What In The Infernal Realms—?!

Ariel woke with a gasp.

For a moment, disoriented and tangled in silken sheets, she thought she was back in Valeria.

Then she saw the room.

The walls were obsidian, carved with twisting patterns of gold that shimmered in eerie, pulsing waves. The air smelled faintly of incense and something darker—like embers that refused to die.

And the bed—this was no ordinary bed. Massive, draped in dark fabrics embroidered with ancient symbols, it looked more like a throne meant for slumber.

Ariel's breath hitched.

This wasn't Heaven.

And this wasn't the Celestial Palace.

Her heart pounded as her gaze darted toward the doorway—only to land on something far stranger.

A… dwarf?

Not a monstrous creature. Not a demon with horns and fangs. Just a short, stocky man with twinkling green eyes and a long, braided beard, standing at the foot of the bed. A silver tray rested in his hands, piled with golden goblets, dark bread, and steaming dishes she didn't recognize.

"Good morning, my lady!" His voice was chipper, far too cheerful. "His Majesty has ordered that you be fed well—"

A pillow slammed into his face.

He stumbles back, nearly dropping the tray. "Oof! What in the Infernal Realms—?!"

Ariel was already out of bed, breath coming fast. "Stay away from me!" she snapped, eyes darting wildly.

The dwarf who did not look the slightest bit offended rubbed his nose and sighed. "Ah, I should have known. A feisty one."

He sets the tray on the bedside table. "Not the reaction I was expecting, but fair enough."

"I promise, my lady, I am merely here to serve..."

He gestures to the golden goblets and neatly arranged plates of food. "Breakfast?"

But Ariel was not listening.

Her eyes fell on a window.

She bolted.

"Ack—wait, wait—"

She didn't wait.

She reached the balcony in seconds, gripping the carved railing as she looked down.

Her stomach dropped.

The palace sprawled beneath her—if one could even call this a palace. Jagged rooftops twisted like obsidian thorns.

Spires stretched impossibly high, bending at unnatural angles. Everything was dark stone and deep crimson glow, as though Hell itself pulsed beneath the surface.

Ariel's breath caught.

This wasn't Valeria.

This wasn't even the mortal realm.

A gust of wind whistled past her, and for one wild, reckless moment, she considered leaping.

She swallows hard. Jumping is insane.

But staying?

Worse.

"Wait, wait—" he calls, but it's too late.

She swings one leg over, glancing down.

She takes a deep breath and leaps