Deal with the Devil

'As the CEO, I need someone reliable enough to entrust this empire. And trust is hard to gain in these times.'

A genuine smile plastered on my face as I saw his name on the caller I.D. "Hello, it's been a while."

I heard him chuckled at the other end. "You too, Miss Dela Vega. What can I do for you?"

'The remaining clan members are all busy in Japan. He's the only person I can rely on when it comes to business.'

I switched to a serious face. "I need your expertise, Lucio." He's now laughing at me.

"You guys and Lucianna are still busy with the Coven? " He inquired suspiciously calmly. 'How come he knew?' My face contorted in visible confusion. "I have eyes and ears everywhere, hija." I can hear him smirking proudly at his reply. 'As expected, to the most clever Étoile.' I shook my head and let out a defeated sigh. "I just need someone to take over for a while. Since you own the second-largest portion in DVEm, I'll entrust you, just this time."

"It's okay, I understand, Miss Dela Vega. But, you know that I always need something in return, right?" I sighed. "Yes, just spill it." He chuckled, again. "Let's talk about it, next time. I know your hands are still full. I'll be there in Troum the soonest." He hung up.

'That old hag is still strong. After all, he's still the chairman of the ever-established Constellation Empire. The biggest and oldest empire in Europe.'

I leaned on my throne. I just finished signing. Now, I'm finalizing my schedule for the next few days. The HR is helping me, but I need to double-check everything. You can never be too careful in this dirty business.

'Lucio is one of the few persons that gained my respect. Well, he's next to my granddad. My grandfather is on the top of the list.'

My personal phone lit up and I saw Lucio's message.

[Check your emails, Miss Dela Vega. Be sure that all the things mentioned are all complete when I step inside your office.]

Now, I just want to take back all those commendations. I logged in to check all the emails. I scanned the following terms, he's really high-maintenance. "An automated massage-chair? Access to all bugs and surveillance?" He's gone mad. He and Anne are really two peas in a pod, too prudent and practical to say the least.

I was about to log out when another email was added to my inbox. It was from an unknown source. I rarely give my email address, so this is really odd. I secretly clicked the record button from my special wristwatch.

A video file was attached. Since this was sent from this kind of platform, only less than 100 MB files can be attached. I clicked and it was all black. "Is this prank or what?"

I gasped in shock when I saw Chua tied to the hospital bed. He was surrounded by women clothed in black cloaks. He's struggling to move. "Look at that fine man, Hime Dela Vega."

My fists were curled into balls. "We can't wait to taste him, but we respect you. With that, I'll give you enough time to face us." A woman caressed his face and upper body. 'Freaking witches! They even touch his abs first!'

"Oh, and by the way, can you tell Anne Slovavich to stop his man? He's insatiable." I almost fell off my chair, when I saw Leo in naked form. Bottles of the syringe were scattered. The camera was focused on a hand, harassing him. Another hand was added until it was...

The video was corrupted. I heaved an exasperated sigh. It's a good thing I recorded it though.

I pressed the button to notify HR. "I'll take my leave for today, Lorna. Reschedule the last appointment." I didn't wait for her reply.

I grab all my essential things and lock the door.

I ENTERED the conference room in a hurry that I needed to take a minute to catch my breath. I was with Anne and Gloria who are currently tinkering something. I walked towards them.

"Quick, gather all elites. I—We need to find Chua." They both turned their heads. "Now you know how it feels to worry for your man," Anne said mockingly. She, then, pressed the button for an emergency meeting. "Code Red"

Gloria didn't say anything, instead typed something on her laptop. The holographic video record was played. It was the video that I've received from the Coven.

Anne was in stupefaction and stuck motionless, until... "Fucking sluts!"

Her eyes are now bloodshot. "Code fucking Red, Elites!" In a few seconds, all of them, the Elites, are completely gathered. "Don't you fucking dare play it, Gloria. That's disgusting."

Her gaze went in my direction. "Tell them, the fucking news." Anne turned away and faced her computers. She and Gloria are both typing in a hurry.

"The Coven is our top priority now. Agent Leon together with a civilian, were both held captive. The hideous society was making their name. They are professional entertainers, some of them were labeled as Vixen." I looked at them one by one. "As of the moment, we are still having a hard time gathering all that information. Except for Agent Leo, who successfully penetrated their base, but sadly, he's in their grip."

"If you guys are already having a hard time, how can we help?" Good thing, Eros asked. "I need my strongest soldiers. We need our battalion."

Silence filled the conference room. No one speaks until, "Hell yeah, got ya!" Anne's filthy mouth spoke. She rose from her seat. The rest of Elites were all astonished, as they've seen her demonic side. "Here's the foolproof plan, listen carefully." She instructed them.

Gloria stood up and pat Anne's shoulder. "Hey, you can breathe now. We've already traced their location. You did great."

While Anne and Gloria discussed the whole plan, I prefer to keep my silence and listen.

I've realized it just now. The traitors are just hiding nearby.

"A BEER for your thoughts?" A bottle of beer was offered to me. I didn't answer, still in a daze, lost in my thoughts. "Take this shit, bitch! My hand is getting tired." Anne forcefully took my hand and put the beer on it. I drank the beer as soon as I got my grip right. My face turned sour. "Taste like shit." Anne chuckled.

She sat beside me. "You know, it's no one's fault, right?" I just let her speak. "And it's not good to blame it on someone else." I absentmindedly replied. Anne laid down. "The fuck bitch, the ground's dirty." She didn't listen and even folded her arms to support her head.

"You know Gloria's just pissed. She's just worried. If you're still sullen, she's sulkier." I took another gulp of the bitter beer, accepting the bitter truth in front of me. "Well, she has a point, I mean both of you. I've been distracted lately." I hung my head low. 'It's hard being torn between friendship and romantic relationships. The situation made me choose between those two.'

As if hearing my thoughts. "It's not about choosing, Hime. It's all about priorities. Lately, Gloria's been busy too. But you know what she's been busy with?" I met her gaze. "She's assessing your man's seriousness." My eyebrows formed into a straight line out of confusion. "Why is that?"

"It's because he's always there to distract you." Gloria suddenly appeared. "I've been testing his patience, degree of seriousness, and the others. Guess what?" I raised my right eyebrow. "He's different when you're not around," she smirked.

"What do you mean?" she just shook her head. "Open your eyes as much as you open your heart. That was stated on the card, right?" She snatched Anne's remaining beer.

I was about to ask something when my special tattoo vibrated signaling me that a meeting with the guardians would commence. It's a special one. It was connected to my bone marrow. I stood up and did some stretches. "It's getting late, you guys should go home."

"Maybe later, the cool breeze is quite relaxing," Anne replied, shrugging. We're all here on the rooftop. It's windy. This place was surrounded by LED lights. The helicopters were parked orderly on the far left.

"I need to go, bitches." I left them and walked towards the lift. As the door closes, I softly press the tattoo again. "I'm on my way." It was located on my nape. It's not noticeable. It only shines when the moonlight is directed.

I have arrived at the secret room. It was located at the most unexpected place inside the organization's building.

"Input password," I whispered my answer. "Place your right thumb." Again, something was lightly pierced. "Access complete! Welcome, Guardian Hime."

One by one the guardians turned towards my direction. All of them are made of holograms though. "You're late!" I glanced at my watch and my orbs traveled heavenwards. "Just three seconds late, Heiress." She hissed and gave me a hateful glare before replying. "Still, you should observe punctuality."

"I'm here because someone requested my presence. Please get straight to the point." Irritation laced my voice. 'I don't have the time to argue nonsense things. My beauty sleep is the most important thing.'

Knight cleared his throat. Everyone stops mumbling. "We're here to discuss our recent opponent." Knight started. "Who dared to challenge us?" Heiress asked. 'Again, someone can't stop her mouth.' I let out an exasperated sigh at the thought. "A certain group of females called Coven."

"Any plans for that, head guardian?" Prince curiously inquired.

"Hime and I are already working on it."

"Why her? Heiress and I are more suitable for the job!" Shekainah frantically gasped. 'Goodness, these two.'

"Her organization was their target. Since she's the owner, Hime and I need to cooperate." I shook my head and plastered a proud smirk. 'Take those losers.'

"I've done some quick research, too," Prince said. "You guys should be careful. They love to play and mess with your minds. They love to pull some tricks and distractions." He added.

"Thanks for that, Prince." I gave him a thankful smile. "You're welcome, princess." Someone cleared his throat. "Let's get back to work, shall we?" Knight sanctioned. I just nodded in agreement.

"It was supposed to be a deal between us. I've requested all of you, just to be informed. The rest of the details are private matters. Have a good night." The holographs of other guardians were gone.

A deep voice echoed all throughout the room. "Come closer, Hime." On qui vive, I look around the room. 'I'm confused, his voice is familiar.' Hands tingle to hold the needles of mine. "Is that you, Knight?" Instead of answering, a shadow came out of nowhere. I've readied my needles, just in case. "Reveal yourself."

I was about to throw my poisonous needles when a hand grabs my wrist. I immediately twisted it with my other hand and let him kiss the ground. "Is that the proper way to treat your head guardian?"

I dusted my dress with my bare hands. "You know that you can announce your presence right? What's the need to hide?" I didn't offer my hand. 'Call it rude but that's his fault. I'm just safeguarding myself.'

He stood up on his own, as one should. "Where's the fun in that?" a playful smirk danced on his masked face. 'This head guardian is a man-child.' I gave him a bored look which earned a serious face from him. "Let's get back to business. Shall we?" I just smirked and crossed my arms in response.

'INHALE, EXHALE.' I've been doing deep breaths for the nth time. It's just mere hours since the conversation with the head guardian, Knight happened.

I can't help but shiver in disgust.

The memory of our conversation played once again in my mind.

"I'll help you with the Coven, but I need something in return." My right eyebrow traveled heavenward at his remark. "You've got everything you need, Knight. Besides, you have all the perks as you've acquired the seat." He put a hand under his chin. "Yeah, you're right."

'See? I'm right.' I flailed my hands up. "Yet, you're not there." My face contorted in disgust and confusion from his mumbled remark. "I'm sorry? I have a boyfriend and you're not my type." my voice rose an octave alongside my temper. 'Oh my god, the audacity of this man! Does he really think that he's the finest man I've ever met? Oh no, sir!'

"Don't get me wrong, I'm quite entertained with your performance." My jaw hung in pure shock from this man's gigantic ego. 'What the fuck is he talking about?' He grinned widely.

"Would you look at that, your friends are already giving you clues, but look at you, you're on the verge of losing your own game."

His words still haunt me up until the present.

Until now, I'm still pissed that he had a point and openly mocked me for my weakness. Still fuming in anger, I failed to notice there are broken mirror shards everywhere. Looks like I've been gripping it with too much force.

The vintage mirror was intricately designed into its handle. Now it's ruined. The handle was bent and it has cracks.

"Did I just sell myself to the Devil?" I thought loudly.

'Curse you to death, Knight!'