Mortice and Aris wandered the winding paths of the East Kingdom for hours.
*"Where exactly are we going, Mortice?"* Aris groaned, clearly frustrated.
Before Mortice could respond, Aris bumped into someone.
*"Watch where you're going, demon,"* the person snapped. Their eyes glowed with a piercing white light.
Aris froze. *"Uh… Mortice,"* he whispered, stepping back.
Mortice turned sharply to face the stranger, then softened her tone. *"Apologies,"* she said politely.
As the figure walked away, Aris whispered, *"That was an angel."*
Mortice shot him a glare. *"Of course it was. They live among the spirit people here. Haven't you been paying attention?"*
*"Yeah, but how did one end up out in the open like that?"* Aris asked, still shaken.
*"Focus on the mission, Aris,"* Mortice snapped. *"We're not here to chase angels. We need to get into the palace."*
They moved deeper into the village until they spotted a man walking alone. Without hesitation, Mortice stepped forward and placed her hand on his shoulder.
His eyes glazed over instantly.
*"How do we get into the East Palace?"* she asked, her voice like silk laced with shadow.
The man's lips parted, and the truth spilled freely.
The man blinked slowly, voice distant and calm.
*"Only those summoned by the council or sent by the inner circle of healers can enter the east Palace freely..."*
*"What is the inner circle?"* Aris asked.
*"They are the king's closest advisors… the highest-ranking healers. Only they can grant unrestricted access. Others enter through scheduled appointments or under royal escort ."*
Mortice smirked. *"And who is easiest to manipulate in that circle?"*
The old woman paused. *"Lady Mira. She is kind… too trusting. She oversees new healer initiations at the palace."*
*"Where can we find her?"*
*"At the healer's compound. She trains young healers every morning."*
Aris eyes glowed. *"Perfect."*
She released her grip, and the old woman slumped slightly—confused, but alive.
They turned away. *"Thanks for the help, … now it's time to pay Lady Mira a visit."*
Their laughter echoed softly as she disappeared into the street's shadows.
*Moments later, at the Healers' Compound…*
Mortice and Aris approached the renowned healer, bowing slightly in respect.
*"Are you Lady Mira?"* Mortice asked.
*"Yes, I am,"* Mira replied warmly. *"How may I help you?"*
*"We need to speak with you in private,"* Aris added, his tone urgent but calm.
Curious and concerned, Lady Mira turned to her students. *"Please continue your exercises—I'll be back shortly."* She led the two strangers into a quiet courtyard.
The moment they were alone, both demons struck. Shadows flickered in their eyes.
*"There's nothing you can do to make them see your worth,"* Mortice whispered, her voice laced with venomous charm. *"You'll always be overlooked. Always second best."*
*"But we can change that,"* Aris added smoothly. *"Let us in, and you'll be more than respected. You'll be feared. Revered. Complete."*
Lady Mira stood frozen, her will cracking.
With a final whisper, the demon inside Mortice surged forward—dark energy seeping into Lady Mira's body. Her eyes widened, then dimmed with black mist. Possession complete.
Aris stepped back. *"Only one of us for now. I don't think her body can handle two."*
Mortice, now controlling Mira, nodded. *"I'll go into the palace. When I get there, I'll find you another host."*
*"Good plan,"* Aris smirked. *"That's why you're the mortice—"*
*"am the prince of lust ,"* he corrected, eyes narrowing. *"You're prince of treasure. Try to keep up."*
*"Right,"* Aris muttered, chuckling. *"Guess I'm just getting used our hosts name ."*
They both laughed darkly as Lady Mira's students waited, unaware of the shadow now standing among them.