Infernal Ascendancy

Sunlight spilled through the thin curtains of Aria's room, warm and blinding. She groaned softly and shielded her eyes with her hand. The faint hum of morning life echoed from beyond the walls, but all she could hear was the sound of her own heartbeat.

Azreal had gone back to Hell for something important. The thought weighed heavily on her.

She sat up slowly, rubbing her temples before her eyes drifted toward her palm — the mark that once shimmered with faint crimson light now looked dull, lifeless.

"My powers…" she whispered, flexing her fingers as if trying to will the flames back to life. Nothing. Not even a flicker. Her heart sank. "Azreal brought me here to help… but how can I help if I can't even conjure my flames?" Her voice cracked. "At this rate, I'll only hold him and the others back… just like I always do."

She turned toward the window, moonlight's memory still lingering in her mind. The city outside looked normal, peaceful — too peaceful for the storm that churned inside her. "Still," she whispered, clutching her hand tight, "I won't go back to Hell. Not while Azreal and the others are here risking their lives. I'll stay here… even if I have to fake my strength. No one must know I've lost my powers."

Then, a voice echoed softly inside her head — smooth, feminine, and familiar.

"Is that truly the right thing to do?"

Aria flinched, startled. "Yuzara?" Her surroundings blurred, and before she could react, the world around her dissolved into swirling pink fire.

When she blinked again, she was standing inside Yuzara's domain — a vast, otherworldly expanse of swirling embers and white skies. Yuzara herself floated above her, veiled in radiant pink flames that licked the air with divine grace.

Aria squinted up at her. "What do you mean by that?"

Yuzara's voice echoed like a soft wind through fire. "Hiding the truth from Azreal and the others."

"What truth?" Aria's voice trembled. "I'm not hiding anything."

"You've lost your flames," Yuzara replied calmly. "You're hiding that from him. And that secret, Aria, could cost you dearly."

Aria frowned, taking a step forward. "Cost me dearly? I'm just… trying to make things right! Azreal already has too much on his shoulders with the artificial infernalization crisis. I don't want to burden him with my problems."

Yuzara's gaze softened, but her tone stayed sharp. "You think you're helping him by lying? You're only making everything worse."

Aria's temper flared. "I'm not making anything worse!" Her voice cracked, then dropped low. "You saw what happens every time he tries to help me… something goes wrong. He always ends up hurt." Her voice trembled now, her eyes lowering to the flaming ground. "He brought me here to support him, not to make him worry. If I tell him I've lost my powers, then what was the point of me coming here?"

Her voice steadied, filled with stubborn resolve. "You told me once that if I wanted to make things right, I had to grow stronger. That's what I'm doing. I won't keep depending on Azreal. I'll figure this out myself."

Yuzara's flames flickered as if sighing. "And how will you do that, Aria? You don't even know why your powers are gone. You might be undergoing a change you can't sense yet."

Aria shook her head. "No. I'm fine, Yuzara. Maybe it's because I'm in the human world — maybe it's this vessel. I just need time. Once I adjust, I'll regain control. I'm sure of it."

Yuzara's flames dimmed. "Very well then. I won't push further. Goodbye, Aria."

The pink fire flared bright, then vanished, and Aria's eyes snapped open back in her room. The morning light was still spilling in. She exhaled, heavy and uncertain, before rising to her feet and heading toward the restroom.

---

Later that morning, the group gathered in the living room for breakfast.

The smell of fresh bread filled the air, though one person's absence hung over the table.

Aria glanced around. "Lexi still didn't join us again…" she muttered, worried. "I wonder why."

She turned to Lyra. "Is Lexi still in her room?"

Lyra shrugged lazily. "If you want to talk to her, go ahead. She's always in there. I doubt she's gone anywhere."

"Thanks," Aria said softly, rising from her seat.

She walked down the quiet hallway until she stopped before Lexi's door. Her thoughts ran wild. Maybe she can help me… Lexi's smart. If anyone can figure out what's wrong with me, it's her.

She hesitated, knocking gently. No response. She knocked again. Still nothing.

"Lexi?" she called, then pushed the door open.

The air hit her like a wall — sharp with the scent of chemicals and blood.

Her eyes widened.

In the middle of the room stood a stretcher, and on it lay the mutilated body of an infernal — its skin pale and cracked like burnt porcelain. Tubes, blades, and surgical tools surrounded it. Lexi stood beside the corpse, smiling faintly, a scalpel in hand as she dissected the creature's arm with surgical precision.

For a moment, Aria couldn't move. Her stomach churned violently, and she covered her mouth. "Lexi… what are you doing?"

Lexi froze, eyes darting up. The scalpel clattered onto the tray as she straightened her glasses. "Ah… Aria. You're here." She smiled — unnervingly calm. "Good morning."

"Morning…" Aria whispered, stepping closer, still stunned. "Why… why is there an infernal in your room?"

Lexi's expression softened, almost fondly. "Research," she said simply. "I was studying the essence of an infernal. I never got to finish my work in the lab, so…" She gestured toward the body. "…I decided to bring my work with me."

Aria's throat tightened. "But… did you really have to bring that with you?"

Lexi chuckled quietly. "Yes. My research means everything to me, Aria. It can't wait. Every discovery, every cut — it brings me closer to understanding the boundary between human and infernal." Her eyes gleamed behind her glasses. "You could say this is my life's purpose."

Aria swallowed hard. "I see…"

Suddenly, Lexi reached out and gently clasped Aria's hand. Her gloves were cold. "Please," she whispered, her tone shifting, desperate now. "Don't tell Lord Azreal about this. He'll destroy everything I've worked for. I've come too far to let that happen. Please, Aria. Keep this between us."

Aria hesitated, then nodded. "It's okay. I wasn't planning to tell him. I can see how much effort you've put into your work. Don't worry — your secret's safe with me."

Relief washed over Lexi's face. "Thank you, Aria."

"It's no problem," Aria said softly.

Lexi leaned against her table, crossing her arms. "So, what brings you here? You don't usually visit unless something's on your mind."

Aria took a deep breath. "I… need your help with something. But I also need you to promise that Azreal won't find out about it."

Lexi smirked. "So, we're exchanging secrets now? Fine. I'll keep yours… if you keep mine."

"Thank you," Aria said, her voice trembling slightly.

Lexi adjusted her glasses, studying her with curiosity. "Alright, Aria. What's the problem?"

Aria met her gaze and slowly opened her palm. The faint mark shimmered once, then dimmed to nothing. "Tell me, Lexi… are you familiar with the Gods' Mark?"

Lexi blinked, then slowly pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

"The Gods' Mark?" she repeated, her tone sharpening with curiosity. "Of course, I've heard of it. Lord Orvath mentioned that a girl in Hell possessed it…"

Her eyes widened. "Wait—" she stepped closer, her excitement rising, "don't tell me you're that girl?"

Aria hesitated, then nodded quietly. "Yes… I am."

For a moment, Lexi just stared at her — then suddenly grabbed Aria's hand and started shaking it so hard it made Aria flinch.

"Unbelievable! You should've told me sooner!" Lexi burst out, eyes sparkling with manic fascination. "I would have paid my respects! How does it feel, huh? Being chosen by the Gods themselves! Can you—can you communicate with them? Channel divine energy? Or maybe—"

Aria sighed. "Lexi, slow down."

Lexi froze mid-question, then awkwardly cleared her throat. "Right, sorry. Got carried away again." She released Aria's hand, giving a sheepish little smile. "Please, continue. I'll let you talk now."

Aria folded her arms, gaze falling to the floor. "As for how I feel about the mark… I don't even know anymore." Her voice softened. "I didn't want to be chosen. I don't even understand why I was. Or what I'm supposed to do with it."

She took a slow breath. "Even being sent to Hell… it's still a mystery to me. I don't know why I was sent there, or what the future wants from me."

Lexi nodded slowly, her voice gentle for once. "I see. Being the chosen one sounds… exhausting." Her tone shifted back to clinical curiosity. "So, what do you need my help with?"

Aria looked up, hesitating for a moment before admitting, "My powers. They're gone. I awakened my holy flames in Hell—but now, I can't conjure even a spark."

Lexi's eyes gleamed with interest. She began pacing around Aria, tapping her chin as she studied her from head to toe. "So, that's the problem… the mighty flame wielder can't light a candle."

Aria frowned slightly. "Exactly. I was thinking maybe it's because of this vessel I'm using—or maybe it's something about the mortal world interfering with my flames."

Lexi shook her head. "No… I doubt that." She extended her hand. "The Gods' Mark—may I see it?"

Aria raised her hand, revealing the faint golden symbol etched into her skin. It pulsed weakly, like a heartbeat struggling to continue.

Lexi's breath hitched. "Incredible…" she whispered, leaning closer. "I can't believe I'm actually seeing the Gods' Mark in person."

Aria coughed lightly, breaking her trance.

Lexi blinked. "Ah—sorry." She adjusted her glasses again and brushed a strand of blue hair behind her ear. Then, she carefully touched the mark, tracing its edges with her gloved finger. "No, I don't think your vessel's the problem," she murmured thoughtfully.

Aria frowned. "But it could still be possible."

"Perhaps," Lexi admitted, stepping back. "But honestly, I can't say for sure. The Gods' Mark isn't exactly a subject I've had much… access to." Her eyes glimmered with obsession. "If the mark truly granted you your flames, then something in this world might be interfering with its power source."

Aria's voice was hopeful. "So, you can help me with it, right?"

Lexi's lips curved into a slow smile. "Of course I can. I get to research the Gods' Mark up close? What more could a scientist ask for?"

Aria let out a small laugh. "Thank you, Lexi."

Lexi turned to the infernal body on the stretcher and casually pulled a cloth over it. "Alright," she said, patting the table. "Lie down here, Aria."

Aria hesitated, her brow furrowing. "Wait—you want me to lie there?"

Lexi gave her an innocent smile. "Yes, of course. Don't worry, I'll be gentle."

"Lexi…" Aria said nervously as she lay down, her voice trembling, "just so you know—I did not agree to be one of your lab experiments."

Before she could finish, a metallic click echoed.

Aria's eyes went wide as iron cuffs shot out from beneath the stretcher, clamping around her wrists, ankles—then her neck.

Her pulse spiked. "Lexi! What the hell is going on!?"

Lexi chuckled softly, her voice sugar-sweet. "Oh, nothing, my dear. Just a few… precautions."

She walked closer, her shadow falling over Aria's terrified face. In one hand, she held a surgical knife. In the other, a pair of gleaming scissors. She snapped them open with a crisp click.

Her smile widened — unhinged, yet almost childlike. "Don't worry, Aria. I'll make sure to cut you up quite nicely."

"Lexi!" Aria screamed, tugging at the cuffs, but they didn't budge. Panic filled her chest as cold sweat ran down her forehead. "Stop this right now!"

Lexi tilted her head, eyes gleaming like a predator's. "Now, let's see…" she whispered, leaning closer, "…what the Gods' Mark truly has to offer."

The knife glimmered in her hand.

And then—

---

At the Mall

A world away, the hum of city life drowned in the noise of chatter, car engines, and footsteps.

Eric and Jack stopped in front of a massive mall crowned with neon lights — Prestige Mall.

Eric took a drag from his cigarette, the ember flaring as smoke curled lazily around his face. "Here we are, Jack. The famous Prestige Mall."

Jack looked up at the towering building, then at the crowd bustling in and out.

Eric flicked away his cigarette and smirked. "Now then…" He exhaled one last plume of smoke. "Let's go shopping."