The morning sun spilled through the window, reflecting off Amethyst's mirror as he carefully adjusted his hair.
Not a single strand was allowed out of place. His crimson eyes scanned his reflection with quiet satisfaction. He dusted off his dark jacket, tugged at the collar, and gave a self-assured smirk.
"Perfect."
He stepped outside into the academy courtyard, only to hear raised voices ahead.
Lina stood in the middle of a circle, her fists clenched, while Theodore tried to shield her from a group of older kids — two sneering dragonkin boys, a hulking tiger beastman, and a lanky human with a cruel grin.
"Well, well," the dragon boy drawled, "aren't you the little pets of that Black Lion freak? You think you're better than us because of who you know?"
The tiger beastman shoved Theodore, making him stumble. Lina's tail bristled.
"Leave us alone!" she shouted, but her voice wavered.
One of the human boys reached for Theodore's bag — and froze when the shadow of someone tall fell over them.
Amethyst stood there, his gaze cold and unblinking, an almost unnatural stillness in his body. The air seemed to tighten, and his crimson eyes glimmered faintly.
"...You want to repeat what you just said?" His voice was soft — dangerously so.
No one answered. The bullies took one look at him, felt their courage drain, and backed away without another word.
Lina exhaled shakily. Theodore muttered a thanks, but Amethyst just ruffled the boy's hair and walked away as if nothing had happened.
---
Far above, in the floating spires of the Sky Continent, the air was thick with gossip.
"It's them again," an angel whispered to another, eyes alight with curiosity. "The rumors are back — about that angel and devil who fell in love, the ones who had twin children."
"They disappeared for five years. No one even knew if they were real," another added. "But now… they're traveling with the Black Lion himself."
The name sent ripples through the chamber. Even the boldest fell silent when it was spoken.
"They say the Black Lion rules the Green Continent now," murmured an old scholar, "and has even taken command of the Dragon Kingdom."
A young angel scoffed. "So what? If we met him, maybe we could—"
The heavy doors creaked open, and the Duke of the Sky Continent stepped in. His voice was calm, but there was steel in it.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," he said, scanning the room. "Our ruler has given clear orders — avoid conflict with the Black Lion at all costs. Do nothing to provoke him. Even if he has done nothing against us… it is better that way."
The angels exchanged uneasy looks. Outside, the clouds swirled gently, but in the distance, a storm brewed.
End of Chapter 42