Two years had slipped by like sand through an hourglass. The world had been swept up in a relentless cycle of battles and bloodshed against the Voidkin. 

Cities had fallen, and countless lives had been claimed by the endless conflict. 

The tension in Bastion was palpable, its air thick with unease. The nobles, ever eager to point fingers and find scapegoats, had latched onto a new accusation. 

In the grand hall of the palace, the King’s patience wore thin. His face was lined with fatigue, and his eyes were darkened by the weight of endless war. 

The assembly of nobles argue heatedly, their voices rising and falling like the waves of an angry sea.

"How can we trust the demons of Silverton when none of them have fallen in battle?" one noble demanded, his face flushed with indignation. "They must be in league with the Voidkin!"

The King raised a weary hand, silencing the clamor. "Enough!" he barked, his voice echoing off the high walls. "You clearly haven't witnessed the demons in combat. You have no idea what you're talking about!"

His mind flashed back to the battle in the throne room years prior—the fierce, defiant demon general, Auriella, who had dared to snub him in front of his subjects. The memory stirred a dark, vengeful thought in the King’s mind. 

“What do you all say to show the demons they’re fully capable of dying as well?” he proposed, his tone low and sinister. A dark chuckle followed, his eyes glinting with cruel intent.

The nobles, eager for any chance to put the demons in their place, agreed with unsettling enthusiasm. 

The King's plan took shape, a dark scheme to exact revenge on the demon who had so brazenly challenged his authority.

---

Elsewhere, in the heart of the Silverton barracks, Leo and Auriella were engaged in their usual sword training, though to any observer, it resembled a fierce duel. 

Leo’s arms and legs bore the marks of their combat—a testament to his relentless pursuit of improvement. 

Auriella, on the other hand, emerged unscathed, her every move a display of precision and skill.

Leo panted heavily, his sword wavering as fatigue took its toll. Auriella, her demeanor calm and composed, smirked at his struggle.

“Do you concede, prince?” she asked with a hint of mockery in her voice.

Leo shook his head, gasping for breath. 

“I didn’t ask for training just to give up at the slightest inconvenience. Now come at me!” he challenged, taking a defensive stance.

With a smirk, Auriella charged, her sword raised high before it descended with practiced ease. The clash of metal rang through the training grounds as Leo blocked the blow. 

She let out a small, amused chuckle before delivering a swift kick to his stomach, sending him sprawling several feet away.

As he struggled to his feet, he found Auriella’s sword poised at his neck, her expression one of victorious satisfaction. He sighed, dropping his sword and raising his hands in surrender. 

“You win this bout, General,” he conceded, his voice resigned.

“How many is that now?” she asked, extending a hand to help him up, her grin wide with triumph.

Leo took her hand, thinking over the tally as he stood upright. “Hmm, I think it’s around 20-1?”

Auriella raised an eyebrow. “Where did that one come from? You’ve never won against me.”

Leo chuckled as he sheathed his sword. “Alright, I’ll concede that as well. You are forever victorious in all that you face, oh mighty demon general!”

Auriella’s chest puffed with pride. “You laugh, but it’s true. There’s a reason I’m the youngest general in Naverra’s long history!”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a messenger from Bastion. Leo took the letter, his brow furrowing as he read it.

“Hmm? Is your father calling you home already?” Auriella asked.

Leo glanced at the letter before handing it to Auriella. “Not just me. My father wants you to join me on the return trip as well.”

Auriella skimmed the letter, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “He’s throwing a ball to commend us on our achievements during the war?” 

She handed the letter back to Leo, disgust evident in her voice.

Leo laughed. “Are parties too much for the great demon general Auriella?”

Auriella groaned. “I don’t like making a big deal out of things like this. It feels more like an excuse just to throw a party.”

“Well, you can’t back out of it,” Leo said, preparing to leave. “My father insisted you receive this honor as well.”

As they prepared to depart, Atlas approached Auriella with concern.

“Commander, where are you going?” he asked, his face lined with worry.

“Don’t worry about it,” Auriella replied brusquely. “Just don’t cause trouble. You’re in charge while I’m away.” Her tone was dismissive, but her words carried a weight that caused Atlas to frown.

“Be careful, Commander! I have a bad feeling about this!” Atlas called out as Auriella mounted her horse and left.

The journey to Bastion was brief, but Auriella’s mind was occupied with unease. 

‘Why a party all of a sudden? Why invite me as a guest of honor? This is all too strange and definitely suspicious as well,’ she mused as they neared the city.

As they entered Bastion, the citizens greeted them with cheers and applause. A little girl, clutching a colorful bouquet of flowers, approached Auriella shyly.

“Thank you for protecting us, Miss Demon!” the girl said, her eyes shining with admiration.

Auriella accepted the bouquet with a gentle smile. “Um, you’re welcome, little one.”

The girl skipped away, delighted, leaving Auriella with a reflective smile. Leo, riding on his horse beside her, teased, “Well, look at you! Acting civil toward a human. My, how you’ve changed.”

“She’s only a child,” Auriella replied, her tone thoughtful. “She’s unaware of the harsh realities of this world. I won’t be the one to shatter her vision of me as a hero, despite my being a demon.”

Leo considered her words as they continued their journey to the castle.