FULL NOVELXO Chapter 26
As a demon, I was conceived to serve the princes of darkness. My entire existence was supposed to be the fulfillment of their wishes and commands. Since my childhood, I was taught to use my powers and obey every command without question, as my sole purpose was to serve the dark side. However, after participating in many battles and experiencing so much, I realized that a being without its own will was nothing more than a pawn. Although demons reach their full power at the age of 25 and do not age further, our senses and knowledge continue to develop until our death.
After decades of battling and grappling with questions in my own mind, I found peace when Baldur took me under his care. My sense of humor and the way I handled situations were a thorn in the side of the other princes, but Baldur found me amusing. Despite being a prince of darkness, I felt no pressure in his presence. The answers he provided to my questions during our private conversations helped me make my decision when the time came to choose a side. I realized that my life didn't have to revolve around doing evil, and being born a demon didn't mean I had to be evil. All the questions that had plagued my mind for so long were answered, confirming my suspicions that the whole demon training was a massive brainwashing.
After Baldur disappeared, I was assigned the young Bael as my student. I was supposed to teach him the same things I had been taught: to serve, obey, and follow the princes until our deaths. However, I quickly recognized myself in Bael, and shortly after, we both vanished from Portus Mali, the dreadful place we once called home.
Baldur had to persuade King Elior to accept me when I was ready to defect to the side of good. It was a long process that required a great deal of trust for the king to accept me as one of their own. As we fought and lived side by side, acceptance transformed into friendship, and I finally felt at home for the first time in my life.
Bael had to hide in the human world for a long time, but he always showed loyalty and his good side whenever we needed him.
The battle for Baldur's child was the worst we had seen in decades, and the princes sought revenge on their brother for the perceived betrayal. Baldur was no longer my warlord or prince; over time, he became a friend, a brother. In that battle, we lost not only Baldur and his wife, but also the queen, and everything changed that day. Elior was devastated, and I struggled to understand how a soulmate bond could lead to something so tragic. Love was unknown to me, but I desired to feel it. I learned to love not only Antaris, but every being that resided there.
Throughout the years I spent with Elior's children and Baldur's son, I learned compassion and charity. The children grew up, and through them, I, too, learned about the beautiful aspects of life, like a child discovering the world. Elior saw the change within me, and despite his hatred towards my kind for the death of his mate, he spared me. In him, I found another brother, and I remember countless days and nights when we laughed, cried, and fought side by side.
Seeing these children, now adults, finding their soulmates and starting their own families, was a blessing for me. Even Bael, whom I loved as a son, wasn't immune to love's complications. Despite his fear of losing his mate, he eventually found peace alongside Ava. When Iris was brought back home and I saw her standing before me, I felt both sadness and joy. It took me a few days to process everything and regain control of my emotions. She was my best friend's child, and I had to help her. These children meant more to me than anyone I had ever known in Portus Mali. And even though I was the oldest being on Antaris, I now felt overwhelmed in this house with a being so unfamiliar to me.
I listened to the conversation between Iris and the strange creature and all the questions Avery and Aidan had for her.
She introduced herself as Evelyn, but we could call her Lilly.
The question that echoed within me was, "What is she?"
Once we realized she was able to bypass all the demon traps, it became evident that she wasn't from the dark side. Her petite figure could be a deception, and she might be something completely different.
Her face appeared delicate, with high cheekbones that accentuated her fine features. Her pearly white teeth dazzled as she laughed, and her lips, full and pink, curved into a smile. Her emerald blue eyes, framed by a faint pink glow, seemed friendly and kind, and her peach-colored skin appeared flawless. Her long, light blonde hair cascaded in large curls, adding to her beauty. Beautiful? What am I saying? She's probably an unpredictable predator.
I had been lost in my thoughts for a while, and when the others turned to me with questioning looks, I felt like an idiot. The young woman seemed to notice my confusion, as her gaze locked with mine. As she stood up from her chair, I instinctively drew my sword. But when she took a step back, I understood who she was. A small, delicate white feather fell to the ground in the wake of her movement, revealing her true identity. I stood before her, wide-eyed and paralyzed, realizing that I was brandishing my sword at a Nephilim.
"You are a Nephilim!" I exclaimed in shock, finally comprehending who I had been threatening. For a moment, sadness flickered in her eyes when she saw my sword. However, it wasn't fear she displayed. I may be a powerful demon, immeasurable in strength to some creatures, but I was almost powerless in her presence.
While the others looked on with excitement at Lilly, Iris appeared bewildered.
"What is a Nephilim?" she asked, her confusion evident.
Before anyone could answer her question, Iris's eyes glowed red, and I knew Alatus had already answered her.
"An angel?!" Iris exclaimed, shocked by the realization of who stood before her.
"More like a half-angel... My father was an angel, and my mother was human," Lilly replied, her gaze fixed on me.
Lowering my sword, I took a step back. I was not only ashamed that I had pointed my weapon at such a powerful being, but also embarrassed that I hadn't recognized who stood before me. I had heard of Nephilim, but in all my years of existence, I had never encountered a half-angel.
After apologizing, I left the house to gather my thoughts. I felt relief hearing her laughter and conversation with the others inside. She must think I'm an arrogant and foolish demon. A strange mixture of excitement and overwhelm coursed through me. The conversation she had with Avery and Iris seemed serious, and after some time, Avery called me over to leave.
"Lilly will accompany us. It appears she is no longer safe here, and we share the same enemies. We are bringing her to Antaris, and Jade and Noah will return home as well," Avery instructed as we gathered in front of Jade's portal.
Iris was delighted that her friends were heading home and shed tears of joy. Lately, she seemed quite emotional.
The others jumped through the portal with their Amicus, and Lilly and Jade were the only ones left. I quickly noticed that Lilly was hesitant to trust the strange entity that the others had jumped through, so without hesitation, I went to her and lifted her into my arms.
"Hold on tight," I whispered to her, knowing that we would pass through the portal together.
The journey through the portal only took a few moments, but this time it felt too short. Her body pressed against mine, her arms around my neck, intensifying her sweet rose scent. I held my breath, as if that would prevent her intoxicating aroma from clouding my senses. As we emerged on the other side of the portal, I carefully set her down. Avery shot me a mischievous grin, as if knowing something I didn't.
An army stood before the portal, prepared to intervene as commanded by Avery if the need arose. Before I could fully comprehend the situation, two magnificent and powerful wings unfurled from Lilly's back. Her body adorned with shiny white feathers tipped with pink and purple. With a simple wave of her hand, the entire army was knocked to the ground as if struck by a shockwave.
"Lilly, wait!" Iris exclaimed, shocked at the immense power emanating from such a petite woman.
Avery and Iris apologized to Lilly and explained the situation. However, she turned to me, her wings vanishing, and asked with a serious expression, "They didn't attack you?"
Although I usually greeted every situation with humor and playful banter, this girl standing before me once again rendered me speechless. She believed the army would attack me because I was a demon, and she protected me. Why would such a perfect being defend someone like me?