Year 120
The skies above the battlefield rumbled with the echoes of chaos. Black clouds stretched as far as the eye could see, swirling violently as if the heavens themselves were locked in battle. The ground trembled beneath the feet of demons and humans alike as they clashed, the sounds of swords ringing through the air, accompanied by the crackling of destructive magic. Screams of pain and war cries filled the battlefield as both sides fought desperately for dominance.
In the distance, towering over the land like a guardian of darkness, stood the Demon Castle. The obsidian walls shimmered with an unnatural glow, reflecting the flames of war that raged at its gates. Jagged spires pierced the stormy sky, and magical barriers pulsed around the stronghold, crackling with raw energy. It was both a fortress and a work of terrifying beauty—an undeniable testament to the power of its inhabitants.
Inside the castle, tensions were just as high as they were outside. Hidden from the prying eyes of humans, the royal family of the demon kingdom faced a conflict of their own.
At one of the castle's highest windows, Zara Ravenwood stood silently, her gaze fixed on the battlefield below. She pressed her hand against the cold glass, her heart heavy with worry. The war had been escalating for months, and despite being the youngest member of the royal family, she felt the weight of the conflict pressing down on her shoulders.
Zara was a half-heart demon—half human, half demon. Her delicate features, shinny silver hair, and piercing reddish-black eyes betrayed her mixed heritage, a truth she had hidden from most of the world. Her human blood was a constant reminder of the conflict between the two races, a battle that had been brewing long before she was born. In the demon kingdom, Zara always felt like an outsider, her lineage making her both feared and pitied.
Today, however, her concerns were not only for herself but for her family and their kingdom.
Her eyes followed the distant figures of the human army as they clashed with her father's soldiers, their bright banners contrasting starkly with the dark clouds overhead. The scene was a nightmare, and yet Zara felt powerless. As the youngest, there was little she could do but watch, unable to help in the war effort. Her half-demon blood made her a valuable target, and her family had long kept her out of the public eye.
Suddenly, the heavy doors to her room creaked open, pulling Zara from her thoughts. Her mother, Elara, stood in the doorway, her face a mask of calm, though worry flickered in her eyes.
"Elara, come with me to the main hall," her mother said gently, her voice betraying the tension beneath her regal composure.
Zara's heart skipped a beat. She knew something important was happening, but her pulse quickened as her mother's words confirmed it. The war outside had reached their doorstep, and the family had decided her fate.
The main hall of the castle was just as grand and intimidating as Zara remembered. Tall pillars carved from black stone stretched high above, and magical flames floated in mid-air, casting eerie shadows on the walls. At the center of the room stood her family—her father, Lucifer, the mighty Demon King, seated at the head of a massive table. His imposing figure radiated power, but there was a softness in his gaze when he looked at his daughter.
Zara's eldest brother, Killian, was standing at the opposite end of the table, his arms crossed as he spoke quietly to their father. Kael, her second brother, paced back and forth, his brow furrowed in frustration. And then there was Lilith, her eldest sister, seated with her arms crossed, an expression of cold disinterest on her face. Her long black hair framed her sharp features, and her red eyes gleamed with a mix of anger and apathy.
The moment Zara and Elara entered the room, Kael's voice rang out, filled with emotion.
"You can't be serious about this, Father!" Kael shouted, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
"Sending her to the human kingdom is madness. She'll be safer here, with us. The humans want her for themselves—they'll use her."
Killian, ever calm and composed, placed a hand on his brother's shoulder in an attempt to diffuse the tension.
"Kael, this isn't about whether she's safer here or there. The humans won't be able to touch her at the magic academy. It's neutral territory, outside of the human king's control. Father has a trusted friend there. Zara will be protected."
Kael's anger didn't subside. His protective instincts over his youngest sibling were too strong, and the thought of her being sent away gnawed at him.
"But why must it be there? What if they betray us? What if—"
"Not all humans are like the king," Killian interrupted, his tone level. "We have allies, even among them."
Lilith, who had remained silent thus far, let out a scoff, drawing the attention of the room.
She glanced at Zara with a disdainful smirk.
"Let her go," Lilith said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "She'll blend in perfectly with those filthy humans. She looks just like one of them anyway."
The words cut deep. Zara flinched inwardly, but she said nothing. Lilith had always resented Zara for her half-human heritage, and today was no exception. Lilith had risen to the rank of general in their father's army, leading demon forces against the humans with ruthless efficiency. To her, humans were nothing more than enemies to be destroyed.
Lucifer's deep voice rumbled through the hall, cutting off any further insults from Lilith.
"That's enough, Lilith. I won't have you speaking to your sister that way."
Lilith rolled her eyes but said nothing, her expression unreadable as she stood abruptly from her chair.
"If you all want to waste your time on this nonsense, fine. But I have an army to lead. I don't have all day for useless talks." With that, Lilith stormed out of the room, her black cloak trailing behind her.
Lucifer let out a heavy sigh, turning his attention back to Zara. His expression softened as he spoke.
"Zara, I know this is difficult. I wish things were different, but we have to protect you. The war is only going to get worse, and I won't risk you being caught in the middle of it. The magic academy is the safest place for you right now. You'll be under the protection of my trusted friend."
Zara felt a lump rise in her throat. She wanted to argue, to tell them that she could help, that she didn't want to run away. But when she looked into her father's eyes, she knew that no amount of protest would change his mind.
Instead, she nodded silently, stepping forward to embrace her father. His large arms wrapped around her gently, offering her a rare moment of comfort.
"I'm ready," Zara whispered, though her heart wasn't. "I'll go."
The room was silent for a moment as her family watched the exchange, each lost in their own thoughts. Elara, Zara's mother, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Standing off to the side, the family's loyal butler wiped his eyes discreetly, touched by the emotional farewell. He had served the Ravenwood family for decades, and the thought of Zara leaving pained him deeply.
As the meeting drew to a close, Zara felt a mixture of fear and resolve settle within her. She didn't want to leave her family behind, especially not in the midst of a war. But she understood the necessity of their decision. The magic academy was her only chance to survive this war—and perhaps one day, she could help end it.
She stepped back from her father, turning to face her family.
"I'll make the most of this opportunity," Zara said, her voice firmer now. "I'll graduate, grow stronger, and one day… I'll stop this war."
Kael looked at her with pride, though his concern for her safety remained evident. Killian offered her a reassuring smile, while her mother squeezed her hand, offering silent support.
As Zara left the main hall, she couldn't shake the feeling that her departure was just the beginning. The war was far from over, and her journey had only just begun.
Standing by the window once more, Zara gazed out at the battlefield, her eyes narrowing in determination. She whispered softly to herself, her voice carried by the wind.
"I'll stop this war. I'll make you proud."