I curled around my belly, shielding it with both arms, and looked up at Seraphina through the pain. My voice came out cold and steady.
"Do you really think the Demon Sovereign won't find out what you've done here?"
Seraphina scoffed, utterly unbothered.
"I am the Demon Sovereign's one true love, the woman he fell for at first sight. A single glance from me was enough to make him end the great war."
"Everyone across the Six Realms knows how deeply he loves me."
"All I'm doing is disciplining a pathetic mortal. Even if he finds out, so what? You think he'd blame me over some insignificant nobody like you?"
The celestial maidens in her entourage sneered in agreement.
"Exactly. Everyone across the Six Realms and the Eight Wastelands knows the Demon Sovereign fell for Lady Seraphina at first sight. What are you? You're not even fit to be compared to her."
"The Demon Sovereign stands above all living things. Of course there are shameless little foxes like this mortal crawling around, dreaming of climbing into his bed. My lady, we should make an example of her today. Kill the chicken to warn the monkeys, and crush those delusions once and for all."
"That's right. Let every shameless wretch out there know that the Demon Sovereign's woman is not a title just anyone can claim."
Every one of them spoke with razor-edged malice, their eyes burning with a hatred so sharp it seemed they wanted to tear me apart where I lay.
I kept my expression grave. "You should go ask the Demon Sovereign himself who I am."
Seraphina lifted her chin, contempt dripping from every pore.
"You, a common mortal who snuck into the Abyssal Palace, think you're worthy of me inquiring about your identity?"
"I am the one closest to the Demon Sovereign's heart. I am the Celestial Emperor's most treasured daughter. What are you? You think your status could ever compare to mine?"
She let her gaze drift across the darkened hall, and her voice turned soft, almost idle.
"This Abyssal Palace is far too gloomy. It could use a splash of red."
The celestial maidens understood instantly. One by one, they conjured whips of pure spiritual energy.
And they lashed into me without mercy.
I was mortal flesh and bone. I had no way to withstand an assault from this many immortals at once.
I was beaten to the ground, curled into myself, my skin split open in ribbons of blood.