Princess of Hell

We descended toward the outskirts of Ardorkeep as the crimson glow of the crystal formations above began to dim, signalling the approach of Hell's version of evening. The familiar weight of my wings felt almost natural now, each beat carrying us effortlessly through the warm air currents that rose from the magma channels below.

As my feet touched the obsidian ground near the city's outer walls, I reluctantly began the process of concealing my wings beneath glamour once more. The magic flowed through the familiar pathways in my body, and I watched as my wings seemed to fold inward and disappear, becoming intangible illusions tucked against my back.

"No wonder you prefer to keep yours visible," I said to Isabella, rolling my shoulders as the restrictive feeling settled over me. "After using them properly for hours, hiding them again feels like trying to breathe through a straw."

Isabella's own wings remained proudly displayed, the dark membrane catching the last traces of light from above. "These are the perks of not having to maintain a cover," she replied with a slight smile. "I can be myself without constantly monitoring every aspect of my appearance."

Aria bounced on her feet, her purple eyes bright with mischief. "You know, Lily, you could just drop the charade entirely. I mean, what's really stopping you at this point?"

I adjusted my glamoured appearance, ensuring my horns were properly concealed as well. "It wasn't actually my idea, you know. My parents—well, Lilith more than Lucifer—insisted on the whole merchant's daughter persona."

"Oh, please," Aria waved her hand dismissively. "Judging by how they are with you, I doubt they'd mind if you revealed yourself now. Besides, you've already accomplished what hiding your status was supposed to accomplish."

I tilted my head, genuinely curious. "And what exactly is that?"

Aria grinned and pointed dramatically at herself and Isabella. "Finding your best friends, of course! Mission accomplished!"

Isabella raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "I doubt that was really all Lily's parents intended when they asked her to maintain this cover. There are likely political considerations we're not aware of."

But Aria's eyes had taken on that conspiratorial gleam that usually meant trouble. "Though, Lily, you should imagine Valentina's face when she learns that the merchant's daughter she's been deriding is actually a princess of Hell."

The mental image was admittedly appealing. I could picture Valentina's expression perfectly—that moment of shock followed by the dawning realization of just how thoroughly she'd embarrassed herself. A laugh escaped me before I could stop it.

"That would be rather amusing, but—"

"Just do it then!" Aria interrupted, practically vibrating with excitement.

I held up a hand to finish my thought. "It's too early for something that dramatic. Maybe after the first year." I paused, considering the delicious possibilities. "Besides, wouldn't it be better to let Valentina sink further into her bog of assumptions before the big reveal?"

All three of us burst into laughter at the thought. I could imagine it perfectly—months of Valentina's condescending remarks and attempted power plays, all building toward that moment when she discovered the truth. The humiliation would be exquisite.

"There's something deliciously cruel about this plan," Isabella observed, her ice-blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

"We are demons, after all," I replied, surprised by how easily the words came. "What else should it be if not cruel?"

The admission felt strange on my tongue. There was something unsettling about how naturally I'd accepted that aspect of my nature, though I told myself there was still a difference between this kind of harmless social cruelty and the genuine violence Aria and Isabella had displayed with that elf girl.

"Well said," Isabella agreed with a nod of approval.

Aria clapped her hands together, practically bouncing with anticipation. "I already can't wait for the big reveal! The look on her face will be priceless."

As we began walking toward Ardorkeep's main gates, I found myself genuinely looking forward to that eventual moment. Perhaps it was petty, but the thought of her discovering she'd been targeting the daughter of Hell's rulers filled me with a warm satisfaction.

The guards at the gate barely glanced at us as we passed through—three young succubi returning from an evening out was hardly unusual in a city with such a high population of our kind.

"So," I said as we made our way through the evening crowds, "Isabella's family first, then we figure out what the VCD wants with me?"

"Sounds like a plan," Isabella replied, though I noticed her expression had grown more serious as we walked deeper into the city.

* * *

The flying carriage ride to Isabella's estate felt longer than usual, though perhaps that was just my eagerness to finally rest after our harrowing escape from Glacius. The familiar sight of the Lilitu family grounds came into view as we descended, but something felt different this time.

This time only servants came to greet us.

"Where are your parents?" Aria asked, glancing around the courtyard as we disembarked.

Isabella's expression remained composed, but I caught a flicker of something—disappointment, perhaps—before she answered. "This is how reception usually looks for me. My parents rarely have time for such… personal greetings. They're typically occupied with various affairs of state."

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She straightened her shoulders, her aristocratic mask sliding back into place. "Last time was likely an exception—they were probably curious about my new friends."

"Follow me," Isabella said, leading us through the familiar corridors of her family's mansion.

The halls felt different in the evening light, shadows stretching across ornate tapestries and polished floors. Our footsteps echoed as we made our way toward what I assumed was her mother's study. Isabella moved with purpose, though her tail swished with barely contained nervous energy.

We stopped before an imposing door of dark wood carved with intricate patterns. Isabella raised her hand and knocked with three measured raps.

"Mother? May I come in?"

"I'm rather busy at the moment, Isabella," came Pyrrha's voice from within, though something about her tone seemed… different. Slightly breathless, perhaps. "Is it important?"

Isabella straightened, her voice taking on a more formal cadence. "It concerns what happened to the representative of the Chenoo household. I've uncovered some information with my friends' assistance that suggests there may be more to the situation than initially apparent."

A pause, then: "Very well. Come in."

Isabella pushed open the door, and we followed her inside.

The scene that greeted us made me freeze in the doorway. Pyrrha Lilitu sat astride her husband, her silver hair cascading down her back as she moved in a steady rhythm. Her emerald eyes met ours without a trace of embarrassment, while her husband's hands gripped her hips, his own breathing laboured.

Isabella and Aria stepped into the room as if nothing unusual was happening. Neither so much as blinked at the intimate display before us.

My cheeks burned as I almost caught myself gaping at the scene. The casual way Isabella and Aria entered the room—as if walking into a library rather than witnessing an intimate moment—reminded me how far my common sense still lagged behind my acceptance.

"Isabella, darling," Pyrrha said, her voice steady despite her current position. If anything, there seemed to be a hint of smugness in her tone, as though she was deliberately flaunting her claim on her husband. "What have you discovered?"

The man's rhythm shifted slightly, causing Pyrrha to gasp softly before she continued. "And please, introduce your friends properly."

"Of course, Mother." Isabella's voice remained perfectly level. "You remember Ariasielle Nova and Lily Nightstar."

Aria gave a cheerful wave. "Hello again, Lady Pyrrha!"

I managed a respectful nod, still adjusting to the casual nature of the situation. "Lady Pyrrha."

Pyrrha's lips curved in a smile. "A pleasure to see you both again." Her breath hitched slightly as her husband's hands moved to her waist, his pace increasing. "Now then, what have you learned about the Chenoo matter?"

* * *

Isabella launched into a detailed explanation of everything we'd discovered—House Viridia's involvement, the enchanted daggers, the assassination attempts in Glacius. I watched Pyrrha's face as Isabella spoke, noting how her emerald eyes sharpened with interest even as she continued her intimate dance.

When Isabella finished, Pyrrha actually stopped moving entirely for a moment, her hands braced against her lover's chest as she processed the information.

"Interesting," she murmured, her voice thoughtful. Then, more to herself than to us, she added, "Is this why Queen Lilith requested the meeting with the households?"

My heart nearly stopped. I almost blurted out "Yes, that's exactly what we told her," but caught myself just in time, clamping my mouth shut so hard my teeth clicked together. That would have been a spectacular way to blow my cover completely.

Instead, I forced myself to remain silent, hoping my expression looked appropriately curious rather than panicked.

Pyrrha's attention returned to Isabella, and a rare smile of genuine approval crossed her features. "Excellent work, Isabella. This information explains quite a lot about recent political maneuvering."

Isabella's posture straightened slightly at the praise, though she maintained her composed demeanor. "Thank you, Mother."

"Now then," Pyrrha said, her hands sliding back to her husband's shoulders as she prepared to resume her activities, "you'll need to excuse us. As you can see, Emmett and I are rather… occupied at the moment."

Her lips curved in a wicked smile. "Unless, of course, you prefer to watch? Though I don't believe you and your friends are of that particular inclination."

Without waiting for a response, she began moving her hips again, her breathing immediately becoming more labored as Emmett's hands tightened on her waist.

That was definitely our cue to leave.

We filed out of the study quickly, Isabella closing the door behind us with practiced efficiency. The sounds from within resumed almost immediately, though mercifully the thick wood muffled them somewhat.

I stared at the closed door for a moment, still processing what had just happened. "That's it?"

Isabella nodded matter-of-factly. "Mother has all the information she needs. She'll handle things from here—likely coordinate with other house heads and possibly Queen Lilith herself."

She paused, then shifted topics with the same casual efficiency her mother had just displayed. "Should we head to Earth now, or would you prefer to wait until tomorrow?"

The mention of Earth made my chest tighten. The VCD wanted to speak with me about Faith. Part of me dreaded what that conversation might entail, but the uncertainty was worse than whatever news they might have.

"I'd prefer to go now," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Better to get it over with."

"Let's go then!" Aria chimed in, apparently unaffected by the scene we'd just witnessed.

"We can use the house transport gate," Isabella said, already heading toward what I assumed was the direction of the gardens.

Aria's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "There's a transport gate here?"

Isabella glanced back with a smirk that reminded me distinctly of her mother. "It would be rather strange if my household didn't have one, don't you think?"

She led us through a side corridor that opened onto an elegant garden courtyard. "It's out here in the gardens."

"Why not inside the house?" Aria asked, looking around at the carefully manicured landscaping.

"Practical reasons," Isabella explained as we walked between rows of crystalline flowers that seemed to glow with their own inner light. "Teleportation magic is blocked within the house itself—security measures. Most noble houses have similar protections."

The transport gate stood at the centre of the garden, an impressive arch of black stone inscribed with glowing runes. It was smaller than the public gate in Ardorkeep's plaza, but no less imposing. The hellish script pulsed with crimson energy, waiting for activation.

Isabella approached a control dais beside the gate, her fingers dancing over the glyphs as she infused her mana into them. The runes flared brighter, and the space within the arch shimmered like heat waves rising from summer pavement.

"Earth-5a, London coordinates locked in," she announced, stepping back from the controls.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever the VCD wanted to discuss. Faith's face flashed through my mind—the last time I'd seen her, the pain in her eyes as we'd said goodbye. What could they possibly want that involved her?

"Ready?" Isabella asked, gesturing toward the active gate.

Aria bounced on her toes with barely contained excitement. "Always ready for an adventure!"

I nodded, though my stomach churned with anxiety. "Let's go."

Together, the three of us stepped through the shimmering portal, leaving Hell behind for the earth once again.