The Damned Demon

Silvia blinked in surprise, her usual anxiety washed away by the sight of Sabina retreating without a backward glance.

A sweet giggle escaped her lips, and she turned to her mother with admiration shining in her eyes, "Mother, you really scared her off. From now on, Silvia wants you to stay with her whenever she meets Sabina," Silvia regretted not asking her mother to tag along whenever she met Sabina, though it was not like she ever got such an opportunity.

Naida, standing tall and serene, softly chuckled at her daughter's words. She turned and affectionately patted Silvia's head, her voice soothing yet firm, "There is no need for that. Sabina might be a bit rough when she wants to play with you, but as the young lady of our House, you have to learn to handle her yourself. You are stronger than you think. Never give in to your fears. The more you show fear, the more you appear weak and look like a prey for the bullies."

Silvia's confidence wavered for a moment, and she pressed her lips together, her voice small as she looked down, "Silvia appears weak? Is that why he chose Sabina?"

Naida, understanding the depth of Silvia's insecurities, gently lifted her daughter's chin, encouraging her to meet her gaze.

Her smile was tender, her eyes filled with an unwavering belief, "He chose her because it's convenient, not because of what you think. Such a bond has limits. But if you truly win him over with your sincerity, then you will have a stronger bond with him than Sabina does. Don't overdo anything. Just be yourself because you are already beautiful and strong as you are."

Moved by her mother's words, Silvia's eyes brimmed with tears, her emotions swelling like the tide.

She threw her arms around her mother, hugging her tightly, "Then Silvia will win him over," she declared, her voice thick with resolve and her eyes becoming sharper.

Naida returned the embrace, her smile bright and encouraging. Yet, as she held her daughter, her gaze drifted over Silvia's shoulder to the crimson skies above, her expression turning wistful for a fleeting moment.

---

In a mesmerizing meadow that seemed untouched by the darker realities of their world, Asher and Naida stood hand in hand amid a sea of roses.

The illusionary beauty of the place was almost overwhelming, with its vibrant colors and the sweet fragrance of endless blooms.

Asher's dove gray skin was a stark contrast to the lush greens and vivid reds around them, and his dark yellow eyes reflected the serene environment as he gazed at Naida with admiration.

"Each time I come here with you, I forget this is an illusory place in a world like ours. You are truly amazing to create something like this," Asher remarked, his voice filled with genuine wonder.

Naida, her ruby red eyes sparkling with warmth, chuckled softly and hugged his arm, leaning into him, "But not as amazing as you. You managed to bring House Thorne under your palm by proposing such an alliance and even bringing Esther under your control. Would you like to do the same with my House and manage the kingdom better as you wish?" she teased, her tone light yet probing.

Asher stopped in his tracks, his expression turning quizzical as he faced her, "You mean..."

Naida nodded, her gaze steady, "You can marry my daughter. She likes you more than you think."

A sigh of disappointment escaped Asher's lips as he shook his head, his smile tinged with a hint of sadness, "What I want to do is marry you. Why didn't you suggest that first?"

The softness in Naida's expression deepened as she gently cupped his cheek, "You know that no matter how much I want to, it's not possible for us right now. Look at the state our kingdom is in. Once that barrier is gone, we will be in true danger, more than ever. We won't even have time to worry about these things but only our survival."

Asher nodded, his eyes clouding over with a mix of resignation and resolve, "I know. That is why I want you to stay with me as long as possible before we get too busy to do that. I can feel a huge storm heading our way," he said, his mind revolving around Rowena and his own past more than the dangers outside his kingdom.

Naida's gaze lingered on him thoughtfully as she observed his expression, "Does it also include having to do something with the fact that you can use radiant mana?" she asked, her voice soft yet carrying an undercurrent of serious inquiry.

Asher's face revealed a rare vulnerability, "Is it that obvious?" he asked, his voice low.

Naida, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and warmth, offered a wistful smile, "You are the strongest man I know, and that means the likes of draconians, werewolves, or any of our enemies can't make you worry more than about the people you care about. I never wanted to ask because I know you may not like to talk about it. But seeing you worry like this every single day makes me feel worried as well. It hurts me to see you hurting. Whatever it is, it won't change how I feel about you. Do you believe that?"

Asher's response wasa firm nod, his grip tightening around her hand as if holding onto a lifeline,"Of course.If that wasn't true, I wouldn't be standing here."

With a soft chuckle, Naida shook her head slightly, "Then promise me you will come to me rather than torment yourself. Even if, for some absurd reason, you are a Hunter in disguise, I don't care because I know you will have a good reason for why you are here."

The questionseemed to catchAsher off-guard.His eyes flickered with a storm of emotions, "Are you really sure about that? What if... I was such a Hunter, and I have sought to destroy your kind for years and killed so many that people here were terrified of me. What if... I was the Hunter that killed the previous king?"

Naida's eyes widened slightly, her gaze intensifying as she searched his face, "So... You are really Golden Prince?"

Asher's eyes narrowed, the implications of her words sinking in, "Why are you asking as if you already believe it? Even if you did... you never felt betrayed or disgusted?" Asher knew she had every reason to guess he was Golden Prince, but he was surprised to see her reaction despite knowing it.

Shaking her head, Naida pressed his hand against her chest, right over her heart, her gaze unwavering and filled with an unspoken promise,"If thatwasthe case, I wouldn't be standing here with you. What I know is that you protected me despite knowing your secret would be exposed to me. If you were willing to give up yourself for me, how can I not do the same for you even if it means going against my beliefs."

"Naida..." Asher's voice was a whispered echo of his inner turmoil, softening as he leaned down to capture her lips in a tender, affirming kiss. She responded with equal warmth, her arms encircling him in an embrace that sealed their mutual acceptance and understanding.

Not long after, under the tranquil canopy of a large tree, Naida founda moment ofpeace as Asher lay with his head nestled in her lap, his moon-white hair a stark contrast against the vibrant green around them.

Her fingers gently caressed his hair, each stroke laden with concern and warmth.

Her voice,when she spoke, was low and tinged with sorrow, "I...I don't know what to say after hearing about your past... Other than how unbelievable it is, I can't help but think about how much you had to sufferon your own. Those despicable humans... How could they do that to their own savior?"

Asher's face, usually a mask of calm, hardened as he looked up into Naida's pain-filled eyes, "The time for asking questions is over. Now it's their turn to suffer."

The air seemed to thicken with tension as Naida's expression darkened, a hint of killing intent flashing across her features, "Then allow me to join you as well in making them suffer. I will help you accomplish your plans no matter what, even if it might hurt our kingdom or me."

Asher shook his head, his expression softening as he lifted her hand to his lips, "I would never do anything to hurt our kingdom or you. All I need is your support, even if it means simply staying beside me. That's it."

Naida smiled softly, her mood lightening as she hugged his hand to her chest, "I don't know how this became possible, but I think it's fate. The devils must have wanted you to come to our world not only to help us but also so that I can be with you. I don't care where you came from or what you are, but promise me that... you will never leave me, no matter what."

"I won't, as long as there is breath in my body," Asher affirmed, his voice firm and warm as he hugged Naida's waist.

"That's all I need," she murmured, her fingers tenderly caressing his face.

The conversation shifted as Asher brought up a previous topic, a hint of curiosityin his voice, "Now... about what you proposed earlier... do you really not mind if I marry Silvia?"

Naida chuckled lightly, a sound that seemed to dance with the leaves above, "If you are trying to ask if I would be hurt or jealous, of course not. Since I love you, I have given myself to you, and Silvia is a part of me. So why would I feel bothered when I can offer more of myself to you?"

Asher felt a bit surprised andfeltthat he had yet to learn more about the mentality of demons since they were a far cry from humans.

"Then do you really want me to marry her right away?"Asherqueried, his thoughts alsoon the strategic alliance with House Valentine.

"You don't have to right away. I want you to marryheronly if you likeher. I wouldn't want to force her on you,and itwould be unfair for both of you. If you simply need an alliance, you don't have to marry when I am here to support you no matter what," Naida replied, her voice earnest and caring.

Asher's chuckle resonatedsoftly under the canopy,"To be honest, your daughter annoyed me quite a lot at first. But after the quest, Irealizemaybe I have yet to properly know her.Maybe time will allow me to find out."

"That's more than enough," Naida said with a warm smile as the two continued to rest under the tree, basking in each other's warmth.