On the day of the funeral, the sky was draped in gray, as if even the gods wept for the fallen. All the noble families of the kingdom gathered in the great white marble courtyard, where the king—clad in a black robe trimmed with gold—presided over the ceremony. In a solemn voice, he swore vengeance for the realm, promising to eradicate the demonic cult without leaving a trace.

  Each lineage had its designated crypt, where the names of their own were engraved for eternity. At the Carter family tomb, Lusian stood beside Emily as she bid farewell to her brother through silent tears. Alejandro Jones, the deceased's closest friend, was there as well. His usually calm expression was now overwhelmed by grief.

  "I'm so 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 of yourself. I see you as a brother too. I don't want to lose anyone else."

  Alejandro nodded, but as he stepped back, his eyes met Lusian's. In that instant, a dark impulse overtook 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 his fangs, his gaze locked onto Alejandro. The magical aura surrounding the beast forced the young man to retreat, frozen with fear.

  "Lusian, please, don't hurt him!" Emily cried out.

  "Larryet isn't like Umber," Lusian 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. Despite the overwhelming pressure of its presence, he remained steady.

  "Easy, my friend," he murmured. Slowly, the beast lowered its head.

  "Control your emotions, Alejandro. Next time, you may not be so lucky."

  Jones said nothing. He stepped back and walked away, trying to hide his trembling. Emily approached Lusian, concerned.

  "What was that?"

  "Your friend," Lusian answered evenly. "He radiated intense hatred. Larryet simply reacted on instinct."

  "I'm sorry. I'll speak to him. It must have been a misunderstanding."

  "Don't worry. I understand. If someone took the love of my life from me, I would feel anger too."

  Emily looked at him, startled.

  "You're mistaken. Alejandro and I are only friends. I see him as a brother, and he sees me the same way. Don't misunderstand."

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  A faint smile touched Lusian's lips.

  "You're too innocent, Emily. But I understand. If I had grown up with you… I would have fallen in love as well."

  Her cheeks flushed crimson. Realizing his mistake, Lusian lowered his gaze.

  "I'm sorry. This wasn't the moment."

  The rest of the ceremony passed without incident. As evening fell, Lusian rejoined his mother.

  "Mother, the ceremony is over," he said.

  "Yes," Sofía replied, gazing toward 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 accompany you."

  Sofía arched a brow, amused.

  "Since when do you enjoy these gatherings? Or does this have something to do with Princess Elizabeth?"

  "No, Mother," he said, looking away. "I simply want to accompany you."

  "Oh, of course," she replied with a teasing smile. "Says the young man who was seen locked inside a theater with the princess. Should I be concerned?"

  "We were only rehearsing a play," Lusian answered nervously. "Nothing more."

  "Do not get yourself into trouble," Sofía sighed. "It seems everything happening in this kingdom revolves around you lately."

  When mother and son arrived at the private salon reserved for the meeting with the queen, they found Andrew and Elizabeth already there. At the sight of the princess, Lusian felt his mind quiet. Elizabeth's mere presence eased the weight of memories from his former life—just as, in another world, gazing upon the Demon Queen had once soothed his restless longing for the unattainable.

  While Sofía and Queen Adelaine spoke, the young nobles sat together over tea.

  "Lord Lusian," Elizabeth greeted with unusual formality, prompting Andrew to glance at her in surprise.

  "Prince. Princess," he replied serenely. "How have you been?"

  "After what happened," Andrew said, "we can say we're well enough, considering the circumstances."

  "What matters is that you are safe," Lusian replied, taking a measured sip of tea.

  "I heard you were injured," Elizabeth said in a formal tone. "Have you recovered?"

  "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am much improved."

  Andrew watched them with growing discomfort.

  "Enough. What is going on between you two? This atmosphere is… far too strange."

  "Brother, don't start," Elizabeth cut in firmly. "You should join Mother and learn from her discussion. It is part of your duty as future king. Lord Lusian, would you accompany me for a walk?"

  "If it pleases the princess," he replied with a slight bow.

  "They're leaving me out," Andrew muttered, resigned as he watched them depart together.

  They walked in silence through the palace corridors 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 are you talking about?"

  "You were injured. I heard nothing from you. You could have sent at least one letter. I was worried."

  "You know I cannot send messages to the palace," Lusian replied. "Besides, why the attitude?"

  "Why?" Elizabeth clenched her fists. "Do you think it's pleasant to see your… 'boyfriend' embracing another woman?"

  Lusian raised a brow.

  "Boyfriend? I wasn't aware I was."

  "You stole my first kiss," she muttered, flushed with anger and embarrassment. "You should take responsibility."

  "Perhaps if you asked me to be your boyfriend," he said, stepping closer, "I might consider it."

  "You do realize you are speaking to royalty?"

  "And you realize you are speaking to the heir of House Douglas."

  Elizabeth struck his chest in frustration until her voice faltered.

  "Do you… want… to be my boyfriend?"

  Lusian leaned in and whispered near her ear.

  "I'll think about it."

  "You shameless man!" she exclaimed, mortified. "No one dares speak to me that way."

  "Then it will be our secret," he replied with a smile, before kissing her softly.

  Hours later, when the meeting concluded, Queen Adelaine addressed her children sternly.

  "The academy will suspend classes for a month. We will use that time to strengthen our alliances. Is that understood?"

  "Yes, Mother," the siblings answered in unison.

  "Elizabeth," Adelaine added, "where did you go with Lusian? I have warned you that you must not be seen together. It could spark rumors."

  "Don't worry, Mother. No one saw us. We were only discussing his health."

  "Do not play with fire, my daughter. I forbid you from meeting him alone. Is that clear?"

  Elizabeth lowered her head.

  "Yes, Mother."