𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓎𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉
𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩-𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘌𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩

Trigger Warning: The story's content does not mean to disrespect any religion. It was all based on the writer's imagination and did not mean to make readers feel sympathy towards evil. Moreover, the content does not reflect the writer's perspective about sensitive topics in real life. Reader discretion is advised. 

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In an internal damnation called Inferno, the ruler of hell sat on his throne, made of human bones and skulls. In front of him were demoness from different Infernal Regions dancing to the rhythm of death bells to entertain the welcoming feast for the Savants.

Up until this day, no one had known that the Mistress and the four princes of hell, each responsible for a specific aspect of hell's operations, had gone missing. Their absence was causing a significant disruption in the underworld. And as much as he wanted to travel in the Mortal Realm to find those numskulls personally, he couldn't leave hell unattended.

"The Savants have finally arrived!" The demon throne guard's announcement echoed through the halls, signaling the long-awaited moment.

Lucifer's head was tilted, his left arm resting casually on the armrest of his throne, while his other hand delicately held a goblet filled with a deep, blood-red wine.

Three distinguished men in a black cloak appeared before his eyes, instantly causing him to roll his eyes.

The central figure, Paimon, the Demon of Grimoire, stood at a towering 6 feet. His intense, captivating eyes, framed by thick, expressive brows, held a mesmerizing depth, further accentuated by a delicate beauty mark. His appearance exuded an enthralling sense of attraction, drawing those around him into a world full of intrigue and allure.

The man standing to his left is Belial, often called the Demon of Destruction. Belial is slightly shorter than Paimon and possesses a wolf-cut hairstyle, fair complexion, and serene eyes—a striking contrast to his insatiable craving for primal disorder. Were it not for his notorious reputation for brutality, one might mistake his appearance for that of a kind angel.

To the right stood Astaroth, the Demon of Temptation, whose height rivaled that of Belial. Among them, he looks more mature. His eyes, deep and soulful, hinted at unspoken stories, while his well-defined jawline and slightly bruised lips suggested a wild past. His hair perfectly complemented these features, styled into a curly low taper fade that framed his handsome face with an effortless charm.

Thousands of years ago, they appeared as annoying, wrinkled old men who always reprimanded the Archdemons for how they ruled Inferno. And now, they finally decided to present themselves as a decent-looking demon worthy of their titles.

"Yo?" Kaway ni Belial matapos ito makarating sa harapan ni Lucifer. He took the hood of his cloak before smiling at him.

"Where are your manners, Belial?" Bugnot na saway sa kanya ni Paimon. Belial's lips formed an 'O' before he lightly bowed his head to pay respects.

"Greetings to the Ruler of Hell, Our Lord." They greeted in unison.

"You may rise." Humayo naman ang mga ito mula sa pagkakaupo. The entertainers guided them to their respective seats where their food was separately served.

"I don't seem to see the Demon of Glutton nor the Demon of Lust in the feast. Were they late?" Puna ni Astaroth nang mapansing wala si Baal at Asmodeus saan mang sulok ng silid.

Inikot ni Paimon at Belial ang paningin at sabay din na nagtaka ang mga ito kung bakit tila ba'y hindi rin nila mahagilap kung nasaan si Satan at Belphegor. It's rare for the Savants to visit, and it is expected for the Archdemons to be present to honor their arrival, and yet, they are not here?

"I'm afraid they can't make it on time." Mabilis na napalingon si Ammon at Leviathan sa sinabi ni Lucifer.

Is he gonna tell them they were in the Mortal Realm?

"How so?" Puno ng kursyudad na tanong ni Belial. "What's more important than meeting the elders who taught you every nick and canny of this realm?" Aniya pa ni Paimon.

"I sent them to the Mortal Realm." Payak na sagot ni Lucifer na ikinaalarma ng mga Savante. Even Ammon and Leviathan was tensed up seeing how the Savants expression changed.

"You sent them. . .?" Astaroth, noticing that there were four missing Archdemons, immediately assessed the situation. "You sent four Archdemons in the Mortal Realm?" Paninigurado pa nito.

I sent them? They went there to look for their runaway fiancee without my bloody permission! Nais nawa iyon isatinig ni Lucifer pero tinikom niya na lang ang bibig niya para hindi lumala ang sitwasyon na kinakaharap niya.

"Why?" Tanging tanong ng mga Savante.

Leviathan stood up with his infamous expressionless face. "We received news from the Grims countlessly failing to accompany evil souls in the River of Death," panimula nito bago ikumpas ang kamay upang ipakita ang isang report book na naglalaman ng listahan ng mga kaluluwang hindi nakarating sa impyerno.

"This has caused a clash with the Gifters from Nirvana, failing to guide innocent souls in the River of Life. Anomalies began to happen, unrecorded deaths were increasing, and the birth of astray demons was expanding." He explained.

"Here are the following lists of the High Class and Lower Class demons scattered around the world." Inabot naman ni Ammon ang mga nakarolyong polyeto sa mga Savante upang suportahan ang paliwanag ni Leviathan.

"Some of them were already taken down by Demon Bounty Hunters, but many of them are still lurking around the Mortal Realm, causing chaos and disrupting the balance of each realm. ." Dugtong ni Ammon.

The Savants took their time scanning the thick scroll in their hands with some of the listed names crashed out in a bloody red pen. Some were taken care of, but many are still on the loose.

"With this, you are insinuating that the absence of the four Archdemons was because they went to the Mortal Realm to personally track them?" Diretsong tanong ni Paimon.

"Doesn't sound convincing." He added, closing the scroll while touching the side of his eyebrows. "You can argue that the numbers of the lost evil souls are alarming, but four Archdemons at a time? The number is too much." Sumulyap ito saglit sa gawi ni Astaroth bago ibalik ang tingin kay Leviathan at Ammon.

"Besides, the Archdemons are in charge of the Nine Circles of Hell. How could they possibly neglect their responsibilities like that?" Napatango si Belial sa sinabi ni Paimon samantalang si Astaroth ay tahimik lang na nakikinig sa mga bagay na ipinupunto nito.

"We could run things normally in the Nine Circles of Hell even with their absence." Sagot ni Leviathan. The Savants looked at him, trying to read his thoughts through his blank eyes—but to no avail. They can never read him.

"Pardon me, but that's not the truth, Savants." Marahas na napatingin si Lucifer, pati na rin si Leviathan at Ammon nang marinig ang malamyos na boses ng isang babae.

Who the fuck allowed her to enter? Iyon lamang ang katanungang rumehistro sa utak nilang tatlo habang pinapanood itong naglalakad nang may malawak na ngiti sa labi. This bitch!

"And who are you?" May halong diin na tanong ni Astaroth dito. At times like this, when they are having a serious conversation, he hates being interrupted by someone insignificant.

"My apologies for my sudden presence, My Lord. I am Lucianna of the Lilim Clan of Demons." Pagpapakilala niya.

Belial unconsciously touched his lips as he began to scan her appearance. Her beauty could rival Eve's, yet she is nothing compared to the demoness known for her dominating and bewitching presence.

"Lilim Clan of Demons? You don't look like Lilith." Belial snickered. Lucianna faced him without breaking eye contact. "I am Lyon's hidden daughter. I have come to personally introduce myself as the new Mistress of the Circles of Hell, the demoness who will bore the seven archdemon's heir." She fearlessly asserted, opening her left hand to conjure the Hellfire of Retribution.

Lucifer's grip on his goblet tightened while Ammon's hands balled into a fist. Samantalang sa unang pagkakataon ay mababanaag ang isang emosyon sa mga mata ni Leviathan, galit at pagtitimpi. Just who does she think she is?

The Savants observed Lucifer's reaction, and considering he had no objection to her bold claim, what she said seemed true. "Hold on, I thought the only demoness worthy of being your wife is none other than Lilith of the Lilim? Where is she?" Panguusisa pa rin ni Belial. Hindi ito titigil hangga't hindi nalilinawan sa nangyayari.

"My sister has abandoned her responsibility. She fled in the Mortal Realm, so I have come here to replace her." Sa pagkakataong ito ay umigting ang panga ni Astaroth.

"Is this true?" Pagka-klaro nito. "If the Mistress of the Circles of Hell abandoned her duties, then who supported the Hellfire of Retribution?" Natahimik ang mga ito. His concern makes sense.

"Lilith stored enough to support the punishments for a month," Lucifer answered shortly.

"A month? And after that, what will become of Inferno?" Sa kabila ng pagiging kalmado ng boses ni Astaroth ay mauulinigan ang pagkadismaya rito.

Everyone knew Lilith's temperament, not just because she was infamous for being a fierce punisher but because of her responsible trait to lead. She was entrusted with a huge burden and responsibility. But her behavior can be explained, for it is not new for demons to betray and rebel.

"As one of the Savants who decides for the greater good of Inferno, I approved Lucianna of the Lilim Clan of Demon as the new Mistress of the Circles of Hell," Astaroth announced with finality.

Belial and Paimon kept a stern face while looking at the woman before them. If they accept her, they are disposing of Lilith's title, and she will be added to the Bounty for the crime of causing a crisis. On the other hand, if they don't recognize this woman named Lucianna, once the stored Hellfire of Retribution runs out, no one can support the fires of Inferno. The weight of their decision hung heavy in the air, palpable to all.

This leads them to no choice. They nod, agree, and acknowledge her as the new Mistress of the Circles of Hell.

Subalit ang naging desisyon ng mga Savante ay nagdulot lang ng galit kay Leviathan at Ammon, lalong-lalo na kay Lucifer. They even spared no consideration to at least find her and let her explain her side to clarify things instead of listening to this bitch one sidedly.

"The only Mistress of Hell I would accept is Lilith. The only demoness worthy of being envied by everyone. The only woman who deserves my attention and reverie." Walang prenong anas ni Leviathan habang taas noong nanghahamon ng tingin sa mga Savante.

Ammon's eyes darted on the scheming bitch in front of him. Until this point, she had the rotten stench of greed all over her. She will never stop until she takes what she wants, and now that the Savants have approved her, she will continue her avarice.

"Other than Lilith, no one can bear my heir. May the hellfire burn my body to shreds, but I refuse to acknowledge a woman who appeared out of nowhere with no bond or ties to me." Matigas na wika ni Ammon, eyes glaring at Lucianna and the Savants.

Despite Leviathan and Ammon's retaliation for their decisions, Lucifer remained silent. He sat on his throne, playing the golden goblet with his right hand while the other did repetitive tapping on the throne's armrest. He somehow expected this to happen. He knows how daring she is to satisfy the attention she always wanted. She must've been waiting for this moment all her life.

"Is that all?" Walang ganang tanong ni Lucifer kay Lucia. Napaamang naman si Ammon at Leviathan sa naging reaksyon nito. They expected him to say something to convince the Savants to think again.

"You're that desperate to have seven dicks shoved in your hole?" Lihim na na napangisi si Belial sa rahas ng komento ni Lucifer. While Paimon finds his reply amusing, Astaroth finds his response utterly foul for a woman who will help him rule hell.

"How about you marry the Savants as well?" He suggested more, making the Savants frown. It disgusted the Savants, who had been abstinent for thousands of years. Pleasures in life do not appeal to them anymore.

"If you are waiting for me to acknowledge her, then you must wait until the fires of hell run out and freeze until it disintegrates." He stood up and walked slowly down the throne, eyes grim and dark, fixated on Lucianna.

"I know what you've been doing these past few days. As long as you are stepping on my domain, no one escapes my ears and eyes." Makahulugang wika ng binata habang naglalakad ito papalapit sa dalaga. When they were only a few inches apart, he cocked his head sideways to whisper in her left ear.

"I know your plan all along, so I'll help you commence it." Napapikit ito nang tumama ang mainit na hininga ni Lucifer sa bandang leeg niya. She hoped for his lips on her neck.

If only he had given her the chance, she would never betray him. She would worship him like a dog if only he had bore a single glance at her without thinking about Lilith.

"I will step down as the Ruler and King of Hell if she becomes the Mistress to bear my child." He declared. Nagulat ang mga ito dahil sa naging desisyon niya. Even Leviathan and Ammon thought his decision was too far-fetched. He can't just do that!

"Forgive me, for I may say disrespectful words, but are you fucking serious?" Hindi mapigilang atugal ni Belial. This was the first time he heard something so absurd.

"You can't joke around this matter, My Lord. This involves the future of Inferno. Without you ruling the realm, everything will spiral into chaos!" Paimon exclaimed, unease about Lucifer's decision.

Isang ngisi ang kumubli sa mapangmanipulang labi ni Lucifer. He raised his left hand, opening the grand door of the hall. "Who says I will leave without a successor?" Napalinga ang mga ito sa pintuan kung saan may nakikita silang anino ng isang matangkad na lalaki na may matikas na pangangatawan.

"With the Savants as the witness and the new Mistress of the Circles of Hell, I hereby announce to pass the throne to my brother, Luciferus." As the man by the door appeared behind the dark side of the hall, they saw his face resembling Lucifer.

Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin ng mga Savante kay Lucifer at sa lalaking kakarating lang. Every inch of their face, even their height and body built was the same. Parang pinagbiyak na buko ang mga ito. Napatanga na lang si Ammon at Leviathan.

Lucifer had a twin?

"It's good to see you again, Samael. How have you been?" Parang may pumitik na ugat sa noo ni Lucifer nang banggitin nito ang kanyang pangalan noong siya ay isa pang anghel.

Despite his blatant attempt to piss him off, Lucifer gave him a tricky smile. "I've been well, Samuel. How about you? How's life in the Stygian Cell?" Nawala ang ngisi sa labi ni Luciferus nang marinig ang sinabi ng kakambal nito.

"You don't have to waste your effort to conspire with this wench to snatch the throne away from me. Today, I will gladly return the throne that was supposed to be yours in the first place." Lalong naguluhan ang mga ito dahil sa sinabi ni Lucifer.

"Finally, my brother has lost his control and sanity. With most of your confidants not around here to back you, losing the favor of the Mistress of the Circles of Hell, and disappointing the Savants of your selfish desires—what will become of Inferno to have a ruler like you who has lost the trust of his people?" Lucifer touched the side of his ears, tila ba nabibingi na ito, not caring about Luciferus yapping and insulting him.

"Is that your way of trying to gain attention? Slandering me?" Lucifer shrugged when he saw the confusion on his twin's face.

"Well, seems understandable. If you talk about yourself, who would listen? You can only use my name to draw them to you." Walang pakialam na inangat ni Lucifer ang kanyang braso upang ituro ang trono kay Luciferus.

"Go and sit on your throne." Utos nito sa kapatid. Luciferus do not need to ask permission, kusa itong naglakad patungo ng trono habang inaalalayan ni Lucianna.

"You had a twin?" Lucifer stared at Astaroth. Sa lahat ng rebelasyon na nangyari ay siya lang ang may kakarampot na komento sa kaganapan. His words were always short and coherent.

Napatingin sa pocket watch si Lucifer bago sumagot sa tanong ni Astaroth. "If you wanted to know the truth, you can ask the first prisoner of Hell since ancient times." Saktong pagpitik ng oras sa alas dose ay biglang naglaho si Lucifer kasama si Leviathan at Ammon.

When they opened their eyes, they cursed. Nagkahiwalay ang mga ito at nagkalat sa ibang bansa nang naka hubo't hubad.

SA KABILANG BANDA ay rinig na rinig ang takong ni Lilith habang ito ay papasok sa Holy Citadel. The place is hidden in the human's naked eye, but powerful demons and angels can see it. Habang naglalakad ito sa walang katao-taong pasilyo ay may bitbit itong kulay pulang mansanas.

"How daring of you to march in my territory." Lilith halted on her feet when she heard a woman's voice from inside a room she was about to open.

Walang inhibisyon nitong binuksan ang pinto at bumungad sa kanya si Eve na prenteng nakaupo sa isang upuan na mayroong parehabang lamesa.

Despite the dark room, lit by a dim chandelier and few candles on the table, it was not enough to hide the beauty of the woman wearing a black bodycon dress that hugged her body tight, revealing her lethal curves.

"What's an uninvited guest like you doing in a place where you don't belong?" Imbis sumagot ay umupo lang sa dulong upuan ang dalaga. Ngayon ay magkaharap ang mga ito sa kabilang dulo ng mesa.

"You tell me," Lilith tossed the apple in the air before catching it as she took a bite. "How about you find a new hobby that doesn't involve sticking your ass in my business?" Sumbat nito.

"I had no idea what you're talking about." Patay malisya na sagot ni Eve sa kanya. Matagal na nagkatitigan ang mga ito. Dumako ang tingin niya sa suot ni Lilith na pawang naka pulang spaghetti strapped dress lang. Her vibrant, curly red hair cascaded down her neck like a river of flames.

"Do you hate me, Eve?" Pagkokompornta nito. Eve bit her lower lip. She hates her to every fiber of her being. Without her existence, she could be someone else.

"You are the second wo—" Marahas na binagsak ni Lilith ang mansanas sa lamesa, dahilan upang hindi matapos ni Eve ang kung ano man sanang sasabihin niya.

"I am unlike any Archangels who will play dumb to console you, Eve. And you should stop your delusions. I am the first woman who ever stepped foot in this world." Kumuyom ang kamao ni Eve. No, that's not true. She was the first woman created by God! Everyone knows that!

"I. . . I am the first woman recorded in the Book of Genesis! You were not mentioned! I came before you!" She argued, making Lilith cross her legs underneath the table. She leaned her back on the chair to look at her in amusement.

"Did it mention how you had sex with the serpent in the Garden of Eden?" Eve pursed her lips. Binagsak nito ang kanyang kamay sa mesa bago tumayo nang may nanlilisik na mata sa dalaga.

"Did it mention your first child, Cain, was the son of the devil? That your descendants are the devil's creation?" Patuloy nitong panunukso kay Eve.

"Was the fruit indeed an apple? Was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil truly a tree?" She taunted, causing Eve to be more agitated than she already was. Naniningkit na ang mga mata nito na para bang ano mang oras ay kakalmutin na niya si Lilith dahil sa inis.

"Well, who knows, right? Only your God knows the truth." Lilith mocked. Eve gritted her teeth. "Don't you dare insult our creator!" Sa isang iglap ay narating ni Eve ang kinauupuan ng dalaga. Now, she is holding Lilith by her neck, her eyes fuming mad.

"Our creator? You mean your creator?" Lilith snorted, ridiculed of Eve's words.

"You are created by him! Ang wangis mo ay galing sa kanya! Ang pag-iisip mo, ang gawa, ang responsibilidad! You owe everything that you have from him!" Dahil sa narinig ay napasinghal ang dalaga. She grabbed Eve's neck as she locked her intense gaze on her with a ferocious glint in her eyes.

"I did not ask to be made out of bags of dust! Unlike you, I was not made for a man. I was made as an equal! I was not made to obey anyone! I was made to be independent!" Napaatras si Eve nang magsimulang maglakad papalapit sa kanya si Lilith habang nandidilat ang mata nito sa galit.

"I owe no one of my life because your God did nothing when Adam forced and abused me!" She retorted as tension began to build up between them. Puno ng pagkasuklam ang mukha nito.

"You owe me my miserable life! Because of you, Adam was never content with me! Kahit anong sunod ko sa kanya, kahit anong bigay ko sa lahat ng gusto niya, kahit kailan hindi ako naging sapat sa kanya! Because of you, I always felt inferior!" Lumandas ang masaganang butil ng luha sa mga mata niya. Pinaghalong galit at paninibugho ang nararamdaman ni Eve habang pahigpit nang pahigpit ang pagkakasakal niya kay Lilith.

"Pathetic! You can only blame yourself for your decision! You lost your confidence and self-worth over a man who sees you as a slave rather than his partner! If you left the Garden of Eden and tried to find yourself, even if you were banished, you could have lived a contented life without relying your happiness on someone!" Sigaw nito pabalik habang sakal-sakal pa rin si Eve.

Wala ng maatrasan pa si Eve dahil nasa sulok na ng silid ang mga ito. She felt the coldness of the wall behind her while their hot breaths of frustration fan in each other's faces.

Slowly, realizations from Lilith's words started to fall into her. She was right. Why did she stay? Because she held God's words on the pedestal. She wanted to fulfill her role as a loving and caring wife to support Adam. But she still sinned. She still caused the doom of her kind.

Nagpatuloy sa pag-agos ang kanyang luha sa magkabila niyang pisngi. She stared blankly, her eyes beginning to shake, and she thought of what her life could have been like if she had chosen to live independently. Maybe she did not get tempted. Maybe her kind wouldn't suffer.

"You could have been someone even Adam could not reach, Eve." Nanghihinang binitawan ni Eve ang kamay niyang nakasakal kay Lilith. Nanlalambot na ang tuhod nito.

"You could have found someone who will love you for who you really are." Namumungay matang napaangat ng tingin si Eve sa dalaga. Her gentle words provided solace for her shattered heart. For the first time, she felt someone understands her. It felt different.

Lumuwag ang kamay ni Lilith na nakahawak sa leeg niya. When their eyes met, Eve saw warmth and sincerity in Lilith's eyes. Tila ba ay naliliyo siya sa paraan ng pagtitig nito sa kanya. She felt something she never felt with someone before.

"Now sin one more time, Eve. Sin with me." Napakurap na lang ito nang higitin siya ni Lilith sa leeg upang halikan sa labi. But nonetheless, she clung her arms around her neck and kissed back, tasting the apple from her mouth.

And indeed, it was the sweetest apple she ever tasted.

G O L U C K Y C H A R M