The Demon Empire’s capital city, Darigon, was built in middle of a great ocean. From a lonely outcropping of ancient ruins that stood against the waves, it grew first by floats and pontoons, then it floated by the strength of the demon emperor’s magic. From there he plotted his conquest, and protected their world’s secret. Beneath the palace, down …

  I met him when I was a child. My adult minders ushered me onto the palace balcony and I squeezed its black-marble railing with my small hands. The vast Demon Capital, Darigon, and the wide avenue that was its main artery laid far beneath my feet. I recognized him when he strode through the inner gate, the one the …