Reeve stood frozen at the doorway.
Seraphyne sat on the edge of the bed, her posture rigid, her breath uneven. Her skin—normally pale and regal—looked faintly cracked with dark veins shimmering beneath, as if something inside her was clawing to break free.
She didn't look at him.
"What happened?" Reeve asked quietly.
Seraphyne finally lifted her eyes.
"Don't you see?" she said, her voice low, strained.
"My body is failing. If I don't drink blood soon… I might lose control. Or worse."
Reeve closed the door behind him.
The sound echoed like a decision.
He walked toward her without hesitation.
Seraphyne's eyes widened as he reached for a knife from the nearby table.
"…Reeve?"
Her voice trembled. "Don't. If you're thinking of killing me before I—"
The blade flashed.
But not toward her.
Reeve sliced his own palm cleanly. Blood welled instantly, vivid and warm.
"Drink," he said calmly, holding his hand out.
"My blood."
Seraphyne stared at him in shock.
"No," she whispered.
"I don't want to. I won't hurt you."
Her body leaned forward despite her words—every instinct screaming hunger.
Reeve smiled faintly.
"You won't hurt me. I trust you."
She clenched her fists, shaking.
"I don't want to need this," she said, tears threatening to fall.
"But… I want it. Gods, I want it so badly."
Reeve stepped closer, pressing his bleeding hand gently to her lips.
"Then don't think," he murmured.
"Just live."
Her resistance shattered.
Seraphyne's fangs grazed his skin—hesitant, trembling—before sinking in softly.
She drank slowly, carefully, as if afraid even now.
Minutes passed.
Her breathing steadied. The cracks faded. Color returned to her cheeks.
Eventually, her grip loosened.
She leaned forward… and fell asleep against him, still holding his hand.
Reeve eased her onto the bed, covering her gently.
"…Sleep well," he whispered.
---
Morning — Astra Nox
Sunlight filtered through the tall windows.
Reeve opened his eyes to a strange scene.
Seraphyne sat quietly nearby, her expression calm once more.
Nerisse chatted softly with Tsukiyra.
The little girl laughed as Kaelith pretended to lose at a childish game.
Normal.
Too normal.
"…Where's Elaryn?" Reeve asked.
Kaelith glanced up.
"She went to a meeting of lords."
Reeve blinked. "I'm a lord too."
Kaelith smirked.
"But you're not a Demon Lord."
Reeve's expression sharpened.
"She went to a Demon Lords' meeting?"
"Yes."
Silence.
Then Reeve stood.
"I'm going out," he said calmly.
"Take care of Astra Nox. And yourselves."
Kaelith frowned. "Where are you going?"
Reeve turned toward the gate.
"To explore the Demon Land."
---
Night — Beyond the Map
Darkness swallowed the road.
Reeve walked longer than intended… until the landmarks vanished.
The map ended.
But the road didn't.
"…Great," Reeve muttered. "Problems again."
He took one step forward.
Nyx's voice whispered urgently—
"Reeve—danger—"
A white light fell from the sky.
Blinding.
When his vision cleared, heat struck first.
Lava flowed like rivers around him.
A massive castle loomed ahead, carved from obsidian and flame.
Reeve exhaled slowly.
"…Of course."
He approached the gate.
Inside the hall, figures stood—silhouettes watching, waiting.
Nyx spoke softly.
"Reeve. Look."
He followed her focus.
"That girl… she's the Primordial who served the Demon King."
Reeve's eyes narrowed.
"…Who—"