Alex took nearly an hour to cover the distance to the palace, moving without hurry, taking in everything the city offered to a careful observer.
The palace grew larger with every street Alex crossed, until the smaller towers and domed estates around it appeared no different than ornaments built at its feet.
A wide ceremonial road led toward its outer gates, lined with banners of deep crimson and black, each carrying the same crowned horned emblem that marked the House of Ahrimon.
Carriages moved steadily along the road, some pulled by enormous beasts and others floating inches above the ground under the power of engraved formations.
Demons dressed in ornate robes walked in groups, their conversation filled with laughter, curiosity, and open excitement. Tonight, the palace was not the home of the Demon King; it was the center of the greatest celebration seen in the last decade.
