"If you must sell your soul to the devil. At least bother to summon two and make them bid the price."
Master Eryx, the professor of demonology spoke with a shrill voice that echoed through the eerie atmosphere of the classroom. A pale shiver ran through nearly everyone around me.
A murmur of discomfort rippled through the room, and I noticed several sacred faces, their eyes wide with horror at the very notion of invoking demons. It was the same reaction every time. The mention of demons, the taboo, made even the 'noble heirs' piss their pants.
Demonology, the study of demons, wasn't a popular choice among the prestigious students of the Imperial Academy of Heavel. The subject of demons was considered taboo in the country, and thus, very few members of the nobility chose to pursue this taboo subject.
After just one hour in the demonology class, I discerned that three distinct types of people opted for this taboo subject. The first type of person was evident: the noble heirs, their expressions tight with discomfort, clearly regretting their decision to be in the class. Their eyes darted nervously toward the door as if expecting some demon to burst in at any moment. Cowards. Why don't they try making the connections they seek at the fancy balls instead?
And then there were those minorities, the darker, more curious students. Just the way I like them. They might also be called the 'weirdos' or 'people with different ideas', in a more respectful way. They had a big curiosity. Some of them, I could tell, were even taking notes with a certain fervour, were they this eager to die early?"
But the third category—the rarest of all—was where I belonged. (Obviously)
Also, today's topic was just a basic about demons. The idea that one could actually bargain with the demonic, offering up one's soul in exchange for power, wealth, or knowledge... it was a tempting notion. A dangerous one, but one that held the kind of power that most people in this room would never understand. Although, the main lesson for the class was to not offer yourself to a demon.
Master Eryx continued, his words dripping with sarcasm, "Demonology isn't a subject for the craven souls. You see, the truth is that demons are not interested in your soul's worth—they are interested in how much you are willing to pay. So, if you ever decide to summon one," he paused, eyeing the class with a glint of amusement, "make sure you summon more than one. Let them bid for your soul. It may save you in the end."
Master Eryx's lips twitched in a grin that sent a chill across the room.
"What, then, do you imagine the price of your soul to be?" Master Eryx's voice echoed throughout the chamber, his gaze sweeping over us with a predatory calm, lingering on each student as though daring one to rise and answer. "And tell me, would any among you possess the audacity to summon not one, but several demons, and entreat with them all?"
The question settled like a pall upon the room, smothering the faint murmurs into an oppressive silence. I glanced toward Lord Norian, a young nobleman famed for his confident airs and ever-steadfast gaze. Yet now, a pallor gripped his face, his hands betraying the faintest tremor as he sat rigid and unnaturally still.
"M-me?" he faltered, the arrogance in his voice unravelling thread by thread. "I—I would never dare to commit so profane an act, Master Eryx." His eyes flitted uneasily toward the dim corners of the hall, as though fearing that some shadowy fiend might creep forth at any moment.
Master Eryx's lips curled into a knowing smile, "Ah, but what if the price of your soul were but a trifle, young lord? What if it were a mere token to purchase power the likes of which your dreams scarce dare to conjure?" He leaned closer, his voice a dangerous murmur, "Are you then quite certain you would not reconsider?" Isn't summoning a devil an act of treason though.
Norian's throat bobbed with a visible swallow, his discomfort writ plain upon his paling visage. "N-no," he stammered, grasping for the remnants of his shattered composure. "I should rather guard my soul than gain any such power." His arms crossed before him, as though warding off the very notion that had taken root in his mind.
A ripple of subdued laughter broke the stillness, some carrying the weight of unease, while others bore a twisted delight. "Very well, Lord Norian," Master Eryx replied, his tone laced with amusement as he straightened, a glint of something sinister flickering in his eyes.
His gaze then shifted to me. I didn't flinch, but the air felt heavier.
"Lady Verena," he said, his voice oozing with curiosity. "What do you think would be the price of your soul? And would you dare to summon more than one demon to haggle?"
The classroom fell silent, a thick tension enveloping us as all eyes turned to me, anticipation crackling in the air. I felt the weight of their gazes, each student silently weighing my worth against the question posed by Master Eryx. I took a moment, letting the silence linger, relishing the opportunity to respond. A devil wouldn't even dare look into my eyes.
"The price," I continued, letting the silence stretch for a breath longer, savouring the tension that gripped the room. "is whatever I deem it to be. The devil doesn't decide my worth. I do."
I cast a slow glance around the room, noting the widened eyes and tightened jaws, as if they feared I had already made such dark bargains. A faint smile curled at my lips. "I have a doubt, Master Eryx," I went on, my voice cool and measured, "what, pray, would be the price for a demon's obedience—if not one's soul? Are there no other currencies a clever mind might offer?"
I saw the professor's brows lift, a glint of interest sparking in his eyes. "A bold claim, Lady Verena," he murmured, his voice threaded with curiosity. "You speak as though you have considered these matters most seriously."
"I wouldn't dare to do so, sir. Being from the House Drakemont, would always follow the path of light, not attempting to cause any harm to the kingdom. Such a union would only serve to diminish my own strength. The moment I step into that darkness, I risk losing myself—my ideals, my dignity, my very essence. I have no desire to become a pawn in a game played by those who revel in chaos and manipulation. My path is illuminated by my own choices, not by the shadows of a devil's bargain."
Master Eryx raised an eyebrow, a pleased smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Very well. So you are not one to cower before the forces of the abyss."
No, I wasn't. The abyss was not something to fear. It was something to master.