Show them no kindness

The moment Malvoria left, the tension in the grand entrance hall finally loosened its grip on Elysia's chest.

For the first time since stepping into this cursed castle, she could breathe.

Zera was at her side immediately, her presence steady, grounding. She didn't speak right away—she didn't need to. Instead, she leaned in slightly, her voice a hushed whisper only for Elysia to hear.

"Everything is alright."

Elysia swallowed, forcing herself to nod.

But was it?

Her father was still a prisoner, and she was now trapped in the Demon Queen's domain. And yet, Zera was here. That was something.

Before she could respond, a pair of demon servants approached, their gazes lowered respectfully. One of them, a tall demon with slate-gray skin and curved black horns, gave a small bow.

"Princess Elysia," he said in a formal, measured tone. "The queen has ordered that you be taken to your guest chambers for the night."

Guest chambers.

Not a cell. Not a dungeon.

That alone was unsettling.

Elysia glanced at Zera, who nodded almost imperceptibly, then turned her gaze back to the servants. "Lead the way."

The castle corridors stretched out before them as they followed the demons through the fortress.

It was unlike anything Elysia had ever seen.

Massive black stone walls loomed around them, their surfaces smooth and polished like obsidian, reflecting the faint glow of violet torches flickering in iron sconces.

The air was heavy with the scent of something dark and burning—incense, perhaps, or the lingering remnants of old magic.

Every corridor was vast, with ceilings so high they disappeared into shadow, and tapestries lined the walls, woven with silver and deep red thread. They depicted scenes of battle, of demons conquering lands, of Malvoria herself standing triumphant over fallen warriors.

She swallowed hard, tightening her grip at her sides.

This was a castle built on power.

It was not warm, nor welcoming. It was a fortress. A throne carved from the bones of those who had dared stand against its ruler.

Zera stayed close, her arm brushing against Elysia's occasionally as they walked. It was a silent reminder: You are not alone.

Still, the deeper they went, the more the unease settled in Elysia's bones.

The halls stretched endlessly, twisting like a labyrinth, designed to make outsiders feel lost. Demonic statues lined some of the archways, their faces carved in twisted expressions of victory and wrath.

And the guards.

They stood at attention every few feet, their black and red armor gleaming under the torchlight. They watched Elysia with piercing eyes, some with curiosity, others with indifference, but none with pity.

She was not a guest.

She was a prize.

A possession to be displayed in the heart of Malvoria's kingdom.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the servants stopped before a grand set of doors.

The demon who had spoken earlier turned to her. "This will be your chamber, Princess. The queen has ensured that you will be provided with everything you require for the night."

The massive double doors creaked open, revealing the room beyond.

Elysia stepped inside—and nearly stopped in her tracks.

Luxury.

The chamber was opulent, far beyond anything she had expected.

A grand four-poster bed sat against the far wall, its deep red canopy veiled in sheer black silk. The sheets were dark velvet, embroidered with gold, and plush pillows were arranged neatly at the head.

A fireplace flickered at one end of the room, casting a warm golden glow against the ebony walls.

A tall bookshelf stood to the side, filled with thick tomes, while a sitting area with elegantly carved chairs and a dark mahogany table was arranged near the fireplace.

And then there was the bathing area.

A large, sunken bath, steaming and perfumed, sat in the corner, surrounded by smooth black stone. The water shimmered faintly, infused with something magical, glowing softly beneath the dim candlelight.

Malvoria had not just given her a room.

She had given her a queen's chamber.

It should have felt like a trap.

Instead, it only felt suffocating.

Before Elysia could say anything, a group of maids entered behind them, their gazes lowered in obedience.

They moved with precision, reaching for the ties of Elysia's dress, their hands poised to begin undressing her as if she were some delicate thing in need of assistance.

Something inside Elysia snapped.

"Leave."

The word came out sharper than she intended, laced with frustration and something dangerously close to anger.

The maids froze.

One of them hesitated. "Princess, the queen has ordered that—"

"I said leave," Elysia bit out, turning to face them fully.

The flickering firelight cast sharp shadows along her face, her violet eyes burning with barely restrained emotion.

The maids exchanged wary glances before quickly bowing and backing away. Within moments, they were gone, the heavy doors clicking shut behind them.

Silence.

Elysia stood there, her breathing uneven, her hands clenched at her sides.

She would not be treated like a doll.

She would not let them strip her down, wash her, dress her like she was already some possession of Malvoria's.

Not after everything.

Zera, who had been silent through the ordeal, finally let out a breath.

"You've done the right thing."

"You should treat them the way Malvoria treated the innocent people she slaughtered," Zera said, her voice low but firm.

Elysia turned to her, still feeling the lingering heat of frustration in her chest.

Zera's blue eyes were sharp, unwavering. "Be mean to them. Show them no kindness. They serve her. They will never be on your side."

Elysia hesitated, then gave a small nod.

She wasn't cruel by nature, but she wasn't a fool either. She had seen how Malvoria's people moved, how they obeyed without question. They weren't her allies. They never would be.

She exhaled, rolling her shoulders before heading toward the bath.

The water was warm, hotter than she expected, the scent of something faintly floral and spiced curling in the air.

As she lowered herself into the bath, the tension melted from her body.

For the first time in what felt like years, she allowed herself to breathe.

The water lapped at her skin, soothing the aches in her muscles, the bruises from days of running, the exhaustion settling deep in her bones.

She closed her eyes, resting her head against the smooth stone edge, letting the warmth soak into her.

It was relaxing. Too relaxing.

It annoyed her how luxurious it felt, how much she enjoyed it, knowing it had been given to her by Malvoria.

She took her time, refusing to let herself feel rushed.

If Malvoria wanted to own her, to keep her like a caged thing, then fine. But Elysia would take what was given without gratitude.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally pulled herself from the bath, reaching for a thick towel and wrapping it around herself.

She stepped out, steam curling behind her, droplets of water clinging to her skin.

And then—

Zera was there.

She turned swiftly, and before Elysia could speak, before she could even react, Zera grabbed her face and kissed her.

It was fierce, desperate, something raw and unspoken behind it.

Elysia barely had time to process the warmth of it, the way her heart lurched in her chest—

And then Zera pulled away.

Their breaths mingled, their faces still close.

Before Elysia could say anything, the door swung open.

Elysia's blood ran cold.

Malvoria stood in the doorway.

Elysia's heart pounded as her mind raced with a single, urgent thought—

Did she see?