Author's POV
Natalie stood in the shadow-drenched clearing, the secluded place where Lord Zareth had chosen to meet her. The air was still, almost suffocating, as though the forest itself was holding its breath. The faint glow from the silver crescent above reflected in Zareth's cold eyes, making him appear both regal and terrifying.
"Has anything else happened?" he asked, his voice low, weighted with suspicion, though it carried that calm authority only he possessed.
Natalie swallowed, her hands hidden inside her long sleeves. "No. Nothing else has happened, other than what I already told you."
Zareth studied her for a long moment, his gaze sharp enough to strip flesh from bone. Then, to her surprise, he exhaled a quiet sigh. "I see. Then I suppose this is the end of Vaelthor's villain story."
Natalie's heart gave a slight tremor at the way he said those words—not with certainty, but with a cold resignation, as if a greater storm was still brewing.
Then, unexpectedly, his voice cut through again. "Tell me… does he know?"
The air grew heavier with that one question. Natalie froze, her lips parting but no words escaping. The fireflies that had hovered lazily around the clearing seemed to scatter, sensing the tension. She lowered her gaze.
Zareth tilted his head, his tone steady, almost commanding. "It would be better if you told him. Secrets rot from the inside, Natalie. They break people before they even realize it."
Natalie's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm… I'm scared of his reaction," she whispered finally. "I just need more time."
Zareth's eyes softened only slightly, enough to betray that he understood her fear. "Very well. Take your time. You may leave."
Natalie nodded and turned, her cloak brushing against the grass as she prepared to walk away. But Zareth's voice halted her steps once again.
"How is the little one?" he asked, almost too casually—but Natalie caught the undertone of genuine concern.
She turned back slowly, her eyes reflecting both weariness and defiance. "The child is fine," she said carefully. "He's with my sister in the witch realm."
Zareth nodded, his expression unreadable in the pale moonlight.
But before either of them could speak again, another voice slithered from behind the trees like a predator stepping into the open.
"What little one?" Vaelthor's deep, accusing tone shattered the stillness. His figure emerged from the shadows, his eyes burning crimson. "What are you hiding from me?"
Natalie stiffened. Zareth's expression didn't change. Instead, he glanced at her once, a silent message passing between them.
"I'll leave this to you," he murmured, and in the next heartbeat, he vanished into thin air.
Natalie's heart sank. She turned sharply, meeting Vaelthor's piercing glare.
"Tell me what's going on," Vaelthor demanded, his voice sharp with restrained fury.
Natalie forced her tone to remain calm. "It's nothing. You're imagining things." She moved to step past him, but he caught her wrist, his grip firm, unyielding.
Her patience snapped. "Why don't you go and obsess over Harper like you always do? Leave me alone, Vaelthor. I have nothing to tell you."
But Vaelthor wasn't moved by her defiance. Instead, he pulled her closer, so close she could feel the cold energy radiating from him. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
"Start talking," he warned. "Before things get out of hand."
---
******Harper
Dinner was the most peaceful moment I'd had in what felt like years. The long hall of the demon castle was lit by floating lanterns, their bluish glow reflecting off obsidian walls carved with sigils that seemed to pulse faintly. I sat across from Kael at a long table that seemed far too grand for just the two of us. Platters of food I couldn't even name filled the surface—meats that glistened with strange spices, fruits that shimmered as though kissed by starlight.
For the first time in forever, I let myself eat without the weight of fear pressing down on me. I didn't realize how starved I truly was until the flavors burst across my tongue. Kael watched me with a faint smile, as though my appetite amused him.
But not everything was calm. From the corner of my eye, I caught her again. The maid. A slender woman with sharp features, pale skin, and eyes too dark to read. She lingered by the wall, her gaze fixed on me. I couldn't tell if it was admiration… or hostility. Either way, it made my skin prickle.
I pushed it aside and focused on my food.
After dinner, Kael rose and gently touched my shoulder. "You should rest. I'll take you to your chamber."
The room he led me to was vast yet warm, with velvet curtains, a bed carved from dark wood, and golden lanterns floating lazily above. It was almost too luxurious for me, someone who'd grown used to running, hiding, surviving.
"Feel comfortable here," Kael said softly.
I looked at him curiously. "Where are you going?"
His expression turned more serious. "The council wishes to meet me. There are matters we need to discuss."
I hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Goodbye then."
He gave me one last look before leaving, his cloak trailing behind him. The silence that followed was heavier than I expected.
Not long after, the maid entered. She bowed slightly. "My lady, I am Ellis. I've been assigned as your attendant. I'll help you with anything you need."
"Thank you," I replied, polite but cautious. "I'll call if I need help."
But Ellis stayed. When I prepared to bathe, she insisted on following. I refused at first, but she pressed, saying it was her duty. I was too tired to argue further.
As the warm water embraced me, I finally felt the tension in my muscles begin to loosen. But then, I froze. A feather-light touch traced across my back, deliberate. I twisted sharply.
"What are you doing?" I demanded.
Ellis only laughed softly, her fingers leaving a strange tingle on my skin. "Nothing, my lady."
Her eyes glimmered strangely as she leaned in closer. "There will be a banquet soon. But before then, there's something you should know."
I frowned. "What?"
Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Demons and witches are mortal enemies. We can never be at peace."
The words struck me cold. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked, but when I turned to look—she was gone. Just gone, like smoke.
My chest tightened with unease. Was she threatening me? Warning me? I didn't know.
I finished quickly, slipped into the nightgown left for me, and crawled into the massive bed. My mind swirled with too many questions. Maybe it was just stress. Maybe exhaustion. Either way, sleep claimed me faster than I expected.
...
But then… it happened again.
My eyes flew open. The room was cloaked in moonlight spilling through the curtains. And standing right there, at the foot of my bed—
Kael?
Or at least… it looked like him.