The Demon king's Last oath

The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light spilling over the quiet estate. Caius stood in the shadow of the stables, a small satchel slung over his shoulder. Inside were only the essentials: a map, some coins, a dagger, and a small journal filled with his notes from the estate's library.

He tightened his grip on the strap of the satchel, his blue eyes scanning the courtyard. The air was still, save for the faint rustle of leaves in the night breeze.

This was it.

He had thought about leaving for weeks, ever since the first shadowed creature appeared in the forest. But after the events of the storm, the decision was no longer a choice—it was a necessity.

"I can't stay here. Not when my presence puts them all at risk."

He turned to the horse waiting patiently at his side, its black coat gleaming faintly in the moonlight. It was one of the smaller horses in the stable, fast but quiet—perfect for slipping away unnoticed.

Caius reached for the reins, but a voice stopped him cold.

"You're really leaving."

He froze, his hand tightening on the leather strap. Slowly, he turned to see Lucian standing a few feet away, his sword sheathed at his side but his posture tense.

"You've been watching me," Caius said evenly.

Lucian stepped closer, his dark eyes narrowing. "Of course I have. You've been sneaking around for weeks, hiding things. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?"

Caius sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Lucian, go back to bed. This doesn't concern you."

"Doesn't concern me?" Lucian's voice rose, his frustration boiling over. "You're my brother. Whatever you've been hiding, whatever you are, it does concern me. And I'm not letting you just run off in the middle of the night without an explanation."

Caius turned fully to face him, his blue eyes calm but unyielding. "I don't owe you an explanation."

Lucian's jaw tightened. "You think you're protecting us, don't you? That's why you're leaving. But what if you're wrong? What if you're just making things worse?"

"I'm not wrong," Caius said firmly.

"How do you know?"

"Because they're hunting me, not you," Caius snapped, his voice colder than he intended. "Those creatures, that storm—they weren't random. They came because of me. And if I stay, more will come."

Lucian stared at him, his expression a mix of anger and confusion. "What are you?"

Caius hesitated. For a moment, he considered telling Lucian the truth. But no—his brother wouldn't understand. Not yet.

"Someone who has to leave," Caius said finally.

Lucian's hand drifted to the hilt of his sword, his frustration giving way to determination. "If you leave, you'll make yourself a target. And if those things find you, they'll come back for us."

"They won't," Caius said quietly. "I won't let them."

Lucian shook his head, his grip tightening on his sword. "You're not leaving."

Caius stepped forward, his expression softening slightly. "Lucian… don't make me fight you."

For a moment, neither moved. Then Lucian exhaled sharply, letting his hand fall away from his weapon. "Damn it, Caius. Why does it always feel like you're ten steps ahead of the rest of us?"

Caius gave a faint smile. "Because I've had more time to think."

As Lucian left, his shoulders heavy with resignation, Caius led the horse toward the outer gates. But before he could reach them, another figure appeared in the shadows.

"Caius."

This time, it was Lady Helena. She stepped into the moonlight, her green eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Mother," Caius said softly.

She took a shaky breath, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "You're leaving."

Caius nodded, his throat tightening. "I have to."

"Why?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why can't you stay?"

Caius hesitated. He had prepared himself for this moment, but standing here now, seeing the pain in her eyes, the words felt like a betrayal.

"Because I can't protect you if I stay," he said finally.

Helena stepped closer, her hands reaching out to touch his face. "You're my son, Caius. I don't care what you can do, or what you've done. You're still my child."

Caius closed his eyes, leaning into her touch for a brief moment. "And that's why I have to leave. I can't let my past hurt you."

Helena's tears spilled over, but she nodded, her hands falling to her sides. "Then promise me something."

"Anything," Caius said.

"Promise me you'll come back."

Caius hesitated, then placed a hand over hers. "I will."

The gates creaked open as Caius led the horse through them. The night was cold, the road ahead shrouded in mist.

He mounted the horse, the satchel slung securely over his shoulder. For a moment, he looked back at the estate, its towering silhouette framed by the moonlight.

His family was inside, safe for now. But how long would it last?

"I'll protect them. No matter what."

With a final glance, Caius urged the horse forward, disappearing into the night.

The road now lies open to Caius, and his journey has begun.