The darkness that had swallowed the world moments ago did not press down with hostility. Instead, it hung like a velvet curtain drawn across reality itself. It was silent, heavy, and suffocating in its calm.
"Worry not," the Demon King spoke at last, his voice flowing like an ancient hymn carried through ruined halls. "For We seek not thy deaths at this hour."
His tone was gentle. Almost kind.
That alone sent a chill through Tyler's spine.
Even Kaeya, who had faced demon generals without flinching, felt her heartbeat quicken. Power saturated the air, not sharp or violent, but vast and patient, like a sea that could swallow continents without ever stirring a wave.
"Thou hast our attention," the Demon King continued, his gaze drifting lazily between them. "Two of Our generals have fallen upon this soil. Such tidings are… uncommon."
His eyes settled on Kaeya, and his lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
