They landed by the swimming pool in Erika's backyard, where the reflection of the moonlight on the water made the night feel even more beautiful. Especially with the red dress hidden beneath Adzriel's cloak. He continued to observe Erika's every movement as she walked away from him.
"Are you leaving?" Erika asked, trying to stall for as long as possible. Though she knew, in the end, Adzriel would take her soul.
"I already told you, didn't I? That I would be a good girl for you?" Erika teased, and unfortunately, such teasing always worked on Adzriel. A mere human, powerless and mortal, yet filled with desires.
"Your efforts to be obedient, my dear. You claim that you will be a 'good girl' now, that you will obey and serve me without question. But I know the true nature of humans, my dear. You are creatures of ambition and desire, and it is only a matter of time before you falter, succumb to temptation, and betray me once again."
Adzriel's smile was predatory, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. He stepped toward Erika, who sat at the edge of the pool, having removed her heels. She kicked at the water, sending small ripples across the surface.
"No wonder God cast you out," Erika remarked. "Your jealousy toward humans is immense. But not all humans are greedy, which is why Heaven was created for some of them."
Adzriel loomed beside her, bare-chested after giving Erika his cloak. The muscles carved into his arms and torso were statuesque. If he were human, Erika might have found herself falling for him.
"My dear, your words are sharp," Adzriel mused. "Yes, you are partially correct. My jealousy and pride were among the reasons for my fall. I believed I deserved praise and worship more than humans—beings made of dust and clay. But your belief that Heaven is for 'some humans' is incorrect."
"Heaven is a place for the chosen, those with pure souls, those who follow God's will and reject temptation. But humans are weak, my dear. They all have darkness within them—the fundamental desire for power and wealth."
Erika listened intently, deep in thought.
"But I believe some humans can still enter Heaven," she murmured, watching the rippling water. Maybe humans were like this—drowning in the darkness of the world.
"Your optimism is rather charming, my dear. But if there are any humans who can reach God's Heaven, they are but a small fraction of the whole. And often, those with pure hearts are the most vulnerable to temptation. It is in human nature to crave power and wealth, even as they deny it."
"And those who claim to have pure hearts often harbor the darkest desires within them. Humans are not as simple as you believe, my dear," Adzriel countered.
"I don't want to argue with you about this. You know more than I do. A Fallen Angel must know more than a mere human," Erika conceded.
"In the end, you accept my knowledge, my dear. Yes, as a Fallen Angel, I possess more knowledge and understanding than you could ever hope to grasp. But it is not due to superiority. It is simply the result of spending millennia in the deepest abyss, watching humanity succumb to temptation and surrender to their desires. I have seen countless lives ruined and destroyed, an endless cycle of greed and lust."
Adzriel's smile was cold and cynical.
"You humans may think you can resist my temptations, but it is only a matter of time before you fall."
Without warning, Adzriel descended into the pool, his arms outstretched toward Erika, wordlessly inviting her to join him.
"Why should I pity you when my own fate in the afterlife is doomed?" Erika remained still, sitting at the edge, refusing to join Adzriel. His wet hair clung to his face, making him look even more striking.
"Ah, pity for me, my dear. How amusing. Why would you feel sorry for a creature of darkness like me? Perhaps because, deep down, you catch glimpses of the angel I once was—before I was cast out and twisted by the abyss. But pity is a wasted emotion, my dear. I long ago accepted my fate as the Prince of Darkness, embraced my role as tempter and destroyer of men."
Suddenly, Adzriel's grip tightened around Erika's waist, pulling her into the pool with him.
Her dress was now soaked, her hair damp. Adzriel held her close, and Erika began to realize—this demon was drawn to her. Was this an advantage? A way to buy more time?
"I don't pity you... I pity your fall. Because of you, we live in a world full of sin."
Adzriel lifted Erika's chin, his sharp lips dangerously close. The temptation to devour her was overwhelming.
"Now I see. I understand the source of your pity. You pity humanity's fall, their corruption, and the sins that plague their hearts. But don't forget, my dear—humans are responsible for their own choices. They are the ones who give in to temptation and fall into sin."
Adzriel's grip softened into a mocking caress, his fingers tracing Erika's jawline.
"And I am merely a participant in their downfall."
Then, his lips brushed against hers—hot, wet, and intoxicating. Erika's breath hitched as she succumbed, her eyes fluttering closed. She truly couldn't resist the temptations of this world, especially those brought by Adzriel himself.
"I'm no longer afraid of you. I'm afraid of Hell's torment," Erika whispered.
Adzriel stilled. His fiery red eyes glowed with an ominous light.
"Hmm… Your fear of Hell's punishment. That is only natural, my dear. The flames of the abyss burn fiercely and mercilessly for the souls of the wicked. And I take great pleasure in watching humans suffer for their sins. But I assure you, my dear, that your torment will be crafted personally for you and your weaknesses. Your punishment will be one of the most unforgettable I have ever devised."
His smirk grew crueler, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement.
"So, I'm not the only one who has sold their soul just for worldly pleasures?" Erika asked, her curiosity about Adzriel's world growing.
"Oh, my dear, you are absolutely not alone. Countless humans have walked this path before you, and countless more will follow. And most of them will regret it in the end—when they realize the price of their power was far more than they were willing to pay."
Adzriel chuckled, his voice chilling and mocking.
"What a delicious irony, isn't it? Humans crave power and wealth, yet they are often the first to break when the cost becomes too great."