---
The next morning came with a thick fog covering the demon lands. The trees stood still, as if holding their breath. Chirag woke early, his body sore, his mind heavy with the ruler's vision from the night before. He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his hands.
He could still feel the echo of that golden energy… and the fear it left behind.
But more than that, he could hear Siya's voice from the night before, soft and full of strength.
"You're not alone."
That voice gave him the courage to stand again.
He stepped out into the chilly air. The sky above was grey, and clouds rolled like waves. In the distance, the demon castle loomed, its dark towers rising high into the mist. Today, Chirag wasn't training. He had something more important to do.
He had made a decision.
Siya was waiting for him near the garden where they used to sit as kids. The plants were wild, strange—deep purple leaves and glowing flowers that hummed softly when touched. She was watching a cluster of silver butterflies dancing in the air when she heard his footsteps.
She turned and smiled gently. "You're up early."
"I couldn't sleep much," he said. "I've been thinking."
Siya nodded. "About the vision?"
"Yes… and about us."
She blinked. "Us?"
Chirag took a deep breath. "I've been afraid. Of losing myself… of losing you. But I don't want to be scared anymore. I want to grow stronger—but not just with power. With purpose."
Siya stepped closer. "And what's your purpose, Chirag?"
He looked at her without hesitation. "You."
Siya's heart skipped a beat.
"I want to protect you," he said. "I want to protect this place, the people who gave me a chance. I don't want to fall into the path the rulers showed me. That's not who I am."
Siya looked into his eyes and saw something different. There was fire—but not wild, angry fire. A steady one. A fire that warmed, not destroyed.
"You've already come so far," she said. "And you'll go farther."
"I'll need you," he admitted.
"You'll always have me," she said without blinking.
Then, softly, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pendant. It was shaped like a flame and made of crystal that shimmered in both red and blue.
"This was my mother's," she said. "It's said to carry the soul of the one who wears it."
She placed it gently in Chirag's hand. "Keep it with you. It'll remind you of who you are, even when everything else fades."
Chirag closed his fingers around it. "Thank you."
Just then, a loud horn blew across the valley. It was deep and long, a sound that sent shivers down the spine.
Chirag and Siya looked at each other.
"Trouble?" he asked.
"Not from outside," she said. "That's a call from the Demon Council."
---
In the throne room, the Demon King stood tall, his armor gleaming like obsidian. Around him, high-ranking demons sat in a wide circle—warriors, scholars, and mages, all with serious expressions.
When Chirag and Siya entered, all eyes turned.
The King raised his hand. "Let him speak."
Chirag stepped forward. "Why have you called us?"
A demon mage spoke, his voice cold. "We detected the ruler's presence last night. That kind of energy doesn't go unnoticed. They know you're here, Chirag. And they're watching."
Chirag nodded. "Then let them watch. I'm not hiding."
Some demons growled in disapproval, but the King raised his hand again.
"They're afraid," he said. "The rulers never interfere unless they see someone as a threat."
"So what now?" Siya asked.
The King looked at Chirag. "You'll leave the demon realm."
"What?!" Siya's voice rose.
"It's the only way to delay a war," the King said. "You'll travel the world, train in hidden places, learn from the old magic. If the rulers attack here, many will die. But if you're not here…"
"You want to exile me?" Chirag asked, surprised.
"No," the King said. "I want to prepare you."
There was a long pause.
Finally, Chirag asked, "How long?"
"As long as it takes," the King replied. "Until you're ready to face the rulers… or until they come for you."
Siya looked at her father. "Then I'm going with him."
The room went silent.
"You are a princess," the King said. "Your duty is—"
"My duty is to protect the one I love," Siya said firmly.
The King looked into her eyes and then let out a slow breath. "So be it."
He turned to Chirag. "Leave tonight. Head east. There is a temple in the Ashen Mountains. An old demon lives there. He owes me a favor. He'll train you."
Chirag bowed his head. "Thank you."
---
That evening, the skies turned red as the sun dipped below the mountains. Chirag and Siya stood outside the castle, wearing travel cloaks and light armor. Demons gathered silently to see them off. Some with curiosity, others with quiet respect.
Arak approached them and handed Chirag a small scroll.
"Read this when you reach the temple," he said. "It'll explain more than I can."
Chirag nodded.
Arak placed a hand on his shoulder. "Make us proud, human."
Then, without another word, Chirag and Siya walked toward the forest path that would lead them out of the demon realm.
As they reached the border, Siya looked back once. The castle, the people, the world she had always known… faded into the shadows behind her.
Chirag squeezed her hand. "Ready?"
Siya smiled. "I've never been more ready."
And together, they stepped into the unknown—side by side, hearts full of fire, walking toward a future neither of them could fully see.
But one thing was certain.
Whatever was coming… they would face it together.
---