The rebellion began with whispers—quiet conversations in the hidden corners of the world, far from the prying eyes of the Demon Council. Arkanis, Elara, and Zyre knew that to build an alliance, they would need more than just words. They would need proof that change was possible.
Their journey started in the Crimson Wastes, a barren land where rogue demons roamed freely. These demons had been cast out by the council for their refusal to follow orders, and their resentment festered like an open wound. If anyone could be convinced to join the rebellion, it was them.
Elara and Arkanis approached the edge of the Wastes cautiously, the jagged cliffs rising around them like teeth. "Are you sure about this?" Elara asked, her grip tightening on her sword.
"They've lost everything," Arkanis said. "That makes them dangerous, but it also makes them open to new possibilities."
Zyre scoffed. "Or it makes them more likely to tear us apart. Either way, this should be fun."
As they ventured deeper into the Wastes, the air grew heavier, the ground cracked and dry beneath their feet. Shadows flitted between the rocks, and Elara could feel the weight of countless eyes watching them.
Finally, they reached a makeshift camp—a cluster of tents and crude shelters built into the cliffs. The rogue demons emerged slowly, their forms twisted and scarred by years of hardship. At their center stood a towering figure, his horns curved like jagged blades and his crimson eyes burning with distrust.
"What do you want, Lord Arkanis?" the leader growled, his voice like grinding stone. "The council cast us out because of you. If you think we'll bow to you now, you're sorely mistaken."
Arkanis stepped forward, his posture steady but non-threatening. "I don't want your loyalty," he said. "I want your strength—and your anger. Together, we can bring an end to the council's tyranny."
The rogue demons murmured among themselves, their voices filled with skepticism. The leader narrowed his eyes. "And why should we trust you?"
Elara stepped beside Arkanis, her voice cutting through the murmur. "Because he's risking everything for a chance to change the world. If you've suffered under the council's rule, you have a choice: fight for something better or stay here and waste away in the Wastes."
The leader's gaze shifted to her, his expression unreadable. "You have fire, human. But fire burns out quickly."
"Not if you keep fueling it," Elara shot back.
The leader let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "You're bold. I'll give you that."
Arkanis stepped forward again. "Join us, and you'll have more than bold words. You'll have a chance to take back what the council stole from you."
For a moment, the leader said nothing. Then he nodded, his gaze fierce. "We'll see if your rebellion is worth fighting for. But know this, Lord Arkanis—if you betray us, we'll destroy you."