DemiDemonDarla

Chapter 23: A Mother's Bargain

>>>>> The mist that separated the demon and fairy realms clung to Zion's skin like a second layer. He stood at the border's edge, his sharp gaze sweeping across the horizon, waiting for any sign of Darla's return.

Zion had wanted to come with Darla, but as the law stated, no demons can pass through the fairy realm and vice versa. Zion wasn't thrilled about being left behind, but he reluctantly agreed after a stern glare from Lirien. Kazimir, of course, had taken it as an opportunity to pester Zion about being overly protective.

"You do realize she's not a damsel in distress, right?" Kazimir teased, tossing a rock up and down.

Zion scowled, folding his arms. "Yeah, and you're not exactly a shining knight."

"True," Kazimir grinned. "But at least I'm not pacing like a worried husband."

"Shut up."

Meanwhile, deep in the fairy realm, Darla trekked through glowing woods alongside Amaia and Lirien, the two fairies Queen Dianthe had sent to assist her.

"Almost there," Lirien said with a soft, reassuring smile, her pale hair catching the moonlight. She had an elegance about her that put Darla at ease, even in the face of uncertainty.

Amaia, on the other hand, hummed a merry tune as she skipped along the path, carefree as ever. "I can't wait to see the Queen's face when we show up. She's probably missed you like crazy, Darla."

Darla gave a half-hearted smile. As comforting as Amaia's optimism was, the weight of her mission made it hard to relax. She needed her mother's help to face the rebels—but at what cost?

The palace shimmered with soft hues of pink, gold, and emerald, its walls appearing to shift like water, making it seem as though it existed between dreams and reality. As they approached the entrance, two tall guards with wings glimmering like dragonflies barred their way, crossing their spears in front of them.

"We've come to see Queen Dianthe," Darla said firmly.

The guards exchanged wary glances. One of them eyed Darla closely, as if recognizing something familiar about her. "What business does a half-demon have with the Queen of Fairies?"

Before Darla could answer, Amaia—true to her nature—blurted out, "She's the queen's daughter, genius. Let us in before I turn you into a toad."

Lirien groaned softly, rubbing her temple. "You are unbelievable."

The guards hesitated for a moment, but at last, they moved aside, their faces tense with confusion and disbelief. Darla felt the weight of the moment settle heavily on her shoulders.

Inside the throne room, Queen Dianthe sat regally on her throne, but the moment her gaze landed on Darla, her expression melted into pure affection.

"Darla," she whispered, rising gracefully from her seat. She glided toward her daughter, her silver hair trailing behind her like a cascade of moonlight.

Darla tensed, unsure how to respond. But Dianthe didn't wait—she wrapped Darla in a soft, warm embrace.

"My sweet child," Dianthe murmured. "You've come home."

Darla's heart clenched. It was the warmth she didn't know she craved, the comfort she hadn't dared to expect.

Amaia sniffled dramatically from the side. "Okay, I'm not crying. You're crying."

Lirien gave Amaia an amused look, though her own eyes shimmered with emotion. "Behave."

Dianthe pulled back slightly, her hands still resting on Darla's shoulders. "You've grown into such a fierce warrior," she said softly. "I wish I could have kept you safe forever."