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Boarding the bus to work, I take a seat near the back. As the vehicle lurches into motion, I can’t help but notice the diverse array of passengers.
There’s a minotaur in a suit reading the Hell Herald, a harpy in a floral dress chatting animatedly on her phone, and even Medusa, her snake hair tied up in a neat bun as she scrolls through her tablet.
Seeing these legendary figures, once feared and revered in human myths and legends, reduced to everyday mundanity is oddly comforting. It’s a reminder that, in the grand scheme of things, we’re all just trying to make our way through this crazy, chaotic existence.
I’m almost at my stop when a raspy voice interrupts my thoughts. “Well, if it isn’t the mortal girl. Fancy seeing you here.”
The mortal girl? Surely my presence in the Underworld can’t be that important that it’s widespread news.
I turn to find a wizened old crone sitting next to me, clutching a cane carved from human bones. Her single milky eye regards me with interest.
I offer a polite smile. “Good morning. I don’t think we’ve met…”
“Hecate’s the name.” She cackles, revealing a mouthful of crooked teeth. “Goddess of witchcraft and the restless dead. What brings you to our neck of the woods?”
My eyes widen. Hecate—a goddess from ancient Greek legends! I can’t believe she actually exists. “I’m, uh, working at Damnation Financial for a bit,” I explain.
“Oho! A living mortal in the bowels of Hell?” Hecate chuckles. “You’ve got pluck, girl. I like that.”
I can’t help but grin, warmed by the goddess’ praise. We chat about her work with restless souls until my stop, where Hecate gives me a wink and a warning: “Watch your back, girl. These demons will eat you alive if you let ‘em!”
Her words stick with me as I disembark at the grand, fiery entrance of Damnation Financial. Navigating through the winding corridors, I no longer feel like a lost lamb in a den of lions.
I’ve quickly learned the trick to getting around the labyrinthine building: simply think about the exact opposite place you want to go, and somehow you end up at the right destination. It’s as if the building itself is a sentient, contrary creature.
Arriving at my gloomy cubicle, I settle in for the day.
Out of habit, my gaze drifts to the frosted glass separating Bax’s office from the common area. A part of me is glad for the barrier. But another part wishes I could see through it and glimpse the imposing archdemon within. Ever since that heated moment between us, I can’t stop speculating what he’s thinking. If he regrets his impulsive actions…or plans to repeat them.
A smooth voice in my ear makes me jolt. “Daydreaming on the job, pet? How naughty.”
I whirl around to see Zarien leaning against the edge of my cubicle, a roguish smirk on his face. His dark eyes take me in, making me painfully aware of every other demon in the office listening in.
“Zarien,” I say, forcing a smile I hope seems genuine enough on my face. “What brings you here?”
“Just wanted to see how you’re faring in our little slice of Hell,” he replies, his voice dripping with charm. “And perhaps offer some…personal assistance, if needed.”
Before I can reply, another voice cuts in. “Zarien, stop bothering the mortal.”
Both Zarien and I turn to see Asmodeus approaching. The elegant demon gives me a sympathetic look, then turns his attention to Zarien.
The office chatter quiets as Asmodeus reaches my desk, his graceful stride commanding respect. “Miss Hunt, apologies for the disruption. Please know that harassment of our mortal guest will not be tolerated.”
The surrounding demons bow their heads, properly chastised while Zarien slowly slinks away with a scowl but not before winking at me, a suggestive look in his eyes as his gaze slides down my frame.
I give Asmodeus a tight smile of gratitude.
“How are you finding your position thus far?” he asks kindly.
“It has been…interesting,” I admit.
Asmodeus smiles. “I imagine so. You’ve handled things remarkably well, all circumstances considered.” His gaze grows serious. “About yesterday’s dramatic exit—”
Oh, fudge. That’s right. We basically destroyed the whole office with that argument.
“I’m so sorry about the damage, Asmodeus,” I burst out. “I never meant to provoke—”
Asmodeus holds up a slender hand. “Damnation, Elara. Demons thrive on spectacle and chaos. Bax’s tantrum was a delight.” His lips quirk. “But do not think it means you’ve won our archdemon over so easily. Patience and persistence are key with Bax.”
