Balls are supposed to be elegant, enchanting—glittering nights full of music, laughter, and diplomacy.
Well, maybe for the nobles who thrive on power games and empty smiles. For me?
They're a nightmare wrapped in silk.
Tonight's ball was hosted by my parents—yet another royal gathering meant to strengthen ties between kingdoms, clans, and families who secretly loathe one another. I never understood the logic. Invite your enemies, dress them in gold, and hope the wine keeps the daggers at bay.
The ballroom of Umbraeth Castle gleamed with opulence—black marble floors polished so bright they reflected every forced smile, every narrowed eye. Crystal chandeliers swayed overhead, casting fractured light across the masked chaos. The scent of perfume, wine, and something vaguely sinister clung to the air.
I stood near a pillar, crown slightly askew, dressed in blood-crimson robes tailored for someone far more diplomatic than I'll ever be. A glass of punch swirled in my hand—probably poisoned, not that I cared.
I wasn't here to make friends.
I was here because Father said I had to "represent the future of the Demon Kingdom."
Right. The future.
Like I ever wanted that crown.
Just so we're clear:
Yes, I'm the Demon Prince.
Yes, I'm the heir to the throne of Umbraeth.
And no, I don't want it. Not even a little.
Umbraeth sounds regal, right? Mysterious, dark, powerful. But live here, and you'll see the cracks. The cold corridors, the whispered expectations, the way people look at you like you're a prophecy carved in flesh. I'm only twenty. But they want me to rule like I've seen centuries.
Let me breathe.
But of course, the universe doesn't let me do even that. Because the very next person to walk through the ballroom doors...
Was him.
Luceris.
The Vampire Prince.
Draped in black and silver like he was born from shadow. Cloak trailing behind him. Pale eyes gleaming with amusement—or was it malice? His gaze swept the room, sharp and calculating.
And then, he found me.
That damn smirk curved his lips, lazy and confident, like the centuries-old rivalry between our kingdoms was a private joke only he understood.
"Rael," he said smoothly, voice like velvet laced with venom. "Didn't expect to see you out of your cave."
"Believe me, neither did I," I said, dry as ash, not bothering to hide the contempt in my tone.
He chuckled. Slowly. Deliberately. "You look tense. Nervous to see me again?"
I met his eyes coldly. "Luceris, if I were nervous, you'd already be in a coffin."
He leaned in, just enough to make the space between us feel electric. "Mmm, violent as ever. It's charming."
"I swear," I hissed, "one more word—"
"You'll what? Ruin the truce?" He tilted his head. "Now, that would be scandalous."
Gods, I hated how calm he was. Untouchable. Untamed. Like the world bent to him and not the other way around.
Across the ballroom, I spotted her—Raelissa.
She was radiant, glowing under the chandelier light as she whispered something to her vampire boyfriend—Cassian, I think. I didn't bother remembering his name. He wasn't worth it. Not to me.
She looked happy. Soft, almost. Like she belonged to that world.
She saw me watching. I turned away first.
Because maybe... maybe I couldn't handle seeing her choose a side I was raised to hate.
Luceris followed my gaze and smiled, too knowingly.
"Your sister looks content," he said.
"Don't."
"What? I think it's romantic," he said, voice lilting with mockery. "A demon and a vampire. Forbidden love. Secret rendezvous. It's practically Shakespearean."
My jaw clenched. "Say another word and I'll personally rip out your fangs."
He laughed softly. "I'd love to see you try."
And then—music.
The orchestra swelled, the crowd shifted, and dancers filled the floor like clockwork dolls. Spinning. Smiling. Lying.
Luceris turned to me again, extending a hand.
"Dance with me?" he asked, all false innocence.
I stared at his outstretched palm like it was cursed.
"You're insane."
He leaned closer, voice low. "Not yet... but you make it tempting."
And right then—right as the room began to spin with music and laughter—the chandelier above flickered. A chill swept through the room. Sharp, sudden.
I felt it in my bones.
Something was coming.
And somehow, I knew…
Luceris would be right in the middle of it.