Chapter 53: Another Death, More Problems

The grand hall fell into a suffocating silence. All eyes were on the King of Hell, who sat high on his throne. His piercing crimson gaze lingered on Rose, cold and unreadable. The weight of his presence seemed to make the very air quiver.

Rose swallowed hard, every nerve in her body on edge as his voice sliced through the stillness.

"That performance…" Lucifer's tone was as icy as the void. "Unacceptable." His gaze locked onto her, unyielding and unforgiving. "You will perform again. Alone."

Her breath hitched, and her legs threatened to give out beneath her. Alone? She glanced at the sea of creatures staring at her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and judgment. Fear coiled tightly around her chest.

Her hands trembled at her sides until she caught sight of Elara in the crowd. Elara's black wings twitched nervously, but her face was calm. She met Rose's gaze and mouthed, It's okay. You can do this.