Crimson Nightmares Book Two: Hell's Approval

Chapter Seven

Time seems slip out of my grasp, the children grew older, and the kingdom changed around me. Vercia and Ever came over often to play with Bee and Lucifer, and the house was filled with the sounds of laughter and joy.Every Friday I would go out for drinks with Fynn, Aria, and Thaïs, sharing stories of our lives and dreaming of a different world. Sometimes, when the night was still young, we would dance under the stars, our feet moving to the rhythm of the universe. We were all sinners who fucked up when we were human and now had to live our days in hell, but somehow, our little group made it bearable. Aria was a cannable in the human life and as I got to know her she was smart but painfully broke so she killed people to get by. She was kind but also cruel that was just her nature.But even with all the joy and laughter, there was always the shadow of Masaru looming over us. His presence was like a dark cloud that followed us everywhere, casting a pall over even the brightest moments. He ruled with an iron fist, demanding absolute obedience and loyalty from everyone in the kingdom. Sometimes, I could feel his gaze on me, as if he was waiting for me to make a mistake, to slip up and prove that I didn't deserve the life I had been given.

I walked with Lucifer in the garden, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin. The air was filled with the scent of roses and lavender, and the sound of birds singing in the trees. Lily was watering the garden, her white hair tied up with a red ribbon to keep it out of her face. She looked so peaceful, so content just watering her flowers. "Good morning lily."

"Morning Eliz, morning Lucifer." She smiled, not bothering to look at either of us as she continued to water her plants. "Were are you going this lovely morning?"

"I'm going to show him some parkour."

"Isn't that a bit dangerous for him?" Lily asked.

"He has my blood, he will be fine." I laughed.

"Has Lily done parkour?"

"I showed her, what five years ago?"

"I think it was six." She laughed.

We walked to the edge of the garden, where a small hill led up to some rocks and a tall tree. "So what is parkour?" Lucifer asked

"Its this." I jumped, grabbed one of the branches and pushed myself off the wall. I landed on the rock beside it, then jumped to another, and another, until I reached the tree. I swung myself up and onto the lowest branch. "See? Parkour is about finding the fastest way from one point to another using your body and your surroundings. It's all about flow and efficiency."

"Can I try?"

"Of course you can, just take it slow and be careful. You don't want to hurt yourself. Let your body tell you what to do."

Lucifer nodded and then started climbing the hill. He was a natural, moving with grace and ease, using the rocks and plants to his advantage. He reached the tree and swung himself up onto a branch, his face beaming with pride and excitement. "I did it! I did it!"

I smiled and climbed up next to him, carefully taking his hand. "That's great, Lucifer. You did an amazing job. Lets try going a little farther."

We climbed higher and higher, exploring the tree and its branches, until we reached the very top. The view from up here was breathtaking, stretching out over the entire garden and beyond, to the hills and forests that surrounded us. I pointed out some landmarks to Lucifer, telling him how before I had him I used to practice parkour in those very places. He listened intently, his eyes shining with wonder and excitement.

I pushed myself off the tree and I went flying , landing in a roll and coming up to my feet. "See, I told you it was fun!" I grinned at him. "Your turn."