Few days later.
The grand hall of Lord Dain's domain was dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the stone walls. Saraphine sat across Elysia, her arms crossed tightly, frustration clear on her face. Lord Dain, her father, watched her with concern, his hands resting on the arms of his chair.
"The kingdom is unraveling," Saraphine said, breaking the silence. "Fear is spreading like wildfire. If something isn't done soon, the damage will be irreversible."
Elysia scoffed, stopping mid-step. "And who's going to do something? Malakar? He's sitting on his throne, watching everything fall apart while Kael fights his battles for him."
Lord Dain sighed. "Elysia, you must be careful with your words. The king does not take kindly to those who speak against him."
Elysia turned to him, eyes burning with determination. "Oh, I'm well aware of that. But tell me, father, when has Malakar ever taken kindly to anything that wasn't in his favor?"
Saraphine exchanged a glance with Lord Dain before speaking, her tone gentle but firm. "We all know what Kael is capable of when he's pushed too far. If Malakar refuses to act, Kael will take matters into his own hands. And that terrifies me."
Elysia nodded. "Exactly! That's why we can't just sit here. I know Kael. If his father continues to do nothing, he will make a move, and it won't be calculated it will be driven by pure rage. And if that happens..."
Lord Dain cut in, his voice heavy with warning. "And that is exactly why you must stay out of this, Elysia. Kael may be willing to defy his father, but you…" He shook his head. "You are not him. If you challenge Malakar's authority, you will regret it."
Elysia let out a dry laugh. "Father, when have I ever cared about Malakar's likes and dislikes?"
Lord Dain rubbed his temples, exasperation clear on his face. "That is precisely what worries me. You are reckless, and this is not a battle you should be fighting."
Elysia took a step closer to him, her voice unwavering. "This isn't about fighting, Father. This is about protecting my friend. Kael is more than just Malakar's son. He is my family. And I will not stand aside while he is forced to bear this weight alone."
Saraphine reached out, resting a hand on Elysia's arm. "I admire your loyalty, Elysia. But your father is right,this situation is dangerous. If you get involved, there will be consequences."
Elysia's expression softened slightly, but her resolve remained. "Then let there be consequences. Kael would do the same for me."
Lord Dain sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. "Stubborn as always. Just promise me you'll be careful."
Elysia offered him a small, knowing smile. "I'll promise to try."
Few days later things got worse and kael's patience, has reached its limit.
He stormed into the throne hall without waiting for permission.
The heavy doors slammed against the walls with a deafening crash, rattling the ornate sconces lining the dimly lit room.
The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, a constant reminder of the king's presence. Malakar sat on his grand throne, his crimson eyes flickering with irritation at the intrusion.
"You've grown reckless," Malakar drawled, swirling the dark wine in his goblet. "Do you forget who you stand before?"
Kael didn't bow. He didn't care. His chest rose and fell with barely contained rage, his hands curled into fists at his sides. "I stand before a king who watches his kingdom burn and does nothing!"
Malakar's gaze sharpened. "Mind your tongue. I have sent soldiers. I have ensured the palace remains protected. That is not nothing."
Kael let out a bitter laugh, stepping forward, his fury a tangible force.
"Protected? While demons cower in their homes? While humans vanish into the shadows? You sit on your throne like a god while the world falls apart!" His voice rose, venomous.
"You are one of the most powerful demon alive, and yet you hide behind your walls like a coward!"
A deadly silence followed. The room darkened, Malakar's energy pressing into the space like a storm. "Watch yourself, boy," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.
Kael didn't flinch. "Or what? You'll kill me? Go ahead! It'll make no difference when there's no kingdom left for you to rule!"
Malakar's fingers twitched, the air crackling with barely restrained power. Kael stepped even closer, his eyes blazing. "If you won't fight, then step aside and let those who still care do what must be done!"
Malakar's smirk was slow, but his eyes were unreadable. "And what do you propose, my defiant son?"
Kael's voice was sharp as a blade. "You know what! Gather those like you,powerful demons, ones who don't run from a fight. If you won't act alone, then make them stand with you. Combine your strength and end this monster before it destroys everything!"
Malakar studied him for a long, tense moment. Then, with an exhale, he leaned back into his throne. "Very well. If the mighty will stand with their king, we shall see if this abomination can be felled."
Kael's jaw was still tight, his fury simmering beneath his skin. But he had won something, even if just a sliver of hope. Now, it was a matter of seeing if his father would truly act,or if this was just another of his games.
Kael stood near the window of their chamber, his arms crossed as he stared out into the night. The kingdom was restless—he could feel it in the air, thick with unease. His thoughts were consumed by the threat of the lust demon, by his father's inaction, by the looming destruction that no one seemed prepared to face.
Behind him, Lucianna sat on the edge of their grand bed, watching him carefully. She had learned by now that Kael was not a man who shared his burdens easily, but she was his wife,whether he wanted her to be or not. And that meant she would try.
"You should rest," she said softly. "Worrying won't change anything."
Kael exhaled sharply but didn't turn to face her. "I don't have time to rest, Lucianna."
She stood, stepping closer. "You also won't be any use to anyone if you wear yourself down. You're strong, Kael, but even you have limits."
His jaw tensed, his grip tightening on his forearms. "You don't understand what's at stake."
Lucianna hesitated but didn't back down. "Then help me understand. Talk to me. Let me be more than just a woman in your chambers."
Kael finally turned, his golden eyes unreadable. "And what do you expect me to say? That I'm watching my kingdom fall apart while my father does nothing? That people are dying and I might not be able to stop it?"
Lucianna met his gaze, her expression calm but firm. "Yes. I expect you to say those things. Because they are the truth, and you shouldn't have to carry them alone."
Kael looked at her for a long moment, then shook his head and turned back to the window. "I didn't ask for this. Any of this."
Lucianna swallowed the sting of those words and took another step forward. "Neither did I. But I'm still here."
Silence stretched between them. Lucianna didn't push him further, but she didn't walk away either. After a moment, she reached out, gently placing a hand on his arm.
Kael didn't pull away. He didn't speak, either.
---
Ivy stood outside her cottage, feeling the cool night air on her skin as she looked down at the small, trembling puppy in her hands. It had wandered too far from wherever it belonged, its soft whimpers almost lost in the quiet night.
She couldn't resist cute things, and this helpless puppy tugged at her heart. She stroked its fur, but suddenly it wriggled out of her hands and ran toward the thick line of trees.
"Wait!" she called, her voice quiet but urgent.
But the puppy didn't stop. It disappeared into the shadows of the forest.
Ivy hesitated, her heart racing. The forest at night wasn't safe for a tiny creature like that. What if something hurt it? The thought made her feel anxious, and she quickly followed. She took a deep breath and stepped into the dark, her bare feet brushing against wet leaves and uneven roots.
The deeper she went, the harder it was to see. The tall trees blocked the moonlight, and soon everything around her was pitch black.
"Come on, little one... where are you?" she whispered.
Silence.
Then, she heard something behind her.
A rush of air brushed against her neck, fast and unnatural. Her breath caught in her throat. She turned around quickly, scanning the darkness, but saw nothing.
Another sound. This time, it moved around her. She could feel it, but couldn't see it. Her heart raced, pounding loudly in her chest.
Again. Something invisible brushed past her, just out of sight.
Her skin prickled. She swallowed hard, trying to stay calm.
Then, it hit.
A strong force slammed into her, knocking the air from her lungs. She fell to the cold forest floor, pain shooting through her stomach. Gasping, she curled up, holding her middle as the pain spread, burning through her body. She tried to scream, but no sound came.