---
While Chirag stayed in the human world, slowly building trust and changing minds, Siya was deep in the demon realm, preparing for the inevitable. She knew peace wouldn't come easily. She could feel it in the whispers of magic, in the shifting energies of the world, and in the sudden silence from the gods.
Something big was coming.
And it would begin with blood.
Siya, once the kind and curious daughter of the Demon King, had changed since the day she gave Chirag her powers. Though Chirag now carried immortality and fire within him, Siya remained powerful in her own right. Her strength wasn't just in spells or swords—it was in her heart. Unshakable. Fierce. Loyal.
That's why the demon realm trusted her.
Even after her father's mysterious disappearance years ago, the demon people looked to Siya for guidance. She wasn't their queen, but they treated her like one. She protected them, trained the young warriors, made peace among rival demon clans, and led with both love and steel.
And now, she was preparing for war.
In the hidden training grounds of Crimson Hollow, Siya stood in the center of a ring of fire, blindfolded. Ten elite demon warriors surrounded her, each armed with enchanted weapons. A test of instinct and control.
"Begin," she said calmly.
They charged without hesitation.
The air filled with sparks, blades, and the hum of dark energy. Siya moved like wind and shadow. Her blade danced in her hand, not with fury but precision. She struck disarming blows, never lethal. Her power surged with each step, guided not by anger, but purpose.
When the last warrior fell to his knees, panting and smiling in defeat, Siya removed her blindfold. Her eyes were calm, sharp like moonlight.
"You've grown stronger," said Kael, her second-in-command and childhood friend.
"So have they," she replied, helping one of the warriors up. "But strength won't be enough. We'll need unity. The gods won't hold back."
Kael stepped closer, lowering his voice. "We received a message today… from one of our spies near the High Ruler's fortress. They're gathering armies. And they've started capturing demon travelers. Torturing them for information."
Siya's hand tightened on her blade. "And Chirag?"
"He's safe. For now. But I don't know for how long."
She turned to the warriors and raised her voice. "We no longer have the luxury of time. The gods want control, and they see Chirag as a threat to their power. They'll come for him soon. But to get to him… they'll have to face me first."
The warriors bowed, their voices echoing: "For the Princess. For the Flame."
---
That night, Siya walked alone through the ancient garden behind her family's palace. Flowers bloomed in colors no human had ever seen—vibrant blues, glowing violets, and fire-red roses that whispered when touched.
This was her safe place.
It was also where she last saw her father.
The Demon King, once feared by gods and rulers alike, had vanished without a word. Some believed he was killed by the Rulers in secret. Others believed he gave himself to the darkness to protect his daughter.
Siya didn't know the truth.
But she hoped—just maybe—he was still watching. Still protecting her, from wherever he was.
She stopped before a tall stone with her father's name carved into it and knelt.
"I'm doing what I can, Father," she whispered. "Chirag has become something more than we ever imagined. And I will protect him, no matter what. Even if the gods come with all their wrath… I won't run."
A breeze swept through the garden, stirring the flowers. For a moment, it almost felt like a reply.
---
Far away, in a silver tower floating above the skies, the Rulers of Light watched Siya's movements through a pool of divine water. At the center of the chamber stood the High Ruler Lysandor, tall and cold, his golden eyes filled with contempt.
"She trains like a queen," he said. "But she is only a child playing with fire."
Another ruler, a woman with glowing hair named Selmira, frowned. "She's more than that, Lysandor. If she sides fully with the boy, we may not be able to control this war."
"She has already chosen," Lysandor snapped. "She gave him her power. She defied our laws. She will burn with the rest of the demons."
A third ruler, quieter than the rest, spoke softly. "And what of Chirag? He's gaining support among the humans. Even the royal blood has started to believe in him."
Lysandor turned sharply. "Then we crush him before the belief spreads."
He raised his staff, light swirling around it.
"Send the divine beasts. Tear through their lands. We will remind the world who holds the true power."
---
Back in Crimson Hollow, Siya stood before a map of the realms, marking points where the gods might attack first. She was ready to lead. Ready to protect. But deep in her heart, there was something else—fear.
Not fear for herself.
But for Chirag.
He was her love, her hope, and her fire. But she knew he still carried the pain of his past, and sometimes pain leads to darkness. She feared what he might become if pushed too far. If the gods took too much from him again.
She clenched her fists.
"No," she whispered. "I'll protect his light… even if I have to burn."
Outside her war room, the horns of warning sounded.
Kael rushed in. "They've come."
"Who?" Siya asked, her blade already in her hand.
"The divine beasts. Sent by the gods. They're attacking the outer villages."
Siya's eyes narrowed.
"Sound the call," she said. "The war has begun."
And with that, the Demon Princess led her people into battle—not to conquer, not for vengeance—but to protect the one thing she believed in above all else.
Love.
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