The journey back to camp felt like a lifetime. Every step was filled with tension, Rika leaning heavily against me, her face pale from the blood loss. Azazel and Gorrak walked ahead, their eyes scanning the landscape for any sign of more danger. The entire world seemed to move in slow motion, each breath I took feeling like it might be my last.
The soldiers were on high alert when we returned, rushing to Rika's side to help her into one of the tents. Azazel directed them to bring the healers immediately, his expression as stern as ever, though I could see the worry in his eyes. I followed closely, refusing to leave Rika's side, my heart pounding in my chest.
Rika was laid down on a makeshift cot, her breathing shallow. The healers worked quickly, their hands glowing with a soft, green light as they tended to her wound. I watched, feeling helpless as they worked to close the gash along her side. She winced in pain, but her eyes were open, locked on me as if to reassure me that she was still there.
"Rika," I whispered, kneeling beside her, my hands trembling. "You're going to be okay, right?"
She managed a weak smile, her eyes filled with determination. "Of course. It takes more than a cheap shot to bring me down."
Despite everything, I found myself smiling back at her. She was tough, tougher than anyone I'd ever known. But the fear that I could lose her—that this world could take her from me—was almost unbearable.
Azazel stepped into the tent, his face set in a grim expression. He glanced at the healers, then at Rika. "The enemy knew we were coming. That cloaked figure was no ordinary demon. They were prepared."
Rika nodded, her jaw tightening. "I know. They knew exactly where to hit us. This wasn't just some random attack—they're trying to send a message."
"What kind of message?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"That I don't belong here," Rika said, her eyes darkening. "That my time is over, and I should leave the Demon Realm to rot. They want me to give up."
Azazel folded his arms, his gaze fixed on her. "We need to find out who they are, and fast. If they're working with the other factions, we could be walking into a trap at every turn."
Rika took a deep breath, wincing slightly as she shifted on the cot. "We need information. We need to know who's behind this and why they're so desperate to stop us."
I hesitated, the memory of Jester's words echoing in my mind. Secrets that could get you killed. I glanced at Rika, the doubt gnawing at me once again. "Rika, is there... is there something you're not telling us? About why they're targeting you?"
She looked at me, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then she sighed, closing her eyes. "There are things about my time as Demon Queen that I haven't told you. Things I'm not proud of."
Azazel's gaze sharpened, and Gorrak, who had just entered the tent, frowned. "What kind of things?" he asked, his voice gruff.
Rika opened her eyes, her gaze locking with mine. "When I first took the throne, I did what I thought was necessary to keep the Demon Realm united. I made alliances, some of which were... less than honorable. There were factions that opposed me, and I dealt with them harshly. Too harshly. I thought I was doing what was right, but looking back..."
She trailed off, her eyes filled with regret. "I made enemies. Powerful enemies. And now they see my return as a threat. They want revenge, and they'll stop at nothing to see me fall."
A heavy silence filled the tent, the weight of her words settling over us like a shroud. I swallowed hard, the realization hitting me like a blow. Rika wasn't just fighting to reclaim her throne—she was fighting against the ghosts of her past, against the consequences of her own actions.
"So that's why they're after you," I said, my voice barely audible. "Because of what happened when you were Queen."
Rika nodded, her eyes filled with pain. "I did what I had to do to keep the realm from falling apart. But I made mistakes, Takeshi. Mistakes that I'm paying for now."
Azazel was silent for a moment, then he spoke, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it. "Your Majesty, we've all made mistakes. But what matters now is that we stand together. We can still make things right."
Rika looked at him, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Azazel."
I took a deep breath, the knot of fear and doubt loosening just a little. "We'll get through this, Rika. No matter what happens, we're with you."
She smiled, a genuine smile that made my heart ache. "I know. And I'm grateful for that. All of you."
Gorrak grunted, folding his arms. "We should be focusing on what's next. Whoever that figure was, they're not done. We need a plan."
Rika nodded, her gaze hardening. "You're right. We need to be ready for whatever comes next. And we need to find out who's behind this, before they strike again."
Azazel stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "We should interrogate the prisoners from the Eastern Territory. Someone has to know something. We can start there."
Rika looked at me, her eyes filled with determination. "Takeshi, I need you to stay by my side. I don't know what's coming, but I do know that I trust you. And I need you now more than ever."
I felt a surge of emotion, a mixture of fear and pride. She was trusting me, despite everything. I nodded, my voice steady. "I won't let you down."
The healers finished their work, the glow of their magic fading as they stepped back. Rika sat up slowly, her hand still pressed to her side. She looked at each of us, her gaze filled with resolve.
"We keep moving," she said, her voice strong despite the pain. "No matter what happens, we don't stop until the Demon Realm is ours again. This is our fight, and we will win."
I nodded, the fire in her eyes igniting something inside me. There were secrets, there were enemies, and there were dangers we couldn't even begin to comprehend. But as long as Rika was willing to fight, so was I.
We weren't done yet. Not by a long shot.