The Silence and The Storm: Chapter 15

The silence that followed the magical explosion was worse than any scream. 

High above the palace, watching through a smoky window cloaked in shadow, the Demon King smiled. He didn’t need to be in the ballroom; the single act of hatred from the Baroness, fueled by the raw truth-magic of the Button, had shattered the court’s fragile illusion. His work was done—for now. 

The sapphire light of Evelyne’s transformation, the chaos, and the terrified scattering of nobles proved his point: they were weak, selfish, and easily turned against each other. 

“The girl thinks she found truth,” the Demon King hissed, voice dry and rasping. “But she gave me a window—a sacrifice I will use.” 

He watched the young Prince Arin move, instinctively shielding Evelyne amid the smoke and shadows of the encroaching minions. A fool, but a useful one. 

The kingdom of Swenders now teetered on the edge. Its peace, its safety, its very soul had been offered up—and broken. Lies would rush in to fill the void left behind by a shattered truth. 

The Demon King settled back into the night sky, his power swelling with every pulse of fear rising from the palace. The first sacrifice had been made. And the price of truth was only just beginning.