Page 26 of Demon's Dark Love

Lily bites her lip, simply looking away silently. Anger coils in my gut, but I force myself to stay calm.

“Morvan,” I call out, approaching them. “Your dexterity appears to be lacking.”

He turns, surprise flickering across his face. “Enoch. Didn’t see you there.”

“Clearly,” I say, taking a goblet from Lily’s tray. Our fingers brush, a spark of warmth in this cold room.

Morvan’s eyes narrow, but he bows and turns away.

Lily’s eyes meet mine for a brief moment, gratitude and worry mingling. I want to reach out, to tell her everything will be alright, but we’re surrounded by eyes and ears.

The music shifts, and the crowd begins to dance. I spot Bethana at the far end of the room, her eyes scanning the guests. She’s looking for any sign of weakness, any reason to tighten her grip.

“Enjoying the festivities?” a voice says beside me. It’s Rylan, another noble, his eyes sharp.

“As much as one can,” I reply, keeping my tone light.

He chuckles. “You’ve always been a terrible liar, Enoch.”

“Better than being a terrible bore,” I shoot back, and yet I cringe inside. This is the role I'm expected to play. The rudeprinceling. I feel somehow different now and my old ways feel hollow.

Rylan’s smile fades. “Watch yourself. Your mother’s patience isn’t infinite.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, my eyes once again finding Lily. She’s moved to another group, her shoulders tense.

Looking around at Rylan and the others, I wonder how many others are as dissatisfied with their roles as I am. The cold night air prickles my skin and I hear the murmurs of dissatisfaction around me. In my insular arrogance, I'd never noticed anyone else before.

Lily has changed all that. Suddenly I see the world around me for what it is. Dark, depressing, painful.

Mother’s voice cuts through the murmurs of the crowd, each word a blade.

"Attention, everyone," she announces, standing on the raised dais, her golden eyes sweeping over the assembly, "I have an announcement!"

My breathing stops. I know what is coming and yet it still comes as a shock.

"Please welcome Lady Vespera, my son's betrothed!"

Vespera, draped in silver and obsidian, steps forward, her eyes cold and calculating.

My mother’s gaze locks onto mine, challenging, daring me to defy her.

"No," I say, my voice clear and unwavering. The crowd gasps, a ripple of shock spreading through the room.

Mother’s eyes narrow. "Enoch, this is not the time for jokes."

"It’s not a joke," I retort, stepping forward. "I refuse this betrothal."

Vespera’s expression hardens, her eyes narrowing. "Excuse me? Did he just say no?"

Two male demons step up behind her, and I assume from their furious faces that they are her male relatives.

"How dare you!" one of them bellows. "Bethana! Is this how our good faith discussions are repaid? By arrogant disrespect?"

My mother steps forward, tall, radiating power, and I see even the largest demon behind Vespera quavers slightly.

"I mean no disrespect to your illustrious family," I say, watching all the eyes shift back to me. "I’m sure Lady Vespera is the most highly sought-after prize worth winning."

I bow to her, though her eyes are blazing with angry flames.

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