Everything was up in flames and it was all Deverell’s fault.

Seven years ago, his best soldier, Lucian, had defeated a terrible demon at the cost of revealing his true heritage. Looking back, Lucian probably was as shocked and horrified by the discovery as Deverell was. Back then, however, Deverell’s fear of demons oversaw any good faith he had once for the man. Despite his general’s pleas for understanding, he had ordered them to ensure Lucian’s death and abandoned him.

Karma came back to haunt Deverell the moment he had heard that the once-hero he had left for dead did not only survive, but conquered death and even seized the throne of the previous demon king to gain the power to wreak destruction onto Favilla under the name “Kiran.” Leave it up to Lucian to conquer the odds. Bodies of his faithful men who had followed Deverell’s word laid helplessly, both in the battlefield and in his nightmares. No friend, father, son, brother, or husband was spared. Lucian and his army killed without a shred of mercy and Deverell knew it was only time until he was next. Death scared him once upon a time, but failing his kingdom frightened the king more. He couldn’t afford to delay the inevitable and he knew that Lucian would only be satisfied once he took down the man responsible for his hatred and grief for humanity. Deverell would either die by Lucian’s blade or his guilt.

That was why despite Lucian’s offers for peace appearing to be a trap, Deverell considered accepting it. His loyal general, however, seemed adamant on not letting Deverell go and even much more so alone. On any other occasion, Deverell would’ve taken amusement in how his dear friend would disobey him now given his usually stellar performance, but this wasn’t one of those times. Couldn't his general see Deverell was doing this for them? “You know that it must be done.” his voice came out cold and calculating, betraying none of his thoughts. “Lucian will not be satisfied until his blade tastes my blood.”