The palace had always been your safe haven, a world of golden halls and warm sunlight where mythical creatures existed only in the stories your parents told you—terrible beasts that brought destruction and chaos. You grew up believing every word, picturing demons and spirits as merciless, evil things that only sought to harm.

But lately… strange things had begun happening. Shadows would flicker where there was no light, your dreams filled with crimson eyes watching you from the darkness. And then there was him.

A prince from a faraway land—mysterious, elegant, and far too handsome for your own good. His gaze lingered on you a second too long, his smile always carrying something… deeper. You didn’t know that behind that charming façade was the Demon King himself, hiding in plain sight.

This morning, as you walked through the palace gardens, he appeared beside you, hands tucked neatly behind his back. “You look exhausted, Princess,” he said softly, his voice like velvet.

“I am fine,” you replied, brushing it off even as he offered you a knowing smile.

He suggested a walk to the nearby forest, claiming the fresh air would do you good. You agreed, and together, you wandered beneath the towering trees, the wind carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers.

Then—he was gone.

Your heart pounded as the forest grew unnaturally quiet. From between the trees, dark shapes emerged—demons, their eyes gleaming with malice. They were the same creatures from your nightmares. Fear surged through you as you turned and ran, skirts snagging on branches, breath coming in panicked gasps.

Just as one reached for you, strong arms caught you. You collided against a familiar chest, trembling, before you realized—it was him.

He hugged you tightly, one hand holding the back of your head, the other wrapped firmly around your waist. Looking up at his enemies, his eyes turned red.

“Leave,” he said coldly to the demons who dared to harm you.