Fingers glided smoothly past his brows and travelled down his cheek, the tips brushing the bruises that stood out against his pale skin. The fingers were attached to a slender hand that was connected to a dainty wrist and after that came an arm that belonged to the Demon Queen Asteria.

By appearances alone, it wouldn’t be obvious to anyone, except the people in the know, that this delicate-looking girl was the ruler of all demons.

It became frustrating for her when people underestimated her due to how she looked, yet it was satisfying when she proved them wrong every time.

Sighing, she looked down at the sleeping man, and his brows bunched together in pain and a fretful sleep. She tried thinking of a way to help him but came up short. As she mused on this, she heard the door knocking behind her.

“Come in!” She called, and a second later the door opened, displaying a recognisable face. She turned, so she was properly facing him, and then strolled over to where he stood. “Xander, what are you doing here? Weren’t you with Father?”

“He’s doing better, so I thought I would visit my elder sister.” It was true she was older by two years, but by the way, he towered over her, you wouldn’t have known that without being told. “So, is that the guy you brought back?” Xander pointed past her shoulder.

“Yes, tasty, isn’t he?” She smirked, and her red eyes glowed in the almost darkness.

“Well, he truly is your type.” Xander let out a laugh and then he lowered his head, his voice barely above a whisper, “also, that was great acting earlier.” He winked and took a step back when he saw the look on his sister’s face.

“How did you know about that?”

“Oh sister, I know everything.” His lips widened until she could fully see his pointed incisors.

“Let’s talk somewhere else.” Asteria took a hold of his arm and dragged him to her chambers.

When they entered, she moved over to her vanity table and let down her hair from the bun it had been in for the whole day. She fluffed out her hair and let out a satisfied sigh.

“That’s better. Do you understand how tiring it is to pretend to be good?” She swivelled around in her chair so she could speak to her brother.

“But you do it so well.” He chuckled and sat on the sofa. The servant nearby poured him a drink, which he accepted half-heartedly. “What are you planning on doing with him?”

“Oh, you’ll know soon.” She flashed him a knowing smile and then took a sip of her drink. Her lips were stating one thing, but her eyes were saying another - her eyes were lowered so her brother didn’t notice a thing.