Chapter One: So Much for a Normal Morning

  “Good morn, young misst,” Sebastian greeted, tipping his perfectly polished hat with an elegance that belonged in an old British fil

  I offered him a small smile. “Good morning to you too, Sebastian

  He held the car door open with a bow that was just a little too deep for a simple chauffeur, but I brushed it off. Rich people weirdness, righ

  I slid into the sleek, black sedan, adjusted my skirt, and stared out the tinted window as we pulled away from the gates of the estate. It was an ordinary morning. Or at least, it looked like on

  “Hi, I’m Karina. Or Reina. Whatever suits you,” I muttered to myself, practicing how I’d reintroduce myself. First day of resumption and all that jazz. “Back at the academy,” I added dramatically, raising an imaginary champagne flute in a silent toast to surviving another yea

  I wasn’t headed to college or high school—nope. I went to an academy. You know, the kind of place that sounds bougie, exclusive, and suspiciously like a cult with uniform

  I sighed. The car hummed smoothly beneath me, the streets zipping by like they always did. I was halfway through sending a snarky gif when

  Screech

  The tires screamed. My phone flew from my hand, and my head snapped forward, slamming into the leather seat in front of m

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  “What the hell—

  Before I could gather myself, the door swung open, and the driver lunged in, grabbing me by the arm

  “Hey!” I yelled, instinctively kicking at him, but then he did something that made me pause

  He peeled off his face

  No, seriously. His actual skin

  What was underneath… wasn’t human

  Burnt red, veined with black lines, sharp eyes glowing like molten coals. His mouth curved into a fang-lined grin as he straightened and bowed—deeply

  “Your Ladyship,” he said with something that was oddly close to reverence. “You summoned us three years ago. We have waited... as you instructed. But you have given no orders since

  I blink

  Stare

  And sigh

  “Ugh. I should have known it was you guys.” I crossed my arms. “I mean, the bow was forty-five degrees lower than usual. That should’ve been my first clue. Come on. Really? What do you want this time

  The demon, still kneeling, kept his head low. “Forgive the intrusion, my Lady. We merely wish to know if you have… forgotten us

  “Forgotten?” I scoffed. “You mean, chose to ignore you for peace of mind. And I was this close to making it through a normal semester

  Another demon emerged from the front seat, dragging his clawed hand down his face in what could only be described as exasperated loyalty. “We were told to wait for further instruction, my Lady. Some among us feared you had forsaken your title

  I leaned back against the seat, massaging my temples. “Look, I told you three years ago—I’m not the reborn lord of demons. You’ve got the wrong girl. Maybe there’s another Karina out there who actually likes fire pits and world domination. Try LinkedIn

  The first demon looked up, clearly distressed. “But your aura… it is unmistakable. The seal is still intact. You

  “—im trying to go to school,” I snapped. “Not wage hellfire on the human realm

  I looked up. “Alright, spill. What’s happened now that you freaks crawled out from whatever portal you were rotting

  The demon bowed again. “There are stirrings in the Netherveil. A pretender has taken your old throne. We… need your judgment

  I groaned, rubbing my face. “Do I at least get to graduate first ?

  He blinked. “You wish to… complete your education

  “Yes. I’d also like to pass my midterms, not be hunted by holy blades, and maybe just maybe eat ramen without worrying about summoning circles forming under my feet

  The demon exchanged a worried glance with his companion

  I sighed and leaned out the door. “Just drive. We’ll talk when I’m not running late for Orientation Day

  The driver obeyed instantly. The car pulled back onto the road, and I stared out the window as if grotesque skin-peeling demons were just another Monday thing. Because, well… they were

  And if you’re confused right now, wondering what kind of messed-up urban fantasy this is

  Well the title should’ve been your first clue.