Draemax paced outside Raezion's room, tail lashing like a whip, eyes flaring with internal fire.
"She touched the hilt of your blade today," the dragon growled. "She doesn't understand what she's reaching for."
"She's testing me," Raezion replied, fastening his robes. "Testing my boundaries."
"She wants to cage you. Chain you."
"I know."
Draemax inhaled deeply, the air around him warming as flickers of draconic mana licked the stone floor.
"I don't like her."
"I don't either."
Yet, the political weight of the engagement couldn't be ignored. House Azreth was ancient, powerful—and filled with whispers of dark pacts and hidden archives of soulcraft.
To offend them could bring civil fracture among the demon noble lines.
Still, Renner's presence continued to twist the air around Raezion, making it hard to breathe.
That night, she arrived again.
In a flowing black and gold dress, eyes glimmering like ink under candlelight, she waited outside his chamber with a tray of wine and fruits.
"I brought something sweet," she said. "You look… tired."
"I don't eat with people I don't trust."
Renner giggled softly.
"Oh, Raezion… one day, you'll say you love me."
Behind Raezion, Draemax growled lowly. A deep, ancient sound that shook the stone beneath them.
Renner's eyes flicked to the dragon. "Careful, little beast. You're only tolerated because you're his."
Draemax stepped forward, his fangs bared, black smoke curling from his nostrils.
Raezion stepped between them.
"Enough," he said coldly. "Both of you."
Renner smiled again—too easily—and slowly walked away, whispering as she passed:
> "You'll see… No one else can love you like I can. And no one else ever will."
Raezion stood still as the hallway dimmed behind her retreating figure.
Draemax growled softly beside him.
> "She'll kill for you."
Raezion tightened his grip on Aeon Severance's hilt.
> "Then I need to make sure no one gives her a reason to."