DEVIL'S HIGH

CHAPTER 18

KIARA’S POINT OF VIEW

Just as I rounded the corner of the congested lane, I spread my large wings and reached my house in less than a minute. The baby unicorn was still moving as I entered the building and locked the door from inside. I couldn’t feel any energies nearby and it was safe for the time being, but that doesn’t mean I can let down my guard.

I sat on the couch prior to moving the flower vase from the coffee table. I used a cushion as a warm base and carefully took out the small lump of flesh from my beg. It wiggled a little, but other than that, it made no sound. Even in Heaven, black unicorns are an extremely rare species compared to the white ones. They are more shy and timid than their cousins, but once exposed to danger, they become the most deadly hunters. That is why they are being protected in heaven and not in hell, since they can be used for causing destruction. So, how did a newly born end up here? Where was its mother? How did it get covered by ash?

“Are you okay, baby?”

I asked tenderly, brushing its squinted eyes with a piece of tissue paper. Its aura was barely recognizable, but soothing nevertheless. It slowly raised its tiny hoof and placed it over my forefinger. I almost cooed with the overwhelming cuteness and massaged its limb delicately.

“What shall we name you, ha?”

I got up from the couch, confirming twice that it can’t move and fall down on its own, and went to the kitchen to get a packet of soft wipe and a jug of lukewarm water. This was the first time I was tending to an animal, and I didn’t know what the exact procedures were. There was no one for me to consult other than Azazel, but I couldn’t trust him completely as he was also a demon and a unicorn was too precious for me to take chances with.

“Let’s begin with cleaning you.”

I said and used the warm liquid and wipe to remove as much as dirt I could without hurting its sensitive skin. It was not old enough to have furs, so its exact color was still a mystery but belonged to the darker category for sure. Its pigmentation was slightly darker than ash and from what I have learned, white unicorns had off white skin.

“Since I found you under the ash dust, I am going to name you Asher.”

Newly christened, Asher snorted with his tiny nose, and I laughed wholeheartedly.

“You liked it, didn’t you Asher? You are a good boy, aren’t you.”

It snorted again, and I patted its head with two of my fingers. I knew that he was snorting at the wipe that was now near to its nose, but it felt good to think that he was responding to my questions. Foolish I know, but it’s making me so happy.

Once I cleaned Asher, I prepared a puree of vegetables that included turnips, lettuce, carrots, and corn from our garden. Unicorns didn’t differentiate food from hell and heaven, but to be on the safer side, I decided to stick with the food that I consume daily. I used the smallest spoon I could find to feed him and was careful to not hurt his deciduous incisors. Asher was an extremely obedient foal as it ate all the food without much struggle.

“Aww… You are such a sweet lad. I don’t know how I am going to protect you amidst all these monsters when I am striving to keep myself safe. But I promise I will let no one harm you as long as I breathe. Okay?”

This time, there wasn’t even a snort, as Asher was fast asleep on the cushion, his tummy filled with all the nutrients. I will have to protect him, no matter what. Maybe God knew that I was alone here and sent him to me for keeping me company.

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LUCIFER’S POINT OF VIEW

“Was the unicorn really necessary? It was the last of its kind.”

I asked Azazel as we clung our wine glasses for the third time today. I didn’t even go to my house for the past four days, not having the guts to face my fuming son and wife. They had no idea why I took such extreme measures, and it was better to keep them in the dark than to uncover them to insecurity as well. Samael always wanted me to be on the high throne without completely knowing what his father has done because of his obsession for power. I hope my son will understand someday that being on the top wasn’t everything.

“The unicorn will keep her safe and her will to protect it will improve her mental stability. She will be more strong.”

I studied my best friend for a minute, looking at the glint in his eyes, which I thought was lost when his wife died, slowly returning.

“Are you that happy to see your daughter?”

I nudged his leg with mine and laughed on seeing his lips breaking into a huge smile. He was definitely happy. It’s been ages since I last saw him in such high spirits and my heart hurt a little, knowing that this would be temporary, too.

“Am I that obvious?”

He shook his head in embarrassment and gulped down the alcohol in one go.

“Michael has brought up a fighter, Lucifer. It shocked me beyond words when I saw her at first, but covered it quickly as Lilith was present. She was a spitting image of her mother, with her hair and all. She even got the same yes. It was like Bianca reincarnated but more feisty than before. She doesn’t trust anyone and I know that I could never compete with Michael for the father’s position, however I am more than happy to be just by her side.”

I patted his shoulder, the guilt inside my heart eating me alive. For everyone, Lucifer was an evil guy who would do anything for authority and I do accept that I was once such a monster. But life has taught me so many lessons over the past years and I am no longer the same demon. Sure, I have not completely transformed into a virtuous man, but I no longer wanted to be above God. I have learned my mistake and all I want is to take care of my duties without putting my world and people in any more danger.

Azazel was the only one who have stayed by my side when I lost everything and even sacrificed his own family for the sake of my safety. I do not know if I will ever be able to repay for his kindness, but I know that he wouldn’t forever ask me to.

“Does Leviathan know?”

My best friend sighed, thinking back to the constrained relationship with his beloved son. Leviathan had no clue what his father had to give up for him and no one could blame the child as well, since he was unaware of his own past. Azazel has played the cards well so that Leviathan will end up being friends with my son and it has only done well to both the parties. It was refreshing to watch our children in the same relationship as us.

“Not yet. But they would soon know that something is not right. Only me and Leviathan could make physical contact with Kiara since we are blood related. But the kids don’t know about that and it’s only a matter of time before they catch up.”

“Hm… I hope they will not be too hard on themselves.”

Azazel nodded his head and filled his empty glass before raising it for another toast.

“For the safety of our kids.”

I smiled and sincerely hoped that my one careless mistake wouldn’t destroy everything that I have built over the millenniums.

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