The garden behind the temple was quiet and peaceful. The gentle rustle of wind through the trees and the clink of teacups were the only sounds as Daemon and Lilac sat across from each other. Sunlight streamed through the foliage, casting warm light on the marble table between them.
As Daemon sipped from his cup, the scene pulled at old memories. He remembered sitting here as a child, full of arrogance and ambition. She had defeated him easily back then. A moment he never forgot.
He glanced at her. Ninth star. She hadn't advanced. How disappointing.
Still... he wondered. If he drained her life force, could he push through a full rank? Two? His gaze drifted toward her throat. No—her core. His tongue flicked across his lips without thinking.
Lilac caught the movement. She stiffened and cleared her throat. "Ahem, my prince... did I do something wrong?"
Daemon didn't reply.
