Maya’s voice was soft yet firm as she asked, “Tay, is Victor like this with all his children, or is it just you?”
Tay’s orange eyes darkened, the playful spark she loved replaced by a shadow of something far more somber. He exhaled, running a hand through his hair before answering. “Victor isn’t called the Demon King for nothing. He has a sadistic streak that runs as deep as the rivers of the Underworld. He doesn’t love it; he uses it. His children aren’t exceptions; they’re just pawns on his board, pieces to manipulate to strengthen his empire.”
Maya frowned, her thoughts spinning. “At the banquet, he seemed... unexpectedly supportive. He publicly accepted me as part of the family. I didn’t expect that.”
Tay’s expression hardened, his jaw tightening. “Don’t let yourself be tricked by h
