CHAPTER 156: CHAPTER 156: A PROMISE IS A LEASH

Cassian didn’t remember much of what happened in the next hour.

He sat through the entire etiquette class, but his mind had drifted far from the scrolls and teachings. The instructor’s voice was a distant hum in the background, like wind pushing against a locked window. The words reached his ears, but nothing stuck.

His thoughts were somewhere else—no, someone else.

His sister.

The moment he had read that letter, something inside him had cracked open. And now, no matter how hard he tried to focus, he kept picturing her—older maybe, or still small like when they were torn apart. He imagined her scared, wondering if he had forgotten her. He imagined her angry. Or worse... hopeless.

He blinked slowly when he heard the instructor mention the noble demon houses of the realm. That part drew faint interest from him.

She spoke of ancient names—each tied to power, wealth, and centuries of blood. And right there, sitting like a proud peacock, was Enira, not even hiding her smug expression when her family name was announced. She looked practically born to sit on a throne, basking in recognition.

Cassian finally understood why she always walked around like the rest of them were beneath her. That pride—it was stitched into her bloodline.

He only sighed and rested his cheek against his hand, barely hiding his boredom. He didn’t care for any of it. Not the noble names. Not the proper way to pour wine. Not the seven kinds of bows used for greeting demon kings.

He just wanted the class to be over. So he could get out. So he could go find him.

The Supreme Lord.

Cassian’s jaw tightened slightly.

He had done his part—he had obeyed, followed the rules, and come to this ridiculous class. And now... it was his turn to fulfill that promise.

If the Supreme Lord dared to put a leash on him using his sister, then he better be ready to deliver.

Cassian didn’t care how impossible it sounded. He didn’t care if it had only been hours since he got that letter. That man had twisted fate before—Cassian felt it. So if he could promise her return... then it better happen.

He glanced toward the door for the third time. No one.

Minutes crawled.

Hours stretched painfully long.

But at last, the class ended.

Cassian stood quickly, not even pretending to wait for anyone else. He was already halfway to the door when Veyce caught up to him, skipping in place like an overexcited child.

"Hey! Let’s go to the concubine hall again! That demon with the blue feathers said they’d show me a new dance!"

Cassian stopped and gave him a look that made even Veyce pause. "No."

Veyce blinked. "No?"

"I’m not going there again," Cassian said flatly. "That place is suffocating."

Veyce pouted. "Fine. Then let’s go somewhere else. Come on! You can’t ditch me right after coming back from the dead!"

Cassian didn’t answer. He was already calculating how to escape this overly clingy demon.

And that’s when fate handed him the perfect answer.

The servant who had escorted him to class earlier suddenly approached, stopping just behind him with a slight bow.

"Your Grace," the boy said respectfully, "someone wishes to meet you."

Cassian’s eyes flickered with sudden hope. His heart gave a single, hard thump. "Who?"

"I’ve been instructed to lead you. They await you privately."

Cassian didn’t even think. His eyes lit up as he stepped forward, nodding without hesitation.

Veyce noticed the shift. "Hey! Wait, who wants to meet you? I’ll come too—"

But Cassian had already followed the servant, letting him guide the way. Within moments, the two of them were turning down the next corridor and slipping away through a side passage.

Veyce stared after them, his mouth slightly open, arm still raised like he meant to follow.

But they were gone.

Just like that.

"...Oh," he whispered.

His shoulders slumped, and he stared at the empty hallway for a moment, looking like a puppy who had been forgotten in the rain. His tail dropped on the ground, and he started dragging it on the ground behind him.

"Well then," he muttered to himself. "Only good food can fix this heartbreak."

And with that, Veyce turned on his heel and stomped off in the direction of the concubine hall.

It was time for comfort food. And maybe another blue-feathered dance.

On the other side, Cassian followed the servant in silence, but suddenly, his heart began to race. It seemed his guess had been right all along—his sister had truly been brought here, and far sooner than he had expected.

He knew that the Supreme Lord of the Demon Realm was a capable being. If he gave his word, it was surely not given lightly. Cassian hadn’t doubted the promise itself—only the timing. He hadn’t known how long it would take to find and bring his sister back.

As they continued walking through the vast and shadowy halls, Cassian felt his nerves rising. Unsure of how much farther they had to go, he decided to confirm his growing suspicion with the servant.

"The one who wants to meet me... is she a girl?" He asked gently, his voice calm but laced with hope.

The servant paused for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, she is a girl."

Cassian’s chest tightened, and a rare smile touched his lips. Relief and excitement surged within him. Could it really be her? Was the wait finally over?

Soon, they arrived at an enormous, ornate gate. The servant stopped and gave a respectful bow.

"Your guest is waiting inside, Your Grace," he said before turning away and quietly disappearing down the corridor.

Cassian gave a soft hum in acknowledgment and pushed open the gate. But as he stepped into the grand room beyond, he was greeted only by silence and emptiness.

The room was completely vacant.

Confused, Cassian turned back to question the servant, ready to demand an explanation—was this some kind of joke? Where was the girl?

But to his surprise, the servant had vanished. There was no one outside the room.

Just as a sliver of doubt crept into his thoughts, he suddenly heard a high-pitched voice cry out, "Boo!"

Startled, he turned and then froze.

"Cassian! You finally came back! You didn’t forget me, did you?"