Page 27 of Demon's Dark Love

"It is not a reflection on her worthiness or beauty. It is simply that my mother and I have separate ideas about my life."

The crowd buzzes with whispers, their shock palpable. I feel the weight of their expectations, their scorn, but also their wonder. I stand tall, my resolve firm.

My voice rings out. "I will not be a pawn in these games."

Mother’s face contorts with fury, her regal composure slipping. She grabs me and hisses into my ear. "You would throw away everything for a human? Is that what this is about?"

"I’m tired of living a lie," I say, my voice growing louder, more confident. "Tired of pretending that cruelty and domination are the only ways to live. I want something new."

"Like what?" My mother's voice is scornful.

"I don't know," I say, smiling my best arrogant princeling smile. "But I think I'm not alone in saying it would be nice to have something different."

The word hangs in the air, heavy and unfamiliar. The crowd stares, their disbelief turning to awe.

Vespera has had enough. With a screech she flings her hands toward us. The ballroom erupts in chaos as Vespera throws a ball of flame in my direction. Demons shriek and dodge out of the way.

Vespera's family seems unsure whether to contain her anger or contribute. My mother's power is legendary, and they are hesitant to openly fight her.

I raise a hand and deflect the flame, sending it whooshing over the heads of other scurrying demons into the wall where it explodes into sparks.

Glasses and screaming fills the hall as demons run for any cover they can find as Vespera launches another lash of flame in my direction.

My mother, usually the picture of composed elegance, loses her composure. Her golden eyes blaze with fury as she tries to regain control, but it’s too late. The tide has turned.

"How dare you!" she screams, her voice cutting through the cacophony. "You ungrateful wretch!"

I'm not sure if she is yelling at me or Vespera whose second attempt explodes into harmless blue wisps at my mother's mere gesture.

I use the distraction of Vespera’s anger to slip away, my heart pounding. I weave through the throng of demons, most totally ignoring me in their attempt to both stay safe and see the chaos unfold.

Lily. I need to find her.

I hear snips of shouted conversation both wondering and afraid.

"Get behind that table."

"It's wood, you moron."

"What's Enoch think he's doing?" one asks.

"Disgracing his lineage," another replies.

"Don't forget how most demons in his family came to power," came another. "There's always a coup."

The chandeliers above cast long shadows, making it harder to see through the throng.

“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath. Where is she?

I move deeper into the castle, the noise from the ballroom fading behind me. The stone corridors are cold and silent, a stark contrast to the chaos I’ve left behind. My footsteps echo as I break into a run, my heart hammering in my chest.

“Lily!” I call, my voice bouncing off the walls.

No answer. I keep moving, my mind racing. The castle is a maze, but I know it better than anyone. I take a sharp turn, nearly colliding with a servant carrying a tray of empty goblets.

“Forgive me, my lord," he stammers.

I turn and grab him, pulling him back toward me. The tray crashes to the ground as he looks at me, fear on his face.

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