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A forest has been cultivated here, complete with skeletal oaks, swirling mist, and softly glowing mushrooms. Lost souls drift through the underbrush, waving spectral limbs in silent pleading.
Before I can process this bizarre sight, a commotion erupts ahead. A line stretches down the hall of this forest-filled cathedral—damned human souls attempting to renew their ectoplasmic driver’s licenses at the DMV portal. A woman, her face showing a constant flicker of differing emotions, is arguing with the exhausted clerk.
“What do you mean I failed my ‘emotional fortitude’ exam? I’ve been suffering the torment of the Damned Choir for decades!”
The clerk, nonplussed, drones in a monotone, “Ma’am, you broke down and caused a sympathy riot among the empathy imps. Clearly, your emotional fortitude requires further conditioning.”
Keeping to the side, I sidle past the escalating scene toward a corridor marked Cafeterium. Wisps of smoke play along the checkerboard tile floors and the scent of brimstone and spices waft from the bustling food portals lining the walls.
One glowing entryway is labeled Café Diabolique. The chalkboard menu lists offerings like Brimstone Bouillabaisse, Soul Stew, and Sinner Sangria. I pass on the questionable cuisine, stomach rumbling.
Weaving between demons, I search for anyone who might know how I can return to the halls of Damnation Financial. Or anyone who knows about new employee procedures. But none of these demons look approachable.
Though they seem to be completely unaware of my presence, I can feel their eyes on me the moment I turn my head. It’s a strange feeling that makes the hairs all along my arms stand on end, but I remind myself this was all part of the package. I don’t trust any of these citizens to give me the right directions, so I just have to find the way back without asking for help. I’m well and truly on my own.
After another hour scouring endless halls and cavernous rooms, I end up at a central obsidian staircase. With a huff, I seat myself on the bottom step, prepared to just…wait. The presentation folder crinkles in my clenched hands, pages most likely futile. Bax has made his low opinion of me clear.
Still, I have to make a good impression as his assistant. Our partnership is doomed otherwise.
Leaning back against the cold step, I steady my nerves. Patience and perseverance are key. I’ve handled far worse trials than this. A horde of stuffy demons doesn’t scare me, no matter their pedigrees of cruelty.
I’m there only for a few moments when a commotion at the top of the stairs snags my attention. Speak of the devil—it’s Bax himself. I straighten, watching his approach.
The archdemon looks just as imposing as before. His gaze finds mine instantly, brow arched.
“There you are.” He pauses before me, molten eyes amused. “What a pity if you had somehow gotten lost.”
I rise quickly. “I was waiting for you, Mr. Daemonus. Since I’m yet to be assigned a workspace, I thought we could discuss—”
“Please, Elara,” he rumbles, “call me Bax.”
The sound of my name on his lips makes my pulse skitter oddly.Get it together!“Bax, then, sir.” I hurry along before I bite my tongue. “I wanted to go over my proposal for increasing productivity in your department.” I extend my folder like a shield.
He considers it with a tilt of his horned head, then turns on his heel. “Walk with me.”
It’s not a request. I fall into step beside him, nerves rising. His presence is even more overwhelming and distracting than before.Focus!
“So.” Bax slides his burning gaze to me. “You wish to share your insights into improving my efficient regime?”
His wry tone implies how little he values my mortal perspective. I lift my chin.
“Yes. I believe an outside viewpoint could benefit—”
“Darling!”
I falter at the unfamiliar voice as a stunning female demon intercepts our path. Crimson curls tumble over her shoulders, partially obscuring the black lace negligee that leaves little to the imagination.
She disregards me completely to drape herself over Bax with possessive familiarity. Long nails trail down his chest as she gazes up with sultry invitation. “I missed you at the pits last night, lover. You promised to take me soul-gazing.”
Lover? I risk a baffled glance at Bax. His expression remains bored, detached, as he deftly loosens her clutches.
“Another time, pet. I’m busy.” With that cool dismissal, he steps around her. I offer the demon a weak smile before following.
“But Baxxy—” Her wheedling fades into the distance.
My thoughts churn as I study Bax’s impassive profile. Lover? His personal affairs are none of my concern. I need to stay professional. But my wayward thoughts linger on the alluring female long after we leave her behind.
“You were saying?” Bax prompts.
