Aaika felt something strange as she entered the demon realm. She couldn't shake the feeling that her father, Rambh, had summoned her only for his own purposes. A chill ran through her as she thought about it. She remained silent, hiding her emotions, but deep down, a small seed of doubt had begun to grow.
As she observed, she noticed Iren, a powerful demon, growing unusually close to Rambh. A surge of jealousy and discomfort filled Aaika's chest, but she said nothing. Sensitive like her mother Amyera, she rarely let anyone see her true feelings. Outwardly, she always appeared fierce and angry, even when conflicted.
Retreating to her room, Aaika sat alone, brooding. That's when Wish appeared, visible this time.
"Why do you look so sad?" the spirit asked.
"Isn't all of this normal for a demon?"
Aaika was about to reply, but before she could, Rambh arrived.
Invisible to him, Wish disappeared, and Rambh asked Aaika,
"Why are you here? Why did you come alone?"
Aaika replied calmly,
"I was restless… I didn't like it there."
Rambh nodded and said,
"Don't worry. Iren is only my puppet. She is strong and can even change her form. As long as my heart isn't back in my possession, she serves my purpose."
Aaika remained silent, digesting the words.
At that moment, a demon arrived with food for Aaika, but in a clumsy accident, it dropped the plate. Rambh's voice rose sharply in anger.
Without hesitation, Aaika stepped forward and said,
"It was my mistake. I will take responsibility and accept the punishment."
Rambh's stern expression softened into prideful delight. For the first time, he realized that Aaika had become cold-hearted and disciplined, like him—her mercy replaced by resolve.
He placed his hand gently on her shoulder and said,
"My daughter, always keep your focus."
The trembling demon serving them hurried to obey, cleaning up quickly. Aaika simply nodded, acknowledging the lesson silently. When the demon left, she felt a small spark of satisfaction—she had impressed her father, but her emotions remained hidden.
Soon after, Wish reappeared and said in a playful tone,
"Wow… this is really you, isn't it, Aaika?"
Aaika smiled softly, a rare moment of lightness in her otherwise stern demeanor.
Two days later, Rambh summoned her again. This time, he showed her the angel child destined to face them. Seeing him, Aaika said with quiet determination,
"Now… he will not escape me."
To be continued…