by Eva Brandt
Return to the Academy
The first time I’d come to the academy, I’d arrived through a transport point that opened in the middle of a gigantic eye. Now, that transport point no longer existed, at least, not in the same way.
When we left The Infernal Realm, we appeared in the same grove as before. I was riding on top of Shiro, who had insisted it was his turn to carry me. The first thing I noticed upon our arrival was that the gigantic eye was missing, and in its place was an angel—a Watcher.
He was floating mid-air, with his bright, iridescent wings outstretched and his flaming sword hovering in front of him. The moment he saw us, he waved a hand, and the sword vanished into the ether. He stood up and bowed so lowly his long hair brushed against the ground. “Brightest Star, Lady Alyssa. Welcome back.”
I hadn’t met all the Watchers yet. Before my departure, I’d seen them as an annex to the school and after that, I’d been too busy with my life in The Infernal Realm. It was a mistake I needed to fix at once, since they were good friends of Lucifer’s. “Err… Thank you, Mr…”
“Kasdaye,” the Watcher said. “And please, you don’t have to be so formal. You’ve repeatedly been inside me.”
I knew what he was referring to and it had nothing to do with sexuality. I had indeed been inside him—when he’d still been in his shifted, mutant eye form. But the deliberately suggestive phrasing still made my face flame with embarrassment. “R-Right,” I stammered. You’d think that after spending almost three years at The Academy of the Devil and becoming the queen of Hell, I’d be prepared to face some angel flirting, but apparently not.
Lucifer’s aura flared, so potent it was almost vicious. Kasdaye lifted his hands, as if to point out he was harmless. “No need for that, Morning Star. I’m not a threat to you. I’m just here to welcome your chosen back to the academy.”
“U-huh,” Lucifer said. “I’m sure you have absolutely no intention to seduce Lyssa. We wouldn’t want anything unfortunate to happen so quickly after the curse has been broken.”
“Indeed,” Kasdaye replied with a wide smile. He didn’t seem in the least bit intimidated by Lucifer. It was nice to see, if a little unnerving.
“I’m beginning to have second thoughts about this,” Stefan murmured from behind me. “Were The Watchers always so perverted?”
“Some of them,” Lucifer replied. “There’s a reason why the curse turned them into gigantic eyes. But they don’t mean any harm and they really won’t touch Lyssa. They know better.”
Kasdaye laughed. “We knew better than to fall from Heaven too, but we did it anyway. Can’t say I regret it.”
Lucifer let out a frustrated sigh. “Stop, before I do something that’ll make you miss your cursed form. Now, tell me… How’s the state of the island?”
Kasdaye’s expression sobered at the serious inquiry. “A little better, but Morrigan indicates we should still be careful with our transportation magic. Don’t worry, though. It’s perfectly safe to be here.”
Of course it was, because otherwise, Lucifer would’ve never suggested for us to come here. But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t help but feel a small shiver of apprehension.
As we made our way through the forest, I was reminded of a different time, when I’d lived with Stefan’s pack. That stay had been brutally interrupted by my kidnapping. I’d been stupid enough to follow Darling without questioning her and we’d all paid the price for it.
I buried my hands in Shiro’s fur, forcing myself to calm down. It was ridiculous to think about it, now of all times. We’d won that battle and had come out on top. We were rebuilding our world and my relationship with my lovers was thriving. Soon, our daughter would join us.
I was happy, and I wouldn’t let past regrets cloud that.
“How nostalgic,” I commented as we walked down the path. “I think this is around the place where you and I first met, Stefan. You were such an asshole.”
“You say that like he isn’t an asshole now, Lyssa,” Mikael replied with a tiny grin, absently petting TB’s scales. Come to think of it, that was a little nostalgic too, since TB was part of the reason why we’d become close.
Oblivious to my thoughts, my lovers continued to bicker. “You’re one to talk, nephilim. How many demons did you use for target practice the other day?”
“I lost count,” Mikael answered off-handedly. “But I don’t think that’s asshole behavior. It’s more or less warranted. And Lucifer doesn’t mind.”
“I mind if you distract them from their jobs,” Lucifer shot back. “I understand the impulse, but they’ve been punished for their actions already. If you truly do feel the need to take out your frustrations on someone, try the prisoners.”
“You really should, Mikael,” Callum offered. “It’s always fun to pay a visit to the former princes and show them the error of their ways.”
“I agree, my Mikael,” TB piped up. “But you’ll have to let me test my venom on them more often. I wouldn’t want to grow lazy.”
The exchange, while vicious, settled over me like a warm, comfortable blanket. Maybe anyone else would’ve been startled by what they were saying, but not me. I’d understood and accepted my lovers’ darkness and cruelty. While I’d yet to venture into torturing people myself, I didn’t blame them for it either. I only hoped that, one day, their anger would fade and leave behind more positive emotions. In the meantime, I was more than happy to enjoy the results of their efforts.
I wondered how it had ever occurred to me to leave them. I was truly meant to be by their side.
That knowledge, while comforting, wasn’t enough to suppress the shock I experienced when we emerged from the forest. The moment I saw the dark building in the distance, my mouth went a little dry. It looked different from what I remembered it to be. During my years of schooling, the shields and spatial anomalies of the island had protected the academy from sight. But the battle between armies of fallen angels, demons, and undead had been enough to imbalance that. Now, the school stood out against the horizon, ominous shadows swirling around it in a hypnotizing dance.
It was so easy to remember the disaster that had nearly destroyed all our lives. A terrifying image flashed through my mind, that of Satan smirking as he swept his fiery blade toward me. It was the last memory I had from the life I’d lost. Spots started to flicker in front of my eyes and my heart raced in my chest, as if trying to make sure it wouldn’t stop beating.
Using our connection, Shiro reached out to me. “Are you okay, Lyssa?” he asked, having sensed my distress.
I didn’t answer, which predictably alarmed my lovers. “Maybe this wasn’t such a bright idea after all,” Callum said. “It hasn’t been that long since the battle.”
His power washed over me, gently testing my emotions. He was extra cautious these days because he didn’t want to startle me. I appreciated the effort, but it wasn’t necessary.
“I’m fine,” I told him. “And it’s been months. I’m over it now.”
“Clearly not,” Lucifer murmured. “I’m an idiot for suggesting this.”
The self-deprecating comment encouraged me more than it should have. Most of the time, he was so competent and fierce it intimidated me. It came with being a millennia-old fallen angel. Having that kind of background and experience, he simply knew how to do everything by default. Compared to him—and even to Meph, Stefan, Mikael, and Callum—I felt woefully inadequate. But even so, I wanted to protect him, to protect them all. I wanted to be more, to be better. And I could.
“You’re not an idiot. I need to do this. Besides, I face demons on a regular basis. A building isn’t that scary.”
“If you’re sure,” Lucifer said, not sounding completely convinced.
“I am.”
I wasn’t, but my lovers let me get away with my lie, at least for now. As we headed toward the entrance of the academy, I took in the rest of the major changes to the school. The buildings were similar, but something was lacking, as if there was a gaping
wound in the academy’s innermost self. It was a strange thought to have, but I couldn’t have compared it with anything different.
I thought about Lilith and Ammit, about their needless deaths and what their loss meant for the world. It saddened me deeply and I wondered if I’d ever see them again.
Shaking off my thoughts, I decided to focus on the silver lining. Now that I was closer, I could distinguish the luminous figures of other Watchers flying through the dark clouds. “So, you’ve all involved yourselves in rebuilding the academy,” I told Kasdaye. “I take it you’ll be staying here despite your transformation.”
“Well, yes,” Kasdaye replied. “The academy is our home. But personally, I’m interested in exploring The Mortal Realm a little more.”
Lucifer arched a dark brow at him. “Don’t lie. You’ve already started. I hope you’re being careful. Now’s really not the time to have more nephilim running around.”
“Yes, Dad.” Kasdaye shot Lucifer a sharp, almost predatory grin. “But maybe you should tell yourself that too, eh? Your ravishing bride looks beautiful when pregnant with your get.”
Lucifer narrowed his eyes at the Watcher, clearly not appreciating the way Kasdaye was talking about me. His wings started to glow threateningly and his humanoid figure blurred. I blinked and for a few seconds, I could’ve sworn I saw his other form there, multiple faces included.
My other lovers didn’t take it any better. Callum’s aura spread out like winter frost, mingling with Mikael’s dark light. Fire bloomed around Meph’s fingertips and Stefan let out a low growl, the animal within begging to come out.
I didn’t know what would’ve happened had another Watcher not appeared in front of us, manifesting out of thin air. The moment he saw Kasdaye, he let out a frustrated huff. His transparent silver wings turned sharp and slapped the other Watcher. “You have no self-preservation, do you? Honestly, Kasdaye…”
A thick slash wound appeared on Kasdaye’s cheek. A trail of blood trickled down to the corner of Kasdaye’s mouth and he licked it away. “Sariel,” he greeted the new arrival. “Must you really spoil my fun?”
“If it means taunting our supreme leader, yes,” Sariel drawled. He shook his head in exasperation and turned toward me. “Sorry about that, Alyssa. I hope he hasn’t been pestering you too much.”
I remembered Sariel as one of the Watchers I’d gone to see before my first departure from the academy. He’d been nice enough, if distracted by his studies and blunter than his friend, Azazel. “It’s fine,” I told him. “I’m used to unfortunate comments and I know Kasdaye doesn’t mean anything by it.”
“Of course he doesn’t,” Sariel confirmed, “but it would still be better if he kept his mouth shut. We’re still a little tense around here since we don’t know what to do with ourselves.”
“You can always go back to your previous cursed state if you’re bored,” Meph answered, unimpressed.
“We’d rather not. I like to have hands and legs, thank you very much, although the tentacles were pretty useful too.”
This conversation had strayed into weird territory, but at this point, weird was normal for me. “Aren’t there any spells or enchantments that could give you back your tentacles?” I asked curiously.
“That’s a good question,” Sariel mused. “There might be. In the past, I’ve only looked into things that would give me back this form. Keeping the extra limbs didn’t occur to me as an option. I’ll consider it.”
Sariel waved a hand, as if physically dismissing that thought. “In any case, Azazel, Yeqon and I have been coordinating the rebuilding of the dorms, but it’s difficult. The terrain is used to the power of the former Princes of Hell and it’s not easily accepting new masters.”
“I knew it was a bad idea to make the buildings sentient,” Lucifer said with a sigh. “I shouldn’t have listened to Beel on that one.”
“Probably not, but it seemed like a fun concept at the time,” Sariel answered. “And to be fair, it kept the rest of us from getting bored out of our minds while we waited for the curse to break, so there is that.
“Anyway, you won’t have to worry about it, Alyssa. We’ve prepared accommodations for you, the Brightest Star, and the rest of your consorts. The Lady Morrigan isn’t here right now, but she should arrive tomorrow for your first test. A few other students are already living on campus again. If you want to speak with them or see Redrum, feel free.”
It was true. Once again, the apple orchard near the academy gates was filled with people. The apples no longer looked as appealing as they had in the past, having turned jet black. Even so, my fellow students didn’t hesitate to grab them as snacks.
I kept my distance from the trees, my stomach turning just at the sight of it. I didn’t know why, but the idea of eating an apple now felt an awful lot like cannibalism. Ew.
As it turned out, our accommodations were in what had been Meph’s home. The platform had collapsed during the battle, but The Watchers had restored it. The pools of lava looked a little different now, having gained a slight silvery film. In every other way, it remained exactly the same.
“Well done,” Meph said approvingly. “I’m impressed. I didn’t think you’d bother fixing this since I don’t plan to come back. You did an excellent job.”
“It was mostly Yeqon, to be honest,” Sariel said with a shrug. “He was very interested in using your pools. He caught a glimpse of human Jacuzzis and has been nagging us to get one for over a century. Never mind that using it as an eye would’ve irritated our irises. That man has no sense.”
I couldn’t help but let out a small giggle. “And yet, here you are, having fixed the lava pools on his request. You don’t mind it as much as you’re trying to pretend.”
“Well, he’s never boring and you grow to appreciate that when you’re trapped in a form not your own.” Sariel smiled fondly. “I’ll leave you to it now. The meals are at the same hour, but you can summon imps to bring you something if you prefer. Make sure to come down tomorrow to speak with the Lady Morrigan and find out the details of the test.”
“Of course. Thank you, Sariel.”
“Don’t mention it. It was my absolute pleasure.” He turned toward Lucifer once again and bowed slightly. “As always, it’s an honor to have you here. I believe I didn’t get the chance to congratulate you the last time we spoke. I wish you the very best now that you’ve founded an official family.”
Lucifer squeezed Sariel’s shoulder. “Don’t be so formal, Sariel. You might be one of my Watchers, but I also consider you a friend. At the very least, you’re not as obnoxious as Kasdaye.”
Sariel laughed. “That would be a little difficult. All right. Take care of your lovely bride then, Lucifer. And we expect to be invited to the birthing celebration.”
“Like hell you will,” Stefan snapped. “That’s private and you know it. You’ve been spending too much time with Yeqon.”
“Maybe. Or maybe I haven’t spent enough.”
With that, Sariel surrounded himself with his wings and disappeared. I assumed he intended to fix his problem and go find his fellow Watchers.
“He’s an odd one,” I mused once he was gone. It was a little rude of me, but I couldn’t help myself. Besides, I didn’t think my lovers would blame me for my assessment.
“Sariel’s always been a little different,” Lucifer replied. “Some days, I suspect he only agreed to fall with us because he was worried about what the others would do. I suppose he never trusted me to protect them. He was proven right, in the end.”
Just like that, I forgot all about Sariel and his oddities. “Lucifer, we talked about this. You can’t blame yourself for that forever.”
He cupped my cheek with a gentle hand and brushed a kiss over my forehead. “I’m sorry. I’m growing morose again. This isn’t about me or about them. It’s about you.”
I wasn’t happy with abandoning the topic, but I knew Lucifer wouldn’t get over his hang-ups in a day. This wasn’t like the self-deprecatin
g comment from earlier. It was a deeper grief, one I hoped to handle in time. If I pushed now, he’d just clam up.
“Not everything is about me,” I replied, “but all right. I’ll drop it for now. Don’t think I’ll let it go forever. Meph, I expect you to kick his ass in my stead while I’m away.”
“Noted,” Meph said. “But until then, pet… What do you say about enjoying our last day together? I believe you and Lucifer were never together while we lived here. Such a travesty.”
My lovers shared a look and I was struck by the sudden suspicion that this was what they’d planned all along. Had they brought me here with the specific intention to have their way with me?
I would’ve liked to tell them it really wasn’t necessary to jump through all these hoops. I was a sure thing. Even before my pregnancy, I’d always been unable to resist them. Now, I was even hornier. It wasn’t unusual for me to experience random bursts of sexual need which only they could fulfill.
“I don’t know about you, Meph, but I don’t particularly care about locations as long as we’re together.” I licked my lower lip and eyed them with undisguised want. “But I’m willing to indulge you anyway, if you think it’s important.”
Lucifer chuckled. “What a generous queen I have. So willing to acquiesce to the whims of us peasants.” He wrapped a strong arm around me and pulled me close.
“What did I ever do to deserve you?”
I couldn’t come up with an answer to his question that he’d be willing to listen or accept, so instead, I decided to set all words aside. We’d never been that good at communicating verbally anyway. It was a fault we’d been trying to correct, but sometimes, it was still better to turn to our previous method.
Our bodies and hearts never lied, not even when our lips did.
When I pressed my mouth to his, the kiss was far more than a reassurance. It was an invitation, a challenge, and an expression of how much I wanted him—how much I wanted them all. Lucifer heard me, but so did my other lovers. “Darkling, one of these days, you’re going to push us too far and we’ll do something regrettable,” Mikael said, hugging me from behind.