The corridor was long, narrow, and cold. Malakar's boots struck the floor with hard, echoing steps as he moved forward, his black cloak dragging behind him. Two guards followed silently. They reached a door carved into stone, hidden beneath the palace,a place only a few knew existed.
It looked more like the entrance to a cave than a prison. Cold air seeped through the cracks, carrying the scent of dust and old magic.
Three witches were shoved forward by another pair of guards. Their clothes were torn, their faces bruised. One of them, the eldest, met Malakar's eyes with quiet hatred.
"You… you made us seal this place for a reason," she said, her voice weak.
"Then unseal it," Malakar ordered sharply.
The witches exchanged looks, then began to chant. Symbols on the door glowed, then faded. Slowly, the heavy stone door creaked open.
Darkness greeted them,thick and suffocating. A single torch flickered on the wall inside, casting long shadows.
Malakar stepped in. The guards remained behind.
Chains rattled.
Kael stood in the middle of the room, arms stretched and chained apart. His wrists were bruised and bleeding. His legs were bound too, making it impossible to move. His long black hair hung over his face, his head bowed.
Malakar stopped a few steps away.
One guard moved forward, but Malakar raised his hand. "Don't touch him. I want to see his eyes."
Kael slowly raised his head. His eyes met Malakar's cold, furious, burning.
Malakar smirked. "You look tired. Not the proud son I once thought you'd be."
Kael didn't answer.
"You were my my only child.My heir. I gave you everything, Kael. And this is how you repay me? Throwing it all away for a human?"
Kael's voice was hoarse. "You never gave me a choice."
"I gave you everything,power, training, command over legions. You could have ruled beside me!"
"You wanted a weapon. Not a son."
Malakar stepped closer. "I warned you. I told you the human girl would ruin you. But you were stubborn. Weak. And now look at you."
Kael gave a bitter smile. "You didn't chain me because I loved her. You chained me because you feared me. Because I was becoming more than you ever were."
"You were losing yourself. She made you soft. You let emotions cloud your mind."
"No," Kael growled. "I protected what I loved."
Malakar's face twisted. "Love makes you foolish. Demons don't need love. We need strength, fear, and obedience."
Kael looked up, blood trailing from his mouth. "Then I'm glad I'm nothing like you."
Malakar laughed lowly. "Oh, but you are. Somewhere deep inside. The rage. The fire. The hunger for control. It's in your blood. And it's in your children too."
Kael froze. "Don't you dare talk about them."
Malakar stepped around him slowly. "What do you think? That I'll allow them to follow in their father's footsteps? No, Kael."
"They're soft, yes. But I will sharpen them. Both of them."
Kael's eyes flared. "You wouldn't dare."
"Of course I would," he said with a cold, devilish smile.
"Your child with your demon wife, and the one with your precious human. They carry my blood. They will become weapons, whether you approve or not."
"You won't touch them."
"You're chained, bleeding in a hole beneath the earth. What can you possibly do?"
Kael pulled on the chains, muscles tightening, metal grinding. "If you harm them, I swear to you. I will break free. And when I do…"
This time, a wicked smile curled his lip.
"I will kill you. Slowly, Malakar."
Malakar stopped in front of him. "You're already dead to me, Kael. But your children still have use. I will mold them into what you failed to be."
Kael spat, the blood hitting Malakar's face.
The guards gasped.
Malakar didn't flinch. He wiped it away with a slow hand. His eyes were ice.
"You never learn, huh?"
He turned to the guard. "Whip him. No mercy."
Kael didn't move. Didn't beg. He only stared at his father as he turned his back.
The door groaned as it closed. The light from the torch flickered and dimmed, leaving Kael once again in silence and shadow.
---
Twenty-Two Years Ago
The grand hall of the Demon King's palace was alive with music and laughter. Huge stone pillars lined the room, and rivers of glowing lava ran along the walls, casting a warm, flickering light. Demons of all ranks filled the space, eating, drinking, and celebrating. The air smelled of roasted meat and spiced wine.
At the head of the table, King Malakar sat, dressed in rich black and red robes. His sharp fingers tapped against his goblet as he watched his guests. This feast was not just a celebration—it was a show of his power and wealth. No one dared to challenge him.
Standing beside him was his son, Prince Kael. He was tall and strong. His long, dark hair reached his shoulders, and his golden-brown eyes,an inheritance from his mother stood out against his sharp features. He was the pride of the demon kingdom, a warrior without equal. Many demons raised their cups to honor him.
"To the future king!" one demon cheered.
"A warrior with no rival!" another added. "They say he's never lost a fight!"
Kael gave a small nod, though his face remained serious. He never cared for flattery. He fought not for glory, but because it was his duty.
Throughout the hall, many demon women watched Kael with eager eyes, each hoping to catch his attention. Some whispered among themselves, while others boldly moved toward him, hoping for a dance. Kael had seen it all before. Women always acted this way around him, drawn to his status, his strength, his looks.
As the music swelled, one woman finally stepped forward. She was tall and elegant, her dark purple dress shimmering under the dim light. Her emerald eyes gleamed as she approached him, offering her hand.
"Would you honor me with a dance, Prince Kael?" she asked, her voice smooth yet filled with nervous energy.
This was the first time Kael truly noticed Lucianna. He hesitated for only a second before taking her hand. It was easier to go along with these things than to refuse and cause a scene.
As they moved across the dance floor, Lucianna did most of the talking. She blushed often, smiling brightly as she spoke about the beauty of the night, the honor of dancing with him, and her admiration for his strength. Kael responded with short, polite hums, offering little in return. He had grown used to these conversations,women fawning over him, hoping to win his favor.
Meanwhile, at the head of the room, King Malakar watched his son carefully. His eyes flicked to his wife, giving her a knowing look,one that silently said: You've always supported him, but now look where that has led.
After the music stopped, a voice echoed from the crowd.
"A future king without a mate is nothing. It doesn't matter how strong he is without a queen, there is no legacy."
The room went quiet. The words, though spoken lightly, carried great weight. King Malakar's fingers tightened around his goblet, but he hid his reaction well.
Kael clenched his jaw. He had heard similar comments before, but tonight, it felt different. He could feel his father watching him closely and his mother's worried gaze.
Malakar finally chuckled and raised his cup. "Don't worry about that," he said smoothly. "You will all be invited to his wedding very soon."
The demons laughed and drank, but Kael knew his father too well. This was not just a passing comment. It was a decision.
As the feast continued, Kael felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. He knew his father would not let this go.
---
Later That Night
When most guests had left, Malakar called Kael to his chamber. The room was dimly lit.
"You are a disgrace," Malakar said coldly. "A demon prince lowering himself to love a weak, fragile human. Have you forgotten who we are? Who they are?"
Kael stood firm. He had known this moment would come. His hands curled into fists, but his voice was steady. "She is not weak. She is stronger than you will ever understand. And I love her. That will never change."
Malakar's eyes burned with anger. "You will marry a demon. I've already chosen a bride for you. You will forget this foolishness."
Kael clenched his fists tighter. He had expected this, but he would not back down. "I will not marry another. My heart belongs to her."
Malakar gave a slow, cruel smile. "Then she dies."
Kael's breath caught in his throat. He stepped forward, fury in his eyes. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Defy me, and she will be dead before the next moonrise," Malakar said calmly and stormed out of the room.
Silence filled the space. Kael could hear his own heartbeat fast and hard. He had promised to protect her.
And now, he realized there was only one way to do so.