Heart of a demon

th the suffocating laughter of drunkards. It was still daytime, yet the place was packed to the brim. Rough-looking me

and remnants of past revelries. The dim light from the few hanging lanterns flickered, c

drink?" he slurred, a wry smile on his face, his steps faltering as though he might collapse at any momen

h the crowd, would these lowlifes dare speak to him like that? Calling him a "pretty boy" was audacious, to sa

be in his late thirties, slightly chubby, with an unassuming frame that belied the sharp

rous slap to the drunkard, sending him sprawli

talking to? It seems you don't value your life anym

to retort, shrank back in fear up

n. In that moment, the haze of alcohol cleared from his eyes, and

a look of dread. The third prince was infamous for his cruelt

, since then he was deeply feared. He showed no mercy to his ene

did he not know why the prince was in his tavern, bu

d even the right of a proper burial. As the owner of the tave

o find words, his mind racing with different thoughts.

," he pleaded. "I had eyes but could

nd scoffed. "Get up. I have somethi

, this way, Your Highness," he said eagerly, gesturing for Xavier to follow him. He knew whatever

to discuss with him? It couldn't be anything good. The thought made him break out in a cold sweat, and he secretly stole

at the end of the hallway. The chubby man pushed it

The room they stepped into was small and plain. The walls were made of rough wood, painted a fad

und. On top of the desk sat an old oil lamp, its flame giving off a soft light that filled the

er newer but already a bit worn. A worn-out tapestry hung on on

to the slightly newer chair and settled into it, crossing one leg over the oth

, hesitated and chose to remain stand

" Bryan asked, attempting to ma

fingers on the armrest of his chair. The silence stretched on

w and controlled. "I heard you traveled to the Avalon kingdom," he began, his ga

followed? "Your Royal Highness," Bryan stammered, feeling a cold sweat break out on his forehead,

rous slap that sent him crashing to the floor. A few of his teeth clattered to the gr

hair with a firm grip. "I don't tolerate lies," he warned through gritted tee

he armrest. "I've heard you also visited Four Corners Village and were s

y where Xavier's slap had landed. Fear gripped him as he tried

ght my assistance as a local," he stammered, pausing momentarily as h

s, I swear I didn

s like a crashing mountain, sending Bryan sprawling several meters across the floor. His

th, his expression hardening. He retrieved a cloth, and gently

ession unmoving even as Bryan's head was reduced to a gruesome mess.

from his chair. "Clean up this mess," he ordered coldly