A Game of Power

Evelyne followed the armored demon through the dim corridors, her pulse steady but her mind racing. Azrael had summoned her. Why?

Was he testing her? Setting a trap? Or had she already made a mistake?

She clenched her fists. No. If he wanted her dead, she wouldn't have made it this far.

The fortress was alive with whispers as she passed. The demons watched her, their glowing eyes flickering with curiosity, suspicion, and something else—amusement.

As if they were waiting to see how long she would last.

She refused to let them see her falter.

The throne room doors loomed before her, tall and foreboding. The demon soldier pushed them open, and Evelyne stepped inside.

Azrael sat on his throne, draped in black and gold, his golden eyes unreadable. He looked utterly at ease, like a man who knew he had nothing to fear from anyone.

Beside him stood another demon—one Evelyne hadn't seen before. He was taller than most, his skin a dark gray, his horns twisted back like a crown. His piercing crimson eyes locked onto her with sharp interest.

Evelyne stopped a few feet from the throne, meeting Azrael's gaze without flinching. "You called for me."

Azrael's lips curled slightly. "You don't waste time with formalities."

"I see no reason to."

A low chuckle from the unknown demon. "She's bold."

Azrael leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the arm of his throne. "This is General Varian, one of my most trusted commanders."

Varian inclined his head. "A pleasure, princess."

"Queen," Azrael corrected.

Evelyne's jaw tightened.

Varian smirked. "Of course. My apologies."

She didn't believe that apology for a second.

Azrael's gaze never left her. "I summoned you for a reason. I want to know something."

Evelyne braced herself. "What?"

Azrael stood, descending the steps of the dais with effortless grace. "You asked for access to the library."

Her pulse quickened. "You agreed."

"I did," he said, stopping in front of her. "And I'm curious—what exactly are you hoping to learn?"

Evelyne hesitated for only a moment before answering. "Everything."

Varian chuckled. "Ambitious."

Azrael studied her, his golden eyes gleaming. "Most humans who find themselves here seek only to escape."

"I'm not most humans," she said evenly.

Azrael tilted his head slightly. "No, you're not."

The way he looked at her made something twist in her stomach. It wasn't fear. It wasn't attraction.

It was recognition.

Like he saw something in her even she didn't understand yet.

Azrael stepped back, motioning toward Varian. "There's a matter I want your opinion on."

Evelyne frowned. "Mine?"

Azrael smirked. "You are my queen, aren't you?"

She stiffened but said nothing.

Varian stepped forward. "We've received reports of unrest in the northern borders. A faction that opposes your rule."

Evelyne tensed. "Already?"

Azrael chuckled. "There have always been those who oppose me. Your presence only adds fuel to the fire."

Evelyne exhaled. "And what do you expect me to do about it?"

Azrael studied her. "Tell me—what do you think I should do?"

She hesitated. This was a test.

A trap.

If she suggested diplomacy, would he see her as weak? If she suggested force, would she become exactly what humans feared demons to be?

She took a slow breath. "You already know the answer."

Azrael raised a brow. "Do I?"

"You wouldn't have called me here if you planned to crush them outright," Evelyne said carefully. "You want to see if I understand what kind of power I hold here."

Varian's smirk widened. "Clever."

Azrael's eyes gleamed. "And what kind of power do you think you hold?"

Evelyne met his gaze head-on. "The power of perception."

Azrael stilled.

She pressed on. "If you slaughter them, they will become martyrs. If you do nothing, you look weak. But if I...if we..handle this the right way, we turn enemies into assets."

Silence filled the hall.

Then, Azrael smiled.

A slow, dangerous smile.

"You are interesting," he murmured.

Evelyne's heart pounded, but she refused to show weakness.

Azrael turned to Varian. "Send a message. We will meet with their leader."

Varian looked amused but nodded. "As you command."

Azrael turned back to Evelyne, his golden gaze sharp. "You wanted to learn about this world?"

She lifted her chin. "Yes."

His smirk deepened. "Then prepare yourself."

Because this was just the beginning.