★★★
Isabella entered her room and locked the door behind her. Her back touched the door, and she looked at her bed blankly.
Sometimes silence was better. It gave you time to think about the thing you've done. How much did they cost you? Are they worth it? At first, Isabella was quiet and introverted. She lived a simple and bland life where everything was black and white, not that it bothered her.
Although there was no dearth of people around her at that time, someone or the other was always there for her. One thing she lacked earlier was the different emotions she now had.
Her chest heaved up and down with every breath, pursing her lips as she smoothed her hair with fingers. When she took a step ahead from the door after gathering emotions in silence, she heard her father.
"Bella, will you eat?"
"No, father. I am full. I want to sleep," replied Isabella with confidence to sound normal as her father had already asked her if she was in trouble when she entered and hugged her father.
"Alright, good night," Bernard said and waited for his daughter's voice, which he didn't get. He sighed and looked at the stairs, wondering if he would talk to Bella or not. He couldn't make the mistake of reading his daughter's face. His daughter wasn't expressive.
However, the complexion she had today was far more different from usual.
"I should give her time. I hope she'll tell me," Bernard mumbled and went to his room.
Isabella took a shower and lay on the bed. Suddenly, her mother's image reflected in her mind because she was missing her. If her mother was here, she would tell her what she need to do now.
"Mom," Isabella whispered and sat up. She turned her face to a certain side. She walked up to it and stretched her hand. However, she hesitated to touch it. It was covered for a long time and she hadn't touched it since then.
Letting out a sigh, she took the cover off and hold the thing adoringly. Her Mother's favorite guitar. She used to play and teach Bella to play. A bunch of happiness all are memories now.
She sat down with the guitar and her fingers glided over the cords. Then slowly she brought up the tune her mother taught her first, and one day she sang this song for her father. Her closed eyes shed tears her finger didn't stop. They danced on the cords, remembering the day when she sat at the corner and heard her mother's beautiful voice.
'For I can't help falling in love with you.'
Isabella stopped her fingers and look at the treasure her mother had left for her. Each string had the motherly sensation which had given Bella to reckon that life can not be smooth and tears are part of life.
"Mom, stay with me always."
Placed a kiss on the guitar, Bella covered it again with a lightened heart.
★★★★
Sitting in front of a fireplace, Alexander was looking at his hand. A black snake was glistening. Bael had done what he said. Tying the powers he wanted him to submit. Till now Alexander violated many rules, and a few of his powers weakened with time, yet he did not make up his mind to go back to hell.
"Damn, you've killed all of them," the green-eyed devil entered with a smile.
"We're not allowed to kill humans, Satan," he added and sat on a nearby couch in front of Alexander.
Alexander lifted his eyelids slowly and looked at Xavier. He was calm till now only to prevent the destruction that would make if they collide. If they were in hell, he would have thrown everyone under his feet, including Bael.
"You are scaring me," Xavier taunted with a small chuckle, eliciting Satan. He wanted anarchy that could burn down cities. They are devils they should bring havoc instead of acting like humans.
"I said earlier that I don't care what you are planning. Just keep your eyes away from her. Don't push my nerves," Alexander said, holding his rage on the ground.
"Who? I don't understand. Okay, okay. Let me guess. Umm.....Bella. She is always on your lips. Tell me, Satan. Did she become your obsession?" Xavier rose from the seat and walked up to the counter while smiling. He poured a drink for himself and leaned over the counter, turning his face to Alexander.
"I heard Bael gave you a hard time. Don't you think being a king didn't give you any benefit? I mean, Bael bound your power. You left the throne and by killing humans, you violated rules. Don't you think a king should do whatever pleases?" Xavier sipped his drink and questioned Alexander.
Alexander did not speak. He was holding his head down, opening and closing his fist in anger. He didn't consume souls since he came here and took human form. Neither did he make demons to make a balance in hell. The throne needs the king to settle everything in their places, but Alexander ignored responsibilities despite being a king.
"Why don't you go back? Why are you so adamant about staying here? You can manage everything from hell," Xavier said again, without waiting for Satan's answer.
"Leave," screamed Alexander grievously.
"All because of that little girl, Isabella. Am I right? Seriously, I knew you would save her, but you would kill them all, which I didn't expect. Tell me, Satan. What is she hiding? Why are you holding her soul? Wasn't she born as a demonic child to bring chaos to this world? Why can't I smell her evil?" Lucifer drew closer with a sly face. He wanted Alexander to show his anger. He wanted something that could give him an idea about Isabella.
He failed to look into her soul. Something was deterring him and he knew it had to be something to do with Satan. But what was he covering?
"Stay away from her, Lucifer, if you don't want to see my wrath," Alexander growled and stood up. He reduced the distance and looked straight into Lucifer's eyes.
"Don't pull stunts against her," Alexander's bloodshot eyes threatened Lucifer. He didn't want anyone's attention to fall on her. She is his possession. He will decide her destiny.
"Haha... I am wondering what you'll do if Bael enters this story." Lucifer winked and stepped back.
Alexander spun around without answering Lucifer's question because Bael would not waste his time on this small matter.
"I can help you if Bael turned against you if you tell me where you hid her body?" Lucifer announced a deal suddenly, and Alexander stopped. He smiled and turned.
"O, so is that your actual intention?" corner of his lips raised upwards as he said.
"I don't know what are you talking about? Give me times," Alexander said and returned a wink.