Chapter 8

" It's possible,but remember what we discussed with your father: No physical research by yourself"

"We must focus on finding documents and testimonies from members of the palace. I know, " she said, annoyed.

"It's for your own good," the gaurd tried to appease her.

"If you are caught, you will not leave this place alive."

Reyanna sighed. The thought infuriated her. How was she supposed to find evidence of this illegal trade in the palace if she couldn't explore for herself? Searching for documents and obtaining evidence was as difficult as inspecting the basement of the palace.

Reyanna's frustration grew, her eyes narrowing with determination. "I understand the risks, Zorion. But if we solely rely on testimonies and documents from others, we may miss crucial evidence that could expose the truth. We need to be thorough in our investigation, even if it means taking calculated risks."

"That demon you met yesterday. Why don't you try to get some information from her?"

"That's even riskier," she sighed. "I don't have any information about her, and I don't even know  which family she belongs to. She may  not even live here. She's unlikely  to know anything. "

The gaurd watched for a moment.

"You told me that she was very interested in angels and that she grew up with our culture and that she seemed genuinely curious about you. Maybe she will give you more information than you think if you agree to tell her more about angels in return. "

Reyanna pondered Zorion's suggestion. He had a point—the encounter with Bellatrix had revealed her interest in angels and her knowledge of their culture. Perhaps there was an opportunity to establish a connection and gather information.

"That's what worries me," Reyanna replied, her voice filled with concern. "A demon who claims to appreciate angels and be genuinely curious about them in the midst of the biggest angel trade center is highly suspicious. It's unlikely that she is aware of the true extent of what goes on in the palace or she wouldn't hold such views about angels. Those who have been raised to exploit another species for the sake of luxury and power can not have a genuinely benevolent interest in the same species."

"It's our only lead at the moment, and perhaps the least dangerous option," Reyanna pondered, her mind weighing the possibilities. "But Bellatrix... she seems to embody danger itself. I can't help but feel that I may lose control of my emotions and reactions when I'm in her presence."

The real danger lay not in Bellatrix herself, but in Reyanna's own vulnerability to her captivating beauty. She feared that in the presence of Bellatrix, she would lose control of her emotions and be influenced to say or do things without even realizing it. This prospect frightened her more than anything. She knew she had to maintain control over herself and not let her attraction towards a demon distract her from her ultimate goal.

"You keep questioning the gaurds and exploring the castle under pretext that you got lost every time, and I'll find a lead to explore the documents. We'll take stock in two or three days if we don't get the chance to talk before then. I'm gonna go for a walk, I need to clear my head." The gaurd nodded and waved as the princess left.

Several days had passed, and Reyanna's search for any trace of the slaves within the castle had yielded no results. She had tirelessly explored every nook and cranny of the vast palace, taking advantage of the demons' hospitality and the openness of the guests to gain access to various areas. However, there seemed to be no hidden secrets or concealed hiding places where the slaves could be kept.

Reyanna had ventured into the underground passages, traversing the dimly lit corridors with caution and attentiveness. She examined every alcove and chamber, hoping to discover some evidence or sign that would lead her to the enslaved angels. Yet, her efforts proved fruitless, and the passages revealed nothing unusual during her exploration.

Frustration started to gnaw at Reyanna's resolve. She couldn't understand how such a massive operation could be concealed within the palace without leaving any trace. It was as if the slaves had vanished into thin air, leaving behind no evidence of their existence.

And if that wasn't enough to dampen her mood, Reyanna had yet to find another opportunity to speak with Bellatrix alone. Since their conversation in the garden, their paths only crossed briefly at the bend of a corridor or during secondary events where Bellatrix made fleeting appearances. The princess couldn't help but notice that the demon was always surrounded by a group of courtiers, who seemed to be constantly guarding and watching over her.

Not at all fond of close contact with crowds of strangers, Reyanna had become adept at blending into the background, lowering her head and keeping a low profile. Despite her efforts to remain inconspicuous, she couldn't help but notice Bellatrix's occasional subtle nods in her direction during social events. It was a small gesture, but enough for Reyanna to understand that it was intended for her.

Although Reyanna was not particularly fond of the attention it brought, she found solace in the fact that Bellatrix acknowledged her presence amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. It provided a sense of reassurance that perhaps there was more to the demon than met the eye. However, the dark looks and increasingly contemptuous behavior from other guests towards Reyanna, who was seen as associated with the demon, made her uneasy.

The thought that their budding friendship held value in Bellatrix's eyes was both thrilling and intimidating. It fueled Reyanna's desire to understand the demon on a deeper level, to unravel the complexities that lay beneath the surface. There was an undeniable magnetism drawing them together, and Reyanna couldn't ignore the growing feelings that tugged at her heart.

There was something about the demon's allure that sparked a sense of curiosity and fascination within Reyanna. It wasn't just physical attraction; it was a deeper connection that seemed to transcend the boundaries of their respective species. Reyanna couldn't help but wonder if there was more to their connection than she initially thought.