The next morning, word of my meeting with the Order of Light spread faster than anyone could have prevented. In the main conference room, voices began to rise not only from the demon generals, but also from the representatives of the other races now under my kingdom's protection. "You're letting them go just like that?" exclaimed Yuron, the old dragon lord representing the southern region. "They came threateningly, and you answered them with a speech of peace?!" "Not all battles are won with the sword," I replied calmly, though my heart was pounding. "And not all enemies appreciate mercy!" interrupted one of the beastkin generals, Rahka of the Wolf Tribe. "What will you do when they attack? Greet them with flowers?!" The room was silent. I stood up from my chair, and looked at each of them in turn. "If they come bringing war, then we will stand. But we will not be the first to light the flame. We will wait… and take note." Vulc, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up. "Your Majesty is right. If we start a war, the world will unite against us. But if they attack first… then history will record who tarnished the peace treaty."
I nodded at Vulc. He understood what I meant. There were still many who did not believe me. And I did not blame them. I had been a hero who killed them. Their wounds had not yet healed. But I did not need complete trust now. I just needed time. A few nights later, I stood alone on the balcony of my main tower. The night wind carried the scent of fog from the northern forest, and the sky seemed to hold its breath. Soft footsteps sounded behind me. "Still looking up at the sky like before, Arven?" the voice was soft, a little bitter. A voice I had not heard in years.
I turned around. There stood a figure I never expected to see again in my life. A silver-haired girl in a pale priestess' robe, her face unchanged except for her eyes that now carried wounds. "...Lysette." She smiled slightly. "I don't know if I should call you Raelzar, or just Arven." she said. "You can call me whatever you want. But I'm not the same person I was when we last met." She walked over to me and stood beside me. "I was sent as a spy," she said honestly. "But they don't know... I used to love you." My heart was beating fast, but I held it in. "And now?"
He didn't answer directly. He just stared at the same sky. "I don't know who you're defending now. But I know the look in your eyes… it never changes." Silence hung between us. Then he said softly, "Celenor is prepared. They spread the news that you've defiled human bodies with demon blood. They call you a blasphemer. The trigger for the apocalypse." "And you?" I asked softly. "I want to believe you. But if you're wrong… then I'll stab your heart myself." I nodded. "Then stay by my side. And see with your own eyes… whether I'm a demon, or the last remnant of humanity you've forgotten." The next day, reports came from the west: the old fortress of Elaran was burned by the Order of Light's militia. The mixed human and beastkin population was mercilessly slaughtered. And on the city walls, a message was written in blood:
"Light does not compromise with darkness." My fists clenched. The limit had been crossed. I stood on the palace balcony, looking down at the soldiers gathering below. The world had made its choice. If they wanted to call this war holy... Then I would be the hell they met at the end of it. But in my heart, Lysette's voice still whispered: "If you are wrong... I will stab your heart myself." And I swear... I will make sure that what I do, is not out of revenge— But for the sake of the future.
Not just for the devil. But for anyone who has ever been betrayed by the blinding light.