Memories. Pain. Misery.
Slow dark melody.
The first time Dante was conscious during the takeover. As the tune spread in his mind, it stirred several memories that were best forgotten. 
His heart faced as the memories flashed, his screams echoing in his head. The pleadings. The agony. The tears. 
His hands clutched to his head as he let out a small whimper. Beads of sweat broke out of his forehead as his eyes shut tightly.
'Father, please don't let them take me…'
'I didn't do anything…'
'No…no please…'
His miserable pleas switched to several voices at once.
'It's the cursed child!'
'Get this animal away from him!'
'Beat him until he begs for death!'
'Let's set the monster ablaze and free ourselves from his sight!'
Dante didn't realize he had stepped out of the barn. The memories wouldn't stop flooding in and his feet were moving on their own accord. 
He had no idea where he was going and no one bothered to stop him. They just stood aside, aware that his insanity had kicked in. 
The only surprising thing was that he was not violent. No destruction of properties and physical attack. 
Nobody bothered to find out where he was headed, instead, they made way for him to pass, unwilling to make body contact.
With no obstacle in his way, he headed for an all too familiar cliff.
*******
Xander was seated before his parents with Kimorra by his side. When they summoned him earlier, he thought it was to scold him about the business proposal he messed up, but surprisingly Kimorra was there too.
"I believe you know why we summoned you," the King started. 
Refusing to spare Kimorra a glance, he denied, "No, I don't, Father. Why did you send for me?"
Kimorra maintained her composure. His feigned oblivion wouldn't change a thing.
"Kimorra came to us with thrilling news. I believe she told you as well," Queen Adora chirped. Xander's expression remained stoic. "You are going to be a father."
"What do you have to say about this? Is the pregnancy yours? Please tell us the truth," King Edwardo asked.
Xander finally glanced at Kimorra who smiled innocently at him. She probably knew that denial was not an option for him. 
"Yes, Father. The baby is mine," he confessed and the King's expression expressed his disappointment, while the Queen was truly delighted to hear the news. 
None of his parents said anything yet but their expressions reflected what they felt inside. 
“What are your plans for the young lady, son? Do not think you can ask her to terminate this pregnancy, it is not even an option,” His mother spoke up first. Xander cleared his throat, ready to break the news but Kimorra was quick to speak. 
“Thank you for that question, your highness. Personally, I think it would be a shame if someone of a high social class like myself, gives birth outside wedlock. What better plan is there than to fix a date for our union,” She said.
Both father and son were agitated. How could she suggest something so outrageous? A second wedding in a space of one month? Not only was she trying to cause them double embarrassment, but a union with Kimorra was a threat to whatever relationship they could build with the Princess of the Golden City.
“No!” Both father and son snapped. Kimorra flinched, shocked by the gang-up. 
“What?”
“My son cannot marry you. He already tried and failed. What if another woman shows up on the wedding day again? Do you think I can deal with another embarrassment? My son clearly has no interest in you, stop pushing it,” The King said and Kimorra blinked back the tears that stung her eyes.
“I already told you that I cannot marry you. I will take care of the baby and perform all my duties as a father but I will not let you tie me down this pregnancy. If you think you can’t cope with the burden of being a single mother, then feel free to terminate the pregnancy. I will bring the best doctors to attend to…”
“Shut your mouth, young man! How dare you suggest something so despicable? If you had no plans of being with her, why did you sleep with her then?” Queen Adora snapped. Her pretty milky skin was now red with anger.
A tear slipped and rolled down Kimorra’s cheek.
“We are both adults, mother. She gave herself to me even when she knew I would never see more than a friend. Besides, I have told her this countless times. You should ask her why she enjoys hurting herself so much,” Xander retorted.
Kimorra stood up slowly, bowing her head to hide the tears in her eyes.
“I beg to be excused, your highness. I.. I am not feeling too well..” she managed to say and the queen felt sorry for her. The poor girl must be going through a lot.
“You may go, dear. Feel free to come to me later, alright?”
“Thank you, your highness,” she croaked and scurried away.
Queen Adora turned to Xander with disappointment and irritation. “How could you let go of a girl as sweet as Kimorra? She has been your friend since childhood. She understands you better than anyone else and she cares deeply for you. How dare you treat her this way for a woman you know nothing about! A woman without an iota of respect for you. I really don’t know how you love when she can’t even stand you!” She chided.
Her words stung Xander, but he hid the hurt and went ahead to defend her, “Almira is not a touchy person. She has a problem with expressing herself. You should cut her some slack, Mom.”
“Did you hear that, Ed? Your son has lost his mind. No matter how reserved a woman is, there would still be a conscious or unconscious effort to show her feelings for you. Many are not good at expressing themselves, but their love language speaks volumes. Trust me, son, that woman doesn’t care for you. Not even a single bit,” Queen Adora told him.
“But I love the princess, Mom. It is too late to back out now. Once she returns from her kingdom, I plan to make it official,” he informed them.
While the queen was shocked, King Edwardo had a proud smile.
“You plan to do what?”
“You heard me, mother. I will ask her to marry me and when she accepts, our engagement feast will follow immediately," he repeated and she stared at him, dumbfounded.