ã€ŠPrincess of Hellã€‹


 Chapter 1: Awakening

    I trudged down the familiar streets, my shoulders slumped from another draining day at the office. The setting sun cast long shadows across the pavement, and the cool evening breeze offered little relief from my exhaustion.

    A sharp pain shot through my temples. The world before me flickered¡ªconcrete and shopfronts vanished. In their place stretched a vast crimson landscape, barren and cracked, beneath a blood-red sky. Twisted black spires pierced the horizon, their surfaces gleaming like polished obsidian.

    I blinked hard. The hellish vision disappeared as quickly as it had come, leaving me standing frozen on the sidewalk.

    "What the hell?" I pressed my palm against my forehead. A few passersby gave me odd looks, but I barely noticed them.

    My watch showed 6:45 PM¡ªfourteen hours since I''d started my workday. The numbers blurred slightly as I stared at them. That had to be it¡ªjust my brain playing tricks after too many hours staring at spreadsheets.

    "Need to get more sleep," I muttered, shaking my head and resuming my walk home. The familiar storefronts and street signs helped ground me back in reality. Still, something about that vision lingered in my mind, too vivid to be a mere hallucination. The spires had seemed so real, almost like a memory rather than imagination.

    I quickened my pace. The sooner I got home and into bed, the better. The street lights began flickering on as dusk settled over the city, and I focused on putting one foot in front of the other, pushing the strange incident to the back of my mind.

    I reached my apartment building, fumbling for the keys in my pocket. My hand wrapped around the cold metal of the door handle¡ª

    The world lurched.

    Marble halls stretched before me, lit by floating orbs of crimson fire. The air thick with perfume and incense. Half-naked figures writhed against each other on plush divans, their skin ranging from human tones to deep crimsons and midnight blues. Wings¡ªleather and feathered¡ªspread across backs. Horns curved from temples. A woman with alabaster skin and obsidian eyes beckoned to me from across the hall, her tail curling invitingly...

    I jerked back from the door, my heart pounding. The vision vanished, leaving me staring at the familiar scratched paint of my apartment building''s entrance.

    "Christ." I leaned against the wall, running trembling fingers through my hair. "I''m losing it."

    The handle gleamed innocently in the streetlight. I forced myself to grab it again, but nothing happened this time. Just cool metal against my palm.

    Inside the building''s lobby, I jabbed the elevator button harder than necessary. These visions¡ªthey were getting worse. The first one had been strange enough, but this? A demonic orgy palace?

    "Should probably see Dr. Harrison," I muttered as the elevator carried me up. My regular physician had an opening next week, last I checked. If these hallucinations kept up, I''d need more than just a good night''s sleep.

    The elevator dinged at my floor. I hurried down the hallway, keeping my eyes fixed straight ahead. Part of me worried touching anything else might trigger another vision. But that was ridiculous. Wasn''t it?

    My hands shook slightly as I unlocked my apartment door. I needed food, sleep, and maybe to lay off the caffeine for a while. If I was still seeing things by Monday, I''d make that doctor''s appointment.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    I dragged myself into my bedroom, not even bothering to change out of my work clothes. The mattress welcomed me like an old friend as I face-planted into the pillow.

    "Never again," I groaned into the fabric. "No more overtime. Not worth it."

    Sleep claimed me before I could finish the thought.

    The first thing I noticed when I woke was the silk sheets sliding against my skin. My cheap cotton ones had never felt like this. I blinked, trying to clear my vision¡ªand froze.

    This wasn''t my room.

    Purple and black tapestries adorned stone walls. Ornate furniture carved with demonic symbols filled the massive chamber. The bed I lay in could have fit six people comfortably, its posts rising toward a vaulted ceiling lost in shadow.

    "What the hell?" My voice came out higher, softer. Wrong.

    I sat up, the quilted coverlet falling away. Something tickled my back¡ªhair, impossibly long and silver-white, cascading past my shoulders. As I moved, two significant weights on my chest shifted.

    My hands flew to my chest, encountering soft flesh where there should have been nothing. I looked down at my body, at curves that definitely hadn''t been there when I''d fallen asleep.

    "No, no, no..."

    I scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over my new center of gravity. A full-length mirror stood in the corner, its frame twisted into the shapes of writhing bodies. I rushed to it, then stopped dead.

    The reflection showed a stunning woman with crimson eyes and porcelain skin. My¡ªher¡ªbody was a perfect hourglass, barely contained by a sheer nightgown. Delicate features stared back at me in horror as I raised a trembling hand to my face.

    I stared at my reflection, unable to process the impossible changes. My fingers traced the unfamiliar contours of my face, watching the beautiful woman in the mirror mimic my movements.

    The creak of a door broke my trance. A small figure entered, humming a cheerful tune. My jaw dropped¡ªshe couldn''t have been more than three feet tall, with reddish skin, tiny horns, and a pointed tail that poked out from under a frilly maid uniform.

    The imp froze mid-step, her eyes growing wide as saucers. The feather duster she carried clattered to the floor.

    "P-Princess Lily! You''re awake!" She dropped to her knees, pressing her forehead to the ground. "After five hundred years¡ªthis is¡ªI must¡ª" Without finishing any of her thoughts, she scrambled to her feet and bolted from the room, leaving the door wide open.

    Princess? Five hundred years?

    I sank onto the edge of the massive bed, my head spinning. The imp''s reaction confirmed my growing suspicion that I wasn''t just in the wrong body¡ªI was somewhere very, very far from home.

    My eyes darted to the open door. I could make a run for it, try to find my way out of... wherever this was. But the imp''s appearance suggested I wasn''t in any normal place. Who knew what other creatures lurked in the halls?

    I glanced down at the sheer nightgown that left little to the imagination. Running around half-naked in an unfamiliar female body through what was starting to seem like some kind of demonic palace didn''t seem like the smartest move.

    Better to stay put and try to figure out what was going on. At least until I could find some proper clothes.

    The door burst open again. A stunning woman with midnight-black hair and crimson eyes rushed toward me, wrapping me in a tight embrace. Her touch radiated warmth, yet something about her presence felt otherworldly.

    "My darling Lily, you''re finally awake!" Her fingers brushed through my white hair. "Your father will be here any moment."

    I pulled back, studying her beautiful face. Despite her demonic features¡ªthe elegant horns and ethereal glow¡ªthere was genuine love in her expression. "Who... who are you?"

    Her smile faltered. Pain flashed across her features as she cupped my face in her hands. "You don''t remember me? Your own mother?"

    Mother? My heart raced. Better to play along than risk revealing I was an impostor.

    "I¡ªI''m sorry. Everything''s foggy. I can''t remember anything."

    She drew in a sharp breath, her eyes narrowing. "Michael," she hissed under her breath. "That bastard." But her expression softened as she pulled me close again. "Don''t worry, my sweet girl. Your memories will return in time."

    The door opened once more. A tall, imposing figure entered¡ªa man with golden hair and piercing blue eyes. Despite his angelic appearance, power rolled off him in waves that made the air thick and heavy.

    I stood frozen as the golden-haired man rushed forward to join the embrace.

    "My precious daughter." His voice cracked with emotion. "We feared you might never wake."

    When I mentioned my "memory loss," his face fell for a moment before he squeezed my hand. "No matter. You''re back with us now."

 Chapter 2: Enrolment

    The first two weeks in my new existence passed in a blur. I played the memory loss card whenever anyone questioned my strange behavior or lack of knowledge. It worked well enough, though I caught Lilith watching me with an odd expression from time to time.

    Today felt different. An unfamiliar sensation gnawed at my lower abdomen - not quite pain, but an emptiness that yearned to be filled. The feeling wasn''t overwhelming, but its presence nagged at the edges of my consciousness.

    I sat in my chambers, absently running my fingers along the silk sheets. This body didn''t require food or drink, so what was this strange hunger? My "parents" still insisted on family dinners each evening, but those were more for conversation than sustenance.

    The door opened and Lilith glided in, her dark hair flowing behind her. Her crimson eyes fixed on me, and a knowing smile spread across her face.

    "Ah, I see it''s finally starting." She sat beside me on the bed.

    "What''s starting?" I shifted uncomfortably.

    "That emptiness you''re feeling - it''s perfectly natural. All succubi experience it when they reach maturity at eighteen." She brushed a strand of white hair from my face. "I was getting worried since you fell into the coma right as you turned eighteen. I feared it might have affected your development, but it seems it was just delayed."

    My stomach dropped. "Can''t I just... ignore it? There must be some way to suppress these feelings."

    Lilith''s expression turned serious. "It''s our nature, dear. Fighting against it isn''t wise. Yes, there are temporary methods of suppression, but those aren''t long-term solutions." She squeezed my hand. "You need to learn to live with these urges before you can even consider controlling them through other means."

    She stood, smoothing her dress. "I''ll need to discuss this development with your father. We''ll need to decide how to handle your... new needs."

    I gulped, uncertain what that meant for my future.

    I stared at the lavish spread before me, barely touching the exotic dishes that would have seemed impossibly decadent in my previous life. My... parents sat across from me, deep in discussion about my condition.

    "She needs proper guidance now that her urges have awakened," Lilith''s voice carried a note of concern. "The Academy of Infernal Arts would be perfect for her development."

    Lucifer''s brow furrowed. "She just woke up after five centuries. Shouldn''t she stay with us? There''s so much lost time to make up for."

    I picked at my food, torn between the options. The palace library could hold answers about my situation, maybe even a way back to my real body. But constant supervision would make research difficult. The Academy might offer more freedom, though I had no idea what to expect there.

    "My love," Lilith reached for Lucifer''s hand. "She needs to learn about her powers, her instincts. The Academy specializes in teaching young succubi. And more importantly, she needs friends her own age."

    "She can learn here, with private tutors," Lucifer protested, but I could see his resolve weakening.

    "In isolation? That''s no way for a young woman to grow." Lilith''s eyes softened. "Besides, Moira teaches there now. She can keep watch over our daughter."

    I remained quiet, watching their back-and-forth with fascination. Despite their demonic nature - well, Lucifer being a fallen angel technically - their concern seemed genuine.

    "We could send her incognito," Lilith suggested. "Let her make real connections without her status getting in the way."

    Lucifer sighed, a sound that carried centuries of giving in to his wife''s persuasion. "Very well. But I want regular updates from Moira."

    "Of course, my love." Lilith''s smile was triumphant but gentle.

    I lounged on the plush velvet chaise, trying to find a comfortable position despite my new body''s curves. The morning sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting crimson patterns across the marble floor.

    Anastasia hummed a tune as she poured steaming tea into a delicate porcelain cup. The aroma of exotic spices wafted through the air.

    "I''m so excited for you, Princess." She handed me the cup with a bright smile. "The Academy was the best time of my life." She giggled. "The friends you make there last centuries."

    I took a careful sip, letting the warm liquid calm my nerves. "What did you study?"

    "Oh, I majored in torture!" Her eyes lit up with enthusiasm that made my stomach turn. "I wanted to work at the mint - you know, where they forge Soul Coins? Such a fascinating process."

    The tea suddenly tasted bitter in my mouth. I remembered reading at the Palace''s library of how souls were crushed and moulded into currency, the victims eternally conscious inside their metallic prisons. My hands trembled slightly, but I forced them steady.

    "Really?" I managed to keep my voice neutral.

    "Yes! Making those worthless mortals actually useful for once." Anastasia straightened a pillow with practiced efficiency. "But then the palace offered me a position, and well... serving the royal family is quite the honor. I couldn''t refuse."

    I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The casual cruelty in her voice brought back memories of my human life, but I wasn''t in that world anymore. This was Hell, where suffering was currency and compassion was weakness.

    "Though sometimes I miss it," she continued, dusting an already spotless shelf. "The screams were quite musical once you got used to them."If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    I clutched my teacup tighter, barely stopping myself from shouting in horror. But I couldn''t afford such reactions. Not here, not as a princess of Hell.

    No one in this realm would understand or care about mortal suffering. To them, humans were resources at best, playthings at worst. And I had to pretend to share that view, or risk exposing myself as more than just an amnesiac princess.

    "What about the Academy itself?" I asked, desperate to change the subject. "What''s the campus like?"

    Anastasia''s face brightened. "Oh, it''s magnificent! Hell has such diversity in its demon population. Each type needs different education." She perched on the edge of a nearby chair. "Even imps have their own schools, though they''re quite basic - poor dears are at the bottom of the hierarchy."

    I leaned forward, genuinely curious. "Different departments?"

    "Indeed! Some demons focus on combat training - the wrathful ones especially love that. Others study politics, dark magic, or torture." She caught herself. "But you''ll be attending the Academy of Infernal Arts - it''s perfect for succubi."

    My stomach dropped. "What exactly do they teach there?"

    "Everything a succubus needs! Seduction, pleasure arts, manipulation..." She ticked off points on her fingers. "They even have courses on political intrigue and magical enhancement."

    The teacup trembled in my grip. Seduction? Pleasure arts? My mind - still very much Liam''s - recoiled at the thought. How could I possibly learn to seduce anyone in this female form? The idea of intimate relations as a woman made me want to hide under the covers forever.

    But my new body had other ideas. A familiar emptiness gnawed at my core, a hunger that whispered promises of fulfillment. The succubus part of me practically purred at the thought of attending those classes, as if assuring me everything would feel natural.

    I shifted uncomfortably, the conflicting sensations of mental reluctance and physical eagerness creating a confusing mess of emotions.

    "Are you alright, Princess?" Anastasia''s brow furrowed with concern. "You''ve gone quite pale."

    "Just... nervous about school," I managed to say, which wasn''t entirely a lie.

    I sat at my vanity while Lilith brushed my long white hair, her movements gentle yet precise. My stomach churned with anxiety, but not for the reasons she assumed.

    "Remember darling, you''re to be Lily Nightstar at the Academy. A regular succubus albeit from a wealthy family - nothing more." Lilith''s fingers worked deftly through my locks. "No one can know you''re a princess or a pureblood."

    I nodded mechanically, but my mind wandered to Anastasia''s cheerful description of the curriculum. Seduction. Pleasure arts. My inner self - still very much Liam - recoiled at the thought.

    "You seem tense, my dear." Lilith''s warm hands squeezed my shoulders. "It''s natural to be nervous before your first day of school."

    If only she knew the real reason. The words caught in my throat - should I tell her the truth? That her daughter''s body housed a different soul? My eyes drifted to the door, remembering the screams that had echoed through the palace halls when Lilith "disciplined" a servant who''d disappointed her. The warmth in her eyes, I realized, was reserved solely for her family.

    No, better to keep quiet and pray I could maintain this facade without compromising what remained of Liam''s dignity.

    The door creaked open and Anastasia bustled in, her arms laden with a towering stack of books and supplies. My eyes caught glimpses of the titles as she set them down: "All About Seduction", "Infernal Kamasutra"... I nearly choked.

    Some relief came when I spotted normal textbooks mixed in - mathematics, history, alchemy. At least not everything would revolve around... that.

    Lilith waved her hand, and the entire pile vanished into a ring on her finger. She slipped it off and handed it to me. "I''ve packed some suitable clothing as well. Nothing too extravagant - you''re meant to blend in, after all."

    I barely registered her words. The reality of what awaited me at the Academy crashed down like a wave. This wasn''t just school - it was training to become everything my former self had never imagined being.

    My new body''s instincts hummed with anticipation, but my mind screamed in protest. How could I possibly survive this?

    Lucifer stood tall and dignified in his flowing black robes, though his usual stoic expression wavered. "Take care, my daughter." He wrapped his arms around me in an embrace that felt both foreign and comforting.

    "Goodbye... Father." The word still felt strange on my tongue.

    Lilith raised her hands, crimson light dancing between her fingers. Her appearance shifted - her striking features softened, her height diminished, and her midnight hair lightened to brown. Even her horns shortened.

    "Can''t have anyone recognizing the Queen of Hell dropping off her daughter at school." She winked at me.

    With a flick of her finger, the palace chamber dissolved. My stomach lurched as reality twisted, then reformed into a sprawling underground cityscape. Obsidian spires stretched toward a cavern ceiling far above. Rivers of lava cast an orange glow across the black stone buildings. The air carried a sharp, sulfurous tang.

    I watched Lilith''s casual display of power with keen interest. Could such magic be the key to returning to my old life? To my real body?

    "We''re far enough from the palace now," Lilith said, adjusting my collar. "Remember darling, there''s nothing to be nervous about. I''ll write to you every week to check how you''re settling in."

    We walked through winding streets until reaching an imposing building of black marble. A tall woman with auburn hair waited at the entrance, her posture elegant and assured.

    "Ah, you must be Lily." She smiled warmly. "I''m Professor Moira. Your mother has told me so much about you."

    "A pleasure to meet you." I managed a small curtsy, hoping it looked natural.

    Lilith touched Moira''s arm. "May we have a word?" They stepped aside, their voices muffled due to spell mother cast.

    Anastasia squeezed my hand. "You''ll do wonderfully, Miss Lily. The Academy is quite pleasant once you get used to it."

    When Lilith and Moira returned, my... mother... pulled me into another embrace. "Be good, darling. Study hard." She stepped back, linking arms with Anastasia. With another gesture, they vanished in a swirl of crimson smoke.

    I stood beside Professor Moira, feeling very alone and very far from home.

    Moira turned to me once mother disappeared. "Listen carefully, Lily. I''m the only one here who knows your true identity as Lilith''s daughter. If you have any sensitive matters, please come to me directly."

    Her formal demeanour softened. "And when we''re alone, drop the ''Professor.'' Just Moira is fine - anything else would make me uncomfortable given your... status."

    "Do you have any questions before we head inside?"

    I shook my head, still processing everything that had happened. The weight of maintaining this deception pressed down on me.

    "Very well." Moira gestured for me to follow. We walked through polished obsidian halls, our footsteps echoing off the stone. "Usually our dormitories house four students per room, but I''ve arranged something more... private for you."

    She lowered her voice. "Even though the Academy maintains strict non-discrimination policies between students, your mother requested some special arrangements. I managed to secure you a room with just one roommate instead of three."

    We climbed several flights of stairs before reaching a long corridor lined with doors. Moira stopped at one marked ''413''.

    "Remember," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "not a word about your heritage to anyone." She pushed open the door.

    The room was spacious, with four beds despite being meant for just two occupants. A girl with short black hair was already there, unpacking her belongings onto one of the beds. When she heard us enter, she spun around with a bright smile that lit up her purple eyes.

    "Oh hi!" She bounced over, radiating enthusiasm. "I''m Ariasielle, but please call me Aria. You must be my roommate!" Her eyes widened as she looked me over. "Wow, you''re absolutely gorgeous!"

    "Thank you," I stammered, caught off guard by her directness. "You''re very beautiful yourself." The words felt strange coming from my mouth, but they weren''t untrue - she had a striking figure that drew the eye.

    Moira observed our interaction for a moment, then nodded, apparently satisfied. "I''ll leave you two to get acquainted. Remember what we discussed, Lily."

 Chapter 3: Aria

    As soon as Moira left, Aria flopped onto my bed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what''s your type? I bet you''re into those pretty elven boys too, right? Their faces are just..." She swooned dramatically.

    I shifted uncomfortably, my mind racing. What would a succubus say? "I haven''t really... explored my preferences yet."

    "Oh my hell, are you serious?" Aria sat up straight. "What about kinks? Please tell me you at least know what gets you going. I''m totally into bondage myself, but only with really muscular guys packing serious heat, you know?"

    My cheeks burned. These weren''t questions I''d ever expected to answer from a female perspective. "I''m still... discovering myself."

    "Wait." Her eyes widened. "Have you even fed yet?"

    "No," I admitted, grateful for an easy truth. "I just turned eighteen."

    "Oh, you poor thing!" She bounced excitedly. "Where are you from anyway? I''m dying to know everything about my new roomie."

    "Igneus," I replied, reciting the story mother and I had prepared. "My family runs a merchant business there."

    "The First Circle? That''s amazing! My mother works there too - she''s not particularly well-known, but she''s taught me everything I know. I''m almost nineteen now." Aria stretched lazily. "Trust me, once you have your first taste of feeding, you''ll never want to go back."

    My stomach clenched at her words. Never going back? That''s exactly what I feared.

    "What about you?" I asked, trying to redirect the conversation. "What brings you to the Academy?"

    "Oh, I have big plans." She grinned. "I''m going to climb those social circles, make all the right connections. Maybe even open a fashion store - can you imagine? All the latest brands from every realm!" She laughed melodiously. "What about you? What are your plans?"

    I froze. In my focus on maintaining my cover, I hadn''t thought about creating a believable future goal. "I haven''t really decided yet," I said carefully. "Still weighing my options."

    "Mmmm," Aria stretched out on her bed, a dreamy look crossing her face. "Well, whatever we end up doing, right now all I can think about is getting some nice, thick cock."

    I turned away, pretending to unpack my bags as my face flushed crimson. This was going to be harder than I thought.

    "Hey, since we don''t have classes until tomorrow, want to hang out?" Aria bounced off the bed. "I could show you around!"

    I hesitated. Every fiber of my being screamed this was a bad idea, but blending in meant acting like a normal succubus. "Sure, why not?"

    "Great! Any preferences where to go?"

    "Not really," I replied, realizing I knew nothing about local entertainment. "You choose."

    Her eyes lit up. "Oh, I know just the place! This amazing club - they have the best drinks in all of Igneus. You''ll love it!"

    We headed out into the streets of the First Circle. Despite my expectations of a nightmarish hellscape, the city looked surprisingly... normal. Well, if you ignored the obsidian buildings, rivers of lava, and occasional bursts of flame. Demons of all shapes and sizes walked the streets, some flying overhead, others slithering along the ground.

    I tried keeping my eyes forward, but it was hard not to notice the humans - and other mortals - scattered throughout. Some were bound in chains, others walked freely but with vacant expressions that made my stomach turn. A group of imps dragged a screaming man into an alley.

    This is hell, I reminded myself. The thought strengthened my resolve to keep my true identity hidden. I didn''t want to end up like these poor souls.

    "Almost there!" Aria chirped, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort. She pointed to a building ahead, its walls pulsing with a deep red glow.

    My throat went dry as I read the sign: "Den of Debauchery."

    I gulped. What had I gotten myself into?

    The moment we stepped through the doors, my new demon senses were overwhelmed by an intoxicating aroma - a mix of sweat, sex, and something sweeter I couldn''t quite place. My body responded with an unexpected warmth spreading through my core.

    "First time?" Aria grinned at my reaction.

    "That obvious?" I tried to focus on anything else but the smell.

    The club''s interior was dimly lit with floating orbs of hellfire, casting everything in a reddish glow. The dance floor pulsed with writhing bodies - some with wings, others with tails, horns, or combinations of all three. In the darker corners, couples... no, groups were engaged in activities that made my former self want to look away. But this succubus body seemed fascinated.

    "Come on, let''s get drinks!" Aria grabbed my hand, pulling me through the crowd.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    The bar stretched along one wall, carved from what looked like volcanic glass. Behind it stood a demon who could have walked straight out of a BDSM fantasy - all rippling muscles and strategically placed leather straps. His crimson skin gleamed under the hellfire lights.

    "What can I get for you beauties?" His voice was like warm honey.

    Aria leaned forward on the bar. "Heaven''s Delight for me."

    The bartender''s golden eyes turned to me, and I felt a flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with nerves. "And for you, sweetheart?"

    "I''ll... have the same." I managed to keep my voice steady despite the way his gaze made my skin tingle. I had no idea what drinks were safe here, and following Aria''s lead seemed wisest.

    The bartender returned with two martini glasses filled with an ethereal, silvery-white liquid that seemed to shimmer in the hellfire light. I watched as Aria picked up her glass, giving it a gentle swirl before bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. Her eyes fluttered closed in appreciation.

    Not wanting to appear out of place, I mimicked her actions. The liquid was thicker than expected, coating the glass as I swirled it. The aroma was... divine. There was no other word for it. Sweet and pure, like morning dew on spring flowers.

    I took a sip. The taste bloomed across my tongue - rich, complex, and absolutely delicious. My new body hummed with pleasure as warmth spread through my chest.

    "First time having drink with an angel''s essence?" Aria asked, watching my reaction with amusement.

    I choked mid-swallow. "What?"

    "Oh yeah, they harvest it from the angels they catch in hell. You know, the righteous idiots who think they can storm in here and ''cleanse'' the place." Aria rolled her eyes. "Most end up in essence farms until their gods pay up to get them back."

    My stomach lurched. The glass suddenly felt heavy in my hand.

    "Such a shame this place waters it down," Aria sighed, taking another appreciative sip. "Pure essence costs a fortune."

    My mind raced. Angel''s essence. Was this... was this what I thought it was? No. No, I couldn''t let myself go down that path. Some questions were better left unasked. I stared at the silvery liquid, trying not to think too hard about its origin.

    "Come on!" Aria grabbed my wrist, pulling me away from the bar. "Let''s dance!"

    Aria dragged me onto the dance floor, my drink sloshing precariously in my hand. The bass pulsed through my body, and I froze, overwhelmed by the sea of writhing bodies around me. What was I supposed to do? I''d never danced in a club before, let alone in a female body.

    But before I could panic, my hips began swaying on their own. My body moved with fluid grace, perfectly in sync with the rhythm. Each motion felt natural, instinctive, as if I''d been dancing this way my whole life.

    "Damn girl!" Aria''s eyes widened. "You''ve got moves! Why didn''t you tell me?"

    I managed a weak smile, equally surprised by my own movements. This body seemed to know exactly what to do, even if my mind was still catching up.

    Aria danced alongside me, her own movements practiced and seductive. I watched her for a moment, then decided to stop fighting these new instincts. It was just dancing, after all. Nothing too intimate or sexual about that.

    I let go, allowing the music to guide me. The tension melted from my shoulders as I moved, getting lost in the rhythm. The drink in my hand emptied gradually as I sipped between moves, the warmth spreading through my body making everything feel lighter, more natural.

    My hips rolled, arms raised above my head as I swayed. I didn''t even notice how my movements had become more provocative, more alluring, until two tall, muscular demons approached us. Their eyes raked over our bodies, practically radiating lust.

    "Ladies," one purred, flashing sharp teeth. "Care to continue this somewhere more private?"

    My heart jumped into my throat, but before I could respond, Aria stepped in.

    "Sorry boys, not tonight. We''ve got early classes tomorrow."

    They looked disappointed, a bit angry even, but backed off without argument, disappearing into the crowd. I released a breath I hadn''t realized I''d been holding. Thank hell Aria had turned them down - I''d been dreading having to make excuses.

    "Can''t believe you almost got us picked up on your first night out!" Aria laughed. "But we really do have classes tomorrow. Can''t show up hungover on day one."

    I nodded, relieved by her sensible response. Mother''s words about succubi having special status in Igneus must have been true, given how easily those demons had accepted rejection.

    "Time to head back anyway," Aria announced, running a hand through her short black hair. "Getting late, and my mood''s kinda killed now."

    I nodded, turning back toward the bar. My eyes widened as I noticed my empty glass. When had I finished the drink? A chill ran through me despite the warmth of the drink still coursing through my veins. I''d been so caught up in the dancing, I''d mindlessly consumed the whole thing.

    I set the glass on the bar counter and hurried to catch up with Aria, who was already heading for the exit.

    "Ugh, those guys were actually pretty hot," Aria groaned as we stepped out into the obsidian streets. "We could''ve had some real fun, you know? Could''ve taken one each." She bumped her hip against mine. "Or shared. Nothing builds roommate bonds like a good fuck."

    My face burned. "Yeah... shame about classes tomorrow," I managed to squeak out, internally thanking whatever cosmic force had given us an early morning excuse.

    We walked through the winding streets back toward the academy. The black spires loomed above us, and I found my gaze drawn upward to the vast cavern ceiling. Countless crystalline formations dotted the rocky surface, their glow shifting subtly.

    "How does the day-night cycle work here?" I wondered aloud. "With all the rock overhead..."

    Aria snorted. "The crystals regulate it, dummy. Are you sure you''re from Igneus?"

    "Of course I am!" I said quickly, perhaps too quickly. "I just... never really thought about how the crystals actually work before."

    Back in our dorm room, I collapsed onto my bed, the buzz from the Heaven''s Delight still tingling through my body. The silk sheets felt divine against my skin, and I caught myself running my hands over them absently.

    "So," Aria flopped onto her own bed, propping her head up on one arm. "You mentioned earlier your family''s in trade?"

    "Mm, yes." I rolled onto my side to face her. "Mother has quite a successful business. Trades between the different circles of Hell."

    "Ah, that explains it." Aria''s violet eyes sparkled with amusement. "You''re some sheltered rich kid, aren''t you, princess?"

    I nearly choked on air at the word ''princess'' but managed to keep my expression neutral. "I wouldn''t say sheltered exactly..."

    "Please," Aria waved her hand dismissively. "The way you were looking at everything tonight? Like you''d never seen a demon club before?" She stretched languidly on her bed. "Though I noticed you staring at me quite a bit too..."

    I blinked, realizing I had indeed been watching her movements. This damned succubus body seemed to have a mind of its own sometimes.

    "See? You''re doing it again." Aria rolled onto her back and arched provocatively, her nightgown riding up her thighs. "If you want to have some fun, all you have to do is ask..."

    "We have classes tomorrow," I blurted out, my face burning. "Early classes."

    Aria let out a dramatic sigh and flopped back down. "You''re right. Ugh. Though I hope we get to the good stuff soon. The practical lessons, you know?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

    My stomach did a flip. The ''practical lessons'' were exactly what I was dreading. This whole succubus education business was going to be complicated enough without hands-on demonstrations.

    "Yeah," I muttered weakly. "Can''t wait."

 Chapter 4: First Day

    I opened my eyes to the familiar sight of my apartment ceiling. Gone were the silk sheets and ornate furnishings of the Academy dorm room. My heart leaped - had it all been just a bizarre dream?

    Jumping out of bed, I rushed to the bathroom mirror. Relief flooded through me at the sight of my own face - Liam''s face - staring back. No horns, no feminine features, just me. Normal, human me.

    "Thank god," I muttered, splashing water on my face.

    I went through my morning routine, trying to shake off the lingering memories of that vivid dream. But as I buttoned my work shirt, a pleasant warmth began spreading across my chest. By the time I reached the street, the sensation had intensified into a distracting tingle.

    Something wasn''t right. The feeling grew stronger with each step, and suddenly-

    My eyes snapped open to find Aria straddling me, her hands kneading my bare breasts.

    "Finally!" she chirped. "You''re awake!"

    Reality crashed back - I was still Lily, still in Hell, still a succubus. And currently very naked under my roommate.

    "Aria," I said slowly, trying to maintain composure, "please stop groping my breasts." The words felt surreal leaving my mouth.

    She winked, not stopping her ministrations. "Well, you wouldn''t wake up when I tried the normal way. Figured this would do the trick."

    "It did. Now get off me."

    "Aww, you''re cute when you''re angry," she teased, but finally rolled away.

    I ignored her comment and went to brush my hair, grateful for at least one small mercy - my new succubus hair was remarkably cooperative, falling in silky waves despite its length. Not that tangled hair had ever been an issue in my original body.

    From the enchanted ring mother gave me, I summoned what passed for formal wear at the Academy. The "uniform" was barely more than lingerie - a micro-skirt that barely covered anything and a cropped shirt that exposed my entire midriff.

    "Ready?" Aria asked, already dressed in an equally revealing ensemble.

    "As I''ll ever be," I muttered, and we headed out for the assembly.

    The assembly hall buzzed with chatter as Aria and I found empty seats near the middle. Hundreds of succubi filled the vast chamber, their revealing uniforms creating a sea of exposed flesh. My new body''s heightened senses picked up traces of perfume and pheromones that made my head swim.

    "This is so exciting!" Aria bounced in her seat. "I heard the Headmistress gives amazing speeches."

    The hall fell silent as clicking heels echoed through the chamber. A mature woman strode onto the stage, her presence commanding attention. Her tight dress hugged curves that would make mortal men weep, while her eyes held centuries of knowledge and power.

    "Welcome, my dear students," her voice carried effortlessly. "I am Headmistress Valencia, and it brings me great pleasure to see such promising young faces before me."

    She paced the stage with practiced grace. "Here at the Academy of Infernal Arts, we pride ourselves on producing Hell''s finest succubi. Our graduates shape the very fabric of infernal society."

    My stomach churned as she continued. "You will master the arts of seduction, unlock the secrets of demonic magic, and study the rich history of our kind. Every skill a successful succubus requires will be at your fingertips."

    "Our alumni include some of the most prominent names in Hell''s circles," she gestured expansively. "And looking at you all today, I see the potential for even greater achievements. You are our brightest generation yet."

    The other students preened at her praise while I sank lower in my seat.

    "And thanks to Lady Madana''s generous funding," Valencia''s lips curved into a knowing smile, "each dorm room will be provided with sufficient funds to purchase one pleasure slave for... practical applications of your studies."

    My rational mind recoiled at the casual mention of slavery, but my treacherous body had other ideas. Heat pooled in my lower abdomen as unbidden images of naked flesh and willing submission filled my thoughts. I crossed my legs tightly, trying to ignore the growing ache between them.

    This was wrong. Everything about this was wrong. I couldn''t possibly survive here, learning to seduce and enslave mortals. Yet my new form hummed with anticipation, eager to embrace these twisted lessons.

    I gripped the edges of my seat, knuckles white. How could I reconcile my human morality with these demonic urges? The harder I tried to suppress them, the stronger they seemed to grow.

    As the assembly ended, Aria and I followed the crowd to our first class. My heart skipped when I saw Moira at the front of the classroom. Her knowing gaze found me for a brief moment before she addressed the class.

    "Welcome, students. I am Professor Moira, and I''ll be teaching you the art of seduction."

    She swept across the front of the room. "There are countless realms beyond our own, each with their unique customs and cultures."

    My eyes widened. Other realms? Other worlds? The revelation hit me like a physical blow. How many were there? What were they like?

    "However," Moira continued, "one constant remains across all realms - most intelligent species are humanoid in nature. This makes our natural charms particularly effective."

    She detailed various approaches, from subtle glances to direct propositions. I tried to tune it out, focusing instead on a spot on the wall, but fragments of the lecture still reached me.

    "Miss Nightstar." My head snapped up at Moira''s voice. "Please demonstrate how would you approach Aria here, assuming she''s a wealthy merchant"

    Blood drained from my face as every eye in the classroom turned to me. Panic gripped my chest - I hadn''t been paying attention. But as I stood, something stirred within me. That same instinctive grace I''d felt at the club bubbled up.

    I surrendered to it completely, letting my consciousness drift as my body took control. Through a haze, I felt myself moving, speaking, touching. My voice purred words I couldn''t quite grasp.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "Excellent work!" Moira''s voice snapped me back to reality. "That was even better than I expected."

    I blinked, disoriented. What had I done? The memory felt distant, dreamlike. But Aria''s heated stare told me it must have been quite the performance.

    Back at our desks, Aria leaned close. "Hell, that was so hot," she whispered, her breath hot against my ear. "If we weren''t in class right now, I would''ve jumped you right there."

    I slumped in my chair, face burning. What had my body done while I checked out? And why did everyone seem so affected by it?

    After the nerve-wracking seduction class, I dragged my feet to History, praying for something less intimate. The classroom had tall obsidian pillars along its sides, with rows of dark wooden desks arranged in a semicircle.

    Professor Scarlet stood at the front, her black hair pulled into a severe bun. Her red eyes scanned the room as students filtered in. The pencil dress she wore could''ve passed for something from Earth, if not for the way it seemed to absorb light.

    "This year," she tapped her pointer against the blackboard, "we''ll explore Hell''s creation and subsequent development." Her voice carried authority that demanded attention. "From Lucifer''s fall and the forging of the Nine Circles, to the establishment of our current political structure."

    I perked up. Maybe I could learn something useful about this place.

    "We''ll start with the Void," she continued, "the primordial nothingness from which Hell was carved. Then move on to examine how each Circle developed its unique characteristics."

    My hand twitched with the urge to take notes, old study habits dying hard. But looking around, I noticed most other succubi seemed barely awake.

    "The power struggles between the Circle Lords will be a significant focus," Professor Scarlet''s pointer cracked against her desk, startling a dozing student. "Understanding these conflicts is crucial for navigating Hell''s current political landscape."

    For once since arriving here, I felt on somewhat familiar ground. This was just history class - no seduction, no demonic powers, just facts to memorize. I could handle this.

    "Those who fail to learn from history," Professor Scarlet''s lips curved into a slight smile, "are doomed to repeat it. And in Hell, such repetition can be... particularly unpleasant."

    I slid into my seat for mathematics, already anticipating another dull hour. The classroom was sparse compared to others, with plain wooden desks and a large blackboard dominating the front wall.

    Professor Vox adjusted his spectacles on his horned nose as he wrote "Introduction to Mathematics" on the board. His tall frame cast a long shadow across the chalk-dusted surface.

    "Welcome class. This year we''ll start with basic algebra and work our way up to quadratic equations." He turned to face us, chalk dust coating his fingers.

    Half the class had already zoned out, examining their nails or passing notes. A few were openly ogling the professor, though he seemed immune to their attention.

    "I know many of you question why succubi need mathematics," he tapped the board with his chalk. "But I assure you, these skills will prove invaluable, even if you don''t see it yet."

    I had to bite back a laugh. If he only knew I could solve triple integrals in my sleep. The familiar symbols on the board brought back memories of late nights in the engineering lab, wrestling with complex calculations.

    A succubus two rows ahead was already asleep, her head resting on her folded arms. Another was drawing hearts in her notebook. At least my obvious boredom would help me blend in, even if mine stemmed from finding x+2=5 painfully elementary rather than insufficiently erotic.

    "Pay attention in future classes," Prof. Vox warned, "This foundation is crucial for your success."

    I nodded along, already knowing this would be the easiest class of my demonic education. Though probably not for the reasons anyone would suspect.

    After the mind-numbing mathematics class finally ended, I gathered my things and headed for the door. Aria fell in step beside me, her shoulders slumped dramatically.

    "I can''t believe how boring that was. Like, who needs to know what x equals?" She huffed, twirling a strand of black hair around her finger. "Did you see how dull it was? You looked ready to fall asleep too."

    I gave a non-committal shrug, not wanting to explain that my boredom stemmed from already knowing advanced calculus rather than finding basic algebra too complex.

    "At least Professor Vox is easy on the eyes," Aria continued as we climbed the stairs to our floor. "Though I prefer my men with more muscle and less... equations."

    When we reached our door, something white caught my eye - an envelope had been slipped underneath. Before I could bend down to retrieve it, Aria swooped in and snatched it up.

    "Ooh, what''s this?" She tore it open with enthusiastic fingers. Her purple eyes widened as she read the contents. "Oh. My. Hell! Lily, look!"

    She thrust the paper in my face - a coupon worth up to 200 soul coins towards a pleasure slave. My stomach twisted as I remembered what soul coins actually were, and what they represented.

    "We have to go right now!" Aria bounced on her toes, clutching the coupon to her chest. "All the good ones will be taken if we wait. I heard Madana''s funding brought in some really prime specimens this time - there''s even supposed to be an elf!"

    I felt a growing emptiness inside, an ache that made the idea of acquiring a pleasure slave seem less horrifying than it should. The succubus hunger was getting stronger. Still, the thought of participating in literal slave trade made me queasy.

    "I... don''t know..." I hesitated.

    "Come on!" Aria grabbed my arm. "You haven''t even fed yet - you need this. And I know exactly what to look for. Tall, muscular, with a nice big-"

    "Okay, okay!" I cut her off, my cheeks burning. "We can go look."

    I didn''t know if I was agreeing to shut her up, to maintain my cover, or because that gnawing emptiness was affecting my judgment. Probably all three.

    "Yes!" Aria pumped her fist in victory. "Let''s go before someone else snags all the hot ones!"

    The markets sprawled before us, a chaotic maze of tents and stalls. The air reeked of sweat and fear, mixed with incense trying to mask the stench. Chains rattled. People - humans and demons alike - stood in various states of bondage.

    My heart pounded. One wrong move, one slip that revealed my true identity, and I could end up here myself. The thought made my skin crawl.

    "Come on!" Aria tugged my arm, weaving through the crowd. "Malthus has the best selection and he actually treats his merchandise well."

    She pulled me toward a large crimson tent. The entrance flaps parted to reveal a corpulent demon with curved horns and goat legs, his red skin gleaming with oil.

    "Welcome, welcome!" His voice boomed. "What brings such lovely young ladies to my humble establishment?"

    I froze, but Aria stepped forward. "We''re students from Academy of Infernal Arts. Looking for a pleasure slave." She waved our coupon.

    The demon''s laugh shook his belly. "Ah yes, the annual student allocation! You''re in luck - just received a fresh batch of sinners this morning."

    He led us through a beaded curtain to a separate chamber. Unlike the abused and beaten slaves outside, these captives appeared well-maintained. Both men and women stood naked but clean, their bodies unmarked. They stared at the ground, some trembling slightly.

    My stomach churned. These people were meant for... entertainment. And now I was expected to choose one? The whole situation felt surreal and wrong. But I couldn''t show my revulsion - not if I wanted to maintain my cover.

    "Take your time, ladies," Malthus grinned. "Quality merchandise, every one of them."

    "Any preferences, my dears?" Malthus rubbed his hands together.

    "Got any elven males from Aeora realm?" Aria leaned forward, eyes bright.

    "Ah, sadly not at present. Though I do have elves from other realms if that interests you?"

    "What about you, Lily? Any preferences?"

    My throat tightened. "I''ll... I''ll go with whatever you choose."

    "Don''t complain later then!" Aria turned back to Malthus. "I want someone tall, muscular but not bulky. Good stamina is a must. And well-endowed, of course."

    Malthus disappeared behind a curtain and returned with three men. My eyes widened - two elves and an orc, all built like warriors. But what made my jaw drop was their size below. Each had to be at least eight inches, making my old human body look pathetic in comparison. The orc especially was massive in every way, his green muscles rippling as he stood there.

    Aria circled them like a predator. "Hmm... the orc''s impressive, but..." She stopped in front of one of the elves. "Face matters too. And elves are just prettier. This one."

    The chosen elf remained expressionless, though I caught a slight tremor in his shoulders.

    Malthus produced papers and a stamp. "Excellent choice! Just need signatures here and here."

    Aria signed with a flourish and passed the contract to me. The moment I looked at it, the words seemed to rearrange themselves in my mind. Some demonic ability kicked in, letting me understand every clause instantly. It was straightforward - joint ownership of the soul of Bellas Lumen, the elf. Once purchased, he couldn''t refuse our orders or cause us harm.

    I signed, my hand shaking slightly.

    "Perfect!" Malthus clapped. "He''s all yours, ladies."

    We headed back to the dorm, our new slave following silently behind. My body betrayed me with every step - heat building between my legs, wetness gathering. I couldn''t stop fidgeting, knowing exactly what Aria had planned for tonight.

 Chapter 5 - Heated Instincts (+18)

    I closed the door behind us, heart pounding. Our new slave stood motionless in the centre of the room, awaiting instructions. My eyes wandered over his muscular form, taking in every perfect detail. A shiver ran through me as I imagined the fate of those demons I''d seen in chains. Would that be my punishment if they discovered I wasn''t really Lily?

    "Well?" Aria''s eyes glinted with mischief. "Shall we test our purchase?"

    Heat bloomed between my legs, an ache I couldn''t ignore. The succubus body demanded satisfaction, making it harder to think clearly.

    Bellas''s gaze shifted between us, his face a mask of calm submission. But I caught the slight tremble in his hands - he was nervous too.

    "I... I''m not sure-"

    Before I could finish, Aria grabbed my arm and pulled me close. Her lips crashed against mine, hungry and demanding. My body responded instantly, melting into her touch. The kiss deepened, her tongue teasing mine as one hand slid down my back.

    The kiss was all it took to ignite a fire within me that I couldn''t control. My succubus instincts took over, its carnal desires consuming every rational thought. I felt like a passenger in my own form, watching through a haze of lust as my body guided my actions.

    Bellas''s hands roamed my curves, his touch electric against my sensitive skin. I moaned into Aria''s mouth as she pressed her soft breasts against mine. The clash of sensations sent shivers down my spine. My mind reeled - how could this feel so good? I was Liam, I had never been attracted to men before... had I?

    But there was no denying the intense pleasure coursing through me as Bellas kissed along my neck and Aria''s fingers teased between my thighs. I ground against her hand, desperate for more. She obliged, slipping two fingers inside my slick heat. I gasped, head thrown back in ecstasy.

    Bellas moved behind me, strong hands gripping my hips as he aligned himself with my entrance. In one smooth thrust, he filled me completely. I cried out, the stretch both painful and exquisite. He began to move, each snap of his hips driving me wild.

    Aria captured my lips again, swallowing my whimpers. Her fingers worked in tandem with Bellas''s thrusts, stoking the flames higher. I was lost to the sensations, drowning in bliss.

    We shifted positions in a tangle of limbs. I found myself on my back with Aria straddling my face, her sweet nectar coating my tongue. Bellas pounded into me from above, the new angle letting him reach even deeper. I licked and sucked at Aria''s folds, reveling in her cries of rapture.

    Time lost meaning as we explored every combination, every position. I took Bellas into my mouth, savoring the weight of him on my tongue. Aria rode him while I kissed and nipped at her breasts. He filled me again and again until I was delirious with pleasure.

    When Aria sank down on Bellas''s length, I moved behind her, pressing open-mouthed kisses along her spine as my fingers teased her rear entrance. She keened and arched into my touch. I slid a finger inside, matching Bellas''s rhythm until Aria was a writhing, mewling mess between us.

    I lost count of the orgasms that crashed over me, each more intense than the last. Bellas came deep inside me and Aria countless times, his essence mixing with my own slick arousal. The pureblood instincts guided my every action, wrenching as much pleasure possible from our joined bodies.

    Finally, after hours lost in carnal bliss, we collapsed together onto the bed, covered in sweat and other bodily fluids. As the fog of lust cleared, Liam''s rational mind finally resurfaced within me. I stared at the ceiling, chest heaving, as the magnitude of what just happened hit me.

    I had just had the most mind-blowing sex of my life... with a man and a woman. As Liam, I only found women attractive. But now, in this body and its reactions, I wasn''t so sure anymore. They had felt so natural, so right.

    Tears pricked my eyes as an ache built in my chest. Was this my life now? How could I ever go back to my old self after this? Would Liam''s simple mortal pleasures seem bland and empty now?

    I shuddered, curling in on myself despite the warm bodies pressed against me. Despair clawed at my mind. I had to find a way out of this, a way to reclaim my humanity. Because if I didn''t... I feared that Lily would consume me entirely. That I would embrace this new existence, leaving Liam behind forever.

    And the most terrifying thing of all? A dark, secret part of me almost wanted it to happen.

    I stirred awake, my mind foggy from sleep. The events of last night crashed into my consciousness like a tidal wave. My eyes shot open, darting around the room until they landed on Bellas. He wore nothing but a thin strip of fabric that barely covered his dignity, muscles rippling as he dusted the shelves.

    Heat rushed to my face. Images flashed through my mind - his hands on my body, his lips trailing fire across my skin, the way he''d filled me so completely... No. I shook my head, trying to banish the thoughts.

    Something warm pressed against my back. Aria''s arm was draped over my waist, her breasts pushed against my spine. Her leg had hooked over mine, effectively trapping me in place. I needed to get away before these sensations triggered more memories.

    Carefully, I lifted her arm. She mumbled something and tightened her grip. I froze, waiting for her breathing to even out again. After a few attempts, I managed to slide one leg free, then the other. Finally, I extracted myself from her embrace and retreated to my own bed.

    "Good morning, Mistress." Bellas''s deep voice sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.

    "M-morning," I stammered, avoiding his gaze. The word ''mistress'' brought back vivid flashes of crying out that very word in the throes of passion. No, that wasn''t me - it was this body, these damned succubus instincts. I had to maintain better control.

    But my treacherous mind kept replaying snippets - my nails raking down his back, my legs wrapped around his waist, begging him for more...

    "I need a bath," I announced abruptly, standing up. "Don''t disturb me while I''m in there."

    "As you wish, Mistress." He bowed his head, and I practically fled to the bathroom.

    The bathroom door had no lock - of course it didn''t, this was a succubus school after all. I leaned against it, trying to steady my breathing. This was going to be harder than I thought.

    I stepped into the bathroom, my eyes immediately drawn to the massive black marble bathtub dominating the center. The size made sense - succubi weren''t exactly known for their modesty or privacy. Multiple people could easily fit inside, though right now I had it blissfully to myself.Stolen story; please report.

    In the corner stood what I assumed was a shower, though it looked nothing like the modern fixtures I remembered from my previous life. The design reminded me more of something from a historical period drama, all brass fixtures and ornate carvings.

    Steam rose from several spots around the tub, and I traced the intricate piping with my gaze. How did they even get water here? The whole realm was basically a massive inferno. Magic had to be involved, but the mechanics escaped me. Back when I studied engineering, they certainly hadn''t covered demonic plumbing systems.

    The absence of certain fixtures struck me again - no toilet in sight. Not that I needed one anymore. This body operated differently than my human one had. Food and drink simply... vanished when consumed. I theorized it converted directly to energy, though the exact process remained a mystery. It was convenient, I had to admit. No more wasting time on biological necessities.

    But these new urges... My hand unconsciously drifted to my abdomen as I felt that familiar stirring deep inside. Even after last night''s activities, the hunger was already starting to build again. A constant reminder of what I''d become.

    I walked to the edge of the tub, trailing my fingers through the steaming water. The heat felt divine against my skin, and I couldn''t wait to sink into it and try to sort through the mess of emotions swirling inside me.

    I turned the ornate brass tap, watching steaming water pour into the massive tub. Moving to the shower, I let hot water cascade over my body, methodically washing every curve and crevice. My hands trembled as they traced paths where others'' touch still lingered from the night before.

    The soap''s lavender scent filled my nostrils as I scrubbed, trying to erase the phantom sensations. But each touch of my own hands only seemed to ignite memories rather than wash them away. My breath caught as I remembered the way Bellas had-

    With a frustrated sigh, I shut off the shower and slipped into the filled tub. The water enveloped me like a warm embrace as I stretched out, trying to sort through my conflicting thoughts.

    I closed my eyes, trying to centre myself and process everything that had happened since arriving here.

    Suddenly the door burst open with a bang. My eyes snapped open to see Aria, naked as the day she was spawned, grinning from ear to ear.

    "Morning, roomie!" She launched herself into the tub.

    Water crashed over me in a tidal wave. "Aria!" I shrieked, sputtering and wiping water from my eyes.

    She laughed, settling into the tub beside me. "Oh, lighten up! You''re way too tense."

    "I was actually trying to relax before you turned the bathroom into a splash zone," I grumbled, pushing wet strands of hair from my face.

    "Oh please, don''t be so dramatic." Aria rolled her eyes and slid deeper into the water. "A little splash never hurt anyone."

    She reached for a bottle of scented oil, pouring some into her palm before working it through her dark hair. "So, have you looked at today''s schedule yet?"

    I shook my head, grateful for the change in subject.

    "We''ve got Magicraft first thing with Professor Morrigan. Basic stuff, I hear. Then Biology with Prof. Tiamatha." She wrinkled her nose. "Math with Mr. Vox after lunch, which is such a bore. Oh, and Religion."

    "Religion?" The word felt strange on my tongue. Here, in Hell of all places?

    "I know, right?" Aria didn''t let me get another word in. "I was shocked too when I first saw it on the curriculum. But get this - it''s actually about defending against holy magic and divine powers. You know, in case we run into any of those self-righteous angels or clerics up there." She gestured vaguely toward the ceiling. "Can''t have us getting burned by holy water or whatever."

    "So..." Aria''s lips curled into a mischievous smile. "What do you think about our new toy?"

    My mind flashed back to last night - the way Bellas had moved, touched, tasted. Heat rushed to my face as I remembered how my body had responded, how I''d lost control to these new instincts.

    "He''s... skilled," I managed, hoping the steam from the bath disguised my blush. "You made a good choice."

    "Oh, I know I did!" Aria''s eyes sparkled with delight. "The way he made you moan when he used his tongue... And those sounds you made when he-"

    I sank deeper into the water, until only my eyes remained above the surface. The memories of my wanton behaviour flooded back. Things I never would have imagined doing in my previous life.

    Aria''s laughter echoed off the bathroom walls. "You know, sometimes you act like you''re not even a succubus! The way you get all shy and flustered..."

    My heart stopped for a moment, panic seizing my chest. Had I given myself away?

    "It''s absolutely adorable!" she continued, oblivious to my internal crisis. "Such a refreshing change from all the trying-too-hard seductresses around here. Your innocent act is seriously hot."

    I didn''t know whether to feel relieved that she''d mistaken my genuine discomfort for an act, or terrified that she found it attractive. Either way, I remained submerged in the water, letting the steam hide my conflicted expression.

    I shifted in the water, desperate to change the subject. "Actually, I''ve been wondering about your background. How did you become a succubus?"

    Aria''s violet eyes grew distant, her usual playful demeanor softening. "It''s all pretty hazy, to be honest. I was sixteen when my mother found me - not my birth mother, mind you, but the succubus who turned me." She traced patterns in the water''s surface. "Before that, I was just another street rat, picking pockets and scrounging for food. Survival wasn''t pretty."

    "You were an orphan?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

    "Yeah. Spent most of my childhood ducking guards and stealing whatever I could get my hands on." She shrugged, but I caught a flicker of old pain in her eyes. "Mother said she saw potential in me. Raw survival instinct, she called it. Next thing I knew, I was going through the transformation."

    Steam curled around us as Aria tilted her head. "What about you? Do you remember anything from before?"

    I swallowed hard, recalling the cover story Lilith had given me. "Not much. Just fragments really. My father was a merchant, I think. Everything else is..." I waved my hand vaguely, "lost in the fog."

    "That''s normal," Aria nodded. "The transformation wipes most memories. Probably for the best - can''t have old attachments getting in the way of our nature, right?"

    The casual way she dismissed her lost humanity sent a chill through me, despite the hot water.

    I gazed at the rippling water, pondering Aria''s words. The idea that memories would be a burden to a succubus made a certain cold logic - my own memories of being Liam constantly warred with this body''s nature. Every demonic urge fought against twenty-six years of human morality.

    Yet the thought of losing those memories sent a chill through me. They were the core of who I was - my childhood at the orphanage, my engineering studies, my hopes and dreams. Erasing them felt like death dressed up in prettier packaging.

    A darker question crept into my mind as I watched Aria hum contentedly. How many succubi actually chose this transformation? Given demons'' casual disregard for mortal life, I doubted many asked for consent. They probably viewed it as doing humans a favor, elevating them to something "better."

    I pushed the troubling thoughts aside. No point dwelling on things I couldn''t change. "So," I turned to Aria, "What did you think about yesterday''s classes?"

    "Oh! Professor Moira''s class was fascinating. Though I must say," she winked at me, "your demonstration was the highlight. Who knew you had such moves?"

    I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "The material seems... practical at least. Though Professor Vox''s math class was rather basic."

    "Ugh, math." Aria made a face. "Who needs algebra when you''ve got charm and looks?"

    "It could be useful for... managing finances?" I offered weakly.

    "That''s what accountant imps are for, silly!" She splashed water in my direction.

    "Sometimes it''s good to understand things yourself rather than relying on others," I pointed out, trying to defend the practical value of mathematics.

    "Hmm..." Aria tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I suppose you''re right. Could be useful for seducing those stuffy mathematicians. Just imagine whispering theorems in their ears..." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

    I sighed, accepting that this was just how Aria''s mind worked. At least she found some value in education, even if it wasn''t quite what I''d intended.

    "Oh! Speaking of whispering sweet nothings," Aria brightened, "have you seen the latest fashion trends in Igneus? The crystalline accessories are absolutely divine this season."

    I settled back in the water, letting her chatter wash over me as she detailed various styles and designers I''d never heard of. She went on about something called shadow-silk and ember-weave fabrics, while I nodded at appropriate intervals.

    After what felt like an eternity of fashion discussion, the conversation finally lulled. I stood up, water cascading off my form. "We should probably get ready for class."

    "Wait for me!" Aria called out. "Can''t let you face Morrigan''s lectures alone."

    As I moved to step out of the tub, I felt a sudden squeeze on my backside. The touch sent an unexpected jolt through my body, and a small moan escaped my lips before I could stop it.

    "Save some of that booty for me, sweetie," Aria purred, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

    I hurried out of the bathroom, my cheeks burning with embarrassment at my body''s betrayal.

 Chapter 6 - Classes

    We arrived early to class, finding seats near the front. Aria was in the middle of telling me about her mother''s romantic escapades.

    "And then she actually hooked up with this gargoyle! Can you believe it?" Aria wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "The look on father''s face when he found out-"

    "Excuse me." A sultry voice interrupted. I turned to see a stunning blonde succubus with crimson eyes staring at me with naked desire. "You should really find better company."

    Aria''s smile vanished. "We were having a private conversation-"

    The crack of flesh meeting flesh echoed through the classroom as the blonde''s hand connected with Aria''s cheek. "How dare a common succubus interrupt me?"

    My jaw dropped at the sudden violence. The other students watched with eager interest, but no one moved to intervene.

    "I am Valentina Morgenstern," the blonde announced, preening. "Heir to House Morgenstern and a pureblood succubus." She turned those burning eyes back to me. "I''ve taken quite a fancy to you. You should feel honored - a pureblood showing interest in someone of your... station. Ditch this trash and serve your betters."

    Aria''s hand was frozen halfway to her reddened cheek, her eyes wide at the name Morgenstern.

    I remembered Moira''s words about the academy''s anti-discrimination policies. "I''m not interested," I said firmly. "And you should watch yourself with the face-slapping. Your status means nothing here in the academy."

    Aria seemed to find her voice again. "Yeah, take your stuck-up attitude somewhere else!"

    Valentina''s eyes narrowed dangerously at Aria before returning to me. "We''re in Hell, darling. The academy''s protection won''t last forever. After graduation..." She let the threat hang. "I''m giving you one last chance."

    Looking at Aria''s defiant expression despite her fear, I realized I''d grown fond of my roommate. Her cheerful nature and genuine attitude meant more than this noble''s threats and promises.

    Besides, even if Valentina''s word held weight outside these walls, I doubted House Morgenstern could match that of Lucifer''s daughter. Not that I planned to stick around in Hell long enough to find out.

    "Get lost," I said coolly. "I prefer Aria''s company to a spoiled brat who can''t follow basic rules."

    Valentina''s face contorted with rage. She opened her mouth to retort, but movement at the classroom door made her pause. Professor Moira stepped in, and Valentina''s mouth snapped shut. With a final venomous glare at both of us, she stalked away to find a seat.

    Aria leaned close once Valentina was out of earshot. "Thank you," she whispered, her purple eyes shining with gratitude. "You didn''t have to do that. House Morgenstern is... well, they''re not people you want as enemies."

    "Please. Her company compared to yours? No contest." I gave her a reassuring smile. "Besides, I can''t stand bullies who think they''re better just because of their background."

    Professor Morrigan cleared her throat. "Settle down, class." Her sharp gaze swept across the room. "Today we begin our study of Magicraft fundamentals."

    The classroom fell silent. Even Valentina, still fuming in the back corner, turned her attention to the front.

    "As succubi, you all possess natural magical abilities," Professor Morrigan continued, pacing before the blackboard. "Your Magicka Cortex allows you to cast spells instinctively, while your Mana Heart provides the necessary power." She traced a complex symbol in the air, leaving glowing trails. "However, raw talent alone will only take you so far."

    She gestured, and the symbol burst into a shower of sparks. "Through proper understanding of magical theory and dedicated practice, you can refine your innate abilities into something far more potent. Think of it like dancing - your bodies know the basic movements, but technique and knowledge elevate mere motion into art."

    My pen scratched across paper as I took notes. This actually reminded me of calculus - knowing the formulas was one thing, but understanding why they worked opened up whole new possibilities.

    "Your Magicka Cortex processes mana differently depending on your focus and intent," Professor Morrigan explained. "By learning to consciously direct this process rather than relying on instinct alone, you''ll achieve greater control and efficiency in your spellcasting."

    The practical applications of this knowledge began forming in my mind. If I could better understand how magic worked, maybe I could find a way back to my original body - or at least figure out what had happened that put me in this situation.

    As we left Professor Morrigan''s classroom, Aria stretched her arms above her head. "That was actually less boring than I thought it''d be."

    "It was pretty interesting," I agreed, keeping my enthusiasm in check. The theoretical framework behind magic fascinated me, but I knew Aria preferred hands-on learning.

    "Still," Aria grinned, "give me Seduction class any day. At least there we get to practice what we learn."

    We turned the corner toward Biology class when Valentina blocked our path, flanked by two other succubi who hovered around her like moths to a flame.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "This isn''t over," Valentina sneered, her red eyes blazing. "How dare you humiliate me like that in front of everyone?"

    "You''re doing a fine job of that yourself," I muttered under my breath.

    Valentina''s face contorted with rage. "What did you just say?"

    "Oh my, did the merchant''s daughter actually talk back?" One of Valentina''s cronies gasped.

    "Such uncouth behavior," the other chimed in. "But what can you expect from someone who associates with common succubi?"

    "You should know your place," Valentina jabbed her finger at me. "A nobody like you has no right to refuse me."

    I barely contained my laughter. Their coordinated verbal assault was straight out of a bad teen drama. But glancing at Aria, I noticed her tensing up, ready for a fight.

    "That''s quite enough." A cool voice cut through the tension.

    A silver-haired succubus approached us, her ice-blue eyes regarding Valentina''s group with casual disdain.

    Valentina''s posse exchanged uncertain glances before retreating, their leader shooting me one last venomous glare.

    "Isabella Lilitu," the newcomer introduced herself. "Some people have trouble accepting the academy''s structure. They usually come around by second year - or face the consequences." She smiled, but it didn''t reach her eyes. "I must say, I''m impressed. Not many have the courage to stand up to Valentina like that, even with the school''s protection."

    "Thank you for the help," I said carefully, studying Isabella''s elegant features. "Though I have to wonder why you stepped in."

    Isabella''s lips curved into a knowing smile. "Let''s just say Valentina and I have... differences of opinion. She parades around flaunting her family name like it''s an achievement, when she hasn''t done anything worthwhile herself."

    "And that bothers you?" Aria asked, her earlier tension melting into curiosity.

    "She''s making all purebloods look bad," Isabella''s ice-blue eyes narrowed. "Some of us actually work to earn our position. Having someone like her running around, throwing tantrums like a spoiled child... it reflects poorly on all of us."

    The realization hit me like a bucket of cold water. This wasn''t about helping us at all - it was pure politics. Isabella saw an opportunity to undermine Valentina and took it. We were just convenient pawns in their power play.

    How very... hellish.

    My thoughts drifted to my earlier confrontation. Standing up for Aria, refusing to abandon her - those weren''t typical succubus behaviors. Most would have jumped at the chance to climb the social ladder, regardless of who they had to step on.

    Well, too late to worry about that now. Besides, seeing Valentina''s face when I refused her was worth any potential complications.

    "We should head to Biology," Aria tugged at my sleeve. "Professor Tiamatha hates tardiness."

    "Of course," Isabella inclined her head gracefully. "It was a pleasure meeting you both."

    We exchanged goodbyes and hurried toward our next class, leaving Isabella and her political machinations behind.

    I collapsed onto my bed, my mind still reeling from Professor Tiamatha''s biology class. The way she casually pointed out erogenous zones on those anatomically correct models made me blush. The minotaur model was particularly... impressive.

    "Gods, I thought she''d never stop talking about orc stamina," I groaned into my pillow.

    "Are you kidding? That was fascinating!" Aria bounced onto her own bed. "Though I could''ve done without the detailed explanation of minotaur mating habits."

    "At least Math was peaceful." I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling.

    "Peaceful for you maybe." Aria propped herself up on her elbows. "How did you do that anyway? You were practically sleeping until Vox called you out."

    I tensed. I couldn''t exactly tell her that as Liam, I''d earned an engineering degree. "Just intuition, I guess. Numbers come naturally to me."

    "That''s so unfair!" Aria flopped back dramatically. "I wish I could sleep through class and still answer everything perfectly. Did you see his face when you solved that equation without even looking at the board?"

    "He did seem surprised." I smiled, remembering Professor Vox''s bewildered expression.

    "Surprised? He looked like someone had slapped him with a fish! And then he just... gave up on catching you not paying attention." Aria laughed. "Though he made poor Sylvia solve problems for the rest of the class when he caught her passing notes."

    I shrugged, trying to downplay it. "The problems weren''t that difficult."

    "Says you! I was struggling with the basics while you were having a nice nap." Aria threw a pillow at me. "Some of us actually have to study, you know."

    The door creaked open and Bellas stepped in, his muscular form glistening from whatever chores he''d been doing. My breath caught - even after our intimate encounter, seeing him nearly naked still stirred something in this succubus body.

    "Perfect timing!" Aria sat up. "Bellas, sweetie, these classes have left us so tense. Why don''t you give us both massages?"

    "Of course, Mistress." His voice was soft, melodic - typical of elves. He approached Aria first, his hands already working their magic on her shoulders.

    I watched them, conflicted. Part of me - the part that was still Liam - felt guilty about owning another person. But seeing how gently he touched Aria, remembering Valentina''s cruel smirk... At least with us, he''d be treated with some kindness.

    "Oh gods, right there," Aria moaned as Bellas worked on her back. "Lily, you have to try this. His hands are magical."

    "I... um..." I felt my face heat up.

    "Don''t be shy." Aria turned her head to look at me, her purple eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, we could have some real fun tonight. All three of us."

    My body responded eagerly to the suggestion, while my mind struggled with the implications. "I don''t know..."

    "Come on," Aria purred. "After dealing with Valentina and those boring classes, we deserve to unwind. And Bellas is so good at helping us relax, aren''t you, pet?"

    "I live to serve, Mistresses," Bellas replied, his fingers still working their magic on Aria''s shoulders.

    I swallowed hard, watching them. The succubus hunger stirred inside me again, making it harder to think straight. Part of me wanted to say yes, to give in to these new instincts. But another part still hesitated.

    I stood up abruptly, my legs shaky. "I think I need a bath. To clear my head."

    "Suit yourself." Aria stretched like a content cat under Bellas''s skilled hands. "But if you change your mind..." She let out a pleased moan. "We''ll be right here having fun once he finishes the massage."

    My throat went dry at her implications. The bathroom beckoned - an escape from the growing heat in my body. I practically fled inside, closing the door behind me with trembling hands.

    The large marble tub filled quickly. I sank into the steaming water, trying to let it wash away the burning need inside me. But even here, I could hear their voices through the door - Aria''s pleased sighs, Bellas''s soft responses.

    I dunked my head under the water. The succubus body craved touch, connection, pleasure. Fighting it felt like trying to hold back a tide with my bare hands. Was this what my existence would be now? Constant struggle between who I was and what this body wanted?

    Lilith had warned me about suppressing these urges. Said it wasn''t healthy for a succubus. But giving in felt like losing the last piece of myself - of Liam.

    A particularly loud moan from Aria made me sink even deeper into the water. My body responded traitorously, despite my attempts to ignore it.

    I stared at the ceiling, water dripping from my hair. Maybe I was fooling myself. Could anyone really fight their own nature forever? And was I only making things harder by trying?

 Chapter 7 - Slow Progress (+18)

    The warm water enveloped me, but did little to drown out the sounds filtering through the bathroom door. Aria''s moans grew louder, more urgent. My hands slid across my skin, responding to her pleasure without conscious thought.

    I yanked them away, dunking myself under the surface again. The water muffled the sounds, but my treacherous body still tingled. Every splash against my skin felt electric.

    Rising for air, I caught Bellas''s low groan. Heat pooled in my core. My fingers traced patterns on my thighs before I realized what I was doing. I jerked them away again, gripping the edges of the tub.

    The water cooled gradually. My hands wandered despite my best efforts. Each time I caught myself, pulled away, tried to focus on anything else. But the sounds, the memories of our previous encounter, the growing hunger in my body - they all conspired against my resolve.

    Hours passed like this - fighting my body''s demands while Aria''s cries of pleasure punctuated the silence. The water grew cold. My skin pruned. Still I stayed, afraid to face what waited beyond the door.

    Finally, blessed quiet fell. I waited several more minutes to be sure, then pulled myself from the tub. My legs felt weak as I dried off, wrapping the towel tight around my body.

    I cracked open the door. Dim red light from the crystals outside filtered through our window, casting everything in a crimson glow. Aria lay sprawled across our bed, one arm draped possessively over Bellas''s chest. A satisfied smile curved her lips even in sleep.

    Their clothes lay scattered across the floor. I picked my way carefully around them, trying not to wake either of my roommates. My own bed waited, cool and empty. I slipped between the sheets, curling into myself.

    The sound of their steady breathing filled the room. Despite my exhaustion, sleep felt far away. But eventually, the gentle rhythm of their breaths lulled me under.

    I found myself standing in a stark white void, but something felt different. Looking down, I saw my old body - Liam''s body. The familiar masculine form I''d known for twenty-six years.

    "Beautiful, isn''t it?" A sultry voice purred.

    I spun around and there she stood - Lily. Her white hair cascaded down her curvaceous form, red eyes gleaming with otherworldly allure.

    Her fingers traced along my chest. "All this power could be yours. These pleasures, this strength..." She pressed against me. "Just let go of who you were."

    "No!" I pushed her away. "I didn''t ask for any of this! I don''t want it!"

    "Oh?" She circled me like a predator. "This weak, mortal shell? Compare it to what you could become." Her hand caressed my face. "Such potential, wasted on human hang-ups."

    My resolve wavered for a moment as I felt the raw power emanating from her. The promise of supernatural might...

    I shook my head violently. "No. This isn''t me. I won''t accept it."

    She clicked her tongue. "Your denial changes nothing. You''re only making this harder on yourself."

    Her form began to shift - skin flushing crimson, nails extending to wicked points. Great bat wings unfurled from her back as her white hair darkened to pitch black. Hellfire wreathed her transformed figure.

    "If you won''t accept it willingly..." Her voice dropped to a demonic growl. "I''ll take what''s mine!"

    She lunged at me with supernatural speed-

    I bolted upright in bed, heart pounding. Back in Lily''s body, covered in sweat. Aria''s soft snores came from beside me. Across the room, I saw Bellas had moved to the other bed.

    As I tried to steady my breathing, a troubling thought struck me. These urges had only grown stronger the more I''d fought them. Was resistance truly the only path forward?

    I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Aria or Bellas. The urges clawed at my insides, a constant reminder of this body''s needs. I had to find answers before I lost myself completely.

    The academy halls stretched empty and silent as I made my way to the library. My heels clicked against the marble floor, echoing off the vaulted ceilings. The massive oak doors creaked open to reveal towering bookshelves that disappeared into shadows above.

    Books drifted through the air like autumn leaves, their pages rustling as they moved between shelves. The sight would have amazed me more if I wasn''t so focused on my mission.

    A pale figure caught my eye - a demoness with goat horns and a lithe frame lounged behind the main desk. Dark circles rimmed her eyes, giving her a perpetually exhausted look. Despite her obvious fatigue, there was an otherworldly beauty to her features that made my pulse quicken. I pushed the reaction aside, blaming it on my increasingly desperate state.

    "A student? At this hour?" Her monotone voice carried across the empty space. "How... unusual."

    "I needed to do some research," I approached the desk. "I''m Lily."

    "Meridia." She didn''t rise from her slouched position. "The library''s official librarian. What brings a succubus here when most of your kind are... otherwise occupied?"

    Heat crept up my neck. "I''m interested in learning more about teleportation magic. And... about succubi nature. Particularly regarding our hunger."

    "Interesting combination." Her tail swished lazily as she raised a hand. Several books pulled themselves from different sections of the library, floating down to arrange themselves neatly on a nearby reading desk. "These should cover the basics of what you''re looking for."

    I settled into a plush armchair, pulling the first book on succubus nature into my lap. The hollow ache in my core made it difficult to concentrate on the text, but I forced myself to focus. The first few chapters covered basic information I already knew - the feeding process, magical abilities, basic anatomy.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    My hands trembled as I turned the pages. The text explained how succubi used vital energies to stabilize their immense magical power. Without regular feeding, the imbalance could drive them feral. My throat went dry at the implications.

    "No, there has to be another way," I whispered, flipping through more pages with increasing desperation.

    A particular passage caught my eye. It detailed rare cases where transformed succubi retained memories of their previous lives. In these instances, the old personality would clash with new demonic instincts. Without finding balance between the two sides, these succubi inevitably descended into madness, becoming slaves to their desires.

    My stomach lurched. Was this my fate? To either give in to these urges or lose my mind fighting them?

    I scanned further, searching for any mention of a cure or permanent solution. Instead, I found warnings against suppressing the hunger for too long. Every source emphasized the same point - prolonged resistance only increased the risk of going feral.

    The description of feral succubi made my blood run cold. They became mindless creatures driven purely by lust, mating indiscriminately without concern for their partners'' wellbeing. Many victims didn''t survive the encounter.

    The book slipped from my trembling fingers. I''d been hoping to find a way to eliminate these urges completely, to return to some semblance of my old self. But according to everything I''d read, that path only led to disaster.

    I slumped back in the chair, running my fingers through my white hair. The texts were clear - there was no escaping these urges. Every attempt would only delay the inevitable, making the eventual fall that much worse.

    "Damn it all," I muttered, my tail lashing in frustration. How many times could I feed before Liam disappeared completely? My previous encounter with Bellas had felt amazing, but afterwards left me feeling further from my old self.

    My hands clenched into fists. I refused to accept this was the only path forward. There had to be another solution - some way to return to my original body. But the clock was ticking. These books made it clear that fighting these urges would only lead to losing myself entirely.

    I grabbed the tome on teleportation magic, forcing myself to focus despite the gnawing hunger. The sooner I found answers about interdimensional travel, the better chance I had of escaping this situation entirely. My engineering background helped me grasp the complex magical formulas, but there was still so much ground to cover.

    A shiver ran through me as another wave of need hit. I gritted my teeth, trying to ignore it. Time was running out - I could feel my control slipping with each passing hour. If I didn''t find answers soon...

    I shook my head sharply. No point dwelling on worst-case scenarios. The solution had to be here somewhere in these books. I just needed to keep searching, keep studying, before this body''s desires consumed what remained of who I used to be.

    My fingers traced over the intricate diagrams showing ley line convergences and planar intersections. Somewhere in all this arcane knowledge lay my ticket home. I just had to find it before it was too late.

    I gathered the books and returned them to Meridia, who barely looked up from her own reading. My footsteps echoed through the empty library as I made my way to the exit, my mind heavy with what I''d learned.

    The corridors were still quiet, though I could hear distant movement as early risers began their day. My tail dragged behind me, matching my dejected mood. The research had only confirmed my fears - there was no escaping these urges without risking my sanity.

    I paused by a window, watching the eternal twilight of Hell''s sky. The hunger gnawed at my core, a constant reminder of what I''d become. The memory of feeding from Bellas flickered through my mind, sending an unwanted surge of arousal through my body.

    "I can''t keep fighting this forever," I whispered to my reflection in the glass. The beautiful demoness staring back seemed like a stranger, yet her needs were becoming harder to ignore. The texts were clear - resist too long and I''d lose myself completely.

    My fingers traced the cool glass. "Just enough to stay sane," I promised myself. "Nothing more." Maybe if I approached it clinically, treated it like a necessary medical procedure, I could maintain some distance from these demonic urges.

    But even as I made that resolution, another part of me remembered how good it felt to give in, to let those instincts take control. I shook my head sharply. No. I was still Liam inside, regardless of this body''s desires. I just needed to find balance until I could figure out a way home.

    The walk back to my room felt longer than usual. Each step brought me closer to what I knew needed to happen, even as part of me still rebelled against the idea. The engineering student I used to be would never have imagined ending up in this situation.

    I opened our door to find Aria already awake, lounging on her bed in a sheer nightgown. Bellas knelt beside her, his muscled form bare except for those nipple rings.

    "There you are!" Aria''s eyes lit up. "I was just thinking we could have some morning fun before classes. Care to join us?"

    My throat went dry as I looked at them both. The hunger surged, nearly overwhelming my resolve to keep control. But maybe this was better - get it over with now, on my own terms, rather than waiting until the need grew too strong to resist.

    "I..." I swallowed hard, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Alright."

    "Perfect!" Aria purred, patting the bed beside her.

    I approached slowly, trying to ignore how my body trembled with anticipation. Just enough to stay sane, I reminded myself. Just enough to keep control. This time I wouldn''t let the instincts take over completely.

    But as I sat down and Aria''s fingers traced my arm, I wondered if I was only fooling myself.

    I carefully disentangled myself from the pile of limbs on the bed. My skin still tingled from our earlier activities, but my mind felt clearer than before. This time I hadn''t lost control completely - I''d been present, aware. The succubus instincts had guided rather than overwhelmed me.

    Bellas lay sprawled across the sheets, his chest rising and falling steadily. Despite his exhaustion, his eyes tracked my movements. The sight of his well-muscled form sent a fresh wave of heat through me, but it wasn''t the all-consuming need from before.

    "Going somewhere?" Aria''s voice was thick with satisfaction.

    "Shower," I mumbled, grabbing a towel. "We have classes soon."

    I hurried to the bathroom, closing the door behind me. The warm water helped wash away the evidence of our encounter, but couldn''t erase the memories. Or the fact that I''d enjoyed it. Really enjoyed it.

    The thought should have horrified me more. This wasn''t who I was supposed to be. Yet when I''d stopped fighting so hard against the instincts, let them guide me without taking over completely...

    The bathroom door clicked open. Before I could protest, Aria slipped into the shower behind me, her hands sliding around my waist.

    "You''re still so tense," she murmured, fingers kneading my shoulders. "Even after all that fun."

    I tried to step away but found myself leaning into her touch instead. "I''m fine."

    "Mmm, no you''re not." Her hands moved lower, cupping my breasts. "Let me help you relax properly."

    "Aria-" My protest cut off in a gasp as her fingers found sensitive spots.

    She pressed closer, her lips brushing my neck. "Stop overthinking everything."

    Her touch was different than before - gentler, more focused. One hand traced patterns across my stomach while the other slid between my thighs. I should have stopped her. Instead, I turned my head to meet her kiss.

    Our tongues tangled as her fingers worked their magic. She seemed to know exactly where to touch, how much pressure to use. My hips moved of their own accord, chasing the pleasure she offered.

    "That''s it," she purred against my lips. "Just feel."

    My breath came faster as she increased her pace. The water cascaded over us both as she pressed me against the shower wall. Her free hand roamed my body, finding every sensitive spot.

    The climax built slowly this time, without the frantic edge of demonic hunger. When it finally crashed over me, my cry echoed off the bathroom walls.

    Aria held me as I caught my breath, her touch turning soothing rather than arousing. "Better?"

    I nodded, unable to deny how much more relaxed I felt. She might be a succubus, but in her own twisted way she was trying to help.

    "Good." She kissed my shoulder. "Now let''s get ready for class before we''re late."

    I followed her out of the shower, wrapping myself in a towel. The internal conflict wasn''t gone - I still needed to find a way back to my old life. But maybe fighting these urges so hard was doing more harm than good.

    We dressed quickly, gathering our books for the day ahead. As we left our room, I caught sight of Bellas starting his morning cleaning routine. The sight brought a flush to my cheeks, but the shame was less intense than before.

 Chapter 8 - Self-Discovery

    I gathered my notes from Professor Morrigan''s desk, tucking them into my bag. The class had been particularly intense today, focusing on advanced mana manipulation techniques.

    "That was amazing!" Aria bounced beside me as we left the classroom. "Did you see how she made that spell matrix float?"

    I nodded absently, more focused on the surprising lack of hollow emptiness in my core. After our morning activities, the gnawing hunger that had plagued me hadn''t returned.

    "And when she demonstrated the resonance between different mana types-" Aria continued her excited chatter while I pondered this development.

    Could it be that actually embracing these urges, rather than fighting them, helped maintain better control? The thought both relieved and troubled me.

    "Well, if it isn''t the merchant''s daughter and her pet commoner." Valentina''s sneer cut through my contemplation. She blocked our path, flanked by her usual followers.

    "I heard you''re still keeping that elf slave. Probably the only way you could get anyone to touch you." Her painted lips curled in disgust.

    I touched Aria''s arm as she tensed beside me. "Just keep walking."

    "Don''t you dare ignore me!" Valentina''s voice rose. "You think you''re special? You''re nothing but a low-born pretender!"

    We continued past her, my grip on Aria''s arm keeping her moving forward.

    "This isn''t over!" Valentina''s shrill voice followed us. "You''ll learn your place soon enough!"

    Only when we reached our room did Aria''s shoulders relax. "I swear I''m gonna burn that face of hers one day."

    I sank onto my bed, considering the morning''s revelations. The way I''d let go, allowed myself to experience rather than resist... Perhaps fighting so hard against my nature had been making everything worse.

    "You seem different today," Aria perched on the edge of her own bed. "More... peaceful?"

    "Maybe I am." I stretched, noting how much clearer my thoughts felt. "This morning helped, I think."

    "I''m just glad you''re finally loosening up." Aria''s smile held genuine warmth. "You''ve been so tense since you arrived. I know adjusting to a new environment must be difficult."

    If she only knew how different my "environment" truly was. "Yes, it''s been... challenging."

    "Well, that''s what friends are for." She flopped back on her bed. "To help you relax and feel at home."

    I smiled despite myself. She might be a demon, but she felt surprisingly genuine. "Thank you, Aria. Really."

    The irony wasn''t lost on me - here I was, finding comfort in a succubus while trying to maintain my human identity. But maybe accepting some parts of this new existence didn''t mean completely losing myself.

    "Of course!" Aria rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands. "Though I expect you to return the favour when I''m struggling with Professor Vox''s impossible equations."

    I woke to the familiar ache in my core, but something felt different. The hunger that had previously threatened to overwhelm me now felt more like a distant pulse - present but controlled.

    Sunlight from the crystal dome filtered through our window as I sat up, stretching my wings before letting them fade. Across the room, Aria was already up, humming while she brushed her short black hair.

    "Morning, sleepyhead." She winked at me through the mirror. "Had some interesting dreams? You were making quite lovely sounds."

    Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I don''t remember."

    "Shame." Aria slipped into her uniform, the fabric clinging to her curves. "We''ve got Moira''s class first today. Better not be late."

    I summoned my own uniform from the ring, the magic tingling against my skin as the clothes materialized. The hunger stirred at the sensation but remained manageable. Perhaps this was what proper feeding did - kept the urges in check without suppressing them entirely.

    "Has Bellas already left?" I asked, noticing our slave''s absence.

    "Sent him to eat some breakfast." Aria adjusted her top. "Though I wouldn''t mind having him for breakfast instead."

    I rolled my eyes at her suggestive tone while pulling on my boots. The casual way she talked about such things still caught me off guard.

    "Come on." I grabbed my bag. "We really shouldn''t keep Professor Moira waiting."

    "Always so proper." Aria linked her arm through mine as we headed out. "But I suppose that''s part of your charm."

    We made our way through the Academy''s corridors, other students filtering toward their morning classes. The hunger remained a steady presence, but for the first time since awakening in this body, I felt truly in control.

    I stared at my plate, watching purple tentacles writhe and curl around each other. The cafeteria''s ambient chatter faded as I debated whether I should actually attempt to eat this... thing.

    "You''re not scared of food, are you?" Aria grinned, already halfway through her own squirming portion.

    "It''s moving." I poked one tentacle with my fork. It wrapped around the tines.

    "That''s the best part! Fresh and full of energy." She popped another in her mouth. "Come on, where''s your sense of adventure?"

    Taking a deep breath, I speared one tentacle and quickly brought it to my lips. The moment it touched my tongue, an explosion of flavors hit me - sweet, savory, and something entirely otherworldly.

    "See? Not so bad." Aria watched me devour the rest with obvious amusement.

    After finishing our meals, Aria pulled out her notebook with a groan. "Speaking of things that wiggle and make no sense - help me with Vox''s homework?"

    "Sure." I shifted closer as she spread the equations across the table. "Look, you just need to isolate x on one side..."If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "But why does x need to be alone? Can''t it bring friends?"

    I bit back a laugh. "Think of it like hunting - you want to corner your prey, right? Same principle."

    "Oh!" Her eyes lit up. "So we''re stalking x?"

    "Exactly. Now try this one yourself."

    Aria bent over the paper, tongue poking out in concentration. After a moment, she solved the equation correctly.

    "That''s it! You''ve got it."

    "How are you so good at this stuff?"

    Before I could answer, a shadow fell across our table. Valentina loomed over us, flanked by her usual group of followers.

    "Teaching tricks to your pet?" She sneered, gripping a glass of dark liquid. "How charitable."

    "Go away, Valentina." Aria''s voice hardened.

    "Make me." Valentina raised her glass, but before she could tip it, my hand shot out and caught her wrist.

    We both froze in surprise. I hadn''t consciously decided to move - my body had simply reacted.

    Valentina tried to pull free, her face reddening with effort, but my grip remained firm. The strength in my delicate fingers shocked me as much as it did her.

    Startled by my own power, I released her. Valentina stumbled backward, the drink splashing across her expensive outfit. Dark liquid dripped down her front as gasps and snickers erupted around us.

    "You-" Her face contorted with rage. "You''ll regret this!"

    She stormed off, her followers scurrying after her like scattered rats.

    "That was amazing!" Aria collapsed into giggles. "Did you see her face? Priceless!"

    I stared at my hand, still processing what had happened. "I didn''t mean to-"

    "Are you kidding? It was perfect! Now," she tapped her notebook, "show me how to hunt down this next x before I lose my momentum."

    We left the canteen, my mind still fixated on that moment with Valentina. I flexed my fingers, studying the delicate hand that had displayed such unexpected strength.

    "I can''t believe you did that." Aria skipped beside me. "Though Valentina''s probably plotting revenge right now. She''s not the type to let things go."

    "Too late to worry about it now." I shrugged, dropping my hand. "We''ll deal with whatever comes our way."

    "Just like that?" Aria raised an eyebrow.

    "Just like that."

    We reached our room, and Aria immediately flopped onto her bed. "You know what would really piss her off? If we showed up to class tomorrow in the latest hellfire silk. The boutiques in the Crystal District just got their new collections."

    I settled at my desk, half-listening as she rattled off designers and trends.

    "Oh! That''s it!" Aria bolted upright. "We should go shopping! Right now!"

    "I''ve got plenty of clothes." I gestured at my wardrobe.

    "But these are all basics." She wrinkled her nose. "Come on, your family''s loaded. Not all of us come from merchant money, you know. Besides," she grinned, "you can never have too many outfits."

    I sighed, knowing resistance was futile. "Fine."

    "Yes!" She bounced off the bed and turned to Bellas, who was organizing our bookshelf. "We''re heading out for a bit. Keep the room tidy?"

    "Of course, Mistress." He bowed slightly.

    The marketplace sprawled before us, an endless sea of stalls under crystalline formations that cast rainbow shadows across the obsidian streets. Demons of every shape and size haggled over wares, their voices creating a constant buzz of activity.

    "This is going to be amazing!" Aria grabbed my arm, practically vibrating with excitement.

    "It''s just clothes shopping," I muttered, but she''d already dragged me toward the first stall.

    "Look at this!" She held up what appeared to be wisps of smoke somehow woven into fabric. "Shadowspun silk. It''s the latest trend."

    The merchant, a horned demon with scales instead of skin, nodded eagerly. "An excellent choice for a young succubus. Perhaps the lady would like to try it on?"

    Before I could protest, Aria had shoved me behind a curtain with the garment. "Put it on! I want to see how it looks."

    I emerged wearing what felt like wearing nothing at all. The fabric moved like liquid shadow across my skin.

    "Perfect!" Aria clapped her hands. "We''re definitely getting that one."

    "It''s practically see-through-"

    "That''s the point, silly." She was already pulling me toward another stall. "Oh! Hellfire heels!"

    The shoes gleamed like polished obsidian, with impossibly tall stiletto heels that seemed to be made of actual flames.

    "Absolutely not," I crossed my arms.

    "Just try them on." Aria pouted. "For me?"

    "No."

    "Please?"

    "No."

    "Pretty please with souls on top?"

    I groaned. "Fine. One pair."

    The moment I slipped them on, something strange happened. My body shifted naturally, finding perfect balance. Each step felt more graceful than the last, as if I''d worn heels my entire life.

    "See?" Aria smirked. "Your legs were made for these."

    "They do feel... surprisingly comfortable," I admitted, then quickly added, "But I''m still not buying them."

    "What? Why not?"

    Because it felt like surrendering another piece of Liam, I wanted to say. Instead, I shrugged. "They''re not practical."

    "Since when are succubi practical?" She rolled her eyes. "Fine, be boring. But we''re getting that shadowspun dress."

    The next hour became a blur of fabric and fitting rooms. Aria thrust outfit after outfit at me - each more revealing than the last.

    "Try this one!" She handed me something that sparkled like starlight.

    "There''s barely enough material here to make a handkerchief."

    "That''s the beauty of it!"

    I lost count of how many stores we visited. My feet should have been killing me in these heels, but they weren''t. If anything, they enhanced every movement.

    "What about this?" Aria held up a crimson number that seemed to be made entirely of straps.

    "Where would I even wear that?"

    "Everywhere! Nowhere! Does it matter?"

    Finally, I settled on the shadowspun dress - the most modest option she''d shown me. At least it created the illusion of coverage, even if it left little to imagination.

    "You''re no fun," Aria sighed as I paid for it. "But at least it''s something. Now, about those shoes-"

    "Still no."

    "But you move like a dream in them! Even better than most succubi I know."

    For a moment, I wavered. She wasn''t wrong - these heels felt natural, like they were part of me. But that was exactly why I couldn''t buy them. It was one thing to adapt to this body''s necessities, another to embrace its every whim.

    "Maybe another time," I said, stepping out of the heels with reluctance I hoped she didn''t notice.

    "Spoilsport." She stuck out her tongue. "Ooh, is that leather made from hellhound hide? We have to check it out!"

    As she dragged me toward yet another stall, I caught my reflection in a mirror. The shadowspun dress moved like smoke around my curves, and for a split second, I couldn''t tell where the fabric ended and my skin began. I quickly looked away, trying to ignore how right it felt.

    "Come on, slowpoke!" Aria called. "There''s a whole section we haven''t explored yet!"

    "You''re enjoying this way too much," I grumbled, following her.

    "Someone has to make up for your complete lack of enthusiasm." She grinned. "Now, what do you think about corsets made from dragon scales?"

    "They look rather tight," I said, eyeing the dragon scale corset with apprehension.

    "That''s the point! Everything''s supposed to be tight." Aria held it up against herself. "Don''t you want to try more things on?"

    I clutched my single shadowspun purchase closer. "One piece is plenty."

    "You''re impossible." She sighed dramatically but brightened immediately. "Well, if you won''t shop anymore, at least help me look!"

    I followed her through the marketplace, watching as she flitted from stall to stall like a particularly enthusiastic butterfly. Her excitement was infectious, and I found myself smiling despite myself.

    She stopped at a stall displaying dresses made from what looked like liquid starlight, her eyes fixed on one particular piece. Her shoulders slumped as she checked the price tag.

    "Too expensive," she mumbled, turning away with uncharacteristic dejection.

    I glanced at the dress, then at Aria''s downcast expression. The ring Lilith gave me held enough soul coins to buy half the market. "I''ll get it for you."

    Her head snapped up. "What? No, I couldn''t-"

    "I insist." I was already pulling out the coins.

    "You''re really loaded, aren''t you?" She hugged me tightly after I paid. "I''m so lucky to have such a generous friend!"

    Friend. The word sparked something warm in my chest. Despite everything - the situation, the lies, the constant internal struggle - I realized I was genuinely happy to be her friend too.

    It struck me then how... normal these demons could be. Aria''s joy over a new dress, her genuine gratitude, the way she expressed friendship - it all felt so human. If I ignored the casual mentions of souls as currency and the complete disregard for mortal life, I could almost forget where I was.

    Then again, didn''t humans treat animals the same way? Wearing their skins, eating their meat, using them for-

    I shook my head violently. That was a dangerous line of thinking.

    "Can we head back?" Aria asked, arms laden with packages. "My space ring only holds two outfits, and these bags are getting heavy."

    "You can store them in mine," I offered. "There''s plenty of room."

    "Really? You''re the best!" She started handing me her purchases. "But don''t think this means we''re done for the day."

    I paused in the middle of storing her clothes. "What do you mean?"

    Her grin turned mischievous. "We''re going clubbing! New outfits need to be shown off."

    "Aria-"

    "No arguments!" She linked her arm through mine. "You''ve been such a good friend today, now let me return the favour by making sure you have some fun!"

 Chapter 9 - Tea Invitation

    I stumbled through the Academy''s halls with Aria, my head still buzzing from the club''s atmosphere. The clicking of our heels echoed off the stone walls.

    "You''re such a prude," Aria pouted, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "That orgy would''ve been amazing. Did you see how many hot demons were there?"

    "I told you that you could go without me." I brushed back my white hair, trying not to think about the writhing mass of bodies I''d glimpsed before dragging Aria away.

    "And leave my best friend alone? What kind of succubus would I be?" She bumped her arm against mine. "A terrible one, that''s what."

    I let out a long sigh. The halls were mostly empty at this hour, with only the occasional student hurrying past.

    "Well, well. If it isn''t my favourite classmates."

    We both froze at the familiar voice. Valentina stepped out from behind a column, her blonde hair perfect as always.

    "What do you want?" Aria''s voice turned cold.

    Valentina held up her hands. "Peace, actually. I''ve been thinking about our... disagreements. I''d like to make amends."

    I raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

    "Yes. Would you both join me for tea in the gardens tomorrow?" Her red eyes seemed sincere, but something felt off.

    I glanced at Aria, who looked as sceptical as I felt. After a moment''s hesitation, I nodded. "Alright."

    "Wonderful." Valentina''s smile was dazzling. "I''ll see you both after classes." She turned and walked away, her hips swaying.

    When we finally reached our room, Aria flopped onto her bed. "There''s no way she''s sincere."

    "Of course not." I sat on my own bed. "Question is, what''s she planning?"

    "Could be poison," Aria mused, rolling onto her stomach. "Or she''ll try to humiliate us somehow."

    "We should be careful." I kicked off my shoes. "Very careful."

    I paced our dorm room, my tail swishing back and forth with nervous energy. Classes had finished, and Valentina''s "tea invitation" loomed ahead.

    "We could just not go," I suggested, watching Aria fix her makeup in the mirror.

    "And let her think we''re scared?" Aria''s violet eyes met mine in the reflection. "She''d never let us live it down."

    "Better than walking into whatever she''s planning." I stopped pacing and crossed my arms. "You said it yourself - it could be poison."

    Aria turned around, leaning against the dresser. "Please, she''s not that stupid. Poisoning other students would get her expelled faster than you can say ''succubus.'' No, she''s planning something else."

    "Like what?"

    "Probably trying to embarrass us. Or maybe she invited some of her pureblood friends to mock us." Aria shrugged. "But if we don''t show up, she wins."

    I knew she had a point. Running away would only make things worse. "Fine. But we leave at the first sign of trouble."

    "Deal." Aria grinned. "Besides, there''s two of us and one of her. What''s the worst that could happen?"

    "Don''t say that," I groaned. "That''s exactly what people say before everything goes wrong."

    "Now you''re just being paranoid." Aria grabbed my arm. "Come on, let''s get this over with. But first..." She reached into her drawer and pulled out a small vial. "Antidote. Just in case."

    I took the vial, tucking it into my uniform pocket. "Where did you even get this?"

    "Let''s just say I''ve dealt with nasty purebloods before." She winked. "Ready?"

    I nodded, squaring my shoulders. "Ready. But remember - first sign of trouble..."

    "We''re out of there," Aria finished. "Now let''s go see what our favourite pureblood has planned for us."

    I followed Aria through the Academy gardens, my nerves on edge. The usual bustle of students was notably absent, leaving only the gentle rustling of hellfire flowers in their eternal dance.

    "This is weird," I muttered, scanning the eerily empty paths.

    In the garden''s centre stood an ornate table with three delicate chairs. Valentina sat there like a queen holding court, surrounded by five other succubi. Her red eyes lit up when she spotted us, her lips curling into something that wasn''t quite a smile.

    Aria leaned close to me. "I really don''t like this."

    "Me neither." I turned to leave. "Let''s go."

    We spun around only to find our path blocked by another group of students. My heart sank as I realized we were surrounded.

    "Leaving so soon?" Valentina''s voice dripped with false sweetness. "I''m afraid it''s too late for that."

    Everything happened at once. Two succubi grabbed Aria while four others seized me. Despite their numbers, they struggled to hold me down. My newfound strength surprised even me as I nearly broke free several times before they finally managed to restrain me.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    "You brought this on yourselves," Valentina stood, circling us like a predator. "If you''d just learned your proper place, this could have been so much easier."

    "The Academy won''t stand for this," I spat, still straining against my captors.

    Valentina laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Oh please. I''m a pureblood. The worst I''ll get is a slap on the wrist. Besides..." She paused for dramatic effect. "You''re going to do everything yourselves."

    "What are you talking about?" Aria demanded.

    "See that plant there?" Valentina pointed to a twisted vine bearing luminescent purple flowers. "Its nectar is quite special. In the right dose, it can turn a succubus completely feral for hours." She ran a finger down my cheek. "These tragic accidents happen from time to time, unaware succubi wandering into the wrong part of the garden..."

    My blood ran cold as I realized her plan.

    "You''ll both beg me for release in front of everyone," she purred. "It''ll be the perfect payback for my humiliation."

    One of her followers plucked a flower and approached with the glowing nectar. I struggled harder, but couldn''t break free. Just as they were about to force the nectar down my throat, a familiar voice cut through the garden.

    "What exactly is going on here?"

    Professor Moira stood at the garden entrance, her eyes blazing with controlled fury.

    The succubi holding us froze. Even Valentina looked shaken for a moment before recovering her composure.

    "Professor! We were just having tea-"

    "Save it." Moira''s voice could have frozen hellfire. "Release them. Now."

    The grip on my arms vanished instantly. I stumbled forward, catching my balance while Aria rubbed her wrists beside me.

    "Everyone except Miss Morgenstern, Miss Nightstar, and Miss Ariasielle - leave. Now." Moira''s command sent the other succubi scattering like roaches in daylight.

    Valentina''s perfect mask cracked as she realized she was alone. For the first time since I''d met her, real fear flickered across her face.

    "Professor, I can explain-"

    "Oh, you''ll explain alright." Moira''s smile was razor-sharp. "In detail. To the Headmistress."

    I sat stiffly in the ornate chair before Headmistress Valencia''s massive desk, Aria to my right and Valentina to my left. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

    "Let me get this straight," Valencia''s voice remained eerily calm as she steepled her fingers. "You attempted to drug two of your fellow students with feral-inducing nectar?"

    "They deserved it!" Valentina burst out. "That commoner dared to embarrass me in front of-"

    "Silence." The single word cracked like a whip. Valencia''s eyes blazed with barely contained fury. "You endangered other students. In my Academy."

    "But I''m a pureblood! You can''t-"

    "I can and I will." Valencia rose from her seat, her presence filling the room. "This may be Hell, Miss Morgenstern, but in my Academy, we have rules. Standards. And you have violated them spectacularly."

    Valentina''s face twisted in outrage. "My family will hear about this!"

    "By all means, tell them." Valencia''s smile was glacial. "Tell them how you failed to properly subjugate two ''lesser'' succubi and got caught in the process. I''m sure they''ll be thrilled."

    That shut Valentina up. Her face went pale as the implications sank in.

    "As punishment, you will assist the cleaning staff for the next month. Manual labour, no magic."

    "What?" Valentina shrieked, jumping to her feet. "You can''t make me work with slaves! I''m a pureblood! This is beneath me!"

    "Would you prefer suspension?" Valencia''s voice dropped dangerously low. "Because I assure you, that can be arranged. And I don''t care if you''re Lilith''s daughter herself - in these halls, you will follow my rules or you will leave. Your choice."

    Valentina collapsed back into her chair, seething with impotent rage.

    "Ladies," Valencia turned to Aria and me, her expression softening slightly. "I apologize for this incident. You may go. Miss Morgenstern and I need to have a longer discussion about proper behaviour."

    We didn''t need to be told twice. Aria and I practically bolted for the door, Valentina''s furious glare burning into our backs.

    "That was intense," Aria whispered once we were in the hallway.

    Before I could respond, Moira appeared beside us. "Miss Nightstar, a word please?"

    Aria squeezed my hand before heading off, leaving me alone with Moira. She led me to an empty classroom, closing the door behind us.

    "You need to be more careful," she said without preamble. "Your mother would skin me alive if anything happened to you."

    I shifted uncomfortably. "It wasn''t that dangerous-"

    "Wasn''t it?" Moira arched an eyebrow. "Do you know what that nectar does to Lilim?"

    "I... no?"

    "It doesn''t make them feral. Instead, it amplifies their dominant nature. Their need to control, to subjugate." She fixed me with a stern look. "You would have dominated everyone in that garden, including your friend Aria. Your true nature would have been exposed to the entire school."

    My stomach dropped as I processed this information. "Oh."

    "Yes, ''oh.'' You''re not just any succubus, Lily. You''re not even just any pureblood. You''re a Lilim, daughter of Lilith and Lucifer themselves. Your powers are far beyond what anyone here could imagine."

    "I didn''t know," I said weakly.

    "Which is why you need to be more vigilant. More careful." Moira''s expression softened. "I promised your mother I''d keep you safe, but I can''t do that if you walk into obvious traps."

    "I understand." And I did. The thought of losing control, of exposing myself made me feel sick. "It won''t happen again."

    "See that it doesn''t." Moira opened the door. "Now go. Your friend is probably worried."

    I nodded and left, my mind spinning with this new information. Another reminder of how little I truly knew about this body I inhabited, and how dangerous that ignorance could be.

    I followed Aria back to our dorm room, my mind still reeling from the day''s events. As soon as the door closed behind us, she flopped onto her bed with a dramatic sigh.

    "I just can''t believe it," Aria stared at the ceiling. "I mean, I knew Valentina was awful, but trying to drug us? That''s low even for Hell''s standards."

    "Yeah." I sat on the edge of my bed, watching Bellas fold some clothes in the corner. The elf''s presence was a constant reminder of Hell''s true nature.

    Aria rolled onto her side, propping her head up. "You know what''s really messed up? If we weren''t at the Academy, she probably would have gotten away with it." She shuddered. "Headmistress Valencia is the only reason purebloods like her can''t just do whatever they want here."

    The truth in her words hit home. Valencia''s office had been a brief glimpse of order in a realm of chaos. "Outside these walls, Hell is still Hell," I muttered.

    "Exactly." Aria sat up, running fingers through her black hair. "Ugh, this whole thing has killed my mood. I don''t even feel like playing with Bellas tonight." She glanced at our slave apologetically. "No offense, sweetie."

    "None taken, Mistress," Bellas replied softly.

    Aria stretched, her wings unfurling slightly. "Though I wouldn''t say no to a nice warm bath with you, Lily. Help wash away this awful day?"

    I considered the offer. After everything that happened, some relaxation did sound appealing. "That actually sounds perfect."

    "Great!" Aria bounced up, her usual energy returning. "Bellas, be a dear and draw us a bath?"

    "Of course, Mistress." The elf headed to the bathroom, and soon we heard water running.

    "You know," Aria said as we gathered our bath supplies, "I''m really glad you''re my roommate, Lily. Most other succubi would have thrown me under the bus the moment Valentina showed interest in them."

    Her sincerity caught me off guard. "I wouldn''t do that to you."

    She smiled, genuine warmth in her purple eyes. "I know. That''s what makes you special."

    The bathroom was filled with steam when we entered, the large black marble tub already full of perfectly heated water. I tried not to think about how natural it felt now to undress in front of others as we slipped into the bath.

    The warm water was exactly what we needed, washing away the tension of the day. We settled in, Aria''s wing occasionally brushing against my arm as we found comfortable positions.

    "Tomorrow will be better," Aria said softly. "At least Valentina will be too busy scrubbing floors to bother us."

    I smiled at that mental image. "Small victories."

 Chapter 10 - Magic

    I walked beside Aria, stretching my arms overhead as we left Professor Nieve''s classroom. "I swear, that wasn''t yoga. Half those positions were straight out of the Kama Sutra."

    "That''s what makes it fun," Aria grinned, her violet eyes sparkling. "Can you imagine just doing normal stretches? Bo-ring. At least this way we learn flexibility that matters."

    "Of course you''d say that." I rolled my eyes, though my lips twitched into a smile.

    As we made our way down the Academy''s dark corridors, Aria nudged my shoulder. "Hey, have you noticed how Valentina''s been acting? She barely even looks our way anymore."

    I glanced around, making sure the pureblood wasn''t lurking nearby. "You''re right. No snide comments, no glares..."

    "Valencia must have really put the fear into her." Aria adjusted her books. "Not that I''m complaining."

    "It''s definitely for the best," I said, remembering how close we''d come to being drugged. "After what she tried to pull with that nectar..."

    "Ugh, don''t remind me." Aria shuddered. "Come on, we''ll be late for Magicraft."

    My steps quickened at the mention of Professor Morrigan''s class. Finally, we were moving beyond basic theory. The sooner I understood how to tap into this body''s magical abilities, the better my chances of finding answers about my situation.

    "Someone''s eager," Aria teased as we hurried along.

    "I just find it fascinating," I replied, which wasn''t entirely a lie. Understanding how magic worked could be the key to everything.

    We slipped into Professor Morrigan''s classroom just as the bell rang, finding seats near the middle. The raven-haired succubus stood at the front, her crimson lips curved in a knowing smile.

    "Today marks a shift in our curriculum," she announced, her fingers trailing along her desk. "We''ll be combining theory with practical application."

    A ripple of excitement coursed through the room. Even I sat up straighter, eager to finally work with magic directly.

    "As you''re all aware, succubi possess natural affinity for arcane magic, particularly illusions and fire." Professor Morrigan''s gaze swept across the classroom. "Your instincts guide you in these areas without conscious thought."

    She paused, picking up a crystal from her desk. "However, this innate talent becomes a double-edged sword when learning other forms of magic. The more you rely on instinct, the harder it becomes to master unfamiliar aspects."

    A few students shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Aria''s usual confident smile faltered slightly.

    "Some might suggest starting with magic that aligns with your natural abilities." Professor Morrigan shook her head. "But that would only reinforce bad habits. Instead, we''ll focus on water and transmutation magic - areas that run counter to your instincts. This way, you''ll develop proper technique rather than letting your nature do the work for you."

    Professor Morrigan paced before the class, her yellow eyes gleaming. "There are two primary methods of spellcasting - external and internal mana circulation."

    She traced her finger through the air, leaving a faint trail of light. "Mortal mages, due to their limited lifespans, typically favour external manipulation. They form magic circles outside their bodies."

    "This approach has its merits. You can observe the mana circulation pattern directly, and you don''t need to account for your body''s natural mana flow interfering with the spell making it easier to learn."

    Her expression turned serious. "However, it comes with a significant drawback. Since the spell formula is visible, any experienced mage can recognize and counter it."

    Raising her palm, she demonstrated. Glowing runes materialized above her hand, arranging themselves in concentric circles. Water coalesced in the centre, forming a perfect sphere suspended by rotating rings of arcane script.

    "Now observe the difference with internal circulation." The water orb dissipated as she continued. "This method is favoured by long-lived mortals and, fortunately for you all, comes naturally to succubi."

    I leaned forward, intrigued. This meant this body''s instincts could help me with that.

    "Don''t get too comfortable though," she warned. "While you may instinctively know how to circulate mana internally, directing it to achieve specific effects requires conscious control and practice."

    Without warning or visible preparation, another water orb appeared above her palm. No runes, no circles - it simply manifested.

    "Notice how there was no indication I was casting until the spell manifested? Only those with an awakened third eye can detect internal circulation. They can see the flow of mana itself."

    A student near the front raised her hand. "But Professor, we can see the mana in magic circles without a third eye."

    "Ah." Morrigan smiled. "What you''re seeing isn''t actually mana, but rather light produced by excess mana ''evaporating'' during the spell. A truly perfect circle would be invisible to those without a third eye." She shrugged. "Though perfect efficiency remains theoretical - there''s always some energy loss."

    I wrote frantically, trying to capture every detail. If I could master internal circulation, perhaps I could find a way back and figure out what happened to me.

    Professor Morrigan turned to the blackboard, her chalk scratching against its surface as she drew an intricate pattern. Curved lines intersected with straight ones, forming what looked like a complex geometric structure.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    "This is the internal formula for conjuring water," she explained, tapping specific points in the diagram. "While the formula provides the framework, your will shapes the outcome. Think of it as a blueprint - knowing what it looks like isn''t enough. You must understand how to build it."

    Her fingers traced along the lines. "The mana should flow through these pathways. Notice how it spirals inward before branching out? This creates the necessary pressure differential."

    She paused, scanning our faces. "I know your instincts are screaming to do this differently. Ignore them. Learning proper technique now will serve you better in the long run."

    Turning back to face us, she clapped her hands together. "Now, it''s your turn. Don''t be discouraged if you only manage a few drops - that''s normal for beginners. You have until the end of class to practice."

    As soon as she finished speaking, the room filled with sighs and frustrated mutters. A few students managed to produce thin wisps of mist, but most just sat there with furrowed brows and clenched fists.

    I stared at the formula, something nagging at my mind. The pattern seemed familiar, but I couldn''t place why. Perhaps it related to something from my engineering studies? I pushed the thought aside - I needed to focus on the task at hand.

    But how exactly did one manipulate mana? Everyone else seemed to know instinctively, making it impossible to ask without seeming suspicious. I closed my eyes, trying to sense... anything.

    Nothing. Just darkness.

    Frustration bubbled up inside me. Why did these demonic instincts only kick in for embarrassing situations? When I actually needed them, they remained stubbornly silent.

    I sat still, listening, feeling, searching for several minutes. Then I noticed it - a constant hum throughout my body, so ever-present I''d completely tuned it out.

    My instincts suddenly surged forward, and the energy responded like an extension of myself. It moved and flowed, following my will as naturally as lifting an arm or leg.

    It was like finally noticing the ticking of a clock you''d been hearing all along. The energy had always been there - I just hadn''t been aware of it.

    I could feel different paths the energy could take, each leading to different types of magic. These weren''t academic formulas but pure instinct, like knowing how to walk without understanding the mechanics of muscle movement.

    Now I just had to figure out how to actually move the mana according to the formula on the board.

    I focused on the pattern Professor Morrigan had drawn, willing my mana to flow according to the prescribed paths. My instincts fought against it - they wanted to take shortcuts, to bend the energy in ways that felt more natural. But I persisted, forcing the mana to follow the exact route shown on the board.

    After several attempts, I managed to trace the pattern perfectly. The energy flowed smoothly through each point, but nothing happened except for a slight cooling sensation in my fingertips.

    I repeated the process, refining my control with each attempt until moving the mana became effortless. A small cloud of mist appeared above my palm - progress, but not quite what we were aiming for.

    Frowning, I examined my technique. The pattern was perfect, so what was missing? I pushed more mana through the paths. The mist grew thicker, spreading further from my hand.

    "At least you''re getting something," Aria said beside me.

    Her words barely registered as I pondered the problem. More mana produced bigger effects, but it felt inefficient. Then I remembered Professor Morrigan''s earlier lesson about Arcane Magic - how it forced reality to conform to your will.

    I''d been treating this like a mathematical equation, expecting results from correct inputs. But that wasn''t enough. I needed to impose my will on reality itself, to demand rather than request.

    The question was how to infuse that commanding intent into pure energy. Speaking with authority was one thing, but how did you make raw mana carry the same force? Perhaps my demon instincts could guide me here.

    I gathered my mana again, this time focusing not just on the pattern but on imbuing it with absolute certainty. This wasn''t a hope or a wish - it was a command. Water would appear because I demanded it.

    The energy flowed through the prescribed path, charged with my intent. When it reached my palm, an orb of water materialized with a sudden splash, startling me and several nearby students as it immediately fell apart.

    "Well done!" Professor Morrigan''s eyebrows shot up. "I wasn''t expecting anyone to succeed on their first day." She gave me a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry about containing it - we haven''t covered that part yet."

    "How did you do that?" Aria leaned closer, her violet eyes wide with curiosity.

    "I just demanded the world to change." I shrugged, still watching the water droplets scatter across the desk.

    Aria rolled her eyes. "No, everyone knows that part. I meant how did you make your mana flow where you wanted it to? My instincts keep pulling the energy in different directions."

    I paused, realizing how stupid my answer must have sounded. Of course succubi who''d used magic their whole lives would struggle to break out of established patterns. Their instincts had been reinforced over years of practice. But I''d never cast a spell before coming here - I had no ingrained habits to overcome.

    "I guess I''m just good at fighting against ingrained habits," I said. "Try focusing on where you want the mana to go rather than where it feels like it should go. Start small - redirect just a tiny bit of energy at first."

    "But how do you ignore what feels natural?"

    "Break it down into smaller steps. Don''t try to change everything at once. Pick one point where the mana wants to diverge and consciously direct it back to the pattern. Once that feels comfortable, move on to the next point."

    Aria''s face scrunched in concentration as she attempted the spell again. A few water droplets materialized above her palm. "It worked! Well, kind of." She beamed at me. "Where did you learn to think like that?"

    My stomach tightened. I couldn''t exactly tell her I''d developed these problem-solving skills during my engineering degree as Liam. "Oh, you know... just figured it out through trial and error."

    "You''re surprisingly good at all this boring technical stuff for someone who knows so little about the world." Aria nudged me playfully. "What, did you spend your whole life locked away in some library seducing a cute librarian?"

    I forced a laugh, grateful she''d provided her own explanation. "Nothing that exciting, I promise."

    By the end of class, wisps of mist and scattered droplets decorated several workstations. Aria managed to create a small puddle in her palm, her face glowing with pride.

    "Excellent progress, everyone." Professor Morrigan swept through the rows of desks. "Most students take weeks to manifest any water at all. What Lily accomplished was quite exceptional, but don''t let that discourage you. Focus on your own pace."

    I shrank in my seat as heads turned toward me. The praise made my skin crawl - I hadn''t earned this talent through hard work or natural ability. I''d simply lacked the ingrained magical habits that other succubi had to overcome.

    The stares from my classmates didn''t help. Some held curiosity, others jealousy, but worst were the heated gazes filled with desire. My enhanced senses picked up their arousal, making me squirm uncomfortably. Apparently, talent was attractive to succubi.

    When Professor Morrigan finally dismissed us, I practically leaped from my chair and grabbed Aria''s arm. "Come on, we''ll be late for Alchemy."

    "What''s the rush?" Aria stumbled as I pulled her into the hallway. "We have plenty of-"

    We passed a group of students leaving another classroom, their excited chatter cutting through the corridor noise.

    "Next week''s going to be amazing," a red-haired succubus gushed. "I can''t wait to get out of the academy for ingredient gathering."

    "I heard we''re going in groups," her friend replied. "Hope I get paired with someone who knows their herbs."

    I quickened my pace, eager to put distance between myself and the lingering stares from magicraft class. At least in Alchemy, I could blend into the background again.

 Chapter 11 â€“ Alchemy

    The Alchemy classroom buzzed with activity as students settled into their workstations. Dark wooden tables lined the room, each equipped with mortars, beakers, and other equipment I couldn''t name. The scent of herbs and minerals hung thick in the air.

    Professor Auriel stood at the front of the class, her golden hair cascading down her back as she arranged materials on her demonstration table. Despite being a fallen angel, she carried herself with grace and purpose. The occasional glimpse of her blackened wings, usually kept hidden, served as the only reminder of her past.

    "Today we''ll put theory into practice," she announced, her melodious voice carrying across the room. "The best way to understand alchemical properties is to witness their interactions first-hand."

    I sat beside Aria at our shared workstation, watching as Professor Auriel gestured to the equipment before us.

    "Turn to page six in your textbooks. We''ll be creating a basic energizing tonic. Though the recipe is simple, pay close attention to how the ingredients interact. Understanding these fundamental reactions will form the foundation of your alchemical education."

    Aria leaned close, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief. "Think we could give some to Bellas? Might make our evening activities more... interesting."

    Heat crept into my cheeks as memories of last night flooded back - tangled limbs, passionate kisses, and... I shook my head, trying to focus on the task at hand. Opening my textbook, I scanned the list of ingredients: Thornroot, Infernal Moss, Vis Crystal, and Ember Spores.

    The names meant nothing to me, though according to the footnotes, these were common materials in Hell. I glanced at the illustrations, showing various dried plants and crystalline formations.

    "Each workstation has been provided with the necessary materials," Professor Auriel continued. "Remember to handle the Vis Crystals with care - they''re quite delicate despite their appearance."

    I wrinkled my nose at the peculiar scents wafting from our workstation. Despite my years studying chemistry as Liam, none of that knowledge helped here. Alchemy operated on entirely different principles - it was all about manipulating magical essence with mana.

    "While we''ll use equipment during your studies," Professor Auriel explained, gesturing to the array of tools before us, "by graduation, you''ll be capable of performing alchemy with mana alone." She picked up a delicate glass beaker. "However, tools enhance efficiency. I recommend investing in a personal set after graduating."

    Her golden eyes swept across the classroom. "Now, begin crafting. But remember - don''t fixate on memorizing recipes. Every ingredient is unique. A true alchemist creates based on understanding properties and interactions, not by following rigid formulas."

    I reached for the Thornroot, relieved that Professor Morrigan''s mana manipulation lessons had prepared me for this. At least I wouldn''t embarrass myself by not knowing how to channel magical energy.

    Unlike in Magicraft class, where my unexpected talent had drawn unwanted attention, my results here were decidedly average. I glanced around, still uncomfortable remembering those predatory stares from my classmates after showing off during water magic practice. Perhaps being unremarkable wasn''t such a bad thing.

    Beside me, Aria''s hands moved with surprising confidence. Her mixture already showed promising signs of transformation, the liquid shifting through various hues as she worked. She seemed to grasp the fundamental concepts of essence manipulation intuitively.

    "This is amazing," Aria whispered, carefully adding Ember Spores to her concoction. "It''s like the ingredients tell you what they want to become."

    I continued working on my potion, carefully following the instructions. The liquid in my beaker shifted from murky brown to a pale green - not quite the vibrant emerald shown in the textbook, but close enough. At least it wasn''t smoking or bubbling ominously like some of my classmates'' attempts.

    Beside me, Aria''s concoction glowed with perfect intensity, the exact shade described in our reading. She bottled it with practiced movements, her violet eyes gleaming with pride.

    "See? Not so hard once you get the hang of it," she said, patting my arm. "Though I have to admit, it''s nice to finally beat you at something brainy. I mean, seriously - you sleep through math and still solve everything instantly. It''s not fair!"

    I ducked my head, embarrassed. "Math just... makes sense to me."

    "Well, alchemy makes sense to me," Aria preened. "We all have our talents."

    Professor Auriel clapped her hands, drawing everyone''s attention. "Before we conclude today''s lesson, I have an important announcement. Next week, we''ll be conducting a special field trip to gather ingredients in one of the mortal realms."

    The classroom erupted in excited whispers. My heart leaped - a chance to leave Hell, even if briefly?The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    "You''ll need to form groups of up to four students for a collaborative project," Auriel continued. "Choose wisely, as you''ll be working together closely."

    "Oh, this is going to be amazing!" Aria squealed, grabbing my arm. "I can''t wait to play with some untamed mortals. Don''t get me wrong, Bellas is wonderful, but there''s something thrilling about breaking in fresh ones who haven''t been trained yet."

    My stomach twisted. For a brief moment, my body hummed with excitement at the prospect before my mind caught up. These were people Aria was talking about, not toys. Yet part of me had responded instinctively to the predatory suggestion. I suppressed a shudder.

    Professor Auriel raised her hand, silencing the growing chatter. "Before you get too excited, understand this is strictly an academic expedition. No sightseeing or... extracurricular activities until after we complete our gathering tasks."

    A collective groan rippled through the classroom. Aria pouted beside me, but I felt relieved. At least there would be some restraint on what my classmates could do to the local population.

    As we packed our alchemy supplies, Isabella''s tall figure cast a shadow over our workstation. Her ice-blue eyes fixed on us with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

    "Form a group with me," she said without preamble.

    I nearly dropped the crystal vial I was holding. The directness of her request caught me off guard - no small talk, no careful maneuvering. Just a straightforward demand.

    Taking a steadying breath, I placed the vial carefully in its holder. "Why us? There must be plenty of other students eager to partner with a pureblood such as you."

    "Exactly why I''m asking you two instead." Isabella''s silver hair caught the light as she crossed her arms. "I need reliable partners."

    Aria snorted, closing her alchemy book with more force than necessary. "And what makes you think we''re reliable? We could just be really good at hiding our ambitions."

    "Call it instinct." Isabella''s lips curved into a slight smile.

    Something about her answer didn''t sit right with me. Purebloods, especially those from prominent houses, never did anything without multiple reasons. "What do you really want, Isabella?"

    "Straight to the point? Fine." She leaned against our workbench, lowering her voice. "You two are the only ones I''ve seen who don''t immediately start grovelling when a pureblood walks by. I need partners who won''t waste time kissing my ass when we should be working."

    Aria raised an eyebrow. "So you want us because we''re not proper bootlickers? That''s... different."

    "Different is exactly what I need." Isabella''s expression hardened. "Do you know how exhausting it is having people agree with everything you say? Never challenging your ideas even when they''re clearly flawed?"

    I understood that feeling all too well. Back when I was Liam, working as an engineer, I''d seen how yes-men could destroy even the best projects. "Having people challenge your ideas helps you grow."

    "Precisely." Isabella''s eyes lit up. "Most purebloods surround themselves with sycophants, and look how well that worked out for Valentina. She probably never had anyone tell her ''no'' before coming here."

    Aria twirled a strand of her black hair thoughtfully. "You know, most purebloods would see that as a good thing."

    "Most purebloods are idiots drunk on borrowed power." Isabella''s blunt statement made both of us stare. "What? It''s true. They coast by on family reputation without developing any real strength of their own."

    I studied her carefully, remembering what I''d read about Hell''s politics. "You''re trying to build your own power base."

    "Smart girl." Isabella smiled, showing just a hint of fang. "But that''s a conversation for another time. Right now, I need partners who won''t freeze up or defer to me when things get dangerous in the mortal realm. So, what do you say?"

    I exchanged looks with Aria. Working with Isabella could be risky - she clearly had her own agenda. But she was also offering something rare in Hell: honest collaboration.

    "We''ll need time to discuss it," I said carefully.

    "Of course." Isabella straightened up. "But don''t take too long. Other groups are forming quickly."

    After she left, Aria turned to me. "Well, that was unexpected."

    "Indeed." I gathered the last of our supplies. "What do you think?"

    "I think..." Aria paused, choosing her words carefully, "she''s telling the truth about wanting competent partners. But there''s definitely more to it."

    "Agreed." I nodded. "Though having a pureblood ally might not be the worst thing, especially with Valentina still around."

    "True." Aria grinned. "Plus, did you see how she absolutely dragged other purebloods? That was kind of amazing."

    I couldn''t help but smile back. "It was rather refreshing."

    "So we''re doing this?"

    I thought about Isabella''s words - about building real strength rather than relying on status. It aligned surprisingly well with my own need to understand this world I''d been thrown into.

    "Yes," I decided. "But we''ll need to be careful. Just because she''s being honest about wanting reliable partners doesn''t mean she''s showing all her cards."

    The next morning, Aria and I made our way to the canteen to meet Isabella. We found her already seated at a corner table, a cup of steaming liquid in front of her.

    "We''ll join your group," I said as we sat down.

    Isabella''s lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Excellent." Her reaction bothered me - it was as if she''d known our answer before we''d even given it.

    "Don''t look so smug," Aria said, dropping into the seat beside me. "We could still change our minds."

    "But you won''t." Isabella took a sip from her cup, her ice-blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

    I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, already questioning our decision. The way she carried herself, so certain of everything - it set off warning bells in my head.

    But then something changed. Isabella''s shoulders relaxed, and she leaned back in her chair. "Have you tried the blood tea here? It''s actually quite decent."

    "Blood tea?" I asked, trying to keep the horror out of my voice.

    "Oh right, you''re new to all this." Isabella''s tone softened. "It''s not what you think - just regular tea with a hint of preserved blood for flavor. Makes it richer."

    Aria perked up. "The unicorn blood blend is my favorite."

    "Really?" Isabella''s face lit up. "That''s my preferred morning drink too. Though the phoenix blood gives it a nice kick when you need extra energy."

    I watched as they launched into an animated discussion about different tea blends. Isabella seemed... normal. Almost friendly. Her carefully maintained pureblood facade had melted away, replaced by genuine enthusiasm.

    But a small voice in my head, that understood how politics worked reminded me to stay alert. This was still Hell, after all. Not everyone wore their intentions as openly as Aria did.

    I made a mental note to keep watching Isabella carefully, even as she laughed at one of Aria''s jokes. Just because she could act normal didn''t mean she wasn''t playing a longer game.

 Chapter 12 - Leaving Hell

    I sat on my bed, carefully opening the letter from Lilith while Aria rummaged through her wardrobe.

    "What do you think about this one?" Aria held up a sheer black dress.

    "Too revealing for the mortal realm," I said, pulling out the perfumed parchment. The scent of brimstone and roses wafted from the paper.

    My dearest Lily,

    I hope this letter finds you well. I trust your studies are progressing smoothly. Your father misses you terribly - he keeps pacing the throne room when he thinks I''m not looking.

    "Maybe this one then?" Aria twirled in a midnight blue ensemble.

    "Better," I mumbled, returning to the letter.

    Moira informed me about that despicable Morgenstern girl''s attempt to drug you. The audacity of that worthless spawn! Say the word, my dear, and I''ll ensure their entire house burns. I''ll start by flaying the skin from her bones, then-

    The next paragraph detailed tortures so graphic I had to skip ahead, my stomach churning. It was a stark reminder of who - what - Lilith really was.

    But enough about that unpleasant business. I heard you''re heading to the mortal realm soon. While I don''t particularly care about mortal lives, you must be careful not to kill them during feeding. Unlike your slave, mortals haven''t been enhanced to withstand a succubus''s hunger.

    I froze, the words hitting me like a punch to the gut. All this time, I could have killed someone? The only reason Bellas survived was because he''d been... modified?

    "This red one is gorgeous!" Aria''s voice barely registered.

    The key is to take small sips of their energy, like sampling fine wine. Focus on prolonging their pleasure - it makes the energy flow sweeter anyway. Start with gentle touches, building slowly...

    The letter continued with detailed feeding instructions that made me blush.

    "Earth to Lily!" Aria waved her hand in front of my face. "You haven''t looked at a single outfit!"

    "Sorry, just... reading a letter from Mother." The word felt strange on my tongue.

    Remember darling, you''re my precious daughter. Take care of yourself, and don''t hesitate to write if you need anything.

    *All my love,

    Mother*

    I set the letter aside, feeling oddly touched despite myself. It was exactly the kind of motherly attention I''d never had as Liam - even if it came from Hell''s queen herself. The thought made me uncomfortable. What would Lilith do if she knew the truth about me?

    "Finally!" Aria said, now wearing a dress that could pass as a conservative in the mortal world. Her demonic features melted away as she cast a glamour spell. "Come on, we need to get to the transport gate soon."

    I nodded, tucking the letter away. Following my instincts, I reached for my own magic, letting it wash over me. My horns and tail disappeared, replaced by a human appearance. It was strange how naturally it came now, when just a week ago I''d barely understood mana manipulation.

    "At least the innate magic is easier than what we learn in class," I said, standing up.

    "True that." Aria checked her reflection one last time. "Ready?"

    I followed Aria through Igneus''s winding streets, our heels clicking against the obsidian paths. The trade hub sprawled before us, demons of all kinds rushing about their business. Isabella waited by the transport gate, her silver hair gleaming under the crystal lights.

    "There you are," Isabella said. "I was beginning to think you''d gotten lost."

    The transport gate dominated the plaza - a massive black arch inscribed with hellish runes that pulsed with crimson energy. A steady stream of demons passed through its shimmering surface, disappearing and emerging from different realms.

    "Look who''s here," Aria muttered, nodding toward Valentina who stood with her group.

    Valentina shot us a venomous glare before turning away. The manual labor punishment had clearly done nothing to improve her attitude.

    "Just ignore her," Isabella said, launching into a discussion with Aria about the latest gossip from the Crystal District.

    I tuned out their chatter, fascinated by the gate''s operation. Each time a demon stepped through, the surface rippled like liquid mercury. The runes shifted and realigned, presumably adjusting to different destinations. A group of merchants emerged carrying crates of mortal goods, while a succubus disappeared through the portal clutching a struggling human in chains.

    Professor Auriel arrived, her golden hair bound in a practical braid. She approached one of the demon guards - a massive brute with curved horns and scaled skin. They exchanged words as she counted out several soul coins into his meaty palm.

    "Everyone, gather in your groups," Auriel called out. "We''ll be passing through momentarily."

    I moved closer to Isabella and Aria as the class assembled. The guard input something into a control panel beside the gate, causing the runes to pulse brighter.

    "Follow me closely," Auriel instructed. "And remember your glamour spells. We don''t want to cause a panic in the mortal realm."

    I stepped through the shimmering gate, a tingling sensation washing over my skin. The portal deposited us into what appeared to be an underground chamber. My eyes widened at the scene before me.

    Red-robed figures writhed together on silk cushions scattered across the stone floor. Incense smoke curled through the air, carrying a heady sweetness that made my succubus instincts stir. Candles cast dancing shadows on walls covered in profane symbols.

    "Welcome, daughters of darkness," a hooded cultist approached us, bowing deeply. "Would you honour us by joining our ceremony of pleasure?" He directed the question to Professor Auriel.

    "We''re here on business," Auriel replied curtly. "Nothing more."

    I couldn''t tear my gaze away from the debauched tableau. Men and women tangled together in various states of undress, lost in their carnal worship. My textbooks had mentioned mortal pleasure cults, but seeing one in person...

    Next to me, Aria''s eyes gleamed with interest while Isabella maintained a carefully neutral expression.

    Several of our classmates were practically salivating at the display. One succubus even took a step toward the writhing mass before Auriel''s sharp voice cut through the heavy atmosphere.

    "Ladies, we are here to gather ingredients," she reminded us firmly. "Follow me outside. Now."If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    I gladly followed her toward the exit, trying to ignore how my body had instinctively responded to the raw sexuality permeating the chamber.

    We emerged from the dank basement into what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. The musty air gave way to something different - not quite fresh, but heavy with the scent of coal smoke and machine oil.

    My heart sank as I took in the cityscape before us. This wasn''t the Earth I knew. Brass and copper spires stretched toward grey skies, while massive airships drifted between buildings on steam-powered propellers. Horse-drawn carriages clattered past on cobblestone streets, but they were mechanical constructs of gleaming metal rather than flesh and blood steeds.

    Women in corseted dresses and men in top hats strolled past towering clockwork lampposts. The architecture reminded me of Victorian London, yet everything was twisted into some strange alternate reality version of itself.

    "Welcome to New London, capital of the United British Empire," Professor Auriel announced, gesturing at the industrial panorama. "Mind the automata - they''re not always good at avoiding pedestrians."

    "Wow, look at those flying machines!" Aria bounced excitedly beside me, pointing at the airships overhead.

    "This isn''t..." I muttered under my breath, unable to hide my disappointment.

    Isabella caught my whispered words. "Something wrong?" she asked quietly.

    I forced a casual shrug. "Oh, nothing really. Just different from an earth I saw before."

    Isabella laughed, the sound musical despite her obvious amusement. "Well, that''s obvious. There are many different earths out there. The one you''ve been to must have been quite different from this one."

    My heart skipped a beat. Different earths? The thought of another world with another Liam made my head spin. Could there be...

    "At least each earth is unique," Aria chimed in, interrupting my thoughts. "It would be boring if they weren''t." She nudged me with her elbow. "Though imagine meeting yourself from before becoming a succubus. That could be fun."

    Isabella nodded sagely. "The multiverse was made diverse, but not infinite. Though that doesn''t mean the creator didn''t get lazy. There are many things that are copied over between worlds."

    "Oh yes, my mother told me about this," Aria said, bouncing on her heels with enthusiasm.

    Our group followed Professor Auriel through winding streets until we reached the city outskirts. The buildings gave way to rolling hills dotted with twisted trees and peculiar flowers I''d never seen before.

    "Each group will receive different assignments," Professor Auriel announced, pulling out several sealed envelopes. "These tasks are designed to test your knowledge of ingredients and your ability to work together."

    She handed each group leader a pendant - simple brass discs etched with arcane symbols. Isabella examined ours with keen interest.

    "These pendants will allow you to contact me in emergencies only," Professor Auriel''s golden eyes fixed on each of us in turn. "And I mean true emergencies, not ''we can''t find ingredients'' situations."

    She distributed the envelopes, continuing her instructions. "We''ll meet here at sunrise tomorrow. Whether you''ve completed your tasks or not, you must return. Those who don''t show up or fail to gather all required ingredients will receive a failing grade."

    "Remember, I''ll depart whether you''re here or not. Those left behind will have to contact their families for retrieval." Her eyes narrowed. "Or experience... less pleasant means of returning."

    I felt a chill run down my spine at her words, though I wasn''t sure why.

    Aria fidgeted beside me. "What if we finish early?"

    "When you''ve completed your tasks, feel free to use the pendant to contact me," she added, her tone lighter. "I''ve arranged suitable accommodations for tonight."

    "But if you want, you''re free to spend your remaining time however you wish." Professor Auriel''s lips curved into a slight smile. "Though I suggest discretion. If you draw unwanted attention from the locals, you''re on your own. I won''t intervene unless your lives are genuinely at risk."

    "What counts as unwanted attention?" someone asked.

    "Use your common sense. This isn''t the First Circle - mortals here aren''t accustomed to succubi." She gestured to the city behind us. "Their authorities tend to respond poorly to demons. Keep your glamours active and behave appropriately."

    Isabella tucked our envelope into her dress. "When can we begin?"

    "Now." Professor Auriel waved her hand dismissively. "Remember - sunrise tomorrow, no excuses."

    I opened the envelope Isabella held, and we huddled together to examine the contents. The parchment listed various ingredients - some familiar, others completely foreign to my eyes.

    "Smog shrooms?" I squinted at the list. "And flux crystals?"

    "Oh, those grow in factory districts!" Aria''s eyes lit up. "The smog shrooms, I mean. They feed off industrial pollution."

    Isabella pulled out the catalogue Professor Auriel had instructed us to bring. "Let''s see what we''re dealing with before rushing off."

    We found a relatively clean patch of grass to sit and study the detailed descriptions and illustrations. Some ingredients, like nightshade and mandrake, I recognized from my previous life. Others, like midnight oil and brass moss, seemed to exist only in this steampunk world.

    "We should split up," Isabella suggested, marking locations on a crude map included with our materials. "Cover more ground that way."

    "I can handle the herbs," I offered quickly, spotting an opportunity to work with something familiar. "Nightshade, mandrake, and wolfsbane - I''ve seen these before."

    Aria bounced excitedly. "I''ll take the smog shrooms! And these other fungi too - they usually grow in similar conditions."

    "That leaves me with the flux crystals and underground ingredients." Isabella traced a finger along what appeared to be tunnel entrances marked on the map. "We should meet back at the pub marked here in four hours. That gives us time to gather everything before dark."

    "What if we run into trouble?" Aria asked.

    Isabella tapped the pendant. "Real emergencies only, remember? Otherwise, we''re on our own."

    We divided the list according to our chosen tasks. As I memorized my portion, I felt oddly grateful for my Earth knowledge. At least some things remained constant across worlds.

    I knelt beside a cluster of nightshade plants, their dark purple flowers a stark contrast against the smog-tinged leaves. My fingers hesitated for a moment before plucking the berries - old habits from my human life warning of their toxicity. But this body wasn''t human anymore.

    The plants here had adapted to their environment, their stems taking on an almost metallic sheen where factory smoke had settled. Still, I recognised them easily enough. What surprised me more was how clearly I could see everything - from the finest veins in the leaves to movement in the branches fifty metres away.

    These demon eyes picked up details I''d never noticed as Liam. The world seemed sharper, more vivid. Even in the dim forest light, colours jumped out with startling clarity.

    A twig snapped behind me. I turned to find Valentina and one of her followers - Clara or Cara, I couldn''t remember which - watching me from between the trees.

    "Well, if it isn''t the merchant''s daughter," Valentina''s lip curled. "Scavenging in the dirt where you belong."

    I continued gathering berries, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a response.

    "I suppose that''s all your kind knows how to do - root around like animals." She crossed her arms. "Though I''m surprised you can even identify the correct plants, given your... background."

    Her lackey tittered on cue, but I noticed how Valentina kept her distance. The memory of Valencia''s punishment was clearly still fresh.

    "At least I know what I''m looking for," I said, tucking the berries into my pouch. "Unlike some who seem to be wandering aimlessly."

    Valentina''s face flushed dark red. "You-"

    "Careful," I cut her off. "Wouldn''t want another chat with the Headmistress, would you?"

    "Stop hiding behind the Headmistress," Valentina snarled, her perfect features twisting into an ugly mask.

    I rose from my crouch, brushing dirt from my skirts. "That''s rich, coming from someone who only throws her weight around because of her family name."

    "How dare you!" Her eyes flashed crimson through her glamour. "A lowborn like you couldn''t possibly understand what it means to uphold a noble household''s reputation."

    "If I''m so lowborn," I said, meeting her gaze steadily, "then why are you so obsessed with me? You''re a pureblood, aren''t you? Shouldn''t you be above caring what someone like me thinks?"

    Valentina''s mouth opened, then closed. For once, she seemed at a loss for words.

    "After all," I continued, watching her squirm, "someone of your supposed stature shouldn''t care whether a mere merchant''s daughter wants to associate with you or not." I took a step closer. "Or is your pride really so fragile that it can be shattered by a simple lowborn refusing to worship at your feet?"

    The colour drained from Valentina''s face. Her follower glanced between us uncertainly, clearly wondering if she should intervene.

    "No commoner should be able to humiliate a pureblood like that," Valentina spat. "I was merely paying you back for what you did in the cafeteria."

    I straightened my back, meeting her burning gaze. "Even so, what you did in the garden went too far. Using feral-inducing nectar? Even if the effects are temporary, that''s crossing a line."

    "I-"

    "Is this what you wanted?" I cut her off. "To hear that you''ve won? Fine. You''ve proven your point. You''re stronger, better, more powerful - whatever helps you sleep at night. Now stop bothering me and get lost."

    For a split second, something flickered across Valentina''s face - hurt? vulnerability? - before her features hardened again. Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed off, her follower scurrying after her. They vanished between the trees, leaving only rustling leaves in their wake.

    I returned to gathering herbs, but my mind kept drifting back to that moment. For just an instant, Valentina had looked as if she was about to cry. But that couldn''t be right, could it?

    My fingers paused over a sprig of wolfsbane. A strange thought occurred to me: was this her way of seeking attention? Like those schoolyard boys who pulled girls'' pigtails because they didn''t know how else to express themselves? And her hostility towards Aria - was it simply jealousy?

    I shook my head, focusing back on the task at hand. These herbs wouldn''t gather themselves, and I had already wasted enough time on Valentina''s drama.

 Chapter 13 â€“ Encounter

    I made my way back through the winding streets of New London, my gathering task complete. The spatial ring Lilith gave me proved invaluable - storing an entire basket of herbs without adding an ounce of weight to carry.

    The city sprawled around me in all its peculiar glory. Horse-drawn carriages clattered past on cobblestone streets, their wheels kicking up wisps of steam from the grates below. But these weren''t ordinary carriages - brass pipes and gauges adorned their frames, pressure valves hissing rhythmically.

    A four-legged automaton lumbered past, its mechanical legs moving with surprising grace. Steam puffed from vents along its brass-plated sides as it carried cargo through the streets. The sight made me pause. Back on Earth, we''d focused on making machines more human-like. Here, they''d gone in an entirely different direction.

    A woman walked past with a clockwork arm, the brass fingers moving with perfect precision as she checked her mechanical pocket watch. The prosthetic whirred softly with each movement, far more advanced than anything I''d seen in my old life, yet somehow less sophisticated than modern robotics.

    Lost in my observations of this strange world, I didn''t notice the person in front of me until it was too late. We collided hard, and he tumbled to the ground, sending papers flying everywhere.

    "I''m so sorry!" I knelt down to help gather the scattered papers. "I wasn''t watching where I was going."

    "No, no, it''s entirely my fault, miss." The young man scrambled to collect his letters, his cheeks flushing pink. "I was rushing to finish my route."

    As we picked up the papers together, I noticed his uniform - a mailman''s outfit with brass buttons and the postal service insignia. He couldn''t have been more than nineteen, and every time his eyes accidentally met mine, he''d quickly look away, his blush deepening.

    I glanced down at my outfit and understood why. The neckline of my dress, while nothing shocking by modern standards, was practically scandalous in this Victorian-inspired world. No wonder the poor mailman was flustered - he probably wasn''t used to seeing anything more revealing than high collars and long sleeves.

    I paused for a moment, letters in hand, wondering if I should just apologize again and leave him to it. But something about his awkward demeanour brought back memories of being a teenage boy myself, trying desperately not to stare at pretty girls while simultaneously wanting nothing more than to look.

    The familiarity of the situation almost made me laugh. Here I was, on the other side of that equation now. Well, no point making a fuss about it - the damage was already done, and it wasn''t like I could conjure up a more modest outfit in the middle of the street.

    "Here you go," I handed him another stack of recovered letters, finding his bashfulness rather endearing from my unique perspective.

    "I''m Arthur. Arthur Thompson," he said, finally finding his voice as we finished gathering the scattered mail. His hands fidgeted with the leather strap of his messenger bag.

    "I''m Lily," I replied, the name still feeling foreign on my tongue despite using it for weeks now. Even after all this time in Hell, introducing myself with a woman''s name gave me pause. "And please, don''t worry about it. These things happen."

    Arthur straightened his brass-buttoned uniform, trying to regain his composure. "Thank you for helping me pick everything up, Miss Lily. I really should be more careful, especially with people''s mail."

    "I should be going too," I said, brushing off my skirt. "My friends are waiting for me, and I''m already running late."

    "Of course, don''t let me keep you." Arthur stepped aside, clutching his recovered letters to his chest. "Have a good evening, Miss Lily."

    "Good luck with your deliveries, Arthur." I gave him a small wave and continued down the cobblestone street.

    As I walked away, I caught the reflection in a shop window - Arthur had turned to watch me go, his face still tinted pink. The sight stirred something oddly familiar - how many times had I done the same thing as Liam, stealing one last look at a pretty girl walking away?

    I paused mid-step, a troubling thought crossing my mind. Had I really been so understanding of Arthur''s awkwardness because of my past as Liam? Or was it something else entirely?

    My succubus senses had picked up every quickened heartbeat, every heated flush of his skin. Each time he''d averted his gaze, my body had responded instinctively. Looking back, I realized my movements hadn''t been innocent at all - the way I''d bent to gather those letters, how I''d brushed my skirt, even that final wave. Every gesture had been calculated to draw his eye, to provoke a reaction.

    The strange part was how natural it had felt. Understanding his perspective as a young man had made the whole interaction seem innocent, almost playful. That familiarity had masked the predatory nature of my actions.

    Now, with distance between us, I could see clearly what had happened. I''d unconsciously slipped into seduction mode with that poor mailman. The old Liam would have been mortified at the thought of trying to seduce another man.

    But I felt... nothing. No shame. No disgust. Not even concern. It was as if my mind had already categorized the encounter as completely unremarkable. After all, I hadn''t actually done anything beyond some mild flirtation. Why waste energy feeling guilty about it?Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    That casual dismissal of what should have been a crisis of identity worried me more than the actual seduction attempt. When had I started thinking like this?

    I found Aria and Isabella waiting at our designated meeting spot - a small pub tucked away in one of New London''s quieter districts. The establishment''s brass fixtures gleamed in the fading daylight, steam curling from pipes that snaked across its facade.

    "Got everything?" Isabella examined the fungi Aria had collected from the factory district''s damp corners.

    "Naturally." Aria grinned, displaying her finds. "Those factory workers barely noticed me slipping past. And you?"

    Isabella produced a pouch of crystallized minerals. "The underground tunnels were quite accommodating. Though I had to dodge a few maintenance crews."

    I retrieved the herbs from my ring, spreading them across our table. "That''s all of them then. We''ve finished well ahead of schedule."

    "Perfect!" Aria''s eyes lit up with that familiar mischievous gleam. "That means we can sample some of the local entertainment. I spotted this delightful gentleman''s club earlier-"

    "We should contact Professor Auriel first," I interjected. "Make sure we''ve gathered everything correctly."

    Isabella nodded. "Agreed. Better to verify now than find out we missed something crucial tomorrow morning."

    "Oh come on!" Aria pouted. "You don''t think the Professor will try to stop us from having a little fun, do you? I mean, she''s a former angel and all..."

    Isabella''s laugh echoed through the pub. "Trust me, you have nothing to worry about there. Fallen angels might be more uptight about some things, but they understand our nature better than most. They''ve seen enough of both heaven and hell to know how things work."

    "Really?" Aria perked up.

    "Of course. They rejected heaven''s rigid rules for a reason. Besides, Professor Auriel teaches at a succubus academy. She knows exactly what her students get up to after hours."

    I carefully tucked the brass pendant into my ring after Professor Auriel''s face faded from its surface. Her instructions had been clear - she''d arranged rooms for us at the Golden Chalice Hotel where she''d inspect our gathered ingredients.

    "Finally!" Aria bounced on her heels. "The Golden Chalice! That sounds absolutely divine."

    "It''s just a hotel," Isabella remarked, though I caught the slight curl of amusement at her lips.

    "A fancy hotel," Aria corrected. "Which means fancy amenities, fancy food, fancy-"

    The pub''s door creaked open, and Arthur stepped in, his mailbag still slung over his shoulder. His eyes widened when he spotted me, a blush creeping across his cheeks.

    "Oh! Miss... um, hello again."

    Aria''s eyebrows shot up as she glanced between us. "Well, well. You didn''t waste any time finding company, did you?"

    "It''s not like that," I protested, feeling heat rise to my own face. "We literally bumped into each other while I was walking down the street earlier."

    "That''s right," Arthur nodded quickly, his blush deepening. "I was delivering mail and wasn''t watching where I was going. She helped me pick up the scattered letters."

    "Mhm." Aria''s knowing smirk made me want to sink into the floor. "Just a chance encounter then?"

    I wanted to disappear as Aria''s teasing grin grew wider. My face felt hot enough to melt steel, and Arthur''s awkwardness wasn''t helping matters.

    "So Arthur," Aria purred, sidling closer to him. "What brings a handsome mailman like yourself to this establishment?"

    "I-I''m just finishing my route," he stammered, clutching his mailbag like a shield. "The pub''s my last stop before heading back to my boarding house on Mason Street."

    Isabella''s predatory gaze swept over Arthur''s form, and I caught the slight nod of approval. Great, now both of them were interested in him. The poor man didn''t stand a chance.

    "Mason Street?" Aria''s eyes lit up. "How delightful! We might be neighbours soon. We''re staying nearby ourselves."

    I tugged at Aria''s sleeve. "We should really get going-"

    "Oh, but we haven''t properly introduced ourselves!" Aria protested, extending her hand to Arthur. "I''m Aria, and this is Isabella. And I see you''ve already met our lovely Lily."

    Arthur''s blush deepened as he shook her hand. "P-pleased to meet you ladies. I... I should probably finish my deliveries."

    "Of course," Aria smiled sweetly. "Though I''m sure we''ll run into each other again, being neighbours and all."

    I practically dragged Aria toward the door, muttering hasty goodbyes. Isabella followed with silent amusement, while Aria waved cheerfully at Arthur.

    "Twenty-Three Mason Street, room twelve!" Arthur called after us, then immediately looked mortified that he''d shared that information.

    We arrived at the Golden Chalice Hotel, its polished brass fixtures gleaming in the gaslight. Professor Auriel stood in the marble-floored lobby, her glamour perfectly masking her fallen angel nature.

    "Third group to finish," she noted with approval. "Well done. Your rooms are ready on the second floor."

    She handed us brass keys, her golden eyes scanning each of us. "While you''re free to enjoy the evening, keep any... activities outside the hotel premises. We don''t want to draw unnecessary attention."

    "Of course, Professor." Isabella accepted her key with practiced grace.

    "Speaking of activities," Aria piped up, twirling her key between her fingers. "That mailman seemed quite taken with our Lily here."

    I shot her a warning look. "Aria..."

    "What? I saw how he blushed. Twenty-Three Mason Street, wasn''t it?"

    "Room twelve," Isabella added, surprising me with her interest. Her usual composed demeanor cracked slightly as she smiled. "He did seem... appetizing."

    "Not you too," I groaned, pressing my fingers to my temples.

    Professor Auriel cleared her throat. "Remember my warning about discretion."

    "Yes, Professor," we chorused.

    After she left, Aria nudged my shoulder. "Come on, Lily. Even Isabella''s curious about your little mailman."

    I looked at Isabella, who maintained her dignified pose but couldn''t quite hide the hungry glint in her eyes. Despite her noble bearing and careful control, she was still very much a succubus. I sighed heavily.

    "Look, he''s just one mortal. He couldn''t possibly handle three succubi at once."

    "Is that concern for him I detect?" Aria teased. "How thoughtful of you."

    "I''m merely being practical," I protested. "Besides, we promised Professor Auriel we''d be discrete."

    "Visiting a friend is perfectly discrete," Isabella countered with a slight smirk.

    I let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. But we need to be extremely careful."

    "Of course," Aria bounced excitedly. "No killing, right? Just a little fun."

    Isabella''s ice-blue eyes sparkled with amusement. "I assure you, I have perfect control over my appetite."

    The cobblestone streets were mostly empty as we made our way through the gas-lit neighborhood. Steam vents hissed in the background, creating an eerie atmosphere. The walk to Mason Street took less than fifteen minutes.

    My heart raced as we climbed the narrow stairwell of the boarding house. The wooden steps creaked under our feet until we reached the second floor. Room twelve''s door stood before us, paint peeling at the corners.

    Aria raised her delicate hand and knocked three times.

    That''s when it hit me. The sounds from inside - multiple voices, movement, laughter. My enhanced hearing picked up at least three distinct male voices.

    My stomach dropped as the realization struck. Arthur had mentioned room twelve, but never said he lived alone. Of course he wouldn''t - a young mailman could hardly afford private lodging in New London.

    Heavy footsteps approached the door. I gulped, suddenly very aware of what I''d gotten us into. Three succubi and three men in one small room. There was no way this would end with innocent conversation.

 Chapter 14 - A Night to Remember (+18)

    The door swung open, revealing Arthur''s startled face. His blue eyes widened as he recognized me, then grew even larger when he spotted Aria and Isabella.

    "Oh! You... you actually came." His hand nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

    "We did say we would," Aria purred, already slipping into her natural succubus charm.

    Movement behind Arthur caught my attention - two other men appeared in the doorway, drawn by our voices. One was muscular with an easy smile, while the other carried himself with quiet confidence.

    "Arthur?" The muscular one raised an eyebrow. "Who''re your friends?"

    "Right, um..." Arthur stammered. "These are the ladies I met earlier. This is Lily, and..."

    "Aria," my roommate stepped forward, extending her hand with practiced grace.

    "Isabella," added our companion with aristocratic poise.

    "James," the muscular one grinned, taking Aria''s hand. "And this quiet fellow is Thomas. We''re still in shock Arthur managed to convince three beautiful women to visit."

    "I didn''t convince anyone," Arthur protested, blushing furiously.

    My succubus senses were already picking up on the men''s reactions - elevated heartbeats, subtle changes in their scent. My demonic body responded instinctively, making my skin tingle with anticipation. I tried to push down the rising hunger, but it was like trying to hold back a tide.

    "May we come in?" Isabella''s voice carried just the right hint of suggestion.

    The men stepped aside, ushering us into their modest lodgings. It was a simple room with three beds, a small table, and basic furnishings. Steam pipes ran along one wall, providing heat.

    I could feel Aria and Isabella seamlessly shifting into their natural roles as seductresses, their movements becoming more fluid and enticing. Meanwhile, I stood there caught between my human hesitation and my body''s growing demands, knowing exactly where this evening was headed.

    I perched on the windowsill, keeping my distance as my body screamed at me to get closer. Arthur took a seat on his bed, fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. Meanwhile, Aria had already draped herself across James''s lap on another bed, while Isabella engaged Thomas in what appeared to be an intense conversation by the table.

    "So what brings three lovely ladies to this part of town?" James asked, his arm casually wrapping around Aria''s waist.

    "Just passing through," I answered, grateful for the cool glass against my back. "We''re here gathering supplies for... our studies."

    "Students then?" Thomas''s eyes flickered with interest. "At which institution?"

    "Private academy," Isabella replied smoothly. "Quite selective in its admissions."

    Arthur cleared his throat. "Must be expensive. Your families wealthy?"

    "Some more than others." Aria giggled, trailing a finger down James''s chest. "But we manage."

    "What about you boys?" Isabella leaned forward, giving Thomas an excellent view. "What occupies your days?"

    "Mail service," Arthur mumbled.

    James grinned. "Factory work. Not glamorous, but pays the bills."

    "I apprentice at the clockmaker''s guild," Thomas added.

    "Fascinating," Aria purred. "I''ve always wondered how those intricate mechanisms work."

    The conversation drifted through topics - local politics, recent innovations, social events. But underneath ran an electric current of tension. Every shift, every casual touch, every locked gaze carried weight.

    "The automatons are replacing workers," James complained. "Can''t compete with tireless metal men."

    "Progress marches on," Thomas philosophized. "We must adapt or perish."

    "Some things can''t be replaced by machines," Isabella observed, her voice honey-sweet.

    My supernatural senses picked up every accelerated heartbeat, every sharp intake of breath. The men''s scents grew headier with arousal, making my head swim.

    "Speaking of irreplaceable things," Aria''s hand slid higher on James''s thigh. "Human connection is quite precious, isn''t it?"

    Arthur''s eyes kept darting to me, then away. His pulse jumped each time our gazes met.

    "Very precious," Isabella agreed, now practically sharing Thomas''s chair.

    "It''s getting rather warm in here," Aria observed, fingers working at James''s collar.

    That was all it took. James captured Aria''s lips in a hungry kiss, and the carefully maintained pretence shattered.

    I watched as my companions lost themselves in passionate embraces. The air grew thick with desire, making my skin tingle and my breath catch. Yet something felt different about this situation.

    The hunger was there, burning through my veins like liquid fire. But unlike with Bellas, where my demonic nature had practically screamed at me to take him, these urges felt... controlled. Patient. Almost playful.

    Arthur shifted on his bed, his eyes darting between me and the floor. My body responded instinctively - a subtle arch of my back, a slight parting of my lips, movements that drew his attention without conscious thought.

    "They''re quite... enthusiastic," Arthur muttered, his cheeks flushing as James let out a particularly deep groan.

    I smiled, crossing my legs slowly. "Indeed, they are."

    The motion drew his eyes to my legs, and his pulse quickened. I could sense his desire, taste it on the air. Yet my succubus instincts seemed content to let this tension build naturally.

    It puzzled me. With Bellas, the demonic urges had been more direct, demanding immediate satisfaction. But here, sitting across from this shy mailman with his racing heart and stolen glances, my supernatural nature seemed to purr with satisfaction at this slower game.

    The contrast confused me. Why was my demon side so aggressive with Bellas but seemingly pleased with this gentle teasing? Was it because of Arthur? Or was there something else at play?

    I watched Arthur fidget with his sleeve, and suddenly everything clicked into place. These weren''t just mindless urges - my succubus instincts were actually guiding me, adapting to each situation perfectly.

    With Bellas, I''d known deep down he was our slave, bound to obey any command. My supernatural side had sensed he could handle whatever passionate frenzy I unleashed. The lack of restraint made perfect sense - there had been no need for it.

    But here, with Arthur, where discretion was paramount, my instincts recognized his shy, hesitant personality and adjusted accordingly.

    These instincts couldn''t comprehend that my former identity would see Arthur as off-limits. To my succubus nature, every connection was an opportunity to feed, every relationship a chance for sustenance. Gender and previous identity meant nothing to this primal drive.

    Looking at Aria and Isabella with their chosen partners, another piece fell into place. They''d deliberately left Arthur for me. From the moment we''d met, my supernatural senses had marked him as my target, and they''d respected that unspoken claim. I hadn''t even realized it myself until now.

    "Are you alright?" Arthur asked softly, noticing my thoughtful expression. "You seemed lost in thought for a moment."

    "It''s nothing," I smiled at Arthur. "Just thinking about my day."

    I let my gaze drift from Arthur as my mind wandered back to that second night with Bellas. Unlike our first encounter, where I''d barely maintained consciousness through the overwhelming sensations, I''d been present. Aware. The instincts had guided rather than controlled me.

    Yet even then, I hadn''t fully embraced the experience. My mind had created distance, watching from behind a wall of denial and resistance. I''d let my body move through the motions while keeping my consciousness separate, protected.

    Looking at Arthur now, I wondered - what if I stopped fighting? What if I just... let go? Not surrendering control, but working in harmony with these new instincts? Following their guidance while immersing myself in the moment?

    Fear gripped me. Would I lose myself completely? Would Liam''s identity dissolve entirely into Lily''s supernatural nature?

    But then reality hit me like a splash of cold water. I was already losing myself - to the growing hunger that gnawed at my essence daily. The choice wasn''t between maintaining control and letting go. It was between acceptance and eventual madness.

    Wait... hunger?

    The realization struck me suddenly. These instincts had never actually forced me to do anything. That first night with Bellas and Aria - it wasn''t the instincts that had overwhelmed me. It was the hunger. The instincts had simply offered a solution, one my starving mind had desperately grasped.

    Lilith was right, the instincts weren''t my enemy at all. They were tools, allies even, helping me navigate this new existence. The real challenge was the hunger - a force of nature I needed to learn to live with rather than fight against.

    I took a deep breath and made my choice. For once, I''d stop fighting what I''d become. Just for tonight, I''d let myself be what this body was meant to be - a perfect seductress, a succubus.

    I let the instincts rise, no longer fighting their guidance. My body shifted subtly, hips swaying as my attention snapped back to Arthur. My lips curved into a smile that felt foreign yet perfectly natural.

    "Your job must keep you quite busy," I purred, as I moved closer. Heat flooded my cheeks at how easily the words flowed. "All that walking, carrying those heavy bags..."The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    My hand brushed his arm, fingertips trailing along the muscle. My human mind didn''t know how to play this game, but my succubus body knew exactly what it was doing.

    "I-it''s not so bad," Arthur stammered, his pulse quickening under my touch. "Keeps me fit, I suppose."

    "Mhmm, I can tell." My fingers traced small circles on his forearm. "Strong arms like these must make the work easier."

    The words made me twist internally - they sounded like lines from a romance novel. Yet they fell from my lips with practiced ease, each syllable perfectly timed to make Arthur''s breath catch.

    "Do you enjoy it?" I stepped closer, tilting my head to meet his eyes. "Your work, I mean. All those different places, different people..."

    My body moved with a dancer''s grace, each subtle shift designed to draw his attention. The instincts guided every motion, every word, building a web of attraction that felt both calculated and completely natural.

    "Sometimes," he managed, his voice rough. "When I meet... interesting people."

    I laughed softly, the sound musical and inviting. My hand slid up to his shoulder, and I marvelled at how my body knew exactly where to touch, how much pressure to apply.

    "And am I an interesting person, Arthur?" My other hand found his chest, resting over his racing heart. The old me screamed in mortification at such brazen behaviour, but I pushed those thoughts aside.

    His eyes darkened as they met mine. The attraction crackled like electricity, and I felt a surge of triumph as his confidence finally emerged.

    Arthur leaned forward, hesitated for just a moment, then pressed his lips to mine.

    I melted into the kiss, my fingers tangled in Arthur''s hair as I pulled him closer, deepening our connection. My heart raced - partly from surprise at my bold actions, partly from the intoxicating sensations flooding through me.

    "Mmm, you taste divine," I whispered against his lips, my cheeks burning at the words even as they spilled out naturally.

    The strangest part wasn''t the kiss itself - it was how normal it felt. As Liam, I''d never looked at men this way. Yet in this body, everything was different. Instead of revulsion, I felt only growing desire and a hunger for more.

    Behind us, Aria''s giggle mixed with James''s deeper laugh. "Oh my, aren''t you strong..." she purred.

    Isabella''s sultry voice drifted over. "Thomas, darling, right there..."

    Their sounds of pleasure should have made me uncomfortable, but my succubus nature accepted it as natural. My body responded to both the masculine and feminine energy in the room with equal enthusiasm. It was confusing yet somehow liberating.

    "Arthur," I breathed between kisses, surprising myself with how husky my voice had become. My fingers traced the muscles of his chest through his shirt while my other hand remained tangled in his hair.

    He groaned softly. "Lily..."

    I pulled back slightly, studying his flushed face. My enhanced senses picked up his racing heartbeat, the dilation of his pupils, the slight tremor in his hands where they rested on my waist. Part of me still couldn''t believe I was doing this - actively seducing a man. Yet my supernatural instincts purred with satisfaction at his reactions.

    The blush never left my cheeks, even as my body moved with practiced sensuality I''d never known before. It was like dancing to music I''d never heard but somehow knew by heart.

    I let Arthur''s hands explore my body through the fabric of my dress, each touch sending shivers down my spine. His fingers traced patterns along my waist, my back, my shoulders - always gentle, always hesitant.

    "You''re so beautiful," he whispered against my neck, his breath hot against my skin.

    I hummed in response, tilting my head to give him better access. The gesture felt natural, though my mind reeled at how easily I''d fallen into these feminine movements. As Liam, I''d been the one whispering such words to women. Now, being on the receiving end... it was strange how right it felt.

    "Right there," I breathed as his lips found a sensitive spot below my ear. My hands clutched at his shoulders, feeling the lean muscles beneath his shirt.

    "Is this okay?" Arthur asked, his hand hovering uncertainly at my hip.

    My body responded before my mind could catch up, pressing against him as my fingers tangled in his hair. "More than okay," I purred, though inside I blushed at my own boldness.

    His hands grew more confident, roaming over the curves of my body. Each caress drew involuntary sighs from my lips. I found myself whispering encouragements, my voice taking on a seductive tone I''d never used before.

    "You''re so good at this," I murmured, my inner self marvelling at the ease with which the words were coming from my mouth.

    The weirdest part wasn''t the physical sensations - those were undeniably pleasurable. It was how real everything felt. Unlike with Bellas, where I''d hidden behind raw hunger or tried to distance myself from the experience, this time I was fully engaged. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered endearment registered with crystal clarity.

    Arthur''s hands skimmed along my sides. "I''ve never met anyone like you."

    My fingers traced patterns on his chest through his shirt. "You''re special too," I said, the words coming automatically though I knew they weren''t quite true. For me this was just a business - a necessity for my survival now.

    "Lily," he groaned against my lips.

    I kissed him deeply in response. It was easier than fighting the hunger, easier than questioning why this felt so natural. Tomorrow I could analyse what this meant for me, for my identity. Tonight, I would simply experience.

    I moaned softly as Arthur''s confidence grew, his earlier hesitation melting away with each passing moment. His hands grew bolder, more purposeful in their exploration. The air around us felt electric, charged with supernatural energy I was only beginning to understand.

    "May I?" he whispered, fingers playing with the hem of my blouse.

    I nodded, helping him with the delicate buttons. My hands trembled slightly - not from nervousness, but from the building anticipation. The fabric whispered against my skin as it fell away, leaving me in a lacy undergarment that Aria had insisted I wear.

    Arthur''s breath caught. "Gods..."

    My cheeks flushed at his obvious appreciation, even as my hands moved to his shirt buttons. This felt surreal - undressing a man while being undressed. The dichotomy of my past life and present reality struck me again, but I didn''t care enough to dwell on these thoughts right now.

    His shirt joined mine on the floor. I traced the lean muscles of his chest, marvelling at how different it felt from this perspective. My enhanced senses picked up every subtle reaction - the quickening of his pulse, the heat of his skin, the slight catch in his breathing.

    The skirt came next, pooling at my feet. Arthur''s hands skimmed my bare thighs, sending shivers through my body. Each touch felt magnified, more intense than anything I''d experienced before.

    "You''re incredible," he murmured, pressing kisses along my collarbone.

    His hands found my breasts, and I gasped at the sensation. Unlike previous encounters where I''d tried to distance myself mentally, I was fully present now. Every caress sent waves of pleasure through my body. My back arched into his touch, a reaction that felt foreign yet perfectly natural.

    "Arthur," I breathed, my fingers tangling in his hair.

    Our kisses grew deeper, more passionate. That''s when I felt it - a subtle energy flowing through him, like liquid sunshine beneath his skin. My succubus instincts recognized it immediately: his essence, his life force. Following those instincts, I drew the tiniest sip through our connected lips.

    The taste was indescribable - sweet and rich and intoxicating. Just as Lilith''s letter had explained. In my previous encounters, I''d been too disconnected, too focused on fighting my nature to properly perceive it. Now I could feel his body responding, producing more essence in response to my subtle feeding. It was like a feedback loop of pleasure, each small taste making him more aroused, which in turn made his essence richer.

    Around us, the sounds of passion from the others had become background noise. My entire world had narrowed to Arthur''s. I revelled in every detail - the slight salt of his skin, the way his essence flowed, the growing urgency in his caresses.

    His hands roamed my body with increasing confidence, drawing sighs and soft moans from my lips. Each touch felt different now that I wasn''t fighting my nature. Instead of trying to separate my human consciousness from my demon body''s reactions, I let myself experience everything fully.

    The sensations were overwhelming. My skin felt hypersensitive, every brush of his fingers sending sparks of pleasure through me. The taste of his essence lingered on my tongue, making me crave more. Yet I held back, taking only tiny sips as Lilith had advised.

    "You taste amazing," I whispered against his lips, though he couldn''t know the full truth of that statement.

    Still, a tiny bit of guilt pricked at my conscience. He had no idea what I really was, that this was essentially a feeding for me. But I had to push that guilt aside. This was the only way for me to stay sane.

    Besides, I could feel how much pleasure he was experiencing. My supernatural nature ensured that. Each small taste of essence I took was replaced by waves of ecstasy for him. It was a fair exchange, even if he didn''t know the true nature of our encounter.

    His hands cupped my breasts again, thumbs brushing sensitive peaks. I leaned into his touch, gasping. The sensation of physical pleasure and feeding was unlike anything I''d experienced before.

    I gasped as I felt Arthur''s hardness press against me. For a brief moment, my old identity screamed in protest, but those thoughts dissolved into nothing as his fingers found their way between my thighs, touching me with clumsy yet earnest movements.

    Despite his inexperience, each stroke sent waves of pleasure through me. I was just as new to this as him, but my supernatural instincts guided my responses. My hips moved on their own, seeking more contact.

    "Let me help you," I whispered, reaching down to help him out of his pants. My hands trembled slightly as I wrapped my fingers around his length. It felt surreal, touching a man this way.

    My succubus instincts took over, showing me exactly how to move, where to apply pressure. His groans of pleasure told me I was doing something right.

    We moved together, finding a rhythm between his inexperienced touches and my instinct-guided caresses. The disconnect I''d expected - the wrongness of being with a man - never materialized. Instead, everything felt natural, right.

    "Are you ready?" I asked softly, positioning myself above him.

    He nodded, eyes dark with desire. Taking a deep breath, I slowly lowered myself onto him. The sensation was nothing like I''d imagined. There was no pain, no discomfort - only an overwhelming feeling of fullness and pleasure that made me cry out.

    "Gods, Lily," Arthur groaned, his hands gripping my hips.

    The feeling was indescribable. Every nerve ending seemed to fire at once. My supernatural senses heightened everything - the heat of his skin, the pound of his heart, the flow of his essence beneath the surface. We moved together, finding a natural rhythm that felt as old as time itself.

    "You''re amazing," he gasped, "So beautiful..."

    His words sent unexpected thrills through me. I leaned down to kiss him, drawing in tiny sips of his essence with each kiss. The dual pleasure of physical sensation and supernatural feeding was overwhelming.

    I curved my back as Arthur thrust deeper, stars bursting behind my eyes. My fingers dug into his shoulders, anchoring myself as waves of pleasure crashed through me.

    My supernatural instincts kicked in automatically, my magic weaving around his essence, holding him back from the edge while his own pleasure built higher and higher.

    Gone were my hesitations about my identity. They seemed ridiculous now, meaningless in the face of such raw sensation. This body knew what it wanted, and for once, I let myself want it too.

    "More," I demanded, rolling us over so he was on top. The new angle sent sparks of pleasure shooting through me. My legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper. Every thrust hit spots I never knew existed, drawing gasps and moans from my lips.

    We moved like dancers, shifting from position to position as if we''d rehearsed it. On my back, my knees pressed against my chest. On my hands and knees, his fingers tangled in my hair. Standing against the wall, my leg hooked over his arm. Each new position brought different sensations, different types of pleasure.

    My supernatural senses heightened everything. I could feel his heart racing, taste his sweat on my tongue, smell his arousal mixing with mine. His essence called to me like a feast to a starving woman. The hunger I''d been fighting rose up, demanding to be fed.

    When I felt his control starting to slip, I pulled him back on top of me. "Look at me," I commanded, my voice husky with need. His blue eyes locked with mine as we moved together, faster now, chasing our release.

    The orgasm hit me like a tidal wave. My back arched off the bed as pleasure exploded through every nerve ending. I felt Arthur follow me over the edge, his essence flooding into me. My succubus nature took over, drawing in his vitality through every point of contact between us. I carefully monitored the flow, taking only what he could safely give.

    Arthur collapsed on top of me, completely spent. Within seconds, his breathing evened out into the rhythm of deep sleep. I knew that tomorrow, this would feel like nothing more than an incredibly vivid dream to him - the mysterious woman he''d bumped into on the street visiting him in his sleep.

    I carefully disentangled myself from his limbs, making sure not to disturb his slumber. As I stood, I noticed Aria and Isabella waiting by the door, identical knowing smiles on their faces. Their own partners lay sleeping nearby, looking just as thoroughly satisfied as Arthur.

    I felt no regret as I looked back at Arthur''s sleeping form. This was what I was now - a creature of pleasure and passion. This had been exactly what it needed to be - a moment of shared pleasure, nothing more and nothing less.

    "My, my, someone took their sweet time," Aria teased, smoothing down her skirt. "I thought you''d never finish."

    I felt heat rise to my cheeks but refused to be embarrassed. "Some of us prefer quality over quantity."

    Isabella dabbed her lips with a handkerchief, her silver hair barely dishevelled. "It was rather refreshing to see someone take their time. Most succubi just rush through the feeding."

    I couldn''t deny it - I had enjoyed every moment with Arthur. The way his hands explored my body, his genuine wonder and excitement, the pure taste of his essence... Even now, the memory sent pleasant tingles through me.

    What shocked me most was how right it felt. The last fragments of my resistance had crumbled, replaced by acceptance of these new pleasures. If someone had told Liam that he''d not only willingly sleep with a man but thoroughly enjoy it, he would have laughed in their face.

    Yet here I was, still basking in the afterglow of arguably the best sexual experience I''d ever had - in either body. The intensity of sensation, the heightened pleasure, the supernatural connection that let me taste Arthur''s essence... it put all my experiences as Liam to shame.

    A sobering thought struck me - when I eventually found my way back to my original body, I''d have to readjust to human sensations. After experiencing pleasure as a succubus, normal human encounters would feel muted, dulled. It would probably take months to get used to it again.

    "Earth to Lily," Aria waved her hand in front of my face. "Stop daydreaming about your mailman. We should head back before Professor Auriel notices we''re gone."

 Chapter 15 - Return

    We hurried through the darkened streets back toward the Golden Chalice. My body hummed with borrowed energy, Arthur''s essence still coursing through my veins. The cobblestones seemed to float beneath my feet.

    "Did you see how eager they were?" Aria practically bounced beside me. "Nothing like our trained pets back home. Sure, they know all the right moves, but these wild mortals..." She sighed dreamily. "There''s just something special about them."

    Isabella''s pale features gleamed in the gaslight. "Indeed. Training polishes away that primal edge. These mortals still have that raw passion, that desperate need."

    A week ago, this type of conversation would have horrified me. Now I found myself listening with bemused acceptance. Was it the lingering pleasure making everything seem more palatable? Or had I simply grown accustomed to demons and their casual attitude toward humans?

    "What about you, Lily?" Aria nudged me with her elbow. "You certainly seemed to enjoy your mailman. Not that I blame you - watching you work was quite the show. I almost jumped in for seconds."

    I nearly tripped over my own feet. Heat rushed to my face as I scrambled for a response.

    "The... untrained ones feel more genuine," I managed finally. "There''s something appealing about reactions that aren''t rehearsed or mechanical."

    "Couldn''t have said it better myself," Isabella agreed. "Their spontaneity often surpasses trained perfection."

    As we approached the Golden Chalice, my heart nearly stopped. Professor Auriel stood at the entrance, her golden hair gleaming under the gas lamps. We didn¡¯t do anything wrong, did we?

    "Good evening, ladies. I trust your night activities went well?"

    Beside me, Aria stiffened. I felt my face flush as Auriel''s knowing gaze settled on me.

    Isabella stepped forward smoothly. "Just some harmless fun with the mortals, Professor. Nothing unexpected."

    Aria''s eyes widened to the size of dinner plates at Isabella''s casual admission. I leaned close to her ear.

    "She never said we couldn''t leave, remember?" I whispered. "Just no feeding inside the hotel."

    The tension drained from Aria''s shoulders as understanding dawned.

    "Very well." Auriel gestured toward the entrance. "You should head in. I''m waiting for another group that completed their assignment."

    We slipped past her into the hotel''s opulent lobby. Once we were safely out of earshot, Aria practically vibrated with excitement.

    "Did you see this place earlier? Those crystal chandeliers, the mechanical fountains!" She spun around, taking in the brass and mahogany details. "I can''t wait to try whatever amenities they have here. What do you think they offer?"

    "Let''s find out," Isabella said, heading toward the stairs.

    I melted into the massage table as skilled hands worked out knots I didn''t even know existed. The scent of lavender and jasmine oils filled the private chamber, mixing with the mechanical hum of brass heating lamps.

    "This is divine," Aria purred from the table next to mine. "I''ve had massages before, but nothing like this."

    "The Golden Chalice employs only the finest practitioners," Isabella said, her voice smooth and relaxed. "Though I must say, their technique is quite unique."

    My masseur''s fingers found a particularly tense spot between my shoulder blades, and I couldn''t hold back a soft moan. The sensation was entirely different from Bellas''s attempts - these hands knew exactly where to apply pressure, how to coax each muscle into submission.

    "Someone''s enjoying themselves," Aria teased.

    "You''re one to talk." I turned my head to see her practically purring under her masseur''s ministrations.

    As the expert hands continued their work, I found my thoughts drifting to earlier events. The night with Arthur should have left me conflicted, should have triggered that familiar internal struggle. Instead, I felt... peaceful. Complete, even. That constant fear of losing myself had vanished like morning mist.

    I''d been so afraid of change, of becoming something else entirely. But now I understood - I wasn''t losing anything. I was still me, still had my memories, my core values. The new experiences, the different sensations and desires - they were additions, not replacements.

    "Your shoulders were quite tense, miss," my masseur commented, working on a particularly stubborn knot. "You must carry a lot of stress."

    "You have no idea," I murmured.

    "Oh, look at those arms," Aria sighed dreamily, eyeing her masseur. "I wonder if-"

    Isabella''s pointed cough cut her off. "Remember the hotel rules, dear."

    "I was just appreciating the view," Aria pouted.

    "Of course you were." Isabella''s tone dripped with amusement. "Speaking of views, did you see the mechanical gardens on our way in? The automatons tending the flowers were quite remarkable."If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "The engineering is fascinating," I said, grateful for the change in subject. "The way they''ve integrated steam power with precision mechanics..."

    "Trust you to turn a pleasure garden into a technical discussion," Aria laughed. "Though I must admit, those brass butterflies were beautiful."

    The conversation drifted to lighter topics - the latest fashion trends in New London, the curious steam-powered carriages, the differences between local and continental cuisine. I found myself joining in naturally, no longer second-guessing every word.

    "We should do this again sometime," Aria suggested as our session wound down. "Though I doubt we''ll find anything quite like this back home."

    "There are some excellent establishments in- in the capital," Isabella caught herself smoothly. "Though they lack this particular... ambiance."

    I closed my eyes, savouring the last moments of the massage. Tomorrow we''d return to our regular lives, but for now, I could simply exist in this moment of perfect contentment.

    "Ladies," our head masseur announced, "your treatment is complete. Would you like to proceed to the steam room?"

    "Yes, please," we answered in unison, then broke into quiet laughter.

    As we wrapped ourselves in plush robes, I caught my reflection in one of the brass-framed mirrors. The face looking back at me was familiar now - still different from what I''d known before, but no longer foreign. No longer frightening.

    "Coming?" Aria called from the doorway.

    I smiled, turning away from the mirror. "Right behind you."

    The morning air carried a metallic tang as we gathered at the designated meeting spot outside New London. My muscles felt wonderfully relaxed after yesterday''s spa treatment, a stark contrast to some of the other students stumbling in with dark circles under their eyes.

    "Look who finally decided to show up," Isabella remarked as Valentina''s group approached, their clothes wrinkled, and hair dishevelled.

    "Poor planning indeed," I agreed, watching them shuffle towards Professor Auriel with barely-concealed exhaustion.

    "At least they managed to gather everything," Aria whispered. "Though I doubt they got any rest."

    More groups trickled in, some looking fresh and others appearing as if they''d spent the night digging through factory ruins - which, given some of the ingredients required, they probably had.

    Professor Auriel clasped her hands together, drawing everyone''s attention. "All present? Excellent. Follow me, and remember to maintain your glamours until we''re back."

    We retraced our steps through the city streets to the abandoned warehouse. The heavy doors creaked open to reveal the familiar staircase leading underground. The pleasure cult''s chamber remained unchanged - bodies writhing in the dim light, incense thick in the air.

    A robed figure emerged from the shadows to greet us. Professor Auriel leaned in close, exchanging quiet words with them before approaching the transport gate.

    "Single file, please," she instructed, activating the gate with practiced movements. "Mind your step."

    One by one, we passed through the shimmering portal. The familiar heat of Igneus washed over me as we emerged on the other side. Around me, students began dropping their glamours - horns sprouting, tails unfurling, skin shifting to various inhuman hues.

    Isabella manifested her wings with a satisfied sigh. "Much better. I hate keeping them hidden."

    I kept my own wings concealed, watching Aria stretch her newly-visible tail. The urge to release my wings tugged at me, but I pushed it down. Better to maintain the cover of being a common succubus than exposing my heritage.

    "Home sweet home," Aria declared, breathing in the sulphurous air. "Though I must admit that hotel bed was something special."

    "You''re all dismissed for today," Professor Auriel announced. "Remember to review the properties of your gathered ingredients before next class."

    As students began dispersing, chattering about their adventures in New London, something caught my eye. A familiar figure stood near one of the ornate pillars. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized her.

    It was the same disguise Lilith had worn when escorting me to the Academy. Though less striking than her true form, I''d never mistake that particular glamour. She wasn''t trying to hide, positioned where I''d easily spot her.

    A warm feeling spread through my chest despite myself. Here was the Queen of Hell, one of the most powerful and feared beings in existence, checking up on her daughter in disguise. Even though I wasn''t really Lily, wasn''t really her child, the gesture touched something in me.

    "Lily? What''s wrong?" Aria asked, noticing my distraction.

    I kept my eyes on Lilith''s disguised form. Though I knew her reputation for cruelty and manipulation, this small act of maternal concern seemed genuine. It was... oddly comforting.

    "I just spotted someone I know," I said carefully. "Would you mind coming with me to say hello?"

    I approached Lilith, hearing Aria and Isabella''s footsteps behind me. My heart raced - part nerves, part something else I couldn''t quite name.

    "Mother," I called out softly.

    Lilith''s face lit up with a smile that transformed her glamoured features. She swept me into a tight embrace, her familiar rose-and-brimstone scent wrapping around me.

    "My darling girl," she breathed, pulling back to examine my face. "How was your trip to the mortal realm? Did everything go smoothly?"

    "Everything went well," I assured her. "We gathered all the required ingredients without any trouble."

    Her hands stayed on my shoulders as she studied me. "And the Academy? Are you adapting well after your... sheltered upbringing?"

    I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "It was overwhelming at first," I admitted. "But I''m adjusting better now."

    "And you''re feeding properly?" Her tone carried both maternal concern and a hint of knowing amusement.

    My face burned hotter as memories of Arthur flooded back. "Yes, mother. I... I am."

    "You haven''t written to me yet," she said, her voice carrying a note of gentle reproach that made my stomach twist with unexpected guilt.

    "I''m sorry," I found myself saying, the words spilling out before I could stop them. "I''ll write soon, I promise."

    Her gaze shifted past me to where Aria and Isabella stood. "And who are these lovely young ladies?"

    "These are my friends," I said, gesturing to them. "Aria, my roommate, and Isabella."

    Lilith''s eyes lingered on Isabella for a moment longer, a flash of recognition crossing her features. She gave them both an appraising look before nodding with approval.

    "From house Lilitu, aren''t you dear?" she asked Isabella directly.

    Isabella executed a perfect curtsy. "Yes, ma''am."

    "And you''re Lily''s roommate?" Lilith turned to Aria. "I trust you''re helping my daughter settle in?"

    "Of course!" Aria beamed. "Lily''s wonderful company. We''ve been exploring Igneus together, and she''s been helping me with mathematics."

    "Good, good." Lilith''s smile warmed further. "It''s so important to have reliable friends." She turned back to me. "Now, I must be going. Don''t forget to write, darling. I want to hear all about your studies."

    "I will, mother," I promised again, that same inexplicable twist in my chest when she pulled me in for another quick embrace.

    "Ladies," she nodded to Aria and Isabella. "Take care of each other." With that, she turned and walked away, her glamoured form disappearing into the crowd.

    "Your mother seems nice," Aria said, linking her arm through mine. "Though I didn''t expect her to look so... normal."

    I almost laughed at that. If only she knew.

    "She must be quite influential," Isabella observed carefully. "The way she carried herself..."

    "She''s a very influential merchant," I quickly replied, sticking to my cover story. "Shall we head back to the Academy? I''m exhausted."

    As we walked back, I found myself thinking about Lilith''s visit. The way my chest had tightened when she hugged me, how naturally the word "mother" had fallen from my lips. I pushed the thoughts away, focusing instead on Aria''s chatter about our upcoming classes.

 Chapter 16 â€“ Where am I from?

    I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling while Aria hummed in the bathroom. The transport gate we''d used yesterday... it had worked perfectly to bring us back from that alternate Earth. Could it be my ticket home?

    The thought gave me pause. Even though I''d grown more accepting of this body and its nature, it didn''t mean I should abandon hope of returning. But what would I find there? Was my original body still around? The idea that the real Lily might be trapped in my old form, just as confused and displaced as I had been, nagged at me.

    Gods, I hoped she hadn''t ended up in some psychiatric ward.

    My fingers traced the silk sheets as I made my decision. This weekend, I would find a way back to Earth - my Earth - and check on my body. But first, I needed to figure out how to operate that transport gate.

    Yesterday, I''d watched Professor Auriel carefully. She''d activated specific runes before we stepped through - coordinates perhaps? Professor Morrigan had mentioned Rune Magic in passing during one of her lectures. Could that be the key?

    I sat up, my mind racing. The library would have information about transport gates specifically, not just general teleportation magic. Meridia might raise an eyebrow at the topics, but she''d help me find what I needed.

    I needed to understand exactly how those gates worked, how to enter specific coordinates. More importantly, I needed to figure out how to reach my specific Earth among what must be countless alternatives.

    The bathroom door clicked, and I quickly smoothed my expression. Aria emerged in a cloud of steam, and I pushed my plotting aside for now. After classes, I''d visit the library again.

    "You''ve been awfully quiet since Biology. Still thinking about that mailman?" Aria nudged my shoulder as we walked down the corridor.

    "Stop it." I rolled my eyes, but her teasing made me consider something. Maybe keeping everything, secret wasn''t the best approach. A partial truth might actually help deflect suspicion.

    "If you must know, I was thinking about the transport gate. I wondered if we could use it to visit other mortal realms this weekend."

    Aria''s eyes lit up. "Whatever you''re planning, count me in!"

    "Planning what?" Isabella''s smooth voice came from behind us as she fell into step beside me.

    "Lily wants to go play with mortals this weekend," Aria practically bounced with excitement.

    Isabella raised an elegant eyebrow, waiting for explanation.

    I sighed. "We have some free time, and I thought... well, there must be so many different places out there. I''d like to see what they''re like."

    A knowing chuckle escaped Isabella''s lips. "Ah, I understand completely. I was the same way when I first used the transport gate. Though I should warn you - the novelty wears off rather quickly after your first few worlds."

    I felt relief wash over me as Isabella and Aria misinterpreted my interest in transport gates. Their assumption that I simply wanted to explore new realms worked perfectly as cover for my true intentions.

    "I need to check something in the library first," I said. "I''ll catch up with you two later?"

    "Don''t study too hard," Aria called after me as I headed toward the

    I pushed open the heavy library doors, immediately greeted by the familiar sight of floating books drifting between towering shelves. The scent of old parchment and leather bindings filled my nose.

    Meridia sat at her desk, dark circles under her eyes as usual. She glanced up from her tome with that perpetually exhausted expression.

    "Back again so soon?" she asked in her monotone voice.

    "Yes, I need some specific materials this time," I said, approaching her desk. "Books about Transport Gates - their mechanics, activation methods, and if possible, a list of known gates and their coordinates."

    Meridia''s eyebrow crept upward slightly. "Your interests grow more peculiar by the day." She gave a lazy shrug of her shoulders. "But I suppose it''s too much effort to care about why you want them."

    With minimal movement, she raised one pale hand. Several books detached themselves from different shelves, floating through the air in graceful arcs before landing in a neat stack on her desk. She gathered them up and held them out to me.

    "Here. Everything we have on the subject."

    "Thank you." I accepted the stack of books, noting the varying thicknesses and ages of the volumes.

    I found an empty desk tucked away in a quiet corner, far from the few other students scattered throughout the library. Setting down my new research materials, I settled into the chair and pulled the first book toward me.

    I closed the leather-bound tome with a soft thud, my mind processing the information I''d just uncovered. The answer had been simpler than expected - activating these Transport Gates didn''t require complex magical knowledge at all.

    Despite the gates being constructed with advanced Runecraft techniques we hadn''t covered in class yet, using one was straightforward. All I needed to do was channel mana into the runes in the correct sequence. The gate would handle the complicated parts on its own.

    My excitement dimmed slightly as I flipped through the coordinates appendix. Finding the right sequence posed the real challenge. The list contained around a thousand different Earths, each with its own set of coordinates and cryptic names like "Earth-387" or "Earth-¦¸"Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    I rubbed my temples, scanning the endless columns of numbers and names. Cross-referencing these would take ages. Without knowing which Earth was my original home, I''d have to methodically compare details about each one.

    "This could take weeks," I muttered, staring at the seemingly endless list of possible destinations. Even if I memorized the activation sequence, picking the wrong Earth would just waste time and energy.

    I gathered the books and approached Meridia''s desk, where she lounged with her feet propped up, levitating a cup of tea.

    "Excuse me, I could use some help finding a specific Earth."

    "Mhm?" Her eyelids drooped as she took a sip.

    "I''m looking for one with particular historical events. There was the Roman Empire that conquered most of Europe. Two massive world wars in the twentieth century - the first one had trench warfare and ended in 1918, the second involved Germany and ended in 1945."

    Meridia''s hand lazily waved, summoning a thin volume that drifted over. She flipped through it without touching the pages.

    "That narrows it down. British Empire? United States? Cold War between America and Soviet Union?"

    "Yes, exactly!" The familiar history felt comforting to describe.

    "Hmm. Could be Earth-2, Earth-5a, or Earth-23b. Those match the major events you mentioned." She yawned. "Want the detailed logs for those?"

    "Please, if it''s not too much trouble." I stacked the gate operation manuals. "And I''m done with these."

    The books floated out of my arms while three new volumes drifted down from different shelves.

    "Here. Basic overviews of those Earths. Return them whenever." She waved dismissively, already closing her eyes.

    "Thank you." I gathered the new books and headed back to my secluded desk, eager to find which Earth was truly home.

    I flipped through the first book, quickly dismissing Earth-02. The detailed accounts of open magical warfare between nations and dragons soaring over cities definitely didn''t match my memories.

    My heart raced as I opened the Earth-5a volume. The familiar historical events lined up perfectly - same countries, same wars, same technological progress. Though the information seemed outdated, ending somewhere in the 1970s, it described a world where magic and supernatural beings existed in secret, known only to governments and select organizations.

    I almost closed it, certain this couldn''t be my Earth. I distinctly remembered a world without magic. But then I paused, a realization hitting me - of course I hadn''t known about magic. I was just a regular person there, part of the general public kept in the dark.

    The Earth-23b tome proved this point further as I skimmed its pages. The book described a world where the Soviet Union had developed mind control technology, leading to a drastically different Cold War. This was certainly nothing like the history I remembered.

    My fingers trembled slightly as I wrote down the gate coordinates for Earth-5a, particularly the sequence that would open a portal directly to London. Just to be thorough, I copied down the addresses to other cities too.

    I gathered the books and brought them back to Meridia''s desk. Without even opening her eyes, she lifted a finger. The volumes floated from my arms and zipped back to their proper places on the towering shelves.

    I pushed open our dorm room door, my mind still churning with thoughts about returning home. Aria sprawled across her bed, a glossy magazine spread before her. The pages displayed various male models in provocative poses, leaving little to imagination.

    "There you are!" Aria rolled onto her side, giving me a sly grin. "What took so long? Find someone interesting to play with in the library?"

    I shook my head, settling onto my own bed. "Nothing like that. Just researching different worlds."

    "Oh right!" She perked up, tossing aside her magazine. "You mentioned wanting to travel on the weekend. Find anything good?"

    "Well..." I chose my words carefully, describing the familiar world I''d left behind. "There''s this place with massive cities full of tall buildings made of steel and glass. People drive these metal vehicles called cars, and there are even machines that let them fly through the air."

    "Flying machines?" Aria sat up straighter, violet eyes sparkling with interest.

    "They''re called airplanes. And everyone carries these small devices that let them talk to anyone else instantly, or access information about anything they want to know."

    "That sounds exciting!" Aria bounced on her bed.

    "The funny thing is, most mortals there think magic and demons are just stories - myths and legends." I traced patterns on my bedsheet, remembering how I used to think the same way.

    Aria''s eyes widened. "Wait, they don''t know about us at all?"

    "Not a clue. They write books about demons and make movies about them, but it''s all fiction to them."

    She jumped up, pacing with excitement. "Oh, that''s perfect! Just imagine how much fun we could have there. All those unsuspecting mortals..." Her tail swished back and forth. "Picture their faces when we drop our glamour while feeding. The shock, the awe-"

    "Yeah, bet some would even willingly offer themselves if they knew we were succubi," I muttered under my breath, not meaning for her to hear.

    But Aria''s demon hearing caught every word. She whirled around, face lit up like a hellfire lamp. "Yes! That''s brilliant! We could start a cult dedicated to us. Get followers to worship us. Build up a whole network of willing prey-"

    "Aria, no." I sat up straight. "We can''t reveal ourselves there. It''s completely off limits."

    Her excitement deflated slightly. "But why not?"

    "Magic still exists in that world, but it''s hidden from the public eye. We don''t want to attract attention from any demon hunters." I wasn''t actually sure if demon hunters existed there, but better safe than sorry.

    Aria flopped back onto her bed with a dramatic sigh. "You''re such a killjoy, Lily." She rolled her eyes but gave me a small smile. "Fine, you''re probably right. We''ll keep the glamour on."

    A strange feeling washed over me as I realized I''d been discussing the trip in terms of "we" the whole time. When had I started thinking about bringing Aria and Isabella along? My original plan had been to sneak away alone, find my old body, and...what exactly?

    I glanced at Aria, who was now humming while flipping through her magazine again. The thought of leaving her behind made my chest tighten unexpectedly. Even Isabella, with her calculated political moves, had become someone I trusted more than I''d planned.

    "Hey, you okay?" Aria looked up, noticing my silence. "You got all quiet and broody."

    "Just thinking about logistics," I said, which wasn''t entirely a lie. "We''ll need to split up to cover more ground when we visit. Different areas might have different things worth seeing."

    "Ooh, good point." She nodded sagely. "Plus Isabella probably has her own agenda anyway. She always does."

    Perfect. They were already expecting us to separate at times. When we got there, I could easily slip away for an hour or two - just enough time to track down my old apartment, check on my body, maybe leave some kind of message for my family.

    The weekend couldn''t come fast enough. But at least now I had a proper plan. Well, the beginnings of one.

    "You''re doing it again," Aria complained, throwing a pillow at my head.

    I snatched it mid-air with my supernatural reflexes, still amazed by them. "Doing what?"

    "That thing where you get lost in your head and forget I exist." She pouted playfully. "Stop planning so much. We''ve got days before the weekend."

    I tossed Aria''s pillow back at her. "You''re right. I''ve spent too much time in the library today."

    "Finally, she admits it!" Aria caught the pillow and hugged it to her chest. "You know what would help clear your head?"

    I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

    She glanced meaningfully at Bellas, who was organizing our study materials at the desk. His muscular back rippled as he moved, the blonde hair glistening in the light.

    "Come on," she purred. "You''ve been so serious all day. Let''s have some fun before bed."

    My body responded instantly to her suggestion, demonic instincts flooding my system with desire. The research could wait. The plans, the coordinates, my old life - it would all still be there tomorrow.

    "Alright," I conceded, watching Aria''s face light up. "You win."

    She bounced off her bed and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward Bellas. "That''s more like it!"

 Chapter 17 - Faith

    I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling while my mind wandered through the events of the past few days. The weekend had finally arrived - our chance to visit Earth, my Earth.

    Yesterday''s letter to Lilith felt necessary, given how protective she''d been lately. I couldn''t risk her finding out about our trip from someone else and showing up unannounced. Her response came almost immediately, packed with maternal advice about staying safe and keeping a low profile.

    "What about this one?" Aria''s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

    I turned to see her experimenting with different glamour forms in front of our mirror. Her current appearance showed a tall brunette with striking green eyes.

    "Something about it looks familiar," I said, tilting my head. The nagging sensation that I''d seen that exact face before wouldn''t leave me.

    "Really?" She spun around, examining herself from different angles. "I just made it up."

    I shook my head, pushing the thought aside. "I''m probably overthinking it. But those clothes won''t work."

    She looked down at her revealing outfit. "What''s wrong with them?"

    "We need to blend in. Try something more casual - jeans and a t-shirt maybe."

    While Aria rummaged through her wardrobe, my thoughts drifted to more pressing concerns. What would I find when we got there? The question of my original body''s fate sent an uncomfortable chill down my spine. For all I knew, it could be dead already.

    "Is this better?" Aria held up a more modest outfit.

    I forced myself to focus on the present. "Much better. We want to avoid drawing attention."

    But the gnawing uncertainty about my former body remained, making my stomach twist with nervous energy. If something had happened to it...

    "You''re doing that brooding thing again," Aria noted, pulling on the new clothes.

    "Just thinking about the trip," I replied, which wasn''t entirely untrue. I just couldn''t tell her exactly what aspects of it were weighing on my mind.

    I spotted Isabella waiting by the transport gate, her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised at our approach. Her glamour had transformed her into a pale blonde with ice-blue eyes that somehow retained their otherworldly intensity.

    "Took you long enough," she said, tapping her foot against the black marble floor.

    "Blame Aria. She couldn''t settle on a look." I gestured at our friend, who was still adjusting her glamoured brown hair.

    Aria huffed, running fingers through the illusory strands. "Looks are important! We need to blend in perfectly."

    "She''s right about that," Isabella nodded, then smirked. "But perhaps deciding on an appearance the night before would have been more efficient."

    "Not you too!" Aria threw her hands up in exasperation.

    I stepped between them before the friendly bickering could continue. "We should probably get moving anyway. The gate won''t stay open forever."

    "True enough," Isabella conceded.

    "Finally," Aria sighed dramatically.

    We approached the gate''s guardian, a burly demon with obsidian skin and curved horns who lounged against the arch''s base. His crimson eyes flickered over us with bored disinterest.

    "Five souls each," he drawled, holding out a clawed hand.

    I retrieved the coins from my ring, trying not to think about the trapped souls within them as I counted out fifteen.  Though I noticed paying in souls didn''t bother me as much as before.

    The demon pocketed them with practiced efficiency. "Wait for the current group to clear through. Then the gate''s yours."

    We stood back, watching a cluster of lesser demons pass through the shimmering portal. The runes along the arch pulsed with each traveler, casting dancing shadows across the plaza''s polished floor.

    "Remember the plan," I whispered to my companions. "We have to be careful, keep our glamours up at all times, and don''t draw attention."

    "Yes, mother," Aria teased, but her usual playfulness was tempered by focus.

    Isabella merely nodded, her eyes fixed on the gate with predatory intensity.

    When the last demon vanished through the portal, we stepped forward. My hands trembled slightly as I input the coordinates I''d memorized from my research - the sequence that should lead us to Earth-5a, to London, to my home.

    The runes flared brighter as they accepted each number, until the portal''s surface rippled like disturbed mercury. I double-checked the final digits, acutely aware of my friends'' anticipation.

    "Ready?" I asked, though I wasn''t sure if I was asking them or myself.

    "Born ready," Aria chirped.

    "Let''s not waste more time," Isabella added.

    I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and stepped through. The familiar sensation of reality twisting around me made my stomach lurch. For a heart-stopping moment, everything went black.

    The portal spat us out into a dimly lit alleyway. My eyes adjusted quickly, taking in the brick walls covered in graffiti. A massive spray-painted design dominated one wall - an arch identical to the transport gate we''d just used.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    "Well, at least we know how to get back," Isabella said, brushing off her glamoured business attire.

    Aria wrinkled her nose at a nearby dumpster. "Couldn''t it have dropped us somewhere nicer?"

    I peered toward the alley''s entrance where sunlight streamed in. The main street beyond bustled with activity - people walking briskly past, cars honking, the general chaos of city life. No one spared a glance down our dingy arrival point.

    A ripple in the air behind us announced another arrival. A man in a crisp suit materialized and strode past.

    "Excuse me, ladies," he muttered, adjusting his tie as he headed for the street.

    I watched him go, unsure whether he was truly human. Our own glamours made us appear perfectly mortal, after all. There was no way to tell who else might be hiding supernatural features.

    "Should we follow?" Aria asked, already moving toward the alley''s exit.

    Isabella shrugged. "Might as well. Standing here won''t accomplish anything."

    We emerged onto the sidewalk, joining the flow of pedestrians. The familiar sights and sounds of London surrounded us - red double-decker buses, the distant chime of Big Ben, tourists snapping photos.

    I watched the crowds flow around us, marveling at how different everything felt through my enhanced senses. The cacophony of heartbeats created an intricate rhythm beneath the surface noise of traffic and conversation. Each person''s unique scent drifted past - perfumes, sweat, desire, fear, excitement all mingling together in a complex tapestry.

    Then reality hit me. "Wait," I said, stopping abruptly. "We don''t have any money. At least, not the kind we can use here."

    I thought of the soul coins in my ring, but those wouldn''t exactly work at a coffee shop.

    Aria laughed, linking her arm through mine. "Oh sweetie, that''s not a problem at all."

    "Indeed," Isabella''s smile turned predatory as she watched the crowds passing by. "There are plenty of generous mortals who''d be happy to... assist three lovely ladies such as ourselves."

    My stomach dropped as I realized what they were suggesting. They planned to use their succubus charms to acquire whatever they needed from unsuspecting humans.

    I watched Aria''s face light up as another sleek car cruised past us. Her eyes followed its movements with childlike wonder.

    "How does it move without magic? There''s no mana flow at all!" She whispered, tugging at my sleeve.

    Isabella maintained her composed demeanor, but I caught her staring intently at a teenager''s smartphone as we passed by a bus stop. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she tried to make sense of the technology.

    "Remember to act natural," I murmured to Aria, who was now gawking at an electronic billboard. "We don''t want to draw attention."

    "Right, right." She straightened her posture but couldn''t quite hide her excitement. "It''s just... everything here is so different! Even New London used runic engines and flux crystals for their machines."

    We continued down the busy street, with me pretending to share their amazement while secretly feeling a deep familiarity with everything around us. Every corner we turned brought back memories of my life as Liam.

    "Look!" Aria suddenly grabbed both our arms. "What''s that giant clock tower?"

    I followed her pointing finger to Big Ben rising above the buildings ahead of us. Even Isabella''s careful mask slipped for a moment as she took in the iconic landmark.

    "That''s perfect," I said, seizing the opportunity. "Why don''t we split up and explore? We can cover more ground that way, find some interesting spots. Meet back here in three hours?"

    "Under the giant clock?" Aria asked.

    "Yes, that works." Isabella nodded. "We can share what we''ve discovered and decide where to spend our time."

    They agreed readily enough, and we parted ways at the next intersection. Once they were out of sight, I turned down a familiar street. My old apartment wasn''t far - just a fifteen-minute walk from here. Finally, I could investigate what happened to my original body.

    My heart pounded as I approached the familiar brick building. Everything looked exactly as I remembered - the same weathered steps, the crooked mailboxes, even Mrs. Peterson''s half-dead potted plant by the entrance.

    The climb to the third floor felt surreal in this new body. My heels clicked against the worn stairs, each step bringing me closer to answers. When I reached my old apartment door, I froze. The brass numbers - 3B - stared back at me, unchanged.

    I raised my hand and knocked, the sound echoing in the empty hallway. Silence answered.

    "Hello?" I called out, knocking again more firmly. Still nothing. No shuffling footsteps, no voice calling "just a minute." The apartment seemed deserted.

    I bit my lip, considering my options. Breaking in wasn''t ideal - someone might see me. Then I remembered the spare key I''d hidden after getting locked out once too often.

    Not under the doormat - I wasn''t that predictable. Instead, I reached up to the top of the doorframe, feeling along the narrow ledge until my fingers found the loose piece of wood. With careful pressure, it popped free, revealing the small cavity behind it.

    Relief flooded through me as my fingers touched cold metal. The key was still there, right where I''d left it. I pulled it out, brushing off the dust. At least something remained constant in this bizarre situation.

    I slipped the key into the lock, the familiar motion feeling strange with my more delicate fingers. The mechanism clicked and the door swung open with its characteristic squeak.

    The sight that greeted me stopped me in my tracks. My apartment - but not as I''d left it. The usual clutter was gone, replaced by an almost surgical cleanliness. My belongings were still there, but meticulously organized. The stack of engineering textbooks sat perfectly aligned on the shelf instead of scattered across the coffee table. Even my collection of video games stood in alphabetical order.

    "What happened here?" I whispered, running a finger along the spotless kitchen counter. No dust. Someone had been here recently.

    I opened the fridge, finding it completely empty and scrubbed clean. The same story in the cupboards - bare shelves that smelled faintly of cleaning products.

    Moving through the apartment, I noticed more oddities. My clothes were still in the closet, but pressed and arranged by color. The bathroom gleamed. Even the grout between the tiles looked freshly scrubbed.

    This level of cleaning wasn''t my style at all. Could it have been Faith? She always complained about my housekeeping habits when we were together. Maybe she''d come by after... whatever had happened to me.

    But where was my body? If Lily - or whatever was inhabiting my original form - had been here, there should be signs of someone living in the space. This felt more like someone had cleaned up and closed shop.

    I''d need to ask around. Mrs. Peterson next door was the building gossip - she''d know if anything unusual had happened. Or maybe I could track down Faith, though that conversation would be complicated in this form.

    The sound of metal scraping against metal froze me in place. Someone was turning the door handle.

    The door creaked open, and my enhanced demon senses picked up soft muttering before I could even see who entered.

    "Could''ve sworn I locked it last time..." a familiar voice drifted in. My heart stopped. Faith.

    I stood frozen in the kitchen as she stepped inside, her brown skin glowing in the afternoon light streaming through the windows. She hadn''t noticed me yet, too busy fumbling with her keys.

    "Two months, Liam. Two whole months," she muttered, dropping her bag by the door. "Where the hell did you go?"

    Two months? The revelation hit me like a punch to the gut. I''d been so caught up in survival and adapting to this body that I hadn''t even thought about how much time had passed.

    "The neighbours haven''t seen you. Your work hasn''t heard from you." Faith moved through the apartment, straightening things that were already perfectly aligned. "Your phone''s disconnected. It''s like you just... vanished."

    My enhanced hearing caught every word, even as her voice dropped to barely a whisper. "I shouldn''t even care anymore. We broke up. But..." She sighed, running her hand along the spotless kitchen counter. "I just want to know you''re okay. Maybe fix things..."

    I pressed myself against the wall, mind racing. Two months of my life were unaccounted for. If I was here in Lily''s body, where was my original body? Where was the real Lily?

    Faith''s footsteps drew closer to the kitchen. In seconds, she would turn the corner and find a strange woman standing in her ex-boyfriend''s apartment.

    There was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.

    Her footsteps stopped just around the corner.

 Chapter 18 - Wheres Liam?

    Faith stepped into the kitchen and froze. Her entire body tensed, muscles coiling like a predator ready to strike. Her dark eyes locked onto me with laser focus.

    In that moment, I picked up on a thousand tiny details I''d never noticed as Liam. The way she balanced her weight, ready to move in any direction. The slight calluses on her hands that didn''t match someone who spent their days digital drawing. The too-careful way she held herself, like someone trained to be ready for anything.

    "Who are you?" Faith''s voice was sharp, controlled. "How did you get in here?"

    I held up my hands slowly, playing innocent. "I found a key on top of the doorframe." Not technically a lie - I''d known exactly where to look for it.

    "That doesn''t explain why you''re here." She shifted her stance slightly, blocking the only exit from the kitchen. Her movements were too precise, too practiced. This wasn''t my digital artist ex-girlfriend - this was someone else entirely.

    My mind raced. There was danger here, a readiness for violence that I''d never seen in her before. Whatever Faith really was - government agent, private security, something else entirely - telling her I had any connection to Liam felt like a terrible idea.

    "I got curious," I said with a small shrug, forcing myself to appear casual despite every supernatural instinct screaming at me to prepare for a fight. "Found the key, apartment seemed empty. Thought maybe I''d find something interesting."

    Her eyes narrowed, scanning every inch of me for signs of deception. "You broke into a random apartment... out of curiosity?"

    "When you say it like that, it sounds bad." I gave her my best sheepish smile, though I could feel my demon nature coiling beneath the surface, responding to the threat she represented.

    Faith''s posture remained rigid, her eyes boring into me. "The doorframe is at least seven feet high. How did someone your height even see the key up there?"

    I kept my expression neutral, though internally I cursed myself for not considering that detail. "Pure luck, actually. I was walking past and saw something reflect in the sunlight. Got curious and checked what it was."

    She crossed her arms. "So you just happened to spot a tiny key?"

    "Look, I know how this looks." I gestured at myself, drawing attention to my casual outfit - a simple blouse and jeans chosen specifically to blend in. "But I''m not here to steal anything. I mean, what kind of thief breaks in during broad daylight wearing this? If I wanted to rob the place, I''d at least dress in black."

    A flicker of amusement crossed her face, almost too quick to catch. Her shoulders lowered slightly.

    "Besides," I continued, "the place is empty. Nothing worth taking anyway." I kept my tone light, conversational, like this was just a silly misunderstanding between strangers.

    Faith''s stance softened marginally. The deadly readiness didn''t disappear entirely, but some of the immediate tension bled out of her frame. "You really expect me to believe you''re just... what? An overly curious passerby?"

    "When you find a mysterious key, don''t tell me you wouldn''t be at least a little tempted to see where it leads." I smiled disarmingly. "Though I''m starting to think this wasn''t my brightest moment."

    Her lips twitched upward slightly, and more of that combat-ready posture melted away. "No, probably not your smartest decision."

    "Do you live here?" I asked, keeping my voice gentle. Maybe I could learn something about what happened to my body.

    Faith''s expression clouded. "No. It belongs to my ex."

    "Oh." I paused, watching her face carefully. "Then why are you...?"

    She ran her fingers through her dark hair, the gesture so achingly familiar it made my chest tight. "It''s complicated." Faith leaned against the counter, some of her defensive posture crumbling. "He disappeared two months ago. Just... vanished. No note, no warning signs, nothing."

    I stayed quiet, letting her continue.

    "The police say there''s no sign of foul play. His phone, wallet, everything was here. But he just..." She gestured helplessly. "I keep coming back, hoping maybe I missed something. Some clue about where he went."

    The raw pain in her voice hit me like a physical blow. My supernatural senses picked up on the depth of her emotions - genuine worry, lingering affection, and underneath it all, guilt.

    "I broke up with him," she continued, seemingly desperate to unburden herself even to a stranger. "Two weeks before he disappeared. I thought... I thought I was doing the right thing. My work is complicated, dangerous. I didn''t want him caught up in it."Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    I felt a strange disconnect, hearing her talk about me - about Liam - while standing here in this demon body. The irony wasn''t lost on me. I''d thrown myself into work after our breakup, trying to forget her. Then just when I finally moved on, I''d woken up as Lily.

    Now here she was, clearly wanting to fix things, and I couldn''t even tell her the truth. The person she was looking for didn''t exist anymore, at least not in any way that mattered.

    The cruel cosmic joke of it all made me want to laugh or scream. Instead, I just stood there, watching my ex-girlfriend worry about someone who was standing right in front of her, completely unrecognizable.

    I searched for something comforting to say, something that wouldn''t reveal too much. "Sometimes people need space to figure things out. Maybe he just needed time away from everything."

    "Maybe." Faith''s shoulders slumped. "I just wish he''d left a note or something. Let someone know he was okay."

    "I''m sure wherever he is, he''s fine." The words felt strange coming out of my mouth, talking about myself in third person. "Sometimes life takes unexpected turns."

    Faith gave me a thoughtful look. "You know, you''re surprisingly easy to talk to. I didn''t expect to pour my heart out to someone who broke into my ex''s apartment."

    I wondered if it was my succubus aura making her open up, or if some part of her recognized something familiar about me despite this different form. The thought made me uneasy.

    Looking at her now, I realized maybe this separation wasn''t entirely bad. I''d already started moving on as Liam before all this happened. Now as Lily, I had a whole new life, new experiences, new... everything.

    Still, a nagging thought persisted - where was my original body? If I was in Lily''s form, did that mean Lily walked away in mine? I needed to find out what happened, but how could I even begin searching?

    "I should take that key back," Faith said, holding out her hand. "Can''t have random people wandering in here, even if they turn out to be good listeners."

    I placed the key in her palm, our fingers brushing briefly. The contact sent a jolt through my supernatural senses, making me grateful for the glamour hiding my true form.

    Faith walked me to the door, her eyes tracking my movements as I stepped into the afternoon light. I felt her gaze follow me down the street, making me wonder what she was looking for.

    I walked through London''s bustling streets toward Big Ben, my mind racing with questions about Faith. Her stance, her alertness - she moved like someone trained for combat. Not exactly the digital artist profile she''d claimed to be.

    The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the pavement as I dodged around tourists taking photos. I''d need to come back alone, investigate properly without Aria and Isabella in tow.

    The library at the Academy might have information about scrying spells. If I could find the right books, maybe track down what happened to my original body.

    I spotted Aria''s violet eyes through the crowd near Big Ben, Isabella''s silver hair gleaming beside her. They waved enthusiastically, and I pushed my worries aside. Right now, I had to play tour guide without revealing how familiar I was with London.

    "This place is fascinating," Isabella said as I approached. "So different from New London."

    "We should explore more," Aria bounced on her heels. "But first, we need money."

    I patted my pockets, knowing they were empty. "Right. We''ll need British pounds."

    Aria''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, I saw some nice hotels earlier. Perfect place to find lonely businessmen with fat wallets."

    "Quick meal and profit," Isabella nodded. "Efficient."

    I let out a resigned sigh. My old human sensibilities still nagged at me, whispering how this was wrong, degrading. But those thoughts felt hollow now, disconnected from my current reality.

    For succubi, the whole concept flipped on its head. We weren''t selling ourselves - we were the ones using mortals for sustenance. Getting paid just added a sweet bonus to an already satisfying meal.

    "There''s a place called The Dorchester," I said, pushing aside my lingering hesitation. "Lots of wealthy executives stay there."

    Aria''s eyes lit up. "Perfect! Lead the way."

    Isabella nodded approvingly. "Good choice. Their type usually carries plenty of cash."

    We merged into the flow of pedestrian traffic, heading toward Park Lane. The setting sun painted the sky in deep oranges and purples, perfect timing for the hotel''s evening crowd.

    I''d already fed on Arthur - this wouldn''t be much different. Just with some extra pounds in my pocket afterward. I could spend time showing Aria and Isabella around London, then return to look for my old body another day.

    "This way," I gestured as we approached the grand hotel entrance. Aria practically skipped beside me while Isabella maintained her usual graceful stride.

    The doorman pulled open the heavy glass door, and warm light spilled onto the sidewalk. Together, we stepped into the opulent lobby, ready for an evening of feeding and profit.

    I stepped out into the cool night air, still processing what just happened inside The Dorchester. My ring felt heavier with nearly five thousand pounds stored inside. The amount seemed absurd - who carries that much cash?

    "And then he just handed it over!" Aria giggled, practically bouncing down the sidewalk. "Said something about an expense account and corporate cards. I just smiled and nodded like I understood."

    Isabella walked silently beside us, a satisfied smirk playing across her lips as she listened to Aria''s enthusiastic retelling.

    "Mine kept going on about futures trading," I said, remembering the middle-aged businessman who''d been so eager to impress. "I just batted my eyes and told him it sounded complicated."

    "Playing dumb works wonders," Aria agreed. "Though I genuinely had no idea what mine meant about digital currencies and blockchain."

    I caught myself before explaining cryptocurrency. These weren''t concepts they''d encounter in Hell.

    The city lights sparkled around us, and I found myself wanting to show them more of London''s nightlife. The London Eye would be beautiful right now, all lit up against the dark sky. Or we could walk along the Thames...

    "We should explore more," I suggested carefully, trying to sound uncertain. "I think I saw some interesting places when we were walking earlier."

    "Ooh yes!" Aria clapped her hands. "This world is so different from New London.

    "And no obvious magic," Isabella noted, eyeing a traffic light changing colours. "They''ve created interesting substitutes."

    "Maybe we could walk by the river?" I proposed, as if the idea had just occurred to me. "Or find somewhere high up to see the city lights?"

    Aria''s eyes lit up. "Yes! Let''s do both. We have plenty of these paper bill things now."

    I led them toward the Thames, carefully maintaining the pretence of discovering the route alongside them. The night was young, and London had so much more to show my demon friends.

 Chapter 19 â€“ Filler

    I settled into my seat in Professor Zellaris''s classroom, watching her blue-skinned form pace before the blackboard. Her purple hair swayed with each step as she wrote "Dimensional Travel" in flowing script.

    "Before we delve into the intricacies of pact-making, there are fundamental concepts about dimensional travel you must understand," she began, turning to face us.

    "Many of you might think traveling between worlds is straightforward." Professor Zellaris raised one elegant eyebrow. "It is not."

    She drew a series of interconnected circles on the board. "When demons use conventional methods like gates or spells to enter other realms, we face certain... restrictions."

    My pen paused above my notebook as she continued.

    "The moment we step through, we''re marked as outsiders. The very fabric of that reality actively resists our presence." She tapped the chalk against the board. "This resistance dampens both our physical and magical abilities. Push too hard against these limitations..."

    She made a popping gesture with her hands. "And you''ll find yourself ejected back to Hell. Trust me, it''s not a pleasant experience."

    I noticed several students shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

    "Though magical items are exempt from these restrictions," she added. "They operate independently of our presence."

    A succubus with emerald hair raised her hand. "Professor, we visited the mortal realm last week, but I didn''t feel any restrictions."

    I thought back to our London trip. She had a point - I hadn''t noticed any limitations either.

    Professor Zellaris nodded knowingly. "That''s because you likely didn''t attempt anything too extreme. Basic abilities and simple spells rarely provoke the realm''s rejection. It''s when you try to exercise greater power that you''ll encounter resistance."

    The explanation made sense. We''d kept our activities relatively mundane during our visit - no major magic beyond glamours and basic charm abilities.

    "However," Professor Zellaris''s lips curved into a knowing smile, "being summoned is an entirely different matter."

    She drew a new diagram showing a summoning circle with arrows pointing inward. "When mortals summon us, they essentially invite us into their realm. This invitation circumvents the usual restrictions."

    I leaned forward, intrigued. This explained why some demons preferred being summoned rather than traveling directly.

    "A summoned demon becomes, temporarily, a legitimate part of that reality," she continued, her chalk tapping rhythmically. "The only limitations you''ll face are those explicitly stated in your pact with the summoner."

    Her expression grew serious. "But remember - the mortal who summoned you can just as easily dismiss you once your obligations are fulfilled. This is why the art of pact-making is crucial."

    She began listing examples on the board. "A mortal might request ''wealth'' - but what kind? How much? Through what means? The vaguer their terms, the more... creative we can be with our interpretation."

    Several students chuckled. I noticed Aria scribbling furiously beside me.

    "Your pact is your protection, but also your constraint," Professor Zellaris emphasized. "Learn to spot loopholes. Master the art of misdirection. A clever demon can fulfill their obligation while maximizing their own benefit."

    She paused, fixing us with her penetrating gaze. "Remember - mortals usually focus on what they want, rarely on how they want it. Use that oversight to your advantage."

    I watched Professor Zellaris lean against her desk, a predatory smile playing across her blue-tinted features. "Let me share a personal example of why vague terms are a demon''s best friend."

    Her purple hair caught the light as she straightened. "Years ago, a mortal noble summoned me. His request?" She paused dramatically. "To make that night ''an unforgettable experience.''"

    A ripple of knowing laughter spread through the classroom.

    "I started conventionally enough. Bound him to his bed - silk scarves, very tasteful. He assumed it was foreplay." Her smile widened. "I left him there, letting his imagination run wild with possibilities."

    She paced the front of the room, her heels clicking against the stone floor. "When I returned, I wasn''t alone. I dragged in his first wife by her hair." Professor Zellaris''s voice dropped to a whisper. "You should have seen his face when I drew the blade across her throat. The way her blood sprayed across his chest... quite artistic, really."

    My stomach clenched, but I kept my expression neutral. Around me, other students leaned forward, enthralled.

    "He screamed, of course. Demanded release." She waved dismissively. "But he went very quiet when I brought in his second wife. By the third, he was begging." She adopted a mocking, pleading tone. "''Please, I''ll break the pact! You can go free!'' As if I didn''t know he could banish me just as easily."

    Aria nudged me, grinning. I managed a weak smile in return.

    "With each kill, I''d whisper in his ear - ''Is tonight unforgettable yet?''" Professor Zellaris''s eyes gleamed. "The children were next. Then the servants. Anyone in that grand house. I took my time, made each death... unique."

    She described in loving detail how she''d arranged the bodies, how she''d used different methods - some quick, some slow. How she''d positioned the noble to ensure he could see everything. The way she''d painted the walls with blood, arranged limbs into macabre art pieces.

    "By the end, he was absolutely mad with grief and terror. His essence..." She closed her eyes in remembered pleasure. "So deliciously flavoured with fear and insanity."

    She gestured casually. "He serves me in Hell now. Sometimes, when I''m feeling nostalgic, I make him relive that night." Her smile turned wistful. "Ah, youth. Those were fun days."

    Around me, my classmates chuckled and nodded appreciatively. Even Isabella looked impressed. I heard whispers about the noble''s foolishness, about the elegant simplicity of the trap.

    I waited for the horror to hit me. For the revulsion I would have felt as Liam. But it didn''t come.

    Yes, the story was brutal. Cruel. But I found myself analyzing it clinically rather than emotionally. The noble had been careless with his wording. The demon had exploited the loophole. It was simply... business.

    I glanced around at my laughing classmates, at my teachers, at my friends. They were demons. All of them. And now, so was I.

    Was this my new body''s influence? The way it processed death differently? To demons, death wasn''t an ending - just a transition. Mortals were like... livestock. No, that wasn''t quite right. Humans generally didn''t torture their cattle for entertainment.

    "Now," Professor Zellaris continued, "let''s discuss how to identify and exploit similar opportunities in your own pacts..."

    I picked up my pen and began taking notes, pushing aside the uncomfortable questions about my changing perspective. There would be time for moral philosophy later.

    I forced my attention back to Professor Zellaris as she moved to the next topic, her heels clicking against the stone floor.

    "Now, a crucial warning." Her playful demeanour shifted to deadly serious. "Never offer what you cannot deliver in a pact. The realm will bind you there until you fulfil your obligations."

    She paused, letting that sink in. "There are only two ways out of an unfulfillable pact. First - being forcefully banished." Her face twisted. "And let me stress this - it is VERY painful. The second way is somehow managing to fulfil the impossible terms."

    I jotted down notes, recognizing the importance of this information. Beside me, Aria had stopped doodling in her notebook margins to pay attention.

    "Fortunately," Professor Zellaris continued, "most mortals summon demons suited to their needs. They won''t request impossible feats from a succubus when they could summon a devil for power, or an imp for menial tasks."

    She perched on the edge of her desk. "However, if you find yourself in an undesirable summoning and wish to avoid forming any pact at all, there''s a delightfully simple solution."

    Her purple lips curved into a wicked smile. "Trick the mortal into breaking the summoning circle before the pact is finalized. Once that circle breaks, you''re free to do whatever you please in their realm."

    Several students exchanged gleeful looks at this revelation. I could practically see them filing away this information for future use.

    "A dropped book, a startled jump, even a well-timed sneeze - any disruption to the circle''s integrity will do," Professor Zellaris explained. "The mortals are usually so focused on their grand speeches and demands that they never notice the subtle manipulations leading to their circle''s breach."This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    The class continued with Professor Zellaris delving into the nuances of pact-making. She outlined common mortal psychological weaknesses - their desire for wealth, power, and pleasure making them easy to manipulate. Her chalk scratched across the board as she detailed the structural vulnerabilities in various summoning circle designs.

    When the class finally ended, I gathered my notes while Aria stretched beside me. Isabella joined us near the door, her silver hair catching the light.

    Valentina brushed past, shooting us a venomous glare. We ignored her, already used to her hostility after the failed nectar incident.

    "That was... weirdly both boring and interesting," Aria said, adjusting her bag.

    "Every class that doesn''t involve alchemy or sex is somewhat boring to you," I pointed out.

    Aria''s bottom lip jutted out in an exaggerated pout. "True. But you''re one to talk - you find all the super boring stuff interesting."

    Isabella''s soft chuckle drew our attention. "Do you two have anything planned for today?"

    "No," I said, curious. "Why do you ask?"

    "I''ll be running an errand for my family." Isabella''s ice-blue eyes sparkled. "Would you like to come along?"

    Before I could even process the invitation, Aria grabbed my arm. "Yes! We''re definitely coming!"

    "Wait, I didn''t-" I started, but Aria''s enthusiasm drowned out my protest.

    I walked beside Aria and Isabella through the obsidian streets of Igneus, the heat from nearby lava flows warming my skin. The weight of what we''d just done nagged at me.

    "So why did we need to collect all those weapons?" I asked Isabella. The memory of the massive arsenal - swords, spears, and other implements of war - stored in her spatial ring made me uneasy.

    Isabella''s ice-blue eyes darted around before she answered in a low voice. "Mother received word of brewing trouble that could spill into other circles. She wanted us prepared, and since I was closest, she asked me to handle the pickup."

    "Trouble?" Aria''s purple eyes widened with interest. "What kind of trouble?"

    "I don''t know all the details," Isabella admitted, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. "From what I gathered, there''s some kind of power struggle happening between demon lords in Glacius."

    "The Second Circle?" Aria''s usual playful demeanor sobered. "That''s... concerning."

    I watched both their expressions, noting how even Aria''s perpetual smile had dimmed. The weapons suddenly felt more ominous than before, even locked away in Isabella''s ring.

    "Mother didn''t share much else," Isabella continued. "But whatever''s happening in those frozen wastes has her worried enough to start stockpiling weapons."

    The crystalline formations above cast shifting shadows across our path as we walked. Other demons passed us, going about their daily routines, unaware of the potential conflict brewing in the circle above.

    "Do you think it will really spread here?" Aria asked, her voice unusually serious.

    Isabella shrugged. "Hard to say. But House Lilitu doesn''t take chances."

    I bit my lip, considering what Isabella had said. The idea of war spreading to Igneus seemed far-fetched - Mo¡­Lilith and Lucifer wouldn''t allow it. Even if they stayed out of most demon politics, they''d shown enough care for me that they wouldn''t let conflict reach here before I graduated.

    Then again, what did I really know about them? Two months of interactions hardly made me an expert on their motivations or methods.

    "I think it''s unlikely the fighting would reach Igneus," I said, keeping my deeper thoughts private. "But it''s good your family is taking precautions."

    Isabella nodded, adjusting the sleeve of her uniform. "Speaking of family, I need to deliver these weapons to our estate. Would you two prefer to head back to the Academy, or come with me?"

    "Oh, I''ll come!" Aria bounced on her heels, her earlier solemnity forgotten. "I''ve never seen the Lilitu estate."

    I hesitated. Walking into a noble house filled with purebloods who might recognize my connection to Mother seemed risky. But Isabella seemed to trust us enough to involve us in her family business, and refusing now might raise suspicion.

    "What could go wrong?" I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Count me in.

    As we approached what appeared to be a carriage, I paused. The vehicle was sleek and dark, seeming to absorb the ambient light around it. Most striking was the absence of horses - nothing appeared to be ready to pull it.

    Aria clapped her hands together. "Oh! A shadow carriage! I''ve never ridden in one before!"

    Isabella raised an eyebrow at us. "You didn''t think we''d walk all the way to the estate, did you? That would take more than a day."

    She gestured toward the carriage, where a demon in formal attire stood by the door. "These are my friends," she told him. "They''ll be accompanying me."

    Aria didn''t wait for further invitation. She bounded inside with a delighted squeal. "This is amazing! The cushions are so soft!"

    I followed more cautiously, sliding onto the plush seat across from Aria. The interior was luxurious - rich fabrics in deep purples and blacks covered comfortable seats, while crystal sconces cast a warm glow throughout the cabin.

    Isabella entered last, settling beside me with practiced grace. "Would either of you care for refreshments during the journey?"

    "Ooh, do you have anything with Angel''s Essence?" Aria leaned forward eagerly.

    A small laugh escaped Isabella. "That''s about sixty percent of what I keep stocked in here."

    The carriage began to move, picking up speed with surprising smoothness. I watched through the window as we lifted off the ground, soaring through the crimson skies of Igneus.

    I watched the crimson landscape pass beneath us as Isabella broke the contemplative silence.

    "You know, we''re not your typical pureblood family at the Lilitu estate," she said, swirling her drink. "You won''t find any Valentinas there. My mother doesn''t care about status - she believes in merit above all else."

    "That''s quite a healthy attitude," I said, turning my attention back to the cabin.

    Aria nodded vigorously. "Thank hell for that. I''m so fed up with people like Valentina, strutting around thinking they''re important just because of their family name."

    Isabella''s lips curved into an approving smile. "Precisely. Which is why..." She paused, setting her glass down. "I was wondering if you two might consider working for my family after graduation?"

    "Are you trying to poach us, Isabella?" I raised an eyebrow.

    "Was it that obvious?" She laughed, not bothering to deny it.

    "I''ll certainly consider it," Aria leaned back, stretching her legs. "But there''s plenty of time before graduation to think about it."

    "Aria''s right," I agreed, while internally acknowledging the impossibility of such a future. Even if I never found my way back to my old body, this one belonged to the princess of hell - working for house Lilitu would never be an option.

    We chatted about Isabella''s family and their business dealings as the carriage soared through the crimson skies. The conversation drifted between topics until Isabella pointed out the window.

    "There it is. Welcome to House Lilitu."

    My breath caught in my throat. The mansion sprawled across a massive island suspended above a churning lake of lava. Obsidian spires pierced the sky, their surfaces reflecting the molten glow from below. Wide courtyards and gardens dotted the grounds between interconnected buildings of dark stone.

    "By the nine circles..." Aria pressed her face against the window. "It''s magnificent!"

    I nodded in agreement, taking in the sheer scale of the estate. The main building dominated the centre, its architecture both beautiful and intimidating with sweeping arches and sharp angles.

    Isabella watched our reactions with obvious pride, a satisfied smile playing across her lips.

    The carriage banked toward a large landing platform adjacent to the central building. We touched down with barely a bump, the shadow magic ensuring a perfect landing.

    As we stepped out onto the polished stone, our driver cleared his throat.

    "Announcing the return of Lady Isabella Lilitu and her esteemed guests!"

    His voice echoed across the courtyard, bouncing off the dark walls that surrounded us.

    A flurry of activity erupted as several imps rushed toward us from the mansion entrance. Their small wings fluttered as they darted around, offering refreshments and asking about our journey.

    The scene struck a familiar chord - the organized chaos reminded me of my brief stay at the palace with mother and father. Though here the imps wore different livery, decorated with House Lilitu''s crest.

    Aria shifted beside me, her eyes wide as she tracked the imps'' movements. She jumped when one materialized at her elbow with a silver tray of drinks.

    "Would my lady care for some refreshment?" The imp bowed low.

    "I... um... thank you?" Aria accepted a crystal goblet, clearly unused to such attentive service.

    The grand doors of the mansion swung open, revealing a striking couple who strode purposefully toward us. The woman''s metallic silver hair caught the crimson light, while her emerald eyes fixed upon Isabella with laser focus. Her husband cut an imposing figure beside her, his wisened red eyes and dark beard giving him a severe appearance.

    "Isabella." The woman''s voice carried clear authority. "Welcome home."

    "Mother, Father." Isabella stepped forward to greet them with formal bows.

    Though their manner appeared reserved, I noticed subtle signs of affection - the slight softening around her father''s eyes, the way her mother''s hand lingered on Isabella''s shoulder.

    "These are my friends from the Academy," Isabella gestured to us. "Lily and Aria."

    Their calculating gazes swept over us both. I fought the urge to fidget as they assessed everything from our posture to our clothing.

    When the woman''s emerald eyes met mine, something flickered in their depths. My throat went dry. Had she detected what I was? The weight of her stare made my skin prickle with unease.

    Isabella''s mother turned back to her daughter, extending an elegant hand. "The weapons, dear."

    Isabella slipped the ring from her finger and placed it in her mother''s palm. "Everything is accounted for, Mother."

    "Excellent." Her mother''s fingers closed around the ring. "Why don''t you show your friends around while we handle this matter?"

    "Of course." Isabella bowed her head slightly.

    Her father placed a hand on his wife''s lower back, and they departed without another word, their footsteps echoing across the polished stone floor until they disappeared through the grand doors.

    I released a breath I hadn''t realized I was holding. My shoulders relaxed as the pressure of her penetrating stare lifted.

    "Are you alright?" Aria whispered, nudging me with her elbow. "You looked like you were about to bolt."

    "I''m fine." I smoothed my hands over my dress, trying to shake off the lingering tension. "Your mother is... quite intimidating, Isabella."

    Isabella''s lips curved into a knowing smile. "Pyrrha Lilitu didn''t build one of hell''s most formidable houses by being gentle. But don''t worry - she approved of you both."

    "She did?" I blinked in surprise. "How can you tell?"

    "If she hadn''t, you''d know." Isabella gestured for us to follow her. "She wouldn''t have suggested the tour, for one thing."

    Isabella led us through the mansion''s winding corridors, our footsteps echoing off the polished stone floors. The dark walls held countless portraits - generations of silver-haired Lilitu ancestors gazing down at us with those same piercing eyes.

    "It''s rather quiet," I observed, noting the emptiness of the vast halls.

    "Usually is." Isabella shrugged. "Mother and Father prefer their privacy. The imps handle most of the day-to-day operations."

    We passed through an archway into what appeared to be a private garden. Black roses bloomed amid twisted metal sculptures, their petals seeming to absorb the crimson light from above.

    "Sometimes Cassandra drops by - she''s my eldest sister," Isabella continued. "But she''s busy managing trade routes through the Second Circle these days. Elena runs security in the Third, Victoria handles diplomacy in the Fourth..."

    "How many sisters do you have?" Aria asked, reaching out to touch one of the black roses.

    "Seven. All older, all occupied with their duties across the circles." Isabella''s tone remained neutral, but I caught a hint of something in her expression - perhaps loneliness. "There''s not much excitement here, truth be told. Just Mother and Father discussing politics or reviewing reports most days."

    We emerged onto a balcony overlooking the lava lake below. The heat rose in shimmering waves, distorting the view of the distant shores.

    "The training grounds are down there," Isabella pointed to a section of the floating island. "And the armoury is in that building to the right. But unless you''re interested in weapons testing or combat practice, there''s little entertainment value."

    "It''s still incredible," Aria insisted, leaning against the balcony rail.

    Isabella smiled, but it didn''t quite reach her eyes. "I suppose. I should speak with my parents about the delivery. Then we can head back to the Academy - I''m sure you both have better things to do than wander empty halls."

    "Are you sure?" I asked. "We don''t mind staying if-"

    "No, it''s fine." Isabella waved off my concern. "I''ll fetch us another shadow carriage. Wait here - I won''t be long."

    She turned and strode back into the mansion, leaving Aria and me alone on the balcony with the rising heat and the distant sound of bubbling lava far below.