Hellbound Heart

Sebastian's heart continued to race as he felt the power within him grow stronger. The burning sensation intensified, spreading through his entire body and causing his tattoos to glow with an otherworldly darkness.

He was more than certain of what was happening now. His demonic power was truly waking up, returning.

But why now? And how was this happening? What was going on?

Sebastian struggled to control the power that was roiling and surging within him, feeling it surge through his body like a living thing. He could feel the eyes of the officials on him, watching in shock as he was consumed by the black smoke-like energy.

The vampires in the room had their eyes turning red, their instincts kicking in as they sensed the dangerous power within Sebastian. Though they did not know what was happening, that growing dark and overwhelming aura was enough to make them tense up and ready to pounce as though danger was just right around the corner.

Sebastian knew that he had to leave the hall now! He knew exactly what was going to happen to him next. So he must leave now that he still has a little control over his body and sanity.

With everything he had, he forced himself to move. And with a burst of energy, he pushed his way through the door.

The sound of the door slamming hard echoed through the silence in the hall,l and Sebastian was gone.

The officials in the hall were still in a state of shock and confusion as they tried to make sense of what had just happened. The sudden awakening of Sebastian's demonic power had taken them all by surprise, and they were struggling to come to terms with what they had just witnessed.

One of the officials turned to the prophetess and the king, his expression was one of horror and disbelief. "What in the world is going on?" he demanded, his voice shaking with emotion. "So it seems the rumor was true? That our crown prince isn't actually a pure vampire, but a... a demon?!"

The room fell dangerously silent as everyone turned to the prophetess, waiting for her to answer. They had trusted her to guide them through the dark times that lie ahead, and they wanted to know if she had been keeping this secret from them all along.

"Answer us, prophetess!" another official shouted. "You knew all along, didn't you? That Prince Sebastian is actually not a pure-blooded vampire, but a demon all along?!"

The prophetess remained silent, her face impassive. No ripple could be seen on her ageless face. Her eyes were twin pools of calmness as she looked at those who were showing their displeasure.

And then, a slow clapping sound echoed out from the side of the hall, pulling everyone's attention towards the source of the sound. It was measured, steady, and loud.

The officials in the hall turned to look and another surprise coursed through them as they looked at their exiled prince, Prince Elijah, standing at the entrance. As he entered through the doors, his face was graced with a smile.

"So you guys finally found the truth," he said, clapping his hands together so nonchalantly. He even looked relieved and happy as he spoke. "Congratulations, everyone. I toast to your added knowledge of what your most beloved prince truly is."

The officials looked at each other in confusion. Had he known about Sebastian's demonic power all along as well?

The officials in the hall exchanged uneasy glances as they realized that Prince Elijah had known about Sebastian's demonic nature too. And from the way he commented, Elijah had known about it for a very long time already. They had always suspected that there was more to the exiled prince than met the eye, but they had never imagined that he was privy to such a closely guarded secret. Could this actually be the actual reason why he was exiled? Suddenly, many speculations sprung up in the minds of many of the officials present in the hall.

"Now, where do I begin?" Elijah's smile faded and his expression grew more serious. "We are facing a grave threat from the humans, and now we must contend with the awakening of Sebastian's power." He stated succinctly without beating around the bush.

The officials listened to Elijah's words with a mixture of surprise and trepidation. They felt that this prince could actually be a powerful leader, but they also knew that he had been exiled from the kingdom for a reason. What the true reason was, neither of them were made aware of. However, for him to be exiled for so long, it could not have been something minor or easily forgiven or overlooked. Could they trust him to lead them through this crisis? Though they still had their reservations, they also were aware that their choices were limited. Who else was powerful enough to lead them? The only pure blue blooded prince left was him and the youngest Prince Kyle! And there was no way in hell they could still let a demon lead them now that they knew about Prince Sebastian's secret!! They needed a pure blooded vampire royalty to lead them!!!

"I may have been exiled from this kingdom, but I have never stopped fighting for its people," Elijah continued. "I know what it takes to win this war, and I am more than prepared to do whatever it takes to protect our race. But I cannot do it alone. I need your help, your support, and your unwavering loyalty. Together, we can overcome any obstacle that would come our way." Elijah's words were uplifting, encouraging - especially so now when they were all afraid and nervous of the upcoming conflict with the humans.

The officials looked at each other in uncertainty. They were still unsure of what to make of Elijah's sudden appearance and his claim to taking up the leadership. But as they listened to his words and felt the power and conviction behind them, they began to feel a sense of hope stirring within them. That this prince was truly the right choice for them.

"This throne...the vampire throne is for a pure-blooded, not a mere half-blood," Elijah declared, his voice going louder. "This throne is destined for no one but me."