The Devil's Lure

Chapter 9: The Duchess

  Admittedly, releasing steam on some poor soul or demon might have been a better idea but Albert is not known for his great decisions in life. So he is currently down in Hell, treading heavily on the cold and damp pavement, radiating exasperation within a two-meter radius.

  Even though it’s Hell, the Underworld, the place where filthy sinners are stuck in, all of them are suckers for rumors and stories. Thus, information spreads quickly just like a grassland wildfire in summer noon. Not quite different from their counterpart and the world of mortals.

  “If it isn’t the hunter.”

  And there are also the people who can’t stay out of trouble. Perfect example of this is Malacoda, the strong leader of Malebranche, a faction of demon soldiers which Alastor previously led back in the good old days with him as his right hand. But also notoriously known for being a complete pest to every demon, which is a feat really. The guy placed an arm on Albert’s shoulders.

  “Not in the mood, Malacoda”

“C’mon. Down a few drinks, I’m sure that mood of yours will go away.”

  Albert scowled at the demon beside him. Either Malacoda is being stupid or just oblivious but he didn’t seem to notice or care about how Albert bristled when he led them straight into a pub and sat the two of them by the counter near to the bartender.

  “Two mugs of beer for starters,” The guy said to the man behind the bar and turned to Albert.

  “So what ya doin’ down here in the dumps?”

  The bartender quickly placed two big mugs of beer, filled to the brim, and turned away just as fast. Albert grabbed one and downed the half as Malacoda nursed the other one beside him.

~~~

  “So you went and striked a deal with a human.” Malacoda said with an impassive look on his face.

  “Duh. I had to.” Alastor downed another mug of beer, which he had lost count already after his fifth, and ordered more. When his mug was filled to brim again, he just stared at it as if looking for elusive answers to the swirling questions in his head.

  “I gotta ask though, why would you do that?”

  “None of your business.”

  “Ok, it’s a sore topic, I get it. So what’s the problem, then?” Malacoda asked as he waved for a refill of beer himself to the bartender.

  “Because here’s the thing. A newcomer suddenly arrived, introduced themselves as a relative but completely doesn’t smell like one.” Albert hissed behind his mug glass.

  “Easy there. I might think yer being green and jealous.” Malacoda teased.

  “Don’t make me throw you out of this pub, Malacoda.”

  “Anyways, that might just be disguises all that talk of being a relative.”

  “That’s also what I think.” Albert agreed as he and Malacoda fell into a relative silence. Well, as quiet as it can be since both of them are in a pub. And the bartender is back refilling their mugs before they could even ask.

  “Well, seems like the rumors of the hunter being back is true.” A sultry and silky voice said from the direction of the pub’s entrance.

  “I wouldn’t trust it if I were you. People tend to exaggerate much, y’see.” Albert said as he faced the one and only Duchess of Hell.

~~~

  If Albert were to be honest, he’d tell them that he isn’t surprised by the turn of events but alas, he was quite a liar, even when facing the Duchess.

  “Really, he’s your husband?”

  “Of course, that’s what got your attention.” The Duchess rolled her eyes.

  “Well, marriage isn’t exactly a popular belief down here in Hell.” Albert matched the scathing look he got for his quip with a scowl.

  “Now, you are just testing my patience.” She bared her fangs at him.

  “I didn’t think you have any in the first place.”

  The whole pub fell into a hushed silence, all waits for any reaction from the Duchess. Really, everyone just expects her to explode from the impudence that the Hunter showed to her. To others, Albert looked like a predator readying itself from an attack from the Duchess.

  “Ha! You and your jokes never fail to amuse me, Hunter.” A grin from ear to ear replaced the dark look the Duchess sported earlier while Albert roared in laughter. The demons were silent for a few beats before sighing in relief simultaneously.

  “I wouldn’t want to disappoint your expectations, Duchess.”

  “Which you have lived up to and more.” The grin became a smile but no less genuine.

  “I can’t help but wonder, Duchess. Why him?” Albert asked with an incredulous tone in his voice. The Duchess just leveled him a look that says she’s completely done and over with her past actions.

  “There are things best left unsaid, Alastor.”

  “So, now that you know, what do you plan to do now?” Malacoda who has been quiet through the entire charade of the Duchess and Albert, voiced the million dollar question.

  “There is only one course of action I can do which I absolutely will take.”