The journey to the Demon Realm was nothing like Evelyn had expected.
The carriage jolted violently over the uneven road, throwing her upward again and again until her head struck the roof more times than she could count.
She gritted her teeth, her patience snapping.
This was exactly why she hated carriage rides. How was anyone supposed to endure something like this?
"Stop! Stop please, I can't take this anymore!"
Her voice cut through the storm. The driver pulled the reins, bringing the carriage to a halt.
"But, Your Highness… it's raining," he called uncertainly.
Evelyn pushed the door open anyway.
"I don't care. This is worse."
The moment her carriage stopped, the others behind it were forced to halt as well. One by one, attendants stepped out, holding umbrellas over the queens.
Rain poured heavily, soaking the ground beneath their feet.
"It's raining, Princess, and....."
Evelyn didn't let her finish.
"Dismantle this carriage. Give me a horse."
Hera's expression darkened. "You do not interrupt me while I'm speaking."
Evelyn met her gaze, unflinching.
"And you don't tell me what to do."
Hera scoffed.
A horse was quickly brought forward. Without hesitation, Evelyn mounted it.
"But I do," Hera said sharply. "Zafil gave the order. Get down. Now."
For a brief second, Evelyn's expression softened almost as if she might obey.
Then she scoffed.
With a sharp pull of the reins, she urged the horse forward, riding off at full speed before anyone could stop her.
"Your Highness, wait!" the guards shouted, scrambling after her.
Mud splashed violently as she sped away—straight onto Hera and Dora.
They both gasped.
"Ohhhh what the fuck!"
Dora's face twisted with fury as rain and mud ruined her appearance.
She climbed back into the carriage, seething with rage no one dared challenge.
"What an uncouth bitch," she muttered coldly.
By the time Evelyn reached the palace, she was soaked from head to toe.
Yet somehow, she still carried herself with dignity.
"My lady, let me take you to your chambers," a servant said, bowing.
"I want my own room," Evelyn replied firmly. "Far from the other queens… and far from Zafil."
Even saying his name felt wrong to her.
But she would endure so long as she could keep her distance.
The servant led her through the grand halls and opened a door.
Evelyn stepped inside… and froze.
The room was enormous.
Larger than anything she had ever known.
The bed, the furniture, the decor everything was breathtaking, almost unreal.
She walked slowly, her fingers brushing against the surfaces, taking in every detail.
Magnificent.
Yet it didn't feel like home.
"You really think you can stay away from me?"
Evelyn gasped and turned sharply.
He stood by the window, leaning against the frame as if he had always been there.
Watching.
Waiting.
"You…"
Before she could say more
"Zafil! I won't tolerate that bitch!"
The door burst open.
Dora stormed in, drenched in rain and fury. Her red wings flared behind her, fully revealed.
Evelyn's eyes flickered for a second but her expression remained calm. Controlled.
"You insolent bitch" Dora snapped, stepping forward.
Before Evelyn could react
A force slammed her violently against the wall.
The impact knocked the breath out of her.
Her body lifted off the ground, suspended in the air as an invisible grip tightened around her throat.
Evelyn didn't struggle.
Didn't scream.
She simply stared silent, still.
That only made Dora angrier.
"Stop this," Zafil's voice cut through the room, cold and commanding.
Dora turned sharply. "She ruined my dress!"
Zafil's gaze flickered briefly.
"It was a fine dress," he said calmly.
Evelyn's vision began to blur.
"You're ruining it further by losing control," he continued. "Perhaps you should have it cleaned instead."
The invisible grip vanished instantly.
Evelyn's body dropped.
She didn't hit the ground.
Darkness had already claimed her.
The last thing she heard
Soft. Amused. Dangerous.
"Naughty girl."