Chapter 5: The Monster King's Mercy

Seraph's POV

“You’ll appease it in more ways than one,” he had muttered, almost under his breath. Was that… a joke? In a moment like this?

Rysand glances at him, and they share a look. Anzel clears his throat, as if to erase whatever mischief, or meaning, was hidden in that comment.

“Your village is fine. Everyone in it, including your family, remains safe.”

“You mean it? There won’t be a rampage? You swear it?”

“With everything that I am,” he says seriously. I almost believe him, yet my instincts scream caution. “You humans think so lowly of us,” he clicks his tongue.

“Why should I trust a single word you say? You could be lying through your teeth,” I hissed.

“I don’t think it is wise for you to speak to a king in such a manner. You should, in fact, be grateful to be spared.” His words strike me like a whip. I slam my spoon down onto the table and push my seat back, seething.

“Fuck this,” I mutter through clenched teeth. Just then, a black force coils around me, pressing me back into the seat with shadows curling up from the floor, holding me in place.

“What is this? Let me go!” My voice shakes as I struggle, but it is useless. I feel as if I am fused with the chair.

“Watch it,” Anzel seethed.

My breath is ragged, and my heart is hammering against my chest. What do I do?

I stop struggling.

Even if I escape, what then? Go back to my family? Would they even accept me? I could die on the way back. But if I stay… what does that mean for me ?

How can I be sure he wouldn’t come after me, and then, with my own hands, I bring about the prophecy where the vicious king destroys the entire human race, to pass? All for what? My freedom, can I risk it?

The answer is simple, No.

I have to think. There has to be a way through this madness… there has to be.

Riko, he’s waiting for me.

I reclaim my silver utensils, darkly carved, and the shadows release me. I finish the food on my plate while Rysand continues to watch me, his gaze quiet but assessing.

Once my plate is empty, I rise.

“Thank you for the meal,” I say, careful to sound polite, though my voice feels hollow.

“You seem eager to leave. Are we such dreadful company?” Rysand asks. Anzel shoots him a pointed look, and Rysand relaxes into his chair, unconcerned.

More than dreadful, the worst, I think. I look at him but remain silent, smiling politely, though it doesn’t reach my eyes.

“I’m exhausted. I don’t know why I was invited to eat with you in the first place,” I admit.

“Indulge me. Are you repulsed by the sight of us? I’m sure we’re not so horrible to look at that you’re desperate to leave. Unless… of course, you have a line of suitors waiting for you back at your human village?” Rysand teases lightly.

“I do have one,” I reply. The words escape before I can censor them. I had someone back home, someone I might have grown old with, if I hadn’t been flung into this strange place.

“Are you in love with this man?” Anzel’s deep voice rumbles across the table.

“No,” I answer. I wasn’t in love with Riko. He was simply… Safe. Even if I were in love, I’d never admit it here, not to these beings who could crush Riko with a thought.

The two men share a glance.

“And do you… love anyone else?” he asks again. I laugh—really laugh. The sound is light and bitter, disbelief mixed with amusement.

“I don’t. I was raised to be an offering, remember? I wasn’t foolish enough to play with men when I knew my fate. I… I wasn’t.”

“Is this really what you care about? If I find you more attractive than human men?” I scoff, incredulous.

“We wanted to learn more about you, since you’ll be here for a long while,” he says, glancing at Rysand. “Rysand is a good man; his pride just gets the better of him sometimes.” When I don't say anything he continues.

“Rysand and I are out most days. If you need anything, ask the staff—they’ll help,” he adds, in a gentle tone. I blink twice, caught off guard.

“Why? Why such generosity?”

“Because you did nothing. You didn’t choose this life or your fate,” Anzel murmurs. A faint warmth blooms in my chest, nearly melting the tension coiled within me.

I let out a sigh, uncertain if it’s relief or something else entirely, but the ache subsides slightly.

“Well… thank you,” I whisper.

He nods curtly, waving a dismissive hand, as if saying: You may leave now, lowly human girl.

Rysand props his head on his hand, offering a lazy, amused smile. I turn and return to my room without another word.

Maybe everything is okay for now, I'm Sure, Mom has come to peace with it—they don’t need me anyway. I hope it’s worth everything, another century of “peace,” as they say. I let out a low, bitter chuckle, shutting my eyes and pulling the sheets over my chest, letting myself drift into the quiet of sleep.

But that was only because I had no idea he was still watching me… and he never looked away.