Kozzok has shown me how to get to the chambers where I could find Cerolus’ family. The room is illuminated by various crystals around, not unlike what is used in the dining room of our home. Our home? Have I already got used to calling it that? Is it a sign of growth, or something else entirely?

Entering the room that seems far too large to serve any purpose, I find that Cerolus’ family has mostly gone their own separate ways since we had left them, leaving me alone in the room with Sarron, Kozzok disappearing per usual. I really have to figure out how he does that.

I decide to make the most of the situation and ask Sarron about the family now that I’m here. I’m not exactly sure what Cerolus had in mind, but the… situation seems to have gone in a different direction than what anyone could’ve imagined. I hope that doesn’t make them less receptive of me in the least, I am trying to make them like me, or I think I am. Does Cerolus care what his family thinks of me?

“Hello again, Sophia. I am sorry it all went this way, no one really expected this to be honest, all this with the baby and the ritual. I myself think it’s a bit stupid, but my father has the say in these matters, not me.” Sarron seems approachable and kind, somewhat reminiscent of how Cerolus was at the wedding, both stern and gentle in tandem. His blue eyes glint at times, the eeriness of the contrast between the red of his skin and the color of his eyes almost palpable.

“Want to take a walk around the grounds? I don’t know if you had any plans, but I’m sure you can find something you like here.” He points toward the hallway behind him, a door hiding any contents beyond.

“I’d be delighted.” I try to be as formal as possible, although I am now his… grand aunt? That seems… weird to me now, especially since he seems older than I am. No, I can’t handle that definitely, it’s just too much. “How old are you, Sarron?”

“I’ll be twenty one within the month. I am trying to get a feel of being a leader, despite my father not wanting me to do that. He seems to think I don’t want it somehow.” We walk side by side through the eerie halls, seemingly no destination in sight.

“Why wouldn’t he? You seem serious and competent enough to do so. My second brother is twenty one as well, and he already has command in the army and some leverage in the kingdom. I myself am not that well with ruling, I prefer a more mundane kind of life.”

“He thinks I am too young and too unwound for that. I can take care of myself, mind you.”

“I’m pretty sure you can, Sarron.” His growing smirk creeps me out somewhat, I’m not entirely sure what Demons think of me in general right now.

“So, how is married life treating you?”

“It’s… fine.” Should I be giving out information about our life to him? He’s family, but he’s still practically a stranger to me at least. I go through everything that happened since the wedding, and I have to say that Cerolus has been so good for me all this time, not asking for anything from me, teaching me magic, the language, and some space if I ever want to.

“Oh so it’s like that? Why don’t you go with me instead? He probably won’t care much either way.” He starts approaching me slowly, I instinctively trying to move away from him. “What do you say? I’m younger, more energetic, and I can bet I can make you feel better than he ever did. How can you be with someone so old anyway?” He almost corners in me in the wall, as he presses his face close to me, his eyes seeming to look straight inside me, as I stand almost helpless to do anything to defend myself against him.

What is he getting at? He seemed so much gentler before, and now he seems a completely different person. Was that entire friendliness just a ruse all along?

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I put my hands between us, his body putting more pressure on mine as he continues his approach. “What do you say, Princess? Have some great times with me, you can even go back to him after if you want.” Why is he calling me Princess? It seems so wrong coming out of his mouth.

“What are you talking about? Are you crazy?” I try to push him away, my arms faltering beneath the weight of his body.

“Oh, so you like it a bit rough? Fine by me, makes it more enjoyable as well.” His purses his lips and tries to press it on mine, while I am trying to struggle out of this. How could all of this happen? And why to me?

“No…” my hands push him away briefly, his smirk turning more sinister by the moment. My eyes are already watering at the predicament. What’s going to happen now? Will I be tainted like this? Are all Demons this bad?

“Why not? Come on, it’s going to be fine, no one else has to know.”

He approaches again, but suddenly stops. I look below, a knife pressed against Sarron’s neck.

“The Mistress said no.” Kozzok’s voice echoes the hallway, as Sarron’s breathing suddenly slows down, an audible gulp going through his neck, skin pressing against the shiny metal of the blade.

I have never been happier to hear Kozzok voice as I am now.

“I said, the Mistress said no.” The knife presses deeper into the skin, blackish blood coming out of the shallow cut.

Sarron backs off, his skin seeming to get redder by the second, now visibly enraged by my savior.

“You little dickless bastard. I’ll remember this.” He storms off, his distancing steps bringing me great relief.

I don’t even think for a second, when my arms reach outwards and I hug Kozzok with my entire being, my head resting on his shoulder.

“Thank you, thank you so much. I don’t know…” my voice cracks and tears come out uncontrollably as I babble away incoherently, my grip holding the grey Demon in place. Not all of them are bad. I know that. How could I have doubted it?

“It’s my duty to protect you Mistress, and I intend to do that while I’m here.” He brings an arm and pats me slowly on my back, my tears dripping from my face on his clothes. “Would you like to retreat to the Master’s home now?”

I try to compose myself again.

“Yes, please.” I think I’ve had enough of Cerolus’ family for today, and maybe for a lifetime.

“Would you like me to tell the Master what happened today?” The glint I once saw in his eyes is gone, his expression more sincere this time. Does that mean he trusts me a bit more? Do I look like someone who he feels he can work for now?

“I…” Silence envelops my entire being as I ponder what to do about this? Do I tell Cerolus all of this? How will he react?

No, wait, what am I even thinking about right now? This should be about me, and this is about me being approached wrongly. It’s not my fault, and it’s not his, but he needs to know what happened. If I am not strong enough to defend myself yet, I’ll ask for his help until I am able to. That’s how it is going to go. It’s not supposed to be shameful to admit I need him to protect me. Because I do need Cerolus.

No.

I want Cerolus.

I want him to protect me.

I want him to be next to me.

I want to be his wife.

I want to be happy, and I believe I can be happy by his side.

“I’ll tell him myself. Thank you Kozzok. Would you mind showing me the way back? I can’t wait to get home, as stupid as that might sound.”

The grey Demon slowly nods at my words, and for once, his entire figure stands out of the darkness, as he guides me away from this place.