Kael stood by the window, staring into the night, his mind a storm of unrest.
A soft knock at the door broke through his thoughts. He didn't need to ask he already knew who it was.
Queen Lysara entered with her usual quiet grace, her dark robes trailing behind her. Her golden-brown eyes,so much like Kael's were filled with worries. She had always stood in Malakar's shadow. Present, but never defiant.
"Kael," she said gently, almost pleading. "You must not fight your father."
Kael clenched his jaw, gripping the cold stone of the windowsill. "I can't do that, Mother."
Lysara sighed and stepped closer, her hand half-reaching before falling back to her side. "You're not just defying him. You're going against centuries of law and belief. Do you really think you can change all of that?"
His silence was answer enough.
She sat on the edge of his bed, her voice soft. "I know what it is to love. But love doesn't always win."
Kael turned to face her, his eyes burning with determination. "You don't understand."
A sad smile tugged at her lips. "I do."
The lantern light flickered across her face, casting ghostly shadows. "I once dreamed of a different life… a different love." Her gaze drifted away, as if seeing something long buried. "But dreams don't change reality."
Kael swallowed hard. Her words felt like chains tightening around him. "Then you let him break you," he whispered. "I won't be broken."
Lysara's eyes darkened with old pain. "No, Kael. I survived. And because I did, I'm still here. I'm alive. And I'm telling you,there is no winning this fight."
He shook his head, stepping away. "I won't marry Lucianna."
Her hands tightened in her robes. "And what of the human girl? What happens to her when you defy the king? Do you think he'll show her mercy?"
Kael's breath caught. Her words sliced through him like a blade.
"She will die," Lysara said softly. "And if you fight this… she will suffer first."
The room fell into heavy silence. Outside, the wind howled. Inside, Kael stood motionless, his chest rising and falling with slow, agonized breaths.
Lysara rose, brushing at her robe as if to shake off the weight of their conversation.
"You think I'm weak," she said, pausing by the door. "That I'm afraid. Maybe I am. But I know how to survive."
She turned back to him one last time.
"Sometimes, the only way to win is to lose first. If you truly want to save her… bend, Kael. Bend before he breaks you both."
She left without waiting for an answer. The door closed softly behind her, leaving Kael alone in the dim light, drowning in silence.
—
The palace corridors were quiet, save for the distant echo of armored footsteps. Kael moved swiftly, his cloak billowing behind him as he slipped through the shadows.
He reached the lower wing,the barracks. The air smelled of steel, smoke, and discipline. Warriors moved with purpose, but Kael's eyes sought only one.
Aeron stood at the far end, sharpening his blade. Loyal. Steadfast. His closest ally. His gaze lifted as Kael approached, and without a word, he followed the prince into a side chamber.
"I need you to deliver a message," Kael said lowly.
Aeron studied him. "You've made your decision, then?"
Kael nodded. "I'll marry Lucianna."
Aeron didn't react. Just a flicker of understanding passed through his eyes. "And your father?"
Kael's expression hardened. "Let him believe he's won."
He drew a sealed parchment from his cloak and handed it to Aeron. "It's a formal request for Lucianna's hand. Her father won't hesitate. He's wanted this alliance for years."
Aeron tucked the letter away. "And the human?"
Kael's jaw tensed. "She'll be safe. For now."
Aeron nodded. "I'll see it done."
As he turned to leave, Kael added, "Be swift. The sooner the word spreads, the sooner my father rests easy."
Aeron disappeared into the darkness.
Kael exhaled slowly. The first piece had been set in motion. The demon world would soon speak of his marriage. His father would celebrate a false victory. And his mother would find peace in a lie.
—
Candlelight danced along the wooden walls of Ivy's cottage. The scent of lavender and fresh rain clung to the air.
She stepped out of the bath, skin damp and glowing in the warm light. A white robe clung to her curves as she moved toward the mirror, towel in hand.
Golden hair tumbled over her shoulders. Her deep green eyes reflecting quiet longing met her own gaze in the mirror. There was sadness there, softly etched in.
She sighed, brushing her hair. Her thoughts drifted to him.
Kael.
"I miss you." She whispered as she close her eyes slowly.
Then
A chill ran through her. Her breath caught.
The air turned cold.
Her heart raced.
She knew this feeling.
She opened sher eyes slowly and gasped.
He was behind her.
Kael.
Before she could think, she ran to him. His arms wrapped around her instantly, pulling her close.
"I missed you so much," she whispered, clutching his tunic like he might disappear.
A deep laugh rumbled in his chest. "Do you really think I could forget you?"
She pulled back, her eyes shining. "You've been gone too long."
"I had to be careful," he said, voice low, raw. "But I came back."
She touched his face, memorizing every line. "I don't care what happens. I just want you."
Kael exhaled, forehead resting against hers. "Then have me," he whispered and kissed her.
The world fell away.
Heat surged between them. His grip tightened as their kiss deepened hungry, desperate. He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed.
"Ivy…" he breathed against her skin, trailing kisses down her throat.She gasped, trembling.
Kael stilled.
A heat bloomed in his chest. His gums itched. His demon stirred.
His eyes burned red.
He shut them tightly, breathing hard, trying to stay in control.
Ivy saw.
She touched his face, her thumb brushing his cheek. "Your eyes… they changed. They're beautiful."
Kael's voice came rough. "It only happens when I'm angry… or when a demon wants to mark their mate."
She blinked. "Mark?"
He nodded, brushing her hair aside. "It creates a bond. Deep. Eternal. We'll feel each other. It can't be undone."
Her lips parted. "Do you want to?"
"I do."
She smiled softly. "Then do it. I trust you."
Kael kissed her neck gently, letting his tongue trace the spot. She gasped, hands clutching his arms.
Then with a deep breath,he sank his fangs into her skin.
She cried out softly, pain blooming into warmth. A rush of fire and emotion surged through her. He held her tightly.
Kael licked the blood slowly, lovingly. Then he kissed it, gentle, reverent.
His eyes returned to gold, glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Now," he whispered, "no one can take you from me."
Ivy touched his face, smiling. "I never wanted to belong to anyone else."
.
.
.
The morning sun filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over the room. Ivy stirred first, her body still wrapped in the warmth of Kael's embrace. As she opened her eyes, she found herself gazing at his peaceful, sleeping face. He lay on his back, his chest rising and falling steadily, his features relaxed in a rare moment of tranquility.
She reached out, tracing her fingers lightly over his cheek, marveling at how perfect he looked in the morning light. She had always known he was handsome, but now, in the stillness of dawn, she realized just how breathtaking he truly was. Were all demons this beautiful, or was it just him?
She watched him in silent admiration until his eyelids fluttered, and slowly, his golden brown eyes opened, locking onto hers. They stared at each other for a moment, unspoken emotions passing between them.
"Good morning, beautiful," Kael murmured, his voice husky from sleep.
Ivy smiled, her fingers still resting on his face. "Good morning."
Kael reached up and gently tucked a strand of her golden hair behind her ear. "You've been staring at me for a while."
She blushed slightly but didn't deny it. "I never realized how peaceful you look when you sleep."
He smirked, pulling her closer. "That's because I have you beside me."
Ivy laughed softly, resting her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I wish we could stay like this forever."
Kael sighed, running his fingers through her hair. "So do I. But the world won't let us."
A shadow of sadness crossed Ivy's face, but she pushed it away. She didn't want to ruin the moment. Instead, she lifted her head and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
Kael deepened the kiss for a brief moment before pulling away with a playful groan. "If you keep kissing me like that, I won't be able to leave this bed."
Ivy grinned. "Maybe that's my plan."
Kael chuckled, shaking his head as he sat up. "Temptress."
She giggled, watching as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stretched before reaching for his clothes. As he dressed, Ivy propped herself up on her elbows, observing every movement with quiet admiration.
"If you keep on staring at me like that," Kael said, smirking as he pulled on his tunic, "I can't promise not to take you right now."
Ivy felt her cheeks heat up, looking away shyly. "You're impossible."
He chuckled, fastening the belt around his waist before turning to face her.
Ivy sat up, hugging her knees to her chest. "Will you come tonight?" she asked, hope flickering in her voice.
Kael's smirk faded slightly as he ran a hand through his dark hair. "I'm sorry, Ivy. I can't. I have a lot to do."
Disappointment flickered in her eyes, but she nodded in understanding. "I just… I miss you when you're gone."
Kael stepped closer, cupping her face in his hands. "I miss you too. Every moment. But this is the only way to keep you safe."
Ivy leaned into his touch, closing her eyes briefly before opening them again. "Just promise me you'll come back soon."
Kael pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I promise."
He stepped back, grabbing his cloak and fastening it around his shoulders. "And Ivy," he added, his tone suddenly serious, "don't wander too far. Stay close to the cottage."
She nodded. "I will."
He gave her one last lingering look before heading toward the door. "Take care of yourself, my love."
Ivy watched as he disappeared, the warmth of his presence still lingering in the room. With a sigh, she lay back down, pulling the sheets around her, already counting the moments until she would see him again