Chapter Three
POV: King Gideon Vale
"What are we to do, Valeria?" King Gideon's voice was heavy, weighed down by worry. "My kingdom is beginning to crumble."
Queen Valeria stepped closer to him, her expression calm despite the tension in the room.
"Then we must do what we have always refused to do," she said softly. "We make peace with the demons."
Gideon's eyes darkened instantly.
"Peace?" he repeated. "After everything they've done? The blood they've spilled? No. There can never be peace between angels and demons."
Before Valeria could respond, a guard entered the chamber and bowed.
"My king, a letter has arrived… from the Underworld."
Silence fell.
Gideon's expression shifted slightly—surprise, then suspicion.
"Give it to me," he said.
The guard stepped forward and handed him the sealed letter before quickly retreating.
"You are dismissed," Gideon added.
Once they were alone, Valeria looked at him expectantly.
"Open it."
Gideon broke the seal.
His eyes scanned the words carefully.
Then he read aloud:
"'We, the demons, extend this invitation with due respect. You are invited to our gathering, known as the Annual Nevermore. Bring your finest dancers and commanders. This event shall serve as a step toward peace between our realms.'"
He paused.
"The King's Adviser: Kieran Holt.
The King of the Underworld: Lucien Draegor."
A heavy silence followed.
Valeria's lips slowly curved into a hopeful smile.
"I think we should accept," she said.
Gideon exhaled deeply, his grip tightening around the letter.
"It could be a trap," he muttered.
"Or… it could be a chance," Valeria replied.
He looked at her for a long moment.
Then finally—
"We will attend," he said. "But we go prepared. If this is deception… we will not be caught off guard."
Valeria nodded. "A wise decision, my king."
POV: Seraphina Vale
"Mother, why do you look so happy?" Seraphina asked, watching her carefully.
Valeria turned to her with a bright smile.
"We've been invited to a ball," she said. "A gathering between angels and demons… for peace."
Seraphina's expression darkened immediately.
"No," she said. "I'm not going. I refuse to stand in the same room as those monsters."
"I know how you feel," Valeria said gently. "But this could change everything. For once… choose this for me."
She stepped closer, her voice softer now.
"I don't want to go alone."
Seraphina sighed, her resistance weakening.
"You always do this," she muttered.
Valeria pouted slightly.
Seraphina couldn't help but smile. "You look ridiculous when you do that."
"And yet it works," Valeria replied proudly. "After all, I am the most beautiful queen in this kingdom."
Sera laughed softly. "Yes, you are."
Valeria's expression shifted again—this time thoughtful.
"You are the finest dancer in this realm," she said. "Will you dance at the gathering?"
Seraphina hesitated.
Then nodded.
"I will."
She looked away, her voice quieter now.
"Not because I want to… but because I have no choice."
Valeria smiled, satisfied.
"Goodnight, mi amor."
"Goodnight, mi reina," Seraphina replied softly.
POV: Riven Morcant
"Lucien," Riven said as he stepped into the chamber. "The angels have accepted the invitation."
Lucien's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Finally," he said. "Perhaps this war can come to an end."
Riven didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he turned toward the horizon, where darkness stretched endlessly beyond the palace walls.
His thoughts drifted.
To her.
Seraphina.
It had been years… yet not a single day had passed without her in his mind.
We will meet again, he thought quietly.
His eyes darkened with something deeper—longing… and something unresolved.
Soon.