章 10: The Demon Realm had truly changed

The car rumbled quietly as Rowena drove, her hand lazily resting on the steering wheel while her other tapped rhythmically against the door in time with the beat of the music playing softly from the radio.

I leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur by, my mind wandering.

The Demon Realm had truly changed.

Growing up, Leora's stories had painted a vivid picture of what the realm used to be a place steeped in tradition, where magic and mysticism ruled everything.

The streets were once filled with carriages drawn by monstrous creatures, merchants called out their wares in cobblestone markets, and towering, gothic spires dominated the skyline.

Back then, technology was seen as an unnecessary human novelty, something demons had no need for.

But now? It was as if the Demon Realm had embraced modernization wholeheartedly.

Cars zipped through the streets, sleek and modern, their engines purring like content beasts. Towering skyscrapers lined the horizon, their glossy facades shimmering under the afternoon sun.

Billboards and holographic advertisements hovered above the streets, their colorful displays flashing promotions for everything from magical potions to the latest tech gadgets.

Some even featured familiar human products like soda brands and video games.

I spotted a group of humans walking together, laughing as they navigated the bustling sidewalk. It wasn't uncommon to see them here anymore.

Ever since Lydia and Aurelia had became queens of humans, more and more humans had begun migrating to the Demon Realm. At first, it had been strange humans living among us but now it was simply part of life.

Even the tournaments had changed. Once, they were brutal and bloody affairs meant to determine dominance and enforce power structures.

Now, they were events held for sport, entertainment, and bragging rights. I'd never paid much attention to them; they didn't interest me. But I knew others Rowena especially loved the spectacle.

For her, it was a chance to prove strength and skill, even if it was all for show now.

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud growl from my stomach.

Rowena glanced at me, one eyebrow raised. "Hungry much?"

I rolled my eyes. "Can you blame me? I just survived a cooking trial from hell. I didn't even get to eat my own dish."

"You could've packed some of it for later, you know," Rowena teased, a smirk tugging at her lips. "But no, Miss Perfect had to make it flawless for the angry cooking queen."

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up." I crossed my arms, my cheeks flushing slightly. "So are you going to feed me or what?"

Rowena sighed dramatically, making a show of looking around. "Alright, fast food it is. There's a place nearby."

We pulled into the parking lot of a popular fast-food chain. The smell of fried food and grease hit me the moment I stepped out of the car, and my stomach growled louder in anticipation.

Rowena was already heading for the entrance, her pajama-clad figure earning a few curious stares, but she didn't seem to care.

Inside, the place was buzzing with activity. Demons and humans alike filled the booths and tables, chatting, eating, and occasionally shouting over the noise.

The menu screens above the counter flashed with images of oversized burgers, crispy fries, and colorful milkshakes.

"Alright," Rowena said, scanning the menu. "What do you want?"

I tapped my chin thoughtfully, pretending to deliberate. "A burger, fries, and a shake. Oh, and don't forget the extra sauce. You're paying."

"Of course I am," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she pulled out her wallet. "You know, for someone who insists on becoming a chef, you sure don't mind eating junk."

"Hey, chefs are allowed to indulge," I shot back, grinning.

As Rowena placed the order, I found a booth by the window. The seat was sticky, and the table wobbled slightly when I leaned on it, but I didn't mind. It was part of the charm of places like this imperfect but comforting.

Rowena returned with a tray of food, setting it down with a flourish. "Bon appétit, princess."

I ignored her sarcasm, grabbing a fry and popping it into my mouth. The salty, greasy flavor was exactly what I needed. "You're not eating?"

"Nah, I'm good," she said, sipping on a soda. "I had my cereal, remember?"

I was about to respond when a shadow fell over our table. I looked up to see a tall, elegant demon woman standing there, her crimson eyes fixed on Rowena with an intensity that made me suppress a laugh.

"Excuse me," the woman said, her voice smooth and confident. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room."

Rowena blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Uh, hi?"

"You have such a strong presence," the woman continued, leaning slightly closer. "And I must say, those pajamas? Bold choice. It's refreshing to see someone so unapologetically themselves."

I bit my lip to keep from laughing as Rowena's expression shifted from confusion to mild horror.

"Uh, thanks?" Rowena said, her voice rising slightly at the end. "I just… didn't feel like changing today."

The woman's smile widened. "It suits you. Confidence is attractive."

I couldn't hold it in any longer. A snort of laughter escaped me, and I quickly covered my mouth with a napkin, pretending to cough. Rowena shot me a glare before turning back to the woman.

"Thanks," she said awkwardly, clearly unsure how to respond.

"If you ever want to grab a coffee sometime," the woman said, pulling out a card and placing it on the table, "let me know."

Rowena stared at the card like it might explode. "Sure… I'll, uh, think about it."

The woman winked before walking away, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. The moment she was out of earshot, I burst out laughing.

"Oh my god, Rowena," I said, clutching my sides. "That was priceless. She was totally hitting on you!"

Rowena groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Why does this always happen? I'm not even trying!"

"It's the pajamas," I said, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. "Apparently, they scream 'date me.'"

"Shut up," she muttered, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Let's just eat and get out of here."

As we finished our meal and headed back to the car, I couldn't stop teasing Rowena about her new admirer. By the time we pulled out of the parking lot, she was threatening to leave me by the side of the road if I didn't stop.

"You wouldn't dare," I said, grinning.

"Try me," she shot back, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward in amusement.

The rest of the drive was filled with playful banter, the kind that only siblings could share. As I gazed out the window again, the world outside seemed a little brighter, a little more alive. The future felt full of possibilities, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly excited about what was to come.

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