LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 14: Demons
A lone figure sat silently on a wooden chair at the shadowy corner of a quiet street. The faint flicker of the dim streetlight barely reached them, leaving their form shrouded in mystery. A long cloak and hood covered her body and face, she scanned the empty road waiting for the people she had an appointment with.
She turned sharply to the left as she had the sound of approaching footsteps echoed faintly. Two figures emerged from the darkness, their features briefly illuminated by the weak light overhead.
"Finally, you're here. What kept you? Our rendezvous was supposed to be ten minutes ago," the cloaked figure said, their voice sharp and impatient.
"We'd have been on time if this idiot could keep her lust in check," Zyrith replied coldly, her disgust clear as she glanced at her companion. "Every time she sees a cute boy, she completely loses it."
The cloaked figure exhaled deeply, irritation evident in their tone. "Serah, can't you control yourself? Meeting you two out in the open like this is already a huge risk."
Serah's playful smile twisted into something more menacing as she stepped closer. Her emerald eyes gleamed dangerously, and her gaze towards the unknown figure carried a deadly aura . "Watch your mouth," she hissed. "You're nothing more than a desperate woman that came to us, begging for help."
Her steps were slow and deliberate as she moved behind the cloaked figure. Leaning down, she let her fingers trail lightly along the woman's shoulders, crawling toward the back of her neck. "Don't forget who you're dealing with. I could end you in a second." Her voice dripped with malice as she chuckled, her lips curving into a mocking grin. "You were so desperate, that you made a deal with demons. Remember that."
"Shut up, Serah," Zyrith interjected sharply, her tone firm and commanding.
Serah froze mid-step, her expression darkening as her intense bloodlust filled the air. Her aura seemed to suffocate the space around them, but Zyrith stood her ground, unfazed. She met Serah's gaze with an unwavering calm. "We don't have time for theatrics. Take a seat before your childish outbursts attract unwanted attention."
Serah's lips curled into a sly smile as she slowly released her oppressive aura. "Fine," she said, her voice sugary sweet. As she walked past Zyrith, she leaned in close and whispered, her words laced with venom, "Watch your back. The moment you let your guard down, I'll be there,coming for your throat and your position, half-blood."
"You can try," Zyrith replied coolly, a hint of amusement in her tone. She took a seat beside the cloaked figure, her attention already shifting back to the task at hand. "Now, let's get back to business. What were you saying before Serah decided to act up?"
The cloaked figure hesitated briefly before speaking, their voice a mix of frustration and fear. "Thank you, Lady Zyrith. As I was saying, the prince made an unexpected visit to the city today. He went to the orphanage, and his behavior… it didn't match the rumors. Something about him seemed off."
Zyrith's brow furrowed slightly. "What's your point?"
"I have a gut feeling that the prince might interfere with the plan," the cloaked figure explained. "And my gut feelings… they've never been wrong."
Serah burst out laughing, her voice echoing mockingly through the street. "Your gut feeling? That's your big revelation? The prince is useless. He's just had a pretty face and soon, that face will join my collection."
The cloaked figure stiffened, their mind flashing to Serah's horrifying "collection." Everyone knew of her twisted hobby of violating, killing, and skinning the faces of her victims to preserve them as grotesque trophies. The thought alone made her stomach churn.
Before they could respond, Zyrith spoke up. "We encountered the prince on our way here. I've already assigned my assassins to deal with him."
"Lady Zyrith," the cloaked figure said, alarm evident in their voice. "If the prince is killed, the king will undoubtedly send his forces into the city and the undercity to find the killer. It could lead to chaos and innocent lives will be lost."
"Why should we care?" Serah said, her voice dripping with indifference. "If anything, it'll speed up the plan. A little chaos will keep attention away from what really matters."
"As much as I hate agreeing with her, she's right," Zyrith admitted, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice. She turned her attention back to the cloaked figure. "Do you have the batch of children for the summoning ritual?"
"Yes, ma'am," the cloaked figure replied quickly. "They're in the alley just ahead. They've been drugged and are asleep."
"Good," Zyrith said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "If you keep delivering results like this, your wish will be granted."
The cloaked figure bowed deeply, desperation clear in their movements. "Thank you, Lady Zyrith. I'll do whatever it takes to bring my family back."
As the figure turned to leave, Zyrith's smile grew sharper, the faint glimmer of malice in her eyes unmistakable. Once they were gone, Serah let out a dark chuckle. "You're such a liar," she said, her tone laced with amusement. "Giving that woman false hope, using her pain to get what you want. You're more of a demon than I am, Zyrith." She licked her lips slowly, leaning closer. "I can't wait to devour you one day."
"What can I say?" Zyrith replied with a casual shrug, her tone light but dripping with menace. "I am a demon, after all." She stood, adjusting her cloak as she turned toward the alley. "Now, let's go collect those children."