My Wife Is a Demon Queen – Volume 4: The Mark of a King
Elias drifted in and out of consciousness as Azeryn carried him through the Citadel halls. Demons parted like shadows before her, stunned—some terrified—by the glowing royal mark etched into his arm.
When they reached her private chamber, Azeryn laid him gently on a bed of obsidian silk. With a wave of her hand, a circle of healing runes ignited around him.
"You fool…" Her voice trembled, barely audible. "You could have died."
Elias smirked weakly. "But I didn't."
Azeryn's lips pressed into a thin line, caught somewhere between fury and relief.
Before she could respond, the chamber doors slammed open.
General Varak, a towering demon covered in crimson armor, kneeled before her. "My Queen, the Council demanded I report immediately. The human has passed two trials… but the final one—"
Azeryn cut him off. "He has earned recognition. The Trials themselves chose him."
Varak hesitated. "The Council will not accept a human king. And there's more… scouts spotted human battalions at the northern rift."
Elias forced himself upright. "Humans? Why?"
Azeryn turned to him, expression dark. "Your realm fears the demon world's awakening. They plan an invasion."
Elias felt his stomach twist. "If they attack… it'll be war."
Azeryn nodded. "A war that could destroy both realms."
---
The Final Trial Awakens
Before they could speak further, the mark on Elias's arm flared.
The floor shook.
Runes spiraled out across the chamber, forming a phantom gate.
Varak stumbled back. "The Trial of Kings… it calls again! But he survived—how can there be more?"
Azeryn's eyes widened. "There is a hidden final stage… one only awakened by those chosen for more than rulership."
The phantom gate spoke with an ancient voice:
"THIRD TRIAL: DEVOTION."
Elias swallowed. "Devotion to what?"
Azeryn's gaze locked with his.
"To your Queen," the voice answered.
The gate expanded, pulling Elias forward. Azeryn grabbed his hand, eyes burning with something raw and unguarded.
"You don't have to do this," she whispered.
Elias squeezed her hand. "I'm your partner. I finish what I start."
The trial swallowed him whole.
Azeryn stood frozen, heart pounding.
This last trial wasn't just about power.
It was about love.