Dinner in the demon palace was far from royal.
There were no golden chandeliers or rows of noble guests—just a quiet, dimly lit room, black stone walls, and a circular table set for two. The food looked elegant but strange, like it was made for someone who didn't care if it was eaten or feared.
Kaelith sat across from me, stiff-backed and silent, his expression unreadable.
I pushed my fork through something that might've been roasted root or something that could move. "Do you always eat like this?"
He didn't look up. "Like what?"
"Like you're alone, even when you're not."
For a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer. Then, softly, he said, "It's easier that way."
I blinked. "You know, talking to people doesn't kill you."
"That depends on the people."
His tone had a bite to it—calm but distant, like he wasn't just pushing me away… but warning me to stay away.
"What did humans ever do to you?" I asked before I could stop myself.
He froze, his hand resting near the goblet. His crimson eyes lifted, sharp now, glowing faintly.
"You ask dangerous questions, Arin."
"You're marrying a human," I said, quieter now. "You might as well start understanding them."
His jaw clenched slightly. "My understanding is already complete. Years ago, my closest friend crossed into the human realm on a peace envoy. He never returned. They say he was captured, experimented on. Tortured. Pieces of him were sent back as a message."
My breath caught.
"Since then," Kaelith continued, "I've trusted no human. And I have no intention of starting now."
Just then, a knock came at the door. One of the guards entered and leaned down to whisper something in Kaelith's ear.
He stiffened. Then stood.
"You're done here," he said flatly.
"What?"
"There was poison in your cup."
The words landed like a slap.
He looked at the guard. "Seal the kitchens. Question everyone. No one leaves until we find out who touched her meal."
He turned to me, his voice cold as stone. "From now on, you don't eat unless I approve it."
"Wait—someone tried to poison me?"
He didn't answer. Just turned and left, cloak trailing behind like smoke.
I sat there alone, staring at the goblet that almost killed me.
So that was it. I wasn't just unwanted here — I was a threat. To someone. Maybe to many.
I thought of Kaelith's eyes when he spoke about his friend. There was no rage, no tears. Just ice. Thick and frozen for years.
No wonder he couldn't stand me.
No wonder he didn't trust me.
But still… he protected me.
Even if he hated me, he protected me.