The Shadowed Hall of the Middle Chamber — Night
Flames danced along towering obsidian pillars, casting elongated shadows across the vaulted hall. The air was thick with the scent of brimstone and power. A lone man knelt on the polished black stone floor, his head bowed.
"Your Highness…" he began cautiously, voice trembling against the oppressive quiet. "I have scoured every territory, every alley, every whisper… but I haven't been able to locate the boy."
A deep, calm voice answered from the darkness, low and unyielding. "Hmm…"
The man's eyes darted upward, searching for the source. From the far end of the hall, a throne carved from shadows and blackened steel loomed, and seated upon it was a figure shrouded entirely in darkness. His presence radiated authority, yet his face remained entirely hidden in shadow.
"Do you believe," the figure said slowly, each word deliberate, "that my father—Lucifer—hid him that well?"
The man hesitated, swallowing. "I… I cannot say, Your Highness. There is no trace… no hint… as if the boy simply… vanished."
A slow, deliberate laugh—soft but edged with menace—echoed through the hall. "Vanished… or perhaps he chose to vanish himself."
"Sir?" the man asked, unsure if he had heard correctly.
"He could be anywhere," the shadowed voice continued, low and unwavering. "Hiding in plain sight, weaving through the cracks of reality, slipping past even the sharpest eyes. Even his father's reach might fall short."
The man's throat tightened. "No… not even Lucifer could conceal him so completely."
The figure leaned slightly forward, the shadows shifting like smoke around him. "Then we are dealing with a boy… cleverer than we anticipated."
A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the flicker of infernal flames. The man shifted uneasily, then spoke with quiet conviction. "Maybe… perhaps it wasn't his father hiding him at all. Perhaps the boy hid himself so well that no one knows where he is… not even Lucifer himself."
The throne remained silent, still, as if listening—but giving nothing away. The man's heart pounded. Finally, he dared not speak again. Bowing once more, he turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving the chamber to its eternal, watchful quiet.
And the figure on the throne remained, motionless, a silent storm of power and patience, unseen and unknowable—a prince who waits, calculating every move, watching the world for a boy who might just slip through even the fiercest grasp of Hell itself.
The following week — Monday
At Greenwood Academy, fourth floor.
Nikki and Amber stood beside a classroom window, their books tucked under their arms as they talked quietly about Laurel's upcoming birthday party.
"Do I really have to go to her birthday party?" Nikki asked, already dreading the answer.
"Yes," Amber said firmly. "Your mother said it's important. You know the position Laurel holds—we can't afford to be on her bad side. And besides, she invited you personally. You can't say no to her invitation."
"I'm not worried about Laurel," Nikki said, frowning. "What I am worried about is how I'm supposed to find a date when my fiancé is going with my younger sister. If my mother finds out, Alison is dead meat."
Amber smiled teasingly. "Awwn, you actually care about your baby sister."
"No," Nikki replied flatly. "I care about what my mother will do to me when she finds out I knew about it."
Amber winced. "Oh yeah… I totally forgot about your mum."
"I need a date to the party," Nikki muttered. "Someone neither Laurel nor my mother knows about."
Just then, Alan appeared at the end of the hallway, walking toward them.
"That means you'll have to go with a human," Amber said.
"What do you think my mother will do if she finds out I went with a human?" Nikki asked dryly.
"Aren't you a human too?" a voice said behind them.
Both girls turned sharply.
"Hey!" Amber snapped. "How dare you eavesdrop and then interrupt our conversation?"
Alan shrugged, unbothered. "I didn't have to eavesdrop. You two are talking so loudly the entire floor can hear you. And considering the halls are empty, your voices are echoing. I could hear you all the way from the second floor."
Nikki narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"This is my classroom," Alan said casually. "What are you doing here?"
"That's none of your business."
"I heard you're going to Laurel's birthday party," he said, slipping his hands into his pockets.
Both girls turned to stare at him.
"You know Laurel?" Nikki asked, surprised.
"Yes," he replied simply.
Amber crossed her arms. "And how exactly do you know Laurel?"
Alan smiled faintly. "We have history."
Amber scoffed. "What kind of history could someone like you possibly have with someone like her?"
"I didn't come here to get interrogated by you two," he said calmly.
"Then why are you here?" Nikki asked, though she already suspected he wanted something.
"I overheard your conversation," Alan admitted. "It seems you have a problem—so I want to help."
"We don't need your help," Amber snapped immediately.
"Let's hear him out first," Nikki said, glancing at her.
"Nikki?" Amber hissed, confused why she'd even consider taking help from a human.
Nikki turned back to him. "How can you be of help?"
"I'll be your date to Laurel's party," Alan said smoothly, "and I'll help you deal with Laurel."
"What's in it for you?" Nikki asked, skeptical. "You wouldn't do this just for my benefit."
"Let's just say," he said with a small smile, "it's my birthday present to her."
Nikki studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Fine. You'll go with me. But if you embarrass me or screw anything up, I'll kill you."
"Sure," he replied easily.
"You'll pick me up—"
"No," he cut in. "We're going in separate rides. I'm not stressing my driver just for your convenience."
"Excuse me?" Nikki glared.
"I'll see you on Saturday," Alan said, already walking past them. "My name's Alan Mendes, by the way."
Amber blinked as he disappeared down the hallway. "That boy is different from the others."
"I just hope this doesn't blow up in my face," Nikki muttered with a sigh.
Saturday Morning — The Sawyer Mansion
In Amber's room, sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows, glinting off a vanity mirror. Alison sat on a stool in front of it while Amber stood behind her, carefully brushing and styling her hair.
The door opened, and Nikki walked in wearing a bathrobe, her hair still damp from the shower.
"Hey, Amber," she said, flopping onto the bed. "Come pick something for me to wear."
Amber groaned. "Stop acting like a baby and go pick your own clothes, Nikki. If you keep wasting time, you'll be late."
Nikki crossed her arms and turned away stubbornly.
"Um… if you don't mind, Nikki," Alison said softly, glancing up at her reflection, "I'd like to know who's going to be your date to Laurel's party."
Nikki's smile vanished, and her tone turned cold. "I'd also like it if you minded your own business. Remember, we're only related by demon blood and our responsibilities. I want nothing else to do with you. So cut it out with the caring younger-sister act, okay?"
She smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in it. Then she stood, heading for the door. "I'll be expecting you in my room, Amber—and don't be late."
She opened the door and walked out, leaving the room tense and silent.
"Why does she hate me?" Alison whispered as tears welled in her eyes.
Amber set the brush down and knelt beside her. "She doesn't hate you, Alison. She just doesn't want you to end up like her." She smiled gently, wiping away the tears on Alison's cheeks. "Rylan won't be happy if he finds out you were crying."
Alison gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Amber… for always being there for me."
"You're welcome," Amber said softly.
At V&J Event Centre — Laurel's Birthday Venue
The evening was alive with the sound of music and laughter spilling from the grand event hall. Outside, the parking lot gleamed with expensive cars under strings of golden lights.
A sleek black SUV sat beside a red Nissan. The SUV belonged to Alan.
Inside, Alan sat in the back seat, scrolling through his phone. He had been waiting for nearly an hour. His driver had gone to check several times if Nikki had arrived, each time returning with the same answer: she's not here yet.
Alan sighed, resting his elbow against the window. "She's taking forever."
He glanced at his watch, then made up his mind.
Reaching for the door handle, he stepped out into the cool evening air. "Wait for me here," he told his driver. "I'll call you if I need anything."
The door shut softly behind him as he adjusted his jacket and started toward the entrance of the event center.
The night was only just beginning.
INSIDE THE HALL
Inside the grand hall of V&J Event Centre, the music was soft and elegant, blending with the faint chatter of nobles and heirs dressed in glittering designer gowns and sharp tuxedos.
Nikki, Amber, and Alison stepped through the entrance, their eyes widening in awe. The hall shimmered with chandeliers, gold streamers, and crystal centrepieces that cast a soft glow across the marble floor.
"I'll have to leave now," Alison said with a small smile. "Rylan is waiting for me." She waved lightly before walking away into the crowd.
Amber turned to Nikki. "What about you, Nikki? Has your date shown up?"
Nikki's eyes scanned the hall anxiously. "I haven't seen him yet. I can't believe he isn't here."
Amber smiled apologetically. "I'd love to help you look for him, but Dave's waiting for me." She paused, watching Nikki's expression.
"I'll be fine on my own," Nikki said with a small smile.
"You're the best, Nikki," Amber said before heading off into the sea of guests.
Nikki exhaled slowly. How am I supposed to find him in this crowd without anyone noticing me? she thought, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Hi, Nikki," a girl called, waving gracefully as she approached.
Nikki turned—and froze. The girl had long, golden-blonde hair that fell in waves over her shoulders and deep bluebell eyes that sparkled under the lights.
"Laurel?"
"Why are you so surprised to see me?" Laurel asked with a light, amused laugh.
"What are you doing here?" Nikki blurted out before realizing, a second later, how foolish that sounded. Of course Laurel would be here—it was her birthday party.
"I'm a little curious, Nikki," Laurel said, her smile sharp and sweet at once. "Does your mother know your fiancé is your sister's date tonight?"
"I'm honored that you care about a nobody like me," Nikki replied smoothly, masking her irritation with a polite smile.
Just then, Alan walked into the hall. The moment his eyes caught sight of Nikki standing with Laurel, he immediately sensed trouble. Without hesitation, he began weaving through the crowd toward them.
"So, Nikki," Laurel continued, her voice laced with venom, "where's your date? The other heirs would be so disappointed if you didn't bring one."
Nikki's stomach tightened. Laurel's smug expression told her everything—she wouldn't stop until she'd humiliated her. If word got out that her fiancé had come with her younger sister while she attended alone, she would be in serious trouble.
It was taboo for any royal or noble heir to attend a prince or princess's birthday without a date—a law made by the Crown Prince himself after his last birthday, when every demon princess had swarmed him. Breaking that rule meant being stripped of one's title and banished to Kergulblitz.
And that was exactly what Laurel wanted—to see Nikki disgraced.
Nikki looked upward silently, praying for a miracle. She needed something—anything—to turn the situation around.
And then she felt it.
Two arms wrapped around her from behind, firm but gentle. A warm breath brushed her ear, followed by a low whisper.
"I know you're excited to see your friends," the voice murmured, "but don't neglect me because of that. I'd get jealous."
The voice sent a sharp tingle down her spine—it was familiar, almost hauntingly so. She turned quickly and found herself staring into the face of Alan Mendes.
"Try not to look too shocked," he whispered with a grin. "You'll ruin my plan."
"Laurel," he greeted casually, still holding Nikki close.
Laurel blinked, startled. "Alan?"
"Oh, hi Laurel," he said lightly. "I see you've met Nikki already."
"Alan, you really came!" she said, her eyes lighting up—until she noticed how he was standing behind Nikki, his arms around her.
"Nikki wanted to come," he said with a calm smile, "so I decided to accompany her."
"Nikki?" Laurel repeated, her smile fading as confusion clouded her features. Her heart began to race. "Say, Alan… what relationship do you have with Nikki?"
Alan tilted his head thoughtfully, pretending to consider. "Hmm, what would be the best answer to that?" he mused aloud. "Saying she's my girlfriend doesn't really define what we have… so I guess the next best thing would be—" He smiled at Laurel. "We're lovers, right, Nikki?"
Laurel's expression faltered completely. She staggered a step back, momentarily losing her balance before recovering her poise.
Nikki, meanwhile, felt her heart stop. Her face burned crimson as she processed what he'd just said. She knew he was acting—this was all a lie—but a small, traitorous part of her wanted it to be true. She wanted that moment, that lie, to last forever.
"Yes," she finally said, forcing a smile. "That's right." Reality crept back into her chest like a cold hand. She was foolish for hoping. There was no way she could ever end up with a human.
Laurel's entire body trembled. "Is this your way of saying you've moved on?" she demanded, her voice cracking. The thought of Alan moving on—to someone she saw as beneath her—cut deeply.
"I'm really sorry, Laurel," Alan said gently. "But I couldn't stop myself from falling in love."
"Don't give me that bullshit!" Laurel snapped, her voice rising. "What's so good about her anyway? She's just a low-level princess whose own mother is ashamed of her! She's a disgrace to her family!"
"I had no idea about that," Alan interrupted softly. "She always puts on a smile, so sometimes it's hard to tell what she's going through. That's what got me attracted to her. She keeps smiling and being herself no matter what."
Nikki's cheeks flamed again. "Alan…" she whispered, lost for words.
Alan gave Laurel a small, regretful smile. "You're an amazing person too, Laurel. But the heart wants what it wants."
"I'm not giving up on you," Laurel said fiercely.
"Well," Alan replied coolly, "it wouldn't be interesting if you did."
"This isn't over, Nikki," Laurel hissed, glaring at her. "I'm going to take him away from you. He's mine—don't ever forget that."
With that, she spun on her heels and stormed off, her anger rippling in every step.
Alan exhaled and leaned back slightly. "Well, isn't she something," he muttered with a small, amused grin.
Nikki stared at him in silence. Who was this boy? He looked like an ordinary, arrogant human—but underneath, there was something else. Something deeper, sharper. She had always been told humans were good liars, but this boy wasn't just good—he was the god of lies.
Even knowing it was all an act, she'd believed every word.
"You're staring," Alan said, snapping his fingers in front of her face.
"What was that for?" she asked, blinking.
"You were spacing out."
"Your acting skills are… impressive," she admitted.
"I didn't think you'd be impressed," he said with a grin.
"How did you get so good at lying?"
"Have you ever seen a magician reveal his secrets?"
"Seriously?" Nikki raised an eyebrow.
"You sure took your time getting here, princess."
"Princess?" she repeated, cheeks reddening.
"Yes," he teased. "You act and look like one."
"Really?"
"Yeah," he said with a sly smile. "An overpampered, spoiled brat of a princess."
"You're so annoying!" she snapped.
"Anyway," he said casually, "where's your twin?"
"My… twin?" she asked, confused. "I don't have one."
"I mean that girl who's always following you around at school."
"She's my best friend."
"Wow. That's rare."
"What's so rare about it?"
"It's rare that someone like you actually has a best friend."
"Excuse me?" Nikki frowned.
"Anyway, I think Laurel did an amazing job with this party," Alan said, changing the subject.
"Don't just change the conversation as you please!"
"Would you like something to drink?"
"You're doing it again!"
"I'll go get us something to drink," he said quickly, walking toward the refreshment table.
Nikki sighed and rubbed her temples. "He's so annoying… but also useful. Ugh, I can't wait for this day to end."