The ancient wooden doors of the Demon Palace groaned open with a slow, thunderous creak, echoing through the grand, shadowed halls. A powerful gust of dark wind followed, curling like smoke through the pillars as *Xavier*—no, *Lucifer*—stepped into the room.
A hush fell.
Every demon in the hall turned toward the doorway. Conversations died. Goblets slipped from trembling fingers. All eyes locked onto the fearsome figure bathed in the dim crimson glow of the chandeliers overhead. His presence wasn't just seen—it was *felt*. Heavy, suffocating, electric.
*Something had shifted.*
But amid the silence, one thing stood out sharply—*someone was sitting on the throne*.
Xavier's crimson eyes narrowed, pupils dilating as his gaze landed on the one who dared defile his seat of power. The figure fanning himself lazily atop the throne was none other than *Nerivain*, his former brother-in-arms. His rival. His betrayer.
Memories surged like venom in Xavier's mind.
He remembered the gentle hum of Heaven's cleansing river, the soft golden leaves fluttering in the celestial wind. He had been there—singing, as always—his voice weaving with the music of the realm. Then *Nerivain* had approached him, words dipped in poison, eyes glinting with false innocence.
"Lucifer," Nerivain had said, voice low and persuasive. "You helped shape the stars, the seas… Yet when it came to humans, He left you out. Strange, isn't it?"
Xavier had turned to face him, his angelic form still radiant back then. "The Father has His reasons."
Nerivain had leaned in, voice slithering like smoke. "Or perhaps He simply doesn't trust you…"
That whisper… That *seed* of doubt. It had bloomed into rebellion. And then—*the Fall*.
Xavier blinked, forcing the memories down as he took another step into the palace.
Back in the present, *Nerivain rose* from the throne, smiling behind his delicate fan, as if this betrayal were some kind of performance.
"You're just in time," he said, voice laced with mockery. "You've been busy, haven't you? Playing house with your little *human*."
Xavier's eyes flickered. The murmurs began—some demons nodding in agreement, others shrinking back, uncertain.
Nerivain continued, "Don't you think it's time you handed over the *Demon Seal*? Let someone who *cares* about the realm lead it. You've already proven where your loyalties lie. A human as queen? That's a disgrace. We are enemies, Xavier. Always have been."
The final words struck like venom.
But before another breath could pass, *Xavier vanished*—and reappeared in a blink, his hand *gripping Nerivain's throat*, pinning him to the obsidian wall. The entire hall gasped, frozen in collective fear.
"You dare," Xavier growled, voice low, trembling with restrained rage.
Nerivain choked, gasping for air, clawing at the hand that crushed his windpipe.
But then—*pain*.
A sharp sting burned through Xavier's chest. He staggered slightly, releasing his grip. His crimson eyes locked with Nerivain's, who dropped to the ground coughing, a wicked smile curling at his lips.
Xavier stepped back.
"This discussion isn't over," he said coldly.
And with a flash of smoke and wind, *he vanished.*