Was that your perfect disguise to decieve me?

Nyx and Mina were brimming with excitement as they helped Luciana prepare for the evening, while another maid attended to Nemesis. Mina, nearly bursting with enthusiasm, proudly displayed the dress that Erebus had chosen for Luciana.

Nyx gasped in admiration.

"This is one of Madame Amerson Parsel's rarest designs! Even Lady Calypso couldn't manage to get her hands on it."

"Our master has an exceptional eye," Mina added, half boasting, half sincere. "When he saw this gown, he said it reminded him of her."

Luciana offered a modest smile, feeling slightly awkward at Mina's exaggerations.

"Now, for your hair, we should go with the latest trend—the barrette style," Nyx suggested. She carefully styled Luciana's hair in one of the most fashionable looks currently sweeping the Central Capital.

As they continued with their preparations, laughter and compliments filled the room where Nemesis was being dressed. The boy, already finished, ran into the reception area to proudly display his attire, which had been thoughtfully coordinated by Erebus. To everyone's amusement, his outfit mirrored that of his father.

"Ooh~! Like father, like son. Both in black," Callum quipped, admiring the duo. Nemesis spun in delight, and Callum showered him with praise. Erebus stood by, watching his son fondly.

"To think I'd live to see this day," Callum remarked, reminiscing. "This rascal always swore he'd stay single forever."

"Where is your mother?" Erebus asked.

"You know how women are," Callum sighed. "It takes ages for my wife to get ready, even for something as small as a tea party."

Luciana finally entered, escorted by Nyx and Mina, offering a brief apology for the delay. For a moment, the room fell silent as all eyes turned to her.

"Mama! You look like a princess," Nemesis exclaimed with innocent delight.

"Why thank you my young prince." Luciana giggled shyly.

Callum cleared his throat. "Well, well. Looks like someone's lucky." He nudged Erebus, expecting him to comment on Luciana's beauty, but the man could only stare, speechless. Luciana glanced at him half expectant.

"L-let's go. It's time," Erebus finally muttered, awkwardly offering his arm to escort her to the carriage.

"Talk about dull," Callum grumbled, and Nyx and Mina exchanged disappointed glances.

"At least a compliment," Nyx muttered, crestfallen. "All that effort for nothing."

Luciana, sensing Erebus's discomfort, boarded the carriage in silence. Yet, beneath the moonlight, she noticed the subtle blush reddening his ears.

"Look! The moon is red!" Nemesis pointed out as they began their journey. Luciana glanced out the window, a shiver running down her spine at the sight of the crimson moon. An ominous feeling crept over her, and her anxiety grew, sensing hidden dangers in the night.

Arriving at the palace, Callum departed for his duties on horseback, leaving Erebus to escort Luciana and Nemesis inside. He offered Luciana a warning about the dangers that lurked within their world.

"There are four kinds of demons you must be especially wary of: high-ranking vampires, werewolves with their keen sense of smell, banshees, and witches. But the most dangerous are shifters. They blend in seamlessly, but once they gain your trust, they will drain your soul and take control in an instant."

Their carriage halted in front of the palace entrance, where a long flight of steps awaited. Luciana, her movements slightly hampered by her pregnancy, struggled with the gown as they began to ascend.

Halfway up, she stumbled, but Erebus was quick to catch her, lifting her effortlessly in his arms and carrying her the rest of the way, ignoring the whispers from the nobles around them. At the top, he set her down gently and signaled for the announcer to resume.

"Announcing the Margrave and Margravine of Stygian Frontier, accompanied by their son, Nemesis Stygian," the herald declared as they entered the grand ballroom.

The murmur of gossip immediately filled the room. Erebus was accustomed to the slander and scorn from the other nobles, but tonight, their attention was divided between him and Luciana. Disguised as a vampire, she drew curious glances from those trying to determine her lineage, questioning how she had come to marry a man like Erebus.

Together, they moved toward the center of the ballroom to greet the Tzar and Crown Prince, who were engaged in conversation with other nobles. Erebus offered a formal bow, but with little warmth or reverence. Luciana curtsied slightly, and Nemesis merely stared, wide-eyed at the opulence around him.

"Ah! The star of tonight's banquet has finally arrived," the Tzar announced, raising his voice to draw the attention of those present. "And by the seven hells, your wife is a vision of beauty," he added, his eyes glowing red as they fixed on Luciana. A shiver ran down her spine under his predatory gaze.

Sensing her discomfort, Erebus subtly shifted, blocking the Tzar's view and attempting to steer the conversation toward more practical matters. Still, Luciana trembled under the weight of the stares from those around them, her anxiety mounting.

The Crown Prince, Zavaikal, remained silent, but his gaze was sharp, observing every detail with cold precision. He had long suspected Luciana's true nature, and tonight, he confirmed his suspicions.

"Have a pleasant evening, Margrave Stygian," Zavaikal said smoothly, before drifting away to converse with other nobles.

"That man gets under my skin," Erebus muttered darkly as they moved toward a quieter section of the ballroom. Sensing Luciana's unease, he led her out onto a nearby balcony and went to fetch her some water.

"Mama? Are you okay?" Nemesis asked, tugging at her sleeve.

Before she could respond, a voice interrupted from the entrance to the balcony.

"So, this is the esteemed lady who dared show her face in my palace," Zavaikal remarked, leaning against the archway with a smirk. "Quite the clever disguise. Don't you think so? The noble first princess of Amanécer? Or should I say....? The former crowned princess of Amanécer?"

Luciana turned, her heart racing as she faced him. Nemesis coward behind her.

"What does the esteemed crowned prince of the empire want from me?" She winced shielding Nemesis behind her protectively.

"The bride that was sent to me instead of one I desired...and was stolen by my own useless brother." He sighed, disappointed evident on his face.

His words were like daggers of the hidden truth. Though Erebus had told her about his past he never mentioned about Zavaikal.

"What...do you mean? Your brother...? Are you referring to my husband?" She asked, the shock too much for her to handle, making her collapse on the ground.

"What? You can't be serious? He never told you that he was the empire's only crowned prince's blood? Who is the crowned prince's hound?" He chuckled menacingly.

"Surely, I know he won't be telling you anything anyway since his soul was entrapped by the great demonlord. So he is my puppet."

He crouched Infront of her and cupped her face studying her intently.

"Not bad..." He grinned. His eyes shone like molten gold in fire. He was like a copy of Erebus by appearance, except for his eyes and short curly black hair.

"Soon I will take you from him. It is a loss that I couldn't get my hands on the golden one. But you'll do."

A glass flew in his direction when he grabbed her and dodged it instinctively.

He looked back and found Erebus with a menacing look on his face. His murderous instinct provoked by his actions.

"A timely miss." He chuckled.

"Get your filthy hands off her." He warned him in a dangerously low voice.