I was sitting on my throne, my feelings in turmoil. I was afraid, yet at the same time, I wasn't paralyzed or powerless. I felt a genuine desire to keep going. It was truly confusing.
Cal told me everything was ready, we just had to wait for the hero, Zev, to enter the castle. The plan had been my idea, and all the deaths would be my fault. Even though I asked them to leave and let me face the hero and his companions alone, my allies refused to abandon me.
I stood and walked to one of the many windows in the royal hall. My gaze settled on a mage. She was beautiful, and her movements were graceful, as if she were conducting an orchestra. Slow but precise. How much spiritual energy was she using?
Without a doubt, her energy core had to be at its maximum level, or close to it. Though the concept of a "maximum level" is murky. No one truly knows the limits of power, it exists only to categorize those strong enough to defy all known means of measurement.
Her green hair contrasted with the red flames leaping from her wand. It was, without question, one of the most beautiful sights I'd ever seen.
The main gate shattered. No guards remained, they had all withdrawn.
The hero stood with an army at his back. The number of soldiers wasn't overwhelming, but executing them all at once would be a decisive victory. It would allow my successor to reclaim our territory and resume the plans to destroy the human Kingdom.
The hero scanned the area, confusion etched on his face. He didn't understand why the castle was unguarded. But it didn't make him any less cautious, unsurprising for someone who bore the title of "hero."
Vespera entered the hall, visibly nervous. Then Sorene, followed by Cal. The three exchanged glances, as if hiding something. But it no longer mattered. We were all going to die.
No, actually, it did matter. I knew Cal's plan. He feared I might refuse or oppose the resurrection scheme, as it involved forbidden spiritual practices. But in that moment, I didn't care. No one could prove we'd broken the rules, nor would we face punishment even if others found out. In my position, I could do nearly anything I wanted, so long as it didn't defy the Council.
I sat back on the throne, the three of them standing behind me. Minutes later, the hero strode into the hall. His eyes burned with the hatred humans reserve for demons. My gaze remained calm. Even though I loathed humans, I had to maintain composure and not reveal the depths of my hatred. That was the demeanor the demons expected of their Demon King, a title that was little more than ceremonial. I wasn't the true ruler, I merely held privileges.
I didn't fully understand that look in his eyes. Perhaps it was something all humans shared, this hatred for beings unlike themselves.
The hero pointed his sword at me, shouting. His voice was steady, devoid of tremors, as if he'd trained to speak in that exact tone. I let out a quiet laugh.
"What are your last words?" I asked, seconds before an explosion tore through the hall. The ceiling collapsed, crushing us all to death.
I'd always wondered where we truly go after death. I didn't know if an afterlife existed, but it would be interesting if it did. Assuming Cal's plan failed. I had no real confidence in that resurrection scheme.
I felt no pain. When I opened my eyes, I saw an intact ceiling and walls surrounding me. I was in a room, simple but cozy. I sat up, only for a splitting headache to knock me back down. Dizzy, I collapsed to the floor. Minutes later, I stood as if nothing had happened.
I was in another body, that of a five-year-old boy. The fifth son of a ruined noble family. But that wasn't the worst part.
Now, I was human.