DEVIL'S HIGH

CHAPTER 27

KIARA’S POINT OF VIEW

Me and Keras made slow, uncertain steps towards Azazel, who was taking out his mobile phone and switched on the flashlight, lighting up the large sized cabin that turned out to be an old model elevator. I curiously watched him pulling down a chain that hung from the ceiling and the entire space was covered in a dull white color.

There was only a single switch on the left side of the lift, which Azazel pressed once we all got inside. The vintage machine coughed and grunted a few times before shaking us a little and making its way to God knows where. Asher too followed us and I wasn’t concerned for him as all unicorns had brilliant night vision and even if the power went off, he could guide us to safety.

”I thought you said everything was barricaded.”

It was fascinating to see such technologies right inside where I was living and even Keres looked amazed.

“It is a large network under the ground, kids. This research centre is several acres wide and connects few other similar institutions. I only blocked the portion which connects the other and thought you could use the rest for some other purpose.”

Azazel eyed at Asher, who was standing between me and the others so I wouldn’t accidentally touch them and cause both of us pain. For some reason, I couldn’t think that all this was just a coincidence, as it felt like he already knew what was about to happen. However, that sounded absurd as well.

As we moved lower, I felt suffocated and Ashy too snorted, as if he smelt something repugnant.

“What is it, Ashy?”

Keras asked, and massaged behind his ears as he started to shake his head in displeasure.

”It must be the stench of evil blood. The scientists didn’t do a thorough job at cleaning and some of it still lingers here.”

Ew… I didn’t need to know that. Keras and Azazel weren’t affected at all by the smell of dried blood, but it was making me a little sick. I took a strand of my hair and brought it near my nose to inhale the fresh scent of my shampoo and it helped a lot.

The box shook again, slightly rougher than before, as it hit the uneven floor and Azazel opened the metal door manually. It creaked, and he reminded himself to bring some oil next time.

Asher was the first one to exit and Azazel accompanied him to switch on the light that was on the nearest wall. The place resembled a ball room where only the decayed dance as it was shabby and concreted with cement. Did he expect Asher to stay here? There is no way I will let my baby be here alone in such a creepy place.

From Keres’ frown, I knew that she was thinking the same thing. She has told me before than unimaginable tortures were performed here in the dead souls when she was a kid and she never visited the inside of this chamber as it scared her to see the pain in their eyes. Despite the fact that these souls hurt other people without any remorse, it would be still hard to see them suffering. And I was glad that she found it cruel, too, which shows that Keres is not a sadist like most of the demons.

“I didn’t want anyone to know that we would be using the basement for our personal reasons; that is why I did not ask the workers to clean here. But if you guys are willing, then we can make this place more lively and pleasant.”

I might actually help him clean it, but I doubt I will use it. The inside was so stuffy, filled with undesirable air, and the yellow lights made very little change. There were multiple doors on the walls and a large shutter that resembled our garage at home.

Azazel paced towards it and shuffle the chains that locked it to the ground. He then started lifting it and I was beyond surprised to see fresh sunlight pouring from in from the other side. How was it possible? We were literally several feet under the ground, and I hadn’t seen an opening anywhere near my house. Did they make it artificially?

However, my doubt was overruled as I saw tall green grass forming a bed on the ground and it was an extreme contrast to the grey rocky floor we were standing on. Asher whined as he walked on the genuine looking greenery and did a happy dance, feeling the freshness in his hooves.

There was a medium sized pond in the corner, and the water looked fresh and clean. Chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves made me confirm that everything was indeed real. But how?

“Isn’t this the forbidden forest? But everyone told that it was cut down completely.”

Keres exclaimed, her lips forming into an excited smile. A forest? Where?

”Yes. There were experiments that needed to be done in the natural environment and every research centre had an opening space like this . Years ago, there was a forest here, and the school was located right on its outskirts. But they cleared it all for developmental reasons except this space. Children came through this way to see the abuses and once the Vacate Order was passed, instead of covering it, Lucifer put a spell that made it invisible to others.”

This was the first time I heard someone mentioning about Lucifer casually and I realized that Azazel had more power in the realm than I thought of. When everyone addressed the devil king with respect, he just said his name as if they were friends. I also remember Lilith being polite in front of him, despite being the most powerful man’s wife. Azazel was making me more and more curious about his role in the underworld, but honestly, no one knew. Keres was awed to know that he was a close friend of my father and she told me that he always kept a straight face and distanced himself from social activities. She also added that it was the first time she saw him like a normal demon with emotions.

”The grasses are a bit overgrown and we might need a mowing machine, but it will be perfect for your pet. He can grow into a strong and free unicorn without being in danger.”

I smiled at my principal, thanking him for his help and also I decided to trust him and rely on him from now on. I do not know why, but he was giving off a fatherly vibe and I can’t help but feel such an affection for him. At first I thought it was because I miss my father so much, but now I am certain that it was his acts that made me close to him. Azazel never convinced me to trust him through words, but through his actions, he made me believe in him and proved himself to be a trustworthy demon. Maybe he can become an important figure in my life, like Uncle Gabriel. Who knows!

……………………………….

The second week of my school started normally, but it kept getting weird as three of the four persistent guys began smiling at me. Like, literally! Damien and Asmodeus even greeted me one morning as if we were long-term friends and the students near me almost passed out in bewilderment.

Even though I tried to avoid seeing Samael as much as possible since the memories I want to forget kept resurfacing. However, it was not possible when he was always in my line of vision, except for the classes, and his pitch black orbs never left me. I couldn’t even visit the library anymore, afraid that he will show up suddenly. I knew that their abrupt change in behavior was fake as their energies were pretty obvious, except Leviathan’s, which scared me even more. Sometimes his smile was legitimate and I would gracelessly stand there, not knowing how to respond.

On top of it all, we have an upcoming exam and I was too nervous to properly think about their intentions.

“Kia, those b******s are driving me nuts. Don’t you think they are being even stranger than before?’

Just like me, Keres was also affected because of Asmodeus and currently she was banging her head on the table, paying little to no attention to Mrs. Rolanda.

“I know right, they are…”

“Miss. Kiara Snow, come with me to the staff room.”

I jumped up from my chair, wondering if she was done with our endless chattering. I gestured Keres to wait for me and followed the sullen looking teacher silently.

Other than two other teachers, the large staff room was bare, and I glanced at Mr. Zekiel’s chair only to find it empty.

The old lady took her seat and looked at me as if I was an irritating bug.

“Have you started preparing for the semester exam?”

Her aura was uncertain, and I assumed that she wasn’t interested in this meeting at all. Is this some kind of mandatory thing?

I nodded my head and was about to tell her that Mr. Zekiel provided me with guide notes, but she had no time for it.

“Even then, it must be difficult for you to adjust. So, I will assign you a tutor. Come in, boy.”

Mrs. Rolanda didn’t even wait to hear my response and just pretended that I was not there. I heard the door opening, and a frustrated sigh escaped my lips on seeing his smirking face.

I should have guessed.

…………………….