Chapter 10: The Demon Slave
Keal stepped into the hallway, just as a group of students ran past him, heading toward the central hall. His brows pulled together in confusion. He shifted his bag on his shoulder and turned to see more students rushing down the corridor.
"What the heck is going on?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
He reached out and gently tapped a girl hurrying by. "Hey, what's going on? Why is everyone running?"
She turned briefly, eyes wide with excitement. "Zuke—the sorceress, He's here. Hurry!"
Keal blinked as she darted off without another word. Zuke? As in Linda's father? Why would someone that powerful suddenly show up at Brighton Academy? Was something wrong?
He followed the crowd, letting the tide of bodies pull him toward the main hall. Inside, the space was packed. Every student had taken a seat, some whispering to each other, others just staring at the group of teachers standing near the front. Keal scanned the area until he spotted Linda. She sat on the far side, alone, with a slight frown on her face. He made his way over and quietly sat beside her.
She turned to him, startled for a second. "Keal. You're here."
He looked at her, his tone low. "Why's your father here?"
Linda shook her head, her expression a mix of concern and confusion. "I honestly don't know. He didn't say anything. I just got a note telling me to come to the hall."
Keal turned toward the front. The entire staff was gathered. Even the headmaster looked tense. The silence in the room was thick until one of the older teachers stepped forward and cleared his throat.
"I know many of you are wondering why we've gathered so suddenly," the man began, his voice firm. "Please remain calm. This announcement is important for everyone's safety."
Whispers rose from the students like a low tide, spreading through the hall. Keal leaned back slightly, his eyes darting from the staff to Linda and then to the doors.
Just then, a tall man in regal dark robes stepped forward. Zuke. His presence was commanding, and the room instantly fell into silence again. Zuke looked over the students slowly before speaking.
"A shadow from the past is returning," he said. "And we must be prepared."
Students exchanged puzzled glances. Zuke continued.
"The Demon Slave has returned."
Gasps rang out. Keal felt his stomach twist. He turned sharply to Linda. "What does he mean by that? What Demon Slave?"
Linda didn't look at him right away. Her eyes stayed locked on her father as if trying to make sense of the announcement. Finally, she spoke, her voice quiet but clear.
"It's an old story. Some think it's just a legend. Others believe it really happened. They say the Demon King created someone—a servant or weapon—who was supposed to fight by his side. A demon slave."
Keal narrowed his eyes. "So, like a bodyguard?"
Linda shook her head slowly. "More than that. The story says he didn't just protect the Demon King. He was... something else. Something dangerous. Stronger than anyone expected. One day, they say he went too far and destroyed almost an entire realm."
Keal's mouth went dry. "Seriously?"
"The elders from all ten realms had to come together to stop him. They destroyed him... or at least, that's what they thought. But if my father is saying he's back... then something's really wrong."
Keal ran a hand through his hair. He didn't want to believe it, but something about the way Zuke was looking at them all, like he already suspected someone in this room, made Keal feel uneasy. He stared straight ahead again, trying to ignore the pounding in his chest.
Zuke's voice cut through the room once more. "This demon slave may already be among us. We don't know what form he takes, what name he goes by, or where he came from. But make no mistake, the Demon King is also searching for him. We must be vigilant."
Linda's hand reached for Keal's under the table. He didn't pull away, but he didn't squeeze it either. His mind was racing.
Enzo had called him his. That night in the room, the way Enzo had whispered that Keal belonged to him—was it just talk, or did it mean something more? Was Enzo playing some twisted game, or was he hinting at something deeper?
As the meeting ended, students rose from their seats in a mix of fear and confusion. Everyone talked at once. Keal stood slowly, still feeling that knot of unease in his chest.
Then he saw him.
Standing in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame, was Enzo. His lips curled into a small smile the moment Keal's eyes met his. And just like that, he turned and walked away.
Keal didn't move right away. He stood there, watching Enzo disappear into the hallway. Linda grabbed her bag and started walking, but paused when she noticed Keal staring blankly.
"You okay?" she asked.
He blinked and forced a smile. "Yeah. Just tired."
She gave him a suspicious look, but didn't push. "I'm heading to class. Wanna come together?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Sure."
They walked side by side down the hallway. Students were still buzzing about the meeting, and conversations spilled out into the halls.
"Do you think it's true?" Linda asked, glancing sideways at him.
"The Demon Slave thing? I don't know," Keal said, trying to keep his voice neutral. "Seems kind of extreme. Why would anyone create someone like that in the first place?"
Linda shrugged. "Maybe they thought they could control him. But some things aren't meant to be controlled."
Keal let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah. That seems to be a lesson nobody ever learns."
As they reached the turn for the eastern wing, Keal paused again. The name kept echoing in his head. Demon slave. And that sentence Enzo whispered last night: You belong to me.
Could it really be? No. That would be insane. There had to be another explanation.
He looked up from the floor and stopped in his tracks.
Enzo was already there, leaning against the wall just ahead. His arms crossed, expression unreadable. His eyes locked onto Keal like they were the only two people in the entire building.
Keal's breath caught in his throat. Enzo didn't speak, but his lips moved slightly. No sound came out, but Keal read the words clearly.
"My demon slave."