Page 163 of Crimson Promises
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Belial delivered me to my ‘rooms’—the equivalent of a penthouse was more like it. Five of my apartments could fit into the lavish space.
“Get some rest. There is a bell beside your bed. If you require or wish for anything at all, we will do all we can to fulfill your desires.”
“What about going home?”
He brought his finger to his twisted horns. “That, I’m afraid, miss, is a request I cannot grant. But I think you suspected that.”
I paused, feeling the finality of Belial's words trying to settle in my heart. But I wasn't ready to let it lie. "So, there's truly no way back?" My voice was a mix of defiance and desperation, a last-ditch effort to find a crack in the seemingly impenetrable reality he laid out.
Belial turned, his silhouette framed by the doorway, a softer expression flitting across his otherwise impassive face. “I’m terribly sorry but that is a request only the Master can grant.”
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. “I thought so.”
Belial gave me a deep bow. “I’ll leave you to it then, dear.”
I stepped deeper into my opulent prison. The slide of a key in the lock briefly caught my attention before I was drawn in to admire the space. The walls, adorned with intricate gold filigree, held rich tapestries that depicted mythical scenes of angelic beauty juxtaposed with the depths of darkness. Crimson velvet drapes cascaded from the tall windows. A canopy bed, set against the wall, its posts adorned with gilded serpents, dominated the center of the room. The delicate fragrance of exotic incense hung in the air.
Like the first time Ben had taught me, I checked that the source of my magic was intact. It sat there waiting for me to use it. A whole lot of good healing gifts did down here. I needed power to help me get out of here.
I had no means of communicating with Ben. We weren’t bonded or any—the bond!
I closed my eyes against the view and focused inward. The bond, commonly sentient and alive, was coiled around itself like a smothered spring. No amount of jostling or coaxing could bring it to life.
Come on.
It felt as heavy as an elephant. It wasn’t budging. The magic of Hell must have also nullified any link that the bond relied upon on Earth.
I sighed. I was truly alone then.
A writing desk, carved with celestial motifs, stood in a corner of the room. Its surface gleamed with a polished luster, adorned with quills and inkwells, parchment and books. In its center was a single, folded parchment. The calligraphy on the paper caught my eye, drawing me closer.
My fingers trembled slightly as I unfolded the note. The words danced before me, written in a style that echoed an era long past. It was an invitation from Lucifer himself, beckoning me to a ball in my honor in a week’s time at the stroke of midnight.
Curiosity flared within me, battling against the guilt that gnawed at my conscience. How could I, in this twisted place, find a flicker of excitement at the prospect of attending such an event? I've always wanted to attend a ball. Was I betraying Ben by playing a game whose rules were set by the beast that ruled this realm?
To the Honored Miss Aurora,
Within the shifting shadows and the eternal depths, a celebration emerges in the splendor of the night. A ball of unparalleled grandeur is to be held in your honor, where the stars dare not outshine your presence.
Venue: The Infernal Palace, Elysian Ballroom
Occasion: A Midnight Ball in Honor of Miss Aurora
Date: On the Seventh Eve from this Notice
Time: At the Precise Moment of Midnight's Approach
Embrace an evening where the forbidden meets the divine, graced by the presence of realms both dark and light. As the clock heralds the arrival of the witching hour, let the world beyond bow to the enigma that is you.
Elegance is requested for attire, as befits a night woven with magic and moonlight.
Let the night be a testament to the marvel that your company bestows upon us all.
An Affirmative Response is Desired Before the Setting of the Third Sun
Awaiting the honor of your reply, Lucifer
