DEVIL'S HIGH

CHAPTER 13

KIARA’S POINT OF VIEW

I feel like I am walking through a bridge of ice, as my every movement was being accessed by hundreds of students. This outfit wasn’t making it easy for me either, since I was used to wearing loose white frocks and this body hugging dress felt extremely uncomfortable. Although I must say I am the most conservatively dressed person in this entire school. I had to look at a girl twice to make sure that she was covering her sacred parts and not walking around in her birth suit. Does these devils have to constantly remind me that I am in hell?

“What did she say to Damien to make him so angry?”

“You should have seen his red face.”

“I thought he was going to hit her.”

Even though they were trying to be as quiet as possible with their gossips, my ears could hear them all but I pretended not to hear, so as to avoid another situation. It’s better to turn a blind eye than make everything worse than now.

I entered the next class in low spirits and took the back seat, which luckily didn’t have a pair. I would rather sit alone than being with someone who wants to eat me alive. A middle aged looking man came in and the students immediately settled down. He was followed by the four people I dread, and just like before, Damien handed the teacher the slip of paper.

“I hope you won’t cause any trouble in my class.”

He handed the note back and waited for the newcomers to sit down. Am I that important for them to change their schedule and jeopardize their studies? I don’t really get why they have to go to such extents just to make me on edge.

“I am Zakiel and I will be taking the subject History. Good to meet you Miss Kiara Snow Michael.”

I abruptly stood up from my seat, not expecting him to address me so casually. There was no sarcasm in his voice and his energy was stable, too. Hence, I gave him a genuine smile and nodded my head in acknowledgement.

After that brief introduction, he continued with his classes, and surprisingly, I liked his lecture. We were taught about hell’s history but not so detailed and with examples. I was so focused on my textbook and only shifted my eyes once he asked us to fill the questions in the back. I could feel multiple stares on me, but I avoided it all this time, yet I was so forced to look in Samael’s direction, expecting him to sleep in this class as well. However, my body became still as I saw him staring right at me, not even taking a break to blink. He wasn’t glaring or anything, but just looking, as if I am a puzzle he is interested in.

I wanted to divert my eyes, but for some reason I didn’t. Instead, I looked straight at him and waited to see his reaction. His pitch black eyes were similar to that of Lucifer’s, but that was all I had to compare with his father. If the pictures were accurate, then Samael didn’t take after his father, nor his mother, other than the aura. Maybe he looks like his human mother, but that was so unlikely.

I don’t know how long we continued the staring competition, but it soon broke as a smirk formed on his lips. He was definitely impressed by my confidence. What did he take me for? A coward? I am Archangel Michael’s daughter and he should know better than that.

“Okay, children. Class dismissed.”

Saying that, Mr. Ezkiel walked out without waiting for anyone. The bell didn’t even ring, and the class was already dispersed? I looked away from his direction first, as I don’t intend to spend my free period playing childish games with him. The class was almost empty by the time I collected my belongings and I made my way to the door, dreading the four seats that I have to pass to reach my destination.

“Kiara, wait.”

I stopped dead in my tracks, surprised that someone actually called my actual name. I turned to face the stranger, very gently, and exhaled, seeing that it was not Samael, but Asmodeus. Another plan perhaps.

Damien was facing Leviathan, and I understood that they were trying to lure me into their circle by taking turns. So Damien was their first attempt, and now Asmodeus.

“I am sorry for what happened yesterday and today. Keres is my girlfriend and she can get out of hands sometimes.”

Despite the cheeky smile he gave me, his intention was very clear in his energy. Should I tell them that I already know of their tactics or should I just make a fool out of them by playing along. I chose option B since I really want them to think that they have me.

“That’s alright, Asmodeus. It’s not like you did something wrong. Besides, I don’t hold grudges.”

Angels are not supposed to have resentments and forgiveness is in our blood, but that doesn’t mean we will forget the wrongdoings and fall for the trap again.

“You already know my name? I feel privileged. I have a free period now. Do you want me to show around our school? I can be your guide.”

Wow, this guy was good. I would have almost said yes if it wasn’t for my defense senses waving red flags.

“Thank you for your offer, but I am good. I don’t think I should get attached to this place. After all, I am here only for a year.”

I too gave him my sweetest smile and bid him good bye before walking normally out of the class. Hopefully, he won’t follow me. I was happy that I didn’t wait to see Samael’s face, as I’m certain it would have haunted me for the rest of the day.

After rounding the corner, I took out the small yellow card from my textbook and headed in the direction where Azazel told me was the library. I zoned out everyone around me by singing random songs that Rachel taught me and soon I was in front of the large building.

Their library was larger than ours, as it had books from the human world, too. Luckily, the place was less crowded, and the librarian gave me access to the heaven section without asking anything. Azazel might have informed her of my visit. She didn’t look pleased to see me, but that was alright with me as long as I am free to use their books without much trouble.

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

SAMAEL’S POINT OF VIEW

We were making fun of Asmodeus in the empty classroom as Keres barged in with a sulking face. This girl and her drama.

“Baby, what is this? The entire school is talking about how you offered her a tour. They said you even apologized to her for me.”

Of course, there were still few students lingering around here and there when Asmodeus was turned down by Kiara and I guess words spread fast. Asmodeus looked egotistical as he nodded his head, affirming her doubts. He was seriously behaving differently around Keres, and I felt like he was not madly in love with her anymore.

“Why would you do that? After everything you have told me to do? You didn’t even check on me after that b***h attacked me.”

I was waiting for the reason as well, but Asmodeus just looked at her in... disgust?

“Check on you? Why should I check on you when you became my girlfriend to seduce my best friend?”

Bingo! Finally, he realized. Damien and Leviathan had wide eyes as they looked simultaneously at Asmodeus and Keres, whose face has gone pale. She didn’t expect that, neither did my other friends. Was Damien that oblivious to the advances she made at him over the years?

“What are you saying? What best friend? You got it all wrong, baby.”

She took several steps to place her hand on Asmodeus’ shoulder, but he jerked back as if she was lethal.

“I loved you, Keres. But all you wanted was Damien’s attention.”

Damien looked shocked on hearing that and turned to the girl in question with a raised eyebrow.

“Really?”

Keres was unable to meet his eyes, and I saw tear drops falling on the ground. She was crying. Serves right for the cheater.

“F**k, I wouldn’t date you even if you were the last woman in hell.”

A constrained sniffle escaped from her lips and she practically ran out of the room, covering her face. I heard Asmodeus sighing deeply, and I felt pity for my best friend. He really loved her and he didn’t deserve it.

It was silent for a while among us until Leviathan decided to take the boys to the chemistry lab where we kept our stock of alcohol. Asmodeus might not show it, but he was really hurt and only a dozen bottles of beers can heal him.

I passed the invitation and told them that I need to return the books I borrowed from the library. It was expected of me to excel in my studies as Lucifer’s son and I always met the standard. My friends were no less, and we made it a goal to graduate with high marks, so that we can get positions in the upper levels.

………………………

The library was quiet as usual as I stepped into the building and I handed over the books back to the librarian, who took them without any questions.

I walked around a bit and was looking into the human’s section when I noticed that the door to the heavenly collection was open. No one goes into that portion other than teachers and I was curious to know who was suddenly interested in their books. I took slow steps, not wanting to alert the other reader. But I stopped in my tracks as I saw books literally flying all around the narrow space and Kiara brushing the large wooden shelves with a duster.

She was humming an unknown song and the light through the single window reflected on her silver hair. Kiara was busy in her own world and seeing her biting her lips in concentration made my heart race again. Is she an enchantress?

As if sensing the extra presence, she turned in my direction and let out a small cry of surprise. Her shock must have interfered with her powers, as the books stopped floating and fell to the ground at once, causing a few of them to hit her head. Before I could reach out, she passed out on top of a pile of dusty binders.

Sh*t!

...........