Chapter 769: Father
We strolled around the cathedral, exploring the halls and rooms, places I’d never been before. But my mind was far from the beautiful, starlit statues and mosaics that detailed the many heroes who had risen and fallen in Fate’s name.
"Demon lords mark a unique shift in a demon’s constitution," Fate said, answering my question before I could ask it. "Trying to compare the weight and pull of their soul is like comparing a river to a sea. More than that, however, demon lords are the next level in a demon’s evolution. They are as different from evolved demons as evolved demons are from scions. This is where they begin to embody their element, form an aura, and unleash the full potential of the abilities they have absorbed throughout their battles."
"That’s why Rash’alon wanted to kill me," I said quietly. "He wanted the abilities of your Divinity."
"Your Divinity," Fate said with a gentle smile. "And that, perhaps, gives some insight into these...Devoted. The fire demon still hasn’t told you his goal, I see."
My eyes widened. "You think Fyren wants to eat me?"
She laughed, a sound like tinkling chimes. "I should hope not, yet all demons think only of power and evolution."
Her laugh trailed off, a shiver running through the fabric of the realm itself. It was impossible to describe, but it made my tail twitch, and it was clearly emanating from Fate. Her gaze left me feeling vulnerable and exposed.
"Xiviyah." Her voice was deadly quiet. "What, exactly, has he been doing? Have you noticed any...changes in your demons? Anything beyond their mannerisms?"
"They are very quiet, but I guess that falls under mannerisms," I said. "Arantius said my soul is very quiet now, too. And, um...they have stars."
"Stars?"
She stopped abruptly, causing me to turn, tail twitching. Her hand was soft as she took my chin, tilting my face up. I was drawn to her eyes, which glistened like mirrors, filled with stars. A strange sense of vulnerability swept over me, and I shivered, chest growing tight. It was difficult to think, even to breathe. I wanted to run, even to hide, but couldn’t look away from her eyes. They seemed to grow deeper, sharing a glimpse of what she saw. Memories, experiences, and scenes flickered across her irises. Not hers, but mine.