Chen Ning's muscles screamed with every movement, fatigue settling into his bones like a heavy weight. He knew he was reaching his limit, but he couldn't afford to show weakness. Not now.
The demon paced around him, his eyes burning with a mixture of hatred and something deeper, something Chen Ning couldn't quite place. "You're persistent, Chen Ning. I'll give you that. But you can't hide the truth forever. Your clan thinks you're some kind of hero, but what would they say if they knew you were nothing but a stand-in for your brother?"
Chen Ning's heart clenched. He had taken on his brother's identity after his death to protect the clan, to keep them from falling into despair. He'd managed to maintain the ruse so far, but the demon's words cut dangerously close to the truth.
"What do you want from us?" Chen Ning demanded, forcing his voice to stay steady. "Why are you doing this?"
The demon's expression twisted with anger and disdain. "I want justice for my father. Your brother stole something precious from him—something irreplaceable."
Chen Ning frowned, confused. "What could my brother possibly have taken from the Demon Lord?"
The demon's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a low, venomous whisper. "He stole my father's heart. Quite literally. The Demon Lord fell in love with your brother, and when your brother betrayed him, he took his heart and ran."
Chen Ning's breath hitched. The Demon Lord had fallen in love with his brother? And his brother had...betrayed him? The revelation struck him like a physical blow, leaving him reeling.
"My brother would never have done that," Chen Ning insisted, though uncertainty gnawed at his mind. "He wasn't the kind of person to lead someone on or steal their heart."
The demon laughed bitterly. "Oh, but he did. Your brother was clever, I'll give him that. He charmed my father, made him believe they could share a future, and then he fled with his heart—his literal, magical heart that bound his power to his emotions."
Chen Ning struggled to process the demon's words. Why would his brother get involved with the Demon Lord, only to betray him? It didn't make sense. But before he could ask, the demon lunged at him again, his claws slashing through the air with lethal intent.
Chen Ning barely managed to deflect the attack, his sword shuddering from the impact. He was outmatched, and he knew it. His strength was fading, and the demon seemed fueled by a rage that knew no bounds.
"You're hiding something," the demon growled, eyes blazing. "But it doesn't matter. I'll tear it out of you one way or another."
Chen Ning braced himself for the next attack, but before the demon could strike, a flash of movement caught his eye. Lin Mei rushed forward with her spear, her face set with determination.
She thrust her weapon toward the demon's exposed side, but he twisted away at the last moment, catching the spear with his bare hand and snapping it in two. With a swift kick, he sent Lin Mei sprawling to the ground.
"No!" Chen Ning cried, rushing to her side. He knelt beside her, checking for injuries. She was battered and bruised, but still conscious.
"Never look away while fighting an enemy now." the demon said and knocked Chen Ning unconscious.