"I believe it is," I reply coolly. "Unless you'd like me to inform my father of your behavior?"
The threat hangs in the air between us. Kravix's eyes dart around, taking in the audience we've attracted. With a final snarl, he pushes past me, shouldering his way through the crowd.
As the spectators disperse, their gazes linger on me. I've made a statement tonight, one that will undoubtedly have consequences. But seeing the relief on that servant girl's face, I can't bring myself to regret it.
But I need a minute alone after that.
I slip away from the oppressive atmosphere of the ballroom, seeking a moment of solitude. My feet carry me to a secluded balcony, the cool night air a welcome relief against my flushed skin. As I step out, I spot a familiar figure leaning against the ornate railing.
"Athena," I breathe, tension easing from my shoulders.
My sister turns, her golden curls catching the moonlight. Her eyes, so similar to mine yet warmer, soften as they land on me. "Rough night?"
I snort, joining her at the railing. "When isn't it?"
Athena's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. "I saw what happened with Lord Kravix. That was brave of you."
"It was stupid," I mutter, gazing out at the sprawling demon city below. Red-tinged clouds drift across the perpetually crimson sky, casting eerie shadows. "I've probably made things worse for both of us."
"You stood up for someone who needed help," Athena argues. "That's never stupid."
I shake my head, frustration bubbling up inside me. "It is when it paints an even bigger target on our backs. You know how they see us, Thena. We're barely tolerated as it is."
"Maybe we don't have to be," Athena says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I turn to her, brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Athena glances over her shoulder, ensuring we're alone. "I've been... looking into things. There might be a way for us to leave. To find somewhere we actually belong."
"Leave?" I hiss, shock and anger warring within me. "Are you insane? This is our home, Athena. Father-"
"Isn't our real father," she cuts me off, her usually gentle eyes flashing with determination. "He's protected us, yes, but at what cost? We'll never truly be accepted here, Astrid. You know that as well as I do."
I pull away from her, crossing my arms. "So what, we just abandon everything? Throw away everything Father's done for us?"
Athena sighs, reaching for me again. "That's not what I'm saying. I'm just... I'm tired of feeling like we don't belong anywhere. Aren't you?"
Her words hit too close to home, and I turn away, unable to meet her gaze. Of course I'm tired. Exhausted, even. But the thought of leaving, of giving up... it feels like admitting defeat.
Besides, where would I go?
"We can't just run away from our problems," I argue weakly.
"It's not running away," Athena insists. "It's finding our own path. Don't you want to know what it's like to live somewhere we're not constantly looking over our shoulders?"
I close my eyes, memories of countless slights and insults washing over me. The constant struggle to prove myself, to beseen as more than just a human pet. It's tempting, the idea of escaping it all.
But then I think of Father, of the risks he's taken to raise us. Of the power he's built to protect us. How can we just walk away from that?
"It's not that simple," I say finally, opening my eyes to meet Athena's gaze. "We can't just-"
The balcony doors swing open, cutting off our conversation. We both stiffen, turning to face whoever's intruding on our private moment.
Two demon nobles stumble onto the balcony, their laughter cutting through our tense conversation. I grab Athena's arm, steering her back inside. "Come on, we should return to the party."
We slip back into the grand hall, the oppressive heat and noise washing over us. I'm about to suggest we find Father when the atmosphere suddenly shifts.
The lively music falters, the string instruments screeching to an abrupt halt. Conversations die mid-sentence, replaced by a hushed silence that spreads like wildfire through the crowd.