The rising tide crashed against the rocky shore, the brilliant sunset casting golden-orange hues across the endless sea. The wind howled, whipping Valroth's cloak as he rested his chin on his hand, gazing at the horizon in deep thought.
Aeris stirred. Slowly, she rubbed her aching head and sat up, only to slip on the slick rocks and tumble into the cold seawater. Valroth extended a hand, pulling her up without a word before sitting upright once more, watching her in silence.
"What happened?" Aeris asked, confused.
"Do you remember anything before you passed out?"
She frowned, trying to recall. "I remember us entering a narrow space. There was the fire. Then Selena said she needed to tell you something, and then…" She shook her head, wondering why she couldn't remember what happened next.
As she struggled to piece it together, warm fingers damp with seawater brushed against her left ear. His index finger and thumb gently held her ear, rubbing it slightly, making her tilt her head instinctively. Valroth pinched her soft earlobe before his touch lingered on the black crescent behind her ear. The mark had turned from white to black—the same as Morvena's.
Valroth himself didn't understand why the mark had changed color, but as he gazed at the dark crescent moon under the setting sun, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Aeris, tell me—what should I do with you?"
Valroth recounted everything to her, watching as her expression shifted from confusion to shock, then to fear. Her fingers trembled as they reached for the collar around her neck. "No… that's impossible," she whispered, shaking her head in denial.
Valroth's gaze darkened. You don't trust me?"
"No!" Aeris shook her head more forcefully, her wide, pleading eyes searching his for an explanation she couldn't find herself.
"You are my only way to obtain The Book—perhaps even my guide to reaching The Upper World. Yet, despite all my power, I cannot control you. The only thing binding you to me is our contract." He reached out, taking her cold, damp hand in his. "So tell me… Can I trust you?"
Aeris froze. The heat of his palm against hers sent her heart pounding wildly, her cheeks flushing in response. A sudden burst of flame erupted around Valroth, evaporating every last drop of seawater clinging to her clothes. The lingering warmth made her want to melt into his embrace, to close her eyes and drift into sleep.
"Answer me. Can I trust you?" he asked again, his voice lower, more intense.
"Sir… I am your pet. I only want to be your pet," Aeris said softly, lifting her head to meet his gaze. "You own me. I am all yours."
She hadn't directly answered his question, but for both of them, it was answer enough.
"Good girl." Valroth leaned down, pressing a fleeting kiss against her lips. She instinctively closed her eyes, but when the warmth vanished, she blinked up at him, stunned.
"What? That surprised you?" He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I chose you, didn't I? Of course, you're my mine."
The night had fallen completely, and the glow of firelight reflected in Valroth's smirking gaze. Then, suddenly, his expression hardened. He snapped his head toward the abyssal blackness of the sea, his entire body tensing.
A moment later, four fiery lights emerged from the distant darkness, approaching swiftly. In the blink of an eye, they landed before them.
The figures stood on the rocky shore, folding back their fire-lit wings. Though their wings were hidden, their towering horns remained.
Valroth rose to his full height, his wings and horns still on full display—every unmistakable mark of Asmodeus's lineage plain for all to see. He exchanged silent nods with the four figures before the leader stepped forward and spoke.
"Valroth, Asmodeus requires you."