The Incubus System Chapter 1022. Zalira's Fear

The Incubus System Chapter 1022. Zalira's Fear

For at least half an hour, I explained everything—my complicated origin, the tangled mess of bloodlines that led to my existence, and all the secrets that had been kept from not just Zalira, but the human world. I could tell it was a lot for her to process. Hell, it had taken me some time to wrap my head around it, so I didn’t blame her for the constant questions or the look of disbelief that stayed glued to her face.

At first, she just listened, arms crossed over her chest, her posture stiff. But as I delved deeper into the story—starting with my human father’s death—her defensive stance slowly melted away, replaced by something else, intrigue. Confusion, yes, but there was curiosity there too. I could see it in her eyes, the way they flickered with interest as I detailed the events that led to me becoming the hybrid I am.

"Now that you understand, can we move on?" I asked, my voice steady but holding a hint of impatience. I was in my incubus form now. My arms crossed. Zalira was already dressed, her usual regal appearance restored, though I could tell the conversation had taken its toll on her.

She hesitated for a moment, glancing toward the door where Elros had knocked just minutes before. He’d been trying to interrupt us, asking repeatedly if Zalira needed him or if we were done, but she waved him off each time. His irritation was hard to miss, though I didn’t blame him. He probably thought I was wasting her time—or worse, trying to manipulate her.

Still, I decided to keep things low-key. Zalira and I had more pressing matters to deal with than Elros' frustration.

“You mean freeing that angel?” Zalira asked, bringing the conversation back to the real issue at hand. Her tone was cautious now, no longer as casual or combative as it had been before. She was treading carefully, trying to process everything I had told her in such a short span of time.

“Yes,” I replied, locking eyes with her. “At least let me meet her.”

Zalira's eyes narrowed slightly. “You say that as if it’s such a simple request,” she muttered, shaking her head. “It’s not just about ‘meeting’ her, Damian. This is a centuries-old prisoner we’re talking about. An angel, no less. Do you have any idea what kind of chaos that could unleash?”

“I know,” I said firmly, locking eyes with Zalira again. “That’s why I’ve already talked to Mia about things. I understand that asking you to let her go right now might be… difficult. I get it. But I have to talk to her. She knows I’m here.”

Zalira’s frown deepened as she processed my words. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty, a rare crack in her usual composed demeanor. “What do you mean? How could she possibly know you’re here?” she asked, her tone sharp with suspicion.

I turned my head toward the corner of the room, where the holy crystal sat glowing faintly. “With that,” I replied, nodding toward it with my chin.

Zalira’s gaze followed mine, focusing on the crystal. Her eyes narrowed as she studied it, trying to make sense of what I was saying. I continued, my voice steady. “That crystal is connected to her. She’s been watching, waiting… and now she knows I’m here because of it.”

Zalira’s eyes widened slightly in realization. “That’s why it dimmed,” she murmured, more to herself than to me. Her hand instinctively rose to her chest, her fingers brushing against the fabric of her dress. “Despite it detecting you as a demon, it didn’t react.”

I smirked, pleased that she was starting to connect the dots. “Correct,” I said. “She recognized me. She knows I’m not just a demon. And now, she’s waiting for me.”

Zalira hesitated, glancing between me and the crystal, clearly torn. I could see the internal battle playing out in her mind. On one hand, she had her duty—to her people, to her kingdom, and to herself. On the other hand, this was something far beyond her realm of control. Something ancient. Something powerful. And it terrified her. Also, she might forget I could just blast her palace to free Puriel, but she was my partner now. I bet she will change her decision sooner or later.

Just then, Mia stepped forward. “Zalira… let him meet her. Please.”

Zalira’s eyes snapped to her sister, her expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. “Mia, you don’t understand what you’re asking,” she said sharply. “This isn’t some casual encounter. This is an angel we’ve kept imprisoned for centuries. We don’t know what could happen if we let her go, or even if we allow him to speak with her.”

“I know it’s dangerous,” Mia replied, her tone calm but insistent. “But Damian needs to do this.”

Zalira shot her sister a look. “That’s exactly the problem, Mia. He’s not like the others. He’s a half-demon, half-angel—something none of us fully understand. Even he doesn’t understand it.”

Mia didn’t back down, her eyes locking onto Zalira’s. “But that’s why we have to let him speak to her. She’s the only one who might have answers. Answers we need.”

Zalira clenched her jaw, clearly not liking where this was heading. “And what if this is all part of some larger scheme? What if this is exactly what she wants? For him to come to her so she can manipulate him to destroy us? That angel may have held a grudge against us. We have been sucking her power for centuries.”

“She can’t manipulate me,” I said. “I’m not asking for a favor, Zalira. I’m asking for a chance.” I leaned towards her. “You need to remember, Zalira. I could free her with my power alone. But… I chose a more peaceful way.”

Mia cut in again, her voice softer now, almost pleading. “Zalira… I’ve seen Damian risk everything for us, for the human world. And you have to understand him, too.”