The Devil's obsession with the Heiress

[Music recommendation: Rob Simonsen - Spectre]

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"No," the answer tore from her instantly. "Of course not!"

Her eyes drifted down to the ring on her finger, and her voice grew softer. "I just... want to... because even if he’s the Devil..." Aliana lifted her eyes to meet Cillian’s. "He’s my husband and one of the only people in my life whom I care very deeply about."

"And my heart tells me that he needs me right now." Her voice trembled slightly as she continued, "So please, Cillian... help me. Break this barrier and tell me where he is."

Aliana’s light grey eyes pleaded with him with such raw intensity that Cillian found himself looking past her to Winston.

Outside the doorway, the old butler’s eyes were already brimming with tears at her declaration. Overwhelmed with gratitude that his mistress cared so deeply for his master, Winston gave Cillian a silent, meaningful nod to go ahead.

In truth, Cillian had been testing Aliana, eager to see just how far she was willing to go for Gavriel.

He had witnessed firsthand how deeply his sworn brother had fallen for her, even if Gavriel had yet to fully realise it himself. He knew how terribly Gavriel had dreaded the day she would discover the truth, consumed by the fear that she would abandon him once she knew what he was.

So Cillian had needed to see it for himself.

Now that the truth was out in the open, did she possess the strength to stand beside him? Did she care for Gavriel as fiercely as he cared for her?

Though her answer had not been outright explicit, the fierce fire burning in her light grey eyes spoke volumes. The fact that her heart could already feel his unspoken misery was more than enough to satisfy him for now.

The road ahead would not be easy for either of them. There were far darker secrets buried deep within the shadows, truths that even Gavriel himself remained unaware of. But as long as the two of them continued to hold onto each other, Cillian knew they would survive whatever storm came next.

As for the rest, only time would tell.

He released a soft sigh and finally broke his silence. "I would love to help you, Aliana, but just as Winston said, even I cannot break a barrier set up by Gavriel."

"Why?" Aliana asked, her concern deepening.

"For starters, this is what happens the moment I try to make contact with it."

Cillian lifted his hand and let his fingers lightly graze the barrier. In an instant, black electricity erupted from the thin veil with a sharp crackle. The sickening sizzle of flesh echoed through the air as smoke rose from Cillian’s hand, forcing him to immediately pull back.

Aliana’s eyes went wide as saucers as Cillian held up his hand, revealing the charred burns blistering his fingertips.

"What acts as a soft cushion for you on the inside will not be nearly as kind to anyone trying to breach it from the outside," Cillian explained calmly.

Aliana fell speechless as Cillian continued, "This barrier was forged by your husband purely for your protection. While it will never harm a hair on your head, the same cannot be said for anyone else who attempts to force their way in."

"Why... why would he do something like this?" Aliana whispered, her gaze still fixed in shock on Cillian’s injured fingers.

Cillian sucked in a sharp breath before he revealed, "Tonight is the night of the full moon. On this night, all demons experience a massive surge in their power. While some relish the peak and retreat into solitude to cultivate their strength, others choose other means to harness it."

"Other means?" Aliana asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Well, that is not important right now," Cillian deflected smoothly, clearing his throat. "As you have studied a bit about the hierarchy of the demon world, I am sure you are aware that our kind is ranked solely on the strength of our power."

When Aliana gave him a nod, he continued, "Well, it is quite simple. The more power a demon possesses, the stronger the full moon affects them when it reaches its peak. In Winston’s case, he feels the effects to a bare minimum because of his lower rank. But in my case, or for any high-level demon, everything is heightened. It is not just our senses that sharpen... but our emotions."

He paused, his red eyes growing serious.

"Whether it is grief, lust, malice, or bloodlust, every single feeling becomes violently amplified. High-level demons deal with it by hunting, cultivating their magic, or surrendering to their desires to feed whatever emotion is consuming them. That is why it is exceptionally dangerous to be anywhere near us during a full moon."

Aliana stood stunned as she processed the revelation in quiet shock before focusing on him. "But... you are here right now."

Cillian nodded. "Yes, though I would never have stepped out tonight if not for Winston’s frantic call. But don’t worry, I will be leaving shortly before the moon hits its peak. And you... you need to stay right where you are. Inside this barrier, completely protected. Do you understand now why Gavriel locked you in here?"

Aliana understood everything Cillian had explained, but she still couldn’t help wondering why Gavriel had left so early when there was still time before the moon reached its peak.

"But... why did Gavriel leave so early when you still look... normal?" Aliana asked.

"We can control it before the peak. As for Gavriel, your answer lies in his identity, Aliana. He wields powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Just know that there are things he has endured... and tonight, it is not only his strength that is at a dangerously high level, but also his emotions that destabilise it."

Aliana’s heart thudded wildly against her ribs at his words. Her voice dropped to barely a whisper. "What... what has he gone through?"

Cillian’s eyes became solemn as he stared back at Aliana before giving her a small smile. "It’s not my truth to tell, Aliana. But I would ask you not to worry about that. I promise you... he’ll return to you in the morning."

But Aliana’s heart gave another painful squeeze at the thought of Gavriel. After hearing Cillian’s explanation, she was certain that whatever emotions were dominating Gavriel right now could not be anything positive if they destabilise is powers.

Suddenly, light tremors travelled through the entire mansion.

Winston spoke up in sudden panic, "I am afraid we must vacate the house, Madam. We cannot remain anywhere near the estate until the night passes."

"What?" Aliana spun around to see the butler looking at her with deep concern.

"Do not worry, Madam. You will be safe inside this room," Winston reassured her quickly.

A sharp realisation struck Aliana, sending a chill through her veins. "I-It is him, isn’t it? He is somewhere nearby, isn’t he?"

Winston looked helplessly to Cillian, who stepped in to reply, "He’s far from here, and with Gavriel down, you need to keep yourself safe here, not only for yourself but for him as well. Don’t forget what I told you. There are many enemies after us... not to mention that even the evil spirits gain power during the full moon. So just wait for him, Aliana. I have to leave as well..."

"B-But..." Aliana tried to argue, her pulse racing.

Cillian cut her off, his tone firm yet gentle. "Didn’t you say you care about him? Then prove it. Do this for him, Aliana. Get some sleep, and when morning arrives, he will be back."

With that, the two demons disappeared, leaving Aliana alone with the storm of thoughts raging through her mind.

But in the urgency of the moment, what they had forgotten was one crucial detail...

Aliana’s soul belonged to the very realm they came from.

And with her powers having fully awakened since the last full moon, the effects of this one were bound to be far different from anything they had anticipated.

Something was already stirring within her, something even Aliana herself had no idea was there.

And when the full moon would finally reach its peak... even she wouldn’t see it coming.

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