Chapter 21: The Vow of Revenge
Golax returned, shrouded in darkness. He bowed before a figure sitting in the shadows.
"It's done, my Lord," Golax reported.
The figure in the dark elegantly waved a hand, acknowledging Golax's words. Golax bowed again, then vanished into the night.
He reappeared atop a massive stone mountain, his gaze fixed on Niel's tower in the distance.
"You will pay for the humiliation you've caused," Golax vowed, his voice dripping with malice. "Mark my words."
As he spoke, flames erupted around him, dancing in synchronization with his rage. Golax's laughter echoed through the mountainside, sending shivers down the spines of unseen creatures.
With a final glance at Niel's tower, Golax vanished again, leaving behind a trail of smoldering embers and an aura of impending doom.
Meanwhile, in Niel's tower, Alawis remained oblivious to the brewing storm. Her thoughts were consumed by the mysteries of the Dark Star Realm and her growing connection to Niel.
Niel, however, sensed the darkness gathering outside. His eyes narrowed, focusing on the faint whispers of malevolent intent.
"Golax," he whispered, his voice low and menacing.
Valtora, standing guard outside Niel's chambers, felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Lord Niel, trouble brews," she warned.
Niel's gaze never wavered. "I know. Prepare our defenses. The shadows are stirring.
Niel summoned Valtira, Khaos, Xandros, and Thrakos to his chambers. The four demons appeared instantly, their faces set with determination.
"Protect Alawis," Niel commanded, his gaze sweeping across the group. "The three of you will ensure her safety."
He turned to Khaos. "You will stay by my side."
Valtira nodded, understanding. "We'll guard her from the shadows."
Niel's expression turned resolute. "No harm will come to her."
With a swift gesture, Niel vanished, reappearing in Alawis's room. She sat brushing her hair, lost in thought, when he materialized before her.
Alawis shrieked, startled, but Niel's lightning-fast reflexes appeared before her. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, still shaken.
Niel gently took the comb from her hand. Alawis's eyes widened in surprise.
"Why are you being nice to me?" she asked.
Niel's reply was simple yet profound. "You're my mate."
He turned her around, his gaze locking onto hers.
"You cracked my Star, Alawis. When it cracked, I knew you were my mate the moment I saw you. But at the same time, I didn't feel anything... other than that."
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"But when I saw you dancing with that demon, it was the first time I lost control. It felt like my Star was being shattered and mended at the same time."
Alawis's laughter sparkled. "So, demons get jealous too?"
Niel's expression darkened,He pulled her close, his voice deepening.
"I don't know about other demons, but this demon doesn't like sharing."
For an instant, his silver eyes blazed with intensity, then returned to normal.
He pushed her gently away. "I need to tell you something. There's a Demon Lord after me – Lord Golax."
Alawis's concern was palpable.
"What does he want?"
Niel's jaw clenched. "Revenge. He seeks to destroy me and claim Hell and cause chaos Above.
Valtira's voice echoed outside the room. "Lord Niel, we've detected unusual activity near the tower.
Niel's gaze never left Alawis. "Stay here, I will deal with him first. I won't let anything harm you.
Then he vanished.