I've been waiting for you, child.
In the realm of the Gods, a few years back.
"My Lord, we have found the perpetrator," the subordinate announced "Bring him to me. I want to see who the hell dared to mess with the order of the realm."
"Long time no see, brother," the man spoke. "Lucifer, why am I not surprised to see it's you behind this? Wasn't the last time enough for you to learn, or is it that you can't live in peace? So, you made it your mission to bring chaos," he roared. "My, my, don't you have too much hatred for your little brother? I say you should be the one to bring chaos, seeing your short temper and anger issues," the man snorted.
"You... Do you know what you have done? How can you act so carefree after giving the system power to someone in a dimension where it does not exist? We already gave that person her powers. Why did you have to interfere with our work?" This time he shouted, with anger prominent in his voice and face. "Is there anything you would like to present or say to make your punishment lighter?" he said with a resigned voice. "Nothing. Even if i say something, you're going to dismiss it, so why bother saying anything? For you, I'm someone who is a monster, for I was born with the devil's blood running inside him." Lucifer eyes were screaming for help, but his brother was blind to see his brother calling for help. "Take him away and lock him up," he ordered. "What am I going to do with this mess?"
Five years later.
"Welcome, my dear child. I've been waiting for you," a voice spoke in the midst of pitch-black darkness. "I fucking died while sitting on the couch, didn't I? And this place is where the souls gather to find peace." I was freaking out about how did I even died. There was nothing wrong with me. In the blink of an eye, the pitch-black darkness changed into golden light, and there he was behind me, sitting on his throne with an overwhelming presence.
"Child, you're not dead. I brought your consciousness into the space I've created." "Who are you?" I asked him with a trembling voice. His aura told me he wasn't any ordinary person. He looked like he was a God. With his long thick jet-black hair, I envied and missed my black hair. Those red eyes were like blood, set in a pale face. He said, "Me? I'm someone who likes to help unfortunate souls who are reborn into this world. Now, child, why don't you relax for some time. Have some tea."
The place itself was divine. Huge golden pillars stood at the entrance, with a red carpet leading to the throne above the flight of stairs. I was nervous to be in the presence of a god. The aura he exuded was no joke. The place, you could say, was like heaven. I was hesitant to ask him how he was going to help me. I played with my fingers, fidgeting in my place while he prepared tea. Deep down inside me, something was screaming not to trust him. But I wanted to trust him, even if it meant dying in the end.
He placed the cup in front of me and sat in the opposite direction. "Child, you can ask me anything. You don't have to be afraid of me." I didn't realize I was looking down until he spoke. "Then please tell me your name." I said without being terrified.
"My name? You want to know my name? He laughed,Why not, my name is Lucifer. I know you're worried about being reborn into this world, which is the exact opposite of your previous world. I saw your file, and your previous life wasn't exactly always kind to you. That is why I gave you the system window on top of the power the other gods gave. That power they gave you wasn't of any use unless you were born with a great amount of mana. From what I can see, you have been learning how to use magic for only a week at most."
"Why would the other gods give me something I can't use unless I was born with a great amount of mana?" I said, feeling helpless, with tears welling up in my eyes. I wanted to cry, but crying doesn't solve anything. How could they do something like this? Wasn't my life already bad enough before? And I have to endure this hellish life?
"My child, they gave me full access to the system window, but they found out and put restrictions. I tried to help others before, but they refused. I can help you in exchange you need to do something for me too," he said, his voice filled with desire—the desire I shared with him.
I woke up panting, drenched in cold sweat. My vision was blurry. I couldn't remember anything. My head was killing me. "You're awake," someone spoke, and I remembered where I was. I turned my head in his direction at once. There he was sitting on the chair with his leg folded. He was the living embodiment of perfection. I was entranced by the vision in front of me, oblivious to his presence.
"You... Are you listening to me?" He took my breath away. I didn't realize he was right in front of me. He said, "Apologies, Your Highness. I was a little dizzy and didn't heard you. If it's alright, can you repeat what you said?" I asked him. "I asked you what happened and why you lost consciousness," he asked me. "I don't know. I felt hot and dizzy; my heart was pounding, then everything went black," I answered. For a split second, I swear I saw his expression change to a pained look, but that disappeared as soon as it came. Was it sympathy or something else? I didn't know and didn't want to think about it.
"You tell me who you are. I know for a fact you're not from here. There are few instances where one has platinum hair. Tell me the truth, or it won't be good for you. If you choose to remain silent, I know many other ways to get someone to open their mouth," he warned me. I could see it in his eyes. The threat was real.
"I... I'm... I'm not afraid. You can go to hell with your threats. I'm not telling you anything." What am I saying? Have I finally lost my mind after living here. He looked so angry. I could see it. He never had anyone refuse him. Is he going to kill me now that I refused in this way? Where are Lynn and Lumi when you need them? "Master, forgive us. We can't enter the place where you are. He's too scary for us to handle."
"Lynn and Lumi." Aren't you quite brave for refusing to listen? I think you have a death wish and want to die early. If that's your wish, why don't we grant it, or shall I give you another chance?" he suggested, playing with my heart.
"You can give me another chance or kill me. I won't open my mouth." Kyaaaa! What am I saying? I really do have a death wish, don't I? He took his sword. "I'm going to die today."
"Your Highness, you can't shed blood in someone else's home," someone spoke, but there was no one in sight. "You don't need blood on your hands. If you want, we can have her open her mouth for you."
"Whoever you are, I'm not afraid of you or your boss. You can try, but I won't tell you anything." He looked at me with a mixed expression. I couldn't make out what it was. "You heard what Elizabeth said." "Of course, I'm not deaf. I can hear you two talking perfectly." "Your Highness," she sounded shocked. There was no need for her to be shocked. If you're going to talk in an open place, people are going to listen.
"You are interesting. I changed my mind. I'm not going to kill you. It would be a waste to kill someone like you. I'm going to keep an eye on you." I'm doomed. I should have told him everything, then piqued his interest. These types of people are dangerous. You don't know what they're going to do next. They are driven by their impulse.
"From this day forth, you're mine," he said with a devilish smirk. "It's a shame I'm leaving tomorrow. If I wasn't leaving tomorrow, we would have so much fun. I won't press you to tell me about where you're from. Instead, tell me your name," he asked in a gentle voice. How can anyone say he's cursed when he's being this gentle?
"It's Laura, Your Highness," I said. "Not this one. I want to know your real name." Again, why is he being gentle? If he is going to be this gentle, I want to expect more.
"My name is Riona, Your Highness." For the first time, I saw him smile; it was a genuine smile with no hidden meaning.
To be continued.