THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Count Nicalo's eyes gleamed with an unsettling curiosity as he studied David and Luna, his gaze lingering on the sharp tension in their postures. The hostility was palpable, almost tangible in the air, and it amused him. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as if weighing his next words. His lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't reach his eyes.

"I must admit," Nicalo began smoothly, "I've heard quite the tale. Is it true, David? Did you really survive a clash with a being said to rival the might of the General of the Solarian Empire?"

David met Nicalo's gaze with unflinching resolve, his disgust simmering just beneath the surface. He could see through the count's charade now, see the flickers of something far more sinister lurking behind those silvered eyes. His grip on Frostfang tightened beneath the table as he replied coldly, "Let's not waste time with this game, Count Nicalo. We both know you're the one who attacked me in Aethelwarin."

The room seemed to grow colder as silence stretched between them. Nicalo's eyes widened, the mask of politeness slipping for just a moment before he let out a low, velvety chuckle. "Well, well, how intriguing." He leaned forward, resting his chin on his clasped hands. "How did you know? Even Salomonis, with all his vigilance, could never detect me. He eventually abandoned his little investigation. Yet you…" He trailed off, studying David with newfound interest.

David's glare hardened. "It doesn't matter how I know. What matters is that I do. I can see through your tricks,

demon

."

Nicalo's laughter deepened, taking on a malevolent edge. He covered his mouth with one hand, his shoulders shaking as he spoke between chuckles. "Impressive. Truly, whatever skill you possess is extraordinary. You've managed to uncover what so many others could not. I must admit, David, you're far more intriguing than I initially thought."

David had had enough. His patience snapped like a frayed thread as he shot to his feet, Frostfang gleaming in the dim light. "What do you want from me?" he demanded, kicking the table aside with a sharp crack. The impact sent the tray of breakfast clattering to the ground, the sound reverberating through the room.

Luna shifted slightly, positioning herself between David and Nicalo, her claws glinting as her golden eyes bore into the demon's form. Her low growl filled the space, a warning that promised swift retaliation.

But David wasn't planning to fight. His true goal lay elsewhere. He had already begun inching toward the window, his movements subtle but deliberate.

There's no way I can take him head-on,

David thought grimly.

Not yet.

Nicalo, ever perceptive, tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he noticed David's shift. "Ah," he said with a note of amusement, "you're thinking of fleeing, aren't you? Smart, I'll give you that. But unnecessary." He raised a hand, palm outward, as if to calm the tension. "Relax, young De Gor. I'm not here to cause trouble. Not today, at least."

David didn't relax. His muscles remained coiled like a spring, ready to launch him toward the window at the first sign of danger. "If you're not here for trouble, then what do you want?"

Nicalo leaned back in his chair again, his predatory smile returning. "An invitation," he said smoothly. "I'm here to extend an invitation to join my ranks. Someone of your talents, your… vision, would make a valuable ally."

David's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "Join you?" he spat, the disgust in his voice unmistakable. "You must be delusional if you think I'd ever align myself with your kind."

Nicalo's smile didn't falter. "Think about it," he said, his tone almost conversational. "The power, the freedom. You could rise above the petty squabbles of mortals and carve a legacy for yourself. A legacy that would be remembered for centuries."

David's jaw tightened. "Save your pitch. I'm not interested."

Nicalo sighed, his expression briefly tinged with mock disappointment. "Such a shame. But no matter. The offer stands, should you ever change your mind." He rose gracefully from his seat, his movements fluid and unhurried, as though he had all the time in the world.

"I'll leave you to think it over," Nicalo said, turning toward the door. But before he left, he glanced back, his smile sharp enough to cut. "And David? Be careful. The game has only just begun."

As the door clicked shut behind him, David and Luna exchanged a glance, their resolve unspoken but firm. Whatever game Nicalo intended to play, they would be ready or so they thought.

****

As Count Nicalo stepped out of David's room, his thoughts were a whirlwind of curiosity and dark amusement.

How did he know?

David's ability to see through his guise had been nothing short of impressive, and it intrigued him. There was no record of the De Gor family being aware of the demon factions, much less knowing of the specific plan to unleash chaos. The existence of demons was supposed to be a secret, a whispered legend kept hidden in the shadows. Yet David had seen through him, had known.

A slow smile spread across Nicalo's face as he walked down the dimly lit corridor, his footsteps echoing like the ticking of a clock.

Perhaps the De Gor boy is more than he seems.

The smile turned darker, and the air around him seemed to grow colder. Nicalo's true form began to emerge—his face flickering with the first hint of the corruption beneath his human disguise. Red eyes blinked open across his skin, a manifestation of his demonic nature. They were eyes of fire, glowing with malevolent intent, each one watching from a different angle. His true self was far more monstrous, and this form, this illusion of a human, was nothing more than a shell he had borrowed.

David… you're interesting.

His mind wandered to the boy's potential, his fate yet undecided. But deep down, Nicalo already knew. No matter what path David chose, it would end the same. The demons would bring about chaos, and David would either join or be crushed beneath their heel.

Nicalo's lips curled into a predatory grin, his thoughts filled with visions of David's despair.

Once I break you, boy, I'll savor every moment. I'll watch the light fade from your eyes as you realize you were always just a pawn.

His tongue flicked out, tasting the air, imagining the sweetness of David's inevitable downfall.

The demons would have their chaos, and 'Nicalo' would make sure that David was the one to feel it most keenly.

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