Chapter 3: The Summons

Chapter 3: The Summons

Zephyr had never been so furious in his life. And that’s saying a lot, considering he’d spent centuries fighting, slashing, and burning his way through battles. But this? This was different. This wasn’t just a fight; this was being summoned to the court of the Demon King. And worse, he knew exactly who else would be there.

As Zephyr marched through the corridors of the Dark Citadel, the weight of the Demon King’s command pressed on his shoulders like a curse. The Citadel was a maze of black stone, twisting hallways, and eerie whispers that seemed to follow him with every step. He hated this place. It reeked of betrayal and dark magic, things he’d spent his life fighting against.

When he reached the massive iron doors of the throne room, two massive guards nodded and pushed them open. The room was just as he remembered—dimly lit by torches that cast flickering shadows on the cold stone walls. At the far end, on a throne carved from obsidian and bones, sat the Demon King himself. His eyes burned like embers, and his presence alone made the air feel heavy.

But Zephyr barely noticed the imposing figure on the throne. His eyes locked onto Seraphina, who was already standing before the King. She turned her head slightly, and when their gazes met, her lips curled into a small, irritating smirk. Zephyr gritted his teeth. Of course she’d be here early, probably thinking she’d gain some sort of advantage.

“Zephyr,” the Demon King’s voice boomed, snapping him out of his thoughts. “You’re here. Good.” His voice was like gravel grinding underfoot, heavy and authoritative.

Zephyr bowed his head out of respect, though every fiber of his being rebelled against it. “My King,” he said through clenched teeth, trying not to let his annoyance show too much.

The Demon King’s fiery gaze shifted between Zephyr and Seraphina. “I’ve called you both here because you are two of the strongest in your respective factions. Your skills are unmatched, your power feared. And yet, you’ve spent too much time and energy fighting each other, instead of seeing the bigger picture.”

Zephyr and Seraphina exchanged a glance, both clearly irritated by being spoken to like children who couldn’t see past their own noses.

“There is a threat,” the Demon King continued, leaning forward. “A force that is consuming our world, one village, one fortress at a time. I believe it comes from outside our realm—something ancient and powerful. It’s growing, spreading, and it will destroy everything if we do not act.”

Zephyr crossed his arms, a frown etched deep on his face. “What does this have to do with her?” He couldn’t help but let a little venom slip into his voice.

Seraphina rolled her eyes. “Please, as if I want to work with you either,” she snapped back, her voice smooth but dripping with disdain. “I’ve got better things to do than babysit a self-righteous warrior who can’t think past his sword.”

“Enough!” The Demon King’s voice cut through their bickering like a blade. The room fell silent. “You two are going to work together whether you like it or not. You are going to find out what is causing this destruction and put an end to it. Do I make myself clear?”

Zephyr clenched his fists, feeling the urge to argue, to refuse outright. But one look at the Demon King’s blazing eyes told him that wasn’t an option. The King was not asking. He was ordering. With a deep breath, he nodded. “Yes, my King.”

Seraphina folded her arms, clearly not pleased, but she also nodded. “Understood, my King.”

The Demon King leaned back in his throne, his expression unreadable. “Good. I don’t care how you do it, but you will find the source of this destruction and eliminate it. Our world depends on it. Now go. Prove that your strength is more than just empty power.”

Zephyr turned on his heel and stormed out of the throne room, not bothering to look back. He could hear Seraphina’s footsteps behind him, light and measured, always so annoyingly calm. Once they were outside the throne room, Zephyr spun around to face her.

“This doesn’t mean I trust you,” he spat, keeping his voice low. “We may have to work together, but don’t think for a second that I’ve forgotten what you are.”

Seraphina’s smirk returned, a knowing gleam in her eyes. “The feeling is mutual, Zephyr. But if this thing is as dangerous as the Demon King says, we don’t have a choice. We’ll have to tolerate each other, at least until it’s dealt with.”

Zephyr hated that she was right. He hated this whole situation. But he also knew that if he wanted to protect his people, he had no other option. “Fine,” he muttered. “Let’s get this over with. The sooner we find this thing, the sooner I can get back to forgetting you exist.”

“Lead the way, oh mighty warrior,” Seraphina said with a mock bow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Just try not to get us killed with your stupidity.”

Zephyr shot her a glare, but he turned and started down the corridor, his mind already racing with thoughts of where to begin. He didn’t trust Seraphina. He probably never would. But if this alliance meant saving his realm, he’d grit his teeth and endure it. For now.

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