The Devil's Cursed Witch

Since Erlos was still in Ronan, when Morpheus arrived at the palace, he went straightway to the King's study. If he had come earlier, he would have returned empty-handed since the King of Agartha was not in the palace, but fortunately, he came with perfect timing. It just so happened that Draven had also just recently returned from a trip outside of Agartha. One could even see the dust on his boots and outer coat.

When Morpheus opened the door of the King's study, Draven was not surprised, calmly waiting for the eagle as he had already sensed his arrival. Seeing his travel-worn appearance, Morpheus raised a brow.

"Seems like, at least this time, you have returned with something useful about my sister," Morpheus commented as he walked inside as if he was the owner of the place.

Draven was standing by his desk, gazing down at the object he brought back with him from outside. Morpheus's gaze was similarly fixed on that shiny object placed on the table. With a few quick steps, he was directly in front of the desk, and picked it up with a look of disbelief and pleasant surprise in his shaking eyes.

A feather.

A golden feather.

An eagle's golden feather.

It was small, somewhat withered, but from the weak traces of magic, he knew who it could belong to. There was turmoil in his mind but he acted calm. "Did you bring it with you from the other side of the continent?"

"Hmm," was what Draven said, and walked to the other side of the desk to sit on his chair. Using his powers to teleport was part of his daily routine, but to use it repeatedly on such long distances covering half the continent for several days finally took a toll on him. He had exhausted too much of his energy, and it was visible in his tired-looking eyes.

"Myra's, right?" Morpheus could not construct any more words.

"Only proves Zaria has a Divine Golden Eagle in captivity. If there are no other living golden eagles, then if that is not Aureus', that means it's indeed Myra's feather," Draven replied calmly.

Morpheus further observed that small golden feather with a heavy heart as he mumbled, "This?" He rubbed tiny red dirt on the tip of the feather with his fingers as anger rose inside him. "Dried blood?"

Both men knew that if a divine beast were taken prisoner by a Black Witch, the chances of death weren't low, and to be simply injured was already a fortunate thing. But, neither of them wanted to imagine any harm happening to Myra. Draven chose not to say anything more as it would only be painful to listen.

"Where did you get it?" Morpheus asked and then stared at Draven. Now that he took time to observe, Draven had the smell of blood coming off his body. "Did you discover their hiding place? Did you catch anyone from their group?"

"I killed a wizard," he admitted. "Sooner or later, they will find out about his disappearance."

"What! That wasn't what we planned!" Morpheus felt panicked inside. "Shouldn't you be only investigating? Why did you fight? What if they suspect you are pursuing them and run away? What if we cannot find Myra?"

"We have time," Draven responded the composure in his voice a direct contrast to Morpheus. "Zaria Lynx is in Thevailes, her hands full with the impending war with Megaris. By the time they find out about that wizard, our preparations are complete. And about that plan, I am scrapping it. We must separate Myra from that witch as soon as possible."

Morpheus was relieved to hear this, but he could not help but ask, "No longer waiting for the King of Megaris?"

Draven shook his head. "We do not know when the King of Megaris would be available. There is no use in waiting. We have to get her back even if it's just one second earlier. I don't wish to let her suffer more."

Though Morpheus approved of this new plan, he could not help but look at the red-eyed man with a doubtful gaze. "Are you sure that is the only reason? You are the kind who never changes his decision once made and that too without having a proper plan."

"I simply don't wish to let her continue suffering," Draven answered as he closed his eyes.

As much as Morpheus worried for his sister, he felt something was troubling Draven as well. "Did something happen?"

"Hmm." Draven nodded.

"What? You can tell me."

"I wish to go to my mate but you are keeping me here," Draven replied with a sigh.

"Are you trying to change the topic?"

"I don't need to," Draven replied calmly. "My mate is in her fertile days and you know I should be with her."

Morpheus understood Draven didn't want to tell the truth and he could not get it out from him if he didn't wish to. As long as he brought Myra back or let him save his sister, it was enough for him.

"You can go to your mate after I finish what I am here for."

"What is it?" Draven asked as he opened his eyes to stare at the shapeshifter standing in front of his desk.

Morpheus put his hand forward and Draven saw the familiar thing appearing on his hand. The seal of the commander of warriors. He put it on Draven's desk.

"I want to resume all of my responsibilities as the Commander of Warriors."

"May I know why all of a sudden this change and realization of your responsibilities, Commander of Warriors?" Draven asked as he was surprised.

In the last hundred years, whatever happened, Morpheus never demanded to resume his responsibilities entirely as he only meddled if there was something urgent and needed his attention.

"You can say after a gap of hundred years, I am suddenly tempted to get everything back which belongs to me."

"Are you sure it is the reason?" Draven offered him a doubtful gaze.

He chuckled, "What more can be there? Soon my sister will be back and if she sees me as an idler, she will be disappointed. Also, I need to set a good example for my Nephew who will be the King of my Clan. He should see how responsible and worthy our clan is."

Draven simply looked at him as he was yet to agree to his demand.

"Fine, let me tell you the real reason," Morpheus said under that doubtful gaze from the King. "The truth is I want you to only focus on finding my sister and not be diverted by anything. Whether you agree to it or not, you know this seal still allows me to take control over all of my responsibilities which include handling the matters related to the safety of this kingdom and everyone has to follow my orders when it concern safety. The day of mourning is on the door and we have to maintain strict security at the border and inside the kingdom. While doing so, I will be able to train Aureus as well and he will understand more about this kingdom."

Morpheus finally stopped and looked at the idle red-eyed king, "Did you get it or do you want me to say more."

"No need." Draven agreed and Morpheus felt relieved inside.

"From tomorrow I will handle everything you have been looking after. You don't have to worry about anything. Just be a good king and do your things," Morpheus said as he picked up his seal and walked towards the door to go out only to hear Draven.

"Are you coming from Leeora's place?"

Morpheus sighed, 'This Dragon surely smelled herbs on me.' He turned to look at Draven, "Whatever it is, the thing that I am taking my responsibilities back and you have to listen to me as well, it won't change."

Draven didn't comment as he saw Morpheus leaving. Draven could guess what was going on but he decided to go along. Morpheus being ready to take his responsibilities was a good thing.

There were so many things going on in his mind at this moment as he needed to fix so many things before the mourning day...before that vision Leeora and Cornelia had, would come true.

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