Author's POV
Natalie and Vaelthor stood frozen for a long moment after Ellis's startling words. The revelation that Kael had taken Harper to the demon realm didn't make sense—not to either of them.
"Why… why would Kael do that?" Vaelthor's voice was low, his brows furrowed in genuine confusion. His eyes narrowed, as though turning every possibility over in his mind.
Natalie's lips parted as if to answer, but no words came. Then, suddenly, her gaze shifted sharply to Ellis. "Wait." Her voice carried suspicion and a tinge of fear. "Mother—how do you even know that? How do you know Harper is with Kael?"
Ellis, who had been calm and almost detached until now, tilted her head slightly. "Because I was just returning from there."
Natalie blinked in shock. "You—what? You went to the demon realm? Why? And how do you even know about Harper?"
Ellis's eyes hardened, a flicker of warning glinting in them. "Do not question me, Natalie. I have nothing to tell you." Her tone was firm, dismissive, as if every inquiry was a waste of time.
Vaelthor's deep voice broke through the tension. "Then what about Kael's intentions? Why did he take her there?"
Ellis's lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile. "That," she said, shaking her head slowly, "I do not know." Her voice dropped to something almost mocking. "You'll have to ask him yourself."
Silence lingered between them, thick and heavy. Then Ellis turned her sharp gaze on Vaelthor, her expression softening with strange amusement. "You don't look so destructive anymore," she remarked.
Vaelthor froze. The words hit deeper than they should have, but he said nothing. His jaw tightened, but he didn't answer.
Ellis took a step closer, her voice sharper now. "If you've truly abandoned your path of ruin, then take your son and leave. You have no business in the witch's realm anymore. You belong to the supreme clan."
Natalie and Vaelthor exchanged a glance—an entire conversation passing silently between them. Slowly, they nodded, deciding to take their son away as Ellis had suggested.
But before they could leave, Ellis spoke again. "One more thing." Her voice carried the weight of something personal, something that refused to be ignored.
They both turned.
Ellis's gaze locked on Vaelthor. "Do not even think of keeping my daughter with you without giving her an identity."
Vaelthor's eyes widened slightly, then he nodded once, wordless but resolute. Natalie, beside him, felt heat rising to her cheeks. She lowered her gaze quickly, blushing at the implication of Ellis's words.
Without another word, Vaelthor took Natalie's hand, their son clinging between them, and together they left.
When their figures finally disappeared, Ellis let out a long sigh, her body relaxing just a little. But then her head lifted sharply—her senses prickling.
She didn't turn, but her voice carried like steel. "Come out, before I do something you won't like."
The air shimmered faintly before Lord Zareth revealed himself, stepping out from the shadows with that calm, unnerving smile he always wore.
Ellis narrowed her eyes at him. "What are you doing here?"
Zareth's chuckle was low, smooth, dangerous. "I noticed you weren't able to tell Vaelthor and Natalie what is truly going on." He leaned forward slightly, eyes glowing with curiosity. "But you can tell me, can't you?"
Her gaze darkened instantly. "Are you threatening me?"
Zareth tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Do I look like I am?"
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********Harper
I paced the length of my room for what felt like hours, my mind running wild. Every scenario, every possible outcome with Ellis, with Kael, with the banquet—it all kept tangling in my head until I could hardly breathe.
When the door creaked open, I spun so fast I nearly tripped. Kael stepped inside, his expression as calm and unreadable as always. I immediately forced myself to look relaxed, pretending I hadn't been pacing like a trapped animal.
"You left earlier," I said quickly, keeping my voice light, casual. "Where did you go?"
Kael studied me, then answered flatly, "I wanted to make sure you weren't being manipulated by a witch."
His words hit me like a stone to the chest. "What?" I asked, confused.
He stepped closer, his voice steady but carrying the weight of old wounds. "Many years ago, a witch tried to manipulate all the demons—just because the king was in love with her. He had never mistreated her, but she wanted his wealth. All of it. Greed consumed her, and she used her witchcraft to enslave hearts and minds." His eyes narrowed slightly. "These witches are deceptive. They are dangerous. And they will twist you before you even realize it."
I swallowed hard and nodded, even though my chest felt tight.
Kael's expression softened slightly. He reached behind him and pulled something out—a dress. A long, flowing gown of crimson silk, gleaming in the candlelight. He placed it in my arms gently.
"You will wear this to the banquet," he said.
I nodded silently, clutching the dress as he left the room. The door shut behind him, and my thoughts began to whirl again.
Ellis's voice echoed in my head—her warnings, her stories. Could I really trust her? After all, Kael had saved me so many times, pulled me out of dangers I hadn't even seen coming. And Ellis… what had she done other than confuse me?
I stood, staring at the dress, then at the old spellbook Ellis had given me. My hands trembled. For a moment, I thought of throwing it into the fire, burning it away along with every shred of doubt.
But before I could move, the air in the room shifted. A ripple of energy, a faint hum, and then—two figures materialized right before me.
My breath caught.
It was Zareth. And Ellis.
My heart slammed against my ribs. "What are you doing here?" I demanded, clutching the spellbook tighter. Panic rose in me, and before I could think, my mouth opened. "Kael—!"
Zareth lifted a hand swiftly. "Don't." His eyes locked on me, calm but firm. "There's no need to call him."
"Why shouldn't I?" My voice cracked with fear. "I don't trust her." I pointed at Ellis. "And you—you're probably here to kill me."
Zareth's brow arched in amusement. "Kill you? Why would I kill someone I haven't even met before?"
I trembled, my voice breaking as I spat out, "Because Kael said so! He said you would kill me—because I'm a threat to your clan."
The silence that followed was unbearable. Ellis turned to look at Zareth, and Zareth looked back at her.
Then, slowly, Zareth turned to me again, his expression unreadable.
"Clearly," he said at last, his voice low and steady, "Kael has lied to you."