Was it really him?

  The question followed Phoenix all the way back to the Black Castle.

  The corridors were silent, lit only by cold blue flames that burned along the walls. She moved carefully through the passageways, her boots barely making a sound against the obsidian floor. She was exhausted — not physically alone, but spiritually drained.

  The Devil’s messenger would have already reported her interference.

  She did not have the strength for her father’s disappointment tonight.

  She turned a corner—

  And stopped.

  A familiar presence filled the corridor.

  Phoenix did not lift her eyes. She did not need to.

  The Dark Lord stood before her.

  Behind him, Asteria.

  Guilty. Silent.

  Before the silence could thicken, Asteria spoke quickly.

  “We were out because I asked the Commander to teach me spear combat, my lord.”

  The Dark Lord raised one eyebrow.

  “Is that so… Commander?”

  Phoenix stood still, hands clasped behind her back.

  “My Commander,” he continued slowly, “is many things. But she is not a liar. Am I correct?”

  The weight of his gaze was heavier than chains.

  Phoenix exhaled once.

  “We visited the human realm, my lord.”

  Asteria froze.

  “I see.” His voice remained calm. Controlled. “And that is all that happened?”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Phoenix slowly dropped to one knee.

  “I interfered in human affairs,” she said firmly. “I went against the law of death to save a life.”

  The corridor grew colder.

  “Are you certain,” the Dark Lord asked quietly, “that it was only one?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “Then explain,” he stepped closer, “why the Devil’s messenger was screaming in my chambers that you committed two sins against the natural order.”

  Phoenix’s jaw tightened.

  “I have committed one. And I stand by it.”

  Her voice did not shake.

  “I am prepared to accept whatever punishment the throne deems fit.”

  A long silence followed.

  Then his gaze softened — only slightly.

  “And how,” he asked quietly, “do you intend to endure punishment with a soul this depleted?”

  Phoenix did not answer.

  “Asteria,” he said without looking away from Phoenix, “take your reckless friend to her chambers.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Phoenix rose, bowed once, and walked past him. She did not look back.

  Inside her chambers, the moment the doors closed, Phoenix turned sharply.

  “You little witch—”

  Her vision blurred.

  The room tilted.

  She collapsed.

  Asteria barely caught her before she hit the ground and dragged her to the bed.

  “One minute you’re defying cosmic law,” Asteria muttered, adjusting the blankets, “and the next you’re fainting dramatically.”

  Phoenix opened one eye weakly.

  “I swear,” she whispered, “I will murder you and proudly claim the title of Best Friend Murderer of the Year.”

  Asteria sighed.

  “She’s dying and still threatening me,” she murmured to herself.

  There was a pause.

  Then Phoenix’s expression changed.

  “I saw him.”

  Asteria blinked. “Saw who?”

  “The second temptation you mentioned.”

  Silence.

  Asteria sat upright.

  “No.”

  Phoenix smiled faintly.

  “Yes.”

  Realization hit.

  “You saw the Devil’s son?” Asteria whispered sharply.

  Before Phoenix could answer—

  “Who saw whom?”

  The Dark Lord stood in the doorway.

  Neither of them had heard him enter.

  Asteria straightened instantly. “No one, my lord.”

  Phoenix forced herself upright despite the dizziness.

  The Dark Lord looked between them, unimpressed.

  “For the sake of this kingdom,” he said dryly, “keep your voices lower. You nearly shook the foundations of the Dark Land.”

  Asteria nodded rapidly.

  His gaze settled on Phoenix.

  “I am not yet aware of what the cabinet intends as punishment,” he said evenly. “But I have made a decision.”

  Phoenix held his stare.

  “You will correct your transgression personally.”

  A pause.

  “You will travel to the World of Death at sunrise.”

  Asteria stiffened.

  “You will stand before the Devil himself and answer for your actions.”

  The air seemed to thin.

  Phoenix felt it.

  Fear.

  Just for a second.

  Then something else followed.

  Anticipation.

  “Yes, my lord,” she said steadily.

  The Dark Lord watched her for a long moment — as if searching for something in her expression.

  Then he turned and left without another word.

  The doors closed.

  Silence.

  Phoenix lay back against the pillows.

  The Devil.

  The throne.

  The World of Death.

  And him.

  A slow, dangerous smile curved her lips.

  So we meet again.