chapter 40 : A Pact Sealed in Blood

Dark Majesty arrived at the outskirts of the village, his heart heavy with grief and anger.

He had failed to protect his people once again, and the consequences were devastating.

He watched as the flames engulfed homes and shops, consuming everything in their path.

Without hesitation, he leaped into action, calling upon his powers to create a barrier to protect the remaining villagers from harm.

His eyes scanned the area, searching for any survivors who needed his help.

He spotted a group of villagers trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building and rushed to their aid.

"Stay calm, I'm here to help..."

Dark Majesty said as he lifted the rubble with ease, freeing the trapped villagers.

"Thank you, your majesty..."

one of them said, tears streaming down her face. "We thought we were going to die."

Dark Majesty nodded, his expression grim.

"We need to get everyone to safety. Follow me."

He led the villagers out of the burning village and towards the safety of the nearby forest.

Once they were safe, he turned to face them, his gaze fierce.

"This attack was not random," he said.

"It was a deliberate act of aggression against our kingdom.

And we will not rest until we find those responsible and bring them to justice."

The villagers murmured in agreement, their faces set in determination.

"But we cannot do this alone," Dark Majesty continued.

"We need allies. And I know just where to find them."

He led the group deeper into the forest, towards the lair of the werewolves.

As they approached, the werewolves emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing in the darkness.

"What do you want, vampire?"

the alpha werewolf growled.

"We have a common enemy," Dark Majesty replied.

"I come seeking an alliance.

Together, we can bring down those who threaten both of our kingdoms."

The werewolves exchanged wary glances, but the alpha nodded.

"We have our own reasons for wanting to take down these attackers. We accept your offer of alliance."

Dark Majesty breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had just gained a powerful ally in the fight against their enemies.

As the group began to make their way back to the vampire kingdom, a figure stepped out from the shadows.

It was the rival vampire queen, her expression cold and calculating.

"I see you've made new friends," she sneered.

"But they won't be enough to save you from my wrath."

Dark Majesty's eyes narrowed.

"What do you want?"

"I want what's rightfully mine," the rival queen replied.

"I want the Blood Crown, and I won't stop until I have it."

Dark Majesty drew his sword, his stance defensive. "I will not let you harm my people or take what is rightfully mine."

The rival queen laughed.

"You're a fool if you think you can stop me. But perhaps we can come to an agreement."

Dark Majesty's grip on his sword tightened.

"What kind of agreement?"

"A pact sealed in blood," the rival queen said, her eyes gleaming.

"We join forces to take down our enemies. And once they are defeated, we divide the spoils equally."

Dark Majesty considered the offer, knowing that he needed all the help he could get in the upcoming battle.

But he also knew that making a deal with the rival queen could have dire consequences.

"What's to stop you from betraying me once our enemies are defeated?"

he asked.

The rival queen smiled wickedly.

"My honor.

And the knowledge that if I break our pact, I will face the wrath of the werewolves and the other allies you've gained."

Dark Majesty weighed his options, knowing that the decision he made could impact the fate of his kingdom.

"I agree to your pact..."

he nodded.

The witch grinned, revealing her sharp teeth.

"Good. Let us begin."

She led Dark Majesty to a small altar, where she had already placed several items.

There was a chalice filled with a dark liquid, a dagger with a ruby-encrusted hilt, and a parchment with arcane symbols written in blood.

"First, we must seal the pact with blood," the witch said, holding out the dagger to Dark Majesty.

"You must make a small cut on your palm and let your blood drip into the chalice."

Dark Majesty hesitated for a moment, but then he took the dagger from the witch and made a small cut on his palm.

He winced as the blood trickled into the chalice, mingling with the dark liquid inside.

"Now, drink," the witch said, holding out the chalice to him.

Dark Majesty took the chalice and drank the mixture in one gulp.

It tasted bitter and metallic, but he forced it down.

"Now, we must recite the oath," the witch said, picking up the parchment.

"Repeat after me."

She began to recite the oath, and Dark Majesty repeated each line after her.

"I, Dark Majesty, pledge myself to the witch's service. I vow to do her bidding and to carry out her will. In exchange, the witch will grant me her protection and aid me in my quest for the Blood Crown."

The witch nodded as Dark Majesty finished reciting the oath.

"The pact is sealed," she said.

"You have my protection, and I will aid you in your quest. But remember, Dark Majesty, the price of my aid is high. You must be prepared to pay it when the time comes."

"I understand," Dark Majesty said, feeling a sense of unease.

He knew he had just made a dangerous bargain, but he also knew that it was necessary for the sake of his kingdom.

The witch handed him a small vial filled with a red liquid.

"This is a potion that will grant you strength and speed beyond that of a mortal," she said.

"Use it wisely, for it is rare and valuable."

Dark Majesty took the vial and pocketed it.

"Thank you," he said.

"Go now, Dark Majesty," the witch said.

"You have much to do, and little time. Remember our pact, and do not cross me."

Dark Majesty nodded and left the hut, feeling a sense of relief mixed with dread.

He knew he had just made a pact with a powerful and dangerous entity, but he also knew that he had no other choice.

The fate of his kingdom hung in the balance, and he was willing to pay any price to secure its safety.

As he left the witch's hut, Dark Majesty could feel the weight of the pact on his shoulders.

He knew that he would have to be careful, to tread carefully and not anger the witch.

But he also knew that he was not alone.

He had her protection, and he would use it to his advantage.

With renewed determination, Dark Majesty set off towards the next step in his quest for the Blood Crown, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.