Page 21 of The Daughter of the Devil

Astaroth and Belial kneel before him, their heads bowed in submission. They are mirror images of each other, with sharp features and eyes that burn with a dangerous cunning. Their horns are shorter than my father’s, but they are no less dangerous.

“You dare defy me again?” Alastor’s voice rumbles through the hall, each word laced with authority and menace.

“Father, we were only—” Astaroth begins, but a sharp glare from Alastor silences him.

“You were only trying to usurp your brother, again,” Alastor finishes for him. “How many times must I remind you of your place?” Belial’s eyes flicker with resentment, but he remains silent, knowing better than to argue. I step forward, and my presence is immediately noticed.

“Ah, Alistair,” Alastor says, his tone shifting slightly. “Come, join us.”

I nod and walk towards them, feeling the icy gaze of my brothers upon me. “Father, I came to see how you were faring.”

Father's stern expression softens just a fraction. “I am well, my son. I was just reminding your brothers of their place.”

Astaroth and Belial glare at me with undisguised hatred, but I ignore them. “They never seem to learn,” I comment, my voice steady.

He chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound. “Indeed. But enough of them. Tell me, how is your time as Morgana’s servant?”

I hesitate, the memories of tonight still fresh in my mind. “It’s... challenging, but rewarding. She is a demanding master.”

Father studies me closely, his eyes narrowing. “Is something different about you, Alistair? You seem... tense.”

I force a smile. “No, Father. Everything is as it should be.”

He doesn’t look convinced but doesn’t press the issue further. “Very well. Just remember, you must remain vigilant. Morgana’s safety and well-being are your primary concerns.”

“Yes, Father,” I reply, my gaze shifting to my brothers. “And as for you two, try to stay out of trouble.”

Astaroth sneers. “What’s the matter, Alistair? Afraid we’ll take your precious position?”

Belial smirks. “Or maybe he’s just scared we’ll finally best him.”

I step closer, my eyes locking onto theirs. “You couldn’t best me on your best day,” I say coldly. “So save your energy for something more productive.”

Astaroth’s eyes flash with anger, but he knows better than to retaliate. Belial just grumbles under his breath, his defiance clear but subdued.

“I don’t have time for your games,” I continue. “I have responsibilities that you clearly can’t comprehend.”

My father watches the exchange with amusement. “You’ve always had a way with words, Alistair. Perhaps your brothers could learn a thing or two from you.”

“I doubt they’re capable of learning anything that doesn’t involve deceit,” I retort, turning to leave. “I can’t be away from my master for too long.”

As I head toward the exit, father's voice follows me. “Morgana must be quite demanding to keep you so tethered.”

I bite back a response, but the thought crosses my mind: I’ve been just as demanding of her recently.

Leaving the fortress, I step back into the cold wasteland of Hell, my mind filled with the complexities of my situation. Morgana’s confession, my father’s expectations, and the ever-present itch that gnaws at me—all of it swirls together, a storm of emotions and responsibilities.

As I make my way back to Lucifer's castle, I know that the path ahead will not be easy. But I am determined to face whatever comes, for Morgana’s sake and for my own.

21

The Next Day

Morgana

Iwake up feeling sore and drained, a strange sensation lingering in my body. It's as if a part of me is missing, yet something else has taken its place. The events of last night swirl in my mind, and I can’t shake the feeling that everything has changed.

My distaste for humanity is still as strong as ever, and it intensifies as I walk through the halls of Middlebury Valley High. The humans here are pathetic, their lives revolving around trivial matters. As I enter the cafeteria, the sight of the cheerleaders chatting animatedly annoys me. Their high-pitched laughter grates on my nerves.

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