating, and the weapon in his grasp glimmered dimly red under the moonlight.The man was never clearly seen by anyone, preferring to wrap himself in a veil of mystery. Only a few knew that he was the illegitimate son of King Tremos De Carlies. Those who did know about Rafael's connection chose to remain silent.To most of the kingdom's people, Rafael's name was merely a faint whisper amid the chaos of the battlefield. Yet, among the kingdom's elite, he was more than just a soldier known as the sword master. Behind his masked face, Rafael possessed magical powers inherited from the De Carlies bloodline—extraordinary and dangerous powers that, if known, could make him a target in the kingdom's political games. However, Rafael sought no power; he was uninterest
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 2
The battle cries echoed once more at the border. It was as if the field itself thirsted for the blood of soldiers willing to sacrifice their lives. Rafael stood at the front line, examining his worn shield. His sharp eyes scrutinized the approaching shadows of the feral creatures. He muttered under his breath, seeing how savagely the beasts tore through his men. There was no time to retreat or hesitate in eliminating these menacing creatures that had long terrorized the northern border of the kingdom. This time, the attack was more brutal, larger in number, and more organized than the previous onslaught. The scent of fresh flesh and blood pierced Rafael's senses. The battlefield and the soldiers' resting ground had transformed into pools of blood and scattered human entrails. Rafael felt frustration and anger at his inability to protect the many soldiers who had fallen to the beasts' onslaught. As Rafael prepared to advance, a familiar voice called out to him from behind. "Rafael..
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 3
The wedding took place in the capital on a cloudy afternoon. Dark clouds hung low in the sky, as if signaling the secrets and burdens that surrounded the ceremony. Yet, for those who knew the Hurbret family present, the wedding of Rafael De Carlies and Annette Hurbret still appeared grand, though wrapped in an enforced simplicity. White lilies adorned the main aisle, but the fragrance of the flowers was overpowered by the scent of iron, sweat, and the worry clinging to the skin of everyone there.Rafael stood before the altar, dressed in formal robes embroidered with golden threads, though the dark circles under his eyes revealed sleepless nights. Annette, by his side, looked like a newly blossomed flower. Her ivory silk gown and blonde hair that cascaded gently over her shoulders gave her an air of grace, despite the unease that she could not fully hide on her face. When their eyes met, something warm and light passed between them—a flicker of hope amidst the fog of uncertainty.“Fro
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 4
Annette had accepted Rafael as her husband. However, her uncle had not. Rafael’s life in the Hurbret family home was never as simple as the moments of laughter he shared with Annette. Behind the warmth that was slowly growing between them, there was another figure who constantly loomed, exerting an invisible but palpable pressure. Frederick Hurbret, Annette’s uncle, was a man brimming with pride for his family name, never missing an opportunity to remind Rafael of his lowly status.It all started on a crisp autumn day when the wind carried the scent of dried leaves. Frederick walked with steps that always sounded like a statement. The sound of his boots echoed across the marble floor of the main hall, where Rafael stood, examining a strategy map spread out on the long table. Rafael sensed Frederick’s presence even before the older man spoke—the air in the room seemed to tense.“Ah, my esteemed son-in-law.” Frederick’s voice cut through the silence, laden with sarcasm. His face, framed
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 5
Rafael stood in the middle of the vibrant flower garden, though his eyes were fixed on the ground with a vacant stare. His hands, more accustomed to holding a sword, now gripped a small trowel that felt oddly light in his grasp. It was strange to him. The flowers around him thrived, the result of long mornings spent there, a distraction from the inner turmoil and the raging battles at the border.His reverie was interrupted by Frederick's deep voice cutting through the air. "I’m tired of seeing your face. How long do you intend to stay in our house?" The derisive tone was sharp, piercing.Rafael straightened, not responding. His face remained emotionless, only showing the cold gaze he often used against the beasts on the battlefield. But Frederick's next words made his blood run cold.“Did you know? Annette regrets marrying a low-status soldier like you!” Frederick’s words seeped in, slicing deeper than the claws of any beast Rafael had faced.Rafael’s hand clenched at his side, the t
Duke Of Darkness CHAPTER 6
Rafael sat in the dimly lit study, accompanied only by a half-empty cup of wine and the dancing shadows of candlelight on the walls. His eyes were fixed on the piece of paper before him, but his thoughts wandered far, drifting to times when his life had been different. He remembered the early days when he secretly worked to help the Hurbret family recover from the brink of economic collapse. Back then, despite being a noble family, their wealth was almost just a name if Rafael hadn’t intervened.Using his influence and connections without the Hurbret family’s knowledge, Rafael infiltrated the kingdom’s trade routes, ensuring that every Hurbret venture yielded unexpected profits. He disguised himself as a mysterious broker, facilitating lucrative trade contracts and transactions. When gold began to flow back into the family coffers, Frederick claimed it as the result of his strategies and cunning. Annette, on the other hand, welcomed the news with a genuine smile that warmed Rafael’s h
Latest Chapter
- 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
