Luzbel began to tremble, her breathing growing faster and faster. Zarathoz kept her smile, though the shock still lingered on both women. What had just happened was too much to process… everything had happened so fast.
But the first to react was Zarathoz. Still with that strange, almost joyful expression, she grabbed Luzbel by the arm and, agitated yet strangely happy, said:
—There's no time! Soon everyone will come to see what happened. Take the boy to your room… I'll take care of the rest.
Luzbel remained in shock. However, Zarathoz grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her violently to snap her out of it.
—Come on, hurry up and get out of here with him! Or do you want them to take him away? If they do… I won't be able to do anything.
(Said Zarathoz, worried)
Luzbel snapped out of her trance. She stared into Zarathoz's face for a few seconds, then suddenly stood up, lifting Morgan into her arms.
—Hurry, go! Go!
(Shouted Zarathoz desperately, snapping her fingers rapidly)
Luzbel rushed toward the door, but just as she was about to open it, it burst open. It was Satana, who came in frightened and breathless.
—My lady, my lady! Are you all right? Is everything okay?
(Cried Satana, trembling in fear)
—Yes… yes, I'm fine. Everything's fine. Quickly! Go with her and take the boy away… now!
(Said Zarathoz hurriedly)
—But, my lady… what about you?
(Said Luzbel, worried)
—I'll be fine—take him NOW!
(Shouted Zarathoz angrily)
—As you command, my lady.
(Said Satana, bowing respectfully)
Luzbel and Satana rushed out of the room. Luzbel spread her wings, grabbed Satana by the waist, and descended with her and Morgan in her arms down to the ground. Once they landed, they started to run.
As they fled, Luzbel noticed people beginning to gather, whispering, trying to figure out what had happened in the headmistress's office.
—Excuse me, Miss Luzbel… wouldn't it be better if you took Morgan and flew away with him?
(Asked Satana, trying to keep up)
—No… because I'd have to take you too, and… well, I think it'd be a bit too conspicuous to be seen flying while carrying two people.
(Replied Luzbel with a nervous smile)
—Yes… I suppose you're right.
(Said Satana, letting out a small chuckle)
Luzbel stopped for a moment to place Morgan on her back. Just as they were about to resume their escape, a shrill and arrogant voice stopped them cold.
—Miss Luzbel… where are you going? What do you think you're doing?
Both froze. Slowly, they turned their heads… and there they were—three girls blocking their path.
The first had long, wavy hair, red with white streaks, adorned with black and red ornaments. Her eyes were yellow, and beneath one of them was a tattoo of a playing card with a heart. Her outfit—a mix of black, white, and red—resembled that of a jester, with diamond patterns and wine-colored gloves. Her pale skin contrasted sharply with the black lipstick that framed her fangs. She was the tallest of the three.
The second girl had ashen hair with yellow highlights, long down to her waist. A fringe covered one of her eyes; the other, completely black, was unsettling. She wore clothing in shades of green—a ruffled blouse with bare shoulders, a choker with a large purple flower hiding a tattoo of an eye with a tree in its pupil. Her skirt was open on one side, paired with mismatched stockings and long gloves.
The third—smallest, and the one who had spoken—had dark purple, messy hair and two horns: one black and one purple. Her gothic outfit, black and violet, revealed a dark tattoo that crawled from her hand up her arm, like a living shadow that had taken hold of her. On her forehead, she wore a small golden tiara with black gems.
—P-Princess...
(Said Luzbel, stammering)
—I asked… what are you doing, Miss Luzbel.
(Said the young woman arrogantly, crossing her arms)
—Eh… well, I… I was just taking him to the infirmary.
(Said Luzbel nervously)
—Oh… isn't that the one who got into the fight? Your doll?
(Said the girl with completely black eyes, her tone soft yet almost amused)
—Oh, right… the one who interfered in Kalista's fight—with your doll.
(Said the red-and-white-haired girl, stepping closer to look at Morgan)
That jester-looking girl tilted her head, leaning in slowly toward Morgan. With a soft, seductive voice, she murmured:
—He smells different… he smells really good.
(She said, smiling, showing her fangs)
Luzbel instinctively stepped back and fixed her gaze on the "princess."
—Y-your majesty… I was ordered to interrogate the boy. So I'm taking him away for… for that.
(Said Luzbel, stammering)
—And why do you look so agitated and nervous, teacher?
(Asked the girl with the black eyes softly, though her gaze was as cold as steel)
—Yes… why do you both look so nervous, Miss Luzbel?
(Added the red-haired girl mockingly)
—Well? Are you going to answer, Miss Luzbel?
(Said the princess sharply)
Luzbel began glancing around desperately, searching for a way out—a reason, an excuse… something. The three girls slowly circled her, closing in.
The air grew dense, heavy, suffocating.
Then Satana stepped forward and spoke, her head bowed.
—You see, your majesty… we're in such a hurry because the young man Miss Luzbel carries on her back appears to be injured… and he hasn't woken up.
(Said Satana, kneeling)
Silence fell instantly. The girl with the black eyes slowly turned her head toward her, and her voice turned venomous.
—Who gave you permission to speak to her majesty… you worthless piece of trash?
(She said in a threatening tone, her eyes filled with fury and disdain)
The air grew crushingly heavy. Luzbel clenched her teeth. Satana lowered her head even more, trembling.
And the atmosphere… became unbearably oppressive.
End of Chapter.
Next chapter: Curiosity — Part 2.