The Dragon Lord's Aide Wants to Quit [BL] Chapter 392: A Fate Worse Than Death

A swift demise would have been far too merciful for a scoundrel as vile as Malrik Veyth.

Considering the countless cruel tortures and deaths inflicted by his hands, how could Riley possibly offer this wretch a peaceful end?

He wouldn’t be able to face the wronged souls in the afterlife, nor would he find peace if he didn’t unleash his fury!

Thus, humanitarian treatment for criminals was out of the question.

They weren't even human to begin with!

As magical beings, their demise was already decreed by the law of the land.

And Riley?

He had long since moved past any qualms.

The human Riley of the past would have retched at merely being in the same vicinity, but the current Riley was entirely different.

Having endured and witnessed an abhorrent amount of cruelty from this villain and his lackeys, he was perfectly willing to carve this monster apart, piece by agonizing piece.

Riley intended to savor the process.

He knew he sounded particularly villainous. Some might even caution him about the psychological toll of taking a life.

People often assume taking a life is simple—until the first kill shatters them, leaving them hollow and unable to reconcile with the life they’ve extinguished.

Perhaps that was true.

After all, ending a life is not a cause for celebration; it is not something to be taught to children or discussed casually over meals.

But fortunately for Riley, this was not his first such act.

And judging by the current trajectory, it would likely not be his last.

Therefore, given the fortunate alignment of karmic retribution, he might as well embrace this opportunity: a chance to exact vengeance on behalf of all.

The imposing black dragon observed the sheer terror and desperation contorting Chancellor Malrik's face.

Who could possibly remain calm when their own blood was turned against them?

Even worse, who wouldn't turn pale with dread upon seeing strange runes scrawled upon their own being, powerless to intervene?

If Malrik had any grievances, Riley invited him to voice them.

Perhaps he should solicit the opinions of all those individuals Malrik had controlled and marked against their will.

Or even better—

Perhaps he could consult the innocent children Malrik had preyed upon for his selfish ambitions.

Merely considering it sent Riley's blood boiling. The pace at which he manipulated Malrik’s blood quickened, drawing it out in angry surges with growing annoyance.

To be honest, this was his first time undertaking such an extensive operation of this nature.

It was no wonder the black dragon could feel his mate's unease through their bond as he continued with an endeavor he had never truly practiced on another.

Kael stood steadfastly behind him, a silent, unwavering presence, allowing Riley complete freedom. To onlookers, Kael must have appeared particularly intimidating, especially since they likely assumed he was the one directly confronting Malrik. Only Riley understood the depth of his husband's concern.

He was worried. Terribly so.

Frankly, his anxiety was entirely understandable.

While Riley had previously manipulated his own blood to pre-cast runic spells on himself, this was the very first instance of him doing so using another's blood—blood from someone he hadn't even physically touched.

Yet, after sensing a glimmer of possibility, Riley simply decided to attempt it.

And surprisingly, much to his own astonishment, his mana making contact with the blood was sufficient to establish control.

How fitting an end it was, to be betrayed by his own blood, especially for someone who had spilled so much innocent blood!

But Riley was getting ahead of himself. Before vanishing entirely, the scoundrel deserved a taste of his own concoction.

__

Malrik’s eyes flared wide as his throat constricted violently.

He was unable to draw breath.

No sound escaped him, not even a choked gasp, yet his body screamed his terror. He hung suspended in plain sight, a silent, struggling tableau for all to witness.

Riley leaned in, his voice a low whisper directed straight into the Chancellor's exposed ears.

"Haven't you always reveled in the attention of crowds and grand spectacles?"

Simultaneously, the black dragon remained concealed behind Kael's imposing form, ensuring that while the assembled crowd witnessed Malrik's torment, all they could perceive beyond it was the dragon lord's overwhelming presence.

But Malrik heard every word.

"Considering how you orchestrated all those public confrontations, I would have thought you’d appreciate this one?" Riley's voice was a low, dangerously smooth caress. "But why do you appear so..."

He paused, as if searching for the exact word, his expression shifting into a deadly, accusatory glare.

"...ungrateful."

"Ah. Yes!"

"That is precisely the word I was seeking. Right now, you seem particularly ungrateful when all we desired was to dutifully return your gifts."

His gaze momentarily descended.

"Like that stab you delivered to the little one."

Malrik’s eyes expanded with renewed horror. The terror returned with a sharper intensity this time. His body mirrored the sensation as if the assault had just reoccurred, the recollection impacting him more profoundly than before.

The dragon lord’s aide contorted his face, appearing almost regretful. "Oops. I couldn’t resist being generous for old times’ sake," he stated, his tone remaining light. "Besides, I figured you’ve done something similar more than once. So, I thought a little extra would be appropriate."

"!!!"

"At the very least, until this matter is concluded…" Riley stretched out his murmured words, speaking as if he were detailing a magnum opus nearing its completion. A brief silence ensued. "And… behold! Ta-da!" He maintained his bright, almost cheerful expression for another moment, seemingly awaiting a response. Then, it vanished.

"Oi," Riley said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I declared 'Ta-da.' Shouldn't you be exhibiting more enthusiasm, Chancellor?" His gaze grew frigid. "After all, you are about to witness a singular event today. You ought to be eternally indebted." Malrik remained uncertain of this madman’s pronouncements, yet he was consumed by an overwhelming dread that completely overshadowed the discomfort in his legs.

"Very well," Riley continued, his voice softening, as if amusing himself. "Even I acknowledge it doesn't appear particularly striking. Or even remotely refined." A subtle smile reappeared on his lips. "But you should be thankful I included even a doodle of a wing. A small token to recall the sensation of having wings." He inclined his head slightly. "Although, I'm uncertain if you'll possess the clarity of mind to appreciate it." Riley regarded him as though this were a genuine concern.

The Chancellor’s mouth twitched. For the first time, a physical reaction manifested. His heart constricted violently, as if an unseen hand had seized it from within. He longed to cry out, to demand explanations, to question what was being inflicted upon him. Yet, despite his intense desire, no sound escaped his lips.

"You graciously chose to seal your draconic essence," Riley muttered, his smile expanding into something terrifyingly radiant. "So, I surmised I would assist you in realizing your ambition." His voice deepened. "By rendering it irrevocable." The implication struck instantly. He was being permanently sealed!

Malrik attempted to struggle, but the instant he moved, the runes encircling him tightened. They constricted abruptly, compressing his physique with such savage force that his chest felt as though it were collapsing inward. His visage began to contort. Scales erupted erratically across his skin, and the contour of his nose deformed into something unnatural, something unfinished. His body strove to transform, to stabilize, but faltered mid-process. Internally, Malrik shrieked.

No. This could not possibly be occurring! Such a thing?! To him?! Not even Kael could accomplish this without a ritual circle! He desperately grasped at his final vestige of hope, his expression assuming an eerily serene facade as he attempted to deceive himself. It would be alright. All seals could be broken, one way or another. There was invariably a method.

Furthermore, when had the heavens ever forsaken him? Riley, observing this sudden shift in Malrik’s demeanor, emitted a scoff. He extended his hand to grasp Kael’s. Not due to a necessity for invoking his power, but rather because the black dragon was palpably enraged. Had they been in an isolated chamber, shielded from prying eyes, he might have resorted to physical confrontation. However, that would not have been as efficacious as this current action. After all, he was not contending with a mere punching bag, but rather a self-deluded narcissist.

Therefore, yes, he did not strictly require assistance to conclude this procedure, but with Kael’s unwavering moral support present, why would he forgo it? Clasping Kael’s hand, Riley leaned in one final time. His voice softened once more, adopting an almost saccharine cadence. "Oh, and do not trouble yourself with contemplating the reversal of this," he murmured, his tone light and singsong. "My ancestors would deem it impossible." Then, as if to elucidate his meaning, the aide’s eyes underwent a transformation.

Bright. Slitted. Emerald. This time, rather than vanishing in an instant, those eyes remained fixed. "!" But had Malrik momentarily considered fabricating justifications for the sight his eyes beheld, he could not do so the instant the reality struck. Dragon fear. It descended without preamble, more potent than anything Malrik had ever experienced. It was the ultimate, annihilating confirmation of the established hierarchy. A stark reminder of that which he had just irrevocably lost.

Riley remained stationary. A dragon in every significant aspect. And Malrik— Malrik was forever ceasing to be one.