"Will you answer his invite?"
"Well, sure. It's always interesting to spend time with him, but I'm pretty sure he'll try some sort of manipulation," I said with a sigh. "The reason I'm going is that I have a feeling he knows where Alice might be. Because at this point, I'm pretty lost. I can't feel her alive, but I don't feel her dead either. How on earth is that possible?"
"Maybe she's under some sort of protective spell?" Lisa suggested. "I'm sure she's okay, don't worry."
"Yeah, maybe. But she got my message and never showed up for the meeting. So now I really don't know what's going on. I want to marry this woman! What's wrong with her?"
I slumped onto the couch, running my fingers through my hair in frustration.
"I'll give it another chance. I'll try again. If Lucifer doesn't know where she is, then maybe she doesn't want to be found for some reason. And I'll respect that."
"Good," Lisa said. "You deserve a stress-free life, and that woman is driving you crazy."
"Haha, oh gosh, why do you hate her so much?" I asked, chuckling.
"She's a liar. I can't prove it, but I can feel it. I want the best for you."
"I know. Thanks, Liz."
"Lisa, Adelina! For the massage – finally, we're being called in!"
"Let's go relax!"
Five minutes later, lying on the massage table, I let my thoughts drift back to the day that changed my life forever.
---
14 Years Ago – Paris, Café Moulin
Despite my age (17), I was working as a barmaid at a local café. Illegally, of course. My shifts were standard: starting at 4 PM and closing the café at midnight. Yep, I even had the keys and was trusted to lock up the place on my own.
Usually, we had pleasant customers, though there were always a few drunk idiots here and there. I also had my favorite regular. He came in three times a week for his usual evening beer.
Charming, tall (190 cm), blond hair, light blue eyes – he looked like a true Disney prince. I liked him. He was polite, always left generous tips, and we had great conversations about pretty much everything.
I should have known better.
"It's always the quiet ones who turn out to be the real problem."
He started acting weird after I rejected him and told him I was, in fact, a lesbian. He didn't show up for weeks, and then, one night, he suddenly appeared and asked for his usual beer. I was tidying up the station for the morning staff, but I served him his beer. He thanked me, asked a few casual questions, paid, and left. Weird, but whatever.
I finished cleaning, turned off the lights, and headed home. It wasn't a long ride, but I had to take a tram and then a bus. The tram took longer than expected, so I ended up walking home because it was too late for the regular bus and too early for the night bus. "No big deal," I thought. I just needed to walk from Pont de Garigliano to Porte d'Auteuil – about a 30-minute walk.
Just as I was about to turn towards the bridge, I felt a heavy blow to the back of my head. Warm blood trickled down my neck, and with that realization, I collapsed to the ground.
Present Day
"My lady, we are finished here," said a soft voice, pulling me back to reality.
"Thank you, darling. Is my friend done as well?" I asked.
"Yes, you can meet her in the hall."
I tried to pull myself together, but all the scars from that week started itching. I hated that feeling. I hated losing control.
Lisa was waiting for me.
"So, let's go eat?"
"You know what? I'm not hungry anymore, but I'd love a good coffee and something sweet."
"Okay then, let's look around."
Our city, Septisfera, was the center of our world, Tenebralis. It was the hub because both the Emperor's Palace and the Demons' Academy were located here. Our world was the classic definition of hell, where humans believe they go after death. That's true, but with some conditions.
Septisfera got its name from the seven main religions it was meant to host. Because of that, we had plenty of places to keep students and warriors entertained.
"How about The Cannibal? They have halal steaks and good desserts."
"Sure, let's go."
"Lady Elisa, Lady Adelina – we're delighted to see you at our restaurant. Please follow me," said a stunning hostess.
We were seated at a beautifully set table with a lovely view.
"Ladies, welcome to our restaurant," said the waiter. "Do you need more time to choose?"
"No," I replied. "I'll have a café allongé and a mille-feuille with strawberries, please. Also, I'd like a private smoking tube."
"Of course, my lady. And for you?" he turned to Lisa.
"I'll have the tenderloin, medium, with some vegetables on the side, please. And a fresh juice – whatever you recommend."
"Very well, your order will be ready in a few minutes, ladies."
"Thank you," I said.
"So, my dear, any fears about the test? Or are you completely ready?"
"No fears at all. This is my destiny. I know exactly what's going to happen."
"She visited you?"
"You mean Mother Destiny?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Yes and no. She sends me flowers every week. I think she's speaking to me through the language of flowers. It's cute, but I can't decipher it. I barely remember anything from that flower language book."
"I have it at my place," Lisa offered. "I'll bring it after my exam."
"Great, thanks."
The coffee arrived, and Lisa got her steak. I snapped my fingers, calling for my cigarettes. A dome appeared above me as I lit one. I took a slow drag, savoring my coffee, and closed my eyes in pure pleasure.
"This addiction is getting out of hand," I thought, smiling. "Still better than being addicted to someone's love, though."
"Дідько!" I swore in Ukrainian.
"Wtf, bro?" Lisa asked.
"I forgot my costume at the salon!"
"Ah, no, you didn't. I grabbed it for you. Relax," Lisa said.
"Hahaha! Gosh, without you, I'd be so lost in this world," I mumbled, laughing.
"In that case, I need to get dressed in the bathroom, I guess."
"Need help?"
"Nah, I'll be fine," I said. "But if I'm not back in 15 minutes – come rescue me."
"Sure."
I found a small room inside the bathroom (I bet it was a sex room), closed the door, and took off my clothes. I examined my scars in the mirror. Most of them (75% of my body had been destroyed) were already gone, thanks to magic, time, and a lot of money spent on Earth.
Now, I was left with just three: one on my back, one on my neck, and one on my chest. A reminder – never trust men.
I slipped into my costume, looked in the mirror, winked at myself, and returned to our table.
"Oh, woman, you look fabulous," Lisa said.
"Thanks. Shall we go now?"
"Yep, I'm ready."
Luciefer
I was looking at two women leaving the restaurant—Adelina and her best friend Elisa. Two completely different people. Blonde and brunette. Evil and good.
Today, Adelina looked truly like a future Empress. She stood tall, her silhouette exuding an aura of elegance and authority. Her raven-black hair cascaded down in soft, voluminous waves, framing a face as striking as it was mysterious. High cheekbones and sharp features lent her an almost ethereal beauty, while her piercing eyes, framed by long lashes, seemed to hold untold secrets. Her crimson lips curved in a subtle, unreadable expression, adding to her enigmatic allure.
Her attire was a masterpiece of refined sophistication, blending vintage charm with a commanding presence. She wore a high-collared white blouse adorned with intricate ruffles, the delicate fabric contrasting sharply with the structured black corset that cinched her waist and highlighted her hourglass figure. Long, tailored black trousers flowed seamlessly down her legs, their sleek lines interrupted only by the gleam of high, lace-up boots that clicked softly with each step.
Draped from her waist was a dramatic black tailcoat, its fabric flowing behind her like liquid shadows, amplifying her regal demeanor. Her gloved hands moved with purpose, the dark leather catching the light and enhancing the sense of calculated precision in her every motion. A single ornate brooch at her throat glinted faintly, and cross-shaped earrings swayed subtly with her movements, hinting at an air of mysticism.
Every aspect of her appearance was deliberate, crafted to command attention and inspire awe. She was a figure of both beauty and power, a vision that demanded respect and whispered of untold stories waiting to unfold. The Old Order of Governance will be pretty mad. At least that should be fun.
See you soon, my little moon, I said before disappearing.
Adelina and Elisa
We were standing at the transportation hall, my test would begin in five minutes.
"Good luck, woman, you can do it," said Lisa.
"I hope I do. Good luck with your exam."
"Thanks, I'll wait for you in your room."
"Great," I said as I walked through the portal.
Purgatory.
An unpleasant place, unpleasant 13 old dudes waiting for me.
"Lady Adelina Tymo, 31 years old. Born on Earth, in a country named Ukraine. A witch, partially human, part of a Hecate cult, patronized by Mother Destiny. Is it correct?" a metal voice asked.
My answer was short: "Yes."
"You're tested as a highly potential candidate for a hell throne. A brilliant student, magically talented creature, the first woman in history in a hell faculty. But still—you're just a woman. What makes you think you can pass the test of truth?"
I clenched my wrists, and my jaw tightened. I knew this group of elderly fools would be misogynistic. But still, it was unpleasant to hear.
"I am here to demonstrate my strength to the esteemed council. I am here to prove that, regardless of what's in your pants, you can achieve what you desire. At this moment, my desire is the throne of hell," I said firmly.
After a few minutes of silence, I heard: "Let the test begin!"
The Awakening of Shadows
Darkness engulfed everything. I stood on a desolate plain, the ground beneath me lifeless, the sky above veiled by mist that buzzed with the whispers of thousands of voices. There was no light, only thick shadow and an oppressive air that clung to my lungs. Ahead, through the haze, a tall shadow emerged—a figure of pure night with eyes burning brighter than fire.
"You have come to awaken the army that sleeps eternally," the being's voice rumbled, deep as thunder, each word reverberating like a distant echo. "Why?"
I summoned all my courage, trying to speak firmly despite the tremor in my heart.
"I have come for the darkness that can change this world. The army is needed to halt the chaos and destruction that has already consumed half of it."
The shadow paused, as if weighing my words, then stepped closer.
"Only truth can wake the shadows. Only a pure intention will find an answer. Try."
I closed my eyes. I felt the mist enveloping me, waiting patiently, as though it demanded an answer. Thoughts of doubt, fear, and mistakes surged through my mind, but I pushed them away. Instead, I focused on my mission—on the real reason I was here.
"I seek knowledge that will save lives," I whispered. "I am ready to give everything I have for this."
The air trembled. The whispers around me grew into a single, unified hum. The ground beneath my feet quaked, and the mist began to swirl. From within its depths, figures began to rise—thousands of translucent forms with glowing eyes.
"Your truth has awakened us," the Guardian declared before dissolving into shadow. The army vanished with it, leaving a clear path ahead.
The ring given to me by the witch from the shop tightened around my finger, and the first glimmers of the Empress's crown began to appear on my head.
The Mirror of Shadows
I found myself in a new chamber. Its walls were made entirely of mirrors, but none reflected my appearance. Instead, the mirrors revealed scenes from my past—moments of betrayal, weakness, and fear. One mirror showed the past, my biggest fear. I was chained to a hook on the wall, heavy iron shackles binding me in an empty, damp basement where the only thing on the floor was my own blood. My legs were broken, my arms shattered, and my eyes swollen shut from bruises. I didn't know if I would survive. But then, I heard a voice:
"Are you ready to give up a part of your soul to survive?"
My barely audible response was a whispered, "Yes."
"Look at yourself," a voice echoed from the mirrors. "Accept the truth, or remain here forever."
I turned away, trying to escape the reflections, but the mirrors closed in around me. There was no way to avoid the truth any longer.
"Yes, I was weak. But I regret it. I will never allow fear to rule me again!"
I hadn't noticed one of the mirrors revealing the truth about the love of my life. It showed Alisa standing with her snow-white wings spread wide, facing God. She knelt before Him—the representative of a faction that was my sworn enemy. Meanwhile, one of the mirrors darkened, its surface fading to black, revealing part of the passage forward.
With the second trial, another part of the Empress's crown began to manifest on my head. A black circlet adorned with tourmaline stones and black diamonds started to glow brighter, yet the final touch was still missing.
The Twilight Spark
I stepped into a world unlike any I had seen before. The ground beneath my feet was unstable, shifting with every step, as if made of liquid shadows. Above me, there was no sky—only an endless expanse of darkness. In the distance, a faint light flickered like a dying star, drawing me forward.
I walked cautiously, each step echoing into the void. As I moved closer to the light, whispers began to surround me, soft at first but growing louder with each step. The voices took form—illusions materializing from the shadows.
One figure emerged, taking the shape of a familiar friend. Their face was twisted in pain, their hand outstretched.
"Why do you need this? You'll never succeed," the figure said, their voice trembling. "Come back. Forget this madness."
I froze for a moment, doubt creeping in. But then I shook my head, my resolve hardening.
"You're not real. You're just a shadow trying to deceive me. My heart knows the truth, and you are a lie," I said firmly.
The illusion faded, dissolving into the darkness.
The path ahead grew narrower, the flickering light now closer but dimmer. As I reached out for it, another figure blocked my way—this time an enemy from my past, sneering and wielding a blade.
"You think you're worthy of the Spark? You'll only bring ruin to yourself and everyone around you," the shadow spat.
I didn't waver.
"I've heard your lies before, and I'm not afraid of you. My truth will guide me."
With those words, the figure disintegrated, and the path cleared.
Finally, I stood before the Twilight Spark—a small, glowing orb of light, pulsating softly as if alive. Reaching out, I hesitated for a moment, then touched it. A surge of warmth and clarity flooded through me. The shadow realm trembled and began to collapse, the darkness folding in on itself.
When I opened my eyes, I was back in Purgatory, the Twilight Spark glowing faintly in the Empress crown on my head—a piece of truth, earned and undeniable.
The Empress of Hell was chosen