Page 34 of Demon's Dark Love

She flinches, and I can see the cracks in her facade. "Both. You don't understand the pressures of ruling."

Bethana's gaze shifts to me, her eyes narrowing. "This is because of her, isn't it? She's changed you."

"Yes," he says without hesitation. "For the better."

I step forward. "This isn't just about us. It's about a new future, one where humans and demons can coexist."

“Idealistic nonsense,” Bethana scoffs, still refusing to look at me. "And what if you're wrong? What if this change brings chaos?"

Enoch's grip tightens, and he pulls me closer. "We'll face it together. We have the power to create something new, something better."

Bethana's shoulders slump, and for the first time, she looks defeated. "Then I hope you're right. For all our sake."

I glance at Enoch, his expression resolute. "We will be," he says, his voice unwavering. "Because we have to be."

The castle continues to transform around us, the once dark and oppressive halls now filled with light and life. It's a symbol of the change we're bringing, a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs it.

"So, what's the plan?" I ask.

He chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "First, we need to get out of this castle and see what's happening outside. Then, we figure out how to use this power to change everything."

I nod, feeling a surge of determination. "Lead the way."

The castle's corridors, once dark and oppressive, are now bathed in soft light. It's as if the very stones are alive, responding to our presence.

"Do you think the others will accept this?" I ask, glancing at him. "Will they accept us?"

Enoch's jaw tightens, and I see the flicker of doubt in his eyes. "We’ll see.”

"And your mother?" I can't help but ask, the memory of Bethana's defeated expression still fresh in my mind.

He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "She'll be a problem. But she's lost her grip on me. I'll deal with her if we have to."

I stop, pulling him to a halt. "Enoch, this isn't just about us anymore. This is about everyone, humans and demons alike. We need to be smart about this, and you need to let me help you."

He looks down at me, his eyes softening. "You’re right. I trust you to help me figure it out."

We continue through the castle, passing demons who watch us with a mix of curiosity and fear. Whispers follow us, snippets of conversation about the changes, the power they sense in us.

Each whisper fuels my resolve. We reach the main hall, and I pause, taking in the sight. It's filled with demons and a few humans, all watching us with wide eyes.

Enoch steps forward, his presence commanding.

"Demons and humans!" he calls, his voice echoing through the hall. "Things are changing, and this is just the beginning."

14

ENOCH

The castle looms above us, a twisted monument of our shared struggle and triumph. Its once dark and brooding towers now glisten pearlescent light, the ancient stone blooming with vibrant, magical flowers.

Around us, demons and humans alike stand in awe, their faces a mix of fear and wonder. The air buzzes with murmurs and whispers, each word charged with uncertainty.

"Do you think they'll ever stop staring?" Lily's voice breaks the tension, her green eyes flickering with a mix of amusement and worry. "You'd think they'd never seen a demon and a human standing together before."

"Well, to be fair, they haven't unless one is abusing or killing the other," I say, shrugging. "We're breaking centuries of tradition here."

A nearby demon, eyes wide with curiosity, edges closer. "Is it true? The castle, it changed because of you two?"

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