Two nights after the Virellian trial, the air changed.
Not with fire. Not with storm.
But with the taste of brimstone.
Seraphira awoke before dawn, blade already in hand, the flame in her blood humming like a war drum.
Elena stirred beside her. What is it?
Seraphira rose. Something's coming.
đ The trees parted for him.
He did not walk.
He glided.
The Demon Envoy appeared just as the first pale light of morning crept over the eastern ridge. He was tall, draped in blood-silk robes with a silver crown of thorns circling horns that curved backward like a ram's.
His skin was the color of smoke.
His eyes, solid gold.
And behind him marched no army only silence.
But Seraphira knew at once....
He carried the weight of thousands.
He approached the Hollow's new camp with no show of weapons. Yet every shadow leaned toward him, eager to obey.
Seraphira stepped forward to meet him, cloak sweeping behind her like fire-made cloth.
You cross the Veil," she said. "State your purpose.
The demon bowed slightly.
"I am Vaerik, Flameborn. Commander of the Fourth Legion. Envoy of the Shadow King. I bring you greetings from Kaelreth Azarion."
Elena shifted beside her. He sends messengers now?
Vaerik turned his golden gaze on her. He sends warnings.
Then speak plainly, Seraphira said.
Vaerik's lips curled not quite a smile.
"The Third Gate is broken."
Seraphira stiffened.
"The armies stir. The great chains weaken. The seals unravel. He would have you know this: you have awakened more than your blood."
"You have awakened consequence."
The wind picked up.
The trees groaned.
What does he want? she asked.
Vaerik tilted his head.
"He wants nothing."
"He waits."
"And when the kingdoms deny you, as they will, he will be ready to receive you."
Seraphira's blade hissed as it left its sheath.
You think I'll kneel to him?
I think, Vaerik said softly, you will have no one else left to stand beside.
The mark on Seraphira's wrist flared with fire.
But she did not strike.
Instead, she met his gaze without blinking.
Tell your King I don't need his throne. I'll build my own.
Vaerik bowed once more, deeper this time.
Then turned and disappeared into the mist.
No sound.
No footsteps.
Only the scent of sulfur, and a whisper of power older than crowns.
đ That nightâŠ
Seraphira sat by the fire long after the others slept.
Elena joined her, silent for a time.
Then, You weren't afraid of him.
I was, Seraphira said. But not for me.
Elena looked over, frowning. Then for who?
Seraphira's eyes burned like coals.
"For the kingdoms."
đ In the UnderworldâŠ
Kaelreth stood on a balcony of obsidian.
A raven made of ash perched on his arm.
He stroked its smoky feathers once, then whispered:
"She is not ready."
The raven cawed and dissolved into embers.
Kaelreth turned his eyes skyward.
"But she will be."