(Rizella's POV)
In the vast, dimly lit corridors of Lucifer Castle, a single figure moved gracefully, her long silver hair flowing like a river of moonlight behind her. Rizella Livan Lucifer, daughter of the Original Lucifer, the pride of the Lucifer bloodline, and the one feared as the Strongest Devil of her Generation—before her brother was born.
She reached a familiar door, one that led to the royal chambers where Lilith and Vaelith resided.
She stopped, narrowing her eyes slightly.
She could sense them inside.
As always, her mother hogged him—her precious, adorable, irreplaceable little brother.
Rizella's hands twitched slightly, fingers curling into fists before she exhaled, forcing her composure to remain.
She wanted to be there.
She wanted to hold him.
She wanted to be the one he relied on the most.
But Lilith was always one step ahead.
—
The Little Prince
Rizella had been indifferent to most things in life. Power, prestige, legacy—none of it truly mattered to her.
She was the daughter of Lucifer. No one could challenge her. No one could dictate what she did. No one could make her care.
Until he was born.
Until Vaelith Livan Lucifer entered the world.
She still remembered the first time she laid eyes on him—a fragile, perfect thing with white hair and crimson eyes, eyes that reflected the same supreme majesty as their father's.
But unlike their father, unlike the countless devils who followed power, he was different.
He didn't bow to expectations. He didn't crave strength for its own sake.
And most of all, he accepted her.
When the nobles feared her strength, when the other devil houses whispered about her coldness, when even the greatest warriors of the Underworld trembled in her presence, he—her little brother—smiled at her without fear.
How could she not fall for him?
—
A Sister's Obsession
Rizella paced outside the chamber, deep in thought.
Vaelith was growing. Faster than most children. He was already stronger than high-class devils, and soon, even the feared Super Devils would have to recognize his potential.
But more than that, he was growing closer to others.
Grayfia Lucifuge. That loyal girl who had already started following his every command.
Sirelia Gremory. The naïve, doting Gremory heiress who shamelessly clung to him like a lovesick fool.
Serafall Sitri. The energetic devil who wasn't even fully aware of what she wanted from him yet.
It wasn't jealousy she felt. No, Rizella was above such petty emotions.
It was concern.
Because none of them could protect him the way she could.
None of them could understand him the way she did.
None of them could truly love him the way she could.
—
Reunion
She took a deep breath before finally pushing the doors open.
Inside, the massive royal chamber was lavish beyond imagination, a place fit for the Queen of the Underworld—and her son.
And there he was.
Vaelith sat comfortably on Lilith's lap, his expression calm, regal. His white hair fell slightly over his crimson eyes, making him look mature beyond his years despite his small frame.
At the sound of the door opening, he glanced up, meeting her gaze with faint amusement.
"…Sister."
Just that. No unnecessary honorifics. No over-the-top greetings.
Just a simple acknowledgment—as if he knew she would come.
Rizella loved that.
She stepped forward, her heels clicking softly against the polished black marble. "You've been avoiding me, Vaelith."
Lilith smirked at her but said nothing, simply stroking Vaelith's hair.
The boy tilted his head slightly, a knowing look flashing across his eyes. "Avoiding you? That would be difficult."
"…Then why haven't you come to see me?"
Lilith chuckled softly. "Oh, my dear Rizella, you're acting as if you're not always lurking around him."
Rizella's eye twitched slightly, but she ignored her mother's teasing tone. Her focus was on him.
Vaelith merely smiled. That small, infuriatingly charming smile.
"I've been… busy."
Rizella took another step forward, her power subtly pressing into the room. "Too busy for your sister?"
He met her gaze evenly. "Of course not."
Satisfied, Rizella finally relaxed, moving closer until she was right beside them. Her fingers brushed through his hair, and when he didn't flinch or move away, a small, pleased smirk crossed her lips.
She always enjoyed these little moments of victory.
Lilith, watching the interaction, simply laughed softly. "You two are adorable."
Rizella ignored her.
What mattered was that Vaelith was here. With her. Always with her.
She would not allow it to be any other way.
—
The Gathering Approaches
Later that evening, Rizella stood at the highest balcony of Lucifer Castle, overlooking the vast Underworld.
The next generation was gathering. The heirs of the noble houses would soon come to meet Vaelith, to build bonds, to discuss the future.
She already knew some of them would fall for him.
That was inevitable.
But she also knew something else.
No matter who tried to get close to him, no matter how many sought his affection—
He would always be hers first.
—