On the day of the funeral, the sky was draped in gray, as if even the gods mourned the fallen. All the noble families of the kingdom gathered in the great white marble courtyard, where the king—clad in a black robe with golden edges—presided over the ceremony. With a solemn voice, he swore vengeance for the kingdom, promising to eradicate the demonic cult without leaving a trace.
Each lineage had its designated crypt, where the names of their kin would be engraved for eternity. At the Carter family tomb, Lusian stood beside Emily as she bid farewell to her brother with silent tears. Alejandro Jones, the deceased's closest friend, was there as well. His usually composed expression was now overtaken by grief.
—I'm sorry I wasn't there to help your brother —Alejandro said, his voice breaking—. But you can count on me for anything you need.
—Thank you —Emily whispered, accepting his embrace—. My brother cared about you deeply. You don't have to blame yourself.
—Manuel was more than a friend to me —he replied, staring at the coffin—. He was like a brother. And you are too, Emily. If you ever need anything, just tell me.
—Thank you, Alejandro… and please, take care. I don't want to lose anyone else.
Alejandro nodded, but as he stepped back, his eyes met Lusian's. In that instant, something dark stirred within him—a surge of hatred so intense that even the air seemed to tighten. Larryet, the majestic magical lion guarding Lusian, growled fiercely and bared its fangs, its gaze locked onto Alejandro. The magical aura surrounding the beast forced the young man to step back, frozen with fear.
—Lusian, please, don't hurt him! —Emily cried out.
—Larryet isn't like Umber —he replied calmly, without taking his eyes off the lion—. I can't control him. Only my mother can.
He stepped forward until he stood before the creature. Even under the overwhelming weight of its presence, he held his ground.
—Easy, my friend —he murmured, and the beast slowly lowered its head—. Control your emotions, Alejandro. Next time, you might not be so lucky.
Alejandro said nothing. He stepped back and walked away, trying to hide his trembling. Emily approached, worried.
—What was that?
—Your friend —Lusian said calmly—. He gave off a strong hatred. Larryet simply reacted on instinct.
—I'm sorry. I'll talk to him. It must have been a misunderstanding.
—Don't worry. I understand. If someone took away the love of my life, I'd feel anger too.
Emily looked at him, surprised.
—You're mistaken. Alejandro and I are just friends. I see him as a brother, and he sees me the same way. Don't misunderstand.
Lusian smiled faintly.
—You're too innocent, Emily. But I understand. If I had grown up with you… I would have fallen in love too.
Emily's cheeks flushed. Realizing his mistake, Lusian lowered his gaze.
—I'm sorry. This wasn't the moment for that.
The rest of the ceremony passed without incident. By evening, Lusian rejoined his mother.
—Mother, the ceremony is over —he said.
—Yes —Sofía replied, gazing at the horizon—. But I must meet with the queen. If you're tired, you may return to the mansion.
—No, it's fine. I'll go with you.
Sofía arched an eyebrow, amused.
—Since when do you enjoy these gatherings? Or does it have something to do with Princess Elizabeth?
—No, Mother —he said, looking away—. I just want to accompany you.
—Of course —she replied with a playful smile—. The same boy who was seen locked in a theater with the princess. Should I be concerned?
—We were just rehearsing a play —Lusian answered nervously—. Nothing more.
—Don't get into trouble —Sofía sighed—. It seems everything in this kingdom revolves around you lately.
When mother and son arrived at the chamber reserved for the meeting with the queen, they found Andrew and Elizabeth already there. Upon seeing the princess, Lusian felt his mind settle. Her presence alone eased the weight of memories from his previous life—just as the sight of the demon queen once had in another world, when he dreamed of the unattainable.
While Sofía and Queen Adelaine spoke, the young nobles sat together for tea.
—Lord Lusian —Elizabeth greeted him with unusual formality, prompting Andrew to glance at her in surprise.
—Prince, Princess —he replied calmly—. How have you been?
—After everything that happened —Andrew said—, we can say we're still well, all things considered.
—What matters is that you are safe —Lusian replied, taking a measured sip of tea.
—I heard you were injured —Elizabeth added, her tone formal—. Have you recovered?
—Thank you for your concern, Princess. I am much better now.
Andrew watched them with growing discomfort.
—Alright, that's enough. What's going on between you two? This atmosphere is… too strange.
—Brother, don't start —Elizabeth interrupted firmly—. You should join Mother and learn from her discussion. It's part of your duty as future king. Lord Lusian, would you accompany me for a walk?
—If the princess wishes —he replied with a slight bow.
—I'm being left out —Andrew muttered as he watched them leave.
They walked in silence through the palace halls until they reached a chamber adorned with golden tapestries. There, Elizabeth stopped and looked at him directly.
—Why didn't you write to me?
—What do you mean?
—You were injured. I heard nothing from you. You could have sent a letter. I was worried.
—You know I can't send messages to the palace —Lusian replied—. Besides, why that attitude?
—Why? —Elizabeth clenched her fists—. Do you think it's pleasant to see your… "boyfriend" embracing another woman?
Lusian raised an eyebrow.
—Boyfriend? I didn't know I was.
—I gave you my first kiss —she muttered, flushed with anger and embarrassment—. You should take responsibility.
—Maybe if you asked me to be your boyfriend —he said, stepping closer—, I'd consider it.
—You realize you're speaking to royalty, right?
—And you realize you're speaking to the heir of House Douglas.
Elizabeth struck his chest in frustration until her voice broke.
—Do you… want to be… my boyfriend?
Lusian leaned in and whispered near her ear.
—I'll think about it.
—Shameless! —she exclaimed, flustered—. No one dares speak to me like that.
—Then it will be our secret —he said with a smile, before gently kissing her.
Hours later, when the meeting concluded, Adelaine addressed her children sternly.
—The academy will suspend classes for one month. We will use this time to strengthen our alliances. Understood?
—Yes, Mother —the princes replied in unison.
—Elizabeth —Adelaine added—, where did you go with Lusian? I warned you not to be seen alone with him. It could cause rumors.
—Don't worry, Mother. No one saw us. We were just talking about his health.
—Do not play with fire, daughter. I forbid you from meeting him alone. Do you understand?
Elizabeth lowered her head.
—Yes, Mother.