Liora and Morian stood side by side in the dim light of the Hall of Relics, the enchanted journal open between them. The runes on the parchment glowed with each distant thunderclap, casting flickering shadows across Morian's impassive face—and across Liora's tense shoulders.
A faint click suddenly echoed behind them. Both turned, hands instinctively moving toward their weapons—until a familiar figure stepped through the passage: Luziel, the young knight-in-training who had once served Liora as her loyal aide in the demon army… and now served Morian.
Luziel's golden hair, radiant as a false angel's, was immaculately braided, absurdly matching his smug smile and overconfident air. His armor gleamed despite the storm. He halted midway, his eyes widening at the sight of Liora holding the glowing journal, and Morian watching her intently.
"Liora!" he exclaimed, torn between relief and confusion. "By the Heavens, are you alright? I sensed a strange pulse of magic—"
"I'm fine," Liora replied, lowering the book. "But it's probably a trap. We're investigating."
Luziel stepped closer, inspecting the rune script. "A protection spell… I've only seen barriers like this in relics stored in the Grand Archive." He ran a finger over one line. "If you're not careful, it could drain your life force and seal your soul."
Morian shot him a sharp look. "Thank you, Luziel. Your insight is appreciated. Now, bring the censor sigil kit from my bag and prepare a protection circle by the eastern pillar. No delays."
Luziel arched an eyebrow and muttered under his breath, "Of course, my lord. What dazzling command will come next?"—before moving to obey.
He hesitated. "Sir—"
"Now," Morian repeated, calm but firm.
Luziel sighed and retrieved a leather pouch. He rummaged through it, pulling out chalk rods and an ink vial, then knelt by the pillar to draw glowing runes on the floor.
Liora watched him, a smile in her voice. "Hey, Morian, you don't have to order him around like he's your minio—"
Morian didn't look up. "I've had centuries of practice," he muttered. "And giving orders gets things done." He made a subtle gesture, and Luziel dipped his brush into the ink, beginning to trace a perfect circle of protective symbols.
Liora stepped closer. "You know, back when you were still the Demon King, I used to boss you around like that."
Luziel froze mid-stroke. "Wait… you were General Liora?"
"Oh, I was," Liora said with a grin. "And twice as ruthless as you remember." She winked, and Luziel turned red, quickly going back to drawing.
Morian finally turned, arms crossed. "Enough nostalgia. We have a diary that's practically begging to explode."
Luziel finished the circle and stepped back. "It's ready."
Morian nodded, extending a hand. "Liora."
She placed the journal on a small stone altar at the center. Morian ran a finger over the faded cover, whispering words in Infernal—words that danced across the surface like living shadows. The journal opened itself to the first page.
Neatly written lines filled the parchment, in a sharp, angular script. Liora leaned in, peering over Morian's shoulder:
> "In service to the Veil, I record these transgressions... The Scarlet Brotherhood has infiltrated the Chapel of Dawn. Their blood hymn shall echo at midnight in the Sanctum. Beware the inverted rose; it marks the traitor among us."
Liora swallowed hard. "They're targeting the chapel… at midnight." She glanced at her pocket watch. Ten minutes to midnight. "Which means… now."
Morian's violet eyes narrowed. "We need to move. Fast."
Luziel sprang to his feet, nearly knocking over a small relic. "What do I do?"
Morian remained composed, but his tone held unmistakable command. "Seal every exit, alert the guards, and set up protective wards around the altar. And move quickly."
"Yes, sir… as you command," Luziel replied with a crooked grin. "Not that I don't love being ordered around like a pageboy." He turned and sprinted toward the exit.
Liora shook her head, managing a smile despite the tension. "He still thinks that whole 'supreme commander' tone impresses me…"
Morian gave her a faintly amused look. "I doubt he'll ever graduate."
Together, Morian and Liora raced through the corridors toward the Chapel of Dawn. When they arrived, breathless, the grand doors stood slightly ajar, moonlight spilling through the gap.
Inside, dozens of hooded cultists chanted around an altar where a single red rose lay upside down, its petals dripping blood. Silver-robed acolytes raised their hands in eerie unison, their voices blending into a haunting hymn.
Liora's pulse quickened. "They're already here."
Morian placed a hand on her shoulder. "On my signal…"
He raised his other hand, and the air shimmered as he weaved a protective sigil. Outside, Luziel's voice rang out:
"All exits sealed! Shields are up!"
Morian raised an eyebrow, his smile a blend of approval and amusement. "Excellent."
Liora drew her sword, the blade humming with latent light. She glanced at Morian—then charged forward.
"Let's end this poetry recital."
Morian nodded, violet eyes glowing coldly. "After you, General."
Liora leapt onto the altar, scattering petals and breaking the cultists' rhythm. Screams rang out as Morian followed like a shadow, unraveling dark sigils and dispelling the Brotherhood's enchantments.
Luziel, summoned by Morian's silent call, rushed in to seal off the fleeing acolytes with divine light.
In minutes, the threat was neutralized. The chapel fell silent, save for their ragged breathing—and the soft fall of a single petal.
Liora sheathed her sword and exchanged a glance with Morian. He offered a slight bow—half respectful, half playfully mocking.
"Nice work," she said. "Still got that 'underworld king' flair."
Morian inclined his head. "And you still shine like a proper demon general."
Luziel approached, panting. "Sir, Lady Liora… the chapel—and the city—are secure."
Liora ruffled his hair. "Good job, kid." Luziel muttered, "Ah yes, nothing like running down stairs barking orders at myself."
Morian laid a hand on his shoulder, rare warmth in the gesture. "You've earned a rest. But tomorrow—early training. As usual."
Luziel groaned. "Of course."
Liora gave one last glance at the scattered petals, still faintly glowing. "Well, that was fun."
Morian flashed a cryptic smile. "Shall we? Now that we know what's in the book… I demand tea and cake. And no sonnets for at least a day."
Liora raised a brow. "I'll do my best."
Side by side, former general and former boss, with their paladin-now-minister trailing behind, they stepped out of the chapel—ready for the next disaster, the next secret, and whatever chaos Liora was sure to attract next.