A/n: Sorry for missing a week of updating. I was sick and when I finally felt better I had no inspiration at all, but thankfully it's come back! I just finished updating an original book of mine so this update is next on the list. Thanks for being so (hopefully) patient with me. :)

And without further ado, the next chapter of this book!

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This is a world in which humans and beings have yet to be divided. A tale of ancient times. Before the battle of Liones, the Kingdom of Camelot was soundly beaten and conquered. However, a spark of hope remains in the heroes that soon draw near. Hooray, the sins are here...

...The Eight Deadly Sins are here!

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Chapter XXII
Victoria of Subservience

A hand. That's what Victoria had felt the entire time in which she was in a temporary stasis.

From the moment that strange ball of darkness had hit them, she had immediately felt too groggy to stay awake, promptly collapsing into someone's lap.

Voices. Shouts of determination and rage could be heard both inside and outside of the prison. She assumed Elizabeth was the source of the former one.

Then utter silence was heard as they moved underground, popping up in a new location a mere matter of minutes after.

Victoria could sense a vast collection of negative energy all around; demons, she assumed.

And if they're were this many, they were in Camelot.

Which meant...

Oh Goddess. It's Melascula, she groaned internally, not finding it in herself to awaken to greet the pink haired demon.

A sharp tug on her soul was her answer as she felt the same hands toying with its being, sending horrific chills down her spine.

Victoria snapped awake, jerking upwards as she was careful not to let it slip out against her will.

Black and blue eyes narrowed in rage as she held the woman up by the throat, her face contorted with disgust and hate.

"So, you're awake, huh?" Melascula smirked, her tongue falling out of her mouth slightly, appalling Victoria.

"Where am I?" she glared with a passion.

"You already know," she shrugged uncaringly.

The goddess narrowed her eyes.

"Where's Elizabeth?" she demanded, worried for her wellbeing.

"Oh, that wench?" Melascula smiled, "She's over there in a cell. Probably still unconscious."

She didn't remove her hand, instead allowing a bit of blazing darkness to fester in her palm.

Melascula winced, choking slightly.

"Come now, Vi," she smirked, "Is that any way to greet an old friend? I told you what you wanted. You should let me go."

Victoria felt like laughing hysterically.

"Friend?" her eyes widened, showcasing mild insanity, "I hate every single one of you. Is that what you really call a friend?"

Melascula smirked, "Really? Even him? The Demon King's Representative?"

Victoria faltered slightly, caught off guard.

"Wasn't he your best friend back then?" she became more confident as Victoria let her go limply.

She glared at the ground.

"And you said you hated us," she laughed, "After all, you're almost in the same boat. The only difference is, he works for his father willingly. Don't tell me you think you can save him from his own desire?"

The brunette clenched her hand angrily.

"I never said such nonsense..." she murmured, stiffening slightly as she felt a finger stroke along her neck.

Melascula peeked her head over her shoulder, lengthening her tongue.

"Really? Why would you leave him behind after all he has done for you?" she questioned, "He did save your life, after all, when that traitor abandoned it."

"...I know."

"Then why elope with your enemy? You can't seriously think that Meliodas is your ally after what he's done, can you?" she interrogated.

Victoria didn't say a word.

"That's right, you can't, can you? You can't even swear loyalty to that precious band of replacements he's assembled," she smirked, holding a hand over her other shoulder.

"Your true leader, is the Demon King himself," she continued the mental torture, "A mere pet of the Ten Commandments, you're not even an actual commandment, are yo-?"

"-Melascula, that's enough," a stern, ruthless voice spoke up, interrupting her.

Victoria didn't dare look up at him.

"Aw, but I was having so much fun~" she relented, backing away from the girl.

The goddess sighed in relief.

"Go take care of the entrance in case Meliodas comes anytime soon. I'll take care of Victoria," the male ordered sternly.

"Alright," the rosette nodded, flying out of the room.

Victoria tensed with each footstep he made towards her.

A cold, armoured hand clasped around her wrist as she flinched slightly, too nervous to look the stronger individual in the eyes.

"Look at me," he demanded.

He's probably mad, huh.

She kept her gaze planted firmly on the interesting floor.

"Tch," he clicked his tongue as he forced her head up with his hand, making her eyes meet his.

Victoria stared at the pitch black circles, trying to determine what exactly he wanted with her.

"...Why?" he finally spat, glaring at her darkly.

"Why what?" she tried to act innocent.

He narrowed his eyes at her.

"Why would you go to Meliodas?"

"I think you of all people would understand why I did that, Zeldris," she stood her ground, albeit shakily.

Zeldris sighed, "At another time; yes. But not after what he did."

He gripped her by the shoulders.

"That bastard betrayed us, Victoria," he repeated, "So why would you go to him?"

"I..." Victoria was at a loss for words.

"Fine then," Zeldris dropped his arms as he took hold of her wrist firmly.

"Let's discuss this in my throne room, shall we?" he moved to exit the dungeon.

"Leave her alone!" another voice called out determinedly, having finally awoken.

"E- Elizabeth?" Victoria's eyes widened in surprise to see the girl now standing in her cell, her eyes now five-sixths of the way.

Hands outstretched threateningly, the princess acted ready to perform her attack, prepared to resort to force if necessary.

Zeldris tilted his head, smirking cockily.

"Oh really? And what exactly do you think you can do to stop me, Cursed Goddess Elizabeth?" he stepped towards the bars without fear.

Elizabeth took a step backwards, trembling slightly.

"S- stay back!" she demanded shakily.

One step.

Then two.

Three.

Four.

Zeldris smirked in satisfaction.

"You can't even stand your ground against me, you pitiful creature," he pointed out, letting the expression fade away.

"I- I won't say it again! Leave my friend alone!" Elizabeth quavered, somewhat aware of Zeldris' true power.

In a mere instant, Zeldris stood right before the bars, grabbing the princess by the collar before she could run.

Victoria ran towards them.

"Your friend?" he raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

He gripped the fabric harder.

"And you of all people, have the nerve to say such a thing after turning my estranged brother against his own clan?" his rage was boiling underneath.

"Zeldris stop!" Victoria pleaded, trying to grab his arm in vain.

"And you stay back," he ordered, forcing her to comply, lest she disobey the Demon King by extension.

Victoria stood stock-still, her eyes begging otherwise.

"Don't expect to get off scot-free for what you did," he glared at her coldly, "You're lucky I'm being as lenient as to spare you of being called a traitor in your position. Don't test me, Victoria."

"Y- yes..." she gripped her hands in regret, giving Elizabeth a look of apology.

Elizabeth didn't blame her, there was nothing she could do to help her. It was up to her to do it herself.

"I- I don't know what you're talking about!" the princess defended herself, "I didn't turn Meliodas on anyone!"

"You must be joking," Zeldris felt the slight urge to laugh, "Your eyes are active. You can't possibly tell me you don't remember after what that Goddess did."

Elizabeth shook her head in denial.

He narrowed his eyes, "Are those memories not back yet?"

"What memories?" Elizabeth struggled to free herself.

"Victoria," he turned to face her, "Are her memories back yet or not?"

Victoria stiffened slightly, not wanting to say.

"Well?"

She opened her mouth, closing it immediately.

Raising an eyebrow, Zeldris considered accusing her of betraying him, not really wanting to cause her too much damage.

"Tell me the truth. If you don't- I'll immediately know you're lying," he threatened, "I'd rather work with a live partner than a mindless puppet."

"How could you be so cruel?" Elizabeth questioned in disbelief, "Isn't she your best friend?"

Of course, they were. At least, Zeldris believed so. However, he still had to fulfil his role as his father's avatar, first and foremost.

Only after, would concern come, and he was sure that Victoria most likely knew this.

"Be quiet. This doesn't concern you," he ordered, staring intently at his friend.

"This has everything to do with-!"

"-Elizabeth," Victoria raised a hand in warning, "Stop, please. No more."

"Victoria..." her eyes saddened.

Was this really what Victoria had endured at the time? The princess wondered internally, sympathizing.

Victoria turned to him, "They're back," her throat constricted as she gagged from the curse, "-Mostly or some, at least."

Zeldris narrowed his eyes, seeing that she had tested the waters.

Choosing to ignore it, he turned to the princess, releasing her roughly as she tried to catch her breath, rubbing her neck.

He held out a hand calmly.

"Is that so?" he watched her carefully, "Fine. Then remember! Recall your sins and repent for what you've done."

***

Zeldris casts a spell!

Can Meliodas and co. manage to get to them before it's too late? Or will it all come crashing down?

Remember to vote, comment and tell me what you think!

~Nia