How a Villainess fell in love

Chapter 50: Dancing with the devil

======TW: MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH======

------------Percy's POV:------------

You never know when you're dancing with the devil till it's too late.

This phrase was something mom mentioned often, before and after my discovery of being a demigod. I figured it was her way to tell me to be careful, to assess situations with the proper coverage and to make sure I know who I'm working with.

I remember the first time I remembered her saying this.

Mom had mentioned this sentence one night alone. I'd snuck downstairs for some water, trying my best to avoid Gabe's putrid smell and even more deadly presence. I'd stumbled upon my mother in the kitchen, the one light barely illuminated her presence under the struggling light that should've been replaced months ago. It flickered sickly, casting my mother in a dark light, her crestfallen face staring intently into her cup.

Not wanting to get in trouble I ducked to the side, and I was going to leave till I heard a small sniffle. I remember freezing, it was then that I'd been the most afraid. I'd never heard my mother cry before that moment.

She stared into the cup held tightly in her hand, I was almost afraid that she would squeeze so tightly it'd break and cut her.

"You never know he's the devil till you're mid dance." She mumbled, the light flickering just as a tear rolled down her cheek. I remember watching it hit the surface of the liquid before I realized I was intruding. I silently ran upstairs after that.

Somehow I feel this sentence was perfect for the situation I was in now. If I'd done things differently, maybe...

*BEEP*

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Was I regretting my decision? Eh, slightly, but it was mainly due to Wally's silent worrying in my ear. Even though he wasn't openenly complaining I could hear the hint of dis-trust in his voice.

"Orca I really don't think this is a good idea" Wally spoke up, the others agreeing as well. I ignored them, continuing my walk down the quiet hall. I was in front of Bane but behind Joker, our footsteps echoing off the halls.

"You know Orca, I was thinking." My attention was stolen as Joker spoke up, not turning around. "You really have been a lot of help. I must thank you, really." I felt my brows furrow as I tried to keep myself from showing any concern.

"Yeah... no problem?" I replied, sneaking a peek at Bane behind me, though he seemed more or less unconcerned with the conversation happening in front of him.

"Now I feel I must ask, do you know much of anything about this ceremony?" Joker asked, turning his head so I could only see his half lit side profile.

"I mean, I guess I know a little? I didn't really care for the details once I heard the end result." Joker nodded, turning back to face in front of us.

"Right, of course. So by the little amount I assume you know of the blood needed to be sacrificed in order to summon him, correct?" I nodded hesitantly, a bad feeling practically boxing my gut as it scrunched in and out, doing somersaults in protest. "With all you done, I do feel bad about asking for this but I'm afraid I know of your lineage." Joker suddenly stopped, turning towards me sharply.

I froze, looking him over as my hands seemed to rest comfortably on my pockets one pressing the emergency button on the camera. I also stopped relaying the conversation to those in my head.