In the next few days, everything seemed to return to a semblance of normalcy. All the demons were back, though they no longer liked me very much. It seemed they'd undergone quite a bit of torture ever since my escape. The casino in Hell had fewer demons than before, which I didn't mind too much, but it did feel lonelier. Now more than ever, I needed the buzzing noise of the crowd to silence the voices. Beelzebub and I had finally reunited, and he was pretty much my only company these days. Mammon was back to his usual self, avoiding everything and everyone, so I wasn't sure if he hated me now too. I wouldn't blame him either way.

"So, you haven't told me, was the Devil too cruel towards you while I was away?" I asked Beelzebub, slouching in my chair at the poker table, fiddling with one of the chips. Beelzebub was sitting across from me, sipping whiskey from a glass.

Beelzebub sighed, his eyes darkening slightly as he stared into his glass. "Cruel? That's putting it lightly," he replied, swirling the amber liquid. "He was... inventive in his methods. Let's just say he wanted to ensure no one else gets any ideas about escaping."

I winced, guilt gnawing at me. "I'm sorry, Beelzebub. I didn't think he'd go that far."

He waved a hand dismissively, though his expression remained somber. "It's not your fault. We all knew the risks. Besides, it wasn't all bad. It gave me some time to think."

"Think about what?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"About loyalty, trust, and the precarious balance we're all trying to maintain down here," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You're not the only one who wants out of this mess. But your escape... it gave some of us hope, as dangerous as that hope might be." There was a small pause after he said that, as he chewed on his lower lip as if trying to hold back information but ultimately failing to. Then he proceeded, "Mammon, however, got the short end of the stick. He has been sacked."

I immediately looked up from the chip and straightened my back. "And you're telling me now?!" I exclaimed. A pang of guilt struck me as it was dawning on me the chaos I had caused unintentionally. He must despise me even more now than before.

"I thought you knew!" Beelzebub tried defending himself.

"How would I know?! I only got here a few days ago!" I snapped, once again feeling rage consuming my whole body. His eyes widened in shock as he noticed the black smoke coming out of my body. "Where is he now?!" I continued with my demanding tone. I had no idea why he would keep this from me for so long. After all, it was Mammon who risked bringing Loki in.

"He's okay, he's just not in charge anymore." Beelzebub said feeling kind of bewildered by my sudden outburst. It was getting harder and harder for me to keep my rage down the more time progressed and he just ended up being the target now.

"Then who is?!" I growled.

"Man, calm down. Everything's fine."

Beelzebub held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down. He's been hiding in the library per usual, trying to avoid the Devil's wrath. He didn't want you to know—thought it might distract you from your plans."

My fists clenched on the table. "That idiot. Always trying to shoulder the burden alone." I took a deep breath, attempting to steady myself. "I need to find him. I need to make this right."

Without allowing him to say anything else, I stood up and burst through the door of the casino. I started running, pushing past demons as I made my way toward the library. Eyes followed me, filled with slight fear as more and more smoke billowed from me. The thought of outright murdering the Devil crossed my mind.

I shoved the library door open, and my gaze immediately went to Mammon's usual spot. Fortunately, he was there. He looked up from his book, genuine surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Mammon, what happened?! Why haven't you come to see me?!" I yelled as I approached him. He cautiously put his book down on the table.

"You shouldn't be here," he said sternly. My anger immediately subdued, replaced by bafflement.

"What are you talking about?" I lowered my voice.

Mammon stood up and headed deeper into the library. Taking the hint, I followed him. He led us to a secluded spot between two bookshelves, where a small wooden table and two armchairs waited. He took a seat, and I did the same.

"Mammon, what's going on?" I asked, my voice now a whisper.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "You don't understand. After your escape, the Devil went on a rampage. He's been more brutal than ever. I had to lay low to avoid drawing his wrath."

"And you didn't think to tell me?" I retorted, frustration bubbling up again.

"I couldn't risk it," Mammon replied, his voice heavy with resignation. "If he knew we were still in contact, it would only make things worse for both of us." I furrowed my eyebrows lightly and he continued, "Astraroth is now in charge of all dealings with Hell gate. And I'm limited to doing pretty much nothing... I have no place I'm in charge of at the moment. That's the gist of it."

"You don't seem very fazed?"

"Oh believe me, I'm fuming. I just have to keep it together." It seems I was the only demon in here absolutely enraged by the Devil's behavior and fully showing it.

"I'm so sorry for what you had to go through." I finally uttered the words I thought I'd never say to another. He looked at me as stoically as ever but smiled slightly.

"Don't worry about it." His hand reached out to mine that was resting on the table and squeezed it. I flinched instantly but then his lips stretched out in the most wicked grin I'd ever seen, "We're bringing that fucker down together."

"I thought you'd never ask." I smirked.

"I'm not." Suddenly, a surge of passion welled up inside me as I realized I had gained an ally with just as much resentment towards the Devil as myself.

"Alright, if you're down, we can talk more in the human world tomorrow."

"I can make it happen." He continued to smile in a very grim way and I kind of liked this look on him.

"If I were attracted to you, I'd kiss you right now," slipped from my lips, unbidden and irretrievable.

"Now that's insulting!" Mammon released my hand pretending to be offended. "Is that all it takes to get you going? Sharing hate with someone?"

"Don't psycho-analyze me. Just be grateful I want to kiss you." I laughed and immediately stood up from my seat. I realized if I stayed here longer, he'd end up reading me like a book. And in his case, being a book fiend, it wouldn't be pretty. He raised an eyebrow, inspecting me from a distance and I felt my face burning red.

"We'll see each other tomorrow. I have the stupid appointment with the boss." I blurted out and dashed through the library before he could add anything more. I couldn't believe this was the only time I wanted to get to the Devil's office as soon as possible. If anything, I was glad I could feel life back into me.

When I finally arrived at the top of the palace, I felt even more flushed. I didn't know what was going on so I just pushed through the door of the office. Not even looking at the Devil sitting at the table, I just rushed over to the chair across from him and sat down.

"Let's go." I spoke without any hesitation in my voice. He glanced up from his meticulous scribbling, his eyes blinking in rapid succession, clearly taken aback by my sudden liveliness - as I had been as well.

"You seem rather spirited today," he observed, reclining into the embrace of his chair with a discerning tilt of his head.

"I just... believe our talks have really helped... So I was looking forward to our meeting." That lie came out way too quickly for me to think twice about it. But it was a good cover up, maybe he'd start to trust me more. It'd make it easier to get closer and destroy him for all eternity.

"Oh really?" He squinted his eyes slightly, not fully convinced. "Why do you think that?" Oh great, I had to lie some more. I had naively assumed he'd accept my words at face value, momentarily forgetting who I was speaking to.

"In these past days, I feel a connection has formed, an understanding of your perspective." I replied, hoping I sounded convincing enough.

"You've been as high as a kite the entire time," He sneered, continuing with his interrogation. I felt my stomach twist in itself. He had known all along? Was it truly impossible to deceive Father of All Lies?

"But then, enlightenment often accompanies such...flights," I muttered under my breath. To my surprise, genuine laughter erupted from him, a sound so rare and unexpected that it left me bracing for the inevitable reprimand.

"Well you got your humor back." He mused and looked at me with a questioning look. "I'm glad. Whoever is responsible for this, maybe it'll be a good start to get your behavior back together."

"There's no one responsible for this!" I suddenly exclaimed and he raised an eyebrow again. "I really, genuinely think we've had a really good understanding between each other!" I quickly tried to cover it up and leaned forward, towards the table, leaning against it with my elbows. "You have no idea how much I respect you!" I said as cheerfully as I could. I felt for every good word I said to the Devil, I was going to punch myself in the face later.

"Wow, Asmodeus, I'm almost starting to believe you." I almost sighed in relief as he said those words. Maybe I was going to be able to stop lying now. "You really do have an odd spark to you." I promise you, it is not the spark, I thought.

Indeed, after this, the Devil continued with his usual monologue about workings in Hell. I had no idea what he was talking about as I completely zoned out in my seat. It almost sounded like he was telling me about his work that day. It wasn't much, it was just him boasting about there being more people converting to Satanism lately and the wonderful spread of evil he had upon the Earth. I was nodding in a fake awe the entire time while I was thinking about choking him to death.

"Well, you've done real good work lately I must admit. For that, you don't need to come up to meet me tomorrow." He suddenly declared and I was genuinely shocked. I didn't think he had it in him.

"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed cheerfully and without allowing him to say another word that might change his mind, I stood up and rushed through the door. Once I was outside the office, I ended up stopping in my tracks as I realized what I had just gotten myself into. The Devil's trust in me had obviously increased which actually meant that I had to be even more careful. But it also meant I could start getting away with things easily. As long as I continue to flatter him, I should be fine. At least I hoped so. Secretly waging war on someone who's clueless is tricky business.

Descending the stairs, a surge of electrifying emotions flooded my senses, more intense than before. It wasn't a carnal desire but a revelation — the possibility of intimacy after an eternity in despair's grip. Could I dare say I felt more alive? The sensation was foreign, a stark contrast to the numbness I'd grown accustomed to. It was as if I were reclaiming a piece of my old self, yet I recognized this resurgence stemmed from a well of deep-seated hate. Could spite and hatred truly be the fuel propelling me forward, particularly when shared with another?

A sharp exhale broke through my thoughts; this introspection was overwhelming. Despite the physical uplift, these emotions were unwelcome visitors. Depression had become my norm, rendering any deviation
unrecognizable. Seeking solace, I retreated to my office sanctuary within the casino's walls, rifling through drawers for the white powder —my tenuous link to reality. Lining it up on the desk, I inhaled sharply, and a wave of ecstasy washed over me. Sinking into the chair, I sprawled out my arms and legs. The turmoil within dissipated. Eyes closed, consciousness fading, I surrendered to the meditative void.

***

By the time the effect wore off, the next day was already here. I couldn't believe I was knocked out for so long. The silence of unconsciousness had given way to the cacophony of humanity. Their voices, a relentless tide, sought me out — it must have been Valentine's Day, the peak of my peculiar popularity. Perhaps an intervention was due, a chance to bask in the simplicity of shared joy after the recent tumult of emotions. And then there was Mammon.

We didn't really specify the time we had to meet up so I decided to go there as soon as possible. I opened the portal and quickly looked over at my table, eyeing a small black baggie filled with the white powder. Before stepping through, I grabbed it, shoved it in my pocket and walked through the portal. As soon as I got on the other side, my ears started buzzing due to so many people requesting my presence. I almost started feeling nauseous until I finally adjusted to it. It happened every year at this time yet it still caught me by surprise.

I inhaled the fresh air and almost instantly started feeling better. Freedom's taste was sweet, especially after being continuously confined in limited spaces. Mammon was still not here so I took the time to unwind by myself without any distractions.

I took a seat near the stream, just watching it flow and occasionally throwing a few rocks in it. It was peaceful being in the human world. I would have never guessed it considering how much most of them hated being here. For me at times it was the only sacred haven I had. I pushed my hand deep into the pocket and brought out the small plastic bag, looking at it for a few seconds. It was probably better to stay sober for these more important talks. I shoved it back into the coat and as soon as I did that, there was a voice behind me,

"We need to get this over with as quickly as possible." I flinched in my spot and stood up, looking behind me only to see Mammon's stoic face looking down at me. He was back to his original attitude, the way I was used to seeing him. It helped me to stay normal.

"Alright then, sit next to me." I quickly replied and he nodded. Soon we were both sitting next to each other, staring into the seemingly endless water stream. "There's one thing you should know and that is Loki coming into Hell to help us." I mumbled quickly, almost trying to avoid Mammon hearing me despite me talking to him. It was unsuccessful because he heard really well and instantly threw a glare at me.

"How are you going to manage it?!" He asked, sounding horrified.

"That's the problem. I expected you to be in charge of the gate until I found out you got sacked." I huffed. "That means I'll have to pull some extreme charisma skills with Astaroth." I grumbled, knowing that I could very well fail. Astaroth was among demons that weren't necessarily fazed by anything let alone my silly charms. But that also meant that maybe reasoning with him could work better.

"You two are playing a real dangerous game." Mammon noted and pulled out a small plastic box from the pocket of his pants. He pulled out a cigarette from it and lit it up using a lighter from the other pocket on his jacket. For some reason it surprised me to see him smoking considering that us demons didn't really get much from it. I wondered if it had anything to do with aesthetics or if there was anything else in it other than tobacco.

"I thought you were down for bringing down the Devil no matter what the means?"

"Yes. I still can't ignore how crazy it sounds. But, I get it. " He said, taking a drag from the cigarette. "So, what do you want me to do?" His eyes locked with mine and I felt my heart skip a beat. There was so much seriousness in his expression, it was almost frightening.

"I-uh..." I was struggling not to stutter due to the intensity in his stare. "We need you to find a way for him to exist within Hell's walls without other demons sensing anything weird." I tried to explain the best I could but he just squinted his eyes at me.

"Like a protection amulet of sorts?" He inquired.

"Yeah, something like that. Anything that will help." I scratched the back of my neck, starting to feel a bit unsure in the whole plan. The more I was voicing it out the more it felt ridiculous. Especially because there were so many demons in one place, there was no way for somebody not to take notice. If we were to succeed in bringing Loki in, we'd have to be extremely careful.

Mammon took a long drag on his cigarette, exhaling a substantial cloud of smoke, his expression one of deep contemplation. He gazed into the distance, propped up casually on his elbow against the ground. Strands of his black hair tumbled over his forehead, marking the first occasion I'd seen him appear anything less than meticulous. It was becoming increasingly clear that there were many layers to this demon of greed, each more intriguing than the last.

"Well, having a deity in our corner could work to our advantage," Mammon replied, his chuckle breaking the tension. "Actually, I might have a few amulets stashed away in my quarters."

I could only muster an incredulous, "Excuse me? How is that possible?"His gaze shifted, locking with mine, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Being ousted by the Devil hasn't changed my essence," he said with a hint of defiance.

But I pressed on, unsatisfied. "That's not an answer," I insisted firmly.

He sighed, a look of nostalgia crossing his features. "Over the centuries, I've amassed a trove of jewels and treasures. It's a passion of mine. A good portion of it, admittedly pilfered from the vaults of Heaven long ago. The real challenge lies in the enchantment process. For that, we'll need the expertise of someone seasoned in such arts." With that, Mammon flicked the last ember from his cigarette to the ground,
straightening up and fixing his gaze on me, as if measuring my reaction.

"Wouldn't some of it already be enchanted? If it's from Heaven, then it's likely that it has something on it."

"We'll just have to find one that isn't." Mammon shrugged. "Unless you want to go through the trouble of disenchanting and enchanting again."

"I can't go with you though. We can't be seen together."

"Don't fret. I'll handle it. You focus on Astaroth," he assured me, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat. Deceiving lower-ranked demons was one thing, but outwitting those of my own rank—or higher—was an entirely different game. This was shaping up to be quite the escapade, unless I could somehow sway Astaroth to our cause.

"Time isn't on our side, though. We need to secure it within the next five days. I've arranged to meet up with Loki here then." Mammon acknowledged with a nod and rose to his feet.

"I must go now. I can't afford to stay here any longer." He began to smooth out the creases in his suit, the fabric having gathered wrinkles from sitting. His fingers combed through his hair, restoring it to its usual impeccable state. Observing him, I found the transformation rather mesmerizing.

"I never envisioned us as allies," I confessed quietly, seizing the moment before he could vanish. He paused, casting a glance back at me as he prepared to activate the portal.

"My silence during Loki's initial visit should have been clue enough of my intentions," Mammon retorted
with a wry smirk, reaching out to tousle my hair as though I were a pet.

"Hey!" I protested, swatting his hand away. His laughter echoed as he shook his head, then proceeded to open the portal in earnest. "What was that for?" I questioned, half-wondering if I was merely stalling his
departure.

"You look like a...dog," he quipped with a light frown,then turned his back to me and stepped through the portal. His parting words left me dumbfounded. What was he thinking? It was a mystery likely to remain unsolved. As I grew to know him better, his pompous side seemed to diminish, yet a certain arrogance clung to him—a trait I doubted would ever fully dissipate.

Pushing those thoughts away, I remembered I also had to do rounds with humans. Perhaps I could collect some charming tributes and perform a few harmless frights, reminiscent of the old days—a welcome distraction.

With closed eyes, I honed in on the first summoning call. Materializing in what appeared to be a bedroom, I found a girl seated at an altar, surrounded by candles casting their glow on various offerings. Her vivid purple hair shimmered in the candlelight, her focus unwavering, intent on my presence. Her desires were vague, leaving me puzzled. I took the time to walk around the room, her human trinkets foreign to me.

"King Asmodeus," she suddenly spoke and my attention quickly went back to her. "I'm giving out these offerings to you and I want to ask you for your utmost protection in the coming days."

Me? Protecting? It was a bit funny to me to see humans asking demons to protect them when they used to fear us so many centuries ago. Maybe our boss was right, there was a big rise in popularity among humans.

Approaching the altar, I surveyed her earnest efforts to please—aesthetically arranged to win favor. It was refreshing, her request devoid of selfish desires like love or lust. Humility in humans was rare; their arrogance often led them to believe they could command us. It was rather laughable.

With a sigh, I thought, "Why not?" and extended my hand to her shoulder. As I channeled a protective aura, a chill would have enveloped her—a stark contrast to the warmth typically associated with safeguarding. She jolted, her heartbeat accelerating. "Is it truly you?" she gasped, a mix of awe and excitement in her voice.

I responded by intensifying the candle flames, their brightness amplifying, altering the room's ambiance to one of elation. Once the protective rite was complete, I snatched a piece of chocolate from the altar. Her startled squeak was cut short as I departed, my duties to other humans awaiting.

***

After what felt like an eternity, I finally made my way back to the infernal palace. The prayers of countless mortals had invigorated me, yet the sheer exertion of power left me drained. It was astonishing how lustful the world had become in just one day. I trudged along, a sack over my shoulder brimming with offerings—tobacco, spirits, chocolates, and strawberries. It almost seemed as if they were courting me for Valentine's Day, with some even daring to proposition me. Intimacy with humans is a rarity for me, but the surge of carnal energy was too potent to ignore, and I indulged in the exception.

I bypassed the usual stops and headed straight for my chambers, where I let the sack tumble to the ground and collapsed onto the bed. I sprawled out, my mind a whirlwind of fatigue. The thought of venturing back to Abaddon's domain was overwhelming; even contemplating the tasks ahead was exhausting. Thankfully, Mammon had shouldered some of the burden.

As I began to unwind, a persistent knocking shattered the silence. I feigned deafness, hoping they would get the hint, but the rapping only grew louder and more insistent.

"King Asmodeus, please open the door!" The title 'king' piqued my interest, and I begrudgingly rose to answer. Greeting me were the familiar bright blue eyes.

"What brings you here, Amon?" I asked, my voice tinged with suspicion. Trust was a luxury I couldn't afford, especially not with someone I hadn't seen in ages.

"May I enter?" His voice was a gentle whisper.

"Sure, come in," I sighed, stepping aside. If he posed a threat, I could easily eliminate him—no great loss.

"I know trust is scarce between us, but I bear no ill will. In truth, I've always held you in high regard," he confessed as he stepped inside. I leaned against the wall, arms folded, intrigued by his forthcoming words. "I'm with you, no matter what unfolds."

"Is that so?" I questioned, unsure of his intentions but comforted by the prospect of an ally—if he was sincere.

"My rank limited me, but I'm relieved you've endured," he continued.
"Now, let's cut to the chase, Amon, before we're both dead," I quipped, hoping to lighten the mood and coax out his true purpose.

"I know the location of Pandora and the way there."

"I'm know too," I replied nonchalantly.

His cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Well, that's all I have," he chuckled nervously. An idea struck me, and I approached him. His gaze lifted, a flicker of fear in his eyes.

"Do you know what you can do for me?" I asked, a wicked smile spreading across my face. I began to exert my compulsion, watching his pupils dilate. "Distract him when the time comes, so I can cross over."

The trust in his eyes faltered under my influence. I intensified my hold and caressed his cheek, knowing touch could sway him further.
"Amon, place your faith in me. You're my favored minion," I coaxed, immediately regretting the manipulative tone that echoed the Devil himself. Using such tactics left a sour taste in my mouth.

"Truly?" His face lit up with hope. His admiration could be advantageous, and I didn't bother questioning his motives.

"Absolutely. Always," I assured him softly, and his smile broadened. Whether I had made him my eternal servant was yet to be seen. I withdrew my hand, his eyes returning to normal as I released him from my
influence. Amon breathed out and blinked a few times before finally gaining critical thinking back.

"You can go now, I'll call you when I need you." I quickly said, not allowing him to ask me any further questions. All I needed from him was to do what he was told and it all would be fine.

Amon gave a quick nod and hurried from the chamber. Things were progressing too seamlessly. Though I felt a semblance of control, I couldn't forget that I was contending with the Devil himself—a being who could pull the ground from under me at any whim.But that was why I needed to secure my place and give no space for it to happen.

However, I still felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I couldn't shake them off but that only meant my ego was still in check. I crouched in front of the sack filled with all the different offerings. I rustled through it until I dug out a fine whiskey bottle - human-made exclusively. It was a moment to toast to as well as to remember.