The Ancient Demon Azeon
Atta jolted awake, his breath quick and uneven. Cold sweat clung to his skin. He looked around—his quarters were silent and empty.
Clutching his head, he muttered,
"What… what just happened this morning? Was it all a dream? Why am I here alone? My head… it hurts."
With a sigh, he rose and stepped into the hallway. His footsteps echoed against the polished white marble as he made his way toward Princess Fiza's chambers.
Inside, she was seated with an aide, deep in discussion over political matters. Atta knocked lightly on the door.
Fiza looked up at once, a warm smile softening her face. She gestured for him to sit beside her. Then, turning to her aide, she said,
"You may leave us."
The aide bowed and departed. Atta watched him leave, hesitation flickering in his expression. Finally, he asked softly,
"Sister… what happened this morning?"
For a split second, Fiza's eyes widened. But she quickly regained her composure.
"What do you mean, Atta? Nothing happened. We had breakfast, and then you returned to your room."
Atta frowned, confusion clouding his face.
"But… I could swear something happened to me. Even now my head aches."
Concern flashed across Fiza's eyes. She placed a hand on his forehead.
"You feel warm… do you have a fever? Should I call the healing mage?"
Atta's thoughts swirled.
Why is Sister pretending nothing happened? I know what I saw, what I felt. Something's wrong… but maybe I shouldn't push her.
He gently removed her hand and forced a reassuring smile.
"It's alright, Sister. I'm fine. Maybe it really was just a dream. I think I'll take a walk."
Fiza returned his smile, though her eyes lingered on him with worry as he bowed and left.
Outside, Atta wandered into the palace gardens. The air was cool, carrying the scent of blooming roses. Birds sang softly, their notes mixing with the rustle of leaves. He passed a few guards, who bowed respectfully, but he dismissed them with a small gesture and continued on.
By a pond crossed with a stone bridge, he sat on the grass and leaned against a great tree. The evening breeze brushed against his skin, easing the ache in his head.
I remember it all—the breakfast, the pain, my eyes burning… Why would Sister hide it from me? She always tells me the truth.
High above, on a balcony overlooking the garden, Princess Fiza and King Rauf stood watching him.
Fiza leaned closer, whispering,
"Father… I think Atta is beginning to discover his powers."
Rauf's jaw tightened. He clenched his fists.
"Yes. It's happening sooner than we expected. The demon Azeon… sealed five thousand years ago by his mother… is awakening inside him. Our bloodline has carried that seal for generations. But it seems the time has come."
Atta lifted his gaze toward them. They quickly straightened, smiling warmly down at him. Atta returned the smile, though unease tugged at him.
For a fleeting moment, a vast black shadow appeared beside him—its grin sharp, cruel, and impossibly wide. Then it vanished.
To be continued...