The dawn in the Demon Realm did not rise with sunlight.
It unfolded like a breath — the red mists thinning, the black skies glowing faintly with ember streaks. From the window, Nerine could see the world below shimmer with faint magic: a thousand lights like living stars resting on rooftops, streets, and crystal-tipped towers.
Kael stood beside her, his gaze distant yet warm. "This realm is strange at first," he said quietly, fastening the silver clasp of his cloak. "But it grows on you."
Nerine nodded, her fingers brushing the fabric of her gown. It was lighter than she expected, woven with threads that seemed to hum faintly. "It feels alive," she whispered.
"Because it is." His lips curved faintly. "Would you like to see it?"
She turned to him — her heart still uncertain from the night before — and then smiled softly. "Yes."
He offered his hand, and when she took it, the world changed.
