"You don't need to go anywhere." Zain repeated firmly, his eyes locked onto Lilith's, the determination in his voice resonating through the room like an unyielding command.

  "Are you joking, Zain? This isn't a small matter." Izark responded sharply, his tone heavy with the weight of responsibility. His brow furrowed, shadows cast by the flickering candlelight accentuating the lines of worry etched into his face. He wasn't in the mood for debate; the safety of his family was at stake, a burden that had long pressed upon his shoulders.

  "I'm not being ignorant." Zain countered, his voice unwavering. "Azazel laid a concealment formation on her. According to him, no other Abyss being could discern her identity, let alone beings from other planes. And you're forgetting that Draig is also from the Abyss. He's an 'Abyssal' Dragon. Do you want me to abandon him as well?"

  Izark opened his mouth to rebuke, his mind racing to find the right argument, but found himself momentarily at a loss for words. He glanced at Draig, whose calm and resolute demeanor offered no answers, only more questions. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Do you think you can trust a Demon King?"

  "Surviving that encounter could be proof enough." Zain replied, a flicker of defiance in his eyes. "Why didn't he kill us if he meant harm? Secondly, if something happens to us, it would implicate Lilith as well. I don't think Azazel would want that."

  Zain knew the gravity of their situation but was resolute in his decision to protect Lilith. The memory of Azazel’s parting words echoed in his mind, underscoring the need for trust and unity.

  "Fine." Izark conceded, though his voice was still stern. He paced the room, his hands clasped behind his back, deep in thought. "You're not allowed to leave the palace. As for the wine production, have that boy Chris take care of it. And focus on your training for your coming-of-age ceremony. I've invited the Emperor and the Nine Dukes. His Majesty was eager to attend, mostly to take a break from his official duties. He's also called an Empire meeting, which we will host the day after your ceremony. It's significant for our territory."

  Izark's tone softened slightly as he added, "It's the first time since your grandfather's death that we will host an Empire meeting. I want nothing to go wrong. Since you've decided to take care of them, I have one demand: sign a soul-guard pact with them."

  Zain's heart sank. The soul-guard pact was akin to a master-servant contract, binding the souls of the master and servant. It ensured absolute loyalty, with the servant living and dying for the master. The thought of subjecting Draig and Lilith to such a bond was unbearable to Zain. He looked at Draig and Lilith, who were watching him with unwavering trust.

  "No, you can't ask for that." Zain protested, knowing it would betray the trust Draig and Lilith had placed in him. His mind raced with the implications, a storm of emotions brewing within him.

  Izark's gaze remained on Draig and Lilith. To him, they were powerful but unpredictable. As a father, he wanted to ensure their loyalty to Zain, to safeguard his son’s future.

  "I will sign the soul-guard pact." Draig said with a determined expression, his voice steady and unwavering. His golden eyes glinted with resolve, reflecting his unwavering commitment to Zain.

  "Yes, me too." Lilith added, her voice firm despite a hint of hesitation. Her silver hair shimmered in the light, framing her face like a halo, highlighting the courage in her eyes.

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  "You don't have to." Zain began, but Draig interrupted.

  "No, Zain! I want to be with you, brother. It doesn't matter if I have to sign a minor contract." Draig insisted, his voice filled with conviction. The bond they shared transcended mere words, rooted in experiences and trust forged over time.

  Lilith, emboldened by Draig's words, nodded. "I will also sign the pact. It's better than wandering alone. You said I am your friend, and friends stay together. I don't want you, Draig, and Sister Raina to leave me like Azazel did."

  Zain saw the determination in their eyes. He knew they wouldn't back down. He silently vowed to never let them suffer under his care. The sense of responsibility weighed heavily on him, yet it also filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.

  Under Izark's guidance, Draig and Lilith signed the soul-guard pact with Zain as the 'Master.' Izark handed an old scroll to Zain. The parchment was ancient, its edges frayed, and it crackled slightly as Zain unrolled it. The process began with Draig. Zain and Draig stood face to face, and Zain unfurled the scroll, reciting the spell Izark had taught him.

  "Calling the power of Eternity to bind souls, the core of beings..." Zain's voice echoed in the room, the ancient words resonating with an otherworldly power.

  The contract glowed with a golden light, pulling out fragments of Zain's and Draig's souls. The scroll disintegrated into grains of sand, which were absorbed back into their bodies, sealing the pact. An ancient rune tattoo briefly appeared on Draig's wrist and Zain's index finger before fading. The process was taxing, leaving both Zain and Draig exhausted and collapsed on the floor. Their breathing was heavy, their bodies trembling from the effort.

  Izark decided to let Zain rest for a day to recover before signing the pact with Lilith. He watched his son and Draig, a mix of pride and concern etched on his face.

  ___

  The moonlight bathed Ravion Palace in a serene glow, casting long shadows and highlighting its stunning architecture. The tall spires and intricate stonework stood majestic against the night sky, a testament to the kingdom's grandeur. Vermilion City was mostly asleep, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant animal call. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the palace gardens.

  In Zain's room, a beautiful figure stood on the balcony. Lilith's silver hair shimmered in the moonlight, giving her an ethereal appearance. Despite her beauty, her face was troubled as she gazed at the city below, her mind elsewhere. The soft murmur of the night winds seemed to whisper her worries away, but her heart remained heavy.

  "Lilith, you didn't go to sleep." Zain said, stepping onto the balcony. He had hoped for a moment of solitude but found himself drawn to her presence. The cool night air brushed against his skin, bringing a sense of clarity and calm.

  After signing the pact with Draig, Zain needed time to recover before he could sign one with Lilith. His identity had to remain a secret, known only to a select few. Raina had secretly escorted Lilith to Zain's room, where she was to stay hidden. Raina had arranged every necessity for Lilith, ensuring her comfort and safety.

  "I couldn't fall asleep." Lilith replied, turning to face Zain. Her eyes reflected the moonlight, a mix of sadness and uncertainty swirling within them.

  "Well, do you mind learning more about me and Draig?" Zain asked, hoping to ease her worries. He leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

  In the chaos of recent events, Lilith had little time to understand her new companions. She looked at Zain, her curiosity piqued. The silence of the night enveloped them, creating a cocoon of intimacy and trust.

  "Honestly, I would love it." Lilith said with a smile, a hint of relief in her voice.

  "Wait, I want to tell you about myself too." Draig chimed in, joining them on the balcony. His presence brought a sense of warmth and familiarity, a reminder of the bond they all shared.

  Zain began, "I grew up here in Vermilion City, surrounded by books and training. My father always emphasized the importance of duty and loyalty. Draig and I have been through a lot together." His voice was filled with nostalgia, memories of his childhood adventures flooding back.

  Draig nodded. "Zain found me when I was just a hatchling. I was lost and scared, but he took me in and treated me like family. We've been inseparable ever since." The warmth in his voice reflected the depth of their bond.

  Lilith listened intently, her expression softening. "It must be nice to have such a strong bond." she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of longing and admiration.

  "It is." Zain agreed. "And now, you're part of our family too." He reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  Lilith's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you. I've always been with Azazel, and when he left me, I felt so alone. But now, I feel like I belong somewhere again." Her voice trembled with emotion, the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future pressing upon her.

  Zain placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You do belong here, Lilith. We'll look out for each other." His words were a promise, a vow of friendship and loyalty.

  The three of them spent the night sharing stories and learning more about one another. Zain recounted tales of his childhood adventures, the pranks he pulled on the palace staff, and the lessons he learned from his father