Chapter 1
The first visit
As Kael emerged from the shadows, Eliana felt an inexplicable jolt of fear mixed with curiosity. She had always sensed the presence of darkness lurking beneath the surface of the world, but she had never seen it take form like this.
Kael's piercing eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Eliana felt like she was drowning in the depths of his gaze, unable to look away. Kael's chiseled features seemed carved from granite, his sharp jawline and full lips accentuating his otherworldly beauty.
"You are the one," Kael said, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down Eliana's spine. "The prophecy spoke of a mortal with a heart pure enough to wield the power of the underworld."
Eliana's mind reeled as Kael approached her. She should be afraid, but something about him drew her in. Perhaps it was the way he moved with the fluidity of a predator, or the way his eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness.
As Kael reached out to claim her, Eliana felt a spark of electricity run through her body. But instead of binding her, his touch sent a wave of warmth through her veins. Kael's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, Eliana saw a glimmer of vulnerability behind his stoic mask.
"You're not like the others," Kael said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You feel...different."
Eliana's heart pounded in her chest as Kael's fingers brushed against hers. She felt a connection she couldn't explain, a sense of belonging that went beyond mortal comprehension.
Over the next few weeks, Kael found himself drawn to Eliana again and again. He watched her from the shadows, learning her rhythms and habits. He discovered her love for sunflowers and the way she smiled when she thought no one was looking.
Eliana, sensing Kael's presence, began to feel like she was being pulled toward him. She started to notice the little things – the way the light danced in his eyes, the way his smile could light up a room.
Their first real conversation happened in a moonlit garden, where Eliana had wandered to clear her mind. Kael appeared beside her, his presence announced only by the soft rustling of leaves.
"Why are you here?" Eliana asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm not sure," Kael replied, his eyes locked onto hers. "But I think I'm starting to understand."
As they talked, Eliana felt the walls between them crumbling. They spoke of their hopes and dreams, their fears and desires. For the first time in centuries, Kael felt like he had found someone who truly understood him.
Eliana, too, felt a sense of belonging she had never known before. With Kael, she felt seen and heard in a way she never had with anyone else.
Their conversations became more frequent, and Eliana found herself looking forward to Kael's visits. She began to realize that her feelings for him went beyond mere fascination. She was falling in love with the demon from the underworld.
And Kael, too, found himself succumbing to the mortal's charms. He was drawn to her light, her laughter, and her unwavering optimism. For the first time in eternity, he felt alive.
As the days turned into weeks, their love grew stronger. They stole moments together, cherishing every second they had. But they knew their love was forbidden, and the consequences of being discovered were dire.