Page 34 of Prayer of the Damned

“I was just about to ask you the same question.”

“You first,” I insist.

“Libretto expressed a desire to take you under his wing.” I skip a breath at my father’s news. Libretto told me he was interested in training me under his roof, but he hadn’t said anything about fully taking me under his wing.

“What does that mean for you?” I hurriedly ask.

“It means my responsibility as your father will be removed if you’re transferred to his care.” He sounds pained and disappointed. If that’s the case, why is he accepting Libretto’s command without at least trying to appeal the decision?

“I’m not interested,” I whine. Libretto terrifies me. He gave me an ultimatum – if I felt hungry and didn’t feed off him, I’d be transferred to private training under him. He must be expecting me to fail if he’s already laying the groundwork with my father.

“I know, sweetheart, but there’s nothing I can do if he decides to take you from me. He doesn’t believe I can bring out the full potential he sees in you.”

“I don’t have any potential, so far all I’ve proven is that I only bring trouble. I really don’t understand what he sees in me.”

That’s the absolute truth. So far I’ve completely screwed up my transition into demonhood. I became a bizarre hybrid creature and no one has told me yet just what my body’s going through. I broke one of my kind’s iron laws and I’m acting like an uncontrollable monster that can’t find anything to hold onto in this world.

“It hasn’t been decided yet.” He clears his throat and falls silent.

Yes, it depends on whether I fail…I think bitterly.

“Bellcolor, what happened with Liam can’t happen again. I don’t know why Libretto decided to spare you, but you must cherish the grace he’s chosen to give you.”Yeah, if you only knew…“Regardless, the matter’s settled. I’ve been asked to take Liam’s memories about the incident. If your hunger stirs, you must inform me immediately. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Keep me posted, I’ll be available to you anytime. I have to go, I’m being called. Be careful, Bellcolor, alright?” He hangs up before I can ask what he means.

Damn it, I forgot I wanted to ask him whether he’d gotten an update from Prof. Sapienti about my situation. I try calling him back but he doesn’t answer.

I glance at the phone screen, it’s 8 PM. I’m not interested in going back to the party or my empty room. I wonder if Prof.Sapienti is still in his office at this hour. I push myself away from the wall and take the stairs down at a brisk pace, deciding to test my theory. I knock on Prof. Sapienti’s heavy door, and rather than wait for an answer I open it.

The Professor’s office, which was as cluttered and messy as his scattered personality, now seemed like someone with OCD had taken over it, and I spun on my heels to check the sign over the door. The name Dr. Bartimaeus Abano appeared there instead of Prof. Sapienti’s, which had been there during my last visit.

I retreat into the corridor and count the faculty’s office doors again. I can’t be wrong, this is exactly where my father took me the day I met Prof. Sapienti.

“Can I help you?” a voice asked from within Prof. Sapienti’s office, or Abano’s, or the Devil knows who.

I walk into the office and a young –divine– man is standing by the desk, which is perfectly organized. His amazing body isn’t the only thing that catches my eye. A pair of spectacular eyes look at me, one blue and one green. Wow.

“Are you Prof. Sapienti’s assistant? I’m looking for him.” I try to seem indifferent.

“No,” he smiles, and I feel like he’s fired an arrow right into my heart. How could I not? His smile’s fucking amazing too. “I hate to be the one to tell you, but Prof. Sapienti has returned to our creator, and I’ve taken his place.” He reaches out a hand to me, and I’m confused.

“Prof. Sapienti’s dead?” Damn it, this isn’t good. He was the only demon who could’ve helped me, and now all my hopes for answers have gone straight to hell.

“Technically, he was already dead… were you close with him?” He seems hesitant, like he doesn’t know how to respond to my sorrow.

“No, he was doing research for my father.” I peek past his huge and muscled body. “Is there anything left of his research?” It seems pointless. There doesn’t seem to be anything left of Prof. Sapienti.

“I’m sorry, a Council representative came and collected all his belongings.” He says he’s sorry but he sure doesn’t seem that way.

“Ugh.” I pause to examine the new lecturer. He doesn’t seem old enough to be a Demonic History lecturer. His firm body implies he’d be better suited to the role of Self-Defense coach. His blond hair covers his forehead, and he’s disheveled as though he’s only just woken up. But my gaze keeps going back to his unique eyes. I skip between the blue eye and the green one, trying to decide which shade suits him best. He realizes I’m staring at him and a muscle in his jaw tenses, which only highlights his strong square jawline.

I really need to look away. I need to, but I don’t.

“Sorry, your eyes…” I start to say, and he smiles again. I’m done for.

“I could say the same thing about yours. I know the change is a bit volatile for first-years, but I’ve never come across pigmentation like yours.”

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