26 + Fallen +

An exasperated sigh drew her gaze upwards, and Luna found herself ensnared by the arresting presence before her. The man towered over her, embodying a sinewy elegance. His eyes, reminiscent of moonlit pearls, alternated between shades of grey and silver, each shift of hue more mesmerizing than the last. Unfortunately, these riveting orbs were partially hidden beneath a tousled cascade of silvery hair. His features were exquisitely chiseled, from a strong jaw to high cheekbones and a full, sensuous mouth. There was something otherworldly about him; he seemed to emanate the very essence of moonlight. His porcelain skin and fluid movements hinted at a supernatural origin, every gesture echoing a dancer's grace.

A chill ran down Luna's spine. The magnetic stranger watched her with arms folded, an air of amusement playing about his lips. "I seem to have lost my way. Although a nearly unclothed woman is an unexpected and intriguing sight, I prefer my women draped in a white shift upon my bed, not marred by bruises and dirt." His gaze, molten silver, held her captive. "Your name, My Lady?"

With a shaky breath, Luna mustered the courage to meet his gaze. "I am Luna, My Lord. And you?"

He chuckled softly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Rarely do I need an introduction. My visage often precedes me. But since you seem genuinely oblivious, allow me: I hail from the lineage of the Fallen Angels. Presently, I am an Archdemon Prince of Hell, specifically overseeing Lust."

Luna's heart raced. An Archdemon? Here? She bit back a retort, choosing caution over insolence. "Your Highness, if I may ask, what brings a Prince of Hell to such a place?"

His lips curled into a smile, though he avoided a direct answer. "I've been pondering that very question myself." He appraised her anew. "You hardly bear the mark of a demon, My Lady. And your companion... a vampire, I presume?"

From the depths of Jon's perplexed stare, the Archdemon's luminous silver eyes met Luna's once again. "I seem to have momentarily strayed from Hell," he mused. "What brings you to this desolate place?"

Interrupting the charged moment, Jon flung his hands up, a mix of concern and frustration evident. "Who are you speaking to?"

Luna's focus shifted, pulled from the engrossing presence of the Prince of Hell. "No one," she replied, a hint of irritation in her voice. Why wouldn't Jon let her be?

Jon's face creased with concern. "We need to know what's happening. Our safety could be at stake."

But as Luna met his gaze, Jon's movements abruptly halted. He stood frozen, eyes wide, as if suspended in time. Luna's heart raced. She neared Jon cautiously, waving a hand before his transfixed eyes, but he didn't respond.

The Archdemon seemed untouched by the peculiar spell. Tentatively, Luna reached for Jon, but recoiled when an unexpected portal of brilliant light opened beneath her touch. She stumbled back, heart pounding, a myriad of questions swirling in her mind.

Breathing heavily, Luna ran a hand through her cascading silver locks, trying to make sense of the bewildering scene. "What have you done to him?" she demanded, turning her attention to the Archdemon.

His gaze remained impassive. "The vampire was becoming a nuisance," he remarked, drawing closer with a dancer's grace. "There's a part of me that desires to end him. Should I indulge?"

"No!" Luna's voice rose in alarm. Positioning herself protectively in front of Jon, she pleaded, "He's valuable. A key figure in the vampire realm. An aide to the Vampire King. You mustn't harm him."

The demon prince's silver brows rose in realization. "Ah, the Vampire King? How remiss of me to overlook such details."

The Prince of Hell's gaze zeroed in on Hecate's grimoire, peeking out from Luna's pack. A manic laughter escaped him, as though he was privy to an ironic secret. Cold fear swept over Luna, making her shiver.

His eyes, alight with mischief and malevolence, pierced into her. "So, you're the aspirant for the High Priestess Initiation? Unfortunately for you, it seems you've summoned the wrong entity."

Luna's heart raced, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. "I did not summon you!"

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "And yet, here I am. There's something hauntingly familiar about your voice. Your pleas resonate with me, even if they do irritate." He paused, taking her in. "You must've been desperate to seek aid."

Luna's eyes shimmered with hope. "Did you come to assist me?" She hesitated, grasping for some semblance of understanding. "If I've inadvertently summoned you, does that mean you recognize me? Have I become... your master?"

A chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Your audacity is impressive, thinking you could command an Archdemon of Hell to bow to your whims."

Without warning, he forcefully spun her around, pushing her towards the ledge's edge. Panic surged; Luna's knees threatened to buckle. Desperately, she clung to his sleeve, praying she wouldn't plummet. Sensing her distress, the demon's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close, anchoring her balance.

"Let's clear a few things," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "Those foolish enough to summon me end up on my kill list. It's a simple rule. And you? You're easy prey. Prepare yourself, dear Luna, for tonight might just be your last."

Refusing to show fear, Luna glared back. "I never intended to manipulate anyone, least of all the Prince of Hell. I didn't knowingly summon you!"

His sculpted eyebrow arched in bemused skepticism. "So, an unintentional summoning? A first for me. But don't be mistaken; I wasn't drawn here by choice."

Luna's voice cracked with desperation. "Then help me escape this wretched place. Once I'm free, you'll never hear from me again, for as long as I breathe."

He tightened his grip on her waist, his ire palpable. "Did you not hear me? I'm no one's lackey. Perhaps I should leave you to face your fate with him?"