Page 50 of Burning Her Beautiful
“I meant every word.” I squeeze Iliana’s hand.
“Political ripples already.” He gestures to nobles whispering, some frightened, others exhilarated. “You tipped scales.”
“So be it.”
An hourlater we stand in the council rotunda, summoned for an emergency session. Velvet drapes mute the chatter; tension hangs sharp enough to bleed. Asmodeus enters, horns scraping the arch. Courtiers bow. He ascends the throne yet remains standing.
“Dominus Varok,” he begins, voice low yet carrying. “You saved lives this day, but you fractured decorum. Why?”
I step forward. “Because the city must understand the bond that safeguards it. Assassins target Iliana to break me.Concealing my attachment grants them advantage. Now all know that harm to her invites my wrath.”
Gasps. Pens scratch furiously.
Asmodeus studies me, then Iliana. “A demon general laying heart bare for a mortal… unprecedented.” He circles the word as if tasting rare spice. “What demands does this devotion levy on my crown?”
“Only space to let freedom flourish,” I answer. “Humans and half-bloods now trust the throne’s strength when it is tempered by compassion.”
He tilts his head. “Compassion alone does not fill coffers.”
“Unity does. Taxes flow when citizens believe in leadership.” I hold his gaze.
A flicker of amusement. “Very well. I will consider.” He gestures to Sarivya’s allies under guard. “Meanwhile, the council finds House Velinth guilty of treasonous acts. Assets seized; members confined pending trial.”
A cheer rises among half-blood delegates. Asmodeus lifts one hand. Silence.
“Dominus Varok, you remain general. Yet your heart tethers you. Choose: renounce your bond, or accept a reduction of military command to guard-captaincy, freeing heirs of noble houses from suspicion of favoritism.”
I feel Iliana tense. I meet her eyes, see worry there.
“I choose reduction,” I declare without hesitation. Gasps again, louder. “My strength is no lesser outside court ranks.”
Asmodeus nods, perhaps expecting defiance. “Then so be it. Captain Varok will head the new Sky Harmony Guard—its sole mandate: protect the city from celestial threats and from those who exploit fear. Report to me after reorganization.”
He sits. Session over. The crowd erupts into overlapping conversations—some applaud, some sneer—yet energy of change hums.
Iliana squeezes my hand, eyes shining. We exit the rotunda through a side passage, Garrik trailing.
“You relinquished half your power,” he says quietly.
“I gained purpose,” I reply. “And clarity.”
Dusk settles.We stand on the balcony overlooking lantern-lit avenues where citizens dance beneath banners painted with stylized lightning bound by vines. Children sing fragments of Iliana’s hum. Hope spreads.
Iliana leans against the stone rail, breeze lifting curls. I step behind her, wrap my arms around her waist. She sighs, resting back against my chest.
“You surrendered rank for me,” she whispers.
“I surrendered rank for us,” I correct. “And for a future where power wields compassion.”
She turns, sliding her hands up my chest. “Your vulnerability today shifted hearts—mine included.”
I kiss her softly, deepening when she opens her lips. Wind chills, but our heat rises.
When we break, she places her palm over the brand. “Captain of the Sky Harmony Guard,” she says in playful lilt.
“Better title than general without joy.”
“Then we build harmony.”
