Princess of Hell

Sombra continued chatting about inconsequential things—the weather patterns in Igneus, recent fashion trends from the upper circles, gossip about various Academy instructors she claimed to know. Her tone remained light and conversational, but I couldn't shake the feeling that every casual comment was designed to elicit some response, some slip that would reveal more than we intended.

"Professor Morrigan is still teaching Magicraft, I assume?" she asked while adjusting a display of midnight-blue gowns. "Such a talented woman, though I always found her approach rather… theoretical."

"She's very knowledgeable," Isabella replied neutrally.

"Oh yes, quite brilliant. I remember when she first arrived at the Academy—must have been, what, fifty years ago now? Time does fly." Sombra's smile was perfectly pleasant, but I noticed how her eyes tracked our reactions. "I'm sure she's adapted well to teaching the newer generation of students."

The conversation meandered through similarly innocuous topics, but the underlying tension never dissipated. Sombra had a way of making even casual observations feel like probes, and I found myself choosing my words carefully with each response.

Aria grew increasingly fidgety as the minutes passed, her usual exuberance dimming under her mother's subtle interrogation disguised as small talk. I caught her shooting apologetic glances at Isabella and me when Sombra wasn't looking.

The boutique's entrance chime suddenly rang, and we all turned as another succubus entered. She had striking auburn hair and wore an elaborate leather ensemble that left little to the imagination. Behind her, connected by an actual leash, walked a human male whose eyes were glazed with the unmistakable look of deep arousal.

"Cassia!" Sombra's voice brightened with what seemed like genuine pleasure. "How wonderful to see you again, darling."

The newcomer smiled, tugging gently on the leash. "Sombra, I hope you don't mind the interruption. I was hoping you might have something in midnight leather—my usual supplier has been disappointingly limited lately."

"Of course, of course. I have several new pieces that would be perfect for someone with your… particular needs." Sombra's gaze flicked to us, then back to her customer. "Aria, darling, would you mind assisting me with Cassia? She has such specific requirements."

Aria's expression tightened almost imperceptibly, but she nodded. "Of course, Mother."

"Wonderful. Isabella, Lily, please feel free to browse the shop. I'm sure you'll find something that catches your eye." Sombra's tone was dismissive but polite, the kind of gracious hostility that nobility perfected.

As Sombra and Aria moved toward a section of the boutique filled with more elaborate leather pieces, Aria caught our eyes and gave us a look that clearly said whatever she wants to discuss, she doesn't want witnesses.

Isabella and I exchanged glances and began drifting toward the opposite end of the shop, ostensibly examining the clothing displays. Once we were far enough away that our voices wouldn't carry, I leaned close to Isabella.

"Are you interested in eavesdropping?" I whispered, keeping my voice barely audible.

Isabella's lips curved in a slight smile, but she shook her head. "Sombra strikes me as someone who would take precautions against that sort of thing. Probably has the entire shop warded."

"So we just… wait?"

"Aria will tell us everything later anyway," Isabella murmured, running her fingers along a silk dress in deep emerald. "She's terrible at keeping secrets, especially from us."

I nodded, accepting the logic. Whatever Sombra wanted to discuss with her daughter would have to remain a mystery for now.

Instead, I turned my attention to the clothing around us, and found myself genuinely impressed despite my wariness of the shop's owner. The garments were exquisite—fabrics that seemed to shimmer with their own inner light, cuts that would flatter any figure, details that spoke of true craftsmanship.

I paused at a display of evening gowns, my fingers tracing the intricate beadwork on a crimson dress that would complement my coloring perfectly. When had I started thinking about fashion in terms of what would look good on me? The old Liam would have found this entire situation absurd, but I found myself genuinely appreciating the artistry involved.

"This would look stunning on you," Isabella observed, noting my interest in the crimson gown.

"You think so?" I held the fabric up against myself, checking the fit in a nearby mirror.

"Definitely. The color brings out your eyes." Isabella selected a midnight-blue dress for herself, examining the cut with a practiced eye. "Sombra may be unsettling, but she has excellent taste in inventory."

I had to agree. Despite my growing unease about Aria's mother, I couldn't deny that browsing through her collection was genuinely pleasant. Shopping had become one of those unexpected pleasures of my new existence—something I'd never anticipated appreciating but over time had grown to enjoy.

* * *

An hour passed as Isabella and I wandered through Sombra's boutique, using the browsing as a way to kill time while whatever conversation was happening in the back room played out. I found myself genuinely absorbed in examining the craftsmanship of various pieces—the way certain fabrics caught light, how some cuts would accentuate curves while others created elegant flowing lines. It was strange how natural this felt now, when months ago I would have been completely out of my element.

Isabella proved to be an excellent shopping companion, offering honest opinions about colours and fits while sharing insights about fabric quality that spoke to her noble upbringing. We moved through the displays methodically, neither of us wanting to appear too interested in whatever was happening with Aria and her mother.

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Finally, the sound of footsteps and muffled conversation from the back of the shop indicated the private meeting was concluding. Aria emerged first, followed by Cassia and her leashed companion, with Sombra bringing up the rear.

"Thank you so much for your assistance, Sombra," Cassia was saying as she adjusted her grip on the leash. "These pieces will be perfect for the gathering next week."

"Always a pleasure, darling. Give my regards to your circle." Sombra's voice carried that same calculated warmth she'd used with us.

Cassia nodded graciously before leading her glazed-eyed companion toward the exit. The door chime marked their departure, leaving just the four of us in the suddenly quiet boutique.

I caught sight of Aria's expression and felt a chill run down my spine. To anyone else, she probably looked perfectly normal—perhaps a bit tired from helping her mother conduct business. But Isabella and I knew her well enough to recognize the subtle tension around her eyes, the way her usual animated energy had been carefully suppressed. Something had happened in that back room, and whatever it was, it was serious.

Sombra, however, seemed entirely unaffected as she turned her attention back to us. "I do hope you found something to your liking while you waited. I pride myself on carrying pieces that suit a variety of tastes."

I glanced at the crimson gown I'd been admiring earlier, still draped over my arm. "Actually, I did find something. How much would this cost?"

Sombra's violet eyes assessed the dress with a practised gaze. "Ah, excellent choice. The beadwork alone took weeks to complete." She waved a dismissive hand. "But please, consider it a gift to my daughter's friend. I insist."

Her attention shifted expectantly to Isabella, who had been notably quiet since the others emerged from the back room. "And you, Isabella? Surely something caught your eye?"

"I generally prefer more practical attire," Isabella replied diplomatically.

"Nonsense," Sombra said with a laugh that didn't quite reach her eyes. "A young woman of your obvious refinement must have found at least one piece that appealed to her sense of style. I won't be offended if you're honest about your preferences."

Isabella hesitated for a moment before indicating a midnight-blue dress with subtle silver threading. "There is this one piece."

"Excellent choice indeed. The cut will complement your figure beautifully, and the colour suits your complexion." Sombra nodded approvingly. "Consider it yours as well."

Before either of us could respond, the boutique's entrance chime sounded again. Three more succubi entered, their conversation dying as they took in the shop's atmosphere. They had the look of serious customers—the kind who would spend considerable time and money.

Sombra's demeanour shifted subtly, becoming more businesslike. "Isabella, Lily, it was truly lovely meeting you both. I'm afraid I'll be quite busy for the next while with these ladies." She gestured toward the new arrivals. "Please, do take the dresses. I hope you'll think fondly of our little boutique."

"Thank you for your generosity," I said, accepting the wrapped garment.

Isabella nodded politely. "It was a pleasure meeting you as well."

As we prepared to leave, Sombra placed a hand on Aria's shoulder. "Darling, you really must visit more often. It's been far too long since we've had a proper conversation."

Aria's smile looked forced, but her voice remained steady. "Of course, Mother. I'll try to come by again soon."

"See that you do." Sombra's tone carried an undertone that made it sound less like a suggestion and more like an expectation.

The three of us stepped out into Ardorkeep's streets, the boutique door closing behind us with a final chime. The contrast between the shop's refined atmosphere and the city's usual demonic energy felt jarring after spending so much time inside.

Aria remained unusually quiet as we walked, and I found myself studying her profile, trying to read the emotions she was clearly working to suppress. Whatever had transpired during that private conversation, it had made a quite impression on her.

* * *

We made our way back to the Academy in relative silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The wrapped dresses felt heavier than they should have as we climbed the stairs to our dormitory. Once we reached our room, I set mine carefully on my bed while Isabella claimed one of our chairs.

Aria flopped dramatically onto her own bed, staring at the ceiling for a long moment before letting out a bitter laugh.

"This is some kind of comedy," she said, her voice carrying a mix of disbelief and dark amusement.

Isabella raised an eyebrow. "What is?"

Aria sat up, running her hands through her hair. "My dear mother apparently heard a rumour that there's Lilith's daughter among the students this year. She wanted me to find out who she is and, if possible, befriend her."

If I'd been drinking something, I would have sprayed it across the room. As it was, I felt my jaw drop open in shock. "She what?"

Isabella's melodic chuckle filled the room. "Oh, that is rich."

"What did you tell her?" I asked, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"Relax," Aria said, waving a hand dismissively. "I didn't tell her about you. Instead, I asked her how she expected me to figure something like that out. I mean, it's not like royalty announces themselves at orientation."

I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders, though my pulse was still racing. "And she bought that?"

"She seemed to." Aria's expression grew thoughtful. "Though she did scold me for one thing. Apparently, she already knew Isabella was a pureblood, so our little hair glamour routine was completely unnecessary. She was actually annoyed that I tried to hide it from her."

Isabella straightened in her chair. "Fascinating. Though I suspect she might have learned it from that same contact who informed her about Lily."

"That's what I thought too," Aria continued. "But here's the weird part—she specifically told me not to curry favour with you. Said I should avoid getting too close to your household."

"That is odd," Isabella mused, her ice-blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Especially given my mother's current political standing. Most demons would see an alliance with House Lilitu as advantageous right now."

"Maybe she's trying to avoid connections to your household precisely because of the brewing war with the Second Circle," I suggested. "Getting involved with major political players could be dangerous for someone trying to maintain a low profile."

Isabella nodded slowly. "That's certainly possible. My family has been quite vocal about our position regarding the Glacius situation. Associating with us could paint targets on people's backs."

"It could be that," Aria agreed, "but I think there's something more to it. She insisted we meet again soon, and there was something in her eyes when she said it. Like she was planning something."

The room fell quiet for a moment as we all processed this information. The idea that Sombra was actively searching for my identity added another layer of complexity to an already complicated situation.

"Anyway," Aria said, clearly wanting to change the subject, "what are we going to do now? We still have quite a lot of time before tomorrow, and after all that drama, I could use some proper entertainment."

I glanced at Isabella, who seemed to be considering our options. The revelation about Sombra's interest in finding me had definitely put a new perspective on things, but Aria was right—we did have the rest of the day ahead of us.

"Any suggestions?" I asked, grateful for the opportunity to focus on something other than the potential complications my mother's reputation was creating.