I Raised the Demon Queen (Now She Won't Leave Me Alone)

The air inside the ruins was thick with history. And possibly pollen.

Elias sneezed.

Loudly.

"Sorry," he sniffled, wiping his nose with a cursed-looking handkerchief. "Whatever ancient demonic power lives here, it's definitely not hypoallergenic."

Rhea was quiet beside him. For once, she didn't laugh at his misery.

That alone was enough to make him pause.

She walked ahead, tiny fingers trailing along the obsidian walls. The runes carved there pulsed softly, like they recognized her. Welcomed her. Or maybe feared her.

Elias stayed close. He tried not to stare at the flickering glyphs that resembled weeping eyes or open mouths, or worse, tax paperwork.

"You okay?" he asked.

She didn't respond at first.

Then, softly, she said, "It feels like I left a piece of myself here."