Lana
"How dare you bring elves into the demon palace."
Thud.
My body froze instantly. The Demon King's voice was still soft, but the pressure behind it… felt like the air before a storm. Gentle, yet impossible to ignore.
"Your Majesty..." I whispered, though my voice barely came out.
His eyes locked onto mine like he had just seen a sleeping dragon stirred in the middle of the night.
His lips curved into a small smile.
Not a friendly one. But not angry either. More like... curious. Full of questions.
"Do you know what happens to elves who enter this territory, especially while the rumors of war are still fresh?"
I couldn't answer.
The Demon King stepped closer.
"They're usually eliminated on the spot. The rest are captured—and yet those three elves dared to come here. Into my palace."
I took a half step back. My heart pounded in my chest.
Outside the window, their laughter still echoed faintly.
I clenched the edge of my skirt tightly, trying to mask my racing heartbeat.
