The Damned Demon

Minutes earlier, within the dim, cavernous underground ruins beneath the ancient Infinity Tower, an atmosphere of tense anticipation and quiet desperation hung heavily in the air.

The remnants of the Bloodburn Kingdom stood patiently, gathered in clusters around small flickering torches, their tired eyes turned hopefully towards the dark tunnel from which they expected their king.

And then, finally, footsteps echoed softly through the shadows, prompting murmurs and shifting whispers of relief. Through the dim gloom, Asher emerged into view—his form powerful yet burdened, his face a complex storm of quiet resolve and hidden sorrow.

"Your Majesty!" someone shouted joyfully, igniting murmurs of excitement and relief throughout the weary crowd.

Rowena's breath caught softly, crimson eyes locked intently onto him, relief and deep love mingling with pain as she saw the heavy weight in his eyes. Isola, Silvia, Jael, Esther, Sabina, Seron, and Merina watched quietly, their eyes bright with relief yet darkened by uncertainty.

Their gazes shifted cautiously toward Naida and Silvan, who quietly stepped forward behind Asher, standing with heads bowed, burdened with guilt.

Little Ravina's innocent voice broke the heavy silence as she darted forward through the crowd, her golden eyes wide with joy. "Papa!" she called out excitedly, small arms raised eagerly towards him.

Asher's troubled expression softened instantly at her call. He knelt down, effortlessly scooping her small frame into his strong embrace, a bittersweet smile touching his lips.

Holding her close, her gentle heartbeat pressed against his chest, Asher felt a sharp pang in his heart. He couldn't help but remember vividly the tragic fate of the Ravina he had witnessed through Aira's painful memories—the unbearable burden she had endured. He silently vowed never to let that fate befall this child in his arms.

"Papa," Ravina said softly, pressing her tiny face into his shoulder, blissfully unaware of the dark thoughts clouding his mind. "Where did you go? Ravina was getting tired waiting."

"Don't worry,," Asher whispered softly, voice trembling slightly with emotion. "Papa's here now."

Nearby, Silvia stood trembling, her ruby eyes glistening with unshed tears as she stared at her mother, Naida who had followed behind Asher.

Her throat tightened painfully, the long-held dam of emotions finally bursting. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she rushed forward, arms outstretched desperately, crying out in anguish and relief, "Mother!"

Naida's eyes widened briefly in surprise, quickly filling with tears as she opened her arms, pulling Silvia tightly against her.

When she first came here, Silvia didn't even look at her but she didn't hold it against her, knowing how much she hurt her.

But now…feeling her warmth again…she wondered if it was a dream.

In earlier timelines, she never got the chance to explain herself to anyone, let alone her children.

Silvia buried her face against her mother's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. "Don't ever leave us again!"

Naida stroked Silvia's soft hair gently, her own voice thick with sorrow and warmth. "I'm so sorry, my dear. I am sorry…" Naida could only keep profusely apologizing, unable to even make a promise to her own daughter.

Jael stood watching quietly, fists clenched tightly at his sides, eyes shimmering with emotion. Slowly, he stepped toward Naida, holding back his own tears with visible effort. Naida gently extended a hand, softly murmuring, "My son…"

He hesitated only briefly before embracing her tightly, voice trembling quietly, "We missed you…mother…"

Naida's arms tightened lovingly around both her children, her smile bittersweet and fragile. No words were coming from her lips as they all silently hugged each other.

"Hmph!" Rebecca's eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a disdainful sneer. Beside her, Lori shook her serpent head disapprovingly, muttering irritably, "Ssssuch unfairness… this explanation better be worth all this."

"Give them a chance," Isola gently interrupted, stepping gracefully forward. Her soft yet firm gaze met theirs calmly. "Let me quickly show you both exactly why Naida and Silvan did what they did."

Rebecca scoffed skeptically, arms crossed stubbornly. "Fine. This better be good."

Isola sighed softly, placing a gentle hand on both Rebecca and Lori's shoulders, her voice calming as they closed their eyes. "See it for yourselves."

Meanwhile, Rowena stepped quietly to Asher's side, her crimson eyes heavy with quiet understanding and deep affection. She gently took his hand, her voice quiet, tender, and heard only by him. "Naida told us everything while our people were only told that she and Silvan did it for the sake of our people. I never knew how cruelly your fate was manipulated by those above. If only I'd known sooner…"

Asher shook his head quietly, regret heavy in his voice. "I'm sorry, Rona. Everyone you love, everyone around us… they suffered because of me. I had no idea how much your parents sacrificed—how much you all sacrificed. I would understand if you regret being with me after everything my presence took from-"

Before Asher could finish his sentence, Rowena sealed his mouth with her hand and shook her head with trembling eyes, "Don't ever say such things. I will never forgive you because that would mean I regret having Ravina with you as well."

"I never meant that," Asher immediately said as he hugged Ravina even closer though his and Rowena's voices were low enough to escape her senses, "I am sorry. I just don't know how to make it up to you and everyone else."

"There is nothing for you to compensate for. We are in this together. We are a family. Don't ever forget that," Rowena said firmly as she held his hands firmly.

Asher slowly nodded with a sad smile before saying with a solemn look, "But it still isn't over. Derek and his Hunters are out there, right now, preparing to destroy our world. I have to finish this and make things right while we still have time."

Rowena's eyes hardened resolutely, her delicate hand gripping his firmly, "No. We're going to make things right—together. This battle belongs to all of us. We share your fate. Not just you. We won't leave each other's side again. That's a promise you'll keep. You promise me that."

Asher opened his mouth to protest but quickly surrendered beneath the fierce determination blazing in her crimson eyes. He sighed deeply, nodding solemnly, unable to deny her resolve. "Alright, Rona. Together, then."

Satisfied, Rowena nodded firmly, turning slowly to face the gathered people, her regal presence radiating strength and determination. Her voice rang powerfully through the cavernous space, commanding attention from every heart and soul present.

"My beloved people!" she declared strongly, her voice echoing boldly across the ancient ruins. "Our journey has been filled with pain, betrayal, and loss. Many have suffered, and many have died to bring us to this moment. But now, the time for mourning is done. Our true enemies—the evil among the humans, Derek Sterling and his forces—threaten not just our kingdom, but our entire world. They believe they can take our lives, our future, and our world."

She raised a clenched fist, her crimson eyes blazing with unyielding resolve. "But they underestimate our strength. They underestimate our unity. They underestimate the power of our will!"

The crowd stirred, hearts igniting with renewed fire, murmurs building into cries of agreement and determination.

"This battle will not be easy. Many of us may fall. But this is our final stand! This is our last battle, our final chance to secure our world, to secure our future for our children and their children after them! We will fight together with those who were once our enemies and friends, bleed together, and triumph together!"

The cavern erupted with roars of determination, thousands of voices rising as one. Warriors raised their weapons, their eyes shining fiercely with battle intent. Mothers held their children protectively, yet their gazes were no less resolute. Elders stood tall, voices unwavering in support.

"For our Bloodburn Kingdom!"

"For Zalthor!"

"For Queen Rowena!"

"For King Asher!"

Asher stood quietly beside Rowena, pride swelling warmly in his chest as he watched his beloved queen.

Ravina, still held gently in Asher's arms, listened closely to her mother's powerful words, her golden eyes shining with excitement. Swept up in the fervor that had engulfed the crowd, she suddenly threw her little fist into the air and cried out loudly in her innocent, sweet voice, filled with contagious enthusiasm:

"For Mama and Papa!"

Her tiny war cry brought smiles to the faces around her, momentarily softening the gravity of the moment. Asher himself let out a soft, warm chuckle, briefly captivated by his daughter's fearless spirit. But the smile on his lips quickly faded as reality set in. His expression grew heavy as he glanced toward Silvia and Sabina, who stood quietly nearby.

"You two," he began softly, his voice serious yet gentle, "stay here and look after her, can you?"

Silvia and Sabina exchanged brief, uneasy glances, their eyes clearly uncertain. Sabina finally voiced their shared concern, eyebrows knitting together, "Are you serious? You expect just the two of us to handle her alone? She will toy with our asses as much as I hate to say it."

Asher hesitated, knowing immediately they were right. Ravina was too strong and stubborn for them to handle alone. He sighed quietly, shifting his gaze to Esther, whose calm presence radiated quiet strength and reliability.

"Esther," he said earnestly, his tone a quiet plea filled with trust, "please join them in looking after her."

Esther's eyes softened gently, her expression reassuring as she met his gaze confidently. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. She will be safe with us. You have my word."

But Ravina, who had been attentively listening to everything, immediately began to squirm unhappily in Asher's arms. Her voice rose sharply in protest, eyes wide and pleading, "Nooo! Ravina wants to come with Papa and Mama!"

Asher's heart twisted gently, a pang of pain mingling with affection as he looked down at her earnest, determined face. He sighed again, holding her a bit closer, carefully kneeling down so he could speak to her at eye level. He gently cupped her tiny face in his hands, speaking softly yet firmly.

"Ravina, listen to me carefully," he began gently, voice filled with deep paternal affection. "Mama and I are going somewhere very dangerous, where only those strong enough can survive. If we take you with us, it means we'll have to protect you as well, making things even more dangerous for all of us. You wouldn't want that, would you? You're still so young and little. You protect Mama and Papa by staying here with your aunts. Can you do that for me, Ravina?"

Ravina's small face twisted into an adorable pout, her dark golden eyes still glimmering with stubborn defiance. She stared at him silently, clearly torn between obedience and protest.

But slowly, seeing the solemn look in his eyes, her stubbornness softened into reluctant acceptance. Still pouting slightly, she raised her small, delicate finger toward Asher, her voice quiet yet firm as she demanded seriously, "Only if Papa gives pinkie promise to return fast with Mama."

Asher blinked in brief surprise, amusement tugging gently at his heart as he realized that one of the women around him must have taught her the tradition of pinkie promises. Smiling softly, he reached forward, carefully linking his little finger with her tiny one. He gazed warmly into her eyes, his voice gentle yet unshakably firm, carrying an earnest promise.

"I promise," he said warmly, squeezing her tiny finger gently. "Mama and I will return as fast as possible. That's a promise I'll never break."