Lhori was standing in the auditorium looking at a crowd of new students. Some of them were looking around nervously, and the others huddled in small groups looking for the comfort of their friends. There were distinct lines between humans, demons, and angels. Lhori hoped that in a few weeks those distinctions would disappear.

"They all look so young," she whispered to Satan, who was standing next to her. "Was I so young when I first came here?"

"Yes, you were. And you have the same terrified expression on your face," he teased her.

"I did not!" she hissed.

Lucifer grunted looking at them gravely. Lhori sent him an apologetic smile, and Satan just rolled his eyes.

Diavolo entered the auditorium and went straight to the rostrum. His face was beaming with a cheerful smile; his eyes were bright while he was looking over the crowd.

"Welcome to Devildom, dear students!" His voice boomed over the hall, and all chatter ceased instantly when all the eyes turned to him. "My name is Diavolo. I am the king of Devildom and ruler of all demons. This is the Royal Academy of Diavolo, though we call it RAD. I offer you all the most heartfelt welcome. We are thrilled to have you all here. We all have a unique opportunity to create bonds of friendship between our three worlds!" He paused, and there were murmurs in the crowd, and the nervous glances were exchanged between different races. "Firstly, I have to say that this amazing program would never work if not for the help of the whole student council," he gestured where they were standing. Lhori felt countless stares turned to her and felt sudden heat. She was never a big fan of standing in front of crowds.

"They are also persons, who will help you with all your troubles on a daily bases," Diavolo continued. "So, let's make quick introductions. First, Lucifer is a student council vice president and my right hand. He is responsible for all that is happening at RAD, and in case of any serious troubles, he'd be the person to go."

Lucifer nodded lightly, his face perfectly neutral, his mouth closed in a thin line. He looked intimidating. Lhori remembers that it was her first impression about him, so many years ago. Imposing, cold, with that piercing crimson eyes. It took her a while to discover a real him, a caring person trying so hard to do what's best for everyone.

"Next, we have Satan. He is responsible for RAD's education program. If you have any question about the curriculum or need any advice for additional studying materials, he's your demon!" Satan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips while his green eyes scanned the students.

"We also have our two lovely ambassador ladies. Ariel oversees all matters concerning our students from the Celestial Realm." The angel smiled brightly raising her head high. "Lhori is our counsellor for students from the Human World. She's also in charge of all accommodation logistic, so if you have any concerns regarding your living quarters, she will assist you." Lhori smiled nervously and gave a small wave. All students were looking at her curiously.

"And that's all you need to know at the moment," Diavolo finished lightly. "I know you are all eager to get to your dormitories and get to know your new roommates. The last important thing for you to remember, though. On the way out you will receive a detailed map of RAD and Devildom's central area. This is as far as you can go," he added, his voice suddenly solemn. "I need you to understand that this is for your safety. This is where we can guarantee nothing bad will happen to you. But if you venture beyond those borders... well, all risk is on you then. Is that clear for everyone?" There were nervous murmurs and nodding of frightened faces. Diavolo smiled cheerfully again. "Off you go then. We'll see you all tomorrow in the morning!"

Students started shuffling out of the auditorium slowly, as each of them was given a map and other documents from prepared earlier welcome pack. Diavolo already left using the side doors.

"I can't believe it's already happening," said Lucifer walking over to her with a small smile. He put an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him and kissed her head. "Good job, love. You made it happen."

"We made it happen," she corrected him with a smile, but her eyebrows were knitted in a frown.

"Are you not happy?" Lucifer asked curiously.

"What's that about not leaving the borders of the centre area?" she asked.

"Just necessary safety measures," the demon replied, the smile faded from his lips.

"I thought you caught all the culprits behind that awful incident?"

"We did. But we'll never know if there are more of them somewhere out there," Lucifer sighed. "That's why I want you to be careful too, ok? If you need to go anywhere beyond the main area, just let me know."

"Ok, I will," she agreed with a smile, not wanting to show him that this news was unsettling for her.

***

When Lhori went out of the bathroom in the late evening, Lucifer was still sitting at his desk, frowning over some paperwork. She bit her lips and steeled her resolve for the upcoming argument. It must be done sooner or later. She put a sweet smile on her lips and walked casually to him.

"Still working?" she asked, brushing away dark hair from his eyes.

"I just need to finish up a few things, and I get to bed, I promise," he replied absentmindedly and kissed her hand gently. "You go ahead, love. You don't have to wait up for me."

"You work too much, Lucifer," she said in a calm voice and moved to stand behind his chair. She put her hands on his shoulders, her fingers knitting gently on his tight muscles. "Why don't you take a break, hmm?"

Lucifer closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.

"Hmm, do you have any specific plans for my break?" he teased with a smirk.

"Just relax and let me massage your stiff shoulders."

"Well, feel free to proceed," he purred. His whole posture relaxed visibly. Lhori worked on his shoulders and neck for a moment preparing her speech.

"Lucifer, I was thinking..."

"Oh, there we go," he sighed. She frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"I knew you were up to something the moment you left the bathroom. Tell me then, what are you plotting, little bunny?"

"I am not plotting!" she hissed at him. He always used that nickname when he was mocking her. He looked up at her raising his brows.

"Really? What's with the massage then?"

"Can't I just be nice for you?"

"That is unusually and atypically nice when usually you'd be annoyed that I'm still working. Come on, spill it."

Lhori sighed and dropped all of her act. She sat on his desk, looking at him.

"I was thinking... The exchange program is doing very well. We are already a month in, and everyone is settling nicely so..." she paused, trying to gauge his reaction. He was looking at her patiently waiting for her to get to the point. "Maybe it's a good time to invite Noah over?" she asked quietly.

Lucifer scoffed and his face visibly contorted while he tried to hide his disdain.

"There you have it. I knew I'm not going to like it."

"You said you would support me in this!" she pointed out.

"I am aware of that," he sighed. "I must have been drunk when I agreed to it."

"You were not! Please, Lucifer. It won't be for long, just a few days. And I'm taking full responsibility for him, I promise!"

"Is that supposed to make me feel better about that terrible idea?" he raised his brows.

"You trust me, don't you Lucifer?" she asked, smiling sweetly.

"That is a foul trick you are using, love" he hissed.

"I know, but you still love me, don't you?" she giggled and sat on his lap, putting arms around his neck.

"You are impossible to argue with," he rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide his pleased smile. "Call your demon hunter then, if you want it so badly."

"Thank you," she said and kissed him. "I'm glad you agreed, as I already called him. He's coming tomorrow." Lucifer groaned in annoyance.