*All characters are 18+. This is a work of fiction for erotic entertainment only. Real-life sex should always be with enthusiastic consent.*
Copyright 2024 Sastri Vera
***
I bathed in the cold, cleansing waters. I meditated for days in the ceaseless light of the sun. The only course I dared not take was to ask how to repent from this particular loss of virtue.
At least no one seemed to suspect my transgression, despite how conspicuous it felt, like it was writ on my skin, flashing brightly to the universe: Impure. Unclean. Tainted.
Ruined.
Perhaps I was not at fault. Perhaps the demon had used his powers to force my body's reactions. Demons were not to be trusted, after all. Regardless, I felt the need to atone.
A month after my continued penitent efforts and tireless search of the libraries, I received a summons from a seraph.
"A seraph? Are you certain?" Seraphim didn't speak to the likes of me. The last one I'd glimpsed was centuries ago during training, and then only a faraway flash of distinctive wings.
The messenger nodded. "Unmistakable. He requests your presence on the moon within the hour."
"Thank you."
The moon, for the mortals who broke their vows. Fear tightened my feathers, but I tried not to read too much into it and decided to go immediately. Waiting would only let me overthink it. Besides, a seraph's time was not to be wasted.
I recognized him as I approached, having seen his image in the libraries too often of late. Seraph Saharael, guardian of the divine songs. His expansive wings barely shifted as he hovered above the moon's surface. Extraordinary. No image or carving could do them justice--gold-flecked and stunning white, three pairs of magnificent, feathery wings spread from his back. They looked somehow both soft as a baby bird's and sharp enough to cut.
He turned slowly in the air, white robes unruffled in the motion.
"Seraph." I bowed deeply.
Golden eyes set in a flawless face considered me as I straightened. Cold and beautiful. I lowered my gaze, embarrassed at my momentary pause on his vivid, full lips.
His voice was unexpectedly soft and soothing. "Lady Lyriel. The demon overseer of the Second Circle of Hell has filed a complaint against you. He did not specify the reason. Are you aware of his interest?"
Demons could file complaints? Cold fear swept through me. "No, seraph," I replied too hastily.
His voice hardened like crackling ice. "Do not lie, angel."
I blinked, and my face heated. The lie had come too easily. "My apologies, seraph. I... traveled to Hell a month ago."
"Why?"
"There was a human. One I'd watched over while he was alive. I wanted to see him."
The seraph was silent for a time--seconds or minutes, I wasn't certain. His gaze scanned my figure, lingering over my wings. I straightened my posture. Then he said, "The demon must have noticed you. Did you cause a disturbance, upset him somehow?"
My face burned hotter. Upset
him
? "No, seraph."
Saharael frowned. "You will visit him--officially--and report the issue to me. This is unusual, but it is policy." He turned away, the audience clearly finished.
I bowed to his back and left.
Return to Hell. I couldn't refuse. At least I had the protection of official business this time. And while I still wanted to help the mortal, I wasn't ready. Not yet. All my time in the libraries yielded nothing on that topic either.
Soon, David. I'm sorry.
The seraph hadn't allowed me a single question. I supposed I would receive clarification and a guard on my way out.
I didn't.
I was only provided with the location of the demon's home. Unnecessary. As expected, it was situated at the top of the tallest spire in the exact center of the circle. The messenger at the gate stated that the seraph had not designated a guard, then dismissed me.
Apparently, heaven
did
send angels alone into Hell. But I was acting on the seraph's command. That was more than enough.
I landed on the main entry platform, nonetheless wishing an archangel had accompanied me, or even another angel. Despite being on an official task, I felt vulnerable. Weak, as the demon had said.
I straightened my spine and strode into the halls.
Where heaven's marble structures were endless shades of white and cream, this hall seemed to indulge in a spectacular splash of color. Outside, it was dull slate. Inside, the rooms flared to life. Undulating flames danced on walls depicting obscene carvings in lifelike detail. Lips, fingers, and hands seemed to reach from the floor, stroking and massaging. I studiously ignored and dodged the... decorations.
And stumbled into the demon's throne room, assaulted by moans and groans and writhing limbs. On both sides of the room were piles of cushions and scattered, naked demon bodies. Chains hung haphazardly from the ceiling, snaking along the walls.
My wings tightened to avoid brushing against their foul activities, and I stared straight ahead, to the raised dais and familiar, naked chest.
Asmodai lounged on a wide leather chaise that served as his throne, his wings draped over the sides, his head thrown back over the arm. A nude female demon knelt between his legs, her head bobbing gently. Another demon stood beside his wing, stroking lightly with sharp claws. She whispered into Asmodai's ear.
His head tilted up, swirling darkness stopping my breath and my steps. He was still as beautiful as I remembered. My skin tingled. I couldn't tear my eyes away. He smiled. "Darling. I missed you." His eyes flicked behind me briefly, his smile fading.
I glanced over my shoulder. Nothing. Clearing my throat, I let cold indifference infuse my voice. "You filed a complaint against me. A seraph sent me here at your request."
He lifted a brow. "Did I. What did I complain about, little bird?" He placed a hand on the female between his legs. She continued to lick and suck, hissing when he pulled her head up. A wave of his hand, and she scurried away.
Heat crept into my face. "I'm here to bring a message to the seraphim, not to play your games."
"Hmm." A faint red glow shimmered in his eyes. "You should leave. Turn around, walk away. Tell them I retract my... complaint."