A week had passed since Raza’s birth.
By now, word of the Black Phoenix and his unprecedented black flames had spread throughout the devil nobility. Rumors swirled: Was the child cursed?
Was this a bad omen for the Phoenix clan? Regulus avoided public attention, sidestepping questions about the new member of his household. He knew he couldn’t avoid it forever, but for now, he delayed going public.
He hadn’t even visited Raza, uncertain how to face the boy and still unsure what to make of him.
Regulus had ordered research into the phenomenon of a Phoenix with dark flames, but the staff found nothing—no records, prophecies, or even rumors. The only references were some human myths and music bands, which were pure coincidence. Regulus reminded himself of why he chose to keep the boy: the alternative was unthinkable. Politics complicated everything, and he still didn’t know what these black flames meant. Was it a curse, or something else? He sighed, knowing the elders would never simply accept the boy.
Rhea, meanwhile, was in their chambers with Raza. She watched over her sleeping son, overcome with emotion. She remembered the first time she saw him—so beautiful, so different, but so precious.
She refused to let stories or superstition cloud her love. Raza was her son, and she would do anything for him. Even when the black flames burned her, she never let go. She knew it would be difficult for Raza growing up, looking different from the rest of the clan, bearing unique flames. Different was rarely welcomed in their world, but she would do everything in her power to protect him and help him find a place to belong.
Nearly a year passed. During that time, Rhea and Regulus were forced to attend banquets and gatherings, facing difficult atmospheres and whispered conversations. Nobles always steered talk toward the new boy, making the parents uncomfortable. Regulus struggled to answer questions about the future of the Phoenix clan, whether the child showed any symptoms, or what the family would do if the boy was truly cursed.
He always tried to reassure them, though he had no answers himself. Eventually, the nobles calmed, but Regulus felt the weight of constant scrutiny, as if the entire underworld was watching, waiting for a sign of disaster.
For Rhea, her greatest concern was her other son, Riser. She once asked if he wanted to hold his baby brother. “He feels creepy. I’m not touching that,” Riser replied. Angered, Rhea scolded him, but Riser dismissed her and refused to go near Raza. Rhea’s worst fear was realized: not only would outsiders dehumanize Raza, but even his own family might. That day, Rhea cried in silence.
Days later, a letter arrived at the Phoenix estate bearing the Gremory clan’s seal. They expressed interest in marriage arrangements between the clans—a prospect the elders advised to accept immediately. With both clans wielding great influence, unification would be a boon for the underworld. Regulus agreed, and a meeting was arranged.
The next evening, Rhea, Regulus, and a Phoenix elder awaited their guests. Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory, accompanied by a Gremory elder, arrived via teleportation circle and were led to the guest room. After greetings and refreshments, the conversation turned to politics. The Gremory elder spoke of the future of their world and the importance of uniting strong houses through marriage contracts.
Regulus asked whom the Gremory household had in mind. The elder named Rias Gremory. Rhea noted that, like Raza, Rias was just an infant—already being used as a political asset. She sympathized with the Gremory child, but this was their reality; politics cared little for individuals.
When asked who would represent the Phoenix side, Rhea saw an opportunity. But before she could speak, the Phoenix elder suggested young Riser. The Gremory elder agreed. Rhea protested, “Excuse me, but I was thinking of Raza as a candidate. They are of similar age and—”
The Phoenix elder cut her off. “Lady Phoenix, I’m sure you have the best intentions, but Riser has already shown great promise as an heir. It would be unwise not to take this opportunity. Riser is the safer option, wouldn’t you agree?”
“But—” Rhea tried to interject.
The Gremory elder continued, “This is merely an arrangement for the future. Lady Rias would have to come of age before a wedding, but this agreement secures our clans’ future. I also vouch for Riser; he’s sure to become a fine noble.”
The Gremory parents exchanged a confused glance. Rhea looked to her husband, hoping for support, but Regulus avoided her gaze, still conflicted. He said nothing.
Rhea stood. “Excuse me,” she said, and left the room.
She walked back to the chambers, realizing the elders deliberately ignored Raza’s potential. Her baby was already being treated as an outsider. Her heart ached. She entered her room and approached the small cradle by her bed. Raza lay sleeping, oblivious to the world’s schemes. Gently, Rhea touched his cheek. The black flames flared, burning her, but she didn’t care.
A voice spoke behind her, “Doesn’t that hurt?”
Rhea turned to see Venelana Gremory.
“He’s my son. This pain is nothing compared to how much I love him,” Rhea replied.
Venelana smiled softly, understanding from one mother to another. She asked if Rhea was well. Rhea nodded, but tears slipped down her cheeks. She couldn’t hold them back. She wept, asking why it had to be her baby boy, why everyone treated him like a monster, and admitting she no longer understood her husband. Most of all, she feared for her son’s future.
Venelana comforted her, holding her hands. “You need to be strong for Raza’s sake. He’s lucky to have a mother who loves him so much. That’s what’s most important. Everything will be fine.”
Venelana stepped to the cradle and gently caressed Raza’s cheek with the back of her finger. She winced as the black flames burned her slightly. Rhea called out in concern, but Venelana just smiled and softly said, “Hello there, little man. You’re the most precious thing, aren’t you? You’ll face many hardships, but become strong so you don’t worry your dear mother, all right?”
Raza made a small sound as if in agreement. Venelana called him a good boy and stepped back. Rhea pointed out her burned finger, but Venelana replied she’d get it healed later. Rhea shook her head and began to cry again; Venelana hugged her.
After a while, they both returned to the guest room. In their absence, the arrangement was finalized: Riser would be the one chosen. The Gremory family soon took their leave. Zeoticus asked Venelana if she was all right. She replied that she was fine and had simply talked with Rhea. Zeoticus noticed her bandaged finger but said nothing.