Location:Lower Realm — Academy outskirts / Zhū'kethara — Ren's private chambersDate/Time:Mid Voidmarch, 9939 AZI
Realm:Lower Realm / Demon Realm (Upper Realm)
The frost crunched under Heiteng's boots.
Dawn. The ridge behind the Academy, the stone walls distant, the training yard bells not yet ringing. Cold air. Pine and ice and the faint ozone of dampening formations still dissipating from yesterday's tournament. Heiteng held the communication crystal between two fingers — demon-crafted, keyed to the royal frequency — and activated it.
The crystal pulsed. Connected.
Ren's image appeared — faint, translucent. Purple eyes. Raven-black hair. Jade pendant at his throat. Early morning light through the narrow windows of his private chambers.
"Heiteng."
"I found both of them."
Ren went still. Not the king's stillness — that was a tool. This was the man underneath.
"Both." His voice was careful. "My mate?"
"Yes. And the silver queen."
