20. Book of Hunger

Beelzebub rose gracefully from her throne, her presence commanding and undeniable. The flickering flames in the hall seemed to burn brighter as she stepped down, her black-tipped hooves clicking softly against the marble floor. She approached Rosie and Malina, who stood side by side, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

"Malina, Rosie," Beelzebub began, her voice carrying a weight of authority, "before you can truly join my ranks, there is one final formality: the contract."

Malina's eyes narrowed slightly, her hands resting casually in her pockets, while Rosie maintained her elegant posture, her wide smile never faltering. Beelzebub gestured with a sweep of her hand, and a, ancient-looking book materialized in the air before them, bound in dark leather and inscribed with glowing runes.

"This," Beelzebub explained, "is the Book of Hunger. It contains the agreements that bind souls to my service. By signing this contract, you will pledge your loyalty to me and, in return, receive the power and purpose you seek."

Malina and Rosie exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Beelzebub snapped her fingers, and a quill made from a raven's feather appeared, hovering in the air, its tip glowing with an eerie light.

"Step forward and sign," Beelzebub instructed.

Malina approached first, her eyes studying the glowing runes. She grasped the quill, and as she did, it pulsed with a faint, dark energy. With a steady hand, she signed her name in the book. The moment her signature was complete, a rush of power surged through her, and a faint, dark aura surrounded her for a brief moment.

Next, Rosie stepped forward. She took the quill with the grace of someone accustomed to high society. With a flourish, she signed her name, and the same dark energy enveloped her, enhancing her already commanding presence.

Beelzebub smiled, satisfied. "It is done. You are now bound to me, and with this pact, you shall find the power you desire."

She closed the book with a resounding thud, and it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Beelzebub extended her hands, one to each of her new retainers.

"Welcome to my inner circle, Malina and Rosie."

Malina and Rosie each took one of Beelzebub's hands, feeling the strength and warmth in her grip. As they did, a faint mark appeared on Malina's wrist and on Rosie's back, a sigil of their new allegiance. A little sigil of a fly.

As Beelzebub released their hands, she stepped back, surveying them with a sense of pride. "Now, let us begin our work. Hell awaits our command."

Pandemonica, who had been observing from a respectful distance, stepped forward once more. "My lady, shall I prepare the first task for our new retainers?"

Beelzebub sat on her throne, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. She beckoned Pandemonica, who dutifully approached with, ancient book in her hands. The cover was adorned with intricate carvings and inscribed with the words "Book of Hunger."

"Ah, the Book of Hunger," Beelzebub began, her voice echoing through the grand hall. "You see, gluttony is not merely about food. It encompasses the hunger for desire, for power, for combat, and for every little craving that drives us."

"I created it when I was seald."

She looked at Malina and Rosie, who stood attentively before her. "You have already signed, but now, I want all my retainers to sign their names in this book."

Pandemonica stepped forward, holding the book open to a fresh page. The air seemed to hum with anticipation as the retainers gathered around. Beelzebub extended her hand, and the quill appeared once more, its tip glowing ominously.

One by one, the retainers approached the book and signed their names. Pandemonica was the first, her expression as composed as ever. Cerberus followed, the three girls taking turns to sign, their mischievous grins never fading. As each retainer signed, a subtle, dark aura enveloped them momentarily before dissipating.

Beelzebub watched with satisfaction. "What you may not realize," she continued, her tone almost playful, "is that this book holds more power than a typical soul contract. By signing, I will always know what you are doing, your actions laid bare before me. It will also subtly influence your desires, making you more... hungry for what you want."

The retainers showed no signs of hesitation, except for Justice. The fiery demoness stood back, her arms crossed, a scowl on her face.

"I don't trust this," Justice growled. "Why should I sign?"

Beelzebub's smile never wavered. "Justice, dear, do you really think you have a choice? Your loyalty to me has always been under scrutiny. Sign, and prove your allegiance."

Justice glared at Beelzebub, her fists clenched. For a moment, it seemed she might refuse, but the weight of the situation pressed down on her. With a reluctant sigh, she stepped forward, took the quill, and signed her name.

The moment Justice's signature was complete, Beelzebub felt a surge of satisfaction. The Book of Hunger glowed briefly before closing with a resounding thud, sealing the pacts within.

"Now," Beelzebub declared, "you are all bound to me, body and soul. Your desires, your actions, your very thoughts will be known to me. And through this connection, you shall grow stronger."

Pandemonica, holding the book, bowed slightly. "Shall I put the Book of Hunger away, my lady?"

Beelzebub just shrugged. "There is no need for that" with a snap of her finger th book was gone.

Beelzebub addressed her retainers once more. "Remember, your hunger for your desires will drive you, but it will also bind you to me. You have much to do with this power,"

The retainers dispersed, each feeling the subtle shift within them. Their desires felt sharper, more intense. Beelzebub watched them go, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

(End of a chapter)