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Chapter 4 - The Council II

The last group was cloaked in black, their figures obscured within the shadows of their garments. Their presence were shrouded in mystery, making their appearance utterly unfathomable.

While they appeared mysterious, the others were very much aware of the figure in the middle. She was the handmaiden of that person. She was a witch, these group of mysterious people were actually witches. Yet, that made them extremely curious. Witchcraft, contrary to expectations was just a skill. There was no special bloodline, it wasn't hereditary so a person does not have to be born a witch to be one neither were they related to the devil nor worshipped. Instead, it was like carpentry or blacksmith. It could be learnt by anyone. Thus the reason it was very much protected. However, being a witch didn't change their inherent nature. They were witches nonetheless they were also human. This meant, having the limitations of humans in all ramifications - including the most important, lifespan.

Anna was the handmaiden of that person a thousand years ago. She should have been dead long ago yet she stood in the same room as them. They wanted nothing more but to unravel the secrets she held but they had learned their lessons and it had stung deeply as such they had learnt to accept their presence.

"When is father coming back?" Maxwell whined.

No one answered, they all kept mute. Even a few them found their lips twitching. Just because you look like a kid doesn't mean you have to act like one right? Or was that the new trope? Ancient beings acting cute? Even Sir Amon broke character for a little bit. Seeing no one was indulging him, he pouted and kept quiet. The others having noticed his actions thus spoke up.

"It's been a thousand years since Divinity disappeared. Isn't it time we…" Celeste spoke up but she didn't get to finish her statement when she noticed signs of aggression from the others. She could even see a glint flashed past the eyes of Maxwell. She fell silent and took a step back signaling her detachment from any further conversation. She felt the aggression lessen and felt sad. There was a huge pie in front of her yet she couldn't eat it, she was just too weak.

The council wasn't something that had always existed. Instead, prior to the council it had been chaotic. They despised each other. The vampires and the werewolves were in a state of perpetual war. Witches were the third party. Sometimes working with and other times against. Nephilims and demons hated each other while both looking down on the other three. In reciprocation, they were the common enemy of the first mentioned three. It had been filled with turmoil and disorderliness. Death was a very common occurrence. It had been bloody and cruel. That was until he came - Divinity. Shrouded in mystery. He was a human yet he did things humans couldn't do. He was an enigma. The council was his creation. He brought order. There were of course people that thrived in the disorderliness and were displeased by Divinity and his council. They hated and despised him and everything he stood up yet they were helpless against his reformations.

The council with the absence of Divinity was like a free sumptuous buffet for whoever was willing to take it. The perceived leaders of the otherworldly beings were here. Whoever could control the council would indirectly control the dark realm. Who wouldn't be tempted. At least Celeste was and of course so was Beliala. However, seeing the reaction Celeste got, she wisely chose to keep quiet. She wasn't in a hurry and her only competitor were the nephilims.

The werewolves - Lilia didn't want any part of it. All she wanted was to get back to her pack. The more she was still in her human form. The more she felt uncomfortable. Eren couldn't care less. As for Ron, he was tempted but he was very much aware that the only source of strength his pack had was him. It was sorely insufficient to rule the council.

The vampires - The Lamia, Qhoshala like Ron very much wanted to rule the council but for the same reason. Her Lamia race wasn't really strong enough to handle something as huge as the council. Thus while unwilling, she had to reign in her appetite. Maxwell couldn't careless all he wanted was to see Divinity again. The rest were unimportant. Sir Amon had a vague interest in it but he quickly crushed it. His interest lied somewhere else. His whole reason for becoming a member of such an high ranking member was to utilize its resources properly for his obsession - resources of which he currently had control of. As such, he neither had the time nor leisure to partake on such paltry politics. After all, all would fall apart on the return of Divinity. He was also one of the few who were anticipating his return although personally it was more of a selfish desire than the others who genuinely wanted Divinity return.

The witches - this group were the most who were the most obsessed with his return. They cared less about nothing and were the most active in anything related to Divinity. It was so because they held an unwavering belief in him almost bordering on fanaticism. It was without doubt that some covens are built on the foundation of Divinity as their god. The witches were his most loyal supporters and the biggest obstacles to anyone who had nefarious or selfish intentions towards the council.

"The information has already been dispersed. The search has begun. He must be found. With him, the missing details towards the absence of Divinity would be unfolded" Anna said beneath her cloak.

"Are you certain he is not dead. As far as we know. Xam Rolth was human". Beliala questioned.

"Hmm I reckon he even went missing way before the absence of Divinity. There was no much noise at that time. He was also an inconsequential figure. Are you certain he could even be found?" Ornn asked further in his gruff voice.

"I am very well versed in the act of necromancy. I have communed with the dead and at a high price I can confirm that he hasn't crossed over yet". The witch on the left of Anna spoke up. His figure couldn't be seen but from his voice. It was assumed that he was a male.

"Why couldn't you just do the same for Divinity? In as much as we want him back. We have to be aware of the possibility that he might be dead too?" Qhoshala questioned too.

This time Anna spoke up, "We will refrain from participating or engaging in any ritual related to Divinity. Also I reckon you are not unfamiliar to some little sorceries. You can take up that mantle"

Of course, Qhoshala ignored her, "Since it is determined that Xam Rolth is not dead. I suggest we convene another meeting upon his presence and seek the necessary details in front of the council"

No one had an objection so they all agreed. However, it was without doubt that while some obsessively sought the return of Divinity like the witches and would put in all their efforts, some merely wanted him to come back like some of the vampires, whom would try to put in some work. The others were a bit nonchalant like the wolves thus had already decided to put in the bare minimum. Lilia had internally decided just to inform some of the wolves under her to keep a lookout then forget the matter. It was just her nature. She just wanted to be in the forest and everything that kept her away from it irritated her.

The Demons and Nephilims obviously didn't want to see Divinity return. To them, he should stay where he was. The council was a big fat sheep ready for fleecing. While they didn't want his return, they had to at least pretend so a little bit of action was still needed.

After they all agreeed, they each left silently. Ron wanted to approach Beliala but she was already gone. Cursing under his breath, he left too.

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