chapter 3
**PAST**
"He would help us, Devina. That is the only hope we have. We can't lose it. What will the people say if we don't have an heir?"
Devina's husband pleaded, his worry etched on his face.
"But he would take the baby away from us," Devina voiced her fear.
"I know, but the people need to know. It's not our fault. How would they feel to have a barren Queen?" he reasoned, and Devina reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"I'm afraid," she confessed, seeking solace in his embrace.
"Don't be. You are my queen, and I love you so much, no matter what happens," he reassured her, planting a tender kiss on her lips.
"I love you too."
**PRESENT**
"Devina! Devina!" her mother's urgent voice snapped Devina out of her reverie. She awoke to her mother's concerned gaze, memories flooding back.
"He took her!" Devina's heart sank as she scrambled to her feet, scanning the room frantically.
"Where is Lucifer? Where is Deva?" she demanded, her voice trembling with anxiety.
"They are both gone. He took her away and also stripped her powers from you," her mother explained grimly.
"Her powers?" Devina echoed, her mind reeling.
"Yes," her mother confirmed.
"And Marvan?" Devina inquired, her thoughts racing.
"That fool wanted to fight Lucifer. He had no choice but to knock him out," her mother revealed, her disdain for Marvan evident.
"Why do you hate him, Mother?" Devina asked, puzzled by her mother's animosity. Her mother's smile was cryptic as she paced the room.
"I can see the future, Devina. Lucifer and Deva falling in love, having children, and living happily ever after," her mother prophesied, causing Devina's anger to flare.
"He is way older than her, just an imposter. He is an old man, if not for his skin. I know the daughter I gave birth to; she does not fall for old men like him!" Devina spat, her frustration boiling over.
"You do not know her like I do, Devina. You hated her outwardly, even though you loved and cherished her within. Do you know what she endured whenever you punished her, locking her up for days without food? Even a slave is not treated like that," her mother accused, her words hitting Devina like a slap in the face.
"You can't tell me how to treat or care for my daughter!" Devina retorted, her anger flaring.
"Which daughter? The one Lucifer took away? She's already gone. All the chances you had have been wasted by your stupidity. We knew Deva loved you. Didn't my husband die too? I don't know how I got someone like you as a daughter," her mother lamented, her disappointment palpable.
Devina collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I thought I was doing the right thing," she murmured, consumed by remorse.
Her mother's shock at her tears spoke volumes; Devina hadn't cried since her birth, not even when her husband died. She must truly be remorseful. Her mother knelt beside her, offering a comforting embrace.
"I'm sorry, Mother," Devina whispered, her voice trembling. But as her mother hugged her, Devina's resolve hardened. She felt a sharp pang of guilt, but she knew what she had to do to keep her secrets safe.
"I'm sorry, Mother, but I have to do this to keep your mouth shut. Hope you send my regards to Father and Devon because I won't be coming anytime soon," Devina whispered, a cruel smirk twisting her lips as she plunged the dagger into her mother's back.
---
**Deva's POV**
My eyes fluttered open, and I found myself staring at a black ceiling illuminated by a single white light. Confusion engulfed me as I tried to sit up, only to realize I was chained to the bed.
"Is anyone here?" I called out, struggling against the heavy chains encasing my wrists.
"The devil," I muttered to myself. Where was he? Why was I here? And where was Marvan? I hoped he was safe. But then, where was the devil himself?
"If you truly are the devil, as powerful as they say, show yourself!" I shouted into the emptiness of the room.
"Why should I show myself when I'm everywhere?" his voice echoed, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned to see him standing near a mirror, clad in all black.
"Hope you enjoyed your beauty sleep for the first time in five years that I didn't meet you," he remarked casually, a hint of mockery in his tone.
"Are you crazy? Does it look like I enjoyed my sleep?" I snapped back, frustration bubbling within me.
"Dare not insult me unless you want to burn in the pit of hell," he warned, his eyes glinting with menace.
"Hellfire," I murmured, memories of past pain flooding my mind. I remembered the searing agony of flames, inflicted by my mother's cruel punishments. The mere thought sent shivers down my spine.
"Stop dwelling on the past. Focus on tonight," he commanded before vanishing into thin air.
"What's happening tonight?" I pondered aloud, baffled by his cryptic words. Glancing down, I noticed the chains had mysteriously vanished from my wrists. How did he do that? Oh, right... he's the devil.
I hoped Marvan and grandmother were safe. How would Marvan be feeling? It was supposed to be our wedding day, a day of joy and celebration. But now, everything was in chaos. Anger surged within me as I thought of the devil's interference. Dariana and Paula, my friends, had no idea what had transpired. I missed them terribly. My wrists and legs throbbed with pain, reminders of my ordeal.
Pushing myself upright, I made my way to the door. As I stepped into the corridor, I noticed doors lining both sides, stretching endlessly. Following the left corridor, I reached the end and found a massive door. Opening it, I stepped outside and noticed an inscription above the entrance:
"PRISONERS DORMS." So, this was the prisoners' quarters, disguised as a palace.
Surveying the surroundings, I marveled at the grandeur of the buildings, most of them painted black. My gaze settled on a tall structure, adorned with black and gold. It stood out amidst the darkness, a beacon of sinister beauty.
**COUNCIL MEETING**
"A witch!" one of the council members exclaimed, breaking the tense silence.
"She cannot be here, my lord," another protested.
"You know the consequences if she is near you, my lord," a third cautioned, bowing their head.
"I created her, and I know what you're suggesting is impossible," Lucifer declared, though he knew otherwise.
"I believe you should stay away from her, my lord," Hades, Lucifer's favorite demon, advised.
Lucifer nodded, deep in thought as murmurs filled the room.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and all eyes turned towards Deva as she entered the royal court. A hushed silence descended, anticipation hanging in the air.
"Why is she here?" Latakia whispered.
"It's an abomination for a witch to enter the royal court," another muttered.
"Silence!" Hades bellowed, quelling the whispers instantly.
"My lord..." Latakia attempted to speak, but Lucifer silenced him with a raised hand.
"You do not speak until I allow it," Lucifer asserted, commanding everyone's obedience.
" but my lord".
" throw him into hell, do not bring him back until I say you should" Lucifer said to hades who nodded.,
Ignoring Latakia's protests, Lucifer rose from his throne and strode towards Deva, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Follow me," he ordered, leading the way out of the chamber, with Deva trailing behind.
"Why confine me to the prisoners' dorms?" Deva demanded, her anger palpable.
"Because, my dear, you are one," Lucifer replied coolly.
"That's unfair! I belong in the palace, not the prison!" Deva protested vehemently.
"Well, since you desire the palace, so be it," Lucifer smirked, relishing his control over her fate.
To be continued