CRUCIBLE OF SHADOWS

The next day, Kairos Wilder walked through the narrow passage ways of the demon castle with slow, measured steps, his white robe trailing behind him like a ghostly specter. His golden eyes, sharp and calculating, flickered with thought. Every movement was deliberate, every breath measured, for he was a man who lived by preparation.

One must always plan, always think ahead.

A scream echoed through the corridor, distant yet piercing.

Kairos stopped. His gaze sharpened as recognition settled in.

Myra- he grew up in her family's abode. She was a low class worior.

Without haste, yet with purpose, he strode toward the source of the sound, his footsteps eerily silent against the stone floor. As he turned the corner, the sight before him set a slow fire in his chest.

A young female demon, slender and pale-skinned, was pinned against the wall. Her silver hair cascaded down, framing her terrified face as she struggled beneath the grip of Vakon, the youngest prince. His jagged spikes gleamed under the dim light, his blue robes shifting as he tightened his hold on her throat.

Kairos clenched his fists but quickly released them. Control. Always control.

He stepped forward, his voice smooth, calm, yet carrying an unmistakable weight.

"My lord, what seems to be the problem here?"

Vakon turned, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Just pass, cleaner." His voice dripped with contempt. He gripped Myra's throat tighter. "Now tell me, Myra, why did you disobey my summons?"

Myra, though struggling, forced her voice out. "You are a disgrace to the king and our realm." Her defiance was quiet but unwavering. "I am not like the others you prey upon."

Vakon's lips curled into a sneer. "You and every servant here are my tools."

He raised his fist. Myra closed her eyes, bracing for the inevitable. But before the impact could land—

A hand caught Vakon's wrist.

Kairos stood firm, both hands gripping the prince's arm. Though his body trembled slightly under the sheer force, his expression remained unreadable. "Lord Vakon, please forgive her," he said, his tone measured, as if speaking to an equal rather than a superior. "I will personally ensure she is disciplined. Let not this small matter taint your day. You wouldn't want the Demon King to hear of this."

For a moment, silence.

Then—A fist drove into Kairos' stomach.

A sharp breath escaped his lips as the force sent a violent shock through his body. His knees buckled, and the world blurred for a brief second.

Pain. A reminder of his place.

Vakon grabbed him by the neck, lifting him with ease. "Do not meddle in my affairs, dog!"

Myra let out a choked cry, unable to do anything as she watched. But before the next blow could land, the passage darkened.

A suffocating energy filled the air. Cold. Ancient. Unnatural.

Vakon immediately released Kairos, stepping back in alarm. His face contorted in anger and nervousness. "Brother, wait! Let me explain—"

The darkness shifted. From the shadows behind Vakon, a figure emerged.

Kharon. The eldest prince.

His presence alone was overwhelming. His form was wrapped in shifting black mist, his eyes piercing.

"Vakon." His voice was like an echo from the abyss. "How many times must I remind you? Our people are not playthings."

Vakon's jaw tightened. "Brother, it was just a servant—"

Kharon moved. A flash. A cut.

Vakon's hand fell to the ground.

Myra gasped, stepping back in horror. She instinctively clung to Kairos, though he merely watched the scene with a cold, unreadable expression.

Vakon hissed in pain, his eyes wild with fury, but he did not retaliate. Instead, he retrieved his severed hand and reattached it with demonic energy, flexing his fingers as if nothing had happened.

"Fine," he muttered, glancing at Kairos with contempt. "I'll leave."

As Vakon disappeared into the shadows, Kharon turned to Myra, his aura slowly retracting. "Are you unharmed?"

Myra quickly bowed. "Thank you, my lord. Without you, who knows what would have happened."

Kharon nodded. "Then, promise me Myra, you won't report this to the king."

Myra hesitated, surprised. "You know my name?"

Kharon frowned slightly. "What?"

She quickly waved her hand. "Nothing, my lord. I will keep quiet."

His gaze then flickered to Kairos. "You stood up against my brother. That took courage."

Kairos slowly rose to his feet, wincing slightly. "It was merely the right thing to do, my lord."

Kharon studied him for a moment. "Take rest. You will return to work once you've healed."

Kairos' expression did not change, but there was something unfamiliar in his voice. "I can still work in this condition."

Myra suddenly spoke up. "I think it's a great idea! My lord, I'll tend to his wounds during his break."

Kairos inwardly sighed. He had no choice but to accept. The game he played was dangerous, and being away from his usual routines could be risky. But for now, there was no alternative.

"It is decided," Kharon said before leaving.

Kairos watched as Prince Kharon's figure disappeared into the distance. Beside him, Myra's voice was filled with surprise.

"Wow, I'm surprised. I thought Prince Kharon was scary, but he's actually a kind man." Myra turned to Kairos, her eyes shining with gratitude. "And of course, I also have to thank you."

Kairos's expression remained calm as he shook his head. "No need, Myra."

Myra's gaze turned curious as she faced Kairos. "Why did you want to refuse Prince Kharon's offer? Don't you want to see Mother? It's been a long time since you came by."

Kairos's voice was as serene as a still pond. "Myra, you know I'm always busy."

Myra's hands grasped Kairos's, her eyes pleading. "I know, I know, but it's just that we miss you, especially me. I miss the times when we used to spend together, and I miss your wise advices."

A faint smile played on Kairos's lips as he looked at Myra. "Don't worry, soon we'll have all the time to be together."

Myra's voice trembled with excitement. "Promise!"

Kairos's smile deepened, his voice low and soothing. "Promise."

In a world where Kairos was despised , Myra and her mother Mysa stood out as exceptions. They had taken in a young Kairos, raising him as one of their own. To Kairos, they were more than just acquaintances – they were family.

As he looked at Myra, Kairos's thoughts turned inward, his mind working with the calculating precision of a demon. The threads of fate that bound him to Myra and Mysa were complex, woven from the very fabric of their shared experiences. And Kairos knew that he would do everything in his power to protect and cherish these two individuals, who had given him a sense of belonging in a world that often seemed hostile and unforgiving.

Later that evening Kairos followed Myra home, his posture straight despite the dull ache in his ribs. The streets were alive with murmurs as demons turned to look at him.

"Disgusting half-blood."

"Why is that thing walking freely?"

"He doesn't belong here."

" Why is he allowed to work at the castle?"

Kairos remained silent, his golden eyes forward. He was used to this.

But Myra was not.

"Say that again and I'll break your jaw," she snapped at a passing demon.

The offender sneered but quickly turned away when he noticed her defiant glare.

Kairos glanced at her, expression unreadable. "You shouldn't waste your words on them."

"And you shouldn't let them treat you like this," Myra added her arms crossed. " Kairos, you never change. Even when we were children, you didn't defend yourself."

" Well am not powerful enough," Kairos opined his voice calm. " Strength is not for me Myra."

" Hey, a man should not say that," Myra interjected, Stepping infront of Kairos. " Especially not infront of a beautiful young demon."

Kairos studied her for a moment. " Myra, accepting one's reality is the ultimate growth. And growth is what I seek."

Myra leaned closer to Kairos, her face mare inches away from his. "Don't change the subject Kairos if you don't make your move I'll be out of your reach, clearly you saw how prince Kharon protected me am sure he takes a liking in me."

" Does he? That's great for you," Kairos replied smoothly walking past her. " Am happy for my sibling."

" Wait-what? First of all we only grew up in the same household, that doesn't make us related. Secondly you should not be happy about it you should be angry that another man has his eyes on me."

"Let's just go home Myra." Kairos suggested

Myra hurried alongside Kairos, her footsteps light with excitement. The silence between them was palpable, yet comfortable, like a warm blanket wrapped around their quiet moments together. As they approached Myra's home, the scent of roasting meat and burning wood wafted out, carrying with it a sense of nostalgia and belonging.

"Who's there?" a soft, feminine voice called out from within.

Myra's voice danced with mischief as she replied, "It's Myra, your favorite child!" Her tone was a delicate balance of teasing and affection.

The door creaked open, revealing an elderly demon woman with skin as pale as moonlight. Her features, though worn by time, bore a striking resemblance to Myra's. her eyes met Kairos', they sparkled with unbridled joy, and her face creased into a warm smile.

"Kairos, my son!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "How are you, dear one? How fares your work at the castle?" Her eyes, aglow with love and concern, drank in every detail of Kairos' appearance, as if parched for the sight of him.

Before Kairos even answered Mysa- Myra's mother-hugged him tightly, for the first time in a long time Kairos's unreadable expression wavered as he smiled authentically.