Page 65 of A Taste of Torment
26
THE ROYAL LINE OF ORIZIAH
Thedemonic royallinecomprises of all descendants of Emperor Illendia, the first demon of Oriziah believed to travel inter-dimensionally and the first known ruler to mate with an alien. These descendants now number in the thousands and are considered the ruling class on the planet of Oriziah, otherwise known as the Under World. The royal line numbers in the thousands, but Oriziah remains a monarch planet with far less within the line of succession.
There are seven species of demons accepted as higher beings by the inter-dimensional courts, with many more listed in the Oriziah Constitution. These species have earned a reputation for savagery and violence in many of the portal worlds, but the royal line continues to stand out.
The royal line has two distinct forms: one that appears nearly entirely human—though, occasionally with pointed ears—and their demon form, which consists of leathery wings and curling black horns. They can change forms at will.
The magic of the royal line continues to be unrivaled by even beings from other planets, and since the onset of their rule, the planet of Oriziah has developed into a powerhouse within the inter-dimensional systems. They have established many core alliances with fae, witches, humans, dragons, and many others.
Unlike the other species of their world, the royal line has long been considered talented negotiators and fiercely loyal allies. Most still fear their power, but those they bond to have only sung their praises.
Rarely does a demon of this bloodline marry within their own species. Though this has added to their influence within the universe, it has also caused conflict on their own planet.
This dilution of their demonic blood has long been the source of unrest on their planet. The war of Amelisia was one such conflict. Three tribes from Amelisian mountains attempted to overthrow the royal line, claiming them “aliens” who are unfit to rule.
The resolution of this war is shrouded in mystery.Official inter-dimensional reports simply claim, “The royal line has successfully assured their constituents that their demon souls remain intact and strong. Their rule is secure once again.”
Many critics of the Orizian royals claim the secret behind this conflict and its resolution is integral to understanding the true cruelty of their kind, and yet this secret has never been publicly revealed.
27
God Didn’t Give Me Power, So I’ll Brew It Instead
After potions,I approach Madame Terry’s desk. “I have a question.” I blurt out.
She slowly peers up at me, brow arched.
“There’s a potion I want to try out. It’s advanced. And maybe not at all what I’m supposed to be doing in this class. I’m not even positive it’s legal.”
Legalities matter very little in the grand scheme of things, but in the school, they do. My parents have brewed many illegal potions in their days and never saw a sniff of trouble because they’ve always made sure to stay on the right side of conflicts. In the same way no one wants to investigate a powerful supernatural for wrongful deaths, no one wants to investigate the source of potions when it’s connected to said influential supernaturals.
But the school is a different matter.
“What’s this potion?”
“A nullifier,” I tell her.
Her lips curl into a smile. “I like it. Do you have an ingredients list?”
I hand her the scribbled list of ingredients.
Her lips flatten as she reads. “I don’t have all of this.”
I nod. “Jarron is going to help procure some of them.”
Without pause she pulls out a piece of paper from her drawer. She scribbles something at the top, then carves the swooping letters of her signature to the bottom and holds it out to me.
“What’s this?”
“Independent study permission. You will have access to one of the labs in Under Hall, to be assigned when you arrive. It will be yours for the next three months to complete your independent project. It will be in addition to your work during this class, but it will also increase your GPA if you complete your project, and you’ll have the ability to enter for scholarships or grants based on your success.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want any of that. I just want to make the potion for myself.”
She shrugs. “If you have the chance to get recognition or additional resources, it’s usually best to take advantage.”
I bite my tongue because I can’t tell her that my goal is to stay away from the supernatural world after this school year. I want every magical being to forget I ever existed. But then again, if I succeed in killing the person responsible for my sister’s death, under the radar may no longer be an option.
