The grand dining hall was illuminated by the glow of enchanted torches, their golden flames flickering against the high stone walls. The long, obsidian table gleamed under the light, set with intricate silverware and goblets filled with dark crimson wine. Servants moved swiftly, ensuring everything was in perfect order for the gathering of two powerful demon families.
Kael sat rigidly beside his father, his expression unreadable as he listened to the hum of polite conversation around him. Across from him sat Lucianna, her emerald eyes filled with warmth as she glanced his way.
She was dressed in an elegant dark green gown that matched her eyes, her long auburn hair cascading down her back. She had always admired Kael, and now, knowing that they would be wed, she could not contain the quiet happiness that filled her.
King Valtherin, Lucianna's father, sat at the head of the table opposite Kael's father, the Demon King. His presence commanded respect, his dark horns curved slightly backward, a mark of his noble lineage. He lifted his goblet, his voice deep and smooth as he addressed the table.
"To unity," Valtherin said, raising his glass. "And to the strengthening of our bloodlines."
The Demon King nodded approvingly, lifting his own goblet. "To power and prosperity."
The clinking of glasses followed, and conversation resumed. Lucianna's mother, a regal woman with piercing violet eyes, turned to Kael with a kind smile. "We are pleased with this arrangement, Prince Kael. My daughter has always spoken highly of you."
Kael hummed in response, offering no further words.
Lucianna smiled softly at Kael, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes, but she kept quiet, sensing the tension in the room.
The Demon King gave Kael a warning glance before turning to Valtherin. "I trust this union will serve as a testament to our shared strength. The world must see that our bloodline remains pure, untainted by weakness."
Kael's grip tightened around his goblet, his thoughts drifting to Ivy. The weight of this deception pressed against him, but he forced himself to remain composed.
Lucianna's mother chuckled lightly. "Oh, come now. Let the children enjoy the evening without such heavy talk." She glanced at Lucianna, who nodded and said quietly, "I've been refining my control over shadows. I can manipulate them to conceal my presence or even form solid constructs."
Kael gave a small nod and said nothing.
Lucianna looked toward Kael briefly and added, "Perhaps one day, we could spar. I would love to learn from you."
Kael offered a faint smirk. "We'll see."
The night continued with conversation flowing between the families, but beneath the surface, Kael felt the weight of his choices growing heavier. The facade of unity and celebration surrounded him, but his heart remained with the one he truly loved, the one he had to protect at all costs and that's what truly mattered.
---
King Malakar stood near the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon, the weight of his thoughts heavy on his shoulders. His hands were clasped behind his back, his posture rigid. Lysara entered the room, her presence calm and graceful, but she could sense the tension in the air as soon as she stepped in.
"Malakar," she said softly, her voice breaking the silence, "What troubles you?"
He turned slowly to face her, his dark eyes sharp. "Kael has made his decision," he growled. "He will marry Lucianna. But it's not for the reasons I wanted. He thinks this will please me, but he is only playing into my hands."
Lysara's expression softened. She walked toward him, her robes flowing around her as she stood beside him, looking out at the same view. "He has chosen a demoness, as you wanted. You should be pleased."
Malakar's lips twisted in frustration. "But it's not out of loyalty. It's to protect that human girl. He refuses to let her go, Lysara. He's weakened himself for a love that can never be. And now, he believes this marriage to Lucianna will save her."
Lysara remained silent for a moment, her gaze steady as she tried to understand. "Is it not natural for him to protect the one he loves?"
"He is a prince," Malakar snapped. "He is supposed to be above such foolishness. His duty is to our bloodline, to our kingdom. A human should never stand in the way of that."
Lysara stepped closer, her voice low but firm. "And what of Kael? Have you ever considered what he wants, what he feels? He may not choose power the way you do, but that does not mean he is weak."
Malakar's eyes darkened. "Weakness is dangerous, Lysara. It leads to destruction. If he is not strong, the entire kingdom will suffer. We cannot afford to let sentiment cloud our vision."
Lysara's gaze softened, her heart aching for their son. "You are right about one thing," she said quietly, "Kael will not rule with just power. But perhaps... perhaps he can lead in a different way. A way you have never considered. With compassion."
Malakar shook his head, his anger building. "Oh please,Compassion is a luxury we cannot afford. I have spent my entire life building this empire, and I will not let a foolish romantic ideal tear it down."
Lysara's voice was gentle but insistent. "Then perhaps you should learn from him. You may not agree with his choices, but Kael's heart is not so different from yours. He wants to protect his people, just in his own way."
For a long moment, Malakar stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. His gaze softened ever so slightly, but his resolve did not waver. "I will not allow this weakness to take root in my kingdom," he said coldly.
Lysara sighed, knowing there was little she could say to change his mind. But deep inside, she held onto a fragile hope that, someday, he would understand the kind of ruler their son could be.
Lysara sat on the bed after Malakar left, letting out a deep sigh. Her mind wandered to the human girl, this Ivy who had somehow captured Kael's heart so completely. Who is she? What does she look like? How could a mere human cause so much trouble for their family?
She needed to see to see the girl.
Curiosity sparked in her mind, and she made a decision. Wherever this girl was, Lysara would find her.
.
.
.
Morning sunlight filtered through the trees as Ivy stood in her garden, carefully plucking fresh flowers. Their delicate petals swayed as if responding to her touch, and she smiled, whispering softly to them.
"You're growing so beautifully today," she murmured, tucking a bloom into her basket.
A sudden chill ran through her body. Goosebumps prickled her skin, and she shivered. The air around her shifted, thickening with an unfamiliar yet strangely familiar presence.
She slowly straightened, her heart pounding as she turned.
A woman stood a few feet away, watching her with sharp, calculating eyes. She was breathtaking, elegant, poised, and dressed in regal clothing that shimmered in the light.
The deep cut of her gown revealed her collarbones and a hint of her cleavage, a style Ivy assumed was common in their kingdom.
The woman was undeniably powerful.
But she wasn't hostile.
Ivy swallowed and cleared her throat. "Who… are you?"
Lysara took a step forward, her piercing gaze never leaving Ivy's face. "You must be Ivy."
Ivy's fingers tightened around the stems of her flowers. "And you are?"
Lysara's lips curled into a faint smile. "I am Lysara. Kael's mother."
Ivy's breath caught. She hadn't expected this. "Kael's mother?"
Lysara nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes." She glanced around the garden. "I must admit, this is not what I expected."
Ivy hesitated before asking, "What do you mean?"
The demon queen studied her, tilting her head slightly. "Kael is willing to defy his father, to stand against the entire kingdom, for you. I came to see for myself… what kind of human could inspire such devotion."
Ivy's chest tightened. She looked down at the flowers in her hands, unsure of what to say. "I never asked him to do that."
"I know," Lysara said simply. She took a slow step closer. "But he chose to."
Silence stretched between them, the only sound being the wind rustling through the leaves.
Lysara's gaze softened slightly. "You love him, don't you?"
Ivy met her eyes. "With everything I am."
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Lysara's expression. "And do you truly understand what that means? Loving a demon prince? Being hunted by his enemies? Never truly belonging in his world?"
Ivy straightened, determination burning in her eyes. "It doesn't matter. As long as I have Kael, I'll endure anything."
Lysara regarded her for a long moment, as if searching for any sign of weakness. Then, the wind blew between them, gently lifting Ivy's golden hair.
That's when Lysara saw it.
Her eyes widened as her gaze landed on the mark on Ivy's neck.