The Cursed Extra: Bloodline of Sacrifice - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: Shifting Tides: Elven Continent

[12 days later]

The television screen flickered.

Zareth sat cross-legged on the bed, arms resting on his knees, his emerald eyes fixed on the screen.

The elven news anchor spoke with an air of urgency and pride.

“<Breaking news from the elven kingdom,>”the anchor began.

“<Princess Vynessa El’Leather has awakened the rare and revered Bloodline of Sylvanheart Ascendancy.>”

“<This marks a monumental moment in the kingdom’s history as only one in ten generations sees such an awakening>”

Zareth exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening.

“As expected of my sister,” he muttered, his voice a blend of begrudging admiration and lingering bitterness.

Seated on the couch behind him, Ed.

“You don’t sound too happy about it.” He said.

Zareth glanced at him, lips pressed into a thin line.

“It’s not that I’m unhappy. She’s… exceptional. Always has been. It’s just…” His words trailed off as his gaze returned to the screen.

Caspian smirked. “Sibling jealousy, huh?”

“It’s not jealousy,” Zareth snapped, though his tone betrayed a hint of defensiveness.

“It’s just hard to stand in the shadow of someone like her. Vynessa has always been perfect. The prodigy. The one everyone looks to for hope.” He paused, lowering his voice.

“And then there’s me… with my useless bloodline.”

“Bloodline?” Caspian asked, his tone shifting from teasing to curiosity.

“Yes, the Starforged Bloodline,” Zareth said, his voice laced with disdain.

Caspian’s casual demeanor vanished in an instant, his mind snapping into sharp focus. His thoughts raced.

Starforged Bloodline?

That’s… impossible.

If I’m not mistaken, that’s supposed to be the protagonist bloodline.

And only one person in the world can have it.

Zareth didn’t notice the shift in Caspian’s expression, lost in his own thoughts.

“It’s nothing but a mark,” he continued, his voice low.

“It doesn’t give me strength, it doesn’t enhance my magic. All it does is glow faintly under the moonlight. It’s a scholar’s bloodline—good for staring at stars, maybe—but nothing else. Nothing useful.” Zareth said.

Starforged… Caspian’s mind churned with the implications.

He knew better than everyone .

For years, the legend of the bloodline had captivated scholars and storytellers alike: a mark of insignificance at first, but one destined to forge the greatest legends.

Yet Zareth… Zareth had no idea what he was carrying.

On the screen, the news anchor continued, her tone growing more formal.

“<In addition to this historic awakening, King Elora El’Leather has announced three new laws aimed at ushering in a new era of peace and unity within the elven kingdom>”

Zareth straightened, his ears twitching slightly as he tuned in.

Caspian leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the television.

The anchor raised a sheet of paper and read aloud.

“<First: Any act of murder, regardless of the victim’s race, will be punished equally under elven law>”

“As expected of Father,” Zareth murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“He was always a strong advocate for world peace and equality.”

“Second,” the anchor continued.

“<The borders of the elven kingdom are now open to all races. Entry will require valid identification or a passport>”

Caspian raised an eyebrow. “That’s a bold move. Opening borders like that? Your father’s gutsy.”

Zareth nodded. “He’s always believed in unity. But this… it’s risky. There are factions within the kingdom that won’t like it.”

“<And third>” the anchor added, her voice growing somber, “<a new council will be established, comprised of representatives from both traditionalist and progressive factions, as well as non-elven citizens who settle in the kingdom. This council will have the authority to mediate disputes and propose legislation>”

Caspian whistled low.

“A multicultural council? Your dad’s really shaking things up.” Caspian said.

Zareth leaned back, his hands resting behind him as he stared at the screen.

“As expected of Father,” he said again, though his voice was quieter now.

“He’s always believed in bridging the gap between races. But it’s not just him.”

“What do you mean?” Caspian asked, leaning forward.

“My sister and mother… they’ve always supported the neutral faction—the ones who don’t want to get involved in the kingdom’s politics.” Zareth frowned, a shadow crossing his face.

“But maybe my running away changed their minds. Maybe they realized staying neutral doesn’t keep you safe.”

Caspian tilted his head, studying Zareth.

“That’s… a pretty big leap.”

“Not really,” Zareth replied.

“They’ve always been calculating. If aligning with Father’s vision keeps the kingdom stable and secure, they’ll back him. Especially now that Vynessa has awakened her bloodline.”

Caspian nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. “And what about you?”

“What about me?” Zareth asked.

Caspian shrugged. “Your dad’s making moves. Your sister’s a legend in the making. Your mom’s probably scheming with the best of them. Where do you fit into all this?”

Zareth’s gaze dropped to the floor, his hands clenching into fists.

“I don’t know,” he admitted.

“I’m not sure I ever did.”

The room fell silent, save for the faint hum of the television.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Caspian clapped Zareth on the history shoulder.

And walks towards door.

Caspian leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed as he watched Zareth stare blankly at the television.

After a moment of silence.

“Now’s the right time,” Caspian said abruptly, his voice firm. “Let’s go to your home.”

Zareth turned to him, confusion and irritation flickering in his emerald eyes.

“What are you talking about?” Zareth asked.

Caspian stepped closer, his posture unwavering.

“Your sister just awakened one of the rarest bloodlines in elven history. Your father’s passed laws that could change everything. This is your chance. Let’s go.” Caspian said.

“I never planned to go home, Ed,” Zareth said.

“That’s the problem,” Caspian shot back, his voice rising slightly.

“You’ve been running for so long, you can’t even see when it’s time to stop. Look around you, Zareth. Things are shifting. If you wait too long, the door back home might close forever.”

Zareth stood, his fists clenched.

“And why do you care? You don’t know what it’s like—. You don’t get to decide when I’m ready.” Zareth said.

Caspian’s eyes narrowed, his voice sharpening.

“You’re right. I don’t know what it’s like to be a prince hiding in a rundown apartment, too scared to face his own family. But I do know what it’s like to regret not acting when you had the chance.” Caspian said.

Zareth’s jaw tightened, his shoulders rigid.

“You think it’s that simple? That I can just walk back in and everything will be fine? You have no idea.”

“And you think hiding here is any better?” Caspian countered, his voice louder now.

“You’re wasting your life, Zareth. Your father’s making moves to reshape the kingdom, your sister’s awakening might’ve shifted the entire balance of power, and you’re just sitting here, sulking. Do you think staying away is going to make anything better?”

“I don’t care!” Zareth snapped, his voice breaking slightly.

“You don’t understand—going back isn’t an option for me. Not now, not ever.” Zareth said.

Caspian stepped closer, his tone dropping but losing none of its intensity.

“But Why?” Caspian asked.

“You’re scared. I get it. But fear isn’t a good enough reason to throw your life away.”

Zareth glared at him, his breathing uneven.

“Enough, Ed. Just stop. You don’t know me, and you don’t know what’s best for me.”

“I’m trying to help you!” Caspian shouted, his frustration boiling over.

“Well, stop trying!” Zareth barked.

“I didn’t ask for your help, and I don’t need it. Just… leave me alone.” Zareth said.

For a moment, the room was silent except for the faint hum of the television.

Zareth’s chest heaved as he turned away, his voice quieter now but laced with finality.

“Don’t talk to me.” he said.

Caspian opened his mouth to reply but closed it, his jaw tightening.

Without another word, Zareth grabbed a blanket, threw it on the bed, and lay down, turning his back to Caspian.

.

Caspian woke to the pale light of dawn streaming through the window.

He blinked groggily, stretching before glancing around the room.

“Zareth?” he called, his voice rough from sleep.

No answer.

The blanket Zareth had used was folded neatly in the corner.

His belongings were gone.

Caspian frowned, his mind racing.

He stood and scanned the room, but it was clear—Zareth had left.

“Damn it,” Caspian muttered under his breath.

He ran a hand through his hair…..