Meeting new people

The small plentiful tables were filled with an abnormal amount of alcohol and meat she was too afraid to question the origin of. There was also an entire table dedicated to earthly illegal substances in all forms and sizes.

Most of the high ranking demons disturbed with their appearance. Their skin was a purplish shade of black with an eerie feel to it, as if touching a freshly shaven cactus. Most of them had goats legs, anemic figures and horns. However, from what the bride noticed, they could shape-shift if they wanted to. Their faces were sharp and long intentionally kept in a grin to maximize their repulsiveness to the human eye. Some even had small wings. Still, regardless of their physical attributes, they put a lot of care in their clothing. They covered themselves with flamboyant earthly fabric, mostly done as a status symbol, rather than fashion.

Drugs were especially coveted in Helltown and not for the obvious reasons. Those who could afford the nifty price could overdose, allowing them to black out for a while. Despite the inability to actually fall asleep, the body of the damned was still plagued by its side effects. Thirst and hunger played a role as well, but they could be quenched somewhat by devouring something or someone. Not sleep.

While mingling with the crowd, she noticed a distinguished damned man with large black horns and small black wings snorting into his nostrils the powdery white substance. He arched with head back, dazed before stumbling upon a chair and closing his eyes. His head fell on the spiked armrest as his breathing slowed down and mouth curved into a blissful smile.

Sadly for him, the demon next to the table noticed. With a teethe grin, the large demon grabbed his motionless body and repeatedly smashed it on the hard floor. The human woke up, enraged and battered. He could do nothing but congratulate the demon on his quick reflexes.

On the other side of the long balcony, away from the main party, an orgy was taking place. Two damned souls were standing observing the multitude of limbs and protrusions grabbing, sliding and thrusting down various pits and creases. One was tall but slouching, known as Rob. He had deer-like feet and small wings, but otherwise typical human features. He could have been muscular once, but time spent here had taken its toll. The other one was shorter with very prominent eyebrows that sat on his face like a red centipede and one small mole near his mouth. His usually serious expression made him look mean. He called himself Don, and claimed to be of noble birth. With his hands crossed, he squinted unimpressed with the sight. His friend Rob on the other hand salivated eagerly.

"That looks so much fun," Robby stuttered to his friends, excited by the moans.

Donny pouted taking a studious look. "Hmm I don't see any higher level demons in there."

The taller man grunted. "So? Look at all these girls. They're so ripe and juicy. Like sweet pears ready for the... Oh, I could just..." he said liking his chopped lips.

"Keep your head in the game, Rob. We did not make it this far by sleeping with random nobodies," Don explained sternly.

"Well, no… But now that we are here. Can't we enjoy ourselves? Just a little?" the bigger man pleaded.

His shorter friend exhaled bored. "No, my friend. There is still plenty of ass-kissing to go."

Robby lowered his head and let out a long sad sigh.

"I know, it's a steep climb up, but somebody's got to do it," his friend patted him reassuringly.

"Alright, but this time, I'll do the ass kissing, and you do the ass licking," he declared.

Donny clear his throat. "Oh, you think that's easier! Planning and stocking any demon of note? Finding such the right words to say. Nudge things in the right direction?"

Rob slouched with awkwardness. "It can't be that hard. Can it?"

Don shook his head. "Let me put it this way, my friend. If it wasn't for me, you'd still be rotting in that dump with the hog demons' sex slave."

"I miss that place. The pig people would at least feed you after," Robby said nostalgic.

His friend was no longer listening, as his eyes scanned the area. He quickly pointed at something, smiling with glee. "There. In that group over there! That guy is in charge of the blood purification department. Just the person we need!" he said grabbing his friend's arm. "Come on. Let's go and say hello."

Robby pouted seeing the chainsaw-like penis extension their target was sporting.

"I don't think I want to," Robby whispered, moving his head away.

"Oh, don't be shy. Trust me. You are going to knock his hooves off," his more confident fried said, basically pushing him into the dog pile.

Cassandra was heading to the bar to get some more wine. She had missed the taste, even allowing herself to get a little tipsy. And the cigarette display… Finally, after all her earthly years of being a secret smoker, she could indulge her vices in piece.

"Having fun?" a familiar male voice startled her.

"Biff! What are you doing here?"

He did not reply.

"Don't you have enough girls you can poke your member in. I'm surprised Tamara let you come unsupervised," she said, deliberately mean.

Her former boss, nodded with his lips curved into a menacing smirk. "You think you're so clever, don't you?"

"Excuse me?" she uttered, acting confused.

"Very clever, arranging this entire fiasco just so you can join the high society," he said, seeping with envy.

The bride tilted her head, frowning. "I arranged this… Me?"

"Yes. Gladiator girls usually have many lower hell dwellers pining over them. I can relate. A good-looking chick with a broad sword fighting for her life is… Mmm, titillating to say the least. But after destroying a warrior like Bertha and then leaving the arena for good. That is some next-level stuff!"

"You were the one who made that happen! I would have never fought Bertha if you didn't make my friend get in the ring with her!" she pointed out, mad.

Biff placed his hand on his ear, listening carefully. "Do you hear that? Those are the sorrowful cries of your unfortunate admirers. They will stay there looking up and weeping till the banquet is over. The overlord loves it. Cries of the damned are music to his ears. It's one of the reasons weddings are allowed in the first place."

"So? Once this is over, everything will return to normal," Cassandra said blunt.

Biff chuckled menacingly. "Are you quite sure about that? Do you know how long marriages last here?"

"Judging by yours, it's as permanent as the lava sea outside the city," she said sarcastically.

Biff shook his head, holding in his laugh. "Trust me, he'll get bored with you quickly. And then, once you have nowhere to go, you'll return to those same streets you paraded yourself around. And the people crying for you now. Humans and demons alike. Oh, they will grab the first opportunity to poke holes into you like a sponge," he said with vigor. "And me. Well, I will be the first in line."

The red liquid from her cup hit his face. She glared at him, with her head high. The obnoxious military man composed himself and bowed. "It was an honor talking to you. Hope you have a pleasant evening," he said politely and walked away.