So…You’re A Smoke Demon?

"So what is your name?" Yennefer asked, and Damian glanced at her.

"Damian Heltwarden, ruler of Bredevern." He introduced himself with a smile on his face. "I am pretty sure you must have seen that on the casket."

He spoke, and Yennefer slowly nodded her head at him.

"Yes, I did. So Bredevern is an empire, and... you rule it?" She inquired, and Damian scoffed.

"A fallen empire would be suitable. Used to be a very popular country. The prosperous and special empire that belonged to us smoked demons. It was our land until our weakness was found and someone exterminated us, locking only I away. After all, I was a demon king. Haha." 

He chuckled, and Yennefer, who could see the pain in his eyes, bit her lower lip, not sure what to say.

"So... you're a smoke demon?" She asked, and he slowly nodded his head at her.

"Yes. We are similar to the Djinns. But unlike the djinns, we are the kindest of all demons. We are no troublemakers, and we only fight when we are offended unjustly."

He explained, and a half smile formed on Yennefer's lips.

"I am sorry about what happened earlier. Luthiel seems to have some sort of anger issue, I think. Not trying to give excuses, though."

She apologized, and as though finding her words funny, Damian began to laugh.

"Ehh... why are you laughing?" Not sure what's funny, Yennefer arched her brow at him.

"Nothing really. just that, you sounded like you knew him. Haha." He explained, and Yennefer's eyebrows scrunched immediately.

"But I do know him-"

"No, you don't... If you knew him, if any of you knew him, none of you would have the heart to judge him."

"I have known Luthiel for a very, very long time. He's a good guy. Maybe he changed and became the person he is today, but... it is justified."

"Things were done to him. terrible things, and it is why I was actually surprised that he talks to you. He literally doesn't speak to anyone, not even me. An old friend of his."

"He's one of the strongest people I have ever known. He is more than you see. He is more than you will ever imagine. This world, honestly does not deserve him at all."

A distant look, as though recalling past memories, emerged on Damian's face, and he let out a soft breath.

"What... are you talking about? Who is he?" Now confused, Yennefer asked.

"I cannot tell you. I have no right to do so. He will tell you himself if he ever wants to. There are reasons why he is like this, after all, Miss Yennefer, you will understand when your eyes are opened. And also, he seems to care quite a lot about you, so maybe take it easy on him too."

He smiled at her and turned his head to the door when he heard approaching footsteps.

"I shall go for now. I wouldn't want to be seen by anyone, definitely not your maids."

He chuckled and disappeared in the next moment.

The door to the chamber pushed open a second after that, and Livia and Masha walked in with half-smiles on their faces.

"My lady, it's time for your bath."

————-

A pristine white dove flew through the sky with what seemed like a letter hanging on its feet.

It flew towards the Gavarian royal castle and landed onto the window of Damon's chamber.

Ayana, who was seated inside the chamber with Damon, who seemed to be working on something, turned her head, and the instant her eyes fell on the dove, she quickly stood up from the chair.

She hurried towards it and took the letter from its leg.

She opened the letter, and an unknown glint immediately flashed in her eyes.

"Brother!-" She rushed towards Damon. "-A letter from them."

She said to him, and Damon raised his head to look at her.

"Mind reading it?" He inquired, and Ayana looked at the letter.

[Dear Accursed Twins:

It's been three weeks now, and no news has come from you both. We are getting impatient, and we want news from both of you tomorrow.

Release it and return it to Vrendarf. Let us watch Gavaria fall to its knees].

Her eyes flickered, and she rolled the letter back.

"Is that all?" Damon asked.

"Yes." She replied, and he slightly nodded his head at her.

"I see. Well, we will act when the time is right. For the coming few days, we must be careful, for I fear someone is watching us." He declared, and Ayana scrunched her brows at him.

"What do you mean, brother? You heard me read the letter, right? They want us back by tomorrow, and we already made plans to release it today, so why... do you suddenly change your mind now?"

She questioned him, and Damon halted what he was doing.

"Ayana, don't fall to your death because of the elders. Learn to be wise. Stop trying to please them all the time, okay?"

"They already managed to force us to come here, and now that we are here, they are trying to push us to our deaths! Can't you see that they don't care about us? We are insignificant to them, and the only thing they care about is what use we are to them."

"Listen to me and sit down. The plan to release it tonight is canceled. When we are ready again, I will let you know. But for now, please keep it low."

He warned, and Ayana stared at him, unsure of what to say.

"Damon… You know the consequences we will be facing if we disobey them, right?" She asked, and he let out a pessimistic sigh.

"Ayana, our parents may be gone, but don't forget that you have me. I will always protect you, so relax and trust me. I won't let anything happen to you. that I promise."

He smiled gently at her and got up from the chair.

He walked to her and pulled her into a loving hug.

"I will always keep you safe, so don't worry." He assured her and tenderly caressed her hair.

Ayana slowly nodded her head and tightly hugged him back. "I am just scared of what they will do to us. It is like hell."