Later that evening, the Underworld palace settled into a haunting kind of stillness. Torchlight flickered across stone walls, casting shadows that danced like whispers. In a modest chamber tucked away from the royal halls, Evelyn and Velma sat on the edge of their shared bed, the remnants of soft conversation trailing between them.
The tension from the day—the confession, the stolen kiss, the unexpected intimacy between Lucian and Evelyn—lingered in the air like a fragile thread. But now, it was just the two of them, breathing quietly under the weight of secrets and nearing decisions.
Evelyn played absentmindedly with the hem of her tunic, her brows drawn slightly together in thought. Then she glanced at Velma, a shy smile forming at the corners of her mouth.
"By the way," she said quietly, "Lucian and I… we're already on good terms now. After everything."
Velma turned toward her, eyes lighting up. "That's good to hear. I'm happy for you."
Evelyn chuckled lightly and brushed her hair behind her ear. "It feels strange, you know? Like something I never expected. Lucian… he's distant, quiet, and carries the whole Underworld on his shoulders. But then he looks at me like I'm not just another maid, like I mean something. And today, when he… well, when he kissed me, I thought I was dreaming."
Velma smiled gently. "He means it. He's not someone who takes things lightly."
"I know," Evelyn said. Her voice trembled just a bit. "And that's why I'm scared."
There was a pause. The flickering torchlight reflected off the silver threads sewn into their bed curtain, casting dancing lights across the room.
"What about you?" Evelyn asked softly, her tone shifting. "Did you… find a solution? About getting out of here?"
Velma hesitated. Then she nodded slowly. "Yes. Lucian and I are working on it. There's a way—finally. It's risky, but it might just work. If all goes well… I'll be gone soon."
Evelyn's smile faltered slightly. "You're leaving?"
Velma nodded again, more firmly. "It's not safe for me here anymore. Especially with Zamiel sniffing around. And Azarath too… she's starting to ask questions."
Evelyn let out a sigh and flopped backward onto the bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling above them. The stone was rough and worn, etched with faint sigils meant to keep the cold away, but neither of them felt comfort in those runes tonight.
Velma turned to her, brows furrowed. "What's on your mind?"
After a long silence, Evelyn sat up slowly, her face clouded with pain she hadn't let anyone see before.
"You should get out of here as soon as you can," she said softly. "Please."
Velma blinked, sitting up with concern. "Evelyn?"
Tears had begun to gather in Evelyn's eyes. She clutched Velma's hand tightly.
"My mom… she fell in love with a human."
Velma froze.
Evelyn sniffled softly, her voice trembling as she continued. "She was like me—bright, hopeful. And my father… he was from the surface. They met by accident. But they fell in love anyway. They kept it secret for years, and then…" Her voice cracked. "Then the Council found out."
Velma reached for her hand gently. "What happened?"
"They killed him," Evelyn whispered. "Right in front of her. They tore him apart like he was nothing. My mom… she begged. She pleaded. But they didn't care. Said love between species was forbidden. A threat to the Underworld's order. And then they locked her away in one of the deep prison cells. She never came out. I don't even know if she's alive."
Velma's throat tightened. "Evelyn, I… I didn't know."
Evelyn shook her head, wiping at her tears quickly. "I never talk about it. No one here knows. But when I saw you… a human… trying so hard to stay alive down here. I saw her in you. Her courage. Her heart. That same stubborn spark."
Velma hugged her tightly.
"You might have only known me for a short time," Evelyn whispered, voice cracking, "but I don't want to lose you. Please… please get out of here safely."
Velma held her tightly and whispered back, "I will be fine. I promise."
They sat like that for a while, leaning into each other's presence as the fire dimmed. Evelyn wiped her eyes and finally gave Velma a soft smile.
"You know," she said, her voice steadier, "Lucian used to come check on me sometimes when I was younger. I think he felt sorry for me. But I also think he didn't want me to grow up thinking all demons were heartless. He always made sure I was protected."
Velma tilted her head. "Is that why you've liked him for so long?"
Evelyn nodded. "Yeah. But I never expected him to notice me."
Velma squeezed her hand. "You're someone worth noticing, Evelyn."
For a moment, Evelyn said nothing. Then, "You too, Velma. You're strong. Braver than I could ever be."
Velma chuckled. "Brave? I nearly fainted when Azarel looked me in the eyes last week."
They both laughed, and the tension eased just a little.
Eventually, Velma laid back against the mattress, staring at the ceiling.
"Tomorrow might be the beginning of the end," she murmured. "Or maybe… the beginning of something else."
Evelyn curled up beside her. "Whatever it is, I'll be cheering you on. From the shadows or not."
And in the silence that followed, surrounded by stone walls and the quiet beat of two hearts not meant for the darkness, they found rest. They found hope.
Because even in the Underworld, light could flicker.
And even among demons, love could live.