"WOULD this be enough for the banquet?"

"Isn't it too much?"

"If it's for the lord's child, shouldn't it be more?"

"True, let's add more."

In the depths of the Netherworld, the House of Netheria in the southern realm hums with unusual activity. Ever since the break of Eos, the demon servants have been tirelessly adorning every corner of the castle with elaborate decorations, their efforts seemingly endless. Today, however, marks a momentous occasion, one that promises to etch its name into the annals of underworld history.

While such events are not entirely unheard of, they are rare, and the true rarity lies not in the event itself, but rather in its protagonist. In a realm where demons reign supreme, it is a mortal being who is the center of attention. This divergence from the norm lends an air of anticipation and curiosity to the festivities, for the celebration of a mortal in the heart of the underworld is an occurrence that few have witnessed and even fewer comprehend.

Not far from the bustling ballroom, Gayin observed the frenetic energy that engulfed the castle, the chaos almost tangible in the air. Deciding to pay a visit to the celebrant of the event, he made his way through the labyrinthine corridors until he reached the inner chambers.

"How are you feeling, little one?" Gayin's voice cut through the air, drawing the attention of a familiar figure. Asha's face lit up with joy at the sight of the necromancer, and she rushed to his side, enveloping him in a warm embrace as Gayin reciprocated by lifting her up into his arms. "I'm hungry," she declared.

"I bet," Gayin chuckled knowingly, having been informed that Asha had been confined to the dressing room, indulging in the delights of being pampered, trying on various dresses, and preparing for the Sabbath.

Sabbath Day-a revered occasion in the demon world, akin to a mortal's birthday, yet with distinct differences. Unlike a regular birthday, Sabbath Day is not celebrated annually, rather, it is a once-in-a-lifetime event commemorating the very existence of the demon or any being residing in the underworld.

"Where's dad?" Asha's innocent inquiry echoed through the chamber, her voice laced with a childlike curiosity that belied the weight of her words.

Dad. The word had become a part of Asha's vocabulary ever since she emerged from a prolonged slumber brought on by sickness. To her, it seemed a natural term to address Caius, as if an instinctive recognition of their bond. And true to form, Caius always responded to her call, his reaction tinged with a warmth and affection that even surprised himself.

Gayin, ever the observant soul, had taken it upon himself to explain the significance of the word to Caius, whose initial reaction bordered on incredulity before melting into a rare display of tenderness. But the mystery behind Asha's choice of term remained, until she revealed her encounter with an angel-a revelation that left Gayin pondering the intricacies of fate.

During her slumber due to sickness, Asha told them about her dream. How her life unfolded like pages from a forgotten book, from birth to past life, with a thread of destiny weaving its way through each chapter. And in the midst of it all, an angel-an ethereal presence who had once served alongside Caius in a mortal realm-emerged as the catalyst for their intertwined fates.

For Gayin, it was a strange twist of fate, a convergence of destinies guided by the unseen hand of the divine. He couldn't help but marvel at the notion that Asha's guardian angel had played a pivotal role in healing and purifying her soul, forging a bond between her and Caius that transcended the boundaries of time and space. In their shared journey, it seemed as though Asha's life line had become entwined with Caius's, their destinies irrevocably linked in a continuum of existence.

"Let's go see him," Gayin suggested, prompting a delighted cheer from Asha as they made their way towards Caius's office. However, before they could even reach the room, they spotted him standing by the garden, seemingly lost in thought.

"I guess we don't need to go far. Why don't you go and accompany him, little one," Gayin suggested, gently setting Asha down. Without hesitation, she dashed towards Caius with unrestrained enthusiasm.

The demon lord turned at the sound of her approaching footsteps, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "What are you doing here?" he inquired, though his tone softened at the sight of Asha's eager expression.

"Dad, walk?" Asha held up her hand expectantly, a silent invitation to share a moment of peace amidst the chaos of their world. It had become their ritual-a small, cherished routine that brought them closer together with each step they took.

They remained silent for a while, enveloped in the tranquil embrace of the garden. The wind whispered through the leaves, carrying with it a sense of serenity that belied the darkness of their surroundings. Remodeled to resemble a human world garden, it had become Asha's sanctuary-a place to escape the rigors of their reality, if only for a fleeting moment.

Breaking the silence, Asha's voice pierced the stillness. "Dad, do you ever regret taking me?" Her question was not borne of doubt but a desire for reassurance, a need to hear the words spoken aloud.

"If I had, you wouldn't be here right," Caius responded bluntly, his words echoing with the weight of undeniable truth. It was a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of their world, where every decision carried consequences. Yet, amidst the darkness, there was a glimmer of something more-a sense of purpose, of connection, that transcended the confines of their reality.

"True," Asha chuckled softly, acknowledging the inherent risks of their existence. "I just want to hear it."

"What?" His tone was gruff, masking the tumult of emotions swirling within him.

"Thank you for having me," Asha spoke softly, her words a testament to the gratitude she felt for every moment of life she had been granted. In a world shrouded in shadows, each day was a gift-a chance to find joy amidst the darkness, to forge connections that defied the odds.

Caius paused, his gaze softening as he looked down at Asha. Her words struck a chord within him, stirring emotions long buried beneath layers of darkness and duty.

"Thank you for becoming my family." The sincerity in Asha's voice pierced through Caius's defenses, leaving him momentarily speechless.

The warmth of her words enveloped Asha like a comforting embrace, filling her with a sense of belonging she had never known before. And as Caius struggled to find his own voice, she felt a surge of love and gratitude swell within her.

"I love you, dad," Asha confessed, her words hanging in the air, heavy with emotion and hope.

For Caius, those words were a revelation-a glimpse into a world he had long believed to be beyond his reach. And as he met Asha's gaze, he found himself uttering words he never thought he'd speak.

"Me too. I love you too," Caius murmured awkwardly, his heart a tumult of conflicting emotions.

Asha's smile was like a beacon of light in the darkness, illuminating the path ahead with newfound possibilities. In that moment, she knew that her life had irrevocably changed-that she had found not only a family but also a sense of belonging she had long yearned for.

~THE END ~