Demian had never seen Seraphina that much saddened and as he promised her, he set best physicians to watch over Lady Cathride. He had told Alonzo to look after the rest of the work in Rockdelia as Demian and Seraphina were about to leave Rockdelia the next morning. Well, accompanied by Casian and his attendant, Allison. Despite that, he wanted to leave them there.

Seraphina hadn't left the chamber as Demian left to talk to the captain of the ship. Reginald and Captain Seniel accompany them to the Dragon's city.

He had ordered Reginald to guard the door if any man, especially the golden haired serpent came along. He didn't want him around her.

It would take three days to reach back and he had to tell everything to Master Valentine as he thought everything about the trading ship was odd. From its arrival to its sudden perishing. It was just too soon for the Felis guy to hide away. He was certain he would come along.

As the ship was about to leave its shore in a few minutes, Demian noticed Alonzo was coming in a hurry. Demian put his hands in the air as the guards went to the captain's chamber to stop him.

Alonzo came to the deck as he panted and bent forward to fill air in his lungs. Demian asked, "What is it Alonzo?"

"The...the crew members of Dark Maiden..." He panted as Demian's brow raised. The way Alonzo was acting seemed like it was dire.

After a few minutes, the old steward stood up straight and bowed, "Pardon, Your Highness for interrupting your voyage but there was information which needed your attention."

Demian nodded.

"The crew members of Dark Maiden all went insane over the night. Some of them even tried to kill each other and some even wounded our soldiers. A few of them tried to kill themselves." As Alonzo informed him, Demian's mind formed with notions as Alonzo continued, "It seems they have lost sight of their resolve and sanity. They are acting like a bunch of maniacs who would either kill others or kill themselves."

Demian was worried why they suddenly went berserk. Was it because they had seen Felis or was it because they knew something that they should not.

Just what kind of magic this Felis had cast on them?

Whoever it was, he needed to discuss this with Master Valentine. He said, "You may go now, Alonzo and keep sending me reports on them and your work."

Alonzo nodded as he bowed, "Yes, Your Highness."

"And Alonzo," Demian said as the old steward looked up, "Be sure to stay safe. I'd be needing you for the upcoming threats."

Alonzo felt pride swelling in his chest but he knew the Young Prince had a foresight and he was doubting in the near future, destruction would ensue. It somehow made him feel a little scared but he could not deny the excitement that ran through his veins.

He nodded, "Of course, Your Highness."

*****

As Alonzo left the ship, Demian looked at the port of Rockdelia. Right now, it was calm and peaceful but soon it wouldn't be and he had to think of something before that happened.

The only good thing happened that the people of Rockdelia now started to live in peace and had the enthusiasm to start again which would help him to rebuild the city's economy. It was his first task before everything. However, he didn't know if he would see the city in its full bloom as his transformation day was reaching him with speed. If anything happens, he knew he had his trusted men to carry on his will.

He released a sigh as a voice said from behind, "Your Highness, the weather is clear and we are ready to sail."

Demian looked at the man and it was the captain of the ship as he asked, "Shall we sail?"

Demian nodded as he needed to reach there immediately. "Perfect, then take us to Dragon city as fast as you can, Captain."

"Yes, your Highness." The captain put his hand on his chest as he bowed and left.

The morning salty breeze had a very calming effect on Demian's skin. The sea aroma had been lingering on the surroundings as he was still thinking about everything thoroughly and suddenly he felt a presence from behind. The heavy presence was no doubt of Casian's.

"Morning, dear cousin." Casian said as he stood beside him and leaned against the railing but Demian wasn't in a mood for rivalry chat nor into the mood of his playful games.

"Casian," Demian said as he thought for a moment. Casian could follow Demian to the port and led Seraphina to there which meant he knew what exactly was happening. No wonder he was the future duke-a well informed man. He certainly didn't understand his intention of leading Seraphina to the port in a dangerous place but he was glad he did. Because when the Eye of the Devil got activated, he felt an air was about to suck him but he heard someone pleading, 'Please don't. Not Demian. Don't take him away from me.' It somehow resembled Seraphina's voice but he knew she wasn't saying this and certainly the chuckle that followed after that wasn't any familiar voice.

"What is it, Your Highness?" Casian asked, "Do you perhaps want to ask what happened in the carriage when Princess Seraphina was with me? Or perhaps, you want to ask why she suddenly agreed with me?"

Demian gave him a look and shook his head, "Neither. I know you like to be informed about everything in Dragon City and I know well that you could follow me there because of your information. And as for the thing that happened between Seraphina and you, I could guess it by the sword mark on your neck."

Casian's jaw hung as he suddenly found it was very unlikely for Demian not to be riled up at all.

"Alright, you get it. So, what are you implying with the information part? Does Dragon Princes are now lacking informants?" Casian mocked but somehow he could see it had no effect on Demian.

"No. Just some insight would be great."

Casian had to blink his eyes and poke his ears to believe Prince Demian's statement. He wanted insights from Casian? As far as he knew, Demian never liked them and they had never liked Demian. What has changed now?

"I'm certain you have come across the name, Felis?" Demian asked as Casian looked at him but he didn't answer as Demian added, "Somehow, the way he did things seems very odd. If I really wanted to conquer the whole city, would I lend them money?"

"Well, I think, if he had replaced his money with them then yes, he could conquer it with his rights."

"Yes, instead he sent a bunch of wizards to get human slaves."

Casian was silent for a moment as he stretched his back. Now he felt bored, "Well, I don't know what he wants but it certainly didn't seem like he wanted to conquer Rockdelia knowing so well The Dragons will buy it back."

"So, you think, there was another motive?"

"Of course! Otherwise, why would he lend his money?"

Demian smiled and his eyes stayed at the cea as he said, "Well, I may have never liked you but I had always known that your foresight is greater than others."

Casian for the second time blinked and his jaw smashed on the ground. Demian seemed to be acting weird, no doubt in that. He was complimenting him? Was he hearing it right?

"Casian..." Demian's eyes held him and there was seriousness in them as he added before leaving, "There would be chaos that would fall on us and soon we need to act together. Be prepared."

Casian stayed there for a moment in daze as his attendant came. Casian could feel the weight in Demian's voice and as far as he knew Demian wasn't fond of alliance when he liked to work alone but if he had mentioned working together, that meant the situation must be very dire.

"Allison, do you think Demian is sick?"

"I don't think so, my Lord."

"Hmm..." Casian hummed and asked, "Do you think he is playing with me?"

"Well, not everyone is like you, my Lord and as far as I know, Prince Demian plays with bugger targets."

Casian's head slowly tilted to Allison as he gave him a look. "Sometimes your truth hurts."

Allison placed his hand above his chest, "I'm flattered by your compliment, My Lord."

Sometimes, Casian wondered if Allison was really on his side.

*****

Demian reached his chamber and saw Seraphina had woken up. She sat on the bed as he entered but her eyes were puffy.

"Have you slept well?" Demian asked.

Seraphina nodded, giving him a small smile. She seemed to have lost all of her enthusiasm.

"Shall I ask them to bring your lunch here?"

She shook her head and said weakly, "No. I'm not hungry."

Seraphina would never say no to food and surely she was still upset.

"Sera, not eating your food won't make Lady Cathride any good." Demian said as Seraphina frowned at his sudden outburst. She thought for a moment and hung her head lower. Demian was right since she needed her strength back and brooding over the situation won't do any good.

Demian called a guard and ordered him to tell the cooks to bring her meals here. She hadn't eaten since yesterday and if she wouldn't like to get collapsed, she needed her nourishment.

As the guard left, Demian came near and sat beside her on the small bed. As if he would see for himself if she was taking her meals or not. It somehow made her heart wrapped in warmth. But she suddenly recalled Demian hadn't told her many things and she wanted to know and besides, it would be a good excuse to keep her mind away from Lady Cathride.

"Demian?" She looked at him as he raised a brow, "You haven't told me why have you come here? You said it wasn't to capture the pirates."

Demian hummed and said, "Well, I had two reasons."

He added, "One, to make the people believe in our future King and gain their lost trust and two, to take The Eye of Devil."

Seraphina's eyes widened at his revelation of his true motives. Why did he want the stone? Was he saying the truth that he wanted them for himself?

Demian must have felt the shock on her face as the corners of his lips curled up, "What? Everyone could desire power but not me?"

"But you..." Seraphina didn't know what to say. He was powerful already and after the transformation, he would gain his true form with excellent powers. All the Dragonborns had that.

He chuckled, making Seraphina's frown deeper.

He said, "Well, I'd be lying if I say I don't want the stones for myself but the stones should not be with them in the first place. They should be where they belong."

"With you?" Seraphina asked, her heart pumped through all the blood she had to her head and she was afraid if Demian became like all those power hungry wizards she had heard the tales of.

He chuckled again and shook his head, "No. I'm not worthy of the stones." He looked her in the eyes as he added, "Do you know with whom the stones belong to?"

She shook her head and she recalled that Merlene hadn't told her anything about the stone other than it's destructive powers. And she didn't like to read the history of magics so she certainly didn't read anything. She smacked her head inwardly for not reading it.

"The man named Carlie Grithandal. In 322 A.D. he had found the stone which could bring back anyone from death and could give anyone immorality." Demian said as his eyes stayed on the door as if he was there to witness everything and remembering each of the incidents. "He didn't want immortality but he wanted to bring back his sons, Graham and Gothem. They had died from an unknown illness and he could not see them dead so he never buried them. He kept them for two decades and finally with the help of Drums of Heaven, he brought them back."

Demian looked at her as Seraphina was listening to the story with great interest which she never had especially for history.

"But both Graham and Gotham had been into the other world for a very long time which changed them in person and when they came back, they were no ordinary humans. They had terrifying powers and because of the stone, they were immortal."

"So... Before them no one had powers?" Seraphina asked as Demian shook his head.

"No. They are your ancestors. One could shift into any animal and one could tame environments. Thus, every species was born from them but Dragons."

"Wait! Dragons weren't born from them?"

"No." Demian began, "When the world was terrified of the Grithandal brother's terrifying natures, Carlie decided to end them for good but he didn't know how to since Drums of Heavens could only give life and he understood the lives who come from it may or may not be good. They could be evil too like his sons."

Seraphina nodded and felt herself becoming more intrigued by the story.

"Grithandal had been carrying the stone for over two decades as a result, he had acquired powers too and somehow he gained half immortality but he never harmed anyone instead he kept saving the people who were either suffering or got killed by his sons." Demian continued, "The people he had saved soon became his pupils and they had taken this mission to end both Grithandal brothers with him."

"And while Carlie had been in this quest for too long, he fell in love with one of his pupils and they had a son, Barius. Barius was like his mother, wild, cheerful and always positive but when Graham and Gotham came to know about their other brother's existence, they went to kill him."

Seraphina gasped. How could they become so cruel to kill their brother. "So... They killed him?"

"No. They could not. Barius's mother was a priestess and had God's grace in her as a result, Barius was protected by divine blessings. And Carlie's powers were also present in him so every power came to Barius in a natural way-within nature's rules. But in Graham and Gotham's case, both were given powers against nature's rules. Even though Barius was only a little child and younger than them by 70 years, he was way more powerful than them."

Seraphina smiled, felt a little relieved, however, Demian said, "The evil brothers were enraged by it and soon they found out the reason for the great difference in their powers. So they planned to kill Barius and give him life by the drums of heaven. That way, Barius's divine blessing would perish and he would be equal to them."

Demian looked at Seraphina and said, "And soon they found a way. The day little Barius turned 14, both of them came and finally killed him."