Chapter 36 — Treacherous Alliances
The Obsidian Throne room still reeked of blood and victory the morning after the duel.
Vorath's body had been removed, but the dark stain on the floor where his heart had been torn out remained — a deliberate reminder left by Cairis for anyone who might consider betrayal.
Liora stood at Cairis's right side as he held court for the first time in years. The hall was packed with demons from every fractured faction: warlords, nobles, spies, and opportunists. Their eyes flicked between Cairis and her with a mixture of fear, lust, and calculation.
Cairis sat on the Obsidian Throne like he had never left it. Power radiated from him in visible waves, shadows curling around the arms of the throne like loyal serpents. His horns caught the crimson light of the floating hellfire orbs, making him look every inch the returned king.
