He gripped the crystal in his hand, embracing the powers it gave him. He felt invincible. Like he could split the world in half with his bare hands.The thought of that made him giggle.

"Ah, there he is...the very things that stole from me! You are a stubborn one, Matthew." Valerian spoke from behind him. He looked up at her and smiled, she smiled back. "What can I say, this is as addictive as candy!" He replied.

Valerian politely folded her hands in front of her. "There's no way, that I can steal it back." She assumed.

Azazel nodded in confirmation. "Correct."

Valerian inhaled. "Well, well, well. I guess I wouldn't have a choice but to offer you a deal."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Azazel looked at her with interest, as he played with the crystal in his hand. Valerian continued. "I claim this castle.....add a few guards and servants to this place, and you rule with me. Actually, YOU will rule, and I will be under your feet as an advisor. How does that sound? And you can fully control the kingdom and kiss your old, pathetic life behind."

Azazel nodded at the thought. He licked his lips. "That's a deal!"

Valerian smiled gleefully. "I can sense your friends are trying to come back to free you."

Azazel cracked his knuckles. "I'll kill them, don't worry." Valerian nodded.

"Good, 'cause I have my own business to attend." She walked away, going down the West Hall.

Azazel stood up from his chair and walked down the steps to the entrance. "They're coming back, you say?" He laughed as he twitched. "I'll toy with them a little bit."

Azazel whirled his finger, and one by one, empty knights in armor jumped from their stands and swept the castle, raising their swords and gathering their armored horses.

Now THIS should be interesting!