The grand doors of the Demon Castle swung open with a clatter that echoed through the halls. Azrath's crimson eyes narrowed as a tall figure strode in with the confidence of someone who believed the world belonged to him.
Prince Darius of Valeria.
He stopped a few steps from the Demon King, bowing with exaggerated courtesy before leaning in slightly. His voice, barely audible, carried just enough for Azrath alone to hear.
"I want you to have my plaything," he whispered, a sly smile curling on his lips. "But… I might still claim her when the time comes."
Azrath's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. His eyes, however, never left the prince.
I, on the other hand, felt my chest tighten—not from fear, exactly—but from something I couldn't yet name. My instincts screamed danger, but Darius… there was a challenge in him. A mockery of control that both annoyed and intrigued me.
He finally turned his gaze toward me, eyes sharp and teasing. "Princess Seraphina," he said, voice smooth as silk. "It seems fate has put us in the same room. Don't worry—I won't bite… yet."
I straightened my back, refusing to look small. "I'm not afraid of you, Prince Darius. And I am not… a toy."
His golden eyes flickered, just for a moment, as if surprised. Most people had bowed, screamed, or trembled before him. But I… I had said exactly what I wanted, without flinching.
For the first time, he tilted his head—not with mockery, but with curiosity. "Interesting," he murmured. "You are… different. Bold. Dangerous, even."
My heart pounded, though I tried to ignore it. Why does he look at me like that?
Azrath stepped slightly forward, placing a protective hand near me, his crimson eyes flicking to Darius with warning.
Darius only smiled, leaning back gracefully. "I see the Demon King is… protective. That makes this even more fun."
I clenched my fists, refusing to let him see my fear. "If you think I'm yours to claim, you're wrong. You may have your kingdom, your power… but I am not yours, Prince Darius."
The words struck him like a spark. For a moment, his smirk faltered, and I saw something flicker in his eyes—a feeling he hadn't expected: intrigue, maybe even… admiration?
And just like that, he became my love rival: arrogant, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.