Page 86 of Cursed Heirs

“And we need to keep Talon from him.”

“Not just that, we need to ensure his rage is kept in check. A phoenix enraged creates extreme raw power when they unleash in that state, which is what Constantine will be desiring in order to enact the spell.”

“A rage he sparked in Talon when he murdered his parents.”

“Yes, he’s been manipulating the four of you since the beginning of theCataclysm.”

“What about Xavier?”

“He wants him at his side ashisheir, Xavier being the only other vampire-sorcerer hybrid being currently. He feels a twisted kindship with him. It was why he made him. He wanted another of his kind. But being a hybrid, Xavier won’t be controlled if the spell succeeds because of his vampiric half. So, I suspect that Constantine will use the sire connection to enforce that.”

“Why take his magic at all? Just to pull Alena to him?”

“It would seem so, yes. And it’s another way of him demonstrating his control over others, and reveling in it too. It brings him great pleasure.”

“And what of Alena? Constantine has to be denied celestial magic. Idohave an idea of how to reach her mind based off something Xavier said to me.”

“When I was held captive, I encountered her.”

“You did?” I asked, stepping forward, my urgency getting the best of me. “What happened?”

“Things you don’t wish to hear about, things he did to damage her and the three of you. Suffice to say, she was bewitched by him. While she was immersed in that, I distracted and provoked her and managed to spell her.”

“Spell her?”

“It was similar to that which I just used on you. Except for the fact that it can draw black magic out of someone and into another from across a vast distance. You do not need to be within range, nor making physical contact with the subject. Alas, when I performed the spell, I was exceedingly weak, so it may require assistance to properly take hold. A spark, if you will. So far, I haven’t felt any of the infection being drawn into me, so either it is taking time because of the sheer level of said infection,orit did not take hold properly because my strength was compromised.”

“Father, I saw how much black magic she’d been infected with. It was all fucking over her.”

“I am well aware.”

“This could kill you.”

“It won’t. I’ve already performed the calculations. What it will do, however, is make me weak. Permanently. No being can wield that much black magic, nor hold it within themselves without it compromising their physical faculties.” As I started shaking my head, he laid his hand on my shoulder. “This ismedoing what needs to be done, Orpheus. It is my duty, not just to our people, but toyou. Constantine Vale is a threat that was meant to be dealt with by me, Elliot, Abigail and the like,notbyour heirs. This is my way of rectifying that. If he doesn’t have control of Alena any longer, he has no celestial magic to perform the spell.” He sighed and scrubbed his hand over his face. “To permanently end the threat that he poses, though, he must die. Do you believe in that being his fate?”

“Yes.”

“You’re certain? This path will be fraught with resistance.”

“I’ve been advocating for this path for a long time. Longer than you realize. Not just with recent events, nor what has just come to light about the Orb.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “What are you referring to?”

“I believe you may already know, given that you’ve had your spy watching me since the moment I stepped foot inside Electi Academy.”

The corner of his mouth turned up. “Since before actually.”

“So you know aboutObsidian?”

“I know you formed a clandestine outfit to ensure students could express their abilities and flex their magical muscle. Edgar and I both suspected there was more to it than what it appeared on the surface, however we couldn’t confirm what that might be, due to your carefully crafted illusions. Subjects for you to rule over, perhaps?”

“Anarmy.”

His slight smile widened. “Well, then, that’s certainly something.”

“They’re primed. They just require instruction now. With me being benched, then coming here, I’ve lost vital time. I need to get back.”

“Just like I need to return to the DFR. Can you call your entire army to prepare them for battle while being there under the noses of the faculty? They won’t like it, as I’m sure you already determined, thus keeping your activities secret.”

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