Page 25 of Demon's Dark Love

The garden feels like a sanctuary, but the approaching ball looms over us like a dark cloud. I rest against Enoch, savoring the fleeting peace.

“We need to separate,” he says, his tone reluctant.

I pull back, searching his eyes. “We aren't safe here?”

“My mother is watching everywhere. If she catches wind of us…” He trails off, his jaw tight. “She’ll use the ball to expose us.”

I shiver, the memory of Bethana’s threats still fresh. “What do we do?”

“Act normal,” he replies, his hand brushing my cheek. “You’ll be expected to serve. I’ll play the dutiful son.”

“It will be hard to pretend,” I say, my hand trailing over his skin.

He shudders and nods, his expression pained. “I know. But we must for now. Until we can find the artifact.”

I swallow hard, the weight of our secret pressing down.

“Let’s get through this ball. First things first,” he says, his voice firm. “Then we’ll regroup.”

I glance around, the garden’s beauty a stark contrast to the world that surrounds us. “I hate this.”

“Me too,” he admits, pulling me close for one last kiss. It’s desperate, filled with unspoken promises. “I love you, Lily.”

“I love you, too,” I whisper, my heart aching as I step back.

We part ways, the distance between us growing with each step. I head back inside, the castle’s darkness closing in. My footsteps echo in the empty corridors, the scent of old stone and damp earth filling my senses.

10

ENOCH

The ballroom buzzes with the hum of demon nobility. Chandeliers dripping with crystals cast a cold light over the sea of silks and satins.

I stand near the grand staircase, dressed in a soft black velvet suit.

“Enoch, darling,” Lady Seraphina purrs, sidling up to me. Her eyes flicker with desire. “You look positively regal tonight.”

I force a smile. “Seraphina, always a pleasure. How’s your father’s new conquest?”

“Same as the last,” she says, waving a dismissive hand. “But let’s talk about you. Rumor has it you’ve been keeping interesting company.”

“Rumors are for the weak-minded,” I reply, my gaze drifting over her shoulder.

Lily moves through the crowd, balancing a tray of goblets with practiced ease. Her hair, tied back, reveals the scar on her cheek.

She’s close to Griselda, who watches her carefully with narrowed eyes.

“Still, they’re entertaining,” Seraphina says, leaning closer. “Especially the ones about a certain human.”

I narrow my eyes. “Careful, Seraphina. Curiosity kills.”

She laughs, the sound grating against my nerves. “Oh, Enoch, you’re such a tease. Nothing can kill me.”

“Excuse me,” I say, stepping away before she can trap me further. I weave through the throng, my eyes fixed on Lily.

She pauses by the edge of the dance floor, offering drinks to a pair of demons. One of them, a sneering brute named Morvan, snatches a goblet and spills half of it on her hand.

“Clumsy human,” he sneers. “Watch yourself.”

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