╰┈➤❝𝔗𝔞𝔢𝔥𝔶𝔲𝔫𝔤❞

As I stepped out of my office, a heavy weight settled over my soul, an ominous sensation that something was dreadfully wrong.

My instincts were sharp, honed from centuries of existence, and they screamed that I needed to reach Lisa.

I closed my eyes, focusing on the bond we shared, and in that instant, I felt it—the piercing ache of her heart. It was a raw, desperate cry, a sound that cut through the darkness like a blade.

And then I saw it.

The vision flooded my mind: Lisa and Jimin, their lips pressed together in an intimate kiss. My heart plummeted, a searing pain igniting within my chest as fury and despair intertwined.

"What is this?" I growled my voice barely a whisper, thick with anguish. The sight burned through me, a toxic fire that threatened to consume my very essence.

The darkness surged around me, wrapping its tendrils tightly as if responding to my turmoil. I could feel it, the raw power coiling within, desperate to be unleashed.

I materialized outside the classroom, my presence commanding the very atmosphere around me.

The windows shattered simultaneously, a cacophony of glass exploding outward in a brilliant shower. I felt the rush of wind whip against my skin, a tangible representation of the chaos churning within me.

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms as the darkness surged, begging for release. But beneath the fury lay an unyielding need to protect her, to shield her from the pain that I felt creeping into my own heart.

The bond we shared was intricate, threaded with both desire and a deep-seated fear of loss.

As I stormed into the garden, rage coursed through my veins like fire. Each step I took ignited the earth beneath me, flames licking at my heels as if the very ground recognized my fury.

I could feel it—the heat radiating from my being, the energy thrumming with every heartbeat. I wanted to burn everything in sight, to release the chaos inside me.

But then I heard her footsteps behind me, a frantic rush that pulled at something deep within.

"Taehyung!" she called out, desperation slicing through the air. I halted but kept my back to her, my body tense, ready to explode. I couldn't face her—not now. "Taehyung, please, talk to me!"

Her voice was a frantic plea, and I felt my heart racing, a storm of conflicting emotions threatening to overtake me.

I could see the grass withering beneath my feet, the life sapped from it with each passing moment.

"Taehyung, I—"

"Shut up!" I roared, the guttural sound echoing off the walls like thunder. I turned to face her, and the sight of her struck me like a physical blow.

Pain and confusion danced in her eyes, but it was her presence that ignited the storm within me. Rage surged, primal and raw as if I were a beast unleashed from the depths of a dark cave.

"But you cheated on me with Hyuna!" She shot back, her voice trembling with anger and hurt. The words tumbled from her lips, fueled by the festering wound I had carved into her heart.

If my fury had been boiling before, it erupted into an inferno now. I stepped forward, and instinct kicked in; she retreated, the fear evident on her face.

My dark energy crackled around us, saturating the air with a poison that threatened to suffocate any remnants of peace between us.

"As far as I know, you're just spouting bullshit!" I hissed the fire in my gaze blazing brighter. "Did you accuse me of that useless shit? Do you think I would betray you? What did you think you were getting into with Jimin and that worthless whore, Hyuna? They're manipulating you, Lisa!"

My voice sliced through the tension, jagged and sharp. Each word dripped with venom, an attempt to cut through the fog of her confusion.

The darkness I carried within me urged me to unleash it, to show her the power I wielded. But beneath the wrath, I felt an overwhelming need to protect her, to pull her away from the abyss they were leading her into.

The garden around us flickered with the flickering glow of my anger, but deep down, I felt a pang of desperation. I didn't want to fight. I wanted to save her from the deception that threatened to engulf her.

As I advanced toward her, the weight of my fury settled heavily in my chest. "You broke your oath," I said, my voice low and menacing, each word dripping with disappointment and anger.

I could see her fear radiating off her in waves, and it stirred something dark and primal within me.

The finality of my tone struck like a hammer, and I reveled in the way it made her tremble, like a trapped animal caught in my grasp.

I'd never seen her so afraid, and yet, it sent a thrill through me. With each step I took, I felt a surge of power. I could crush her spirit, to shatter her resolve with just a flick of my wrist.

But I wanted more than that; I wanted her to feel the weight of what she had done.

"Taehyung," she whispered, her voice barely a breath against the storm brewing between us. I stopped, momentarily caught by the softness of her plea, but my fury drowned out the echoes of her affection.

"Please, just listen to me..."

Her heart raced, and I could hear it thundering in my ears, a frantic rhythm that matched the chaos swirling within me.

I could see the tremble in her legs, the way they threatened to buckle beneath her weight. My eyes narrowed as I took another step closer, relishing the fear etched across her face. "Taehyung, I—"

"Shut up!" I roared, my voice echoing like thunder in the cavernous space around us. The primal intensity of my words seemed to wrap around her, squeezing the air from her lungs.

I was done playing games. "Tonight, there will be a new moon, and there will be a celebration of sabbat."

"Sabbat?" Her confusion hung in the air, thick with implications. I could see the pieces of our shared history flicker in her mind as she grasped the weight of my words.

She remembered. The way I had flaunted my power, the way I indulged in the primal pleasures of my realm. "Are you jealous of a woman I have sex with in front of millions of demons in the nightly assemblies of the Sabbat?" I had asked her before, the sting of her betrayal still fresh in my memory.

"An eye for an eye, betrayal for treason," I continued, my voice a venomous hiss that cut through the air.

Each syllable was laced with the weight of the punishment I was prepared to deliver, and I felt satisfaction course through me at the thought of her despair.

"Taehyung, you're wrong," she pleaded, her desperation clawing at my insides. "I have never betrayed you! It was not me who kissed him!"

Her words hung in the air, a desperate attempt to reach the part of me that still cared. I wanted to believe her, to hear her sincerity, but the evil inside me reveled in the hurt, in the chaos.

The memories of her with him burned like acid in my veins. I searched her face, desperate for a glimpse of that angelic part still buried beneath the layers of my rage and hurt, but I found only the tumult of emotions swirling between us.

For a fleeting moment, I considered her plea. Could it be true? Did she truly not betray me? But the anger pulsed through me, and I shook my head, pushing away the doubt.

This was my domain, my rules. I was the king of hell, and she had crossed me. The weight of that truth was unbearable, yet I found myself unwilling to release her from the punishment she had earned.

But what I did next shattered her fragile hope. My hand shot out, gripping her neck with an iron-like strength.

I pressed my fingers against her jugular, feeling the pulse of her fear beneath my touch. Panic surged through her as she struggled for breath, instinctively grasping at my wrists in a desperate attempt to pry me away.

But my grip was too strong, too unyielding—a stark reminder of the power I wielded, the darkness that had overtaken me.

"Taehyung, please!" She gasped, her voice strained as she fought against my hold. "You're not this! You don't have to do this!"

Her words were a desperate plea, and I could see the panic in her eyes, the way they blurred as she struggled against my grip.

The cold edges of fear gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, but I was beyond caring.

My eyes burned with fury, but somewhere deep within them, I caught a flicker of something else—confusion, perhaps, or the remnants of a past life where I was more than just the devil king.

I didn't want to be this monster, but I was drowning in the storm of emotions raging within me.

"Lisa," I growled, my voice low and dangerous, "you don't understand what you're asking for. You're tangled in a web far beyond your comprehension."

I felt her tears prick at the corners of her eyes, a mixture of fear and heartbreak. "I love you, Taehyung,"

She whispered her words barely a breath against the suffocating grip I had on her. "I don't care what you are—I just want to talk. Please let me explain."

For a moment, I hesitated, the weight of her love crashing against the walls I had built around my heart. But I tightened my grip, my expression unyielding.

At that moment, I realized how deeply the devil had taken hold of me, threatening to consume everything I had once been.

"Can you swear to me that you have not even remotely thought of seeking Jimin's help and that your heart has not clung to any feelings you have for him?" I demanded, my eyes devoured by anger.

I could feel the intensity of my question piercing her very soul, the weight of it pressing down on her.

When she hesitated, I saw the flicker of hurt flash across her face, and it struck me like a blade. I didn't want to see her in pain, but the thought of her betrayal gnawed at me, twisting in my gut like a serpent.

The darkness whispered lies, taunting me with images of her with him, and I couldn't shake the feeling of impending loss. I had fought too hard to reclaim my power to allow her to slip away.

Seeing that she didn't answer, I felt a surge of frustration welling up inside me. Her silence was deafening, a testament to the turmoil swirling between us.

"I didn't do anything, but he was trying to help me," she finally managed to say, her voice wavering and thick with desperation.

"That still doesn't answer what I wanted to hear, Lisa." My tone dripped with ice, each word carefully crafted to cut through her pleas. I had no patience for half-truths or evasions.

"But you will come to the Sabbat tonight. If you don't..." I paused, letting the threat hang in the air like a storm cloud, heavy with unspoken consequences. I needed her to understand the gravity of the situation and the price of betrayal.

Finally, I released my grip, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease slightly as her breath came rushing back.

But it was only for a moment; my heart sank as I watched her legs crumple beneath her, collapsing to the ground like a marionette with severed strings.

She gasped for air, the remnants of my fury swirling around her like a dark fog, suffocating in its intensity. I could see the fear in her eyes, the confusion that twisted her features, and for a fleeting moment, I almost felt remorse.

As I turned away, the hollow ache in my chest deepened, a chasm opening up where her warmth had once resided.

It felt as though I was shedding a piece of myself, something precious that I had clung to amidst the chaos of my existence as the devil king.

"No! I'm not going there!" She yelled after me, the words bursting from her lips as she finally managed to fill her lungs with precious oxygen.

I could hear the desperation in her voice, the refusal to submit to the fate I had laid before her. But as I glanced back, I saw her staring up at me, anger and defiance etched across her beautiful face.

I felt the weight of her gaze, but I had already made my choice. I was a king of darkness, and I had to uphold my dominion.

I had to be the force of retribution she needed to understand the consequences of her actions. As I stepped away, I left behind charred footprints in the grass, the ground blackened where my rage had left its mark.

I could feel the echoes of her words lingering in the air, haunting me. I wanted to turn back, to sweep her into my arms and tell her that everything would be okay, but I couldn't.

The devil had taken root in my heart, and it was too late for redemption.

I materialized into my castle in hell, the air thick with the remnants of my rage. Shadows danced across the stone walls, reflecting the turmoil within me.

Lisa needed to understand—she claimed to love me, yet her doubts clawed at my heart like vicious claws. Did she really think I would cheat on her with Hyuna?

I knew the game that Jimin and Hyuna were playing, manipulating her emotions like puppets on strings.

But what infuriated me the most was her lack of trust. I had fought tooth and nail to rise. Now she questioned my loyalty.

I hated it. If she thought I could betray her, then I would show her the true depths of hell.

"Lisa," I muttered under my breath, feeling the heat of my anger coursing through me. "You've made me serious, darling."

My fists clenched at my sides, each muscle taut with pent-up energy. "Tonight, I'll fuck you hard, harder than anyone else ever could." The words were a promise, a dark vow that sent a thrill of anticipation through me.

I would make her experience the depths of passion and punishment intertwined.

She had been jealous of Hyuna, the woman I had once taken in front of demons, and now it was time for her to witness the same reality.

I wanted her to feel every ounce of that power, to understand what it meant to be truly desired and owned.

"I thought you were meant for me, but now it's hell time for you," I growled, the air crackling with dark energy as I prepared for the evening ahead.

I could feel the shadows wrapping around me, feeding off my anger and lust, eager to fulfill my commands. I would show Lisa exactly what it meant to embrace the darkness, to revel in the raw, unfiltered passion that came with it.

Tonight, there would be no holding back. I would claim her in every sense, breaking down the walls of her doubts and igniting a fire between us that even the depths of hell couldn't extinguish.

The sabbat awaited, and so did our twisted destiny.

I summoned Elpass, my crow demon, and he appeared in an instant, his ebony feathers glistening ominously in the dim light of my castle.

"My lord," he croaked, his voice laced with unease. "I already sensed you were here, but what happened?"

"Tonight, I'll do the Sabbat," I replied, my tone sharp enough to cut through the tension hanging in the air.

His voice trembled with confusion. "What do you mean, lord? You'll celebrate the Sabbath? What about Lisa? Isn't the Sabbat a place for the ritual of... pleasure?"

I felt the anger boil over, erupting like molten lava. "I'm doing this because of her! She made me do this! She is the one who made the mistake!" My fists clenched, knuckles white with the pressure of my rage.

Elpass hesitated, clearly taken aback. "My lord, what is this?"

"She betrayed my trust," I growled, pacing the cold stone floor, my heart racing. "Manipulated by that angel Jimin and that useless mediatrix Hyuna. I can't stand it! I want the entire realm of hell gathered for me tonight. They always bore me, seeking my blessings. Tonight, I will give them something to remember. But what Lisa will witness is my wrath!"

I paused, the weight of my emotions crashing down on me like a tidal wave. "I had never been serious with her before. I always protected her, even when I never thought I could love a creation of the gods like her. But I did love her. I wanted her. Now, I want what's rightfully mine, but I can't forget what I saw."

My voice broke slightly, the anger shifting into something more complex—a blend of longing and betrayal. "Even if it means nothing to me, it is everything to her."

Elpass's eyes widened in understanding, sensing the turmoil within me. "You plan to make her witness the darkness?"

"Exactly," I replied, my voice low and dangerous. "Tonight, she will see what it means to be truly desired and to feel the depths of my power. I will show her the consequence of her doubt and the price of betrayal."

With a flick of my wrist, I summoned a dark mist that swirled around us, the shadows thickening in response to my fury. "Gather the demons, Elpass. Let them prepare for the Sabbath. Tonight, the throne of hell will shake with my wrath, and Lisa will feel the full weight of my passion and my fury."

I could feel the air crackle with anticipation, the impending chaos igniting a fire within me. I was no longer just the devil king; I was a force of nature, ready to claim what was mine and exact my vengeance.

Elpass hesitated, his gaze flickering nervously as he took in the depth of my fury. "My lord, the Sabbat is something Lisa can't witness," he cautioned.

I shot him a glare that could freeze fire. "Who dares to oppose me? Do as I command. Send a demon to Lisa and tell her she must come. If she refuses, she'll be taken by force."

My voice was cold, each word dripping with menace. "And invite everyone—especially that useless mediatrix Hyuna. Make sure to send her a black robe; she will wear it tonight."

"Sure, my lord," Elpass replied, though I could see the worry etched on his features.

"Tonight, I will make Lisa understand everything," I continued my resolve hardening. "I've even connected my soul to hers, but this will just be a bit of punishment."

"Have mercy on her, lord. She is just a human, and she made a mistake," Elpass pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper.

"She can make mistakes," I shot back, my voice low and lethal. "But betrayal? Calling upon me for something so unfounded? I cannot stand it! How can she say anything to me when she knows it is a lie?" My words hung heavy in the air, thick with the weight of my hurt and anger.

But beneath the tempest of my emotions, a flicker of something softer lingered. "No worries," I continued, my tone shifting slightly. "I'll ensure Lisa understands the length of my love and rage combined. Today, she will comprehend just how much I love her and how much I hate to see her with someone—especially that useless archangel Jimin."

With that, I felt a dark satisfaction surge within me, a cruel anticipation of the chaos to come. I was prepared to unleash my wrath, to pull her into my world and show her the depths of my feelings, even if it meant dragging her through hell itself to do so.

Lisa had to know that love and fury could coexist, and she would witness the full spectrum of both tonight.

As Elpass bowed his head and vanished into the shadows, I stood alone in my castle, feeling the weight of my decision pressing down on me like the oppressive darkness that surrounded us.

The air crackled with energy, the anticipation of the upcoming Sabbat swirling in a maelstrom of desire and dread.

I paced the grand hall, the flickering torches casting ominous shadows on the walls, mirroring the turmoil within me.

I could still feel Lisa's presence lingering in my mind—the softness of her voice, the way her eyes sparkled with defiance, and the warmth she brought into the cold expanse of my existence.

But her betrayal cut deeper than any blade. She had allowed herself to be swayed by Jimin, to question my loyalty, and I could not overlook that.

The echoes of my past with her haunted me; moments of laughter and connection mingled with the bitterness of her doubt.

She had ignited something in me that I thought was long extinguished—a flicker of hope amidst the eternal night of my being.

But now, that flicker felt like a cruel joke, and I was determined to show her the reality of my world, a world where passion and vengeance danced hand in hand.

With a wave of my hand, I summoned the dark mist that enveloped the castle, feeling it respond to my will. The demons would gather, eager for the ritual, hungry for the chaos I was about to unleash.

They thrived on the energy of the Sabbat, the intertwining of flesh and spirit in a twisted celebration of life and death.

Tonight would be different; it would be a demonstration of my power, a lesson for Lisa that she would never forget.

In my mind, I envisioned her—wide-eyed and terrified, the black robe clinging to her form as she stood at the entrance of the gathering.

I would make her watch as I indulged in the pleasures of the night, as the demons reveled in their unholy rites.

I would show her what it meant to be consumed by the darkness and the lengths I would go to reclaim her trust.

The castle's walls trembled as I felt Elpass return, a dark figure flanked by a group of lesser demons. Their eyes glinted with excitement, their anticipation palpable.

"My lord," Elpass announced, stepping forward. "The invitations have been sent. Lisa will be notified of her attendance, and the demons are gathering."

"Good," I replied, my voice steady. "Make sure she understands the consequences of defiance. She must come, or else she will face the repercussions of her choices."

Elpass hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with concern. "And if she refuses to comply?"

I leaned closer, my gaze piercing into his. "Then she will learn what true punishment feels like. I will not be disrespected by her or anyone else. She needs to understand that love and pain can coexist, that to betray me is to step into a realm of suffering she has never known."

With that, I turned away, my heart a chaotic storm of anger and longing. As the demons prepared for the evening, I took a moment to steel myself against the rising tide of emotions.

I would not allow my heart to soften again. I would not let her see the vulnerability beneath my wrath.

Tonight, she would witness my transformation into the devil king I had always been—a being forged in darkness, willing to show the world and Lisa the full extent of my fury.

I would reclaim her, whether she understood it or not.

The thought sent a thrill of anticipation coursing through me. I was ready to unleash hell upon her, and in doing so, perhaps find a way to reclaim the part of me that had been lost in the chaos of our tangled fate.

As I walked out of my castle room, I suddenly saw Hyuna in my throne hall. I can read her mind. "Speaking of me, Hyuna?" I let my voice slice through the air, savoring the way it echoed in the grand hall.

The underworld seemed to quiet in response as if even the flames dared not interrupt me. Stepping out from the shadows, I felt the weight of her gaze on me, the tension rolling off her in waves.

I could see her mask of composure, the practiced smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She bowed her head slightly, her voice smooth yet cautious. "My king," she said, as though my presence didn't unnerve her.

I moved closer, deliberately slow, and measured every step. It amused me how she watched my every move, like prey uncertain of the predator's intent. "And what do you think of the preparations?" I asked, keeping my tone deceptively soft.

Her answer came after a slight hesitation, one so brief most would have missed it. But not me. "They are... exquisite. A true reflection of your dominion."

Her words were crafted carefully, but I could hear the edge of uncertainty beneath them. My lips curled into a faint smile, though I kept my gaze steady, unyielding.

Her flattery was expected, but I wasn't one to be swayed by surface-level words.

"Good," I said, my tone final. "Then you will not disappoint me tonight."

Her nod was quick, almost eager, but I could see the tension in her shoulders, the way she swallowed hard before speaking again. "Of course not."

Turning away, I allowed my gaze to linger on the throne at the far end of the hall. Its dark surface seemed to shimmer in the firelight, a constant reminder of my place here.

. I didn't need to look back at Hyuna to know she was still rooted in place, likely battling her own thoughts.

I could feel the weight of her ambitions, the storm within her, no matter how well she tried to conceal it. A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips.

She thought she could hide from me—foolish. I didn't need to read her mind to know exactly what she wanted.

Still, I said nothing more. Let her stew in her thoughts, her fears, her desires.

Tonight, everything would fall into place, and whether she realized it or not, her fate was already sealed.

What she is thinking will be the opposite; she thinks she is important when she is nothing but a mere slave to me.

╰┈➤❝𝔄𝔲𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔯❞

The church was quiet, bathed in the dark light of late night. Jimin knelt before the altar, his hands clasped tightly together in fervent prayer.

The flicker of candles cast elongated shadows against the stone walls, creating an atmosphere both serene and somber.

His lips moved in silent devotion, calling for divine guidance, a plea from the depths of his conflicted soul.

Suddenly, the air grew colder, a chill creeping into the sacred space. The sound of light footsteps echoed through the hallowed halls.

Jimin lifted his head, his breath hitching as he turned toward the figure approaching him.

Hyuna emerged from the shadows, her crimson dress flowing like liquid fire around her. Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous mixture of mischief and malice, and a sly smile curved her lips. Despite her beauty, her presence felt like a defilement in the sanctity of the church.

"What now, Hyuna?" Jimin said, his voice steady but tinged with exasperation. His gaze was sharp, though the faintest hint of unease lingered in his eyes. "What more could you want?"

Hyuna tilted her head, her smile widening as she stepped closer. "What do I want?" she repeated, her voice dripping with mock innocence.

"Oh, Jimin, you should know by now. The devil will be mine soon. Tonight is the Sabbath, the perfect time for a Satanic ritual."

Jimin's jaw tightened, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. "You speak of rituals as if they're games," he said, his tone laced with anger. "Do you even comprehend the darkness you invoke? The abuse, the torment, the destruction? These rituals—you know they often involve unimaginable cruelty, don't you?"

Hyuna's smile never faltered. If anything, his words seemed to amuse her. "Cruelty is just a matter of perspective."

She said, her voice as smooth as silk. "Power requires sacrifice, Jimin. You, of all people, should understand that."

Jimin rose to his feet, his movements deliberate and filled with purpose. "What I understand," he said, his voice growing firmer, "is that Lisa must stay far away from this madness. Taehyung—he's a devil, a true Satan. And I won't stand by and let her fall into his grasp. I can't permit this... this love."

Hyuna laughed softly, the sound echoing eerily in the church. "Love?" she scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "You think it's love that binds them? No, Jimin. It's lust, as cruel and unyielding as the flames of hell itself."

Jimin's heart clenched at her words, the weight of his emotions threatening to crush him. "Lust?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "No. Lisa is innocent. She deserves light, not the darkness he offers."

Hyuna stepped closer, her face inches from his, her voice dropping to a taunting whisper. "And what if the devil chooses her for sex, Jimin?"

Jimin flinched as her words cut through him, leaving a wound he couldn't ignore. His faith wavered for a moment, doubt creeping in like a shadow.

But he shook his head, his resolve hardening. "Lisa doesn't understand what she's dealing with," he said firmly. "And I'll do everything in my power to protect her—even if it means opposing fate itself."

Hyuna's smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet contemplation. For a fleeting moment, her confident façade seemed to crack, revealing something darker, something vulnerable.

"You're a fool, Jimin," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "You think you can fight the inevitable. But the devil always wins in the end."

She turned on her heel, her red dress swirling around her as she began to walk away.

Her footsteps echoed in the stillness, and Jimin was left standing alone before the altar, his heart heavy with a mixture of fear and determination.

As the church fell silent once more, Jimin closed his eyes and sank to his knees again. "Lord, grant me the strength to save her," he prayed, his voice trembling. "Even if I must face the devil himself."

The candles flickered, their flames dancing as if in response to his plea. The weight of the battle ahead pressed down on him, but he refused to falter For Lisa's sake, he would face the darkness, no matter the cost.

As Hyuna descended into the infernal abyss, the air grew heavier, charged with an energy both intoxicating and suffocating.

The underworld stretched before her, a realm of perpetual twilight illuminated by rivers of molten fire and skies swirling with crimson and black clouds.

Her steps echoed as she made her way to the grand hall of rituals, her crimson dress blending seamlessly with the fiery landscape.

The hall was a sight to behold—a vast, cavernous space adorned with macabre grandeur. Columns of jagged obsidian spiraled upward to a ceiling dripping with stalactites that seemed to glisten with blood.

Symbols of ancient power were etched into the floors, glowing faintly with a pulsing light. Massive, intricate chandeliers made of bones and fiery orbs hung overhead, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls.

Hyuna's eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the decorations. Altars carved from stone stood in a perfect circle, each one bearing offerings of blackened roses, vials of blood, and relics of human despair.

A massive throne sat at the far end of the room, its surface adorned with twisted metal and skulls, a testament to the one who ruled this dark domain.

She approached one of the demons—a creature of sinewy muscle, leathery wings, and glowing ember-like eyes. He knelt before a smaller altar, arranging a chalice and a sacrificial dagger as part of the preparations.

"Is the king preparing for tonight?" Hyuna asked, her voice lilting with curiosity and anticipation.

The demon looked up, his eyes narrowing as he took in her presence. Though he appeared wary, he answered with a deep, gravelly voice.

"Indeed. The king has declared tonight a celebration of the Sabbath. He has commanded that all shall attend."

Hyuna's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "And what, pray tell, has inspired such grandeur? Devil doesn't strike me as one for frivolous gatherings."

The demon let out a low, rumbling chuckle. "You misunderstand, mistress. This is no mere gathering. Tonight's Sabbath will bind power to the king and seal his dominion. He intends to summon the very essence of the infernal realms. It is a night of prophecy."

Her smile faltered for a brief moment, replaced by a flicker of unease. "And the human girl?" she asked cautiously, her voice lowering. "Does she have a part in this ritual?"

The demon's smirk deepened, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. "The king has not spoken of her role, but the whispers in the flames suggest she may be the key. Why else would he risk interfering with the mortal world to this extent?"

Hyuna's fists clenched at her sides. She turned her gaze toward the grand throne, her mind racing. Lisa? A key to this power? Her thoughts churned with a mixture of jealousy and apprehension.

"You have your tasks," she said sharply, dismissing the demon with a wave of her hand. As he bowed and slunk away, she walked toward the throne, her steps purposeful but her heart troubled.

Hyuna stopped before the empty throne, its imposing presence casting a shadow that seemed to reach for her.

She placed a hand on its cold, unyielding surface, her fingers brushing against the intricate carvings.

The throne was a stark reminder of the power Taehyung wielded—power that, despite her ambitions, always seemed just out of her reach.

From behind her, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed through the hall.

Hyuna straightened, her pulse quickening as she turned to face the source of the sound.

"Speaking of me, Hyuna?" A deep, velvety voice resonated, filling the space with its commanding presence.

Taehyung emerged from the shadows, his figure regal and imposing. His black, intricately embroidered suit seemed to absorb the light around him, and his sharp features were framed by the faint glow of hellfire.

His dark eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, it felt as though the entire underworld held its breath.

Hyuna forced a smile, masking the turmoil within her. "My king," she said smoothly, bowing her head. "I was merely admiring your preparations for tonight."

He approached her, his movements deliberate and graceful, like a predator circling its prey. "And what do you think of them?" he asked, his voice deceptively soft.

"They are... exquisite," she replied, choosing her words carefully. "A true reflection of your dominion."

Taehyung's lips curled into a faint smile, though his eyes remained unreadable. "Good," he said simply. "Then you will not disappoint me tonight."

Hyuna swallowed hard, nodding. "Of course not."

As Taehyung turned away, his gaze flickering toward the throne, Hyuna couldn't shake the feeling that he already knew her every thought.

The king was always two steps ahead—and tonight, she would have to tread carefully if she wished to survive the storm she had helped to summon.

Hyuna stood in the dim glow of the ritual chamber, her gaze lingering on Taehyung's retreating figure.

His commanding presence seemed to fill every corner of the infernal hall, even as his footsteps faded into the distance.

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as conflicting emotions churned within her.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as her thoughts swirled, relentless and consuming. I know the devil will choose me tonight, she told herself, the words echoing in her mind like a mantra.

It has to be me. I've waited for this moment, sacrificed for it. I've endured the ridicule, the trials, and the uncertainty. Tonight, he will see that I am the only one worthy of standing by his side.

She turned on her heel, her crimson dress billowing behind her as she made her way to the darkened corridors leading out of the hall.

The shadows seemed to reach for her, enveloping her as if sensing her determination.

But beneath her confident façade, a sliver of doubt lingered, gnawing at her resolve. Lisa, the name struck her like a dagger.

The thought of the human girl, so fragile yet so captivating to Taehyung, filled her with a venomous mix of jealousy and fear. What could she possibly offer him? She's nothing but a mortal. Weak. Temporary.

Hyuna shook her head, banishing the thought as anger flared in her chest.

No. She won't stand in my way. I've come too far and done too much to be overshadowed by someone so... ordinary.

Her steps quickened as she reached her private chambers, a place of solitude carved deep within the underworld.

The room was lavish yet ominous, adorned with tapestries woven from shadows and a bed draped in blood-red silks.

A large mirror hung on the wall, its surface shimmering as if alive. Hyuna approached it, her reflection staring back with cold determination.

"I need to prepare," she muttered to herself, her voice low but resolute. She ran her fingers through her dark hair, her expression hardening as she studied her own face. "Tonight is the night I claim what is rightfully mine."

She extended her hand, and the mirror's surface rippled, revealing a vision of the grand hall where the Sabbath would unfold.

Demons moved like shadows, arranging the final touches for the ceremony. In the center, the throne loomed, awaiting its king—and, perhaps, its queen.

Hyuna's reflection smirked, her confidence returning in full force. She waved her hand, and the mirror darkened, returning to its dormant state.

As the room fell silent once more, she stepped back into the darkness, the air around her crackling with latent energy.

With a final glance toward the distant glow of the ritual chamber, she whispered, "Soon, my king, you will see. I am the only choice."

And with that, she vanished into the shadows, her figure dissolving as if consumed by the very darkness she had long embraced.