The Witch's Devil (Complete)

Chapter 39, Dinner

Ember's POV~

Finally reaching the castle gate; my lungs on fire, my legs shaking with exhaustion. We truly ran all the way back. Minus the few spells and tricks we both are guilty of using. From wind magic to help speed up my pace, to shadow teleportation, being my best guess, I even used my vine spell as a trap. We stumbled through the courtyard, laughing in the halls, uncaring to the eyes watching us. Playful banter filled with taunts and sassiness. A fun thing I've missed. It's the warmth of comfortability. I was angry at him, but slowly over such a short time I am finding the forgiveness to put the past behind us.

Walking through the halls felt like it is an everyday occurrence. My legs screaming at me as we bicker about who truly won the race. Making a note that the working demons and sinners all look happy, genuinely happy, and went on about their day. Alastor was kind enough to drop me off at my room's doors. I open them with one hand and turn to ask.

"Are you going to come in again?"

"Nah," he smiles, pressing his forehead to mine, "I want to be surprised by you later."

"Oh?" I whisper with a giggle. Sweet gentle sparks roam my skin.

"I want you to walk into that damned dining hall like you own it." He places a gentle kiss on the top of my head. Pulling away from me, "Until then, I'll be right next door."

Nodding my head as I watch him take those first few steps away. Watching until he opens his own door. Waving to me with the mischievous smirk I could kiss off his lips. Butterflies fluttered in my belly. Walking into my room I close the door and lean back against it.

Nerves were building for the dinner. Queen Lilith is every bit imposing as she is caring. It especially shows how her kingdom is run. Shaking my head, having to remind myself this is truly just one circle of hell. One, admittedly large city, in a most probably much larger plain of existence. Who knows how the others might fair, or treat its occupants. Who knows if their rulers are just as fair and kind; if not cruel and unforgiving to the sinners in their realms.

Yet today with Alastor, was nice, better than nice really. It felt like we could perhaps move past our shared history. He seems regretful to a point. Alastor spoke truth from his heart while standing by what he did. I can't continue to blame either.

I could've, no, I would've done the same thing if the tables were reversed. Had it been Damien or Samual, being the ones bloody and beaten. It's a dangerous catch 22 in all honesty.

I sigh heavily, feeling weak and shaky from more than just our chase. Overwhelmed, I pulled Marshmallow into my chest to soothe myself. Counting my breaths as the back of my neck burns from anxiety. Someone clearing their throat pulls my attention to the greater room around me.

"Excuse us, Lady Ember." Cecile and her sister stood around. Bowing their heads to me after a beat of silence Cecile spoke again. "Our Queen has sent us to help prepare you for this evening's dinner."

My eyes go wide with surprise, "Oh." Nodding in understanding, "You don't have too, I could handle it."

The sisters laugh bubbly with no sound coming out. Cecile herself even giggles quietly with a brimming smile. "Oh no dear, we will be helping you." She snapped her fingers, and in that moment Cadence disappeared into the en-suite bathroom. "You are our queen's honored guest. You will be treated as such."

Swallowing the lump in my throat. As Cecile and Constance come closer with growing smiles. Before I could speak, my clothes magically vanished. A whimper slips away as I cover my parts in a blind panic. Finding myself squeaking out a question.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting you cleaned up and ready." Cecile sounded so matter of fact.

"But I'm telling you I don't-" before I could continue my protest I was stopped.