Demon Legacy

Scarlett soared into the air, her wings slicing through the heavy, ash-filled skies. She landed in the center of a massive crowd of demons, their glowing eyes turning toward her.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd like a wave, soon rising into a chant:

"You are not our queen!"

"Not even a full demon!"

"We want Demon Girl, not you!"

Scarlett raised her hands, her voice cutting through the uproar. "Fine! I don't care about being queen!" she shouted, her tone sharp yet strained. "I just want my home to stop hating me!"

A snarl came from the front of the crowd. One demon stepped forward, raising a fiery hand. "This is not your home! Only full demons are allowed here!"

Scarlett flinched as a flaming projectile hurtled toward her. Her wings snapped open, shielding her body as the fire dissipated harmlessly against them.

"I am a full demon!" she growled, lowering her wings and glaring at the demon.

The demon sneered, his teeth glinting. "Prove it! Only full demons have black wings, and only a true demon can create demon fire."

Scarlett's fists clenched at her sides. Slowly, she extended her wings, their inky black feathers shimmering under the blood-red sky. Gasps erupted from the crowd, some demons stepping back in shock.

High above, Demon Girl hovered, her presence commanding. "Scarlett is a full demon," she said, her voice carrying authority and pride. "But her father isn't."

Scarlett whipped her head toward Demon Girl, her face contorting in disbelief. "What are you doing?" she hissed, her voice low but fierce.

Demon Girl's voice softened, almost apologetic. "They deserve the truth, Scarlett."

The crowd stirred, whispers and doubts spreading like wildfire. "If Kiki's not a demon, then what is he?" a voice called out.

Demon Girl raised her hand, her tone firm but steady. "Kiki's blood is tied to time, not to the demonic line. Scarlett's demon blood comes solely from the Demon Queen."

"Proof!" another demon shouted.

Scarlett's stomach sank as she saw Demon Girl raise her hand again. A cold aura radiated from her palm as two figures—Li and Lie—rose into the air. The crowd turned to stare, their presence igniting a frenzy of murmurs.

Kiki's voice boomed as he sprinted toward the scene, his eyes locked on his wife and child. "Demon Girl, stop this! Let them go!"

Demon Girl glanced at him, her expression torn. "I had to show them, Kiki. They wouldn't believe me otherwise."

Scarlett's fury boiled over. "You had to?!" she shouted, her voice cracking with anger. Energy crackled at her fingertips. "You're supposed to love me, not destroy me!"

"I do love you!" Demon Girl cried, her wings trembling as she turned to Scarlett. "I'm trying to help you clear your name!"

Scarlett's eyes burned with unshed tears. "By humiliating me in front of everyone? By turning them against me?" Her voice broke, and with a burst of raw emotion, she unleashed a blast of energy straight at Demon Girl.

The impact knocked Demon Girl back, but she steadied herself midair, her eyes wide with shock. "Scarlett…"

The crowd went silent, the air heavy with tension. Scarlett's wings flared as she hovered, her voice trembling with anger and pain. "If you love me, then stop tearing me apart."

Demon Girl hovered in place, her gaze softening. "I'm sorry," she whispered, lowering her hand and releasing Li and Lie. They floated gently to the ground, unharmed.

Kiki rushed forward, gathering his family in his arms. He glanced at Scarlett, his eyes filled with unspoken gratitude.

The demons below murmured in confusion, the once-clear lines of loyalty now blurred. Demon Girl descended slowly, her head bowed as she landed beside Scarlett.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," she said quietly, her voice heavy with guilt. "I just wanted them to see you for who you really are."

Scarlett turned away, her voice barely audible. "Then trust me to do it myself."