Chapter 15
A Demon's Deception
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"No, I don't know her," Jane said quickly, her voice sharp but unconvincing. She avoided Alric's gaze, her panic barely concealed.
Alric frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly. He studied Jane's face, but after a tense moment, he nodded. "Alright. Then why don't you leave? I'll take care of her myself."
Jane hesitated, her gaze darting to Vera, who sat calmly in the chair, her expression serene yet unsettling. She didn't want to leave—not when every fiber of her being screamed that something was wrong—but after a brief pause, she nodded stiffly and left the room, glancing back once before closing the door behind her.
Alric lingered for a moment, his concern still etched across his face. He gave Vera a polite nod. "Let me know if you need anything," he said. Then, with a faint smile, he turned and left, shutting the door softly behind him.
The moment he was gone, Jane stormed back into the room, slamming the door shut behind her. With a sharp flick of her wrist, her magic sparked, sealing the room with a shimmering blue barrier that pulsed faintly against the edges of the walls.
"You're not going anywhere," Jane hissed, her voice shaking with a mixture of fury and fear. She advanced on Vera, her hands glowing faintly with raw magic. "What are you doing here?"
Vera rose gracefully from her chair, her movements as smooth and deliberate as a predator sizing up its prey. An amused smile tugged at her lips as she watched Jane approach.
"Ah, the little witch," Vera said mockingly, her tone dripping with condescension. "You must be the one Cater's always dragging around. How quaint. But you're far out of your depth, child. Step aside before you embarrass yourself further."
Jane's hand shot out, blocking Vera's path as her magic flared dangerously at her fingertips. "I'm done playing nice," Jane snapped, her voice low and steady. "You're a One, aren't you? I can feel it—your magic reeks of it. You cursed Cater, didn't you?"
Vera's smile widened, a cruel edge glinting in her eyes. She tilted her head slightly, her tone casual but laced with menace. "And what if I did? What are you going to do about it, little witch?"
Jane's magic crackled, bright blue energy sparking wildly around her hands. "You're going to lift that curse and leave. Or I'll make you regret ever coming here."
For a moment, Vera simply stared at her, unbothered by the threat. Then, in the blink of an eye, she was in front of Jane, her movements impossibly fast. Vera's hand clamped around Jane's wrist with vice-like strength, her nails digging into the skin as she yanked Jane forward until their faces were mere inches apart.
"You're so naive," Vera hissed, her voice venomous. "Do you honestly think your little parlor tricks can match my power? You don't even know the rules of the game you're playing. Let me give you a lesson, witch—this world isn't yours to protect. It never was."
With a sharp shove, Vera flung Jane backward, sending her crashing into the wall. Jane groaned in pain, clutching her ribs as she pushed herself to her feet. Her magic still sparked at her fingertips, but she didn't dare unleash its full force. Not here. Not now.
Vera smoothed her dress and turned toward the door, her steps slow and deliberate, as though Jane's threat had been little more than a minor inconvenience.
"Stay away from Cater," Jane growled, her voice shaking but resolute.
Vera paused, glancing over her shoulder with a smirk. "You're not in a position to give orders, little girl. And for the record—Cater belongs to the underworld. His life isn't yours to protect."
Before Jane could respond, the door creaked open. Alric stood in the hallway, his brows furrowed in concern. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his eyes darting between Jane and Vera.
Vera's demeanor shifted instantly. Her predatory smirk melted into a sweet, apologetic smile as she stepped into the hallway. "Of course, Your Highness," she said softly. "I was just thanking the young lady for her concern."
Alric's frown deepened, but he nodded. "Good," he said. Then, turning to Jane, his tone grew sharper. "Jane, I think you should take a break. I can handle things from here."
Jane's eyes widened, her panic returning. "Your Highness, I don't think you should trust her. We don't know anything about her—"
"Enough," Alric interrupted, his voice firm. "She's offering to help Cater, and we need all the help we can get. I trust her."
Jane stiffened, her hands balling into fists at her sides. But she knew arguing further would only push Alric away. With a curt nod, she stepped back, her jaw tight.
"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "But don't say I didn't warn you. Your Highness."
She turned and walked away, her steps quick and angry.
Once Jane was out of sight, Vera turned to Alric, her expression softening once more. "You must forgive her, Your Highness. I can tell she cares deeply for the servant You called cater, but her suspicion of me is… understandable."
Alric sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Jane's Best friend to cater, but she can be stubborn. Don't take it personally."
"Of course not," Vera said, her tone warm and understanding. She placed a hand over her heart, her eyes gleaming faintly. "My only goal is to help your servant. If you'll allow me, I'll do everything in my power to wake him."
Alric nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you," he said. "Cater is… important to me. I just want him to be okay."
Vera's smile widened ever so slightly. "I understand completely, Your Highness. I'll take good care of him."
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Down the hall, Jane leaned against the wall, her mind racing. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to steady her breathing.
"I won't let you hurt him," she muttered under her breath.
Vera's parting words echoed in her mind, chilling her to the core: 'This isn't a world for humans. Their time is over.'
Jane pushed off the wall, her determination hardening. She didn't know how, but she would find a way to stop Vera.
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