CRUCIBLE OF SHADOWS

The corridors of the Demon Castle were a web of dimly lit passageways, their obsidian walls adorned with ancient runes that pulsed faintly, casting an eerie glow. The air was thick with the scent of brimstone, the oppressive silence broken only by the distant wails of the tortured and the occasional clatter of armored demons on patrol.

Kairos strode with measured steps, his white robe trailing behind him like a ghostly wisp. In one hand, he carried a tarnished silver tray piled with scrolls-props for his guise as a lowly servant.

He stopped before a modest door marked with a sigil resembling a coiled serpent. Knocking twice, he waited, his expression calm but his eyes sharp as daggers.

The door creaked open, revealing the imp from earlier. Its hunched frame barely reached Kairos's chest, and its beady red eyes darted nervously.

"Master," it whispered, bowing so low its horns scraped the ground. "I delivered the vial as you commanded."

Kairos stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him. The room was a cramped storeroom, lined with shelves cluttered with broken artifacts and rusting weapons. He placed the tray on a nearby table and turned to the imp, his golden eyes narrowing.

"And?" Kairos's voice was soft, almost kind, but there was an edge to it that made the imp flinch.

"The Advisor drank it," the imp stammered, wringing its clawed hands. "Just as you said he would. But... he suspects something, Master. He... he might know someone is plotting against him."

Kairos tilted his head, studying the trembling creature. "Of course he suspects," he murmured, more to himself than to the imp. "That was the point. Fear makes even the mighty stumble."

The imp hesitated, its gaze flitting toward the door. "But what if he finds out it was me? I-I can't face his wrath, Master. Please, spare me!"

Kairos stepped closer, placing a hand on the imp's shoulder. His touch was surprisingly gentle, but his piercing gaze held the imp frozen.

"Calm yourself," Kairos said softly. "You've done well. Vagid is already unraveling, and he will not see the puppet string if I hold it tightly enough."

The imp blinked, confusion and fear warring in its expression. "But... what if he does?"

Kairos's smile was small, almost pitying. "He will already be dead . Trust in me, little one."

Later that night, Kairos returned to the grand hall where Vagid held his court. The room was quieter than usual, the atmosphere thick with tension. Demons lined the walls, their expressions wary, while Vagid sat upon his throne, his eyes scanning the room like a predator searching for prey.

Kairos kept to the edges, observing as Vagid barked orders.

"You," Vagid snarled, pointing at a hulking demon with jagged horns. "Have you been consorting with the outsiders? Do not lie to me, Barack -I can smell the stench of betrayal!"

Barack startled, his crimson skin darkening as he stammered a denial. "N-no, my lord! I swear on my blood, I am loyal to you and the King!"

"Lies!" Vagid roared, rising to his feet. The room seemed to tremble under the force of his anger.

Kairos's eyes gleamed as he watched the scene unfold. Vagid's paranoia was working exactly as planned.

As the court dispersed, Kairos approached Vagid cautiously, his expression carefully composed.

"My lord," he said, bowing low. "May I have a word?"

Vagid, now pacing near his throne, turned sharply. His fiery eyes narrowed as he regarded Kairos.

"You again," he growled. "Speak quickly, servant. My patience wears thin."

Kairos straightened, his tone humble but firm. "I have come to offer my assistance, my lord. It pains me to see you burdened with suspicion and doubt. Perhaps I can help lighten your load."

Vagid 's gaze was piercing, but there was a flicker of interest in his expression. "Have been thinking as to why you of all demons wish to help me? Maybe you too are working with the enemy.What's in it for you?"

Kairos hesitated, lowering his gaze as if in shame. "I only wish to serve, my lord. The castle whispers of your strength and wisdom, and I... I admire you."

The Advisor's lips curled into a sneer, though his posture relaxed slightly. "Admiration, is it? Or ambition?"

"Perhaps both," Kairos admitted, his voice soft. "But is that not the way of our kind? Strength recognizes strength, my lord. And I believe you are the strongest among us."

Vagid chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that was both amused and wary. "Flattery will get you far, little cleaner. But I am not so easily swayed."

"I would expect no less," Kairos replied smoothly. "I came to warn you that one of the princes is planning to take you and the demon king down. So i suggest you find the culprit before their plans succeed."

" And how did you uncover this information?" Vagid asked his voice laced with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.

Kairos looked at the Advisor, his gaze not wavering. " whispers travel fast my lord, you may not know this but us- the underlings- have so much information of what goes on in this realm. But as I said they are just whispers but it's up to you to unravel the truth behind these whispers."

Vagid studied him for a long moment, his fiery eyes unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Very well I will ensure that I bring the culprit to justice. Depart,you are to continue reporting to me."

Kairos bowed deeply, hiding the faint smile that played on his lips. "Of course, my lord. I live only to serve."

As Kairos left the throne room, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The first steps of his plan had been laid, and Vagid was already beginning to rely on him.

In the shadows of the Demon Castle, a quiet storm was brewing, and Kairos Wilder was at its heart.