Lucien's POV
I walked through the new base with a wide smile carved into my face. Every Fallen who caught sight of the seal resting at my waist froze—then bowed low in respect.
The feeling was intoxicating.
For the first time since I descended, I wasn't just surviving here. I was above them.
As I moved through the corridors, I spotted Lila speaking quietly with another Fallen. I approached from behind just as the one she was speaking to noticed me. His eyes dropped to my waist, widened, and without a word he bowed deeply—then vanished in a flash of dark light.
Lila frowned. "Where are you going?" she called after him.
I cleared my throat.
She turned—and her expression slowly shifted as her eyes landed on me. A slow, smile spread across her face.
"Well, well," she said. "If it isn't Lucien. What's got you looking so pleased with yourself?"
I pointed casually at my waist. "Look."
Her gaze flicked down, then back up to me, confused. "What's that shiny thing?"
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my grin. "It's a seal," I said calmly. "Proof that Asriel has accepted me as his partner—not his subordinate."
I watched her reaction carefully.
Her face twisted from shock into pure delight.
"Really?" she said, eyes shining. "That's incredible."
She glanced at the seal again, then back at me. "As his equal, you'll have more power. More authority. Which means it won't be easy for him to screw you over." Her smile faded. "Make sure you use this position wisely."
I frowned slightly. "What do you mean, won't be easy?" I asked. "Even without this, he can't do that. He needs me—remember? I told you."
She didn't smile this time. She gave me a look that made my confidence falter, if only for a second.
"Lucien," she said quietly, "don't tell me you trust him."
"What? No," I replied immediately. "Of course I don't. I don't trust anyone."
Her gaze hardened. "Good. Because just because he needs you doesn't mean he won't ditch you the moment he can—or betray you without hesitation. He's dangerous."
I stared at her for a moment… then smiled.
"Don't worry, my dear Lila," I said softly. "It's me he needs to worry about—not the other way around."
I straightened. "And besides, I didn't come just to show off." I met her eyes. "I need your skills again."
Her expression lit up instantly. "Oh?" she said, clearly pleased. "I was starting to get bored around here. What do you need?"
I leaned closer and whispered into her ear.
A slow, wicked smile curved her lips. "Now this," she murmured, "is the kind of action I like."
"Well go on then," I said with a smile.
She slowly smiled as she pulled her hood over her head—and vanished into the shadows.
Ciel's POV
A soft knock stirred me awake.
Carefully, I eased away from Serena, making sure not to wake her from her slumber. She shifted slightly but didn't open her eyes. Only then did I turn and quietly walk to the door.
When I opened it, Auriel stood there—the new maidservant. Her posture was stiff, her eyes lowered.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Sire," she said, "the Devil's Army commander sent me. The prisoner is ready to talk."
My body stiffened at the words.
I stepped out into the corridor and gently closed the door behind me, sealing Serena safely inside. "Let's go," I said.
We moved through the winding corridors in silence, the air growing colder the closer we got to the prison wing. When we reached the iron doors, I pushed them open and stepped inside.
Chains rattled softly.
The commander stood at attention, and before him knelt the Fallen—bruised, bloodied, barely holding himself upright. His wings were bound, torn feathers stained dark.
"You can all leave," I said.
The guards hesitated, exchanging glances, but obeyed. The doors shut with a heavy clang, leaving only the two of us.
I stepped closer, my gaze fixed on him as I bent down to his level.
"You said you're ready to talk," I said calmly.
He nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes."
"Good," I replied.
I straightened slowly.
"Then talk."
Clara's POV
I slowly stirred from deep sleep, my eyes fluttering open.
When I reached out and felt nothing beside me, I fully opened my eyes. Ciel was gone.
I pushed myself upright with a quiet groan. He must have gone to take care of something, I told myself—but the thought brought no comfort. Once again, I was alone with my thoughts.
Everything felt too heavy. Too tangled.
Lila's betrayal. Jason's death. My kidnapping. Almost dying. Ciel going to war.
I didn't even know what I was supposed to feel anymore.
This place was strange—dark, frightening, unnatural. And yet, despite everything, it felt… familiar. Like I belonged here in a way that terrified me.
Worse were the memories.
Fragments that weren't mine—or shouldn't be. Feelings that felt real but came from nowhere. A love for Ciel that felt ancient, instinctive, deeper than logic. It made me doubt myself. My past. My reality.
What if none of this was wrong?
What if I was the one who didn't remember the truth?
The thought made my chest ache.
The only person who could ground me now was Lucien.
I missed him so much it hurt.
My brother. He would tell me this wasn't real. That I wasn't losing myself. That this was all some cruel illusion.
I pressed my hand to my chest, my voice barely more than a breath.
"Lucien… where are you?"
I swallowed hard.
"I need you."