Page 45 of A Heart Disguised 1

Darius’ amusement was evident in the tilt of his lips. “The game is half the fun,” he said with a glint in his gold eyes that promised more intrigue to come. “As for comedies, well, life has a way of providing entertainment, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed, it does,” Caelum agreed with a mischievous grin. “Speaking of entertainment, shall I prepare some shadow puppets for your wedding night? I’ve been practicing, you know.”

Darius nearly choked on his wine, caught between laughter and shock at his brother’s audacity. “I think we’ll manage just fine without your… artistic contributions, thank you.” A ghostof a smile played on his lips as he watched Caelum’s youthful exuberance. “His name is Robin Aldercrest, and I expect you to be on your best behavior when you meet him. You’re both eighteen, after all. Perhaps you two might even become friends.”

Caelum’s eyes widened at the suggestion, a flicker of genuine excitement sparking within their depths. “A friend my own age? Truly?” His silver eyes danced with curiosity. “It’s been so long since I’ve met anyone who isn’t centuries old. But Darius,” he added, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone, “he’s human. He’ll age faster than I will, won’t he?”

Darius nodded, impressed by his brother’s perceptiveness despite his young age. “Indeed, Caelum. Humans have much shorter lifespans than we do. But that doesn’t mean the friendship would be any less valuable.”

Caelum’s expression softened, a mix of anticipation and concern crossing his features. “I suppose you’re right. It would be nice to have a friend who understands what it’s like to be young. Even if it’s just for a while.”

Suddenly, Caelum’s body tensed, his gaze darting to the door. His silver eyes widened, and a slight tremor ran through his slender frame.

The sudden shift in demeanor was striking. Gone was the curious youth, replaced by a young demon lord acutely aware of his own inexperience. Without another word, Caelum made for the window, his movements a blend of grace and haste.

Darius barely had time to react before Caelum leaped onto the sill, his slender form silhouetted against the sky. “I think I’ll go introduce myself to Robin,” he declared, a hint of mischief returning to his voice despite his obvious nervousness. “Time to make a new friend!” And then, with a skill that spoke of his innate talents, he was gone, leaving nothing but the faintest whisper of air to mark his departure.

The door to the study burst open moments later, and Ignatius strode in, his antler-like horns catching the light and casting eerie shadows upon the walls. “I sensed Caelum,” he said, his eyes scanning the room. “Where has the young one gone this time?”

Darius couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of his friend, so formidable and yet so gentle when it came to Caelum. “You know how he is at this age. He has a knack for disappearing whenever he senses your approach. I think he’s still a bit in awe of you.”

Ignis shook his head, a mixture of fondness and exasperation in his expression. “I can’t believe he still bolts at the mere hint of my presence,” he grumbled, though there was a trace of amusement in his tone. He placed a hand over his heart in mock hurt. “And here I thought we were making progress. The boy wounds me, Darius. Am I truly so terrifying?”

Darius laughed softly at his friend’s theatrics. “Give him time, Ignis. He’s only eighteen, after all. Your presence can be quite… overwhelming for someone so young.”

Ignis settled into a chair, the golden markings on his skin shimmering with each movement. “So, tell me about your outing with your bride. How did it go?”

Darius’ lips curled into a sly grin. “It was… illuminating.”

A polite knock came at the door, and it was opened to reveal Clarence. “Pardon the interruption, Your Grace,” Clarence said with a bow. “The escort from Shadowmere has arrived.”

Darius and Ignis exchanged a look. “Well,” Darius said, rising from his chair, “let’s go greet our guests, shall we?”

The two demon lords made their way to the castle’s entrance, where they were met with an unusual sight. A group of demon knights stood at attention, looking somewhat disheveled and embarrassed. But it was the figure at their center that drew everyone’s attention.

Master Grimoire, Darius and Ignis’ former teacher, stood leaning heavily on a gnarled cane. His long white beard nearly touched the ground, and his robes seemed to swallow his frail form. As he caught sight of his former students, his face lit up with a toothless grin.

“Ah, my boys!” he croaked, his voice as dry as ancient parchment. “How wonderful to see you both! Though I must say, this journey has been most taxing on my poor old bones. I do believe I’ve aged another century just getting here!”

The escort leader, a burly demon knight, stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Lord Darius, Lord Ignatius, please accept our sincerest apologies. We… we seem to have misplaced Lord Caelum during our journey.”

Ignis raised an eyebrow. “Misplaced?”

The knight shifted uncomfortably. “He… ah… gave us the slip some time back. We’ve sent soldiers to search for him, but we haven’t heard anything yet.”

Darius waved a hand dismissively. “No need to worry. Caelum has already arrived.”

The knight’s relief was palpable. “Oh, thank the dark realms! We feared we’d have to search every shadow in Aethoria.”

Master Grimoire chuckled, the sound like rustling leaves. “That boy always was slippery as an eel. Reminds me of you two in your younger days. Though I daresay, I could still catch you then. Now, I’m lucky if I can catch my breath!”

Darius stepped forward, gently taking the old demon’s arm. “Come, Master Grimoire. Let’s get you settled. You must be exhausted from your journey.”

As they made their way into the castle, Master Grimoire’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “So, Darius, my boy, I hear congratulations are in order! When do I get to meet the lucky wife?”

Darius cleared his throat, caught off guard by the assumption. “Ah, well, Master, we haven’t actually—”

“Nonsense, lad!” Master Grimoire interrupted, waving his cane enthusiastically. “No need to be shy about it. I may be old, but news travels fast, even to these ancient ears. Now, where is the lovely demoness who finally managed to catch your eye?”

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