Upon catching sight of Skylar, Ramiel averted his gaze and strode past her without a word. Undeterred, she fell into step behind him, her quiet determination evident in her steady pace. They continued in silence until they reached the staircase, where he abruptly halted.
Distracted by his thoughts, Ramiel collided with a young woman who had been trying to keep up with his swift movements. She stumbled back, bowing her head quickly in apology.
"Forgive me, Your Highness," she murmured, her voice trembling.
Ramiel's eyes narrowed as he regarded her. His sharp tone cut through the air like a blade. "Why do you persist in following me? Do you enjoy testing my patience?" His irritation was palpable.
Skylar, summoning her courage, ventured a reply. "I was assigned to be your maid," she said, her voice steady. "Given that you were the last prince to leave the throne room, I assumed—"
He interrupted her with a wave of his hand, dismissing her explanation. "Assigned by whom?"
"Lady Arya," she answered cautiously.
Ramiel arched an eyebrow. "Arya sent you?" He studied her for a moment before adding, almost mockingly, "Would you prefer to be my assistant… or my maid?"
Skylar's lips curved into a polite smile. "Whichever role Your Highness deems fit."
He sighed heavily, the sound laden with frustration. His gaze lingered on her for a beat longer, noting the transformation in her demeanor—from nervous to resolute, and, to his dismay, undeniably captivating. His irritation deepened.
"It's time for you to leave," he declared coldly.
"I'm afraid I cannot, Your Highness," she replied, lifting her chin to meet his piercing gaze. Her voice, though soft, carried a quiet strength. "I was assigned to serve you, and I will do so, no matter what it takes."
Ramiel smirked, a hint of dark amusement flickering in his eyes. Her defiance was unexpected. For a brief moment, her boldness caught him off guard.
"How many stories does this building have?" he asked abruptly.
"I… I don't know," she admitted, faltering slightly. "I only just began my duties."
"This is a four-story building," he said, his tone dropping to a near-whisper. "Beyond the top floor is forbidden. Do you know why?"
When she didn't answer, he leaned in, his voice a low murmur. "Because a monster like me lives there."
Skylar stiffened, but instead of recoiling, she met his gaze squarely. "I don't care if you're a monster, demon, vampire, or any creature from a nightmare. I'm not like the others. I'm here to serve you, and I will."
Her unwavering determination struck him. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if she truly believed her own words. Despite her brave front, there was something ancient about her—something familiar.
---
### Earlier That Day
Ramiel materialized inside Liquor 26, a dimly lit bar with a reputation for vice and indulgence. The moment he stepped through the door, time froze. Dancers paused mid-movement, their seductive smiles frozen in place, while patrons remained locked in their hedonistic reveries.
His sharp gaze swept the room, landing on a woman seated at the bar. She held a shot glass in her hand, her expression melancholic yet defiant. Intrigued, Ramiel delved into her thoughts, quickly discerning her naivety. Before he could linger, a faint sound from the back caught his attention.
With a flicker of movement, he vanished, time resuming its normal flow.
---
On the fifth block, Ramiel encountered the vampire he had been hunting. The man knelt before him, trembling.
"Your Highness, please forgive me," the vampire pleaded. "It was a mistake. I didn't mean to—"
"You didn't mean to?" Ramiel interrupted, his lips curling into a sinister grin.
"Spare me, Your Highness! It won't happen again!"
Ramiel's eyes darkened. "Your apology is meaningless. You broke the rules. Now, you'll face the consequences."
With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a blade, its dark steel glinting ominously. "This sword is no ordinary weapon," he said before driving it into the vampire's side. Black blood spilled to the ground as the man gasped in agony.
Suddenly, Ramiel sensed an unfamiliar presence. He turned to find the same woman from the bar standing nearby. Her heartbeat was faint, her body trembling as she struggled to remain upright.
Before he could question her, she collapsed into his arms.
Damien, one of his companions, approached with a smirk. "What a frightened, beautiful little thing. Bad luck for her. Let's end it now," he sneered.
"Damien," the man called, raising an amused eyebrow. "Ramiel, today is my lucky day. Should I make her suffer longer? No, a single strike will do. It'll be a pleasure to watch her pain, but I won't give in to the temptation to save her."
"Leave us," Ramiel ordered, his voice calm but firm. The others, including Damien, disappeared with a wave of his hand.
Damien's words lingered as he winked at Ramiel. "You really are an amusing killer. She's irresistible, yet you're unmoved by her beauty. Not suprise because you are the most boring demon i have ever met." He chuckled and vanished into the night.
Alone, Ramiel looked down at the unconscious woman in his arms. Her scent was strange yet familiar, stirring something within him that he couldn't name. Without a word, he disappeared, reappearing moments later in Arya's chambers.
---
In Arya's Chambers
Arya raised an eyebrow as she took in the scene. "Who is she?"
"Someone who requires a position," Ramiel replied dismissively. "Can you arrange it?"
Arya sighed, clearly unimpressed. "You continue to burden me with your strays."
"How have you been?" Ramiel asked, ignoring her irritation.
"Better than you, I imagine," Arya replied, her tone sharp. "When will you stop running from Father's wishes? He loves you, even if you refuse to see it."
Ramiel's expression hardened. "I have my reasons."
"Your stubbornness will cost us all," Arya warned.
He didn't respond, his gaze shifting back to the woman on the bed. With a final glance at Arya, he vanished once
-----------
"I reside on the 6th floor" Ramiel told Skylar.his voice tinged with mockery. "I'll meet you there foxy" with that he disappeared.
"What a splendid way to beginning I guess, by vanishing in the air just like that. I supposed if it was the old me I would Pratically be scared but not now" Skylar stood at the base of the staircase, her heart pounding. "Did he just call me 'Foxy'?" she muttered under her breath.
The climb ahead felt endless, but as she took her first step, she knew this was only the beginning.