Jaceon stood by the window of his apartment, staring into the city night. Neon lights shimmered like distant stars, but all he could feel was the heavy silence that wrapped around him.
He was shattered.
His father's threat echoed in his mind like a curse carved into his bones.
"When love makes you weak enough—I'll be the one to kill him."
And now, the shadows had deepened even more.
They had arrived.
His brothers—Zael, Jaeon, and Kelvin—demons like him, bred in the deepest layers of hellfire, born to manipulate, destroy, and reign over sin. Unlike him, they had no doubt, no hesitation. They were cold. Strategic. Unforgiving.
And they were here.
On Earth.
He felt them before he saw them. Their presence was unmistakable—a thick, sharp twist in the air like sulfur and static. They weren't just visiting. They had purpose. And he knew exactly what it was.
Levi.
If they found out he hadn't taken Levi's soul yet, they'd come after him without a second thought. Not because they cared for Jaceon—but because they loved proving they were better.
More ruthless.
More loyal to the throne of Hell.
And worst of all—they had connections now. Political power. Influence. They had embedded themselves in high-profile meetings, masked as elite businessmen and politicians, sealing contracts that were more than just paper and ink. Every handshake was a deal. Every contract, a soul. This was their battlefield now.
Jaceon's worst fear was confirmed the moment he walked into the massive marble hall of the political gala.
It was Levi's world—high-status, powerful minds, decisions that shaped cities. And they were there.
Zael—the oldest, always dressed like royalty, his tongue dipped in silver and lies.
Jaeon—handsome and loud, his charm a weapon that rarely missed.
Kelvin—quiet, calculating, the real danger. The shadow behind the throne.
They stood in the center of the room like gods among men, surrounded by senators, CEOs, and leaders… all smiling. All unaware of the evil they entertained.
Levi stood by the drink bar, unaware. Laughing lightly as he spoke to someone. The light in him glowed as always—subtle, warm, real.
Jaceon felt cold sweat on his skin.
Then Zael's eyes locked onto him across the room. And he smiled.
A dark, knowing smile.
He walked forward, his arms wide like a long-lost brother reunited. "Well, well, Ahzi. I thought we'd find you sulking in some cathedral. But look at you—wearing a suit. Mingling with mortals."
Jaeon clapped his shoulder from behind. "We missed you, brother. Father was just talking about how lazy you've gotten."
Kelvin didn't speak. He didn't need to. He stared past Jaceon—right at Levi.
Jaceon blocked the view immediately. "He's not for you," he said under his breath.
Zael raised a brow. "Oh? You've claimed him already? That's unlike you, Ahzi. You're usually fast with your work."
"I said," Jaceon repeated, his voice low and firm, "he's not for you."
Kelvin finally spoke. "So you've gone soft."
"I'm doing things differently."
Jaeon laughed. "You've fallen. That's what this is. You're not collecting. You're caring. Pathetic."
Zael leaned in, his voice like poison. "You're giving us every reason to destroy him ourselves. One more slip, brother, and his soul is ours. With or without your permission."
"You touch him," Jaceon growled, "and I'll end you."
Silence hung between them. Zael's smile never faded.
"Then you'd better hurry, Ahzi. Because the clock is ticking. And we've already scheduled a private meeting with Mr. McLaren. Just business, of course." He winked.
And with that, they walked away.
Jaceon felt like the air had left his lungs. He turned back to find Levi—still laughing, still unaware.
The walls were closing in.
The shadows were circling.
And if he didn't act soon, the light he cherished most would be lost to darkness forever.