Dance of light and darkness E-Book

Lyra Hansen

• Herausgeber: novum publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 330

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Shadows loom over the peaceful and gentle realm of Aurathorn: Malakar, the dark mage, is plotting revenge against the light, and his goal is to cast the world into darkness. But his own power is too little, so he casts a terrible spell to summon Karcynthus, one of the dark realm's most feared demons. With his arsenal, they taint the blood of King Cedric's daughter, Princess Seraphine, with darkness to win the battle against the Light by turning her to their side. But their plan is flawed: they fail to take into account the fact that the pro-light side is gaining powerful allies, and the princess is not quite who they think she is. A girl at war with herself, a pro-Darkness general, the survivors of destroyed villages... Will all this power be enough to break the three evil seals of Malakar and save the world from the all-destroying evil of the Darkness? Find out in Lyra Hansen's captivating mystical adventure novel.

Leseprobe

Foreword

" Hope is born in the light of the silver moon,

Who carries the balance of light and darkness.

The days of peace end with dark storms,

And the shadows of the past come to life again.

The power of darkness is powered by a sorcerer,

Who longs for immortality.

In the depths of his heart burns eternal passion,

But he chooses the path of the victim.

The royal blood holds the key,

To break all curses and curses.

Three seals, three tests,

Only a brave soul can stand.

The last battle between glory and sorrow,

A sacrifice brings peace.

But the light is not completely lost,

New life is emerging from the depths of darkness."

- Ancient prophecy -

Prologue

Our story begins in the kingdom of Aurathorn, which is sleeping peacefully under the dark night sky.

At the heart of the realm stood Radiance Castle, its towers glowing with a cold silvery light, as if sentinels stood watch over the sleeping realm. King Cedric looked out over the landscape from the balcony, his heart full of anxiety. His reign so far had been long and fruitful, almost suggesting that the idyllic world could never end. But the shadow of an old prophecy always lingered, that a child born on the full moon would decide the fate of the world. To this day, he hoped with all his heart that it would not be his child the prophecy was about. Seventeen years ago, he was born on a full moon night just like tonight.

According to ancient legends, the darkness never completely disappears; it just sleeps, waiting for the right moment to rise again and try to destroy the world again and again. Meanwhile, somewhere deep in the dark woods of the Forbidden Realm, in an abandoned castle, the exiled sorcerer Malakar was plotting his evil plans. His unquenchable lust for power had been rekindled, and his dark rituals brought him ever closer to his goal: immortality.

On this night, Kachynthus the demon once again crossed the thin barrier separating the worlds, his curses and spells slowly seeping beyond the borders of the Forbidden Lands, bringing with them a palpable tension. In the darkness of night, the bitter sorcerer summoned the creature, the embodiment of despair and suffering, to find an ally. That night, the demon's roar shook the earth and a wave of darkness moved towards the heart of the kingdom.

Deep in his soul, King Cedric felt the ominous wind of impending doom. He was determined to defy the darkness at any cost. He knew that sacrifices would have to be made to preserve peace, and that hope could only live on if he and all the warriors of his people stood against evil with courage and determination.

But the king's worries that night were not only fuelled by external threats, but by concern for his child. He and Queen Isabella still vividly remembered that special night seventeen years ago, which brought them both joy and fear. It was the night of Princess Seraphine's birth, when fate took a new turn and magic was torn in two.

Seventeen years ago, on a particularly stormy night, Queen Isabella went into labour. The sky thundered and lightning crackled as if the elements were involved in bringing the child into the world. The palace doctors and midwives watched anxiously as King Cedric paced the corridors in worry. The whole kingdom was anxiously awaiting the birth of the heir. But dark clouds cast an ominous shadow over their joy. No one knew that another magical child was born that night in the heart of the Forbidden Kingdom.

When both children were finally born, the storm calmed down. The moonlight broke through the clouds as if nature itself was welcoming the newborns.

Princess Seraphine's cries broke the silence, and a new flame of hope was kindled in King Cedric's heart. Queen Isabella held the child in her arms, and both felt that Seraphine was destined for a special destiny.

That night, however, it was not only the kingdom that rejoiced. The ancient prophecy that had haunted the royal family for centuries spoke of a child who would save the kingdom from the greatest threat of darkness. King Cedric and Queen Isabella knew that their daughter would not only be a source of joy, but also of hope at a time when darkness would threaten again.

Thus began the greatest test of the kingdom of Aurathorn, where light and darkness began their final dance, and where courage and the power of faith decided the fate of the realm. The birth of Princess Seraphine brought not only new life, but new hope for the kingdom. The other child was forgotten in a realm where only pain and destruction existed.

Chapter 1

The Kingdom of Light

The kingdom of Aurathorn was like a vivid tapestry woven together by the threads of nature and community. Each day began with the song of birds and the soft rustle of leaves. Nestled between rolling hills and emerald forests, the land radiated enchanting beauty and boundless happiness.

In the heart of the kingdom stood the magnificent Radiance Castle, a symbol of prosperity and harmony. Its ivory stone towers reached skywards and its walls were decorated with intricate carvings that told the rich history of Aurathorn. Scenes of valiant knights and graceful maidens danced on the stones, their figures frozen in time, to the admiration of all.

The royal family was the embodiment of grace, wisdom and nobility. King Cedric was revered for his strength, integrity and commitment to his people. His decisions were guided by a deep sense of duty and compassion. His silvery hair and bright eyes, shining with wisdom, were the hallmarks of royalty.

Next to her stood Queen Isabella, the epitome of elegance and grace. Her beauty was timeless, her dark hair always tied up and her brown eyes shining like amber against her snow-white skin, but what made her truly special was her inner strength and her unwavering support for her husband and her kingdom. Her heart was as vast as the ocean and her soul as gentle as the breeze.

Finally there was Princess Seraphine, the jewel in Aurathorn's crown. Her long blonde hair, emerald green eyes and slender frame were the envy of far and wide, and many saw her as the embodiment of the gods. With her radiant smile and compassionate spirit, she was the embodiment of all that the kingdom valued. His kindness and empathy won the hearts of his people. As the only child of King Cedric and Queen Isabella, Seraphine was heir to the throne, but she bore the burden with humility and grace. She spent her days immersed in the affairs of the kingdom, her gentle touch and wise counsel inspiring respect and admiration in all who met her.

The people of Aurathorn adored their princess because wherever she went, she brought joy and light. The kingdom flourished under her rule and that of her family, and prosperity bloomed like spring flowers. It was a harmonious and happy time that seemed to last for ever. Together, the royal family of Aurathorn was a symbol of hope and unity in an uncertain world. Their bond was forged not only by blood, but also by love, respect and a shared commitment to the well-being of their kingdom and their people.

One morning King Cedric and Queen Isabella were walking in the castle gardens, where Princess Seraphine was playing among the flowers. Cedric stopped and smiled at his daughter.

- Look, Isabella, how happy Seraphine is! 'As if every little part of our world were a miracle to her,' said King Cedric.

Queen Isabella became emotional as she stepped closer.

- Yes, dear. Our daughter's heart is full of love. 'I hope she will always be so happy,' he said, and gently squeezed Cedric's hand.

Seraphine ran enthusiastically to her parents, a big smile on her face.

- Dad, Mom, look at these flowers! They are all so beautiful!

Cedric bent down so that his head was level with his daughter's and smiled, stroking Seraphine's head. - Yes, they are all special, just like you. Remember that beauty and kindness are always all around us.

Seraphine looked up at them with a smile.

- I promise, Dad, I will always remember that.

***

At the heart of the castle was the Great Hall, a vast chamber that was the centre of royal activity. Adorned with tapestries of natural beauty and mythical wonders, the chamber echoed with laughter and conversation on the dimmest of days as nobles and courtiers came to pay homage to their beloved princess. Behind the great hall were Princess Seraphine's private rooms, a sanctuary of warmth and comfort amidst the splendour of the castle. Her rooms were adorned with tapestries woven from the finest silks, their intricate designs reflecting the beauty of nature. In one corner of the room was a small, comfortable window nook, where Seraphine often lingered, immersed in the view of the realm she and her family loved so much.

Once a week, the royal family held a reception in the halls of Radiance Castle, where the people could come to pay their respects to the leaders or to air their grievances. The King and his family always conducted their affairs of state with wisdom and discretion, taking the smallest matters with due seriousness and care. Their presence brought stability and tranquillity to the kingdom, their unwavering commitment to the realm an inspiration to all who served under their banner. In the evenings, as the sun set over the kingdom of Aurathorn, it cast a golden glow over the land. It was then that the royal family would gaze out of their palace windows at the stunning sight, their hearts forever entwined with the fate of their beloved realm. Together they faced the challenge that lay ahead of them, guided by the principles of honour, compassion and love. For they were not only rulers, but custodians of a legacy that would endure for generations.

At the foot of the castle lay the town of Joya, which was the heart of the kingdom. The village life was vibrant and lively, with all members of the community taking part in daily activities and celebrations organised to mark the changes in the rhythm of nature and to pay homage to their gods. In the centre of the town was a large marketplace where local merchants offered their wares. The market was full of fresh fruits, vegetables, fragrant spices and handmade goods. The air was filled with the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries, and the buzz of the market, the shouts of the vendors and the laughter of the customers formed a harmonious cavalcade.

A middle-aged vendor called out with a big smile on his face in the bustle of the market:

- The latest apples are available here! - she said enthusiastically, her friendly face attracting customers from far and wide.

An elderly woman kindly called out to customers while offering golden bottles.

- Come and taste our honey! - she said with a smile and pride in her eyes.

The market square was surrounded by cobbled streets and simple, charming houses. The colourful facades and flowered window sills gave off a serene atmosphere. The gardens were filled with a variety of flowers, a colourful sight in all seasons.

The young woman, a little tired, turned to her neighbour with a basket of vegetables in her arms:

- Excuse me, can you help?

The elderly man smiled and kindly stood up from his flower garden.

- Of course, what? - he asked kindly.

***

The pride of the city was the shrine of Selara, the goddess of nature, which stood in the main square. Its tower could be seen from afar, and its bells called people daily to prayer and ceremonies. The interior of the chapel was simple, but full of freshly opened flowers, love and faith that held the community together.

- Remember how beautiful the Spring Festival was last year? - a young girl asked her friend as they walked past the chapel.

The boy smiled, a nostalgic expression on his face.

- Yes, I proposed that day," he said thoughtfully. - It was the best day of my life when you said yes. The ceremony, the fun, and the songs! It was all so moving! - she said as she re-lived the moments of the ceremony in her memory.

- "I hope Selara will not withdraw her favour and that we will continue to enjoy her gifts," she said, as she put her hand on his belly and smiled at him.

Meanwhile, a middle-aged woman was deep in thought, tying ribbons to the branches of a nearby tree.

- "I think this year's dance show will be even better than last year," she said hopefully.

The other woman looked proudly at her daughter, who was rehearsing a dance step.

- "Yes, my daughter has been practising for weeks," he replied with a smile.

During the festive season, the town came alive with dancing and singing in the main square, and the laughter of children could be heard far and wide. During the holidays, residents celebrated the seasons and nature's bounty together. During the Spring Festival, villagers decorated their homes with flowers and danced in the main square. At the Summer Festival, the best singers and dancers showcased their talents, markets offered special foods and people presented offerings to Zephyrion, the god of storms, to protect the crops. In the autumn, offerings were made to the goddess Mythness to bring change, and in the winter they prayed to the god Andoran for the souls of the departed and that the season would be kind to them.

Although Joya's life was always hectic, she never lacked love and care. Every day, the people of the town worked together in the nearby fields, tending their crops and animals and celebrating the bounty of the harvest. They took pride in the castle, knowing that the royal family was looking after them, while they also contributed to the prosperity of the kingdom through their hard work.

***

A young girl turned excitedly to her friend as they walked towards the market.

- Have you seen the new statue in the square? They say it was inspired by the princess.

His girlfriend looked at the statue in admiration.

- Yes, it is beautiful. How lucky we are to have such a ruler!" she replied with a smile.

The closeness and care of the royal family was felt every day in Joya. King Cedric and Queen Isabella and their daughter often visited the town to meet residents in person and listen to their concerns outside the court, creating a more personal connection with their subjects. An old woman stopped King Cedric in the market with tears in her eyes.

- Your Majesty, we are very grateful for the help after last year's floods. Without the workers and crops, we would not have survived.

King Cedric smiled warmly and patted her shoulder.

- It is my duty to help where I can. We're all one big family," he said in a friendly tone.

The children of the town were always excitedly awaiting the arrival of their princess, who always greeted them with sweets and entertained them with stories. On this day, as the sun's golden rays played on the cobblestones of the market square, Princess Seraphine once again smiled as she greeted the children, who quickly gathered around her and followed her to their usual place in the main square. Each time, the princess brought them a special story that both entertained and educated the children. On this day, she planned to tell a story about the origins of magic.

After he had distributed the sweets, he sat down under the big oak tree in the main square, the children all sat around him curiously, and he began his story. The princess's soft, velvety voice was soothing to them, and they listened to her every word with rapt attention.

- You know, my dears, the history of the Kingdom of Aurathorn is deeply rooted in the world of magic," began Princess Seraphine . - The magic that surrounds us comes from the gods and the demons, but that doesn't mean that one is all good and one is all evil. It's up to us humans to decide what we use it for. Selara, goddess of spring and nature; Zephirion, goddess of summer and storms; Mythness, goddess of autumn and change; and Andoran, god of winter, ice and passing. They gave us the cycles of nature and the seasons, the fertility of the land and the power of the weather.

The children looked at each other, and a little girl spoke excitedly:

- Selara, the goddess of spring? We worship her on spring festivals!

Seraphine nodded with a smile.

- Yes, exactly. Selara brings flowers and freshness to the fields. She is the one who breathes life into the plants, and her blessing ensures that new life springs up every spring. Selara brings the blooming meadows and fragrant gardens that make Aurathorn so special. It is to her that mothers pray for the blessing of children and that their children may be born healthy. She is said to appear often with sick babies to heal them, and many miracles are attributed to her.

A little boy cried out:

- And Zephirion? He's the god of storms, right?

Seraphine nodded, then continued:

- Yes, Zephirion is the god of summer storms. He ensures that there is enough rain to grow crops. He is the lord of storms and thunderstorms, and it is his fury that brings the rain. Zephyrion's thunderbolts ensure that the earth is fertile and the crops are plentiful.

Another little boy excitedly interjected:

- I once saw a huge bolt of lightning! Could it have been sent by Zephirion?

Seraphine smiled.

- It is possible that his power was manifested in that thunderbolt. Zephyrion often shows his power in summer storms. It is said that he values steadfast character, dedication, hard work and a strong warrior more than the use of magic, making his favour the hardest to earn.

The little boy interrupted again, excitedly:

- Is it possible that Captain Zephyr is really Zephirion?

- Our captain is undoubtedly a great warrior, but he is not the embodiment of Zephirion, he smiled as he thought of the captain he respected and loved as a second father. - He told me that his parents wanted him to be in the god of storms' good graces, so they named him after him, but as I said, Zephirion does not bestow his blessings easily. Regardless, the captain has become an exceptional warrior in his own right.

- "Our third deity is Mythness, the goddess of autumn," Seraphine continued the lecture, "She brings the changes. She paints the leaves gold and red; she is the one who ripens the harvest and marks the passing of time. Mythness helps to make the changing of the seasons seamless. It is said that his grace is the greatest, for he believes that everything and everyone changes and therefore everyone deserves another chance, no matter how great the sin they have committed.

A little girl looked up at Seraphine with admiration:

- And Andoran, the god of winter? Does he bring the snow?

Seraphine nodded.

- Yes, Andoran is the god of winter, ice and passing. He is the one who creates the snowflakes, and his frosty breath brings the silence of winter. Andoran ensures that nature rests and renews itself before Selara brings spring once again. It is also Andoran who guides the souls of our loved ones and judges them according to what he sees in them. A stern but just god. Never lie to him, for his eye sees all and will not tolerate injustice.

A little boy asked shyly:

- And what about the fifth god?

- It's just a rumour that there was once a fifth god, but there is no evidence to support it. There are no records of him in libraries, nor temples to prove that he existed. We don't know who he is or that he ever appeared in our world.

- And the demons? Are they here somewhere? - asked another small child in a hoarse voice.

Seraphine's face turned serious.

- Dark magic comes from demons. Even the smallest demon can give minor power to anyone who pays the price, but the real dark power comes from the four main demons. Barilion is the demon of deceit and lies, who misleads and deceives people, and is the one who spreads the most damning lies and destroys trust between people. Under Barilion's power, truth disappears and lies become reality.

A little boy asked curiously:

- How to spot Barilion's lies?

Seraphine nodded.

- Barilion's lies are always tempting and plausible, but if you listen carefully to the voice of your heart and seek the truth, you can spot them. The second demon, Manegard, is a master of destruction and ruin. He is the one who starts wars and destroys buildings. Manegard manifests himself through anger and violence and always leaves chaos in his wake.

Another little boy excitedly interjected:

- I saw a big fire once! Was that Manegard?

Seraphine replied thoughtfully:

- It is possible that Manegard had a hand in it. Where there is destruction and devastation, his power often manifests itself. Thomos, the third demon, represents treachery and evil. He is the one who turns people against each other, betrays friends, and corrupts the deepest trust. Under Thomos' power, people's hearts will be filled with suspicion and fear.

A little girl asked quietly:

- And Karcynthus? What does he do?

Seraphine's face fell.

- Carcynthus is the bringer of fear and darkness. He is the one who brings sickness and nightmares and strikes fear in the hearts of people. Karcynthus is the lord of darkness and shadows, and is always seeking to make people lose hope and courage.

The children listened to Seraphine's words in silence, deeply understanding in their hearts the demons' threat.

A curious little girl asked:

- And how can humans be able to control magic?

Seraphine breathed a sigh of relief that the conversation was moving to a lighter topic, and then continued:

- People can control magic in two ways. One way is by being blessed by the gods, or by allying with demons. The blessings of the gods are bestowed on those deemed worthy, while the demons seek those who desire power and are willing to do anything to get it. The other way is to be born with talent and develop it through hard work and practice. Such people usually gain followers to feed on their faith and thereby increase their power. Such people can learn and use magic on their own, but it is a long and difficult journey.

A little boy asked excitedly:

- Born with talent? Like Uncle Elysse the magician?

Seraphine nodded.

- Yes, Uncle Elysse is a good example. He developed his talent and gained followers to increase his power. He also taught me that the greatest power of magic lies in doing good to others. Love is the greatest magic. True magicians never use magic for selfish purposes, but always use their abilities for the good of the community.

Another little girl asked curiously:

- And how do magicians develop their talents?

Seraphine explained:

- Magicians study and practice for many years. They study spells, the forces of nature and ancient knowledge, but they are in a difficult position because so much of our knowledge has been lost in the dark ages for thousands of years They have the blessing of the gods to help them, but most of the work they have to do themselves. The support and faith of their followers.

also plays an important role in helping wizards develop their skills.

- What happened a thousand years ago? What was the dark ages like?" asked the little girl.

- We don't know. Very few records survive from those times. But the stories say that more and more demons crossed over to our world until it was thrown into chaos. We lost a lot of our technology and knowledge. Diseases ravaged and many people died. There is no record of what started it or what ended it. We can only hope that we are better than our ancestors and do not make their mistakes again.

A little boy asked quietly:

- And the demons? Are they here somewhere?

Seraphine replied with a serious face:

- Demons are always lurking in the darkness. The lesser ones can temporarily cross over to this world with human help, but the arch-demons are not known to have ever crossed the boundary between worlds. The blessings of the gods and the goodness of men will always overcome the darkness. The greatest strength lies in faith and community. If we stand together, nothing can defeat us.

A little girl asked dreamily:

- Can you really do magic, Princess Seraphine?

Seraphine smiled and nodded gently.

- A little bit. My mother, Queen Isabella, and Uncle Elyss taught me a few simple protection spells.

He conjured little light butterflies that fluttered between his fingers and then vanished into thin air.

- But every spell is different. Some are easy to learn, like the one I showed you; some take years to learn, like speeding up the growth of plants, and some come at a terrible price... But remember, magic isn't everything. As I mentioned, Zephirion also favours the brave warriors, as the greatest power of humans lies in what they do to others. Uncle Elysse always says that love is the greatest magic. And remember, we can all make magic if we have love in our hearts. Magic is not just about spells and charms, it's also about how we treat others and how we make the world a better place.

The children listened to the Princess's words in silence, and in their hearts they understood deeply the meaning of the story. Princess Seraphine's smile and words planted seeds of hope and love. They knew that the bond between the castle and the village was based not only on magic, but also on love and respect for each other.

- "Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us," an older girl finally said with a look of admiration as they stood up from under the tree.

- "I'm always happy to tell you stories," Seraphine said with a smile, "You are part of the story of the kingdom of Aurathorn.

As the sun went down and the Joya slowly quieted, Princess Seraphine was accompanied home with a feeling of warmth and happiness in her heart. She knew that love and togetherness reigned in the castle and village alike, and that this was the greatest treasure they could ever wish for.

Chapter 2

The shadow of darkness

In an isolated corner of Aurathorn's kingdom lay a cursed land untouched by light for millennia, where darkness reigned. It was a forsaken land, shrouded in mystery and fear, long-forgotten creatures waiting to be called back to life in this world, the whispers of their ancient evils echoing in the cold, still air.

Rumour has it that in this forbidden corner of the kingdom lived Malakar, a powerful sorcerer who lost his love. Driven by a desire to resurrect his beloved and driven by madness, the magician dove into forbidden spells in search of absolute power. In time, the desire to resurrect his beloved took a back seat to the fear of his own death. He also feared how his beloved would receive what he had become. The thought of eternity began to obsess him. He became obsessed with power and tried to unlock the mysteries of life and death.

For years, the sorcerer delved deeper and deeper into the occult, sacrificing all that was good and pure, until he lost the last spark of his humanity. He studied forbidden books and made pacts with evil entities that existed beyond mortal comprehension. His former black hair had turned silver. And though his body had been worn by the years, his spells had made him look no more than forty. He was still a tall and muscular man, for he made his pacts to infect his followers with the effects of his dark magic. Though his body appeared healthy, his mind was warped and corrupted, his former noble intentions replaced by an unquenchable lust for power.

Some of the mage's servants, like him, their minds warped by the whispers of demonic creatures and their bodies twisted by the dark forces, now hid in the dark halls of the Forbidden Realm's castle, far from the sunlight. They were the Shadows of Evil, silent shadows that followed whatever orders their masters gave them. These deformed, shapeless, clawed monsters who lived in darkness had a heart for evil.

Its servants, who have made deals with the entities, have been constantly transformed by their deals, and have terrified the people. For this reason, the sorcerer needed human servants to provide him with the supplies he needed and to spy on the surrounding realms. He had to constantly expand his army. His subjects joined him for various reasons. There were those who allied themselves with him out of power or fear, and others who were manipulated by demons and seduced by the promise of dark magic. The sorcerer made pacts with these people, whereby they would give their souls to the darkness in exchange for his promise of power and eternal life. In time, these people lost their humanity and became twisted monsters, forgetting what the bargain was about: they were only following Malakar's orders.

The demonic society lived in an abandoned castle perched on top of a high hill. The old stone walls of the castle were thick with moss, and the towers reached up to the grey sky, as if reaching for the stars of the night by day. The windows were covered with thick curtains so that light never penetrated, creating a pleasant atmosphere for the distorted servants. The castle was surrounded by a dense, ominous forest, always shrouded in mist, where the Evil Shadows patrolled, protecting their lord's realm, hunting down the souls that wandered in.

The inside of the castle was as ominous as the outside. The walls were covered with old frescoes depicting the horrors of old and scenes of black magic. The vast great hall, where Malakar's throne stood, was made of onyx, and huge chandeliers of bone hung from the ceiling. The tables and chairs were carved, decorated with grotesque patterns and demonic faces. The air was always filled with the smell of smoke and decay, and shadows moved across the cold stone floors as if the walls themselves were alive.

In his persistent search, Malakar came across a long-forgotten ritual that promised him immortality. Madness and obsession drove him as he worked day and night, searching for a way to defeat the passing. The ritual was described on a dusty parchment written in blood that he found in the depths of the Crypt of the Ancient Kings, following the notes of his former lover, who had also long ago sought out the forbidden practices. The text contained dark, ominous promises that made Malakar's heart leap with hope and dread.

He feverishly, obsessively gathered the necessary ingredients. He obtained each item secretly, with the utmost caution, so that no one would suspect what a terrible plan he was working on. Blood-red candles cast and shaped by the heat of a working volcano; silver snakeskin shed by a reptile during a full moon; crow feathers, the first to fall from free birds without human intervention, and a special crystal containing the fire of a dragon. These all served one purpose: to bind his soul to the fabric of life and make it eternal.

Preparations for the ritual involved leafing through forgotten, forbidden books, which further corrupted the magician's mind. The whispers of spells and curses could almost be heard as Malakar stroked the pages. In the deepest crypt of the castle, where the light had never been, he stood before a huge marble altar. The altar was decorated with demonic symbols and runes that seemed to take on a life of their own, pulsing red with dark energy.

A pentagram was drawn on the altar, flanked by candles and human bones. The candles glowed with a cold, bluish light, each flame casting strange, sinister shadows on the walls. The air was heavy with the stench of black magic, as if the devil himself had breathed his carrion-scented breath into the room. Among the bones gleamed a few old, worn jewels, worn by victims once sacrificed here.

One of the most important elements of the ritual was a living blood sacrifice, whose soul was pure and bore the blessings of the gods. After a long search, Malakar found the sacrifice: a young girl with a pure heart who was the embodiment of goodness and innocence. The victim was abducted from her family at night and dragged into the depths of the palace. The girl was laid on the altar, her face soaked with tears, her hands and feet bound with tight ropes so that she could not resist. In her last moments she prayed to the gods to forgive her and save her.

When the moon had reached its zenith and the stars were arranged in an ominous pattern in the sky that is seen only once every five hundred years, Malakar began the ritual. The room was completely silent, as if the world was holding its breath for the horror that was about to unfold. Malakar picked up the crystal that focused the energies of the abyss, raised it above the altar, and placed it at the girl's head, at one corner of the pentagram. Inside the crystal, dark, swirling lights appeared, as if souls were struggling for release.

Malakar held aloft an ornate, sharp dagger, its blade imbued with powerful magic, and the mere sight of it caused anxiety in those who gazed upon it. The girl's eyes were filled with terror as her gaze met Malakar's cold, cruel stare. She knew there was no hope. Her prayer took a new turn, and now she addressed her words to her gods to allow her soul to pass easily and painlessly to the other world.

The wizard began to murmur incantations in a low, crackling voice. A gale-force wind swept through the room, stirring up the dust of centuries, making the atmosphere of the room more stifling and gloomy.

Dark energies swirled around the victim's body, turning into malevolent vortices. The air became cold and thick, as if every breath was painful. With every spell cast, the boundary between the mortal world and the demonic plane of existence became thinner. Malakar murmured the forbidden spells in a low, crackling voice, without stopping . The power of the words shook the walls, the ground cracked beneath his feet.

The dagger struck slowly, and the girl's blood fell on the altar, its runes glowing redder, as if alive.

The victim's blood oozed along the lines of the pentagram, tracing red-hot paths across the stone floor. The last cries of the dying agoniser merged with the words of the dark spell, creating an eerie harmony. The vibrations and the gusts of wind grew stronger, sparing nothing and no one present in the crypt. Several of the sorcerer's followers fell dead from the effects of the ritual, their sacrifice a tribute to their lord's power.

Finally, when the last word of the incantation was spoken, the pentagram darkened and a crack opened above the corpse. From the crack came a cold, dark smoke, accompanied by a terrible smell of sulphur, as if from the depths of hell. Out of the smoke a terrifying figure emerged. Its body was twisted and contorted, a mass of tangled limbs and jagged claws dripping sickly black phlegm. Its eyes glowed with a terrifying green light, full of malice and malevolence, constantly searching for prey to satisfy its hunger.

This was the demon Karcynthus, a creature born of desperation - the embodiment of pain and suffering unleashed into the world by Malakar's greed and ambition. The demon howled. His voice was deafening, as if the wails of a thousand souls had been mixed into one bizarre melody.

Malakar's surviving servants watched in horror as the monster awoke. One of them, a particularly vile figure known as Kharon, bowed low before the demonic creature. Kharon was a tall man in a dark cloak, his face always in shadow. His skin was pale and cold as marble, his brown eyes filled with malice and malice. His long, bony fingers never found rest. They moved constantly, as if always ready to perform another evil spell.

Kharon was once a talented sorcerer, but his lust for power and Malakar's promises led him to sell his soul to the darkness. Now was a shadow of his former self, an evil, vile servant who blindly followed orders.

- 'Master, soon everyone will fear us and your creation,' said Kharon, his voice low and hoarse, as if speaking from the grave.

After his words, the silence in the room became even more oppressive as the demon began to devour the body of its victim, finally confirming its presence in the mortal world. The sorcerer and his servants understood that a new, dark age had begun in the kingdom of Aurathorn, and they were at the forefront of it.

At a fateful moment, when Karcynthus had finished feeding, he grabbed Malakar's soul. The sorcerer cried out. His piercing roar filled the silence of the room.

- From today you are mine. Part of me. "As long as you live, I can walk the earth," the demon's voice sounded in the wizard's head.

- "Yes," said the wizard, his voice hoarse with pain, knowing that there was no turning back from here.

- Your sacrifice is not strong enough for me. You must break and sacrifice the pure soul of Princess Seraphine to bring back the age of darkness, open the gates of the afterlife, and free my brothers and sisters to your world. But it is not enough to merely kill her. We must break him so that he will willingly submit to the ritual.

The demon stabbed a tentacle into the dark wizard's heart to grasp it and bind it to his own, and though they then shared two separate bodies, their powers and minds were forever linked. With a deafening roar, the mage cast a curse upon the land, setting off a wave of despair and ruin that would forever haunt the kingdom of Aurathorn. Malakar's servants retreated into the dark corners, watching their master in awe as he summoned more demons.

The period that followed was one of terror for the world. The sorcerer and his closest allies spent their time planning the ultimate sacrifice. Though the creature served the wizard, it occasionally shut off its mind and wandered beyond the borders of the Forbidden Realm