I didn’t move as he took my hand. It was cold. Not temperature-wise—just… empty. Like power with no soul.
We ascended together, the magical platform rising slowly above the chamber. The gathered nobles of the
Demon Realm stood below, their gazes full of awe, fear, hunger. I spotted the Queen in the shadows. Hershoulders are stiff. Her mouth was tight. But she said nothing.
The King raised my hand to the void.
“It is time,” he said, voice like cracked thunder. “Open the gates, my daughter. Open them and reclaim what was stolen from us.”
My chest tightened.
For Rheon.
For all he’d suffered.
I closed my eyes, reaching into the well of blood now alive beneath my skin. The celestial magic. The infernal flame. They twisted together, ancient and hungry, ready to obey.
I began to chant — words not of this world slipping from my tongue like I’d spoken them a thousand lifetimes ago.
“Gate of stars, blood of flame, soul unbroken, speak my name—”
The ground vibrated.
A second into the chant, the air cracked open like lightning had kissed stone.
BOOM.
The chambershook. Screams echoed from below.
My eyes snapped open.
The front doors to the palace had exploded inward.
Smoke and fire curled into the chamber like serpents. And through it—
A roar.
Not human. Not demon.
Hisvoice.
“SEORI!”
My heart nearly gave out.
I turned, crown still on my head, magic still burning in my veins.
And I saw him.
Rheon.
Covered in ash and blood and shadow light — his bond mark blazing like a second heart over his chest. Behind him, Yuna and Minji. Weapons drawn. Wild with fury.
And at his sides…
Taeyang. His blade soaked with blood.
And Jisoo — his wings finally unfurled, his eyes ablaze.
