"Begin the enchantment," I ordered my commander as we passed through Heaven's gates.
The portal shimmered open, and we stepped through.
Back home.
As the portal sealed behind us, the familiar weight of the Demon Realm settled around us.
"Let's go," I said to Ael as we landed.
We followed the clear path leading straight to the castle. The realm was unnervingly quiet—no chatter, no movement, as though the land itself was holding its breath.
"Why did you save me?" Ael suddenly asked.
I turned to him.
"I tried to have you killed," he continued coldly. "So why?"
He stopped walking and faced me.
"Was it pity?" he asked sharply. "Did you help me because you felt sorry for me?"
His gaze hardened.
"If that's the reason, then you shouldn't have helped me at all. I don't need your pity."
"It wasn't that," I replied.
I met his eyes steadily.
