CHAPTER 43: KROGGAX

"Did anyone ever possess this Kroggax magic?" Lilith asked.

" Yes," Viktor replied. "There are stories that, long ago, a god managed to harness it. However, that god disappeared thousands of years ago and hasn’t been seen since. Some say the power was too much for even a god to handle, that it consumed him. But no one really knows what happened."

He continued, "Each tribe of witches serves a god, and these gods can touch the veil of timelines, the past and the future. They shape events to ensure the world doesn’t fall apart."

"Is that why they say I want to destroy the will of the gods?" Lilith asked.

"Yes. They prefer everything to go exactly according to their design," Viktor explained. "That’s why they sent you the warning, to make sure you don’t interfere with their plans. Which, in a way, makes sense. Since they can see the future, one would hope they’re shaping it to protect the world."

Lilith furrowed her brows in confusion. "But what does any of this have to do with me? I don’t understand why such powerful beings would be concerned with someone like me."

Viktor let out a short chuckle. "You are anything but a nobody, Lilith. You might not fully believe it yet, but I do. I believe you are someone important, someone powerful. You’re going to change the world."

Lilith smiled softly. "I’m not interested in changing the world, Sir Viktor. I just want to be... Lilith."

"I understand your fear," Viktor said, eyes fixed ahead. "But we cannot change who we are, or who we’re meant to be. You were born for greatness, and that is what you must become."

"If the witches are supposed to be good, shouldn’t I listen to them and not break the curse?" she asked.

Viktor came to a halt, turning to face her. "Everyone believes they are the hero of their own story, Lilith. But in your story, you must decide who is good and who is not. If the curse isn’t broken, chaos will surely befall upon us all. Sometimes, we must choose the lesser evil... because we can’t win every war."

Lilith felt a headache creeping in, this was too much, too fast. A flood of responsibilities and expectations pressed down on her.

"Can the witches harm me?" she asked quietly.

" Fortunately, No, Lilith. They cannot enter this castle. And Lord Lucian is working on a magical bracelet for you, in case they try to interfere through your dreams. If you notice anything strange, anything at all, please don’t hesitate to tell me or the prince. Do you understand?"

"Yes. Thank you," Lilith replied with a small smile, even though she didn’t feel any better. She couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps it would have been easier had she died that night in her village. Now that she was here, she couldn’t even begin to guess how many people were after her life because of what she was destined to do.

"I’m going to speak with Hades. Just walk through that door, Lucian will be waiting for you," Viktor said, giving her a gentle pat on the head before turning and heading in the opposite direction, disappearing down the hallway.

Lilith swallowed the lump in her throat and pushed the thick metal door open. It creaked as it gave way, allowing her inside. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for Lucian, who appeared to be out of sight.

"Welcome, Lilith," came his voice as soon as the door closed behind her. She turned and saw Lucian standing in the corner of the crypt, dressed in the same all-black clothing he had worn the day before.

"Good morning, Lord Lucian," she greeted with a respectful bow, making her way toward him.

"Good morning, Lilith. I heard you fainted yesterday. Are you strong enough to continue training today?" he asked, his tone lined with concern.

"Yes, I rested very well. Thank you," she answered, offering him a warm smile.

"I’m glad to hear that. Today, we’ll take a step further," Lucian said, gesturing for her to sit on a single chair placed beside him.

~~~

Hades and Viktor journeyed to the clinic where Gel was being treated. As soon as they arrived, the physician on duty directed them to her room.

Upon entering, they were immediately struck by the extent of Gel’s injuries. Her entire head and face were wrapped in white bandages, leaving only small openings for her eyes, nose, and lips. Additional bandages covered her arm and right leg.

She was so deep in thought, she didn’t notice the presence of the prince and Viktor as they entered.

"She hasn’t been very responsive since she woke up," the physician said as politely as he could. "I doubt you’ll get much from her... but you can try."

"Very well," Viktor replied, stepping forward cautiously. He gently placed a hand on Gel’s shoulder, causing her to look up at him.

"I am truly sorry about what happened to your employer, Gel," Viktor murmured, noting the tears welling in her eyes. Her throat bobbed as her gaze slowly shifted from Viktor to Hades, who stood a few feet away, silently observing them.

As her gaze landed on him, Gel’s eyes widened, tears spilling down her cheeks as she stared at Hades, her body trembling with fear. She recoiled from Viktor’s touch, pulling herself back against the headboard.

"What’s wrong, Gel? What’s going on?" Viktor asked, concern lacing his voice as he glanced between the girl and the prince.

Without warning, Gel began tearing at her bandages in a panic, prompting the physician to rush forward and hold her down.

"Please, my lord, do excuse us," the physician whispered urgently to Viktor. "It seems His Highness’s presence has triggered her."

Viktor nodded solemnly. "We’ll return once she’s calmed down."

He turned and exited the clinic, finding Hades already waiting outside.

"It appears someone has been using my image to stir trouble," Hades said to Viktor, adjusting his gloves. A sinister smile tugged at his lips, and his eyes glinted with a dangerous darkness.