Leon was still reeling from Zorath's bullshit when a new voice voice slithered into the room—smooth, thick, and dripping with trouble.
"You shouldn't talk to the Grand Elder like that, master."
The moment Leon heard that voice, a chill ran down his spine.
Smooth. Seductive. Sweet as honey.
He turned toward the door—and the moment his eyes landed on her, his breath hitched.
She stood there, leaning against the doorframe with one hip cocked to the side, watching him with a knowing smirk.
Her long, curved horns glowed faintly in the dim light, adding an otherworldly allure to her presence. Her crimson eyes locked onto his, sharp yet teasing, as if she already knew the effect she had on him.
Her dress, if it could even be called that, clung to every sinful curve of her body, the dark fabric hugging her ample chest, the deep neckline barely containing her bountiful breasts. A high slit exposed her soft, stocking-clad thighs, smooth and flawless.
She took a step forward, her heels clicking against the stone floor, her long, thin tail flicking lazily behind her.
Leon swallowed.
He had met beautiful women in his past life. Plenty, in fact. But none—none—compared to her.
"Sylviana? Wh-what are you doing here?" Leon stammered out.
She chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent an involuntary shiver down his spine.
Leon clenched his jaw. Sylviana.
A High Succubus—and the former king's advisor.
Succubi weren't like other demons. They lacked brute strength, but they made up for it with razor-sharp intelligence and irresistible charm. And Sylviana? She was the sharpest mind among them.
If not for her, they would have been wiped out long ago when human warriors were hunting them down.
But the succubus ignored his words, her smirk widening as she stepped closer.
"My, my, master… you look flustered."
Her delicate fingers trailed along his chest, light as a feather.
"The way you look at me has changed."
She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing playfully.
"Earlier, you saw me as just another subordinate."
Her breath tickled his ear as she leaned in.
"But now… now there's lust in your eyes."
She leaned in, breath hot against his ear. "Now you're staring like you want to rip this dress off."
Leon stiffened.
"It seems you've finally grown up."
"Ahm! Wh-what are you talking about?" he retorted, stepping back quickly.
Sylviana chuckled, her tail curling in amusement.
"Don't try to change the topic, master." She licked her lips. "Why so nervous?"
Leon scowled. "I'm not nervous! Just tell me why you're here."
"Tch! You're no fun, master," Sylviana huffed, her lips curling into a playful pout.
She leaned forward ever so slightly, just enough for Leon's eyes to catch a tantalizing glimpse of her deep cleavage. The amused glint in her crimson eyes told him she was enjoying his reactions.
Leon forced himself to look away, his jaw tightening. 'Damn succubus… she's doing this on purpose.'
But before Sylviana could push him further, Zorath's deep, authoritative voice cut through the air.
"Sylviana, behave yourself."
The teasing smile on her lips faltered, and she straightened up slightly.
"He is no longer just the young prince you can be casual around," Zorath continued, his golden eyes narrowing. "He is our new king. Show proper respect."
"Yes, Grand Elder," Sylviana sighed, rolling her eyes but obeying nonetheless.
Leon raised an eyebrow. 'Huh. So even she listens to him.'
It was clear the old lizard held significant influence among the remaining demons.
Sylviana gave a small shrug. "I was just here to check on master. He's taking too long. It's already afternoon. Everyone is getting restless."
Leon frowned. "Who is this 'everyone'? And why are they getting restless?"
Sylviana smirked. "Well, of course, you're clueless. You haven't been informed yet."
She placed a hand on her hip, flicking her tail behind her. "Today is supposed to be your enthronement ceremony."
Leon blinked. "My what?"
Sylviana gestured toward Zorath. "As the elder already said, demons need a leader. A king. And you, being the last of the royal bloodline, are the only choice. The ceremony was arranged for today."
Leon scoffed, crossing his arms. "Are you serious? Instead of focusing on survival, you're busy organizing some useless ceremony?"
"Prince, please—" Zorath began, but Leon wasn't done.
"There are barely a hundred demons left, and you want to waste time on rituals? We should be figuring out how to stay alive, not playing king and court!"
Sylviana sighed dramatically, brushing her silver hair back. "Please don't be stubborn, master."
Her expression softened for the first time. "Even if it's just for show, at least bear with it."
Leon pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling in frustration. "This is fucking stupid. We're dying out here—no food, no water, no nothing—and you two are obsessed with some coronation circle-jerk?"