Princess of Hell

The next morning proceeded with typical Academy routine. Professor Vox droned through his lecture while I discretely reviewed the photographed journal pages. Professor Nieve's flexibility training proved more challenging than usual—my mind kept wandering to Nyx's situation rather than focusing on the complex positions she demonstrated.

By the time we reached Professor Moira's seduction class, anticipation had built to an almost uncomfortable level. Moira delivered her standard lecture on micro-expression reading, but I caught her meaningful glance toward our group several times.

When the session concluded and other students filed out, Moira gestured for us to remain.

"Close the door," she instructed once we were alone.

Isabella secured the classroom while Aria and I approached Moira's desk. The professor's expression shifted from her usual instructional demeanour to something more serious.

"What did you discover?" Moira asked without preamble.

"Nyx didn't hide any physical components in her dormitory," I began, retrieving my smartphone from the spatial ring. "But we found extensive research notes."

I navigated to the photographs, showing Moira the journal pages. Her eyebrows rose as she examined the detailed petrification formulas and dagger specifications.

"Fascinating," she murmured, studying the images. "These match the enchantments used on both Valentina and the weapon aimed at Isabella." She paused at one particular entry. "Here—she mentions growing concern about her father's suspicions."

"That struck us as unusual too," Isabella said. "Common succubi don't have fathers in any meaningful sense."

Moira nodded thoughtfully. "Precisely. Either her Academy records contain deliberate falsehoods, or her transformation circumstances were highly irregular." She looked up from the device. "What is this artifact you're using? The image quality is remarkable."

"It's called a smartphone," I explained. "Mortal technology from Earth. Entirely mundane but surprisingly useful for documentation."

Moira examined the device with newfound interest, turning it over in her hands. "No magical aura whatsoever, yet it captures perfect visual records?" She seemed genuinely intrigued. "I've always dismissed mortal technology as inferior to magical solutions, but this demonstrates unexpected practical value."

She slipped the phone into her desk drawer. "I'll need to discuss these findings with Headmistress Valencia immediately. The implications extend beyond simple student misconduct."

"What about my phone?" I asked.

"Don't worry—you'll get it back once we've completed our review," Moira assured me. "For now, avoid any further direct investigation. This situation requires careful handling."

As we prepared to leave, Aria's frustration became evident. "So we just wait while Nyx continues whatever she's being forced to do?"

"You follow Academy's rules," Moira said firmly. "No more unauthorized searches or dangerous surveillance."

Outside the classroom, Aria's irritation intensified. "Rules," she muttered. "We discovered crucial evidence, and now we're supposed to sit quietly while bureaucrats debate our findings."

"Moira knows what she's doing," Isabella pointed out reasonably.

"Does she?" Aria challenged. "We have a narrow window before Nyx becomes too suspicious or her mysterious controller realizes we're investigating. By the time Valencia finishes deliberating, valuable opportunities could disappear."

I considered Aria's argument. She had valid concerns about timing, but Moira's caution seemed equally justified.

"What do you suggest?" I asked.

"Nothing dangerous," Aria said quickly. "Just friendly conversation with Nyx. We could approach her socially, express concern about her recent stress levels. She might reveal information voluntarily if she feels supported rather than threatened."

Isabella looked sceptical. "That assumes she's willing to confide in relative strangers about whatever hold someone maintains over her."

"It's worth attempting," Aria insisted. "We'd be gathering intelligence through normal social interaction, not breaking into rooms or conducting surveillance. Even Moira couldn't object to showing genuine concern for a fellow student."

The logic was sound, even if the motivation stretched Academy boundaries. Building rapport with Nyx might provide insights that formal investigation would miss.

"One conversation," I agreed finally. "Casual, supportive, no pressure. If she doesn't respond positively, we drop the matter and wait for official resolution."

Aria grinned triumphantly. "Perfect. I knew you'd see reason."

Isabella sighed but nodded her agreement. "One conversation. But if this backfires, we'll bear responsibility for the consequences."

We headed toward the library, where Nyx typically spent her afternoon study periods. Whatever secrets she harboured, her obvious distress suggested she might welcome genuine friendship during this difficult period.

* * *

We found Nyx hunched over a stack of theoretical magic texts in her usual corner of the library. Her midnight-blue hair fell like a curtain around her face as she scribbled notes, occasionally pausing to adjust her glasses. The familiar sight of her scholarly dedication would have seemed perfectly normal if not for what we'd discovered in her dormitory.

"Nyx," Isabella called softly as we approached her table.

She looked up, startled, then offered a polite smile. "Oh, hello. I wasn't expecting company."

"We thought we'd check on your research progress," Isabella said, settling into a chair across from her. Aria and I flanked the table, creating a casual but contained conversation space.

"Research?" Nyx blinked behind her glasses.

"The ninth circle dimensional mechanics you wanted to study," Isabella clarified. "You asked me to arrange permissions through my family connections, remember?"

Recognition dawned in Nyx's violet eyes. "Right, of course. Thank you again for facilitating that access—it was incredibly generous of House Lilitu."

"Have you made any interesting discoveries?" Isabella pressed gently.

Nyx's fingers tightened around her quill. "Actually, I haven't had much opportunity to pursue that particular research lately. Other obligations have been… demanding my attention."

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"That's unfortunate," I said. "You seemed quite passionate about chaos dimension theory when we discussed it."

"Academic pursuits don't always align with practical necessities," Nyx replied carefully.

Aria leaned forward with seemingly innocent curiosity. "Does this have anything to do with that letter you dropped the other day? You seemed quite flustered when you realized you'd lost it."

Really smooth, I thought. Aria's approach felt natural enough that Nyx shouldn't suspect we'd read the contents.

Nyx hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Sort of, yes. Family matters have become… complicated recently."

"Family can be challenging," Isabella agreed with practiced aristocratic sympathy. "Noble houses often place considerable pressure on their members."

"It's not quite that simple," Nyx said, then caught herself. "Not that I'm complaining about my circumstances. Every demon faces obligations."

"Of course," I said. "Though some obligations are more burdensome than others."

Nyx's laugh held no humor. "Burdensome is certainly one way to describe it. When family members develop… ambitious ideas about their station, it can create uncomfortable situations."

"Ambitious how?" Aria asked.

"Plans that exceed their current capabilities," Nyx replied vaguely. "Schemes that require assistance from those with access to specialized knowledge or resources."

The conversation was revealing more than Nyx probably intended. Her careful phrasing suggested someone was leveraging familial connections to compel her cooperation.

"That sounds incredibly stressful," I observed. "Especially when combined with Academy demands."

"Stress is manageable," Nyx said, though dark circles under her eyes suggested otherwise. "What's more concerning is when family expectations conflict with personal safety."

Isabella's expression sharpened slightly. "Safety concerns?"

Nyx glanced around the library nervously. "Some research applications carry inherent risks. When external pressure encourages shortcuts or circumvents proper precautions…"

"You mean like acquiring materials from questionable sources?" Aria suggested.

The colour drained from Nyx's face. "I didn't say anything about materials or sources."

"No," Aria agreed quickly. "Just that dangerous research sometimes requires… creative procurement methods."

Nyx studied our faces carefully, as if reassessing our casual interest. "Why are you really asking these questions?"

"We're concerned," I said truthfully. "You've seemed increasingly anxious lately, and we wondered if something was troubling you."

"Concern." Nyx's tone carried sardonic amusement. "How refreshingly direct. Most people mask self-interest behind false sympathy."

"Not everyone is purely self-serving," Isabella pointed out.

"Perhaps not," Nyx conceded. "But Academy relationships rarely extend beyond mutual convenience. We're classmates, not confidantes."

Her bluntness stung, though she wasn't wrong about the superficial nature of most Academy social connections.

"Even classmates can offer support during difficult periods," I said.

Nyx removed her glasses and cleaned them methodically. "Support implies the ability to influence outcomes. Some situations resist external intervention, regardless of good intentions."

"Meaning your family obligations aren't negotiable?" Isabella asked.

"Meaning some debts transcend death," Nyx replied cryptically. "When mortality ends, certain responsibilities persist into damnation."

Before we could probe further, Meridia's monotone voice cut through the library's quiet atmosphere.

"If you intend to continue socializing, kindly relocate to areas designated for conversation. Some patrons value intellectual pursuits over gossip."

The librarian's irritated glare made it clear our discussion had grown too animated for the study environment.

"Of course," Isabella said smoothly. "We were just finishing."

Nyx gathered her materials hastily. "I should return to my research anyway. Thank you for… checking on me."

As she hurried away, I exchanged glances with my companions. The conversation had revealed hints about Nyx's situation while confirming our suspicions about coercion.

Whatever debts or obligations bound her, they clearly extended beyond simple family pressure into something far more dangerous.

* * *

Back in our dormitory, Bellas was carefully arranging books on the desk when we entered. He glanced up expectantly, but I waved him away.

"We need privacy for a while," I said.

He nodded and retreated to the corner, settling onto one of the spare beds with a journal.

"Well, that conversation confirmed our suspicions," Isabella said, settling into one of the plush chairs. "Nyx is definitely being coerced."

"The question is by whom," I replied, taking my usual spot on my bed. "And what exactly they're forcing her to research."

Aria flopped dramatically onto her own bed. "Did you catch that bit about debts transcending death? That sounded ominous."

"Indeed," Isabella agreed. "It suggests supernatural bindings rather than simple family pressure."

A sudden puff of crimson smoke materialized on my lap, leaving behind an elegant envelope sealed with Lilith's personal mark. I broke the wax and unfolded the parchment.

"My dear daughter," I read aloud, "I trust you're settling back into Academy life smoothly. Regarding recent concerns about fellow students, please know the Academy administration has everything well in hand. Sometimes the best approach is to allow proper authorities to handle delicate situations."

Aria snorted. "Your mother's telling you to back off."

I continued reading. "However, knowing your nature as I do—having possessed similar inclinations at your age—I suspect you'll pursue this matter regardless of sage advice. If so, please exercise caution. Academy politics often mask deeper conspiracies, and appearances can be dangerously deceiving. Trust your instincts, but don't trust anyone else completely. All my love, Mother."

"She knows you too well," Isabella observed with amusement.

"I'm not that adventurous," I protested, folding the letter.

Isabella raised an eyebrow. "Mhm. You're only second to Aria in that regard."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Aria declared cheerfully.

"I mean it," I insisted. "I prefer careful analysis to reckless action."

"Lily," Isabella said patiently, "in the past few months, you've investigated assassination attempts, travelled to Glacius, descended into ancient ruins, confronted vampires on Earth, and accepted help from a lich to help your former lover."

"Those were extraordinary circumstances," I argued weakly.

"They always are," Aria laughed. "That's what makes them adventures."

I sighed, recognizing the futility of protest. "Fine. Perhaps I'm occasionally… proactive."

"Occasionally," Isabella repeated dryly.

"The point is," I said, steering us back to the matter at hand, "Mother's warning suggests this situation is more complex than we initially thought."

"Which means we need to be smart about our approach," Isabella said. "We've established that Nyx is being compelled by someone claiming familial authority. The question is identifying this person."

"Her father, presumably," Aria said. "Though that's odd for a common succubus."

"Indeed," Isabella mused. "Most transformed succubi lose connection to their mortal families. Either the transformation erases those memories, or the family rejects their new nature."

"Maybe Nyx is hiding her identity like you are?" Aria suggested, looking at me. "Secret pureblood playing commoner?"

Isabella shook her head. "A pureblood wouldn't be so easily coerced. They'd have family resources and political connections to resist unwanted pressure."

"Unless the coercion comes from someone more powerful than their house," I pointed out.

"Possible, but unlikely," Isabella replied. "Pureblood families guard their members jealously. Open threats against a daughter would provoke serious retaliation."

I considered the evidence. "Nyx mentioned debts transcending death. What if her father was involved in demonic contracts during his mortal life?"

"Contracts that bound his daughter as collateral," Aria suggested. "That would explain why she feels obligated despite the danger."

"And why whoever holds those contracts can compel her cooperation," Isabella added. "Demonic contracts are notoriously difficult to break."

"So we need to identify her father and discover who controls his obligations," I summarized.

"Precisely," Isabella agreed. "Someone with access to Pestilentia, knowledge of advanced enchantments, and leverage over Nyx's family contracts."

"Plus the authority to operate in Academy territory without raising suspicions," I added, remembering the mysterious voice I'd heard but couldn't place.

Aria stretched languidly. "At least this is a proper mystery instead of cosmic manipulation or ancient curses. Just good old-fashioned blackmail and coercion."

"How refreshingly normal," Isabella said sarcastically.

"We'll need to research Nyx's background carefully," I said. "Her transformation circumstances, family history, anything that might reveal her father's identity."

"And we'll need to watch for whoever's pulling her strings," Aria added. "They'll contact her again eventually."

I nodded, already formulating plans. Despite Mother's warnings about leaving this to Academy authorities, I couldn't ignore the growing certainty that Nyx's situation was connected to larger problems.