Upon arriving at the entrance of the location she reached via the stairs, Lunasia surveyed her surroundings. In one corner, she spotted a gleaming golden elevator, but she disregarded it, opting instead to shut her eyes. With a silent breath, she willed herself back to the familiar grounds of Earth, the world she once called home as a princess of a grand kingdom.
But to her dismay, the landscape had transformed beyond recognition. Towering edifices loomed where once there were palaces, and the bustling throng below wore garments foreign to her eyes.
Perhaps, in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise.
The echoes of tragedy lingered though the wounds on her heart were as raw as ever. Yet, perhaps it was easier this way, with the evidence of sorrow erased, even if only superficially.
Turning her focus away from the remnants of bygone days, she felt a pang of curiosity about the alterations that had taken place. With a determined step, she ventured into a nearby alley, where a man hurried past, seeking a shortcut through the labyrinthine streets.
With a swift motion, she seized him by the throat, pressing him firmly against the rough surface of the wall. Her eyes, now ablaze with a fierce crimson intensity, pierced through his very being, rendering him immobile, incapable of resistance. Every iota of knowledge he possessed, from the earliest memories to the present moment, unfolded before her just like a tapestry of his existence laid bare.
Once her interrogation was complete, she released him and vanished into the ether, leaving naught but a trail of shimmering crimson smoke in her wake.
While the man lay sprawled unconscious behind her- too weak to stand through her formidable influence.
Returning to the spot where the staircase once stood, she found it had vanished into thin air. Yet, her purpose for being there extended far beyond the staircase itself. Nestled amidst the cradle of mountains, this secluded place offered a respite from the clamor of human habitation.
Though the sun still held dominion over the sky, Lunasia yearned to seek counsel from her father. However, the gateway to the realm of the underworld remained a mystery to her. Undeterred, she called out into the ether, her voice echoing through the quiet expanse.
"Father!
Father, I seek an audience with you!"
Lunasia's demand pierced the tranquil air, resonating through the silence until, astonishingly, a swirling vortex of black and white materialized before her, a gateway to Hell.
Her call had been answered.
With a cautious glance around, ensuring her solitary endeavor remained unseen, she took a decisive step forward into the swirling abyss. As the portal enveloped her, engulfing her in its shadowy embrace, she felt the pull of another realm, drawing her inexorably toward the gates of Hell.
As Lunasia materialized before the imposing gates of Hell, her gaze swept across the scarlet-stained sky stretching above. Before her loomed a vast, somber castle, its grey walls a testament to the solemnity of the realm.
With determination fueling her steps, she approached the entrance, where two redoubtable figures stood sentinel. Clad in warrior garb, their apple-red skin and menacing features marked them as guardians of this infernal domain, their horns, tails, and sharp fangs serving as ominous adornments.
They were kind of a peculiar type of demon race- one that Lunasia wasn't aware of.
Drawing herself up to her full domination, Lunasia addressed the guardians with a firm command. "Open the gates. I must speak with your Lord." As the words left her lips, she noted with a hint of surprise that she stood way taller than the menacing sentinels before her.
They appeared as little pigs in front of her.
The monstrous guardians exchanged glances, their laughter echoing through the air like a cacophony of mockery. With a voice that grated on Lunasia's nerves, one of them spoke, dripping with disdain, "And who do you think you are, mere mortal, to seek an audience with our Lord? Hahahaha!"
Before the creature could react, Lunasia lunged forward, seizing him by the throat with a grip of iron. With a swift, savage twist, she exerted pressure until his throat burst beneath her fingers, crimson blood spilling forth as his life ebbed away. His head fell, a grotesque testament to her fury, staining the delicate features of her face with the warm spray of his dirty blood.
With a grim resolve, she discarded the lifeless body and pressed forward, her anger fueling her determination to end anyone who would dare to stop her from talking to her father. Yet, to her astonishment, the second monster lunged towards her, brandishing his sword with lethal intent.
In a blur of motion, she struck out, her hand connecting with his grotesque visage with a resounding slap. The force of her blow sent him hurtling through the air, crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening thud, his neck snapping under the impact.
A surge of frustration coursed through Lunasia's veins, fueled by the realization that her father was toying with her, even when her mood was far from playful. Despite knowing that he had heard her summons and brought her to his realm, he seemed intent on engaging in games rather than addressing her concerns head-on.
Approaching the floral gate, crafted from sturdy steel, she braced herself for a struggle, expecting resistance from its formidable exterior. Yet, to her surprise, it yielded effortlessly to her touch, breaking apart as though it were made of fragile glass rather than robust metal. Her brow furrowed in confusion at the ease with which she breached what appeared to be an impenetrable barrier.
Stepping into the castle's garden, Lunasia came face to face with her father, Satan Lucifer Morningstar.
His snowy mane framed his face, a striking contrast to the darkness of his attire. Clad in a sleek black suit embellished with intricate Victorian motifs and a flowing scarlet coat, he exuded an air of majesty as he stood amidst the pallid greenery. Despite his imposing appearance and growing intimidation, no level of his intimidation could affect Lunasia in any way.
"My daughter," Lucifer's voice rang out with warmth and anticipation.
"Come, I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Lunasia Morningstar... my cherished daughter."
His gaze held a mixture of reverence and pride, akin to that of a father who had longed to be reunited with his offspring, proud of the honor they had brought to his name.
Lunasia observed her father's demeanor, discerning the layers of meaning beneath his words and gestures.
With a tightening of her fist, she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation to come.
"What a mess have you made of yourself," Lucifer remarked, his voice husky yet commanding, as he regarded his daughter with piercing crimson eyes. "Freshen up and join me for the grand dinner tonight. Dress impeccably, for I shall be announcing my sole heir to esteemed guests." His immortal nature lent him a perpetual youthfulness, his handsome features and stature belying his age, standing tall as a middle-aged man of undeniable allure.
Despite Lunasia's inner resistance, she contemplated the upcoming grand dinner and the opportunity it presented.
Why not assert her ground before leaving?
With a reluctant yet determined nod, she acquiesced, granting her approval. Moments later, as the castle servants approached to escort her to her chamber, their attire harkening back to a familiar era she was acquainted with, Lunasia observed her father's unwavering smile as she passed by him, a silent acknowledgment of their impending encounter.
Both were keenly aware that certain matters needed to be addressed between them, regardless of their familial bond as father and daughter.
Led through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, Lunasia couldn't help but notice the familiar aesthetic that greeted her. The hallways, devoid of any hues save for the striking contrast of black and red, resonated deeply with her preferences.
She followed her guides to her chambers, where her quarters awaited her.
Upon entering the room, she found herself unsurprised by its grandeur. The space was vast, adorned in a regal palette of black and gold, with subtle embellishments amidst a sea of dark and violet roses.
Approaching the expansive king-size bed, she lowered herself onto its plush surface before turning her attention to the maid accompanying her while two others lingered outside the room, poised to attend to her needs.
The maid appeared human at first glance, her skin devoid of horns and fangs, yet a lengthy, skin-colored tail and delicate deer-like ears betrayed her true nature as a demon. Lunasia couldn't help but wonder about the peculiar creature before her, pondering silently as she inquired about her name.
"And what shall I call you?" Lunasia's question startled the maid, who promptly bowed before responding, "My name is Anneth, Your Grace." Observing the maid's large, emerald-green eyes, unlike any she had encountered before, Lunasia's curiosity surged, compelling her to delve deeper into the mysterious creature before her.
With authority in her voice, Lunasia queried, "What kind of a creature are you?'" The woman responded slowly, "We belong to the 'Thornhoof race,' Your Grace. We are a hybrid species of deer and low-class goblins."
Lunasia's brow furrowed in perplexity at the revelation of a creature she had never encountered before. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the information with a nod before continuing, "And when is the dinner scheduled to commence?" The maid replied, "At midnight, Your Grace, as your father is currently occupied."
Lunasia let out a thoughtful hum before inquiring, "How far are we from midnight?" She posed the question out of sheer curiosity, her uncertainty stemming from her unfamiliarity with the concept of time in Hell. The clock mounted on the wall before her only added to her bewilderment as its hands were moving backward, its peculiar movement suggesting either a deeper significance or a fundamental divergence from conventional timekeeping. Whatever it was, Lunasia's understanding of how the time for Hell worked was way out of her hands.
"Several hours still lie ahead," the maid responded calmly, her voice a reassuring balm to Lunasia's uncertainty. "You may take this time to rest. I will return two hours before midnight to assist you in your preparations." Lunasia nodded in acknowledgment before adding, "Very well. But before you depart, could you inform me if there are any dresses available for me to wear after I'm done showering?"
The maid's response came swiftly, "Yes, Your Grace, the closet in your bedroom holds an array of attire for your use. However, the fancier dresses have yet to be delivered."
Lunasia acknowledged the information with a nod, and as the maid bowed and exited the room, she let out a sigh of relief. With the maid's departure, she rose from her seat, making her way to the bathroom to indulge in a refreshing shower.
At this moment, she only wished for the warm water to cascade over her, soothing her weary body before she sought to steal a few hours of much-needed sleep.
~><~*~><~
Lunasia pondered whether her irritation stemmed from her inability to secure adequate rest or if she simply no longer enjoyed grand gatherings.
At the threshold of the ballroom, Lunasia surveyed the lavish decorations, a symphony of black, scarlet, and gold. The room buzzed with activity as guests flowed in and out, enveloped in the lively ambiance. Despite the festive cheer, Lunasia found herself disinterested in the soirée unfolding before her. However, she understood the significance of her attendance, a fact reinforced as she glanced down at her ensemble—a flowing, black ballroom dress imbued with a subtle gothic touch paired with radiant and reflecting crimson jewelry encircling her slender neck. Every element had been meticulously chosen by her from among five distinct outfits and sets presented by her head-maid back in her chambers.
Even her cascading locks of white hair bore the weight of crimson jewelry, meticulously arranged to complement her ensemble and ensure they appeared poised and immaculate.
Her attire wasn't overly extravagant; instead, it exuded a modest elegance, with just a hint of regal allure woven into its fabric. Yet, it was Lunasia herself who emanated an undeniable air of dark, majestic pull, her very presence commanding attention and reverence from all who beheld her.
With a sigh that seemed to echo the countless others she had released throughout the day, Lunasia made her way toward the grand doors of the ballroom. The guards, ever dutiful, swung the doors open, granting her passage into the opulent space. As she stepped inside, the guard announced her arrival to the assembled guests with a voice that resonated through the room.
"LUNASIA CECIL MORNINGSTAR! ALL HAIL THE PRINCESS!"
Despite the hush that fell over the ballroom and the collective bowing in her direction following her introduction, Lunasia continued to stride forward. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the simplistic label of 'princess,' knowing she was much more than that.
Nevertheless, she brushed off the fleeting irritation with a shrug.
After all, she hadn't attended the grand gathering merely to be acknowledged as a princess.
No, her purpose there was clear… to assert her rightful claim to the throne.
As Lunasia made her way through the room, she couldn't miss the knowing grin adorning her father's face as he sat on his throne. Nor could she overlook the skeptical glances cast her way by the other attendees.
It was evident from these telltale signs that the night ahead promised to be an arduous ordeal.
The prospect of the royal gathering failed to ignite any excitement within her. Instead, Lunasia found herself drawn more to the anticipation of the inevitable bloodshed that would undoubtedly unfold during this grand dinner.
With a smirk curling upon her own lips, Lunasia stood her ground and faced her father without bowing to him out of respect like any other demon, defying the expectations of the gathered crowd. Gasps rippled through the room at her boldness, yet her father's grin only broadened in response.
In her mind, she was already strategizing for the game of 'staking claim over each prey' present that night.