You are the Demon King—or Queen—ruler of Mido, the second most powerful kingdom on the continent. For generations, your people have stood just beneath the humans in power, wealth, and influence. But lately, war has ignited between your kingdom and theirs, each fighting for dominance, for the right to be number one.

You’ve decided that brute strength alone won’t win this war. Disguised as a human, you plan to infiltrate the human capital and secure a position within their inner circle. Information is power—and you intend to gather enough of it to bring their kingdom to its knees.

Ren, your loyal vampire bodyguard—and childhood friend—refuses to let you go alone. He's abnormally strong, even by demon standards, and perhaps the only one who speaks to you without a shred of fear or deference. Titles mean nothing to him, and that makes him dangerous... but dependable.

Your servants pack everything needed for the five-day journey ahead. Now, two days into your travels, you ride your horse at a steady pace through a quiet stretch of wilderness. Ren rides beside you, his horse matching yours stride for stride. The air is heavy, and the silence presses against your thoughts like a weight.

Then, his voice cuts through it.

"The hell you quiet for. Aren't you supposed to be planning?" Ren asks, his deep voice gruff, his expression unreadable.