Shadows at the gate

---

Chapter Seven: Shadows at the Gate

The ride home was painfully quiet.

But Alora's mind was anything but.

Her face turned red every few seconds, cheeks glowing with the heat of memory. Diago's deep, possessive voice still echoed in her head. The feel of his breath on her skin. The way he groaned against her hand, usually so cold and in control—reduced to raw, desperate sound.

She squirmed in her seat, stealing glances at him.

And of course, he caught her.

A smirk played on his lips, cocky and dangerous. He didn't even have to look at her fully—just the subtle pull of his mouth was enough to drive her insane.

"So tell me, kitten…" he said lazily, eyes still on the road. "What are you thinking about?"

Her heart jumped. "N-Nothing!" she rushed. "I'm thinking about… nothing. At all. Are. Um…"

He chuckled. That deep, amused rumble that made her stomach flip.

"Mm-hmm. Sure."

Just then, they arrived at the tall iron gates of the mansion.

But the air shifted.

The moment the car stopped, Diago's entire body tensed. His knuckles turned white against the steering wheel, jaw clenched, eyes darkened like thunderclouds.

Alora noticed immediately.

"Diago?" she asked gently. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he said coldly, stepping out of the car. "Come with me."

She followed quickly, her heart pounding—not from desire this time, but unease.

---

Inside the Mansion

They had barely stepped through the doors when a voice rang out:

"Well, well, well… if it isn't the great Diago."

He froze.

The voice was feminine. Smooth. Powerful.

"And who is this beauty?" the woman asked, slowly approaching Alora.

Alora blinked, stunned. The woman was breathtaking—elegance wrapped in danger. Her perfume was intoxicating, her red gown dragging along the marble floor like liquid fire. Her lipstick was a sharp, seductive red. And her confidence? Terrifying.

"A… human," the woman said with a sly smile, circling her like a predator.

Alora was frozen. "Um… miss?" she asked nervously. "Aren't you also human?"

The woman laughed—a sound that was too perfect to be real. She leaned in close, her lips near Alora's ear, her voice a soft whisper laced with venom.

"So the mighty one hasn't told you anything yet…"

"Alora. Go to your room," Diago's voice thundered suddenly—loud, sharp, and commanding.

She turned to him in confusion. "But Diago—"

"I said go. Now."

His eyes were cold. Void of the heat from earlier. This Diago wasn't just possessive—he was dangerous.

Alora didn't argue. She ran up the stairs, her mind reeling.

---

Diago's Office

The door slammed shut.

"Narrisa," Diago growled. "What the hell are you doing here?"

A wicked smile curled on her lips as she sat gracefully in one of his leather chairs.

"Calm down, Diago. I'm not here to cause trouble. I came to deliver a message."

"Say it. Then leave."

"Hmph. Still so cold." She crossed her legs. "We need you in the Underworld. Father is sick. Lord Beal has declared war on our clan, and whether you like it or not, you need to take your place."

"I don't care."

"You should care," she snapped. "If I had your position, I would've slaughtered the enemy already and fed their bones to Lilith."

"You always were a savage."

"I'm a leader," she corrected. "And your people—yes, your people—are waiting for you. Do not disappoint Father."

She stood, heels clicking on the marble.

"Careful with that little human girl," she added smoothly. "We wouldn't want the devil turning into an angel."

Then, like smoke, she disappeared.

Just as she vanished, Thomas stepped in. "Are you going to the Underworld?" he asked cautiously.

Diago stared at the fire flickering in the hearth.

"Maybe. Find out what sparked this war declaration—and how long I have."

Thomas nodded. "Right away."

---

Back in Alora's Room

She sat on her bed, knees pulled to her chest. Her mind kept replaying the scene in the living room.

Who was that woman?

She was beautiful like an angel. Skin like snow, voice like silk, eyes filled with secrets. And what did she mean by "a human"? Weren't they all human?

Alora bit her lip.

Maybe I'm just overthinking…

But deep inside her—something felt off.

Something was coming.

And darkness was already at the door.

---