Azreal blinked awake. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, warm against his skin. He turned over, instinctively reaching out—
She wasn't there.
"Aria?" he called softly, voice still heavy with sleep.
A muffled reply came from the bathroom, and he smiled, stretching.
"She must be excited for today…"
He sat up, placing a hand over his bare chest. His eyes narrowed as he exhaled slowly, and a mark shimmered to life over his heart—arcane, pulsating with dormant power. He examined it with sharp eyes.
"Hm. It's returned to normal…"
The mark slowly faded as he stood, drawing the curtains aside. The morning breeze brushed against him as he stared into the horizon, thoughts turning serious.
What is the connection between all the marks?
If it were only resonance with the Gods' marks, it would make sense...
But even Y'tharion's mark resonated with mine. Is everything connected—or is there something deeper?
He clenched his fist.
The infernal evolution is accelerating. First Infernals… then Demon Infernals… now something new. But why did Sarah call them a failed experiment? Were they meant to be more powerful?
He furrowed his brow.
I didn't even check where their marks were placed… I need answers.
The bathroom door opened with a soft click. Aria stepped out wrapped in a silk robe, her hair up in a towel. She smiled.
"Good morning, Azreal."
He turned to her, voice softening. "Morning. You're up early. Someone's excited for her training?"
"Of course!" she grinned. "I get to learn how to control my flames today!"
Azreal chuckled. "That's right."
A knock sounded.
"My lord, it's Hulk."
Azreal glanced at Aria. "Get ready. I'll be back soon."
---
Main Hall – Castle Inferna
As Azreal walked through the corridors beside Hulk, maids bowed in respect. He took his seat, gaze fixed on his right-hand man.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Lady Laisa has woken up."
Azreal's eyes lit with relief. "That's good news. Any issues with her mark?"
"None. She's stable and in full control."
Azreal nodded. "After Aria's training, I'll visit her."
Hulk hesitated. Azreal noticed.
"Still worried about Aria and her flames?" he asked.
"It's not like I don't trust her, my lord…"
Azreal rose, walking to him. Hulk flinched slightly as Azreal placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I understand your worries. Don't worry—I'll be cautious."
He walked away without another word. Hulk stood frozen, a small smile forming.
"…Lord Azreal, you've changed so much since I first knew you," he murmured. "If you were like this then… maybe Bull would still be alive."
With a wistful sigh, he vanished into flames.
---
Aria's Room
Azreal entered to find Aria fully dressed.
"I'll be with you in a moment," he said, stepping into the washroom.
A short while later, dressed and ready, he stepped out to find Aria chatting with Nena in the hallway.
"Will you be gone long?" Nena asked.
"No," Azreal replied.
"Then your food will be ready when you return," she smiled.
"Perfect."
He snapped his fingers. A glowing gate shimmered into existence.
"Where are we going?" Aria asked curiously.
Azreal smiled. "You'll see."
They stepped through—and vanished.
---
Infernal Zone – Training Ground
The gate opened to reveal cracked, burning earth. Rivers of lava snaked through the terrain. The air was suffocatingly hot.
Aria stepped out and gasped. "It's… boiling! How does anyone train in a place like this?"
"If you want to master your flames, this is the best place to do it," Azreal replied. "Be glad I didn't suggest the Lava Lake."
Aria paled. "That's not happening."
"Then stop complaining. Let's begin."
He stood before her. "Summon your flames."
"I don't know how… I just scratched my mark last time."
She touched it lightly—
Flames sparked to life. Pink cat ears formed above her head, and a glowing fireball hovered in her hand.
"I did it!" she gasped.
"Now focus. Breathe."
Azreal stepped behind her, gently guiding her hand.
"And remember… Burn bright."
The flames pulsed brighter in response. Aria smiled at him.
"You've produced the flames without needing your mark. Now for control."
He touched her hands—his eyes glowing. A tail of flame burst into life behind her, elegant and fierce.
"So this is your ability… You and Laisa have cute abilities."
"Laisa?" Aria blinked.
"A friend. My student. You'll meet her soon."
"I want you to be my only teacher."
Azreal chuckled. "Don't be like that. You'll like Laisa."
Aria looked unsure.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Well… I know how to produce and control my flames now… but how do I put them out?"
Azreal laughed. "Just imagine blowing out a candle."
She tried—but the flames flared up instead. Azreal quickly extinguished them.
"I failed…"
"It's alright. Mastery takes time." He smiled. "But whatever happens… burn bright."
She nodded and sat down, exhaling. Azreal joined her.
"I wonder what paradise feels like," she said.
Azreal looked into the glowing sky.
"Just imagine the opposite of hell… that's paradise."
She smiled. "Okay."
"To lighten the mood…"
He raised a finger. A stream of flame soared skyward—boom!—fireworks burst overhead in brilliant patterns.
Aria smiled in awe, resting her head on his shoulder.
"…I guess it won't hurt to stay in hell for a while."
Azreal smirked. "Be careful what you wish for… you might never leave."
"I'm not worried," she said, nuzzling into him.
Then—
A hell butterfly floated before them, wings glowing purple.
Azreal held out a hand. It landed gently. A voice echoed:
> "I just figured out something big about Y'tharion's mark. I've called a meeting to share what I found."
Azreal's eyes lit up. "Finally. A clue."
Aria touched the butterfly gently. "Butterflies in hell… that's actually kind of cool."
It fluttered away, and Azreal stood.
"Sorry… something came up. I need to leave."
"But we just started!"
"I'll drop you home. Later, we'll visit Laisa."
She puffed her cheeks. "If you say so."
A gate formed once more—and together, they stepped inside.