A Demon’s Deception

Chapter 15

A Demon's Deception

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"No, I don't know her," Jane said quickly, her voice sharp and unconvincing. She turned toward Alric, doing her best to suppress her panic.

Alric frowned, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Then why don't you leave? I'll make sure she's alright myself."

Jane hesitated, glancing at Vera, who sat calmly in the chair, her expression unreadable. But after a moment, Jane nodded stiffly and left the room.

Alric lingered for a second, his eyes scanning Vera as though searching for hidden injuries. "Let me know if you need anything," he said before walking away, closing the door softly behind him.

The moment he was gone, Jane stormed back inside, slamming the door shut behind her. Her hand flicked sharply, and her magic sealed the room, making it impossible for anyone to enter or leave.

"What are you doing here?" Jane hissed, her voice shaking with anger as she advanced toward Vera.

Vera stood gracefully, an amused smile spreading across her lips. "Ah, you must be the little witch Cater always drags around. What a shame—he never taught you to mind your place." Her tone was mocking, her words dripping with condescension. "But don't worry, I didn't come for you. Step aside."

Jane's hand shot out, blocking Vera's path. Her voice hardened. "I've had enough of demons lurking around me. So I'll ask you again—what are you doing here?"

Vera chuckled softly, the sound low and dangerous. She turned and walked back toward the chair, sitting down as if she owned the room. Her sharp gaze pinned Jane in place.

"You don't get it, do you?" Vera said, her voice calm but filled with malice. "I'm the gatekeeper of the underworld. Do you really think your little spells can stop me?" She leaned forward slightly, her smile widening. "I'm not like you—a witch pretending to be human. I'm here for Cater. His body belongs in the underworld, and I will take it back. Step aside, little girl."

Jane's magic sparked instinctively, faint blue light crackling at her fingertips as she planted herself in front of Vera. "You may be a demon, and a powerful one at that," Jane snapped. "But I won't let you take Cater. I know you're the one behind his curse. So you have two choices: wake him up, or I'll make you regret coming here."

For a moment, Vera said nothing, her red eyes glinting dangerously. Then, in the blink of an eye, she was in front of Jane, her hand clamping tightly around the witch's wrist. Jane gasped as she was yanked forward, their faces mere inches apart.

"You foolish little girl," Vera hissed, her voice like venom. "Do you think your magic is a match for mine? You don't even understand the world you're playing in. Let me give you a piece of advice—stay out of my way. Next time, I won't bother holding back."

With that, Vera shoved Jane backward, sending her crashing into the wall. Jane groaned in pain but quickly got to her feet, her hands trembling as she suppressed her power. She knew better than to fully unleash her magic here; it would only draw unwanted attention.

Vera straightened her dress and walked toward the door, her steps slow and deliberate. Jane, clutching her side, followed her out into the hallway, where Alric stood waiting.

"Are you feeling better?" Alric asked Vera, his concern evident.

Vera smiled sweetly, her demeanor shifting instantly. "Much better, thanks to you, Your Highness. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't saved me."

Alric nodded, his expression softening. "I'm glad you're alright. I'm sorry about earlier—I almost ran you over. I hope you can forgive me."

Vera laughed lightly, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, no need to apologize, Your Highness. You saved me, and that's all that matters."

There was a brief silence before Alric spoke again, his voice hesitant. "You mentioned earlier… about my servant. You said you could save him. How true is that?"

Jane stiffened, her gaze snapping to Vera. Before Vera could answer, Jane quickly stepped forward.

"Prince Alric," she said, forcing calm into her voice, "I think Cater will be fine. We don't know this woman, and it wouldn't be wise to trust her with something so important."

Alric frowned, looking between Jane and Vera. Before he could respond, Vera spoke, her voice soft and filled with fake sincerity.

"I understand you don't trust me," she said, lowering her gaze as if in shame. "And you're right—I'm a stranger here. But I only offered to help because you saved me, Your Highness. If you'd rather I leave…" She turned slowly, feigning sadness as she began to walk away.

"Stop," Alric called, his voice firm.

Vera froze, hiding her triumphant smile before turning back to face him. Her expression was perfectly composed, sadness still etched across her features.

"It's alright," Alric said, nodding. "If you can save my servant, please do."

"Sir, you don't have to believe her!" Jane interjected, her voice rising with desperation. She stepped in front of Alric, her tone urgent. "She's not who she claims to be!"

"Enough!" Alric snapped, raising a hand to silence her. His eyes hardened as he stared at Jane. "I don't want to hear another word. Vera will tend to Cater, and while she's working, you will not disturb her. Do you understand me?"

Jane's hands trembled at her sides, but she nodded stiffly. Alric turned and walked away, leaving Jane and Vera alone in the hallway.

Jane rounded on Vera, her eyes blazing with fury. "I don't care what he says," she hissed. "Whatever plan you have, I'll stop you. You won't get near Cater—that's a promise."

Vera smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. Just as Jane turned to leave, Vera's voice stopped her.

"You're a fool," Vera said coldly. "If you think you can stop me, you're even weaker than I thought." She paused, her smile widening. "But don't worry. Once I ensure Cater's eternal rest, I'll deal with you next. You, the prince, and everyone else he tries to protect. This isn't a world for humans. Their time is over."

Jane whirled around, her anger flaring. "Then let's see who wins," she spat before walking away, her fists clenched.

Vera stood in the hallway, watching Jane leave. Her smile never wavered. "Very well," she murmured to herself, her voice soft but laced with malice. "Let the games begin."

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