《Bloody Bonds: Rise of the Pureblooded King》


 The Demon’s Lair

    The sun was setting behind the distant mountains, casting a warm golden hue across the endless, dusty plains of ancient Mesopotamia. The air was thick with the scent of earth and stone, and a faint breeze ruffled the robes of the three figures trekking slowly along the worn path. Their steps were steady, but their eyes were vigilant.


    Bion, the leader of the group, walked at the front, his tall figure cloaked in ancient robes embroidered with mysterious runes that shimmered faintly in the dimming light. His staff, carved from dark wood, hummed with a power known only to those who had faced the unseen forces of the earth. His eyes, sharp and perceptive, narrowed slightly as he glanced at the horizon.


    ¡°There is something in the air,¡± he muttered, his voice barely a whisper against the stillness of the desert.


    Achilles, tall and broad-shouldered, walked beside Camillus, his closest companion. Both wore similar tunics of worn leather, though without the ornate robes of their leader. Achilles tilted his head, sensing the change in Bion¡¯s posture.


    ¡°Do you sense it, Bion?¡± Camillus asked, his voice low but clear, eyes scanning the land as though expecting something to leap out from the shadows.


    Bion¡¯s eyes flicked toward a dark opening ahead, a gaping mouth in the earth that led into a jagged, black cave. The feeling of dread in the air grew stronger, pressing against his chest like a weight.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Bion replied with a frown, ¡°It emanates from there.¡±


    The cave was like an open wound in the earth, a shadow too dark to be natural. It was far too silent around it¡ªno birds, no wind, just the oppressive quiet of something unnatural. As they approached, a faint cry echoed from within, high-pitched and full of pain. A baby¡¯s cry.


    Achilles stiffened. ¡°What in the gods'' name¡­?¡±


    ¡°Stay here,¡± Bion ordered, his voice calm but resolute. ¡°This is no ordinary place. I will go alone.¡±


    Camillus opened his mouth to protest, but Bion raised a hand, silencing him.


    ¡°You are needed here, should anything go wrong.¡± He turned and began walking toward the cave, his staff glowing faintly with an ethereal light as he entered the darkened maw.


    The temperature inside the cave dropped, and a smell¡ªfoul and decaying¡ªclung to the air. Bion¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, but he pushed forward, each step purposeful. The cries grew louder as he ventured deeper, echoing off the walls like the desperate wails of a lost soul.


    The flicker of light from his staff cast strange, elongated shadows on the rocky ground as he descended further. Then, through the gloom, he saw it: a small bundle in the center of the cave. The infant, crying pitifully, its tiny body writhing on the cold stone floor. The sight was so unnatural it made Bion¡¯s blood run cold.


    The mother was slumped nearby, lifeless, her body twisted in a way no living creature should be. The umbilical cord still tethered the child to her, a grotesque reminder of life interrupted.


    Bion¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he knelt beside the infant. His fingers brushed the soft skin of the child, still warm despite the chill in the air. His eyes swept over the tiny face¡ªthe child was impossibly beautiful, its features delicate, almost otherworldly. The hair, a startling white as pure as fresh snow, framed the child¡¯s face like a halo. But it was the eyes that struck him most.


    They were black as night. No trace of light, no reflection of the world around them. Just darkness, endless and deep.


    Bion¡¯s heart raced. He couldn¡¯t understand what he was seeing. A demon¡¯s child? He could feel the pulse of the earth beneath him, the vibrations of dark magic reverberating through his bones. But the child¡­ this was no ordinary demon¡¯s spawn.


    Bion¡¯s thoughts swirled with confusion and dread. ¡°Poor child,¡± he whispered under his breath, his voice soft, almost tender. He looked at the lifeless body of the mother, her eyes wide in terror, frozen in a moment of agony.


    With a swift motion, Bion cut the umbilical cord, his hands steady despite the turmoil inside him. He lifted the infant into his arms, cradling the fragile body against his chest. The child¡¯s cries had stopped, and now its eyes gazed up at Bion with an eerie stillness. A small, innocent smile tugged at the corners of its lips, as if recognizing something Bion could not understand.


    ¡°So small,¡± Bion murmured in awe, his voice almost trembling with the weight of the moment. The infant¡¯s tiny fingers curled around his robe, and for a moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility, a duty beyond his comprehension.


    The child was impossibly beautiful. Its skin glowed with an ethereal light, and its gaze¡ªso deep, so unnaturally knowing¡ªseemed to pierce through Bion¡¯s soul. It was as though the universe itself was watching him, waiting for him to make a choice.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Bion¡¯s heart beat faster. He didn¡¯t know what had happened here, or why this child had been left in such a cursed place, but one thing was clear: this child was unlike anything he had ever encountered. The air around him seemed to shift, thick with the weight of fate.


    Without another word, Bion wrapped the infant in his robes, holding it close to his chest. He could feel its warmth, its heartbeat, as if it were part of him now. He turned, his expression grim but resolute. He would not leave this child to whatever dark fate had been intended for it.


    The journey home would be long, and the road ahead uncertain, but Bion knew this much: the world had just changed. And so had he.


    Outside the cave, Achilles and Camillus waited anxiously. They could hear the faint cry of the infant, then silence. Minutes stretched into eternity as they stood, watching the dark entrance, waiting for Bion.


    Finally, the leader emerged, carrying the child in his arms. His expression was unreadable, his eyes distant. Achilles and Camillus looked at each other, both sensing the gravity of the moment.


    ¡°Bion¡­¡± Camillus began, but his words faltered as he caught sight of the child. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Bion did not answer immediately. He looked down at the small infant in his arms, the smile still playing on its lips, its eyes dark and knowing. He exhaled slowly, his grip tightening around the child.


    ¡°This child,¡± Bion said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, ¡°is no ordinary child. He is... something more.¡±


    Achilles and Camillus exchanged uneasy glances, their minds struggling to comprehend what their leader had just said. Whatever path lay ahead, it would be one they walked together¡ªbut the road was no longer as simple as it once had been.


    Bion¡¯s steps were heavy as he began walking back toward their camp, the child nestled against his chest. The night had fallen completely now, and the stars overhead seemed to burn brighter than ever before.


    And with the baby in his arms, Bion knew that the world was on the edge of something greater¡ªand far more dangerous¡ªthan anything they had faced before.


    The moon rose high above the horizon, bathing the ancient Mesopotamian landscape in silver light. The sands of the plains shimmered under the stars as the small group made their way back to Iah Sacred Village. The journey was quiet, the only sounds being the soft crunch of their footsteps and the occasional coo of the child nestled in Bion¡¯s arms.


    Bion walked ahead, his staff casting faint glimmers of light with each step. His gaze frequently dropped to the infant, who now seemed impossibly content, smiling and playing with the edge of Bion''s robe.


    Achilles walked beside Camillus, who couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the babe. Finally, Camillus broke the silence, his voice tinged with awe. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a child with white hair. Is that¡­ normal?¡±


    Achilles frowned, leaning closer to get a better look. ¡°The color is strange enough, but doesn¡¯t he look a bit pinkish to you? Could it be an ailment?¡±


    Bion paused, his sharp eyes sweeping over the child. The infant¡¯s skin was indeed pale, like porcelain, but there was a faint pink hue to it, almost as if the child were flushed with warmth. His heart tightened slightly. Was this the result of the demon¡¯s lair? Or something else entirely?


    Achilles continued, ¡°Perhaps we should take the child to an Ailment Master.¡±


    Bion stopped in his tracks, turning slightly to meet Achilles¡¯ gaze. ¡°That¡¯s a brilliant idea,¡± he said, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°I should like to take him to Kallisto. It has been years since I last saw her, but she is among the most skilled Ailment Masters. She will know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Kallisto?¡± Camillus asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Bion replied. ¡°She resides on the outskirts of the village. She will love this child and will treat him with the utmost care.¡±


    Camillus rubbed his chin. ¡°The poor thing must be starving. Perhaps he needs milk.¡±


    Bion didn¡¯t respond immediately, his attention absorbed by the small hand that had reached out and latched onto his finger. The infant¡¯s touch was delicate, almost ethereal. For a moment, Bion was overwhelmed by a surge of protectiveness.


    ¡°I should like to bond with the child on the way,¡± Bion said softly, his voice carrying a hint of resolve.


    Achilles gave him a respectful nod. ¡°Then I will notify the council, Chief Elder Bion. They should know of your return and this¡­ development.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Achilles,¡± Bion replied.


    The group pressed on, the spires of Iah Sacred Village soon appearing in the distance. It was a sanctuary nestled against a backdrop of jagged cliffs, its walls adorned with intricate carvings of celestial patterns. The village itself was a labyrinth of stone buildings, courtyards, and sanctuaries lit by glowing orbs of light.


    As they entered the village, the usual bustle of evening life paused as villagers noticed the infant cradled in Bion¡¯s arms. Whispers rippled through the streets, their curiosity and unease palpable. Bion, however, paid them no mind. He was focused on the journey ahead, the babe held close to his chest.


    The road to Kallisto¡¯s dwelling was lined with ancient cypress trees, their branches twisted and gnarled as though they had grown under the weight of centuries. The soft glow of lanterns guided Bion¡¯s steps as he ventured beyond the main village. His mind raced with questions he could not yet answer.


    Why had this child been left in a demon¡¯s lair? Was the demonic aura around the cave still clinging to the babe, invisible yet insidious? Or had the child somehow been spared?


    The babe cooed softly, breaking Bion¡¯s train of thought. He looked down and saw the infant staring up at him with those unnerving, jet-black eyes. Despite their darkness, they seemed to shimmer faintly, as if holding countless secrets within their depths.


    Bion couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly. ¡°So small, yet you may yet hold so much power, little one,¡± he murmured, his voice tinged with both wonder and trepidation.


    The child¡¯s smile widened, a gesture so innocent and pure that it was impossible to reconcile with the sinister aura of the cave from which he had been rescued. Bion tightened his grip on the infant, as though shielding him from unseen forces.


    Ahead, the warm light of Kallisto¡¯s home came into view, its soft glow spilling through the cracks of wooden shutters. Smoke curled from the chimney, carrying with it the comforting scent of herbs and earth.


    Bion¡¯s heart lightened slightly as he approached the door and knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet night. He would find answers here¡ªor at the very least, hope.

 The Child of Shadows

    The warm glow of Kallisto¡¯s lantern bathed her home in a golden light, illuminating shelves overflowing with jars of herbs, powders, and tools of her trade. The air was filled with the scent of dried lavender and sage, a comforting contrast to the cold dread Bion had carried since finding the infant.


    Kallisto stood in the doorway, her sharp eyes softening as she took in the sight of her old friend. Though older by five years, her presence carried the wisdom and steadiness of a much greater age.


    ¡°Bion,¡± she greeted warmly, stepping aside to let him in. ¡°It¡¯s been too long. You¡¯ve grown taller, but you still carry the weight of the world in those eyes.¡±


    Bion offered a faint smile as he stepped inside, cradling the infant close. ¡°It seems my burdens have grown along with me,¡± he replied, his voice tinged with both humor and gravity.


    Kallisto¡¯s gaze fell to the bundle in his arms, and her expression shifted to one of quiet awe. ¡°And what treasure have you brought me this time?¡±


    Bion carefully unwrapped the babe, his movements tender, revealing the child¡¯s impossibly fair skin and snowy white hair. The infant stirred, his dark, endless eyes meeting Kallisto¡¯s.


    Kallisto gasped softly. ¡°By the gods,¡± she whispered. ¡°He¡¯s unlike any other child I¡¯ve seen.¡±


    The babe began to cry, his wails filling the room with an urgency that tugged at their hearts. Kallisto reached out, gently taking the infant from Bion¡¯s arms. She rocked him carefully, her practiced hands offering comfort, but the cries only grew louder, more desperate.


    Bion¡¯s brow furrowed, and he stepped forward. ¡°Let me,¡± he said, extending his arms.


    As soon as the child was back in Bion¡¯s hold, the crying stopped. The babe snuggled into Bion¡¯s chest, his tiny fingers clutching the fabric of Bion¡¯s robes. Kallisto tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips.


    ¡°It seems he has already chosen you,¡± she remarked, her voice soft but amused.


    Bion¡¯s lips twitched in a faint smile, though his thoughts were far from light. ¡°Chosen me, or bound to me by fate,¡± he murmured.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Kallisto waved a hand. ¡°Fate often works in mysterious ways, my dear Bion. But for now, this little one needs care. I will find a mother in the village who can nurse him.¡±


    True to her word, Kallisto returned minutes later with a young woman, her dark hair tied back in a braid and her arms outstretched to take the infant. Bion hesitated but ultimately placed the child into her care, his eyes following her every movement.


    While the woman began to nurse the infant in a nearby room, Bion and Kallisto turned their attention to the work at hand. They carefully selected herbs and minerals from her shelves, crushing and mixing them into a salve meant to counteract the effects of demonic energy.


    As they worked, the silence was suddenly broken by a piercing scream from the other room. Both Bion and Kallisto froze for a heartbeat before rushing toward the sound.


    The sight that greeted them stole their breath. The young woman sat trembling, her hand pressed against her neck where small, bloodied fang marks were visible. The infant, his dark eyes glinting with an unnatural hunger, was latched onto her arm, drawing blood as if it were sustenance.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Bion¡¯s voice was firm, commanding. He swept forward, gently but swiftly prying the babe away. The child whimpered but did not cry, his lips red with blood.


    Kallisto knelt beside the woman, tending to the small wounds with practiced hands. ¡°The bite is shallow,¡± she assured, though her voice carried an edge of unease.


    Bion held the child at arm¡¯s length, staring at him in disbelief. The infant, now calm, looked up at him with a disarming smile. Tiny hands reached out toward Bion¡¯s long, wavy hair, tugging playfully at a strand.


    Bion¡¯s chest tightened. He should feel fear, revulsion even, at what he had just witnessed. But instead, his heart softened. The child giggled, his small face radiating an innocence that belied the strange hunger he had just displayed.


    ¡°What are you?¡± Bion whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of alarm and wonder.


    The child responded with another soft laugh, his tiny fingers patting Bion¡¯s cheek as though trying to reassure him.


    Behind him, Kallisto rose to her feet, her expression grave. ¡°This is no ordinary child, Bion. His nature is¡­ complicated. He carries something within him, something ancient and powerful.¡±


    Bion nodded slowly, lowering the child and cradling him close once more. ¡°He¡¯s a mystery,¡± he said quietly, his eyes never leaving the infant¡¯s. ¡°But one I feel bound to protect.¡±


    Kallisto placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Protection will not be enough. You must guide him, Bion. Shape him, lest whatever darkness lies within consumes him.¡±


    Bion looked down at the babe, who had already nestled into his chest, his tiny breaths warm against Bion¡¯s skin. A quiet determination settled over him.


    ¡°I will do whatever it takes,¡± he vowed. ¡°This child¡­ he¡¯s mine now. And I will not fail him.¡±


    As the stars outside shimmered faintly through the window, the weight of Bion¡¯s words hung heavy in the air. The path ahead was uncertain, shadowed by questions and dangers, but in that moment, holding the mysterious infant in his arms, Bion knew he would face whatever came¡ªno matter the cost.