Shadow & Dawn - Rise of The Faden

The next day, the kingdom received an invitation to a royal wedding. Queen Riva, dressed in the most exquisite velvet gown and adorned with a necklace featuring seven of the world’s most precious jewels, descended the grand staircase of her hallway to her throne room.

She looked more beautiful and younger than ever, even more so than she had ever before. Her transformation was complete, and her newfound youth and beauty only highlighted the dark triumph in her eyes.

Asmodeus watched in amazement as he rushed toward the stairs and extended his hand toward Riva. She blushed, lowering her gaze as she reached out to hold his hand.

With a gentle kiss on the back of her hand, Asmodeus led her toward the throne, their steps echoing in the grand hall. They exchanged vows, the room filled with anticipation. When the moment came for their kiss, Riva paused, tears cascading down her cheeks.

“I have waited my whole life for this day,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion. “I had to be with someone I never loved, suffering each day since you were gone. But I don’t have to suffer anymore. You are mine, finally! I give you my everything—my love, my life, myself, and most importantly, my kingdom!”

She extended her hand toward her advisor, who stepped forward with a set of documents. They bore the signatures of every council member, along with Riva’s own.

Holding the documents high, she declared, “I hereby proclaim my dear husband, King Asmodeus, to be the only rightful King to the throne of Elementia!” Her voice rang out, clear and loud.

Asmodeus cupped her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. The entire throne room erupted with applause and joyous screams. As they remained locked in their embrace, shadows began to creep along the walls. A loud, howling wind surrounded the room, extinguishing the candles. Queen Riva’s complexion turned pale. Breaking the kiss, she whispered, “I can’t breathe!” Her face reddened with suffocation, her hands hanging limp at her sides.

She collapsed to her knees, Asmodeus still holding her face. "My beloved Riva, what is happening to you?" he cried, panic in his voice. Turning to the crowd, he yelled, “Someone call a healer!” Then, with a sudden act of gasp, he covered his mouth “Uh-oh, the only healer is dead!” A cruel smile twisted his lips as he broke into a chuckle, tears of mockery glistening in his eyes.

The room fell silent, the air thick with dread. Asmodeus’ laughter echoed, a chilling reminder of the darkness that now ruled over Elementia. The shadows on the walls seemed to grow thicker, more oppressive, as if feeding on the despair of the assembled court.

"Someone forgot to mention to the Queen that light and darkness cannot coexist. To stay alive, one must consume the other!" Asmodeus' cackles were bone-chilling, sending shivers down the spines of all who heard. Terror filled the room, but those loyal to him wore expressions of grim satisfaction.

Asmodeus extended his hand toward Berenice, who eagerly took it. She moved close to him, placing her hand on his chest, and smiled. "Now you understand why I saved you from Patriarch that day," she said, her voice dripping with evil. Turning her gaze to the crumpled form of Queen Riva, she grinned with a twisted delight. "It's so good to see you kneeling before me!"

"But I became a murderer for you," Queen Riva sobbed, her face contorted with grief. "I sacrificed my daughter to let you walk this earth once again!" Her eyebrows furrowed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Did I tell you to do that?" Asmodeus squinted, faking innocence as he walked slowly in front of his people. "You said you loved me!" Queen Riva's voice disappeared into a faint whisper, filled with heartbreak.

"Yes, I did," Asmodeus replied with a casual shrug. "But you know, I can't keep loving the same thing for decades! That's boring! I would rather stay in Oblivion than be committed to one person for all eternity!" He turned his back on her, his disgust and annoyance evident. "You should be thankful, Riva! Just because I end your suffering today, you don't have to get blood on your hands anymore." He chuckled, a dark, mocking sound.

Desperation and rage filled Queen Riva’s eyes as she extended her hand toward Asmodeus, attempting to use her power. But instead of him being harmed, cracks began to appear on her own skin. Flames erupted through these cracks, and the room watched in horror as she was consumed by fire from within. Her organs began to burn, and her screams of agony filled the air.

"My dear Riva! I forgive you for this treachery against the only rightful King of Elementia, simply because I do not wish to hold any grudges against you!” Asmodeus's voice was a mockery of dramatic forgiveness, echoing through the grand hall.

“With that kiss, I gifted you my darkness to create a new element—one that can produce hot cinders that will cool down someday. Maybe then, you will be put back together. But until that day…” He turned to his servants, his gaze cold and commanding. “Remove this garbage from my hall. I do not tolerate dirt and dust!”

Riva’s screams grew more agonizing until her final cry echoed through the chamber. She exploded, leaving behind only smoke and the bitter smell of burned coals. The room fell silent, the courtiers staring in horror at the aftermath.

“If any of you wish to thank me for ending the reign of an evil queen in the Kingdom of Elementia, you may kneel!” Asmodeus's voice boomed. Within moments, everyone in the room knelt, some out of fear, others with a twisted sense of pride.

The darkness enveloped the room, an oppressive presence that seemed to flow into every corner. With a wave of his fingers, Asmodeus lit the candles again, but their glow was now pale and sickening. “I hold power over both light and darkness now!” he declared, his voice filled with a chilling authority as he seated himself on the throne.

Beside him, Berenice sat, her eyes gleaming with triumph. But Asmodeus did not like her overconfidence. He glared at her, snapping his fingers to command her to stand. She rose quickly, but Asmodeus gestured for her to lean down. As she did, he slapped her hard across the face. The sound echoed through the hall, a sharp crack that sent a shiver through everyone present.