Sons of a devil-Chapter 96: the celebration

Azrael appeared soon after, in formal attire so elegant it felt surreal. The King of Death looked like a man again, not a god, not a weapon. He moved with care, keeping a respectful distance from his children.

Eren was the first to break the invisible wall.

He walked straight to his father and extended a mug. "It's strong. Don't cry."

Azrael took it, startled. "I—thank you."

They clinked cups.

The others followed. Slowly. Leo approached and handed Azrael a folded napkin. "Just in case Eren makes a mess again. You'll need this."

Selene gave him a nod. Cain was the last. He said nothing but held out his cup. Azrael took it, understanding more in silence than words could allow.

For an evening, they let themselves pretend.

The Party Began

The courtyard lit up with floating lanterns. Laughter bounced through the marble halls. Even the maids, once cautious in the presence of power, danced in small groups, their smiles free. Music filled the air like a spell.

Selene was laughing with Leo over a game of riddles when Cain pulled her aside. He led her through the garden until they found a secluded corner. There, he kissed her softly—without urgency, just presence.

"I don't know what tomorrow brings," he said.

"Then don't think about it," she whispered back, resting her forehead against his. "We're here. Right now. That's all we have."

Somewhere nearby, Eren was trying (and failing) to teach two maids how to sword-fight using breadsticks. "No, no—Selene doesn't block like that! You've got to look like you mean it. Here—take the left flank—"

"You don't even know what that means," Leo grumbled from the wine table, "but sure. Let's all die by sourdough."

Even Azrael chuckled, standing with Neriah by the fountain. They said nothing for a long time. But then she rested her head lightly on his shoulder.

"They're beautiful," she said.

"They're stronger than I ever was," he murmured. "Maybe even wiser."

"Let's hope so. Or we're all doomed."

Later that Night

The stars scattered above as a quiet lull settled over the palace. The siblings, wrapped in cloaks and sleepy joy, lay sprawled in the garden's soft grass, full of food and drink.

Selene rested her head on Cain's shoulder. Eren snored beside them, tangled with his cape and someone else's pillow. Leo quietly munched on the last apple tart, hidden under his arm like a secret.

"Tomorrow, we march," Cain said quietly.

Selene's eyes stayed on the stars. "And tonight, we lived."

A breeze danced over them.

Far above, the sky shimmered faintly. The gods were stirring again. But they hadn't yet come.

And for one brief night, the family was whole, surrounded by light and laughter, their hearts beating as one—before the storm returned.

The garden had quieted, the music fading into the warm night air as stars blinked down in approval. The world felt suspended—no war, no prophecies, no curses. Just the scent of jasmine, the rustle of leaves, and the subtle shift of two people stealing a moment from fate.

Cain sat on the edge of the marble fountain, his cloak draped across his lap. His usually guarded expression had softened, lips curved into a small smile as he watched Selene approach from between rows of glowing lanterns. Her silhouette shimmered in the starlight, the hem of her silver gown brushing the grass like a whispered secret.

"You always disappear when things get too... happy," she said softly, sitting beside him.

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Cain gave a half-smile. "Too much joy in one place makes me nervous. Feels like a warning."

Selene nudged his arm. "You don't have to be afraid of good things anymore, Cain."

He looked at her then—really looked. Her hair glowed like moonlight, her eyes calm but deep, as if hiding oceans. "How do you do that?" he asked.

"What?"

"Look at me like I'm not broken."

Selene reached out, brushing her fingers against his jaw. "Because you're not. You're battle-worn, maybe. A little cracked around the edges. But not broken."

His breath hitched. There was a vulnerability in him she rarely saw. The kind that didn't speak in words but lingered in his silences, in his trembling hands, in the way his eyes flicked down like he wasn't sure he deserved to be seen.

"I don't know what happens after this," he said. "If I'll make it. If you will. If we'll still be standing when this war ends."

"Then don't talk about the end," Selene whispered. "Talk about now."

Cain turned toward her fully, lifting a hand to trace the line of her cheek. The touch was reverent, like she was made of something he feared he might destroy. She leaned into it.

"I've spent my whole life fighting demons," he murmured, voice hoarse. "But you—you make me want peace. You make me feel like I can stop running."

"You don't have to run anymore," she said. "Not from me."

Their lips met—slow, hesitant at first, then deeper, desperate. As if they were trying to memorize each other, to hold onto something real in a world that kept trying to tear them apart. Cain pulled her closer, arms wrapping around her like a shield. Selene's fingers tangled in his hair, grounding him.

When they finally broke apart, they stayed pressed together, foreheads touching.

"I love you," he said, the words quiet but solid—unmovable.

Selene smiled, tears brimming in her eyes. "I love you too, Cain. You've always had my heart."

The night deepened, wrapping around them like a promise.

Tomorrow, they would go to war. But tonight—tonight was theirs.