Chapter 9: Scaled Fallen

I strolled leisurely down the wooden stairs of the inn, making my way towards the lower floor where I knew Rem and Celestine, the head of the Mage's Association in Faltra City, were waiting. Alara followed behind me, her eyes scanning the surroundings curiously as we descended. As we reached the bottom, a booming voice echoed through the room, "Rejoice for you are now in the presence of the great Gregore!" It was a deep, menacing voice belonging to a giant black-scaled lizard-like Fallen.

"Hahaha! You must be Celestine Baudelaire. How would you like to be the first to die?" Gregore said with a sinister grin, clenching his fist. I sighed, observing the scene unfold from the stairs. What a disappointment. If he truly wanted them dead, he should have just killed them. Not that I would have allowed it.

'Stay,' I mentally ordered Alara, before I vanished from the entrance of the stairs and reappeared before the black-scaled Fallen. His eyes widened as he caught sight of me, his face displaying a range of emotions—fright, confusion, and even a hint of happiness. Gregore quickly took a knee, bowing his head before me. "M-Mother, so it was true. You have returned," he said, his voice slightly shaky but respectful.

"I have," I replied simply, fully aware that the Fallen worshipped me as their creator and mother. In this world, not much is known about me, or rather, the persona I have created for myself. But what they do know, or believe, is that I am the oldest and most powerful of all the demon lords and the creator of the Fallen.

I heard a gasp behind me, followed by a surprised voice. "S-Selene? Where have you been?" I turned around to see Rem looking at me with slight confusion, while Celestine and her guards stared at me in horror. I smiled, relishing in their expressions. "I did mention that I might not be back, didn't I?" I said, signaling to Alara that stood near the stairs. I couldn't help but giggle at Rem's annoyed face.

"Do you know these mortals, Mother?" Gregore spoke up from behind me, his voice still respectful, though I could detect a hint of disdain at the word "mortal." I turned my head, side-eyeing him, my violet eyes glowing as I stared at him. "She is a friend of one of my pets," I said, my voice sending a shiver down the lizard's spine, causing him to lower his gaze to the ground.

"Un-Understood," he replied shakily. I smiled at him, a slightly twisted smile. "Good," I said flatly, before continuing, "Tell the others to leave, and let them know that this city is now mine. I shall be visiting soon." I didn't even give him a chance to respond before twisting space around his figure, sending him off to the rest of the Fallen army at the bridge.

"What did you do? And what do you mean this city is yours?" Rem spoke up curiously from behind me. I turned to face her, noting a slight fear in her expression. Glancing at Alara, who seemed more relieved than anything, I smiled. She would be a splendid pet indeed.

I smiled soothingly at Rem, trying to ease her worries. "Please, Rem, there's no reason to be afraid of me, is there? After all, we have shared a bed~," I teasingly remarked, giggling when I saw her blush, much to Celestine's shock. Rem huffed in embarrassed anger, demanding an answer. "Are you going to answer me or not?" she said, glaring at Celestine, who still looked confused.

"I meant exactly what I said," I replied plainly, seeing no reason to hide it. Everyone in the room looked at me with a mix of emotions, but no one spoke their minds, not even Rem. Finally, Celestine broke the silence, her voice filled with trepidation. "May I ask what you want with this city, Miss Selene?"

I hummed, considering her question before responding, "Nothing, really. I am simply staying here for now." They all looked at me as if I were crazy, and I couldn't help but giggle at their perplexed expressions. "Don't worry so much, you mortals are quite entertaining. Why would I ever seek to destroy all of you?" I teased, causing the group before me to grow even more afraid.

"Relax~, I saved you, didn't I? I was just joking... mostly," I said, smiling teasingly. I made my way back towards the stairs, stopping in front of Alara before turning to face the group once more. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Celestine, but I'm afraid it's time for me to take my leave," I said, glancing at the beautiful blue-haired woman. She seemed slightly surprised that I knew her name, most likely because she hadn't been introduced to me yet.

I glanced at Rem before speaking one last time, "I'll be in my room. Tell Shera I have a surprise for her," I said with a slight smile. Rem nodded, and then I twisted space around both Alara and myself, disappearing from the room.