IN THE DEMON CLUTCH
Astrid finds herself captive in the heart of the demon realm, held by the enigmatic Demon King, Regaleon. But her plight is intertwined with that of Leon, her trusted friend, who also finds himself imprisoned. Unknown to Leon, he is the reincarnation of Regaleon's long-dead younger brother, a connection that fuels a dangerous game of power and destiny. As Astrid fights for survival, she uncovers a web of ancient prophecies and hidden truths that bind her fate to Regaleon and Leon's shared past. Will she break free from the demon's clutch, or will destiny bind them all together in a tragic embrace?
In a realm where trust is a luxury they cannot afford, Astrid and Leon must confront not only Regaleon's power but also the shocking truth about Leon's past before it destroys them all.
Extract — “In the Demon’s Clutch”
“Astrid: Leon, what’s wrong with you?”
Her voice trembled as she took a cautious step forward. The man before her — the same one who used to smile at her with warmth — now stared blankly, head tilted slightly, as if her words were in a foreign tongue.
Leon’s lips parted, confusion flickering across his features. “Who is Leon?” he asked slowly, eyes narrowing. “Why are you calling me that… and who are you?”
Astrid froze. His voice — colder, detached — was nothing like his own.
Then his gaze shifted, finding the figure standing a few feet away. “Brother,” he said, his tone sharp, almost accusing. “What is she talking about? Who is this… human?”
He moved toward Regaleon, each step measured and deliberate, like a predator closing in. Astrid’s instinct kicked in — she reached out and grabbed his wrist.
“Leon, please—”
His expression twisted with something dark. With a violent jerk, he flung her hand off. “I said, who are you!” he snarled, his voice rising, something inhuman lacing his tone. “And how dare you touch me!”
A pulse of energy rippled from him — raw, burning, unstable. His once-azure eyes bled into crimson, veins darkening beneath his skin. Astrid stumbled back as the air around them crackled, heat radiating from his body like fire straining to be unleashed.
But before Leon — or whatever he had become — could lash out, a shadow flashed between them.
Regaleon’s hand caught Leon’s shoulder, his voice low but firm. “Hey. Easy… easy. It’s okay. I’m here.”
Then he turned his gaze toward Astrid, his expression unreadable. “If I were you,” he said coolly, “I’d be careful not to provoke him.”
Astrid’s fear gave way to fury. “It’s you, isn’t it?” she spat. “What did you do to him? Why can’t he remember me? What have you done to my friend?!”
Regaleon’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “That’s not the right question, Astrid,” he murmured, his voice carrying a dangerous calm. “You should be asking…” He glanced at Leon, whose crimson eyes burned brighter in the dark.
“…what was he — and what has he become?”