CHAPTER 23: HELP US, PLEASE!

[Human world —]

Music pulsed in the city, specifically from the backyard of a lavish suburban mansion, the kind with polished decks, glistening tiles, and a pool so clear it mirrored the sky. The air smelled of sunscreen, chlorine, and sizzling barbecue. Laughter were rolling like waves, and glasses hitting against each other like swords in the battlefield.

Ava sat near the edge of the pool, swirling her feet lazily through the cool water. She wasn’t the kind of girl who liked attention, She just wanted to feel among— so she stayed on the sidelines, watching everyone else enjoy themselves.

"Girl, seriously?" Liz’s voice rang out as she climbed out of the pool, flipping her wet hair backwards. Droplets glittered like tiny stars in the dying sunlight. "You’ve been sitting there since we got here. You’re at a pool party, not a funeral."

Ava smiled faintly. "I’m good Liz, really."

Liz planted her hands on her hips. "Naw...you not? You’re wearing shorts and a tank top at a pool party. Where’s that bikini I made you buy? Don’t tell me you left it at home?."

Ava sighed. "It’s in my bag. Lizzy." she said tone down as though she was fed up of all the questions.

"Then why isn’t it on you?...Girl don’t get me started "

"Because," Ava said, laughing softly, "I’m not really in the mood for a swimsuit runway tonight."

Liz groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes. "You’re hopeless. Ava, come on, we came here to have fun. You’re supposed to loosen up— swim, dance, maybe flirt with that guy by the grill who’s been staring at you for the past ten minutes."

Ava’s eyes widened. "He’s not staring at me..."

"Oh, he definitely is," Liz teased, smirking. "And he’s cute too. Look, if you won’t flirt for yourself, at least flirt for me. I live through your love life."

"Funny," Ava said dryly, "considering I don’t have one."

Liz gasped in mock horror. "Exactly my point! Girl we’re changing that tonight."

Before Ava could respond, a splash erupted from the far end of the pool followed by a cheer. Someone had tried— and failed to do a backflip. Laughter rippled through the crowd.

"See?" Liz said, gesturing toward the commotion. "They’re having the time of their lives. You, on the other hand my friend...is acting like an undercover chaperone."

"I just like observing," Ava said, kicking the water gently. "Someone has to make sure nobody drowns. You know" she said with a funny smirk on her face.

Liz grinned. "You’re ridiculous. But fine. Sit there and ’observe’ while I go get us drinks."

As Liz strutted off, Ava tilted her head, watching the water settle. The surface rippled gently— but something about it felt... off.

She frowned. Maybe she was overthinking. Or maybe it was just the music vibrating the deck.

Still, a shiver crawled up her spine.

Moments later, Liz returned with two cans of soda. "Here. Hydration, party edition."

"Thanks," Ava said, taking it.

"Don’t thank me yet," Liz said, eyeing her with a playful grin. "Because after this drink, you’re getting in that pool. No excuses."

Ava smirked. "You’ll have to drag me."

"Oh, I will," Liz shot back, winking. "You’re not leaving here dry, that’s for sure."

They laughed together, the kind of laughter that came easy between friends. For a brief moment, Ava forgot the strange feeling gnawing at her. She forgot the scolding and troubles of her Aunt Grace at home— the ones filled with fire, panic, and a voice calling her name from the dark.

Here, everything felt... normal.

Then, a gust of wind rippled through the trees. The fairy lights strung around the pool flickered once, then steadied. Ava looked up, frowning slightly.

"Did you see that?" she asked.

"See what?" Liz replied, sipping her drink.

"The lights. They flickered."

Liz shrugged. "Probably a bad connection. This house is old. Chill, Miss Ava the detective"

"Girl..."

Ava tried to laugh, but her unease deepened. The air felt heavier now, the kind of stillness that came before a storm.

"Okay," Liz said after a beat, tossing her empty can aside. "Enough sitting. You’re coming in."

Ava shook her head. "Liz..."

"Nope. No arguments. Let’s go!" Liz grabbed her wrist.

Ava protested half-heartedly, laughing as Liz tugged her toward the edge. "Liz, don’t you dare..."

"Too late babes!"

Ava squealed, yanking her hand free just in time. Liz nearly toppled into the water herself.

"Oh, you’re fast!" Liz laughed. "Didn’t know you had reflexes like that!"

"Try me again and you’ll find out," Ava teased.

They stood there, breathless and laughing, surrounded by the hum of music and chatter.

Then—

A scream shattered the air.

"Arrhhhhhhh!!!"

Everything froze.

The music began to drop gradually. And the laughter died.

The scream came again— it was sharp, terrified, unmistakably human— echoing from the far side of the pool where the lights flickered once more before going completely still.

Ava’s soda slipped from her hand and hit the deck with a dull thud. "What. The. Fuck?"

***********************************************

[The Devil’s Wing—]

One hour ago—

Crumpled sheets of paper were flying through the air, landing one by one into the trash bin like poorly thrown basketballs by bulb.

Across the dim, ember-lit dorm room, Stone— his best friend since childhood looked up from polishing his obsidian dagger. "You’ve been at that for twenty minutes now. What’s going on with you, man?"

The room was far from empty. The rest of the Devil’s Cult lounged about, sprawled over couches and desks, their laughter was thick with arrogance.

Stephenie, Mona, Rosé, Raven, Delvin and Punch— the academy’s most infamous troublemakers— were deep in their own chaos. The red glow from the lava veins running beneath the devil’s wing cast moving shadows over their horns and dark wings, the atmosphere crackling with mischief.

Before Bulb could answer, Stephenie’s sharp voice sliced through the room.

"Oh, please," she said, twirling a strand of her hair. "You know exactly what’s eating him."

Stone frowned. "And that would be...?"

Stephenie smirked, her eyes flashing wickedly. "His little pinny angel, Valkyrie."

The room erupted with whistles and gasps. Bulb’s hand froze mid-throw, the crushed paper falling from his fingers.

"What...what did you just say?" he stammered. "Don’t be ridiculous, Stephenie. I would never..."

"Oh, come on," she teased, leaning forward, her black wings stretching lazily. "Don’t act innocent. I saw how you were looking at her in the cafeteria. You nearly dropped your tray when you walked by."

"Yeah," Rosé added, grinning, always eager to stir the pot. "You did look kinda lovestruck, Bulb. Angels must have that effect on you, huh?"

Mona snorted, trying not to choke on laughter. "An angel? Really, Bulb? Didn’t the...uhm book of hope forbid such?"

The room exploded in laughter again. Punch nearly fell off his chair, clutching his stomach, while Raven and Delvin smirked in his corner, quiet but entertained.

Bulb groaned and rubbed his temples. "You’re all insane. Seriously. There’s nothing going on. Valkyrie’s just...."

"Just what?" Stephenie interrupted, her voice was sharp and amused.

"Come on! I’ve never even talked with her before" he finished quickly, glaring at Stone as if to beg for backup.

Stone, bless his loyal heart, shrugged. "Yeah, Steph, lay off. My guy’s got enough problems without you throwing holy water on him."

"Ha!" Stephenie tossed her hair. "Please. The only problem he’s got is figuring out how to flirt without blushing."

Even Rosé chuckled. "She’s got a point."

"Shut up, all of you," Bulb muttered, sinking into his seat, but the faint tint on his cheeks gave him away. His wings flicked nervously— something no devil could hide when cornered.

The teasing went on for a few minutes, the group’s laughter echoing through the room. The devils thrived on chaos, it was in their nature. And watching one of their own squirm was free entertainment.

Before Bulb could reply, the heavy double doors creaked open. The sound was enough to silence everyone instantly.

Standing in the doorway, With his cloak swirling like smoke, was Mr. Ohio, their instructor— a tall, imposing figure with glowing dark eyes and a presence that demanded obedience.

The room fell silent. Even Stephenie straightened her posture, though her smirk didn’t fade.

Mr. Ohio’s deep voice echoed. "Well, well. I can smell laziness from the hall. Glad to see the Devil’s Cult is spending its time wisely."

"Uh, just... team bonding, sir," Bulb said quickly, trying to look composed.

Ohio ignored him. His gaze swept over them, sharp and calculating, before landing on Bulb. "Good. Because I have a task for you."

Bulb blinked. "Me?"

Stephenie’s brow furrowed. "Wait, him?"

"Yes, Bulb," Ohio said, walking forward until the dark glow reflected off his boots. "You’ve been chosen for your first field mission— to the human world."

The room erupted in murmurs. Stephenie’s wings flared in betrayal. "What? That’s not fair! I just won my stance trial! I defeated Soda! Why does he get to go first?"

Ohio’s expression didn’t shift. "Because this isn’t about who’s the loudest in battle, Miss Stephenie. It’s about control. Strategy. Obedience. Qualities you... still lack."

Her jaw dropped. "That’s ridiculous! He’s..."

"It’s not the time for this Miss Stephanie" Ohio snapped, cutting her off.

He turned back to Bulb, who sat stiff as a statue, unsure whether to feel honored or terrified. "A demon has been sent into the mortal world by venom... We need defenders, and you’ve be chooson for this mission. A lot of lives is at stake"

Bulb swallowed hard. "Uh...O-ok, sir. But... alone?"

Mr. Ohio’s lips curved into something almost resembling a smile. "Oh no, you’re not alone."

He paused, deliberately letting the silence stretch, feeding the tension in the room. The devils leaned forward. Even Stephenie’s anger faltered for a second anticipating for what’s next.

Ohio’s next words dropped like a thunderclap.

"You’ll be paired with Valkyrie for this mission."

There was a collective gasp.

"Valkyrie?!" the entire room shouted in unison— With Bulb’s voice being the loudest of them all.