DEVIL'S HIGH

CHAPTER 36

KIARA’S POINT OF VIEW

“Unholy devil of the f*****g underworld. I am eligible for the average classes. Can you believe it, Kia? This is insane. I never thought I could pull it off. It’s all thanks to you, girl. You are really an angel to me.”

Sensing that I wasn’t taking part in the conversation, Keres lifted her eyes from the paper and stared at me doubtfully.

“What is it? Don’t tell me you didn’t make it.”

I was too stressed out to answer her question and just sat dumbfounded while Keres snatched the report card from my hand that it almost tore. Her eyes widened on seeing my grades and she blinked at me, not able to form any words. See! Even she couldn’t believe the result; then how can anyone expect me to be chatty?

“You are going to the advanced?”

I should be happy, shouldn’t I? Of course I should. But then why in the world do I feel suffocated. Some sort of stone was stuck in my throat, that isn’t budging even if I drink water or gulp down liters of saliva. 

I admit that I found the exams easy, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be eligible for advanced education. I was certain that no string could be pulled for these exams even though corruption and bribery were parts of sins. The underworld was extremely cautious of their education system and Azazel was strict as a guardian of the realm; his realm being the school.

“What if we hide the marks from Samael?”

Keres asked with a concerned face, and I felt bad for ruining her mood. We should be celebrating now; not thinking of ways to lie.

“You know I can’t do that. Besides, they will pin the rank list on the notice board and also I will be having the same classes as them.”

Keres sighed, realizing there was no way out of this misery. I will have to go out with Samael for a day. God! My first date is with Lucifer’s son. Can my life get any more dramatic?

“What if you fake sickness?”

I just glanced at Ker in exhaustion, and she made a sad face. I couldn’t lie, even if my life depended on it. No matter what reason I come up with, it will all be not true and Samael must have already heard about my results since he has connections in the teachers’ department and administration.

Keres’ ringtone blared, and I jumped a little in alarm. We were sitting in the janitor’s closet, as Keres thought this congested space was the perfect spot to reveal the result of our hard work, since this place marked the beginning of our friendship.

She glanced at the lit screen and then at me in distress. There was no need to say who the caller was, as it was obvious from her reaction. Like I expected, Samael didn’t like to wait and wanted to redeem his gift before I make a plan to back off. But honestly, I have no right to deny his request because if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have aced this exam, especially Demonology and Sins. 

I extended my hand for her to give me the phone. Although she was hesitant at first, Keres placed the device on my slightly shaking palm and mouthed an ‘All the best’.

“Hello.”

I was adamant not to let my voice express my concern, and I think I managed to pull it off with little effort.

“Six in the evening. I will come to our house. Wear something pretty.”

Before I could respond, I was met with the frustrating beeping sound, indicating the end of a call. He hung up on me without even waiting for my reply. Just because he helped me pass in flying colors, doesn’t mean he has the license to order me around. Can I use his ill mannerisms as an excuse to cancel our plans?

Who am I kidding?

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SAMAEL’S POINT OF VIEW

“Why do you need my credit card?”

Mom shouted as I rummaged through her collection of cards, wondering which to select. Honestly, dad was spoiling her way too much when she spends her entire income on useless items and would be broke by the middle of the month.

“Because I need money.”

I replied in a duh tone, knowing very well that it would irritate the hell out of her. Mom thinks that only she has the audacity to be sassy and hates it when others reciprocate her behavior. Someone needs to teach her that you reap what you sow.

“Don’t use that slang with me, young man. You already have a card and your father is giving you more than enough monthly allowance. So why do you need extra?”

I shrugged my shoulders and just grabbed a platinum card and stuffed it in my pocket. I should better get ready. It was already five thirty, and I had to be at Kiara’s in half an hour.

I almost jumped in delight when Mrs. Rolanda gave me a copy of her report card and I was pretty impressed. Kiara did exceptionally well for a transfer student, and I even felt a sense of pride, knowing that I was a part of the reason behind her accomplishment. I called her immediately after discussing our marks and confirming that all my friends performed successfully.

I ignored my mother and walked out of her room, hoping that she wouldn’t follow me. She was in an appointment with her nail artist, so there was little to no chance for her to barge outside with half done nails.

I showered quickly and shaved my face until it was void of any stubbles. I was anxious for no reason and my movements were uncoordinated as the ticking of clock felt like death bells chiming. I knew I was unreasonably overreacting, but the fact that I am going on a date with Kiara Snow Michael was making me feel things I have never felt before.

I have gone out with numerous girls in the past that I don’t remember the exact number, but no girl has ever made me feel this self conscious before and I have never taken out the same girl twice. It would all end up boring that I will have to make lame excuses in the middle of the dates to escape from the torture. Why do I bother then? Well, I have a reputation to keep and my mother was a terrible match maker, especially if she was a powerful demon’s daughter.

Sixty percent of my dates wanted me in the bed by the end of the day and the other thirty was just after my money. They expect me to spoil them with everything they want and honestly; I didn’t care. I will get them whatever they ask for and dump them without any regret.

However, the thought that Kiara didn’t belong to both these categories was making me curious and scared at the same time. What if I can’t handle her?

“Are you going for a date, Ellie?”

Only one person in all three realms would call me Ellie and I looked at my sister leaning on the door frame to my room with a smirk.

Morana was nine years old but loved to behave as my elder sister. She was opposite to me in many ways, but maybe it was her sweet nature that made me like her instantly. It was a surprise to both me and mother when father brought a newborn baby to our household without any warning.

Although my father slept around a lot, he had the ability to not plant his seed randomly. Mine was a planned conception, as he wanted a son to his throne, but Morana was special.

She was a gift to mother, since she always wanted a princess she could spoil and Morana became my mother’s most priced possession. However, she was not interested in material things and never went with mom for parties and other extravagant gatherings. Now my sister and I are just the same to Lilith, two troublemakers.

I secured the towel around my waist and walked over to her, shaking my head so the water droplets would fall on her.

“Ellie!!!!”

Ana screeched and wiped her face with her sleeves.

“Say one word to mom and I will burn all your toys.”

I warned her playfully and headed to my walk-in closet.

“As if. Anyway, why are you dressing up for a date? And who is this girl that you actually asked out without any pressure from mommy dearest or your friends?”

This is what I hate about Ana. She catches up fast and is too observant for a child.

“Just a girl. Now tell me, white or black?”

I asked, emerging from the room with two shirts. She stared at it for a second and then shook her head.

“Its so boring. You have that maroon shirt Dam got you? Pair it with black pants and tuck it in. Roll your sleeves till your elbow and gel your hair. Be a gentleman for once, please.”

Saying that, she moved to the door and turned back with a sly smile.

“For your information, I am rooting for the Angel and hope she gives you a hard time.”

Ana slammed the door shut, escaping from my chain of profanities. She must have eavesdropped while I was talking with Asmodeus. He planned to use the time to ask Keres out, and we were discussing our schedule.

Despite her unsupportive words, I followed her instruction and gelled back my hair. I usually kept it messy, and the person staring back at me in the mirror looked so sophisticated. Will Kiara be surprised?

I have asked her to dress pretty, but I doubt she will actually wear something presentable. Even if she is in a hoodie, she will attract attention, and I bit my lips in annoyance. I hated it when guys looked like they would eat her alive and had that ‘I want her under covers’ eyes.

I sprayed on some cologne and took my car keys before heading out. Luckily, no one was around and I used that opportunity to take my father’s favorite car. The engine roared to life and before mother had the time to rush down; I slammed down on the accelerator and made it out of my house. 

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