The tension between Arkanis and Elara was palpable as they left the secret chamber. Neither spoke as they traversed the labyrinthine corridors of Duskspire Castle. The weight of their unspoken alliance hung between them—a fragile thread that could snap at any moment.
Elara's thoughts churned as she glanced at Arkanis, his golden eyes fixed ahead, his expression unreadable. A Demon Lord seeking trust and help from a Hero? It was absurd. Yet, the conviction in his voice, the sincerity in his actions—they were difficult to ignore.
She couldn't decide whether he was the greatest liar she'd ever met or the most unexpected ally in a war that had lasted far too long.
"So," she began, breaking the silence, "what exactly do you need my help with? You can't expect me to just blindly follow you."
Arkanis slowed his pace, his eyes flickering with a hint of amusement. "Of course not. You're far too clever for that."
Elara bristled at his tone, unsure if it was a compliment or a veiled insult. Before she could retort, he stopped in front of a large window overlooking the crimson valley below. The landscape stretched out beneath the moonlight, a patchwork of shadows and silver.
"The council is watching me," Arkanis said, his voice low. "Every move I make, every decision—it's all under scrutiny. They already suspect I'm not like the others."
Elara crossed her arms. "And I suppose if they find out, they'll...what? Replace you?"
"Not just replace me," Arkanis said, turning to face her. "They'll erase me. Strip me of my essence, my existence—everything."
Elara's stomach churned at the thought. She didn't know why it unsettled her so much. Perhaps because, for the first time, she could see the cracks in the stories she'd been told about the enemy.
"And that's where I come in?" she asked, her tone cautious.
Arkanis nodded. "You're a Hero. Your presence here complicates things for the council. If you stand by me—if you vouch for what I'm doing—it could buy us time."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to vouch for a Demon Lord? You're asking for a lot."
"I'm asking for a chance," Arkanis said, his gaze steady. "To prove that we don't have to be enemies. That this endless war can end."
Elara sighed, rubbing her temples. She couldn't believe she was even considering his words. But deep down, she knew that the war had taken its toll on both sides. Maybe it was time for something to change.
"Fine," she said at last. "I'll help you. But don't think for a second that I trust you completely."
A faint smile crossed Arkanis' face. "That's more than I could have hoped for."