DEVIL'S HIGH

CHAPTER 19

KIARA’S POINT OF VIEW

I took a small piece of box from the storeroom, which was filled with cleaning equipments, and tidied it well with a duster. The ground floor had a bedroom, but I used it rarely, as I was more interested in the attic. It occupied half of the first floor and the rest was bare, a door leading to the vast terrace from the room. It took me over two hours to set the bed and vanity table, as the stairway was a little congested, but other than that, the attic was spotless and I reminded myself to thank Azazel for arranging it all when I see him next time.

I assumed that I would have to do everything once I reached the hell, but I guess I underestimated the demons’ kindness, or maybe it’s just Azazel. Now that I really think about it, the old man behaved unlike the others, and he seemed to genuinely care for me. He even talked about my father as if they were old friends, were they? But I don’t remember father mentioning about his friend from the underworld. He never talked anything about them, actually, until my transfer popped up. It was like he didn’t want me to know much about what was happening down here. But fate has already planned my future and look where I am now.

I filled the carton box with few of my white frocks and put a small towel above it, giving it enough fluffiness. I also placed a layer of plastic sheet between the towel and my dresses since the foal may excrete the food waste and it will be difficult to wash everything after each time. Asher should be at least several months old for me to start training and until then, he will be just a baby.

I carefully transferred the sleeping unicorn to his new home and set the box beside my bed so that I can always keep an eye on it. What should I do when I go to school? Unicorns usually don’t need anyone to look after them as it grows in the forest but since its mother is absent, it might get hungry regularly and I will have to drop by here during lunch time. Hope it would be okay; however, I will have to come up with a proper excuse to convince Azazel and it shouldn’t be a lie.

After having some bean sprout salad, I decided to study a little. The terrace had a medium-sized metal swing, and it was perfect to relax my mind and concentrate better. I had to thank Azazel for so many things like the food, clothes, house, mental support and a lot more. When I see my father next time, I will definitely ask him about their past relation and how a demon can touch me without our energies colliding. I am certain that Ezra would be more interested in the latter subject, as he always loved to find new things. I wonder when I will be able to meet them. 

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“I will come back before you wake up, okay Ashy?”

I patted his sleeping head and closed the door before safely tucking the key inside my jean’s pocket. It was the first time I was wearing such an attire, but it amazed me to find how comfortable it felt. There was no need to be careful during heavy wind anymore and I can even keep small things in the pouch attached with it. The beige colored blouse, too, fit me perfectly and for convenience, I tied my long hair into a tight ponytail. Two days in hell and I was already adjusting my clothing according to their climate. The material my frocks were made of was suitable for lower temperature and it would steam me alive if I just stick onto my ideals. I was satisfied with myself when I glanced at the mirror as I still looked conservative, but wouldn’t stand out from the crowd too much.

The journey to school was peaceful, and I talked to every plant that was on the side. Some even greeted me back, but the others just avoided me. Maybe they are not used to passersby communicating with them. It’s not like they can literally say words like us, but they bow their head or move their leaves to show that they appreciate our gesture.

The school ground was crowded with students entering and chatting with their friends. Surprisingly, no one turned their attention to me and I think it should be because of the outfit. Only when they see my face, they start to bicker and whisper, and I was okay with it as long as it doesn’t go overboard.

“Oohh… someone has changed.”

I turned to find Keres slinging the bag to her shoulder and walking towards me with a shy smile. Did someone hit her head or was it another prank? But her energy was neutral and I couldn’t sense any danger from her.

“What are you doing here?”

I asked, smiling back at her, so that she wouldn’t feel awkward.

”What do you think? All my friends have left me after the ‘oh so dramatic’ break up and I am all alone.”

“And?”

I already knew what she meant by that and honestly, I had no problem to become closer to Keres since her energy is the weakest I have felt and even Azazel assured me that she wasn’t as bad as she behaves. Besides, it’s not like I would let her into my personal life or invite her to my home. I will draw a barrier between us and just help each other endure the final year together. And if she finds other friends over time, then that will be better for both of us.

Keres gave me her puppy dog eyes and slightly nudged my arm like a kid. She was acting entirely different from yesterday, and I was stunned at her sudden change. Were she driven to do bad things by her so-called friends or Asmodeus? What other plausible explanation was there?

“Since you have seen my worse, why don’t we just stick together like glue? I swear I won’t cause you any trouble or cheat you. I know demons are meant to break their promises, so why don’t we do a blood deal?”

She took out a small pocket-knife from her bag, where her pen was supposed to be, and set it over her thump to make a minor cut. I was quick enough to hold the end without the blade touching her skin. She is so impulsive. I have to be extra cautious before telling her something. Keres is so easy to be manipulated and because of that trait, everyone could take advantage of her even without her knowledge.

“You don’t have to go to such extents. We can be friends as long as you want.”

“Yippee.” She jumped like a bunny and hugged me in front of all the dumbfounded spectators, but we both yelped as the pain shot through our bodies, causing us to separate instantly.

“Maybe not like glue, but something that doesn’t make direct contact and yet stay together.”

I giggled despite the intense pain, and we both burst into laughter. I wish Rachel was here, too. She would have been definitely jealous if she found me hanging out with other girls, especially demons. However, it was refreshing to talk with others, without my status getting between us. It would have never been possible if I were still in Angel’s High.

“So you really can’t touch any of us, huh?”

Both our expressions changed on hearing Samael’s face and I could even see Keres’ eyes getting glassy. If Samael was here, then his friends would be with him, too. I took my time to meet his eyes, and once I did, I wished I never faced him. Why was he smirking? I tucked my lips upwards as well, since I was still pretending to be a petite Angel.

“I told you yesterday.”

Leviathan was behind him, and his curious orbs were fixed on me. Unlike the previous days, they were no more hatred in his eyes and his aura, too, wasn’t as strong as Samael’s or his buddies’. Did something change between us after the lane episode?

“And what are you doing here, Keres? Trying to take your revenge by befriending her?”

The first person I looked for was Asmodeus, to see what his reaction was, and found him glaring at his shoes. His hair was messy, as if he had run his fingers through it a thousand times.

“I am not here to take any revenge.”

Keres mumbled in a small voice, and I could feel her energy sinking. She was really scared and anxious to meet them all of a sudden.

“I think you misunderstood, Samael. It was me who wanted to be friends with her. Keres may have tried to harm me, but that doesn’t make her bad. Sometimes we do mistakes out of misconceptions or without actually knowing what our heart wants. I am sure she belongs to that category.”

Asmodeus raised his head a little on hearing me and I knew that I have hit the bull’s-eye. Samael understood what I meant as well, as he scoffed uncomfortably.

“I was just warning you. You might end up in danger if you think with an Angel’s brain in the underworld.”

I badly wanted to tell him that he was the one I should be most careful about, but just smiled at him instead. After all, he made Keres pour the blood over me on my first day, and now he is acting like a guardian. Azazel was right about their intentions.

“Thank you for your concern, Samael, but I think I am old enough to make my own decisions without anyone’s support. I would appreciate if you respect that.”

That was cool Kiara. I mentally patted my own shoulders as I watched Samael trying to control his emotions. He looked about to explode with anger, but before such a thing could happen, Damien interfered and laughed artificially.

“Of course, Kiara, we are all grownups here. You know we only want you to be safe.”

I almost rolled my eyes as I compared his words with his energy. He should take part in mono acts and would definitely ace the field.

“Thank you, Damien.”

I bowed at them all and literally pulled a shocked Keres by her bag. She only breathed once we were safe inside the building and no one was near our hearing vicinity.

“Wow, that was the first time someone actually stood up for me. You are full of surprises, Kiara.”

Does that mean her friends never really cared for her? Poor Keres must have not even known what real friendship is all her life.

“I know, right. My best friend Rachel, would have been so proud.”

I should write her a letter soon. But how would I deliver it?

“Of course, girl. Even I was super proud of you and we have been friends for only half an hour.”

We laughed again despite the glances we were surrounded by. I expected to be all alone in this place, but here I am, already making a friend on the second day. Even the way I saw demons was slowly starting to change. Hope it is for good and not the other way round.

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