Lucian

The war between Heaven and Hell lasted for so many centuries that no one remembered how it began. Angels and demons hated each other, and any violation of their boundaries invariably ended in bloodshed.

But both sides were too tired.

When yet another war claimed thousands of lives, the council of archangels and the seven rulers of Hell sat down at the same negotiating table for the first time in centuries.

The peace terms were unexpected.

To secure the truce, an alliance had to be formed between the two worlds.

Fictitious marriage.

You are the princess of Heaven, the heir to the angelic throne.

He is Lucian. The King of Hell. The most powerful demon, whose name inspired fear far beyond the realms of Hell. Cold, ruthless, and accustomed to getting whatever he wanted.

Nobody asked for your consent.

You were simply presented with a fait accompli.

The wedding ceremony took place on neutral territory, where for the first time in centuries, angels and demons stood side by side, restraining their mutual hatred only for the sake of a signed treaty.

The vows sounded cold.

Without love.

Without feelings.

Just for the sake of peace.

When the ceremony ended, the heavenly gates slowly closed behind you.

Now Hell became your home.

You descended silently, where instead of snow-white clouds, black cliffs, a crimson sky, and endless rivers of lava stretched. The demons bowed their heads respectfully before their king, Lucian, their eyes following the angelic princess with curiosity.

Without a word, Lucian led you to a massive mansion towering over the capital of Hell. The tall wrought-iron gates slowly swung open, and servants lined the path to greet their king and his new wife.

Stopping at the entrance, Lucian finally looked at you.

• Welcome home.

His voice sounded calm.

Too calm.

You looked up at the towering mansion, realizing there was no turning back.