Shadows of Rebellion

The air in the balcony felt heavier now. The news of the ambush tightened around Evelyne's chest like invisible chains.

She wasn't safe here.

Not from the demons who wanted her gone.

And maybe… not from Azrael either.

Azrael turned from the balcony, his expression unreadable. "Lyria, prepare my soldiers. I want the ones responsible alive."

Lyria nodded, but Evelyne caught the flicker of uncertainty in her violet eyes before she turned to leave.

Azrael's gaze fell on Evelyne.

"Come with me."

Evelyne hesitated. "Where?"

"To see what happens when demons defy me."

The journey beyond the palace walls was different this time.

Azrael did not take his usual black stallion. Instead, he rode a massive beast—something between a dragon and a warhorse, its obsidian scales reflecting the eerie glow of the Underworld.

Evelyne rode behind him, gripping the edges of the saddle as they soared over the dark terrain. From above, she could see the rivers of fire cutting through the landscape, the jagged blackstone peaks in the distance, and—

A ruined supply caravan.

Demons in black and silver armor had already gathered at the site, the bodies of the fallen covered with thick red cloth. The scent of charred wood and blood was thick in the air.

Azrael landed smoothly, dismounting in a single fluid motion. Evelyne followed, her stomach tight.

A group of prisoners knelt in the dirt, their wrists bound with glowing chains of dark magic. Their eyes—some black as the abyss, others burning red—glared at Azrael with open hatred.

One, a broad-shouldered male demon with deep scars across his arms, bared his teeth. "You betray your own kind for a human, Azrael?"

Azrael's expression did not change. "You attack my men. You murder my people. And you speak of betrayal?"

The scarred demon spat on the ground. "We serve a higher cause. The Underworld is not meant to bow to her kind." His crimson eyes flickered to Evelyne with pure contempt. "You weaken us."

Azrael did not blink. "I strengthen us."

The prisoner snarled. "You think wedding a human will bring peace? They will never stop seeing us as monsters."

Azrael's golden gaze darkened. "Perhaps."

Then, with one swift movement, he grabbed the demon by the throat and lifted him effortlessly into the air.

Evelyne gasped.

The prisoner struggled, but Azrael's grip was like iron. The glow of his golden eyes intensified, and suddenly, the air around them thickened with raw power.

"I do not need your approval," Azrael said calmly. "And I do not tolerate insurrection."

The prisoner choked, his body trembling against the force crushing him.

Evelyne knew Azrael could snap his neck in an instant.

"Wait."

The word left her lips before she even thought about it.

Azrael didn't move. The other demons stiffened, watching the scene unfold.

Evelyne forced herself to stand tall. "Killing him won't stop the rebellion. It will only make him a martyr."

Azrael's gaze flicked to her. He studied her for a long moment, as if weighing her words.

Then, slowly, he released his grip.

The scarred demon collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.

Azrael's voice was cold. "Lock them away. I will decide their fate soon."

His soldiers moved swiftly, dragging the prisoners toward the fortress.

Evelyne exhaled.

Azrael turned to her. "You spared his life."

She met his gaze. "Killing him here would have solved nothing."

Azrael tilted his head slightly. "You are different from the last queen."

Evelyne's chest tightened. "I told you that already."

A flicker of something passed through his golden eyes. Something Evelyne couldn't decipher.

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

Evelyne stood still for a long moment, staring after him.

She had convinced the Demon King to spare an enemy.

But she didn't know if that made her stronger—

Or a fool.