**Somewhere in the Capital of Aeruna**
Azid let out a low whistle as he took in his surroundings. "This place sure is fancy," he remarked, his eyes sweeping over the opulent room.
The elderly man beside him chuckled softly. "Of course it is. This is the Emperor's throne room, after all," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
Azid still couldn't quite fathom how he had ended up here, whisked away from his admittedly comfortable cell to stand in the most prestigious room in all of Aeruna. The throne room was a marvel to behold: vast and grand, with high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting legendary battles and the history of the empire. The walls were lined with ornate tapestries in rich hues of red, gold, and deep blue, each depicting mythological creatures and ancient heroes, their stories woven into the very fabric of the empire's history.
The floor was a mosaic of polished marble tiles inlaid with swirling patterns of jade and obsidian, creating the illusion of a flowing river underfoot. Pillars of carved stone, each unique and adorned with dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical beasts, lined the hall, supporting the roof overhead. Along the edges of the room were elegant lanterns, casting a warm, ambient glow that reflected off the gold accents scattered throughout the room.
Six royal guards stood at attention, strategically positioned around the room. Each wore a mix of traditional and ceremonial armor, crafted from layers of dark lacquered wood and reinforced with plates of shining steel. Their armor was accentuated with intricate gold detailing that marked them as elite soldiers, protectors of the Emperor himself. They wore helms with plumed crests, and their faces were stern and vigilant beneath the shadowed visors. At their waists hung curved swords with ornate hilts, their posture straight and unwavering, eyes ever-watchful.
And in the middle of it all, seated upon the grand throne, was the Emperor of Aeruna himself. He was a surprisingly young-looking man, with an air of authority that radiated from him. His cold blue eyes, sharp and penetrating, bore into Azid's inhumanly pale blue ones. The intensity of the Emperor's gaze sent a familiar shiver of excitement down Azid's spine, stirring a feeling he hadn't experienced since the first time he had met The Malevolent Lord. *What is this?* Azid thought, his heart pounding in his chest. *It's like when I first met Lord Malvorr… It's getting me excited!*
Azid could barely contain his anticipation, his mind racing as he stood before the Emperor, the gravity of the situation settling in.
"So, this is the demon who led the attack on my borders," the Emperor stated, his voice cold and unyielding, his gaze seeming to pierce through Azid's very soul.
"Yes, my Emperor. He gave us quite the fight," answered the elderly man with a slight, respectful bow.
Azid could feel the hostile stares of the royal guards burning into him, though he still didn't quite understand why everyone was so agitated. *I just killed a few soldiers, that's all,* he thought dismissively.
"What is your name, demon?" the Emperor demanded.
"Azid, just Azid. Most of us demons don't have those fancy second names you all seem to love," he replied nonchalantly.
The Emperor narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Azid closely. "Is that excitement I hear in your voice?"
"Yes!" Azid replied eagerly. "The feeling you're giving me right now… It makes me feel at home again."
The Emperor's gaze shifted to the elderly man beside him. "Are you certain you can accomplish what I have asked?" he questioned, his tone tinged with doubt.
"I am sure, my Emperor," the elderly man replied curtly, his confidence unwavering.
Azid glanced between the two of them, curious about what they might be planning to do with him. The Emperor seemed to be wrestling with some internal decision. "After seeing how he acts, I am not convinced we can proceed," he mused aloud, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"You should be more trusting of me, my Emperor," a woman's voice suddenly cut in, smooth and melodic.
Azid turned to see an undeniably beautiful woman with long, flowing black hair. She wore a sky-blue belly dancer's outfit that accentuated her every curve. Her top was made of delicate, shimmering fabric that clung to her body, leaving her pale midriff bare, highlighting her toned stomach and slim waist. The material of her top and the flowing skirt that draped around her hips were adorned with intricate beadwork and small gemstones that glittered with her movements. Her legs were barely covered by sheer fabric that hinted at her smooth skin underneath, and the jewelry on her ankles jingled softly with each step she took, creating a rhythmic, almost hypnotic sound. The straps of her outfit crossed over her shoulders and down her back, leaving much of her skin exposed. Her starry blue eyes sparkled with a mix of intelligence and sensuality as she confidently approached the Emperor's throne, every step a testament to her grace and poise.
The woman walked up to the Emperor's throne, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
While most men would have undoubtedly gazed at the woman with lustful eyes, Azid felt an immediate sense of wrongness, an unnerving sensation that made him instinctively tense up. *She can't be human,* he thought, his mind racing with unease.
"Tianteng," the Emperor acknowledged, his voice steady and composed.
The woman bowed gracefully, her movements smooth and deliberate. "My Emperor, you needn't worry. Despite his demeanor, he's perfect for the role," she assured him, her tone filled with a calm confidence.
The Emperor closed his eyes in thought for a moment, considering her words carefully. Tianteng then turned her gaze to Azid, causing him to flinch involuntarily. Her subtle, knowing smile sent a chill down his spine. She was aware that he knew she wasn't human, and there was a certain malicious amusement in her eyes. *She's bad news, major bad news,* Azid thought to himself, feeling a creeping sense of dread.
After a brief pause, the Emperor opened his eyes and nodded to the elderly man standing beside him. "Then I shall leave him to you, Hoshikang," he declared.
Hoshikang, the elderly man with a mix of wisdom and authority in his demeanor, bowed respectfully before turning to Azid. "Come, I will show you to your new living quarters," he said, his voice firm yet gentle.
He grabbed Azid by the arm, guiding him out of the throne room. Azid allowed himself to be led, his mind still racing with questions and suspicions. As they exited, he cast one last glance over his shoulder at Tianteng. Her enigmatic smile was the last thing he saw before the doors closed behind him, the image burned into his mind. *What are you? And just what are you up to?*