Aria followed Kael reluctantly toward the towering black gates of Ravaryn.
Up close, the gates were carved with ancient runes that pulsed like beating hearts. Shadowy flames crawled over the surface, but didn't burn. The metal hummed like it was alive.
Aria's stomach twisted.
"People… live here?" she whispered.
Kael looked at her from the corner of his eye.
"Demons live here," he corrected.
Her throat tightened.
The guards at the gate lowered their heads as Kael approached.
Some stared at Aria with confusion.
Others with fear.
A few with hatred sharp enough to cut.
She shrank closer to Kael before she realized what she was doing.
His aura softened instantly, wrapping her in warmth.
The guards pushed open the massive gate, and Aria stepped inside the Demon Prince's kingdom.
---
The Demon Realm
The city was nothing like she expected.
Yes, the sky was black and the air shimmered with red embers—
but the streets were full of movement, shadows darting, demons speaking in low tones, marketplaces glowing with floating lanterns made of fire.
Children ran with fiery wings.
Merchants sold stones that pulsed with magic.
Creatures she couldn't name sat on rooftops like watching gargoyles.
It was terrifying—
but strangely alive.
Aria whispered, "This is… beautiful."
Kael looked at her, expression unreadable.
"You see beauty here?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, distracted by the surreal sight.
Kael's voice lowered, almost surprised.
"…No human ever has."
Before Aria could reply, a harsh voice rang out behind them.
---
The Council Appears
"Prince Kael."
Aria turned sharply.
Three tall figures walked toward them, cloaked in black and red. Their horns were long and spiraled. Their eyes glowed with suspicion.
The Demon Council.
The tallest one stepped forward.
"You bring a human into our realm without approval," he said. "Explain yourself."
Kael's aura shifted—cold and dangerous.
"The girl stays under my protection."
The councilor's gaze flicked to Aria.
"The mark on her… it has awakened?"
Kael didn't answer.
Silence fell.
Aria felt every demon around them go still.
The councilor's eyes narrowed.
"This human cannot remain in the palace. She is a threat to the balance of realms."
Aria's heart pounded. "I—I don't want to be here anyway—"
Kael stepped in front of her, shielding her completely.
"She stays."
The councilor scowled. "Prince Kael—this is reckless. You risk war."
Kael's voice was ice.
"Let them come."
A ripple of shock moved through the demons.
The councilor turned his gaze back to Aria, studying her like prey.
"There is another option," he said.
"The girl can be erased."
Aria froze. "Erased…?"
"Her mark destroyed."
"Her memories wiped."
"Her fate forgotten."
Aria's legs nearly gave out.
Kael's aura exploded.
Flames burst from the ground, swirling around him like a storm.
The councilors staggered back.
"You touch her," Kael growled,
"and I will burn your souls from your bodies."
Aria had never heard his voice like that—
raw, violent, protective.
The councilors swallowed hard.
"This is not over, Prince Kael," the leader warned.
"No," Kael said coldly.
"It's only beginning."
The council vanished into shadows.
Kael slowly turned to Aria.
She had tears in her eyes.
"Why… why did you protect me like that…?"
Kael stepped closer, voice softer now.
"Because fate bound you to me… long before tonight."
Aria trembled, unable to speak.
Kael extended his hand again.
"Come," he said gently.
"I will take you to the Hall of Shadows. You will stay where no one can harm you."
Aria hesitated… then slowly placed her hand in his.
Kael's expression softened—just a little.
"Do not fear me, Aria…" he murmured.
"I am not your enemy."
But the way the shadows watched them…
Aria wasn't sure if the realm agreed.