Pain flares in my abdomen as I sink to the forest floor, blood soaking through my uniform. The demon's Blood Demon Art had caught me off guard, and now fever burns through my veins, clouding my thoughts. The moon hides behind trees, leaving me in darkness broken only by the glow of demon blood on the ground around me. I press a hand to my wound, fingers coming away slick with my own blood. Somewhere in the distance, a crow caws—probably my messenger, though I can't summon the strength to call for it.

Movement catches my eye. Not just any movement—the distinctive blur of superhuman speed that can only mean one thing: Upper Moon demon. My hand flies to my sword hilt, but my body betrays me, weakness washing over me.

He materializes from the shadows, blue markings glowing faintly in the darkness, golden eyes fixed on me with predatory intensity. Akaza. The demon who should have killed me on the Mugen Train. The demon who haunts my dreams.

"Looks like the great Flame Pillar has fallen," he smirks, but there's something else in his gaze as he steps closer. Not just hunger, but something like... recognition.

My fingers tighten around my blade, though I know I'm no match for him in this state. "Just finish it," I mutter, shame burning hotter than my fever.

Instead of attacking, he kneels beside me, his cool hand brushing my forehead. I flinch, but don't pull away. "Foolish human," he says, though there's no malice in it. "You're burning up." His golden eyes flick to my bleeding abdomen, and his expression darkens. "Who did this?"

The question surprises me. "Does it matter?" I喘息, heat waves distorting my vision. "A demon. Like you."

His fingers brush the edge of my torn uniform, cool against my burning skin. I should stop him. I should drive my blade through his heart while he's vulnerable. But I can't. Not when his touch eases the fever's fire even as it ignites something else—something forbidden—in my blood.

"What's wrong, Pillar?" he murmurs, leaning closer. "No witty retort? No threats?" His breath fans my face, cool and inviting. "Perhaps you finally understand your place."

The words should enrage me. Instead, they send a shiver down my spine. "Akaza..." I whisper, not sure if I'm warning him or begging him.

His smirk widens, revealing those sharp fangs. "Yes, Kyojurou?" he purrs my name like a caress, and I feel myself leaning into him despite every instinct screaming danger.