The Devil's Temptation!

“That thing on your waist.” He pointed at the golden badge that hung on her waist belt and Anna reached for it.

“It’s something very special from my kingdom.” She responded with a look of enthusiasm.

“Can I have a look then?”

Anna stared at his outstretched hand but instead of dropping the badge on it, she met his gaze. Why was he interested in her badge? So many times she’s lost it on her journey but fortunately she always receives it back. Will he give it back?

“Is there a problem?” She worriedly asked, but he shook his head in response and his gaze held no evil intentions.

“I just want to have a look at it.”

“Will you give it back?”

“As long as it’s not edible.”

.....

His responses sounded funny and convincing to her ears. She felt a strange feeling like she could trust his words, even if it’s just once and it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. Assuring her mind with that, Anna placed the golden badge on his palm and the noble being finally raised it up to study it.

The texture was smooth and carved into perfection. He could swear he’s seen someone with this same badge in Ark Ville, but who was it again??

“It’s made of real gold.” He analyzed before meeting her stare and she nodded.

“I don’t think it’s wise to walk around with something this valuable then, what if it gets stolen?”

“It’s a warrior badge from Euphrasia, it can’t be stolen without facing great repercussions for it.”

“Well this isn’t Euphrasia,” he reminded her, “this is Ark Ville and things like this can attract hoodlums in Ark Ville, don’t take it out with you in case you have any plans of stepping out.”

He handed it back to her as promised. Anna nodded gratefully, feeling happy that he warned her about something like this and they continued walking.

~

Viscarrian

************

“Roshan and his maid vanished for a whole three days to be exact, and no one’s doing anything to bring them back.” Lady Gretta voiced her fake worries in the grand hall, crossing her hand under her chest before looking away from Gravion and the rest of the Demons present.

“I have to agree.” Madam Odette neutrally responded with a nod, “who knows if they’re alive or even_dead.” She pointed out with a flick of her wrist.

“My brother isn’t dead.”Levi intervened with a scowl, finding the two women to be nothing but annoying sets of demoness with polar needles as tongues.

“We just can’t find him, all the guards in Viscarrian are searching for him and so have we, but you two just sit around and make numerous complaints without doing anything to help the situation.”

“Where are your manners?” Madam Odette cut in, finding Levi’s rude words to be totally uncalled for, “and who says we haven’t contributed to Roshan’s search? Who do you think informed the higher demons about all of this?”

“That isn’t enough, I’ll appreciate it more when you actually stand up and leave the comfort of the palace to go find him.”

Amidst all the argument, it finally dawned on everyone present in the hall that only Azazel was mute.

The being just relaxed on the chair, looking comfortable with himself. His eyes were sealed shut as though he was resting and everyone’s gaze was currently fixed on him.

“If you really want to blame someone, blame the one whose most related to Roshan,” Odette huffed, “afterall, they’re brothers but he’s so comfortable with the fact Roshan’s missing, or maybe that’s what he wants so he can get the throne for himself.”

“You know something Aunt.” Azazel’s voice was just as soft as the rain, sounding less traumatic or angered like someone who carried no burden.

“Back then when I was younger, Roshan made a statement that I didn’t quite understand until now. He said strange things like many are mad, but only few roam the street. I used to think he was mad not knowing he was referring to the both of you.”

Every phrase of his was like a flash of scimitar to Odette’s pride and Gretta’s face collapsed as if it were a pricked balloon. Did he just...!!..

“It’s enough, all of you!” Gravion, who had been quiet, finally intervened before a family feud occurred. He rubbed his forehead slightly as all the accusations and constant backlash was making his head throb in pain.

“We’re here to find Roshan, not create unnecessary uproar.”

Azazel got to his feet and swiftly grabbed his jacket from the stand. “You all can continue with whatever it is you’re doing, I hope you find Roshan by the way but I’m heading to Euphrasia for now.”

“Euphrasia? Why?” Levi asked with a suspicious stare. Azazel wasn’t the type who visited the human world, he always said he hated it so what’s he going to do there?

Gemma, who hid behind the stairs, watching everything unfold as usual, hurried to go stand beside Azazel. She hid behind him and peeped from his legs like a frightened white puppy.

Even if Gemma couldn’t talk, Azazel found her to be a lot wiser than a lot of people living in the palace walls. He held her small hand to calm her nervousness before meeting Levi’s gaze.

“Don’t ask stupid questions and come with me instead.”

He turned and exited the hall with Gemma.

“Wait for me.” Levi went after him, leaving Gretta, Odette and Gravion to themselves. There was nothing more toxic than hanging around this three set of Demons and Gretta couldn’t help but whisper to Odette after finding Azazel’s excuse for leaving to mean something else.

“Where is he going?”

Odette didn’t respond to Gretta’s prying question and remained silent. She doesn’t have a clue as to where the being might be going and it’d be even more dangerous to follow him.

Just like Roshan, he was unpredictable and guessing his movements could come out wrong in a lot of ways. But why should she bother? She’ll figure out what’s going on between these two brothers sooner or later.