PROLOGUE
Many eons ago , there was a kingdom called Regnum Lucis et Tenebrarum, which is Latin for the kingdom of light and dark which was ruled by 2 brothers called Ciaran and Robert. The 2 brothers had the magic of light and dark. Both brothers worked in unison side by side. Their kingdom was the most powerful kingdom in the land of Potens Energia, but that was before the incident that happened on January 25th, 1868 at 1 hour before midnight. Back in those days the kingdom was home to the most powerful jewel in the world, the omnis potentia, which gave power to whoever wore it, but thereafter they found out the power it held they fought over it for years until on January 25th, a flash of light, as bright as a supernova burst out of the jewel, wiping out anything within 800 square feet. The jewel was gone ever since then but the rivalry was still there , dividing the people into 2 kingdoms , the light and the dark , and now the Jewel has been found, but who will take control of it?
CHAPTER 1- ELAINE
I was a bird, trapped in a cage, unable to extend her wings and fly away, and it was all because of my father, King Anber.
I have had enough. Ever since my mother, Queen Aella died ,my father kept me under lock and key , forbidding me from leaving the palace. I honestly thought it was ridiculous, I mean it's not like I'm going to be abducted and killed once I stepped outside, but I did what I was told for his sake . I knew how deeply mother's death scarred him, he was never the same after she died. He used to smile and laugh all the time, his eyes always gleamed with happiness. Now all he does is scowl and frown, the gleam in his eyes disappearing from sight . I know he is trying to go back to how he used to be, but it's not enough. And now I have had enough, I wanted to go outside, see the kingdom, see actual people , not the guards and maids. I wanted someone my age. A friend. "friend" the word sounded weird , maybe because I never had one, which just adds on to the list of reasons of why I should go out. Seriously, I feel like Rapunzel here, minus the long hair and the artistic skills. The longest length of hair I've ever had was waist length and the most artistic I got was drawing a family portrait with deformed stick mans .I'm reaching a point that If I stay cooped up in here any longer I'm going to start singing "When will my life begin" everywhere I go until my father gives in, but I know he will never give in.
I sat in my room, curled up on my bed lost in thoughts of how to go outside without my father noticing when the door to my room slammed open , shaking me away from my thoughts . Mellie, my maid stormed in, her face covered in a mask of horror and fear. "What's wrong Mellie?" I asked . her lower lip quivered as she said , "M..My Lady the..the.. k..kingdom is u..u..under a..a..attack!" she stuttered with a shaky voice. My stomach dropped. 'the kingdom is under attack' the words swirled in my head. 'the kingdom is under attack' 'the kingdom is under attack' 'the kingdom is under attack'. Before I could do anything a gasp escaped Millie's lips. I glanced towards the doorway to see why she gasped and my stomach dropped lower when I saw who was standing there. A tall, lean boy with tousled dark hair and dark mysterious eyes stood Infront of me. On his side stood a girl with golden brown skin and long dark curls and emerald green eyes. On his other side stood a boy with dirty blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, a splash of freckles scattered across his face . All three of them bore murderous gleams in their eyes. The boy in the middle spoke in a crispy accent , "Hello there little princess" he murmured in a mocking tone, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
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Chapter 2- Abnus
I was a cheetah, trained to hunt my prey, trained to be merciless , trained to be fearless, above expectations, and it was all because of my father king Blake.
I've always wanted power. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. I've been waiting my entire life to be the 'Principe Delle Tenebre'( which is Italian for the prince of darkness) , every fire, every death, every quest, every attack, every destruction, I was the leader of it. My dream was to be like my father, king Blake, the fearless, merciless king and as his oldest son, I needed to prove that I can be a king, I needed to prove that I can lead my kingdom to success and power. It wasn't an easy path but I needed to do it. For me, my father, my siblings and my kingdom. "And my mother" Said a voice in my head.A lump formed in my throat, but I pushed it back down, I can't afford to be weak. "She would hate what you have become" the same nagging voice whispered in my head. "Stop" I told myself fiercely , "She's dead, who cares about what she would think of you." worry and dread coursed its way through my head like a flowing river. Suddenly the door to my room was slammed open. There stood Fidel, the second in command after me in the army. "Is there something wrong?" I spoke calmly ,my voice controlled, no hint of the weaknesses and anxiousness I felt in my tone. He smirked cruelly , "My lord, King Blake has ordered an attack." He spoke elegantly. My mouth curved to form a toothy grin. All the worry from before vanished, here I was, back to doing what I excelled at. "Who are we attacking Fidel?" I asked excitedly . "We are attacking the kingdom of light my lord." he spoke his smirk widening . "Well what are we waiting for, assemble the army, we need to plan !" I exclaimed happily. "Not so fast my lord, the king needs a word with you in private first," he murmured. I swallowed . A private word with father never ended well. They usually ended in yelling or screaming and dramatic exits. I stepped out into the hallway filled with pictures of dead warriors. I found my siblings, Layla and Liam out there as well with grim expressions on their faces. " Private word with father?" I asked nervously , they nodded dejectedly . Together we made our way to the grand throne room. The grand throne room was as big as a whole ballroom, it was mostly empty except for the 5 thrones forming a u-shape at the end of the room. We moved towards our father, our legs trembling. "Father" I spoke looking down, my siblings followed my action. He looked down upon us. When he spoke his voice was shrill and eerie , " The omnis potentia is found" he murmured. My Jaw dropped, before I can react my father spoke again, " It is rumored to be in the kingdom of light, attack the kingdom, trap king Abner, infiltrate the palace, interrogate the princess and GET THE JEWEL! NOW BE GONE!" He hollered . I flinched, I needed to succeeded, I needed to get the jewel, maybe that way my father will be proud for once. We trotted out of the throne room , meeting with the rest of the army outside the palace. I clenched my jaw, I could do this, I needed to do this. we made our way to the glittering palace on the other side of the bridge. Fidel looked at me pointedly. I nodded back at him, I knew the plan. They attack and infiltrate, we find the princess. I looked at my siblings. Layla's face glowed in the moonlight, I tried to look for signs of confidence but all I saw was fear. I squeezed her arm, she smiled at me boldly. I looked at Liam, he was trembling. Hard. I put a hand on his shoulder, he smiled at me gratefully. A battle cry arose from the army and they charged. We made our way into the palace, floor by floor, looking for the princess. We heard a door slamming and we ran towards the noise. When we reached the doorway we found 2 girls. One with long brown hair tied up into a ponytail, her face contorted with fear. The other girl had long strawberry blonde hair and ice blue eyes. On her head lay a glittering tiara. We found her. I spoke in my crispy accent, "Hello there little princess ," I murmured in a mocking tone, "It's a pleasure to meet you.
Chapter 3- Liam
I was a pawn on a chess board, every move controlled and watched, I was never free, and It was all because of my father, king Blake.
I was so sick of it . I just wanted a normal happy family. I was tired of being controlled. I just wish my mother never died, she was the only one who understood me and was there for me , unlike everyone else. I also wish she was here because she was the only one who could calm father down. Ever since she died he would take out all his anger on me and my siblings, mostly me though. I mean there is no need to lie, I'm obviously his least favorite compared to my siblings. And I don't blame him for hating me, I'm so pathetic compared to them. Abnus is about to be the 'Principe Delle Tenebre' and Layla is the smartest and wittiest person I know. And me? I'm nothing. I'm just a pathetic coward who can't even spark a flame . Just a disgrace to the family name . I sighed loudly, glancing through the window in my room. I was caught by surprise when Elvin, an extremely noble knight came into my room. I frowned at him quizzically, why'd he enter my room, we all know I'm not knight material. "The king has ordered an attack and you're needed," He informed me. I blinked at him. A billion thoughts flooded my brain, me? attack? how? when? where? but the one I said was "Why me?" I questioned , he shrugged helplessly . I sighed to myself. "Also, you father wants a word in private ," He spoke, a look of pity on his face. I nodded grimly, this was going to end very badly. I exited the room onto the hallway with some dead dudes. I saw my Layla and Abnus out here as well. Of course, Mrs. and Mr. perfect I thought bitterly. " Private word with father?" Abnus asked nervously , Layla and I nodded dejectedly . Together we made our way to the grand throne room. The grand throne room was as big as a whole ballroom, it was mostly empty except for the 5 thrones forming a u-shape at the end of the room. We moved towards our father, our legs trembling. "Father" Abnus spoke, In a bold tone looking down, me and Layla followed his action. He looked down upon us. When he spoke his voice was shrill and eerie , " The omnis potentia is found" he murmured. My eyes popped out , before I can react my father spoke again, " It is rumored to be in the kingdom of light, attack the kingdom, trap king Abner, infiltrate the palace, interrogate the princess and GET THE JEWEL! NOW BE GONE!" He hollered . I trembled. I was terrified. I didn't want to attack anyone, this was wrong. so wrong. But I obliged sensing defeat. We trotted out of the throne room , meeting with the rest of the army outside the palace. I clenched my fist, my knuckles turning white. I breathed heavily, "Come on Liam, Its not that hard to attack," I told myself sternly. We made our way to the glittering palace on the other side of the bridge. I knew the plan, It was simple. They attack and infiltrate, we find the princess. I looked at my siblings. Abnus' face was determined and bold, no sign of fear. Layla's face glowed in the moonlight, she looked brave, at least more than me. Abnus' hand clamped my shoulder. I smiled gratefully at him. A battle cry arose from the army and they charged. We made our way into the palace, floor by floor, looking for the princess. We heard a door slamming and we ran towards the noise. When we reached the doorway we found 2 girls. One with long brown hair tied up into a ponytail, her face contorted with fear. The other girl had long strawberry blonde hair and ice blue eyes. On her head lay a glittering tiara. We found her. Abnus spoke in his crispy accent, "Hello there little princess ," he murmured in a mocking tone, "It's a pleasure to meet you.
Chapter 4- Elaine
I stood there, shell-shocked. Millions of thoughts erupted in my mind. Who are they? What are they doing here? What do they want? Why did they come to me? Myice blue eyes met the dark black ones. The boy in the middle's eyes shot daggers unto mine. I shrank away from his piercing gaze. Millie ran out sobbing. A sudden thought hit me. If they caught me then what happened to my Father and his knights ? I shuddered, a lump forming in my throat. They weren't dead, right? I felt my heart drumming like crazy. I couldn't think. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move. My mind was a waterfall of thoughts, drowning out any other noise. Tears threatened to spill. I mean sure my father was over-protective and cold but he was my dad. I loved him. He was the only family I have left. I couldn't lose him, I can't. My vision blurred and my head throbbed. I took a deep breath. "Come on Elaine, stop being so weak!" I thought to myself angrily. I gathered my courage and faced the trio. When I spoke my voice was barely audible , "Who are you and what did you do to my dad!?" I half yelled, half croaked. The boy in the middle grinned cruelly at the sound of fear in my voice . "There there little princess , no need to be so hysterical," He mocked, "Your father is safe, but he won't be if you don't cooperate," He snarled coldly. I swallowed the lump in my throat . I looked into his dark mysterious eyes. No hint of emotion within them. "What do you want from me?" I asked, I needed me dad back, I didn't care what they wanted I just needed him back. " The Omnis Potentia , where is it?" He thundered. The omnis potentia? wasn't it lost ? And why are they asking me? how should I know? I thought anxiously . "I don't have the Omnis Potentia, and I don't know where it is." I replied flatly. The boy clenched his jaw. His eyes bore such a murderous glare that I stepped back. In a flash I was pinned against the wall, his hand clutching my neck, cutting the oxygen. "I ..I s..swear I d..don't k..know w..where is," I choked, gasping for air. His grip tightened around my neck. "STOP ABNUS, RELEASE HER, YOU'RE GOING TO KILL HER!" Yelled the girl angrily. He released me, and I feel on my knees taking grateful big gulps of air . He grabbed me from my arm, "Just because I released you doesn't mean I'm going to be merciless with you," he whispered in a steely voice, "Get up!" he spat. I scrambled to my feet hastily. The girl put a hand on the boy, Abnus' shoulder, "Why don't you let me do the talking? You and Liam can explore the castle," She told him gently. He nodded, shot me one more death glare and stormed out, Liam, the blonde dude followed him outside. I was left alone with the girl. I studied the floor, unsure of what to do. She did a full 360 turn around me then lifted up my chin so I could face her. Her emerald green eyes were far more gentle than Abnus' , she smiled at me kindly. "I'm not going to hurt you," She spoke, breaking the silence, "I'm Layla, I'm sorry about the way my brother Abnus treated you, he is usually kinder, he is just stressed," she assured. "I'm Elaine," I said, "and I have no idea where the Omnis Potentia is or how it even looks like," I added. "I know, I believe you, but the question here is how to get it." she spoke. "Why do you even want it? I mean no offense but you guys don't look older than 18, why would you want such a jewel ? what made you think I have it?" I questioned. She let out a long sigh, "We don't want it," she muttered. I stared at her quizzically. "No, I mean our father, king Blake ordered us to attack and interrogate you, he said he heard some rumor that the omnis potentia is here and that you have answers. Kind of pathetic if you ask me, I mean he just assumed all that and asked us to attack and interrogate without any proof. So ridiculous ,everything anyone wants is power nowadays, I just wish it was back to the days when this was one big happy kingdom, not this," she uttered disgustedly . I nodded in agreement. That was one of my wishes as well. I grew up hearing stories about how the kingdom Regnum Lucis et Tenebrarum was the strongest, united and most powerful kingdom in the land of Potens Energia. I heard stories about the magic and powers we had. How our ancestors had extraordinary abilities. How they all worked in unison. No wars, no fights, no pain and no divisions. It all ended because of some selfish act On January 25th. That is what I'd call pathetic. Give all the happiness and power away because someone wanted more control was just ridiculous. But what still intrigues me into reading about our history is the mystery. On January 25th the jewel was hit by a steel blade which made it explode and demolish anything within 800 square feet. But in truth no one knew who hit it, both kings had steel blades and both were greedy, so until today people still made up theories about which kingdom was the reason we were divided . Many suspected the dark because they thought they were evil, but I disagreed. Just because they controlled darkness doesn't make them evil. But another mystery now one focuses on is why the jewel exploded? why did it disappear? how did it disappear? how can a 2600 kilogram jewel disappear into thin air ? I guess we'll never know. I looked up at Layla, "What are you going to do now?" I asked. She sighed again, "I have no idea, but if we don't find the jewel.." Before she can continue the sentence the boys burst into the room. "We have a lead!" Abnus announced. His eyes wondered across the room, finally landing onto mine. He smirked, "Thank your maid for us will you," He whistled, "She's been a great help to us."
Chapter 5- Abnus
I wanted torture the answers out of that princess. I probably would if Layla wasn't there. Argh. Why was she being so kind with the enemy! I wanted to punch everything and burn down the castle until I found the Omnis Potentia. If I didn't find it my father will surely send a reaper after me. I couldn't fail. I was walking fast and accidently bumped into a someone. I was about to apologize when I saw she was the girl I saw with that princess . I glared at her , clenching my jaw . She trembled her eyes shining with fear. "I..I'm s..s..sorry m..my l...l..lord," she stuttered . I was about to lash at her when Liam put a hand on my shoulder calming me down. My gaze softened by half a degree. I studied her. She had long light brown hair which was tied up in a ponytail. Her eyes were amber and sparkling. Her face was pale white, worry lines splashed on her forehead. I took a breath, there was no reason to be mad at her, unlike that princess. Then an idea formed in my mind. "Do you know anything about the Omnis Potentia?" I asked. She shook her head but the lie was clear in her eyes. "Don't lie, I know that you know something about it." I growled. She shook again but spoke in a clear voice, "I've been here for almost 20 years, I've heard many rumors that the king has it hidden here in his chamber. I never found out if that rumor was true , no one was allowed in his chamber, but I believe the rumor is true, I mean why wouldn't he allow anyone there if he isn't hiding anything? That's all I know, so please don't ask me anything else," She confessed. My mind twirled with theories and I can practically hear the gears turning in Liam's mind. "Do you know where his chamber is?" Liam asked . She nodded. I grinned happily , now my dad won't send a reaper after me! I think. I was about to leave when Liam nudged me, "What?" I asked annoyed. He looked pointedly at her. I rolled my eyes, "Thanks for the help," I uttered disgustedly. We then made our way to that princess' room. We burst into the room. "We have a lead!" I announced. My eyes wondered across the room, finally landing onto that princess'. I smirked, "Thank your maid for us will you," I whistled, "She's been a great help to us." She stared at me , turning pale. Her jaw dropped fear shining in her eyes. "Close that mouth of yours. The flies with fly in," I mocked. She shut her mouth close. She scrunched her eyebrows at me angrily," Why do you hate me so much, I don't even know you!" she shouted . "You don't have to know me, your from the opposite kingdom," I replied flatly. "So! that doesn't make me automatically your number one enemy!" she exclaimed . "It does actually! you and your people are the reason our kingdom has a bad reputation! 'dark is evil' , dark sucks' meanwhile your kingdom is all sunshine and rainbows!" I yelled back . "First off I don't agree with those rumors nor did I start them, second its not like you guys are making it easy to believe your angles, you are just proving them right!" she lashed back. I was about to retort when Layla stood in our way, "Cut it out! Stop bickering like cats and dogs! We both want to find the Jewel so can't we just work together for a bit! We get the jewel we leave in peace so enough! Lets work together and stop wasting time! Bickering won't help find the jewel!" Layla shrieked sternly shutting us up. "So can we work together?" she asked. We nodded dejectedly and shook each other's hands. Her hand was warm and soft unlike my cold rough hand. We then made our way outside Millie leading the way to the chamber. When we reached the door was locked. "Do you know the pin , princess?" I questioned. She rolled her eyes at me and typed the pin. The doors creaked open leading into a long hallway led by tiny candles. We scurried along the hallway When we reached the end there was a glass case covering a pillar, big enough to hold the Omnis Potentia but instead of a jewel there was nothing. I glared at the empty space perplexed and angry . "Where is it!" I growled like a wild animal. "Would you stop growling at all of, does it look like we know!" the princess snapped. I glared at her. I was about to snap back when Layla glared at me pointedly. I scowled at them. I took a step forward approaching the glass case when a screeching noise erupted from everywhere. I was about to run when the princess shrieked "Don't move or we'll explode !" I stared at her flabbergasted. She glared at the floor underneath my foot. There was a red square beeping. I had triggered a bomb.
Chapter 6- Abnus
Okay, that's it, I've reached my terror limit. From almost getting skewered by father, to the people I keep seeing lying dead in a pool of their own blood, to being stuck in a creepy chamber and now I triggered a bomb, so one move and we are shish kebab. My mind was like, "Okay, that's it. I can't be any more terrified than I already am." I felt so pathetic compared to everyone else. Even that princess was braver than me. I've never felt more useless . Now I'm just standing here gaping like an idiot doing nothing. I was panicking, I don't think I've ever been this scared. Liam was frozen with his hand clamped on his mouth. Layla was looking around frantically, her mind probably going 1 billion thoughts per second. Mean while that princess was scowling at me, deep in thought. "Shut up and stop panicking! " that princess snapped , shutting me up. "I have an idea," she said I'll be right back." "I'm not going anywhere," I groaned. She bolted out leaving us alone. The bomb was beeping even louder now. I started to panic again. "Where the hell are you princess!" I yelled, petrified . "Oh would you shut up and stop whining I'm right here," she muttered, emerging from the door with 2 weird looking objects in her hands. "And you call me a coward," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. I scowled at her, "Just hurry up with whatever you're going to do," I growled. She knelt down Infront of me, putting the 2 objects an inch away from my foot. "Now I'm going to need you to do whatever I say calmly. Unless you want to blow of your foot and my face which I do not recommend," she thundered. I nodded at her. I was too scared to argue. "Okay now I'm going to need you to move your foot 1 inch, very fast so I can disable the bomb, " She spoke quickly and seriously. I looked at her like she had grown another eye. "Trust me, okay?" she said, "I won't get you killed, I promise," she soothed. I met her eyes. Her eyes were sparkling , filled with determination, unlike mine, which were filled with fear. I nodded at her and took a deep breath. I shut my eyes tight and moved my foot an inch as fast as I could. I heard a click and deep sigh of relief. "You can remove your foot now," the princess reassured me. I couldn't . I was paralyzed in horror. "Hey. Open your eyes Abnus, look at me," she ordered, snapping her fingers. I opened my eyes , she was standing in front of me with a hand on my shoulder. "You're fine, It's not going to erupt. " she consoled but I was still frozen. "You know if it erupts its going to take me out too, so maybe It's a bit worth it for you," she smiled. I smiled back, "I never really wanted to hurt you. I just wanted to find the jewel," I replied. She scoffed, "Sure, now remove your foot so we can get out of here." I swallowed the lump in my throat and breathed heavily. The room spun as I removed me foot. I swallowed in relief . The princess was right. I didn't burst into flames. " See, I was right. You didn't die," she gloated . I smirked, "Well maybe you were right," I admitted. "Thanks for saving me I guess" She grinned , satisfied. "Let's start over," I say, "I'm Abnus, pleased to meet you," I said, extending my hand. She rolled her eyes but grasped it. "I'm Elaine, It's a pleasure to meet you," she replied. We smiled, meeting each other's eyes. "Oh get a room you two!" mocked Layla smirking. We blushed letting go . "You know, it's great we are all friends and that we didn't explode but we still don't know where the jewel is, and father is going to murder us if we don't find it," Interrupted Liam worriedly. I frowned , I almost forgot about the jewel. "You're right, we still need to find it," I sighed. I looked at Millie, who was so silent I thought she left. "Do you have any idea where it could be other than here," I asked. She shook her head violently. I looked down dejectedly. "Why don't we go up, maybe when we are out of here we think clearly," suggested Elaine. We nodded and made our way up . When Elaine entered her room she screamed. We ran in to see why she screamed and I almost threw up. There was dead guard lying in a pool of his blood on her bed. His eyes unblinking , his face contorted in fear, his mouth forming a silent O . "Jason," croaked Elaine, tears streaming down her face. "Why!" she wailed , her eyes glinting murderously . "Who. Did. This!" she growled