Three months. It had been three months since Aeliana and I officially became a couple, and I was as happy as a demon could be.
Not that I'd admit it to anyone besides her, of course. Just thinking about her made my chest swell with a strange warmth, the kind that could probably drive lesser demons insane. Love was a different kind of battlefield, one I wasn't used to, but Aeliana made it worth every damn moment.
Unfortunately, today wasn't about cozy moments or soft words. I was out here in the middle of some forsaken corner of the land, on a mission to track down a few rogue demons who'd taken a liking to causing havoc.
Not exactly a thrilling task, but keeping the peace was part of the job description, thanks to my mother and her position as the demon queen. I had some royal responsibilities, though I preferred pretending I didn't most of the time.
The rogue demons gathered before me, sneering and posturing like I was supposed to be intimidated. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
The lot of them looked like they hadn't seen a bath in a century, their ragged wings barely flapping, eyes gleaming with the thrill of a fight they thought they might win.
"Is this all of you?" I scoffed, summoning purple flames into my palms. They crackled and twisted, illuminating the darkness around us. "I thought I'd have a real challenge."
One of the demons snarled, his eyes narrowing, teeth bared like he could actually scare me. "Pretty words from the demon princess. Think you're too good for us, do you?"
I grinned, baring my own teeth. "Oh, I know I am. Let's get this over with."
The largest one lunged forward first, a towering mass of muscle and aggression. With a twist of my wrist, I sent a stream of purple fire lashing out, wrapping around him like a serpent.
He barely had time to register what happened before he was engulfed, his howls of agony filling the air. I smirked, stepping back to admire my handiwork as he crumbled to ash.
Another demon tried to attack me from behind, but I didn't bother turning around. I shot a plume of fire over my shoulder, catching him square in the chest. He flew backward, skidding across the ground before slumping in a heap.
They came at me one by one after that, each more determined than the last, but I was ready. My flames flared brighter, fueled by my growing irritation at their persistence.
I summoned a whirlwind of fire around me, the flames dancing and roaring like a living beast. They circled me, reaching out to lick at the rogues, searing their skin and filling the air with the stench of burning flesh.
One demon managed to dodge the flames, charging straight at me, claws extended. I sidestepped his attack and grabbed him by the throat, my fingers pressing into his skin as I lifted him off the ground.
He struggled, his hands clawing at mine, but I just tightened my grip, letting my flames dance across his body until he, too, was reduced to ashes.
When the last of them had fallen, I brushed my hands off, the flames dissipating with a soft hiss. "Pathetic," I muttered, casting a final glance at the smoldering remnants scattered around me.
With the rogues taken care of, I focused on the real reason I was eager to get back – Aeliana. I closed my eyes and concentrated, feeling the familiar pull of teleportation as I willed myself back to Leora's castle.
A flicker of purple flame surrounded me, and when it faded, I was standing in the grand hallway of the castle, my footsteps echoing as I strode down the corridor toward Leora's office.
I didn't bother knocking. Leora rarely cared about that, and besides, I was too eager to see Aeliana to wait for permission. I pushed open the door, expecting to see her waiting with that shy smile she wore just for me.
But instead, there was only Leora, sitting at her desk with that infuriatingly knowing smile she always had. My shoulders slumped as I suppressed a sigh.
"Oh, it's you," I muttered, plastering on a thin smile. "Hello, Grandmother."
Leora raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Well, don't sound so disappointed, dear. I didn't realize you only came to see Aeliana these days."
I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "That's because I do. No offense."
"Offense taken." Leora placed a hand dramatically over her heart, feigning hurt. "To think, my own granddaughter barely has time for me now that she has a girlfriend."
"Not just any girlfriend," I retorted, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "The most charming one. I'm sure you understand."
She chuckled, tapping her fingers on the desk. "Oh, I understand, Ciara. I remember the days when I was young and head-over-heels myself." She leaned back, giving me that all-too-familiar mischievous look that spelled trouble.
"And for your information, Aeliana is out running an errand, so you're stuck with me for a while."
"Great." I leaned against the wall, doing my best to look bored. "So, what do you want, Grandmother?"
She smiled, clearly enjoying the way I squirmed. "I just wanted to see how things are going with you two. Three months is quite a stretch for you, after all."
I huffed, trying to appear nonchalant. "Things are… fine. Better than fine, actually."
"Better than fine?" She repeated, leaning forward with a teasing glint in her eyes. "I'd say you're practically glowing with happiness, Ciara."
I scoffed, crossing my arms. "I am not glowing. Don't be ridiculous."
"Oh, please," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "It's written all over your face. I've known you since you were a bratty little demon running around these halls. And I can tell when you're happy – and in love."
"Could you not say it like that?" I grumbled, feeling a warmth rise in my cheeks despite myself. "It's… well, it's different. She's different. But that doesn't mean I'm 'glowing.'"
Leora laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Oh, dear, you're hopeless. But I'm glad to see you like this. Aeliana seems to be good for you."
I tried to keep my expression neutral, though I could feel my usual grumpy demeanor slipping. "Yeah, well, she's… special."
"Clearly," Leora said, raising an eyebrow. "So, tell me, how are you handling it all? Being in a relationship, I mean. After all those flings and heartbreaks, it must be an adjustment."
I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my cool. "It's not that big of a deal, really. We're just… taking things slow."
Leora leaned back, her gaze softening in that way that made me feel like a child again. "Slow, hmm? And have you thought about the future?"
I frowned, suddenly feeling like I was being cornered. "The future? What do you mean?"
She shrugged, her tone casual. "Oh, you know – settling down, maybe even a long-term commitment. Perhaps marriage?"