Kyle POV

After Lucas barged into his dreams, Kyle couldn't sleep for several days, haunted by the fear that Lucas might uncover secrets from his past. Each night, Kyle lay awake, listening to the sounds of the street below. The hum of cars and the chatter of passersby gradually faded, leaving a serene tranquility in their wake. The apartment, bathed in shadows, felt colder and more isolating as the hours ticked by.

Kyle guessed the magical ability that Lucas was showcasing was a dormant power he had due to his magical bloodline as a child of Lilith. It seemed related to his empathic personality. Yet, he wasn't sure if Lucas had other abilities and wished to let Lucas explore them on his terms if the need arose.

The stillness of the night reminded Kyle of the Underworld, where the cold wasn't the problem, but the chaotic creatures lurking in the shadows were a danger, ready to destroy the strongest of the fallen ones. He shivered, not from the chill but from the memories. One of them was now shared by Lucas, a dream walker. Kyle wanted to spare Lucas from the pain as much as possible.

Kyle held many secrets besides the dragon's location and the origin of Lilith's children; he knew the fundamental nature of Manannán mac Lir and other supernatural beings because he was there initially when the world was young. The weight of this knowledge pressed on him, making the quiet of the night even more oppressive. It would be dangerous for Lucas to learn them, as many supernatural entities might try to attack him if they knew.

To distract himself, he immersed himself in preparing the presentation of mood enhancers for potential investors. He sat at his desk, the only light coming from his computer screen. The soft glow illuminated his determined face as he typed away, occasionally glancing at the darkened window. Outside, the world slept, but Kyle's mind raced, filled with ancient secrets and the hope that his project might be a way out of the chaos.

The mood enhancers, made with mushrooms created from the elemental magic collected in Patagonia, were vital in gaining independence from Heaven's and Hell's interference and avoiding the spread of conditions that would facilitate Armageddon. Each evening, after parting ways with Lucas, Kyle retreated to his room, working diligently on the computer. Occasionally, he would venture to the kitchen for coffee or cookies while Lucas slept soundly.

During these late-night sessions, Kyle meticulously crafted the business proposal, designed logos, outlined the marketing campaign, and detailed the economic proposal and mushroom preparation process. His collaboration with Professor Sanchez aimed to pitch their results to the supermarket chain owner where Kyle worked, leveraging Kyle's insider knowledge from his weekend job. They focused on creating a comprehensive and persuasive presentation to secure the chain's support. Kyle felt a pang of regret for using the kind professor and his lab team for his plan, but he was confident that even if telling the truth, they would still research those mushrooms since they didn't believe in the supernatural.

After nearly three weeks of intense preparation, they secured an appointment with the chain owner. Kyle was confident it was the right choice since the old lady had ties with a powerful vampire clan that could swiftly work with the elemental ingredients and mass-produce its recipe. The boardroom was modern yet grand in design. The president's chair, in black leather and metallic frame, reminded Kyle of a little throne. A tall lady with pale skin and vibrant, deep violet eyes sat and listened intently to Professor Sanchez.

Professor Sanchez began, "Thank you all for being here today. We are thrilled to present a groundbreaking line of plant-based products designed to enhance mood, improve productivity, and combat frustration. Our research has led us to discover the incredible potential of specific natural solutions that can significantly impact mental well-being."

Kyle took a deep breath and continued, "Our mood enhancers are not just another supplement on the market. They represent a fusion of cutting-edge biotechnology and natural ingredients, offering a unique approach to mental health. We believe these products can revolutionize people's stress management and enhance their daily lives."

He clicked to the next slide, showcasing vibrant images of the plants and mushrooms. "Each product in our line is meticulously crafted to target different aspects of mental wellness. From improving focus and clarity to reducing anxiety and boosting overall mood, we have a solution for everyone."

The room remained silent momentarily before another executive, an older gentleman with a stern expression, leaned forward. "Innovation is all good, but how do you plan to integrate this into our existing product line? What makes your product superior to what we already offer?"

Kyle had hidden his supernatural background on purpose; they could only see him as a spiritual practitioner with a low level of magic but could easily see the business potential of the mood enhancer, and they knew how to manage supernatural ingredients. Kyle responded, "Our mood enhancers are designed to complement your current offerings, providing a new product category that appeals to health-conscious consumers. Our focus on plant-based ingredients, backed by rigorous scientific research, sets us apart. This addresses the growing demand for natural products and aligns with the latest trends in health and wellness."

He continued, "Moreover, we have developed a comprehensive marketing strategy that emphasizes the unique benefits of our products, creating a strong brand identity that will attract and retain customers. By leveraging your established distribution network, we can quickly bring these innovative products to market and drive significant growth."

The executives exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of intrigue and skepticism. The lady in the president's chair leaned back, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Thank you for your presentation. We will consider your proposal and get back to you with our decision."

As they left the boardroom, Kyle felt excitement and anxiety, knowing they had presented a compelling case but could only wait for the outcome.

Kyle and Lucas's daily routines remained unchanged despite their late-night work hours. One evening, Kyle noticed Lucas practicing for a job interview and offered to coach him. After all, he had a lot of experience managing unruly souls. They worked through common interview questions and prepared a concise summary of Lucas's background.

"Always try to showcase your qualities so they know what type of person you are," Kyle recommended.

Lucas scratched his head. "I guess I am a determined person."

Kyle smiled warmly and stepped closer. "Yes, you are. You're also resilient, empathetic, and compassionate. You've experienced many losses, but you've admirably remained hopeful and resourceful despite the hardships."

Realizing how close he was, Kyle blinked and stepped back. "It's a pleasure to know you."

Kyle glanced around to distract himself from the beautiful sight before him. "By the way, do you have a suit or something?"

Lucas blushed and nodded. "A blue one."

"Let me see it," Kyle smirked.

Lucas obliged, and Kyle gave him a thumbs-up and a goofy smile. "Blue is your color."

Kyle was proud that Lucas wanted to stand up for himself. Although he had thought about pushing Lucas by trying to get him a job with Lilian in the Brazilian café or Sullivan in the Irish Pub, Kyle felt Lucas would be better off away from the supernatural patrons who visited those places. As days passed, Kyle focused on his lab experiments while Lucas attended various interviews. One day, Kyle's team received communication from the supermarket chairwoman:

"Your presentation was compelling, and the potential benefits were clear. However, our business is built on tradition and stability. How will you convince our long-standing customers to embrace this new direction? We would like to hear more about your marketing proposal, but it would be hard to convince our board members to participate in this project of yours. Please return when you have a solid strategy."

After receiving the feedback, Professor Sanchez and Kyle brainstormed strategies to build trust and encourage adoption. They discussed highlighting real-life success stories and conducting in-store demonstrations. They crafted a response to the chairwoman:

"Innovation often requires a leap of faith. We are confident that our plant-based mood enhancers can bring a new dimension to your product line, meeting the evolving needs of your customers while driving growth and enhancing your brand's reputation for excellence and forward-thinking. We believe in the power of education and storytelling. By building trust and showcasing the efficacy of our mood enhancers, we can gradually shift consumer perceptions and encourage adoption. We will send you the concepts soon."

Kyle pondered if he should ask Lilian for help managing the raw materials since it required someone attuned to magic. She was a witch and the head of the local coven, so she would likely be fit for the task. Their friendship was strong since he helped establish her business in Madrid long ago when she escaped her abusive husband. Lilian was one of the few people who would not betray him, but she had Joao, her baby boy, whom she adored. Kyle would prefer not to put her in a position where she might get hurt.

The raw materials could be dangerous for mortals since elemental magic can give its users the sensation of utter bliss. Kyle remembered when he encountered the place where the Patagonian mushrooms were created; he was in a raptured state, able to finally join the cosmos. Only his strong sense of self let him survive the ordeal.

"There is another candidate, though," he thought, shaking his head.

Kyle decided to leave Lucas alone so he could focus on his studies and avoid jobs related to their supernatural friends. If Lucas were involved with magic, he would sooner or later remember the dream about the dragon and the dangerous knowledge that would come with it: the insight to trigger Armageddon and the end of the world. Kyle wasn't sure Lucas would be strong enough to face those who wanted that knowledge. A faction of Hell sought the day when they could start a Holy War against Heaven. They didn't care about humanity or the happy creatures that inhabited Earth, such as capybaras or rabbits. Fallen angels were strong opponents even in their worst days. Lucas couldn't fight back.

Days passed, each bringing the same news: Lucas was still jobless. Kyle juggled his responsibilities while determining the best way to mass-produce his recipe. Despite Lucas's job hunt challenges, Kyle admired his dedication and found comfort in their unchanged morning coffee routine.

One morning, as Lucas closed the door and rushed to his next job interview, Kyle lit a cigarette and watched him sprint through the streets. Lucas looked sharp in his blue suit, though he had left his tie draped over the couch.

"So proud of you," Kyle thought, a smile on his lips.

Basking in the sunlight streaming through the window, Kyle reflected on the countless hours he had spent mentoring Lucas. Heading to the fridge, he found sandwiches Lucas had made for him. A smile tugged at his lips—Lucas always thought of him, even when busy.

Kyle sat on the couch, the forgotten tie draped over the back, and ate the sandwich. The flavors grounded him, reminding him of the essential things: Lucas deserved better than being a tool for his father's whims. Lucas deserved a long and happy life, free from the darkness Kyle had endured.

Despite his worries, Kyle decided to shower and start his daily activities. As warm water cascaded over him, his muscles gradually relaxed. The steam enveloped him, creating a cocoon where his thoughts could drift. The sensation of the water running down his skin brought him back to a simpler time, a rare moment of peace.

In the shower, Kyle surrendered to fantasies of Lucas. He closed his eyes, imagining the steady rhythm of Lucas's breath against his neck, the hum of his voice whispering sweet nothings, and the occasional kiss on his shoulder that sent shivers of delight through him. The warm water mimicked the warmth he felt whenever Lucas was near, making his desire for him grow stronger each day. Weeks ago, the mere thought of this scenario would have sent Kyle scrambling for a cold shower. But now, his desire for Lucas was relentless, somersaulting inside him daily. He couldn't fight it any longer and finally surrendered to the fantasy. The thought of Lucas's touch filled him with longing and a renewed resolve to protect him.

Kyle turned off the shower and reached for a towel. As he dried off, his fingers brushed against a familiar object—Lucas's hairbrush, lying forgotten in the sink. It had been a month and a half since Kyle and Lucas met and became roommates, but Lucas had become vital to Kyle in that short time. Their life together was a welcome change from his agitated existence as Lucifer Morningstar, the former ruler of Hell.

Kyle's musings were interrupted by a call from the supermarket where he worked weekends. A colleague called in sick, and Kyle had to cover the shift. He pouted, knowing the chairwoman would disapprove of including the mood enhancers made by his team, but he couldn't ignore his responsibilities and needed the money for rent. He dressed quickly, his thoughts lingering on Lucas and the life they were building together despite his past and present chaos.

Kyle reached the store when the sun was low on the horizon. The streetlights cast a soft glow, and the sounds of evening traffic filled the air. His manager, a tall, skinny guy with a ponytail, waved at him from behind the counter.

"Thanks for coming in, Kyle. We were swamped today."

"No problem, John. I'll handle it."

Kyle immersed himself in his work, the steady hum of the store and the occasional beep of the cash register providing a soothing rhythm. He focused on helping customers and stocking shelves, but his mind kept reverting to more essential tasks.

Kyle finished his shift late in the evening. The store was quiet and almost empty. As he walked home, the cool night air and the distant sound of a neighbor's laughter made him think of Lucas. Kyle wanted to ensure Lucas had a bright future, free from the burdens and dangers of their world.

On his way to the apartment, Kyle noticed posters with his face glamoured so only supernatural beings could see them. "Reward: 20,000 euros."

"Bastards," Kyle muttered, tearing the paper into pieces. After destroying a few, he realized it was futile. His pursuers, the fallen angels that worked for Hell's ABYSS, the Agency for Bureau of Intelligence and Strategic Services, were getting closer, and he had to act quickly.

Returning home, Kyle found Lucas deep in a nightmare. He gently woke him, but Lucas reacted abruptly. Kyle contemplated Lucas, his breath uneven and cheeks red. Lucas's hair was messy, and his unbuttoned T-shirt exposed his sun-tanned, chiseled chest. Kyle wanted to pull Lucas close and enjoy his warmth. Lucas was still in the closet, but Kyle would smash the door if Lucas wouldn't open it to be with him.

Lucas's reaction to Kyle's confrontation about being gay gave Kyle hope. He might have a chance, even if it meant revealing his secret. "Soon, I might have to tell you my secret, and I hope you still want me in your life," Kyle said softly.

Lucas then recounted his unsettling day, from the tense job interview to overhearing employees complain about management, and finally, the strange encounter at "Empanadas Mariana." As Lucas narrated the events, Kyle felt a surge of protectiveness mixed with pride. Despite everything, Lucas had managed to navigate through the day.

While munching on Lucas's empanadas from the bakery, Kyle felt something odd. After saying thank you, he swallowed fast and tasted the ingredients. There was something otherworldly in the empanadas. 

Cover:

A typical building in Arguelles