*******Harper
I shut the door quietly after Ellis disappeared, her last words still echoing in my head like a whispered prophecy. "The truth will come to you soon."
The room was silent except for my uneven breathing. My hands were still trembling slightly from everything that had just happened — Zareth's gift, Ellis's history lesson, the choking spell she'd casually used to make her point. I clutched the black dress, veil, and crown to my chest as if they might vanish if I let go.
I knew I couldn't leave them out in the open. Kael had an uncanny way of sensing things, and the last thing I needed was for him to find evidence of Ellis's visit. Moving quickly, I knelt by the side of the bed and pulled away the thick velvet rug. Beneath it, I lifted one of the loose wooden floorboards that I'd discovered weeks ago. It was a perfect hiding place — Kael never checked down there.
I carefully folded the dress, smoothing the fabric so it wouldn't wrinkle, then placed the veil and heavy crown on top. The spellbook followed, its pages humming faintly with restrained magic. I covered everything with a worn linen cloth to muffle any magical signatures, then slid the board back into place and rolled the rug over it again. To anyone else, the room would look untouched.
I leaned back against the bedpost, exhaling slowly. "Okay," I whispered to myself. "One thing at a time."
I was just beginning to gather my thoughts when the door opened without warning.
Kael strode in. His crimson eyes were sharp as ever, but his expression was calm, almost composed. "Get ready," he said. "We're going out."
I blinked. "Out? Where?"
"To meet someone," he replied, his voice smooth but firm. "A demon lord who might be able to help us figure out who you truly are."
My heart skipped. "Who I am…?"
He nodded once. "Yes. You deserve to know. And I've made arrangements. He owes me a favor."
I hesitated for half a second, but his confidence was infectious. He hadn't questioned me about Ellis, hadn't shown any signs of suspicion. Instead, he was still thinking about me. Helping me.
"Alright," I said softly.
"Good. Get dressed," Kael instructed before turning to leave.
As soon as the door closed behind him, guilt crept into my chest like a slow-moving fog. I thought of the hidden spellbook, Ellis's warnings, Zareth's gift… and then I thought of Kael's steady gaze. He'd saved me so many times. He'd never abandoned me, even when I didn't trust anyone else.
Maybe I really am overthinking things…
I stood up, shook the doubts out of my head, and focused on the present. "Forget Ellis. Focus on Kael," I muttered, convincing myself.
I changed into a simple but elegant black outfit suitable for traveling in the demon realm — a flowing cloak that shielded me from the wind, boots that clicked against the stone floor, and my hair tied back tightly.
A moment later, Kael returned and extended his hand. "Ready?"
I nodded. "Ready."
Without another word, he placed his hand on my shoulder, and shadows enveloped us both. The air around us twisted, and in the blink of an eye, the familiar walls of the castle melted away.
When my vision cleared, I found myself standing in a place that sent chills crawling down my spine.
The sky was a bruised shade of purple, thick clouds swirling like a storm was about to break. Twisted black trees surrounded the area, their branches skeletal and reaching like claws. The ground beneath my boots was cracked and dry, as if no life had dared to bloom here for centuries.
"This place…" I whispered.
Kael didn't seem fazed. "Don't wander. Stay close."
We walked toward a large stone structure that looked ancient — older than the demon palace itself. The walls were covered in runes that pulsed faintly as if alive. Two enormous statues flanked the entrance, each depicting horned beasts with empty eyes. A sense of foreboding filled the air, making my pulse quicken.
Kael led me inside. The interior was dimly lit by flickering torches that emitted blue flames. The scent of old stone and something metallic — blood, maybe — hung heavy. My steps echoed against the floor as we moved deeper into the hall.
Finally, we entered a chamber. Seated on a raised throne was a man who radiated age and power. His long white hair cascaded down his back like a river of silver. His horns were larger than any demon I'd ever seen, curling upwards majestically. His piercing golden eyes studied me with unnerving focus.
"Kael," the man said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying a weight that made the air tremble. "You've brought a guest."
"Yes, Lord Azragoth," Kael replied respectfully. "This is Harper. We're here to find out who she truly is."
Azragoth's lips curved slightly. "Very well. Come closer, child."
I swallowed hard and took a step forward, my heart hammering in my chest.
"Sit," he instructed, gesturing to a stone chair across from him. I obeyed, feeling the cold surface seep through my clothes.
He reached for a small obsidian box at his side, opened it, and withdrew a blade that gleamed even in the dim light. The knife's edge shimmered faintly with magic, and an ancient symbol was carved into its hilt.
"To begin," Azragoth said, "I will need a small amount of your blood. It will reveal more than words ever could."
My eyes widened. "B–Blood?"
He nodded slowly. "A drop is all it takes. Do not fear. If you seek the truth, this is the only way."
He extended his hand toward me. "Give me your hand."
I stared at the knife, frozen in place. The room suddenly felt too small, the shadows pressing in on me from all sides. My breath caught in my throat as my fingers twitched involuntarily.