King of the Dark – A Thicker Than Water Story

Hey everyone! Today we have the origin story of the main villain in my novel in progress, Thicker Than Water.

***

They wanted me to be different.

They wanted me to change my father’s legacy and break the chains of darkness that had entrapped this kingdom for centuries.

They thought I would be better.

And so did I, for a while.

Then, I realized that there is no glory in following Light, no gain for me in this life. Darkness holds the real power. Darkness will eventually smother any light, no matter how strong. 

They used to shout my name, as a symbol of a new day dawning. Now they whisper it in the middle of this dark night of my creation. They cower in their shadowed houses, or scurry along dark streets, while I watch them from my fortress of night. 

I am the King of Nortan. Ruler of the Shadow, Lord of the Night, Advisory of the Light; and soon, Emperor of the known world. 

I still remember the day I realized Darkness was the true greatest Gift, the one to rule them all. 

My father took me out to a high balcony in the dead of night. There are no stars in Nortan, nor is there a sun or moon. It is simply black or gray, no light or color is found in the kingdom besides blood red, the color of the dead and the strong. 

My father gestured to the pitch blackness with pride. “You see this son? This is true power. Darkness cripples those who seek Light, stiffles those who seek to grow without permission, and grants great power to those who can control it.” 

Suddenly, a large winged creature appeared, darker still than the night around us. A large black dragon with glowing red eyes and ragged wings. I jumped back, afraid of the creature. It let loose a deafening screech and dove towards me. I ducked and covered my head, awaiting death, but nothing happened. I looked up at my father to see him laugh. 

“You see? You were afraid for your life, but it was merely a shadow, a figment of my imagination.” The dragon reappeared in front of me, this time small enough to fit in the palm of my hand. “Try to touch it.” My father commanded. I reached out towards it, only for it to melt away, reappearing wrapped around my finger like a ring. “You see, son, Darkness holds the power to control people through fear. People fear what they cannot see clearly. Use this ring as a reminder of the power you hold.”

I still have that ring. I still remember my father’s words. And I use them all. 

I reign with fear, and with Darkness.

I am Draeven, bringer of the night.

***

If you liked this snippet, please consider hitting that Like button and sharing with a friend!!

Until next time,

Lori