Chapter 7 – The Demon Queen's Mark
Nosi didn't sleep that night.
She sat by her window, hugging her knees, staring out at the moon as her thoughts raced in circles. The revelation of her half-demon blood, her mother's secret life, Fred's presence—everything pressed on her chest like a weight she couldn't lift.
How was she supposed to return to normal after this?
But deep inside, a part of her whispered that she was never meant for normal.
By morning, her body burned with energy. She felt like something inside her wanted to break free, to scream, to run—maybe even to fly.
A sharp knock pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Nosi," Blessing's voice came through the door, calm but serious. "You're wanted downstairs. Now."
When she arrived, Fred was already there, standing at the center of a large underground room she had never seen before. The walls were carved with strange symbols. In the middle, a glowing red circle pulsed like a heartbeat.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice small.
Fred looked at her, his eyes darker than usual. "This is the Rite of Marking."
"The what?"
"It's a rite reserved for demons of royal blood… or their mates."
Her chest tightened. "Why am I here, Fred?"
He stepped closer. "Because the transformation is accelerating. If we don't help your demon side align with your human soul, you'll burn out. Or worse—lose control."
Nosi swallowed hard. "And this… marking, it'll fix that?"
"It'll bind your power, stabilize it. And mark you as what you are."
"Which is?"
He hesitated, then said, "A Demon Queen."
Silence.
The words hit harder than any punch. Nosi stumbled back. "No. No, I didn't ask for any of this!"
"I know," Fred said softly. "But the power chose you."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Why me? I just wanted to live my life. Go to school. Find love. Not this."
Fred reached out, taking her hand. "Love found you. And so did destiny."
She wanted to slap him for saying that. But she also wanted to lean into him, let his strength hold her up. She hated herself for both.
"What happens if I refuse?"
"You won't survive the next shift."
Nosi stared at the glowing circle. It called to her. Her body ached to step into it.
"Fine," she whispered. "Let's do it."
Fred nodded and guided her gently to the center of the circle. The moment her foot crossed into it, a rush of wind whipped through the room, and the symbols on the walls blazed red.
She gasped as heat surged through her chest. Her skin felt like it was on fire, but it didn't burn—it awakened.
Fred stood before her and began chanting in the demon tongue, his voice rich and ancient.
Shadows wrapped around her arms like silk, and fire licked at her fingertips without pain. Her eyes rolled back as visions flooded her mind—her mother standing in a field of ash, a crown on her head… a baby wrapped in shadows… Fred's face glowing with light and darkness.
A scream tore from her throat as a symbol seared itself into her back—an ancient sigil in the shape of a flame and crown.
Then, silence.
When she opened her eyes again, the red light dimmed. The circle faded. The pain vanished.
But everything was different.
She could hear the earth humming, feel the pulse of shadows under her skin. Her eyes glowed silver without effort.
Fred stepped forward. "It's done."
She looked at her hands. "I feel… powerful."
"You are," he said with a smile. "The mark is your birthright. You're more than a half-blood now, Nosi. You're the heir. The Demon Queen."
She took a shaky breath. "What now?"
"Now…" Fred extended his hand. "We prepare for war."
Her brows furrowed. "War?"
"There are those who will come for you—demons who believe no half-blood should ever rule. You've been hidden your whole life, but the mark has announced your existence. They'll hunt you."
Nosi's heart pounded. "So I don't even get to rest?"
He shook his head. "Not anymore."
She stared at him, then down at her hands. They trembled—but not with fear. With power.
"Then let them come," she whispered. "I'm ready."