The Heavenly Demon of Terror

Samuel's POV

The soft light of the afternoon sun filtered in through the tall arched windows, casting a golden hue over the stone walls. I leaned against the edge of the balcony, sipping from a goblet of some spiced Titan wine. Behind me, I heard the gentle shuffle of movement — her footsteps, light despite the power she held.

Valeria, now fully dressed in a sleek, crimson robe that hugged her figure like a second skin, walked with her usual regal grace, though I couldn't help but notice a faint tremble in her legs.

I smirked.

"Well, well... looks like the mighty Titan Queen finally met her match," I said without turning around, swirling the wine lazily.

Valeria scoffed, but the corner of her lips twitched — a rare, genuine smile. "Don't flatter yourself too much, mortal."

I turned and met her gaze, those crimson eyes sparking with both mischief and something else... satisfaction, maybe. "Oh come on," I teased, taking a slow step toward her. "That little tremble in your walk? That wasn't from the cold floor, Valeria."

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're lucky I'm feeling merciful. Otherwise, I'd have thrown you into the Abyss for that arrogance."

"You could've... but you didn't."

She walked past me, placing her hand on the windowsill, eyes scanning the distant horizon of her world. "I'll admit," she said softly, "you're different, Samuel Gebb. You're not bound by fear, by rules... you act on your instincts. That's what makes you dangerous. And... irritating."

"I'll take that as a compliment."