Ice-cold dread gnawed at the pit of Lily's stomach. Her worst nightmare was about to descend on her again. Breaching all etiquette, she implored Master with her eyes but could see only coldness reflected in his.
He was disappointed, and it was all that cursed slut's fault.
Lily had done her best, but the bitch had not only interrupted Master -- something she had just learned rifling through her recent memories -- but had also refused to follow his orders in front of his associates.
She had redeemed herself in the end, but it had been too little, too late. Master was furious with Lily, and she couldn't blame him.
The Remnant made sure her loathing for the cunt flowed through their connection. She would make the slut pay dearly later. First, though, she needed to survive the evening.
When the portal opened, moments later, she was already on the floor. Lord Elzor wanted his slaves to act like the worms they were. Lily was Master's property, but the Devil who was about to appear was a member of the Cabal, and she had to afford him the same level of devotion unless instructed otherwise.
His massive, gnarled horns were the first thing to pass through the portal, almost scraping the tall ceiling of the country house. The monstrous body of Lord Elzor followed soon after.
He was twelve feet tall, with leathery, crimson skin and an enormous pair of black wings on his back. Sharp obsidian protrusions were spread almost randomly around his body. Devils grew those to maim whoever was stupid enough to face them in close quarters, including other devils.
His face was deformed and terrifying, with huge obsidian fangs sticking out of his mouth. The wooden floor creaking under his weight caught on fire with every step, extinguished a second later thanks to a silent spell from Master.
Lily could hear the needy slut whimper but was too preoccupied with keeping her bladder in check. Unfortunately, the bodies Master created were indistinguishable from the real deal. Another indication of his mastery of Soul Magic.
"Welcome, Elzor. I apologize for the mess, but our intruder here made quite the entrance."
Lily could not see the warrior, but the pungent odor wafting from her direction was proof enough she was suitably terrified. Rei had no idea how much worse it would get, Lily thought with a smidgen of satisfaction.
"You're fine. I don't give a shit. How is this whore still alive? I thought Seymour had snuffed her."
Lily could feel Elzor's gaze upon her. Her muscles clenched, and she did her best to press herself to the floor as much as possible.
"She's a fake. That's just her Remnant."
"Asmodeus' Balls, that's a fake? I'd rent a pair of those if you had mana to burn. Gotta survive the next hit for that, though. What's your best guess, soul-fucker?"
Lord Elzor was the only member of the Cabal who could be so casual with Master. Lily had overheard Mistress Diana once, saying they were the two strongest Sorcerers in the group. Lord Elzor was an Archdevil, only one step below the Seven Sins, while the extent of Master's power was unknown.
"We'll pull through, somehow. It's a shame you cannot join us, but Asmodeus wants no Devils wrapped up in this."
"Yeah, I'm not happy about this shit either, but what can you do. Can't go stomping on the Boss's hooves."
Master sent a mental jolt to Lily, and she quickly left the room on all fours before standing up. She fetched the most precious spirit they had, one she couldn't even name. Master had told her before that the obsidian bottle was reserved only for the most esteemed guests, and the Archdevil fell squarely in that category.
With trembling hands, she poured the dark, green liquid in cups big and hard enough for Lord Elzor to handle. She still remembered how sharp his claws were, and knew that if even a drop of liquid got wasted because of her carelessness, there would be Hells to pay.
"That your new bitch? Do you want me to break her in as well?"
Lily could feel Ivy's abject horror coursing through her soul. The whore was still serving as Master's footrest. Lily would give everything to be in her place right now.
"We'll see. It all depends on how well she behaves going forward. Ah! Here are the drinks."
Lily had crawled to Lord Elzor's feet, carrying the tray on her arched back. It was no easy feat, and she had cheated a bit with a balancing spell. She had to follow Infernal Etiquette, and no slave there could stand on their feet. Devils stood on two legs, and no member of the Enlightened Races could emulate the Devils who ruled the scorched hellscape.
"Bring that drink to your Master, then come here. My cock misses your pretty tears."
Lord Elzor pulled Lily by the hair, almost ripping them off. She struggled to keep the drink from falling until he let her go. Her body was shaking.
"T-this cunt is unworthy."
Lily crawled to Master, bringing him his drink, before returning to Lord Elzor's seat.
"This pathetic slut implores you to let her worship you, Lord Elzor."
With her head pressed to the floor, she recited the formal address in Infernal. The language was extremely taxing on human vocal cords, to the point that teaching it could be considered a form of torture. Master had made sure she could speak it fluently.
