Chapter 10: The Enemy Within

The echo of their footsteps filled the narrow hallway as Arkanis and Elara left the Great Assembly Hall. The oppressive energy of the council lingered, and even the air seemed thicker, harder to breathe. Elara stayed silent, her thoughts racing as she replayed the council's words in her mind. Their suspicion was evident, and the danger Arkanis was in felt more real than ever.

"You kept your cool in there," she said finally, breaking the silence. "But they're definitely onto you."

Arkanis let out a heavy sigh, his golden eyes dimmed with weariness. "I know. Malgrath doesn't miss a thing. He'll send someone to investigate soon."

"What do we do?" Elara asked, her voice low.

"We prepare," Arkanis replied. "If they're sending someone, we need to stay one step ahead."

As they turned a corner, Zyre appeared from the shadows, his expression grim. "Bad news, my lord. Malgrath's enforcer is already on the move. They'll reach the castle by dawn."

Arkanis cursed under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "So much for having time to prepare."

Elara frowned. "An enforcer? What exactly are we dealing with here?"

"An enforcer," Zyre explained, "is the council's personal executioner. They're sent to...deal with those who step out of line. You don't want to be on their list."

Elara's stomach churned at the thought. "And they'll just...what? March in and destroy you?"

"Not if we're ready," Arkanis said, his voice filled with resolve. "The enforcer will expect me to be on the defensive. But we'll turn their expectations against them."

Elara arched an eyebrow. "How?"

Arkanis offered a faint smile. "That depends. How good are you at playing the part of an unwelcome guest?"

As the sun began to rise, the castle was cloaked in an ominous stillness. Elara stood in the main hall, her sword at the ready. Arkanis had given her instructions to play the role of a rebellious Hero who had infiltrated the castle—an excuse for any perceived "irregularities" the enforcer might find.

The doors to the castle burst open with a thunderous crash, and a figure stepped inside.

The enforcer was unlike any demon Elara had seen before—taller and more menacing, clad in black armor that seemed to drink in the light. Their eyes glowed crimson, and their presence filled the room with a suffocating aura.

"Elara, get back," Arkanis said, stepping in front of her. His voice was calm, but she could see the tension in his posture.

"Lord Arkanis," the enforcer said, their voice a low growl. "The council has concerns about your...methods. I'm here to ensure that everything is in order."

Arkanis inclined his head slightly. "Of course. You'll find that my realm is as it should be."

The enforcer's gaze shifted to Elara, and their eyes narrowed. "And what is this?"

"She's the reason for any...irregularities you may have sensed," Arkanis said smoothly. "A persistent Hero who thought she could infiltrate my castle. I've been handling the situation."

Elara played her part perfectly, glaring at the enforcer with defiance. "He's lying. He's not like the others. He doesn't deserve to be a Demon Lord."

The enforcer's eyes flickered, their expression unreadable. "I'll be the judge of that."