Chapter 33: Little Shaytan
*The day of Daemon’s banishment.*
Daemon was crying. The soldiers were pulling him by the arms to move him away from the manor. He was resisting with all his strength, but his eleven-year-old child’s legs were slipping on the snow. The carriage was waiting in front of the steps.
"Mother!" he cried while struggling. "I do not want to go!"
He raised his eyes. Persephone El Dagon stood motionless, her cold gaze met that of her son.
One of the soldiers squeezed his arm a little too hard. Daemon let out a cry of pain, but he continued to stare at his mother.
"And why do you not want to go, little Shaytan?" she asked.
Daemon fell silent for a moment. The word "Shaytan" was the name his mother had given him, a rather strange name. When she called him that, he had the impression, perhaps, that his mother did not completely hate him.
"I... am afraid, mother," he murmured.
"Is that a reason?" asked Persephone without changing her tone.
"Huh?"
"Do not be as cowardly and pathetic as your father, little Shaytan."
Daemon felt his eyes clouding again. He tried to free himself from the soldiers’ hands, but they held him firmly.
"Mother! Do not leave me alone! Please, mother! I swear I will train diligently!"
"Take him to the thirteenth district," she ordered.
The soldiers lifted Daemon and carried him to the carriage. Daemon pressed his face against the window. He saw his mother watching him move away, still motionless on the steps of the manor.
Then she turned around.
The stewardess Mallory stood behind her, hands clasped in front of her.
"Yes, Matriarch," she said, bowing.
"Make sure he receives a good education and develops well."
"It will be done, Matriarch."
"I have heard that milk allows harmonious body development... Make sure he drinks it every morning."
"I will take care of it personally."
Persephone remained motionless for a moment. Then she felt something running down her cheek. She raised her hand and touched the wet trail with her fingertips.
"Hm? What is this?" she murmured. "Water is coming out of my eyes?"
Mallory hesitated for a second.
"I believe those are tears, Matriarch."
"Never mind," cut Persephone, lowering her hand. "I have a terrible headache. Go bring me some tea to quench my thirst."
She turned on her heels and entered the manor.
One week earlier, Daemon had lost his father. That day was the last time the little Shaytan saw his mother.
...
Around two o’clock in the morning, Luna was meditating calmly in her room.
Suddenly, she heard noise. A lot of noise and groans. They were coming from the room next door.
"Arrhhh,"
She reopened her eyes. "Why does he disturb me so much?"
She clicked her tongue in annoyance. She got up, crossed her room with quick steps, and knocked on Daemon’s door.
"Hey! Could you shut up? Some people are busy!"
But the cries continued. They even became louder. Luna pushed the door open without waiting. The room was large and dark. A large bed surrounded by half-drawn curtains. Daemon was lying across the bed. His eyes were wide open but frozen, staring at the ceiling.
"Mother, do not abandon me!" he murmured in a choked voice.
"Mother, I do not want to be alone! I am afraid!"
His hands gripped the sheet. He began to tremble.
"I swear I am not a monster," he said, turning his head from side to side. "Do not seal my Chi core!"
Luna approached the bed. She looked at him for a moment. He was having a nightmare. Returning here had undoubtedly made him relive old memories.
She sat on the edge of the bed and took him by the shoulder. She shook him hard enough to pull him out of his torpor.
"Hey, wake up! It is only a dream!"
Daemon inhaled sharply. His eyes moved, trying to focus. He saw Luna leaning over him, her face very close, her red eyes looking at him with something that resembled concern.
"Luna? What are you doing here?"
"You were yelling,"
Daemon sat up slowly. He ran a hand over his face.
"Well," he said, trying to smile, "as you can see, I am fine."
"I see that," replied Luna. "With the snot running from your nose."
Daemon brought his hand to his nose. It was indeed running. He sniffed loudly and wiped everything on his sleeve.
They remained silent for a moment.
"What is going on?" asked Luna, staring at him. "I thought you hated your mother and now... This situation is a bit embarrassing for you."
Daemon sighed.
"I thought my mother hated me. But what if it was because she knew I had the mark of the beast that she sealed my Chi core?"
Luna crossed her arms.
"Does it really matter?"
"I do not want to become a monster... I do not want to lose my humanity."
Luna shook her head.
"The being that is supposed to bring the apocalypse should be powerful... Your talent is far too mediocre to be dangerous to anyone."
Daemon looked up at her with a smile. He leaned forward and embraced her.
"Thank you for comforting me, Master," he said softly.
Luna remained motionless. Her hand rose slightly to stroke his hair. But she changed her mind. She let her hand fall back along her body.
"Now, shut your mouth and try to sleep."