Izzy hadn't slept much since the visit from Silas and Kade. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, wondering who else in this realm might be scheming against her. It was unsettling to realize that Hell wasn't just a place of fire and brimstone but a world filled with politics, rivalries, and grudges.
She arrived at the office early, hoping to get a head start on her duties, only to find Lucian already there. He was leaning against his desk, arms folded, his dark eyes fixed on her.
"Another early start?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
She shrugged, setting her bag down. "Figured I could get ahead of all the paperwork. Maybe find some peace before the chaos starts."
Lucian smirked. "Unfortunately, Hell doesn't believe in peace. But nice try."
As she sorted through the documents, a folded piece of parchment slipped out from the pile and fell onto the floor. She picked it up, her brow furrowing as she noticed the intricate seal that held it closed—an unfamiliar symbol she hadn't seen before.
"What's this?" she asked, holding it up to Lucian.
He frowned as he approached. "That seal… it belongs to the High Council."
Izzy's heart skipped a beat. "The High Council? You mean… the ruling body of Hell?"
"Yes," he confirmed, his voice low and serious. "They oversee all the reapers and the management of souls. Whatever's in that letter is likely important." He took the parchment from her and broke the seal.
As he read through the contents, his expression darkened. He crumpled the paper in his fist, his jaw tightening.
"What does it say?" Izzy asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.
Lucian threw the letter into the flames of the nearby fireplace, watching as it burned to ashes. "The Council has summoned me for a meeting. It appears they want to discuss… your presence here."
Izzy's stomach twisted into knots. "Are they… going to try and send me back?"
"That would be the best-case scenario," Lucian replied, his tone harsh. "The Council isn't known for its leniency. If they deem you a threat, they may decide on a… more permanent solution."
"Permanent?" She swallowed hard, realizing what he meant. "You mean they'd kill me?"
Lucian's silence was enough of an answer.
She felt her knees weaken and reached out to steady herself on the desk. "What… what can we do?"
"I'll attend the meeting and speak on your behalf," he said, his voice firm. "I'll do what I can to convince them that you're not a danger and that you can be useful here. But you need to be prepared for the possibility that they won't listen."
Izzy clenched her fists, frustration welling up inside her. "So that's it? I just have to sit back and hope they let me live?"
"No," Lucian said, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that almost burned. "If they decide you're a threat, we'll find another way."
"What do you mean?" she asked, her pulse quickening.
His expression softened slightly. "Let's just say I have some… unconventional options in mind. Ones the Council wouldn't approve of."
Before she could press him further, a heavy knock echoed through the office. The door swung open to reveal a reaper wearing an official-looking uniform, his features as cold and hard as stone.
"Lucian," the reaper said, his tone devoid of warmth. "The Council expects you immediately."
Lucian gave a curt nod. "I'll be there." He glanced back at Izzy. "Stay here. Don't leave this office for any reason."
She nodded, feeling a knot of dread tightening in her chest as Lucian walked out, the door closing behind him with a definitive thud. The room felt colder in his absence, and the silence pressed in on her.
---
In the Hall of Judgement
Lucian walked down the dimly lit corridor leading to the High Council's chamber. The heavy doors loomed before him, inscribed with ancient symbols of judgment and fate. As they swung open, he was greeted by the sight of the Council members seated in a semi-circle, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and suspicion.
At the center sat the head of the Council, Lord Avaris, an imposing figure with an aura that seemed to distort the air around him. His voice boomed through the chamber. "Lucian, Grim Reaper of the Highest Order, you stand before us to answer for the presence of a human in our realm."
Lucian bowed slightly, keeping his tone respectful. "Indeed, my lord. The human is under my direct supervision. She poses no threat."
"Your judgment has been… questionable in the past," one of the other council members, Lady Thalia, interjected. Her icy gaze locked onto him. "Why should we trust that this time is any different?"
Lucian's jaw tightened. "The girl arrived here by accident. She is not dead, nor does she possess any powers that would make her a danger to our realm. I took her as my assistant because it was the only way to keep her here legally."
Lord Avaris leaned forward, his expression contemplative. "And why should we allow this human to remain in Hell at all? We do not grant exceptions lightly."
"Because I believe she can be useful," Lucian answered, his voice steady. "She has already proven herself capable of handling certain tasks, and with proper training, she could be an asset."
There was a murmur of doubt among the Council members. Lady Thalia's voice cut through the whispers like a blade. "You propose training a human to work among reapers? Do you understand the risk you are suggesting?"
"Yes," Lucian replied. "But I also understand the potential benefits. She's seen things that no human has survived to speak of. It's rare to find such resilience."
Lord Avaris raised a hand, silencing the chamber. "Very well, Lucian. We shall take your recommendation under advisement. The human will be granted a probationary period. However, if there is any sign that she poses a risk, you will be held personally accountable."
Lucian inclined his head. "Understood, my lord."
"Dismissed," Avaris said, the weight of finality in his voice.
As Lucian turned to leave, a strange sense of relief washed over him. It wasn't a victory, but it wasn't a defeat either. For now, Izzy was safe.
---
Back at the Office
Izzy paced nervously, biting her lower lip. It felt like an eternity since Lucian had left for the meeting. She considered breaking his rule and stepping outside to search for answers when the door finally creaked open.
Lucian strode in, looking composed but weary. "The Council has agreed to give you a probationary period," he announced.
Izzy exhaled in relief, then tensed again. "So… what does that mean exactly?"
"It means you'll be under constant scrutiny," Lucian explained. "If you make even the smallest mistake, they'll reconsider their decision."
"Well, that's reassuring," she muttered sarcastically. "Do I need to do something drastic, like bake a cupcake for every council member?"
Lucian's lips twitched, almost a smile. "If that's your secret talent, it might just come in handy."
Izzy chuckled despite herself, the tension easing a bit. "So… what happens if I pass these tests?"
Lucian's expression softened. "Then you might just get to stay."
For a moment, the two of them stood in silence. There was an unspoken tension between them, something that had been building since she'd first arrived. Izzy had begun to understand that despite the dark and intimidating world around her, there was a faint but undeniable connection growing between them—a mutual respect, perhaps even a hint of something deeper. But whatever it was, now was not the time to explore it.
"We start your training tomorrow," Lucian said, breaking the silence. "Rest up. It's going to be a long day."
Izzy nodded, feeling a strange mixture of hope and anxiety. As she walked out of the office, she glanced back at Lucian, who was already engrossed in some paperwork, his brows furrowed in concentration. She had a feeling that surviving in Hell was going to take more than just paperwork and good intentions.