Nothing lasts forever

Would she?" he asked, his tone quiet yet piercing. "Think about it. If you were in her position, would you?" 

Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. "But why? Why would she do this? After everything…" 

Lucifer's jaw tightened, and he turned his gaze away. "I don't have all the answers. But you needed to know the truth. Whatever comes next, you need to face it with open eyes." 

I sank into a chair, my body trembling under the weight of his words. 

"And you're sure? There's no mistake?" 

"There's no mistake," he said, his tone resolute. 

The world around me seemed to crumble as I whispered, "Then everything I thought I knew… it was all a lie." 

Lucifer leaned toward me, his gaze softening ever so slightly. "Not everything. But enough to change everything moving forward." 

I buried my face in my hands, my voice breaking as the truth tore through me. 

"She's my love… How could she do this to me?" 

Lucifer hesitated before answering, his voice gentle yet firm. "Sometimes, the ones we trust most are the ones who hurt us the deepest." 

My heart clenched with anxiety. "What do you mean? How could she disappear? Where could she go? What happened to her? Christian God?" 

Lucifer tilted his head, his expression unreadable, but his tone carried an air of finality. 

"As far as I know, she's perfectly fine. Actually, I think she's somewhere in town now." 

Frustration bubbled inside me, rising like a tidal wave threatening to drown me. 

"Then why are you saying she's gone?" 

"She didn't disappear," Lucifer said, his voice softening, though his words cut like a knife. "She simply chose another path." 

I froze, disbelief washing over me. "Another path? What are you talking about? Be specific!" 

Lucifer paused, studying me like he was weighing whether or not to say more. Finally, with a sigh, he leaned forward. 

"She betrayed you." 

His words hit me like a blow to the chest. I staggered back, struggling to breathe. 

"Betrayed me? What do you mean? In what way?" 

"Exactly what I said," he replied, his gaze unwavering. 

"No." I shook my head vehemently, denial coursing through me. "That's impossible. Alisa loves me. I trust her with everything. She's… she's my everything. You must be mistaken." 

"I wish I were," he said quietly, his voice heavy with regret. 

Desperation seeped into my voice. "Then tell me. Tell me everything you know. What did she do?" 

Lucifer crossed his arms, his tone cold and steady. "I don't know much more than what I've already told you. But one thing is certain—I've spent a lot of time piecing this together, and the truth is undeniable. She belongs to a faction that opposes us." 

My breath hitched, and a sense of foreboding crept into my chest. "Opposes us? You mean she's… from an opposing caste?" 

"Exactly," he said, his voice sharp and clear. 

The words spun in my mind as I struggled to process them. "Opposing caste…?" I repeated weakly. Then it hit me like a thunderclap. My eyes widened, and my voice trembled as I spoke again. "Wait. Are you saying—no, that's impossible." 

"What?" Lucifer asked, his brow furrowing. 

"That she's… an angel?" I whispered, barely able to get the words out. 

Lucifer's expression darkened, his voice grave. "Now you understand." 

"No." My legs buckled, and I clutched the edge of a nearby table to steady myself. "No, that can't be true. It's impossible. She would have told me." 

"You said she's in town. How can you know that?" 

"I can feel an angel. It's some sort of gift for the 'royals.' They can't feel us, but we can feel them," Lucifer replied. 

"But it could be anyone. There are millions of angels," I said desperately, but deep down, I knew he was telling the truth. 

"You see, as per my research, you two are some sort of opposites who attract. Complete opposites—Hell and Heaven, black and white, good and evil. It's not bad in general, but in my opinion, they had plans for you, and you destroyed them somehow." 

"So what's your plan, Adelina? I want to join your team," he said. 

"There's no team, Lucy. There's me, Lisa, and Vasya," I replied. 

"But you do have a plan, don't you?" 

I silently glared at him, reaching for my cigarettes. 

"Light, my lady?" he offered. 

I clicked my fingers, lighting my cigarette myself. 

"You see, Lucy, I don't need a man on my team. Actually, there's no place for a man in my team. I don't trust you," I said, taking a drag. 

"How do you want me to prove my loyalty? I want to be by your side." 

"Why? What's your interest in all this?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. 

"I don't want to be left in the middle when all Hell breaks loose. I want to continue living my best life, never caring for shit. I don't have that much ambition, but I love pleasure and freedom." 

"Don't want to become a weapon in your father's hands again?" I said with a grin. 

"Exactly. I was his toy once. I don't want to repeat that story. I want to build something on my own—something beautiful. Visit other worlds. I want to feel the beauty of freedom. If it means I need to be on your side, I'm good with it. I want to help you win this war, get your throne, and, if you want, even that redheaded bitch. I need a chance, Adelina." 

"Very well. In this case, I need something from you to prove your loyalty." 

"What do you want, my Empress?" 

"I need the Mirror of Truth," I said firmly. 

His eyes widened. "Are you out of your mind, woman? You do remember the legend, don't you?" 

"Nope. Remind me," I replied. 

"As you wish, my lady… 

The Legend of the Mirror of Truth 

Long ago, in a distant kingdom hidden between the mountains and the sea, there was a mystical artifact known as the Mirror of Truth. Crafted by ancient sorcerers, it was said to have the power to reveal not just the reflection of a person's face but the deepest truths of their soul. 

The mirror's frame was forged from silver and encrusted with precious stones that glowed faintly under the light of the moon. Its glass was made from the rarest crystal, found only in the deepest caverns of the earth. 

The legend told that whoever gazed into the Mirror of Truth would see themselves as they truly were, free from the illusions and masks they wore for the world. It was a tool for self-realization, capable of showing not only one's virtues but also their darkest flaws. It could grant immense wisdom or unravel a person's soul, depending on their heart and courage to face what was reflected. 

Many sought the mirror, hoping to find answers to their deepest desires. Kings, warriors, and even beggars traveled across treacherous lands, braving storms, wild beasts, and dark magic in hopes of gazing upon the truth. Yet not all who looked upon it left unchanged. Some went mad from the revelations, while others found redemption by accepting their own truths. 

The mirror never deceived, but it demanded the most painful honesty in return. It was said that the mirror could only be found by those who were truly ready to face the truth about themselves. It did not appear to those who sought it for selfish reasons or those who feared the reflection it would show. Instead, it revealed itself only to the pure of heart—those with the courage to seek the truth not just in the world but within their own souls. 

Over time, the Mirror of Truth faded from legend, and its exact location was forgotten. Some believe it is hidden in a forgotten temple, waiting for the next brave soul to find it. Others say the mirror exists only in the hearts of those who seek the truth, reflecting back the courage to face what lies within. 

" "Do you mean to say that I should go somewhere and find something that has been lost for centuries? Do you really think I'm capable of that?" asked Lucifer, raising an eyebrow. 

"I think so," I replied calmly, taking a sip of my cold coffee. "Especially since I have some suspicions about where the mirror might be hidden. I believe it could be within the possession of the Christian God. After all, you are... well, let's say, family to him. I'm sure you have the ability to find it." 

Lucifer studied me carefully, his eyes narrowing in thought. "So, you're suggesting that I—the fallen one, the rebel—should venture into the domain of the Almighty to retrieve something that might unravel even more secrets about this world?" He let out a low chuckle. "Quite the plan, isn't it?" 

"I'm not saying it's easy," I said, setting the cup down with a soft clink. "But I believe it's not beyond your reach. You've always had a unique connection with the divine, in your own way. It could be the key to your redemption… or the greatest destruction. But only you can decide what it will be." 

He stood in silence for a moment, the air thick with tension as centuries of history and the fragile balance between Heaven and Hell seemed to hang in the space between us. 

"And you believe I'm the one who can find it?" he finally asked, his voice quiet but laced with a darker edge. 

"I do," I said simply. "And if anyone can navigate the treacherous path to such a truth, it would be you. After all, the Mirror of Truth shows not just the light but also the darkness within us. You've known both sides of the coin for longer than anyone." 

Lucifer met my gaze, a flicker of something ancient dancing in his eyes. "Then I suppose there's no turning back now, is there?" 

I smiled faintly. "Then it's a deal," I said, rising from my chair and extending my hand. "I need the mirror before my coronation. That gives you just under two months. I'm confident you can manage it. I'll send you the coordinates where I believe it's hidden separately. I trust this will be a productive endeavor. I hope I haven't misjudged you." 

Lucifer took my hand, his gaze locked with mine. For a moment, the weight of our words hung in the air. "I, too, hope so," he replied, his voice steady, though a flicker of something darker lingered in his eyes. "But be careful. This task will not be without its dangers. The mirror has a way of revealing things that are not meant to be uncovered." 

"Dangers are what make it interesting, aren't they?" I said with a sly smile. 

He held my gaze for a moment longer before releasing my hand. "We shall see," he murmured. 

Once I was out, I thought I needed to relax a bit and take a few things from my secret place. I sped to grab Vasya and reached out mentally to Lisa. 

"Are you free?" I asked. 

"I'll be in 30 minutes. Why?" 

"I wanna go home. You wanna come with me?" 

"Sure, I am. See you near the auditorium." 

Let me explain about my home with a big letter. 

Hidden deep in the Carpathian Mountains, far away from the reach of any mortal or magic-seeking eyes, lies my sanctuary—a vast house that stretches down into the earth. It's not just any house. This place is a reflection of everything I am: powerful, secretive, and built to protect the treasures and knowledge that I hold dear. 

The lower floors are where few ever tread. There's the weapons room, where I keep my most prized and dangerous collections, each weapon more exquisite than the last. There's also a gym, where I sharpen not just my body, but my mind. The storage vault holds countless artifacts, some of which date back millennia, and my room for experiments with various creatures from different realms is one few can even imagine. It's a world within itself, hidden from the world above. 

The two upper floors are where I truly live. The first floor is reserved for guests—large enough for entertaining, with a guest hall that is always prepared for those who visit. There's a kitchen where I prepare meals (or more often, have them prepared), and a large lounge with a fireplace for when I want company or the warmth of a fire. But it's the second floor that is my space. It belongs entirely to me, designed exactly how I wish. 

My bedroom is grand—a room large enough to make me feel both small and powerful at once. With arched windows stretching from floor to ceiling, I can look out at the Carpathian mountains, the vastness of the world stretching beneath me. My bed is large, comfortable, and positioned near the fireplace, perfect for rest or reflection. It's the room I come to when I want to lose myself in the quiet. 

Next to my bedroom is my library—thousands of books line the walls, each one a gateway to knowledge. Most people can't even fathom the kinds of books I've collected over the years—ancient texts, forgotten lore, forbidden magic. If I ever need answers, I know exactly where to look. 

I've got a sauna and a massive stone bath, places for relaxation and indulgence. But it's my office, where I work on my plans, my empire, my future. It's the place where everything I'm building happens, and every detail is carefully attended to. 

Out on the balcony, I can sit and look out at the mountains, the cool air rushing past me as I think. There's a room for Vasya too, filled with every toy a cat could ever want. He's free to run, to play, to be whatever he is, and I think that's important for him. 

Then, there's Liza's room. While the rest of the house is draped in dark, rich colors of black, red, and silver, her room is a sanctuary of soft whites, golds, and beige. It feels warm, peaceful—a contrast to the rest of the mansion. I designed it with love and care, and it's her space to feel safe, a place where she can find comfort. 

There's a secret garden I've planted just for Alice. She loved flowers and gardening. Hydrangeas, roses, and peonies—flowers that bloom all year round, no matter the season. It's hidden from the world, a private oasis that thrives in secret, just like everything else here. It's my gift to her, a place of beauty and serenity. 

No one can find this house without knowing exactly where it is. It's a fortress, tucked away in the heart of the Carpathians. This place is mine. And I protect it, as I protect everything I hold dear. 

I miss my home as well as my home country every day. As a witch from birth, I felt better only in my motherland. Time to spend more time there. The entrance to that place was with me every time. I had a small teleport in my earring and could bring 4 people with me every time. But I needed to get somewhere safer than my dorm—teleportation magic can be felt by professors, but I'll do it in the center of the city—it will not be that suspicious. 

I went by my room, called for Vasya, closed the door, and went to look for Lisa. Her exam must be finished now, so we were good to go. 

Liza and I were, in a way, outsiders. So, when I approached the auditorium and found people coming out of the classroom, Vasya and I were, of course, avoided. Avoided, but not ignored in conversation. People tripped over their own feet, glanced at me, but no one dared to point a finger at me. This was the case throughout our studies, which didn't bother me at all. So, after waiting for Liza to come out of the auditorium, with a smile on my face that signified she had successfully passed her exam, the three of us headed towards the exit to call for horses and make our way toward the city center. In an hour, we were entering my home. 

I must say, the house was never empty while I spent my time in Hell and wandered the world. A pleasant elderly couple lived there, taking care of it in my absence. Maria, who was essentially a housekeeper and cook, became something like a grandmother to me—always waiting at home with a warm dinner, hoping I would visit. And her husband, Kolya, tended to the garden and everything that required his hands while I was away. They knew I was involved in something magical, but never asked unnecessary questions. They always worried about me as if I were family, and the same went for Liza and Vasya. They were, in a way, my family. This is my home, with a capital letter. 

"It is good to be back," said Liza. 

"True, finally a safe space for reflection," I answered.