Seraphina could still feel his presence long after it had vanished.
Raziel.
The name sent a pulse of something deep through her chest—not fear, but something far worse. Recognition.
She didn't know him. She shouldn't know him.
And yet… she did.
That wasn't the first time her mind had fractured like that, her thoughts slipping between what was real and what felt real. But it was the first time someone else had been there to confirm it.
He had spoken to her like she belonged to him. Like they had a history.
And she had felt it too.
Seraphina wasn't the kind of woman who sat in the dark, waiting for answers to come to her. If she wanted the truth, she would have to find it herself.
—❖—
The library of the Silver Flame stronghold was vast, filled with centuries of recorded history, battle reports, and ancient prophecies. Seraphina had spent years here, studying war tactics and magical theory. But tonight, she was looking for something different.
She pulled a heavy tome from the shelves, flipping through pages filled with old legends of demons and fallen warriors. Her fingers traced across the ink, scanning for anything—any mention of Raziel.
Nothing.
Frustration burned at her nerves. If he was powerful enough to command an entire demon army, there should be records of him. But there was nothing—not in battle reports, not in strategic discussions.
Like he had appeared out of nowhere.
"Looking for something?"
Seraphina stiffened. Lysander stood near the doorway, arms crossed, golden eyes sharp. He had changed out of his battle gear, but the presence of his sword at his side told her he had been watching over the stronghold even at this hour.
She didn't answer immediately, debating how much to tell him.
Lysander studied her for a long moment, then sighed. "It's about him, isn't it?"
She glanced up sharply. "Who?"
"The demon lord." He stepped forward, voice low. "Raziel."
The way he said the name sent a flicker of unease through her.
"You know something," she said.
Lysander hesitated. "Not much. Just rumors. Some say he's not like the other demons. That he doesn't kill without reason. That he fights with strategy instead of brute force." His gaze darkened. "Some even say he's fought before—in a war that doesn't exist in any records."
Seraphina's fingers curled around the edge of the book.
A war that wasn't recorded?
Lysander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I don't trust rumors, but I know this much—he's dangerous. And if you're searching for him, you'd better be ready for whatever you find."
Seraphina's heart pounded. She didn't need warnings. She needed answers.
And there was only one way to get them.
She had to find Raziel herself.
—❖—