16

Loved by a Demon.

Is that a bad thing?

Erika doesn't know. She doesn't understand love.

She's only trying her best to change her life for the better. And love is the last thing on her mind.

Why does Adzriel love her?

Why her?

Is this a good thing, to gain more power and wealth?

Or is it worse?

According to Adzriel, many demons in Hell disagree with his unilateral decision not to take Erika's soul immediately.

That means Erika could be in big trouble.

Maybe Adzriel isn't the real problem here, but fallen demons like him wouldn't approve.

Erika couldn't sleep, even with her bedroom lights off and the night growing late. Her mind was restless, occupied with Adzriel's confession of love and the realization that they were both in danger.

And maybe that danger was already coming for them.

Only now does Erika realize that wealth and power aren't what she once imagined.

She thought that with riches and influence, she could live comfortably and peacefully. That she could silence those who once belittled her.

But she was wrong.

Not all happiness comes from wealth and power—especially when it is given by a demon. There is always a heavy price to pay.

Erika sat up in bed, still wrapped in her thick blanket, wearing her sleepwear.

Her life seemed perfect, full of happiness, but now that happiness was about to be taken away by the very one who granted it.

Sometimes, Erika wondered—did everyone in power and influence make the same deal she did? Selling their souls to demons?

Not just those in politics or government—Adzriel once mentioned that even successful entrepreneurs, the ones who often inspire others with their motivational speeches, had done the same.

What about those in entertainment? Celebrities, musicians, actors.

They all seemed... familiar.

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

Adzriel's voice suddenly startled Erika, making her clutch her chest in shock.

Out of the darkness, he appeared, standing by her bedroom door. Who knew how long he had been there?

Erika quickly turned on the nightstand lamp as Adzriel walked toward the bed and sat beside her. He folded his arms across his chest, leaning against the headboard, mirroring Erika's position.

"Do you have to follow me around like this? I need privacy and time alone," Erika protested.

"Of course. You still owe me your soul." Adzriel's voice was calm, but Erika could only sigh deeply.

"Besides, I can't leave you alone. I worry about what might happen to you," he added, reminding Erika that many demons despised her just because Adzriel loved her.

"Is being loved by a demon a bad thing?" Erika asked, her gaze locked on Adzriel's striking face.

"No. There's nothing wrong with love. That's not the issue."

"In fact, they believe that when a demon falls in love with a human—or when a human falls for a demon—it strengthens the bond between them, making it easier to drag more souls into the deepest abyss." Adzriel explained.

"But the real issue here is… I haven't taken your soul to Hell yet."

Erika felt her breath hitch at his words. She wasn't ready for such a terrifying fate.

And perhaps, she should feel lucky that Adzriel loved her.

That, even now, he was protecting her.

Maybe he was even sacrificing himself for her.

Should she be grateful for that?

"I'm not the only one, right, Adzriel?" Erika asked.

Her question did little to ease her fears.

"Of course not. The others have already burned in Hell… and ended up as followers."

Erika let out a shaky breath, unable to imagine what would happen if she shared their fate.

She should have thought about all of this before making a deal with Adzriel.

"What about celebrities? Did you make them famous?"

"Ah, your curiosity about celebrities, my dear."

Adzriel's lips curled into a sly smile, his eyes gleaming with a dark light.

"Yes, my dear. Many celebrities have sought my guidance and assistance in their pursuit of wealth and influence. And in exchange for their loyalty and service, I have granted them power and resources."

"They dance for me—even until the end of days."

His smile turned into a smirk.

And for some reason, Erika felt something odd.

The idea of other humans "dancing for Adzriel" was… annoying.

"How do you make them famous?" Erika asked.

"Your curiosity about how I elevate celebrities to stardom… You want to know the methods I use to push them into the spotlight, don't you?"

Adzriel's eyes glowed with satisfaction, as if he took pride in his influence.

"Yes, my dear. There are many ways to achieve fame. I use my power and influence to open doors, create opportunities, and shape public perception. Through the media, the entertainment industry, and personal connections, I can make anyone famous if I wish to."

"Like… hidden lyrics in popular songs?"

"Ah, your insight into my influence through music, my dear. You mentioned hidden lyrics in famous songs, didn't you?"

Adzriel's eyes gleamed with an almost sadistic delight.

"Yes, my dear. Sometimes, I embed meanings and hidden messages in the songs sung by famous artists—often darker or more sinister in nature. This way, I can spread my influence and reach a wider audience under the guise of music. And with a touch of seductive dance."

"And films?" Erika raised an eyebrow.

"You suspect I leave my mark in films too, don't you?"

Adzriel's expression turned cunning, his eyes flickering with a subtle menace.

"Yes, my dear. I can manipulate scripts, casting, and visuals in films to subtly convey messages and symbolism that align with my goals. Whether it's hidden references to power, symbols of greed and luxury, or secret narratives, I can leave my mark in films in many ways."

"What symbols?" Erika frowned.

"Ah, your question about the symbols I associate with myself, my dear. You want to know which specific symbols I use to represent my power and influence, don't you?"

Adzriel's eyes narrowed slightly, his lips curving into a sly grin.

"Yes, my dear. I often associate myself with symbols like gold, gemstones, and luxury—representing my role as the Prince of Darkness and the Collector of Souls. Additionally, I frequently use darker, more ominous imagery—fire, smoke, and shadows—to hint at my more menacing side."

"Makes sense. All of it sounds like luxury—something humans are desperate to obtain, no matter the cost." Erika muttered.