The morning of the summit arrived with a sky that looked torn between rain and fire. A wide red glow stretched across the horizon while low gray clouds pressed down on the city like a heavy blanket. Daniel stood at the edge of the royal courtyard watching soldiers rush back and forth carrying banners and sealed scrolls. Every footstep felt tense every glance sharp. The entire kingdom felt like it was holding its breath.

Elara adjusted the straps of her leather coat as she joined Daniel. The demon envoy has crossed the eastern bridge she said. They brought guards. Not many but enough to make our soldiers nervous. If one person panics the whole line collapses.

Daniel nodded slowly reading the tension in the air. Fear was rising through the city again not as chaos but as anticipation a waiting storm that could break in any direction. He breathed steadily letting his calm anchor the moment.

The demon child stood behind him clutching a small cloak Elara had given her. She whispered Are you sure they will not hurt me. Demons say humans hate us. Humans say demons hunt us.

Daniel knelt beside her. Today we let them speak to each other not to the shadows that twist their fear. And you stay close to Elara. She will protect you.

Elara placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder with a gentle squeeze. I will not let anyone touch you she said softly.

The royal horn sounded long and steady. The regent appeared at the top of the steps wearing simple robes instead of armor a deliberate gesture meant to show he expected conversation not battle. The gates opened slowly revealing the demon envoy.

They moved in a tight formation dressed in dark leather and thin metal plating shaped around their bodies like curved shells. Horns of different sizes and shapes marked their ranks. Their leader stepped forward a tall demon with silver markings across his arms. His eyes glowed faintly like polished amber.

The regent raised his hand in greeting. We meet today not as enemies but as representatives of two wounded nations.

The demon envoy’s leader bowed his head slightly. We come because fear has poisoned our lands. If there is a chance to end this we will hear it.

Daniel stepped forward and every soldier on both sides tensed instantly. The envoy leader narrowed his eyes. This is the outsider. The one who calms minds. The one my scouts whispered about.

Daniel answered calmly I am Daniel Harris. I am not a mage. I am not a warrior. I am a counselor.

The envoy studied him with a long slow stare. You speak as if fear is a thing to be tamed. Fear is a truth of life. It keeps us alive.

Daniel nodded. Fear is natural. But what is happening here is not natural. Something is turning fear into hatred. Something is whispering to both sides at once.

The envoy’s gaze sharpened. The Echo.

The regent stiffened. You know of them too.

The envoy nodded once. Demons have stories of them long before humans built cities. They feed on emotion. They grow strong when two races distrust each other. They want war so they can harvest fear like a crop.

Daniel gestured for the demon child to step forward. She hesitated but Elara guided her with a steady hand. The envoy’s guards reacted instantly weapons half drawn until the envoy raised his arm stopping them.

The envoy stared at the child his expression flickering with shock and grief. You are from the border tribes. You carry their markings. Why are you here.

The girl’s voice trembled. Because I ran. Because they told me not to speak. Because the Echo whispered in my dreams.

The envoy closed his eyes for a moment as if pained.

Daniel spoke quietly They forced her to silence because fear made them believe the truth would cause war. But silence is what the Echo wanted most. Silence hides the truth. Silence feeds the fear.

The regent stepped closer. We must work together if we want to survive.

The envoy’s jaw tensed. Cooperation between our nations has failed a hundred times. Why would it work now.

Daniel replied Because today we name the real enemy. Not humans. Not demons. Fear itself. And the creatures that feed on it.

Murmurs spread through both groups. Soldiers shifted uncomfortably. A few demon guards exchanged uneasy glances. The atmosphere grew fragile like glass under heat.

The envoy took a deep breath. What do you propose outsider.

Daniel looked at him steadily. A joint investigation. Humans and demons walk together into the border forest. We find where the Echo gathers. We learn how they spread fear. We expose their influence before they ignite another war.

The envoy frowned. And who leads this. Your regent.

Daniel shook his head. No. I will lead it. With Elara. And with one representative from each side. We go not as soldiers but as witnesses.

The regent hesitated. You ask for much counselor.

Daniel answered I ask only for a chance. A chance to stop centuries of fear.

Silence stretched. Then the envoy extended his hand. If you speak truth then I will walk beside you. But know this. If you betray my people I will end you myself.

Daniel placed his hand in the envoy’s. If I betray anyone it means I betrayed the world I was brought here to help. I will not do that.

The regent’s shoulders eased slightly. Then it is decided.

But the demon child suddenly gasped stepping backward. Daniel looked at her sharply. What is it.

She pointed to the sky. Not clouds this time. Shadows. Moving like ripples in water. Gathering. Watching.

The Echo had heard their agreement.
And it was not pleased.