The First Dragon God-Chapter 88: The Price To Acquire Power

The atmosphere in the Palace of Bones grew heavier as Tatiana’s words hung in the air, the weight of her conviction filling the grand hall.

Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable save for a flicker of something—amusement, curiosity, or perhaps even disbelief.

Mictecacihuatl leaned forward slightly, her crimson eyes narrowing with faint amusement.

"The princess of Crimson Fall seeks a boon not for herself, but for a mortal? How peculiar. Vampires do not often concern themselves with the affairs of others, especially those of another race."

Mictlantecuhtli chuckled softly, his voice a low rumble that reverberated through the chamber.

"Indeed, it is rare. Tell me, Princess, why does this mortal matter to you?"

Tatiana straightened, her gaze unwavering despite the suffocating aura of the two gods.

"The tournament is upon us, and I intend to win it. To do so, I need allies who are strong—stronger than they are now. This skill will elevate my ally and give my alliance the fighting chance it needs."

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Mictecacihuatl tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Is that all? A tactical decision? Or is there more to it than you care to admit?"

Tatiana’s lips parted to respond, but no words came out. She hesitated, the question cutting deeper than she had expected.

Was this truly just about the tournament? Or was there something more—a connection she wasn’t ready to admit, even to herself?

Elda watched the exchange quietly, her sharp eyes catching the flicker of uncertainty in Tatiana’s gaze. She took a small step forward, her voice cutting through the tension.

"The boy has connections to both a known and an unknown divine entities," Elda said, her tone measured but firm.

Mictecacihuatl’s smile faltered, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she turned her attention to Elda.

Mictlantecuhtli straightened in his throne, his glowing eyes burning brighter.

"Explain," Mictlantecuhtli said, his voice a deep, commanding echo that sent a chill down Elda’s spine.

Elda continued without hesitation, meeting the piercing gaze of the gods.

"The known divine entity is Ereshkigal. She gifted him a weapon crafted from shadowsteel. As you are both aware, shadowsteel can only be obtained from a single source in whole Multiverse—the Underworld of Ereshkigal herself."

Mictecacihuatl’s brows lifted slightly, a spark of intrigue lighting her expression. Mictlantecuhtli, however, remained silent, though the air around him grew heavier, colder.

"But that is not all," Elda added, her voice dropping slightly.

"The unknown divine entity… not much is known about it. But its brief presence was significant enough for a Messenger of the Council to pay a visit."

At this, both Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl froze. The light in their eyes dimmed momentarily, replaced with a flicker of something rarely seen on divine faces—concern.

"A Messenger of the Council?" Mictecacihuatl repeated, her tone sharp. "For a mortal boy?"

Elda nodded. "Yes. The details remain unclear, but the visit alone speaks volumes."

The gods exchanged another glance, their expressions darkening. The weight of Elda’s revelation settled over the room like a suffocating fog, amplifying the already oppressive atmosphere.

Mictecacihuatl leaned back in her throne, her fingers drumming against the armrest.

"It seems this mortal is far more interesting than he appears."

Mictlantecuhtli’s gaze returned to Tatiana, his burning eyes boring into her.

"You are willing to risk much for him, Princess. But such power does not come without a price."

Mictecacihuatl’s smile returned, though it was colder now, more calculating.

"Servitude after death. That is the price we ask. Will you pay it?"

Tatiana felt her heart drop at the words. The weight of their demand pressed down on her, suffocating her thoughts. Her chest tightened as a storm of emotions raged within her—fear, sadness, doubt.

"Servitude after death…" she repeated softly, her voice barely audible.

Elda turned to her sharply, her expression a mixture of shock and anger. "Princess, you can’t—"

Tatiana raised a hand, silencing Elda. Her eyes were downcast, her mind racing. She thought of the boy she was doing this for, the journey they had ahead of them, and the tournament that loomed ever closer.

But more than that, she thought of the strange warmth she felt when she was with him—the connection she couldn’t quite explain.

Was she truly willing to pay such a price? To bind her soul to Mictlan for eternity?

Tatiana clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She thought of her mother, of Elda, of everything she had already endured.

And then she looked up, meeting the gazes of the gods with a resolve that burned brighter than her fear.

"I accept," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart.

Elda’s eyes widened, her hand shooting out to grab Tatiana’s arm.

"No! You can’t do this! There has to be another way!"

Tatiana turned to her, tears glistening in her eyes, but her expression was unyielding.

"This is my choice, Elda. Please… don’t stop me."

Elda’s grip loosened, her hand trembling as she released Tatiana’s arm. Her shoulders slumped, and she looked away, her expression filled with sorrow and frustration.

Mictecacihuatl rose gracefully from her throne, her crimson gown flowing like liquid shadows.

"Very well, Princess. The boon shall be granted, and the price shall be paid when your time comes."

Mictlantecuhtli raised a skeletal hand, a dark orb of energy forming within his palm. The orb pulsed with a strange, otherworldly light, its power radiating through the hall.

The orb floated toward Tatiana, stopping just before her. "Take it. The skill will bind to the one you choose."

Tatiana reached out, her hand trembling as she touched the orb. The energy surged into her, filling her with a sensation that was both warm and cold, light and dark.

"It is done," Mictlantecuhtli said, his voice final.

Tatiana bowed deeply, her movements slow and deliberate. "Thank you."

Without another word, she turned and began to walk away, her steps heavy with the weight of her decision. Elda followed silently, her expression clouded with a mix of emotions she couldn’t voice.

The two of them left the Palace of Bones, the air growing lighter with each step. But the burden in Tatiana’s heart remained, a constant reminder of the price she had agreed to pay.

As they stepped back into the desolate expanse of Mictlan, Tatiana paused, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Elda," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I’m sorry."

Elda placed a hand on her shoulder, her grip firm yet gentle.

"Just promise me it will be worth it, Princess."

Tatiana nodded, though her heart was heavy with doubt. The path ahead was unclear, but there was no turning back now.