╰┈➤𝔏𝔦𝔰𝔞

THE NEXT DAY

Slowly, I emerged from the haze of sleep, my head pounding and my vision blurred. Confusion enveloped me as I realized I was in Taehyung's warm room, the events of the previous night shrouded in fog.

"It's hot," I muttered to myself, attempting to stretch my limbs when I encountered an unexpected obstacle behind me—a weight pressed against my back and the comforting weight of an arm draped across my side.

Turning my head slowly, I stifled a breath. There he was, Taehyung, asleep beside me. The sight was almost surreal; his features softened in slumber, his face exuding a serene beauty that took my breath away.

Even in sleep, a faint crease on his forehead lent him an air of melancholy, while his long, dark lashes cast delicate shadows against his cheekbones.

His hair, a stark contrast against the pale pillowcase, begged to be touched, and before I could stop myself, I reached out, fingers grazing the strands.

They were impossibly soft, a trait that would have driven most women to envy.

As the realization dawned upon me that this was no ordinary encounter—that I lay beside the very embodiment of temptation—I withdrew my hand abruptly, a mix of curiosity and apprehension coursing.

"Who said you could stop?" Taehyung's voice sliced through the air, his eyes fluttering open to reveal a captivating gaze.

"Did you truly sleep, or were you merely pretending?" I ventured, my words laden with uncertainty and a hint of defiance.

Tension crackled between us as Taehyung's piercing gaze met mine. His response was laced with annoyance at being roused from his slumber by my outburst.

"So, even devils need their rest?" I quipped a hint of sarcasm in my tone.

"Even God rested on the seventh day," he retorted, a yawn punctuating his words.

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air before I mustered the courage to pose another question. "Can demons or angels have children? I mean, I always thought you were asexual."

"Of course we can. I've had a dozen already!" he exclaimed, his words sending a shiver down my spine as I struggled to picture him in his demonic form cradling an infant.

The mental image eluded me, replaced instead by a sense of incredulity at his nonchalant admission.

"Do they resemble you?" I inquired, unable to conceal my astonishment.

"I wouldn't know; I devoured them as soon as they were born," he replied matter-of-factly, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with my shocked expression.

His laughter echoed through the room, and I realized he was teasing me.

"You certainly have a twisted sense of humor," I muttered indignantly, attempting to distance myself from his playful banter.

As I shifted away from him, I noticed the absence of my familiar pajamas adorned with penguins, replaced instead by Taehyung's black sweatshirt—the only garment I wore.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I collapsed onto the bed, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions and the surreal nature of our encounter.

The fury boiled within me as I confronted Taehyung, accusations tumbling from my lips like daggers aimed at his heart.

"You promised!" I seethed, my voice trembling with anger. "You swore you would only take my virginity after Jimin pleaded with you!"

Taehyung met my gaze with a calm indifference, his expression betraying no hint of remorse. "Indeed. And I also made it clear that no one else would have the privilege. I merely defended what is rightfully mine last night," he retorted his languid posture a stark contrast to my fiery indignation.

As the reality of the situation sank in, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. "You were drugged," he continued, his tone tinged with reproach. "By a gang of foolish humans who attempted to rape you."

My mind reeled at his words, grappling with the enormity of what had transpired. "So, I'm no longer..." I trailed off, unable to voice the truth that lingered between us.

"No, you're still untouched, but only for a moment until I want," he interjected, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he trailed his fingers along my forearm, sending a shiver down my spine.

Sensing the danger of succumbing to his touch, I knew I had to escape the confines of his presence.

With resolve bolstering my wavering steps, I rose from the bed, despite the lingering dizziness clouding my senses. Summoning what little composure I had left, I demanded that he leave.

He scoffed at my command, but complied nonetheless, rising from the bed with a deliberate slowness that sent a shiver of apprehension down my spine.

As he brushed past me, his proximity elicited a tumult of conflicting emotions, leaving me to grapple with the unsettling realization that I was entangled in a web spun by the very demon before me.

An electric shock surged through my body from head to toe the moment his bare skin touched mine.

My breath hitched, and I wondered how I'd managed to spend the entire night in Taehyung's arms without surrendering completely to the primal pull I felt toward him. I was almost naked, and vulnerable, yet something inside me had resisted—just barely.

"Thanks for defending me yesterday," I muttered, embarrassed, avoiding his piercing gaze.

He smiled, that knowing smile that always sent my heart racing, and before I knew it, his lips brushed lightly against mine again. The contact was fleeting but enough to leave me breathless.

"What's going on, Lisa? Are you losing sight of your goal?" He whispered, his voice as smooth as silk but laced with dark amusement.

"M-my goal?" I stammered, already feeling myself unravel in his presence.

"Just a few days ago, you couldn't even stand it when I looked at you, and now..." His smile widened, almost predatory.

"Now you're completely giving in. Poor Jimin—he's already a cuckold, and he hasn't even confessed his love for you yet."

My face flushed crimson, heat rising in my chest, not from his words but from my guilt. "That's not true! I don't... It's not true!" I snapped the anger in my voice hiding the panic creeping through me.

Taehyung's eyes glinted with amusement as if he could see right through me, exposing every weakness I tried to bury. "Admit it, Lisa. You may win Jimin's heart, but you've already lost your own."

His words struck deep, leaving me reeling. As he stood up to leave, a flash of something crossed his face, but before I could grasp it, he was gone, leaving me in silence.

And he was right. Damn it, he was right.

I lay down on the bed, my heart still racing, no matter how hard I tried to calm it. The moment Taehyung's face appeared in my mind, it only beat faster, harder, like a relentless drum.

"Why?"

It was the question I dreaded. The one I didn't want to answer.

"Why do I flare up like brimstone near the flame every time he's close? Why do the torments subside the moment I hear his voice?"

I found answers—plenty of them. Each one is more foolish than the last. But there was only one truth that made sense, and it was the one I didn't want to admit.

I was in the throes of something wild, something uncontrollable. My mind swirled with a thousand discordant thoughts, all galloping wildly in different directions.

I wanted to shut them up, gag them, silence them. But they rebelled, growing louder, more piercing, and more overbearing with every breath I took.

I tried to repress it; I tried to shove it deep down. But I couldn't.

Why pretend I didn't feel it? Why lie to me? What was the point of denying the existence of that overwhelming force—one that relentlessly, inevitably pushed me toward him?

Why silence my longing to rest my head on his chest, to feel his warmth, his protection, like a pair of black wings shielding me from the cold?

I couldn't eradicate it. Not anymore.

My mother always said that when reason and feeling collide, truth is born. And here, lying in the dark, I found that courage. The truth stared me in the face, waiting for me to accept it.

I said it aloud, giving it form, giving it a voice. And just like that, all the pieces fell into place. Chaos gave way to clarity.

"Why? Because I love him." I love Devil?

As I stood up from the bed, the tension inside me was almost unbearable. I tried to channel my anxiety into something productive, making my bed in an attempt to regain a semblance of control.

My mind was a tumult of conflicting desires and fears, all centered around Taehyung, the devil, who both terrified and enthralled me.

I felt like I was teetering on the edge of madness, and perhaps it was his influence pushing me there.

I walked to the bathroom, each step heavy with the weight of my turmoil. I closed the door behind me and approached the mirror, where I was met with the sight of Taehyung's black shirt draped over my frame.

I had worn it as a makeshift garment, and seeing myself in it stirred something deep within me. I bit my lip, taking in the stark contrast of the black fabric against my skin.

I looked undeniably alluring, a dark beauty that seemed to captivate even myself. Could this be affecting me more than I realized?

With a sigh, I stripped off the shirt and turned on the shower. The rush of water was a welcome distraction, and I let it cascade over me, hoping it would wash away the confusion and desire that clung to me.

The warmth of the water was soothing, but it did little to erase the image of Taehyung and the whirlwind of emotions he stirred within me.

After finishing my shower, I dried off quickly and wrapped myself in a towel. I walked out of the bathroom and headed to my closet, retrieving my college uniform.

I slipped into my shirt and skirt, followed by my thong, and then dried my hair. Once ready, I grabbed my bag and made my way to the dining room.

There, I saw Taehyung already seated in his college uniform, looking devilishly handsome. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, his presence commanding the room with an undeniable allure.

My mother looked up and greeted me with a warm smile. "Good morning, Lisa."

I returned her smile, though my gaze flickered to Taehyung. "Morning, Mom. And brother," I said, trying to sound casual.

Taehyung's eyes met mine, and a smirk played on his lips. The look he gave me was a mix of teasing and intense, and it made my pulse quicken.

I felt a surge of excitement intertwined with apprehension as his eyes seemed to pierce right through me.

Just then, my little brother came bounding into the room and wrapped his arms around me. "Sister, good morning!" he said cheerfully.

I hugged him back, comforting normalcy in the chaos Taehyung brought into my life.

As I settled into my seat at the breakfast table, the usual morning routine unfolded around me. My mother was busy preparing plates of food; her movements were practiced and efficient.

My little brother chattered excitedly about his plans for the day, his energy a bright spot in the otherwise tense atmosphere.

Taehyung sat across from me, his presence casting a shadow over the table. He casually sipped his coffee, his gaze occasionally flicking in my direction with that same unsettling smirk.

It was as if he was silently analyzing me, gauging my reactions to every little movement and word.

My mother placed a plate of toast and scrambled eggs in front of me, then turned to Taehyung with a warm smile. "Taehyung, would you like more coffee?"

"No, thank you," Taehyung replied smoothly, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before shifting back to my mother. "Everything looks great."

I tried to focus on my breakfast, but the tension in the air made it difficult. Each time I glanced up, Taehyung's eyes were on me, his gaze unreadable but intense.

I could feel the weight of his scrutiny, and it made it hard to concentrate on anything else.

My little brother jabbered on, his excitement a stark contrast to the undercurrent of unease I felt. "Sister, can we go to the park later? I want to try out my new skateboard!"

"That sounds like fun," I said, forcing a smile. "We'll see if we have time."

Taehyung's smirk widened as he watched the exchange. "You know, Lisa," he said casually, his tone carrying an edge that made my heart race, "it's rare to see you so... normal. I've seen a different side of you lately."

My mother looked between us; her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean, Taehyung?"

"Nothing much," he said, dismissing it with a casual wave. "Just that Lisa's been handling things quite differently."

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, my nerves frayed by his words. I tried to eat my breakfast, but each bite felt like a chore under Taehyung's watchful eye.

The normalcy of the morning was overshadowed by the intense, unspoken conversation between us.

I let out another sigh, trying to push aside the lingering tension from Taehyung's presence, when I was suddenly interrupted by a soft, croaking voice.

"Big sister!" Suhyun's voice came from my side, his tone low enough to avoid my mother's notice.

I glanced down to see him standing next to me, his giant black eyes so striking and expressive, peering up at me with curiosity.

His appearance was as enchanting as ever, with a sweetness that belied his true nature.

Despite knowing he was a demon, his innocent demeanor, and those deep, dark eyes always had a way of touching my heart.

"You look thoughtful this morning," he said, his gaze scrutinizing my face with a mixture of concern and intrigue. It was clear he noticed something was off, even if he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

I reached out and gently ruffled his hair, trying to mask the turmoil I felt. "Just a lot on my mind. But it's nothing I can't handle."

Suhyun's eyes softened, and he gave me a reassuring smile. "If you need anything, just let me know. I'm here for you."

His words were a small comfort amidst the swirling emotions and the intense presence of Taehyung at the table.

I gave him a nod, grateful for his support, even as I felt the weight of the morning's events pressing heavily on me.

After breakfast, I stood up, and Taehyung followed suit. We both bid farewell to my mother and headed out. As we reached the driveway, I saw Taehyung approaching his sleek car.

My heart pounded as I followed him and slid into the passenger seat.

Taehyung glanced at me, his eyes sharp and questioning. "What happened with you this morning?"

I turned my gaze toward the window, unable to meet his intense stare. "Nothing. Just drive. We're going to be late for college."

He didn't press further, but I could sense his curiosity simmering beneath the surface.

With a smooth motion, he started the car, and we drove off, the rumble of the engine accompanying the silence between us. The tension from earlier lingered, an unspoken weight that seemed to fill the space in the car.

╰┈➤𝔗𝔞𝔢𝔥𝔶𝔲𝔫𝔤\𝔇𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔩

Once we arrived at the college, I noticed Lisa's troubled expression. She seemed lost, teetering on the edge of breaking down.

It was evident to me why—she was in love with me, and the realization must have been weighing heavily on her.

As we walked towards the entrance, she turned to me with a serious look. "Will you meet me later on the college grounds? I need to talk to you."

I glanced at her, curious. "Okay, but why?"

She hesitated, her throat working as she gulped nervously. "Just... want to ask some questions."

I nodded, sensing the gravity of her request. I parked the car and locked it, then grabbed my bag as Lisa did the same.

We walked into the college together, though I could feel the eyes of other students on me.

Their looks were filled with a mix of curiosity and desire, a reaction I was accustomed to given my reputation as the devil in human guise, the king of darkness.

The atmosphere at the college was a stark contrast to the intense emotions I felt, but it was a familiar stage for me, where I navigated both my human persona and the shadows of my true nature.

As I walked through the hallway, I spotted Soojin standing there. The moment she saw me, she rushed forward, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace.

"Oh, Taehyung, it's so nice to see you. I've missed you," she whispered into my ear.

I smiled, trying to keep things light. "Well, how about we meet again later today?"

Her face lit up, and she leaned in, her lips brushing dangerously close to my cheek. But before she could kiss me, I felt her presence—Lisa.

I could almost sense the tension in the air, the jealousy radiating from her. But I didn't bother acknowledging it. I held my ground.

Soojin, noticing something, turned to glance behind her. "Lisa, you're here?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise.

I slowly turned around, and there she was—Lisa. Her expression was a storm of emotions, her eyes burning with jealousy, her lips twisted in something like hate.

But she forced a smile, a thin mask over what she truly felt.

"Sorry," Lisa said, her voice tight. "I didn't mean to interrupt. But can I talk with my brother for a minute?"

Her words cut through the air, filled with a tension that neither of us could ignore.

I smirked, catching the glimmer of jealousy in Lisa's eyes. Even as she tried to hide it behind that forced smile,

I could sense every emotion coursing through her—rage, frustration, and beneath it all, a desire she kept buried. As the Devil, it wasn't hard to feel the pull of her conflicted heart.

Soojin glanced between us, the tension thick in the air. She gave a quick nod, sensing this wasn't her moment. "I'll see you later, Taehyung," she murmured before walking off, leaving Lisa and me alone.

I leaned back against the wall, crossing my arms, and watched Lisa, my gaze unwavering. "So, what's on your mind, little human?" I teased, knowing exactly how much my presence rattled her. I could almost hear the erratic beat of her heart.

Lisa's jaw clenched, refusing to look directly at me. "Don't act like you don't know, Taehyung. You always... push me," she muttered, her voice thick with frustration.

I chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Push you?" I echoed, stepping closer until I was towering over her. I could see her tense, fighting to keep her composure.

She wanted to resist me, but the truth was, she never could. "I think you're just upset because you saw her with me."

Her eyes snapped up to meet mine, burning with defiance, but behind that was a flicker of something deeper—something she wouldn't admit.

"I don't care who you're with. I just—" She paused, her fists clenching at her sides. "I just want to know why you keep tormenting me."

I leaned in, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off me. My voice dropped, teasing, taunting her. "Tormenting you? Lisa, I think you know exactly why I do what I do. I've seen the way you look at me. You might pretend to hate me, but I can feel it—that part of you that wants me."

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, her resolve wavered. But then she turned her head as if breaking the connection between us could steady her.

"You're wrong," she whispered, though her voice lacked conviction. "You're wrong, Taehyung. I would never..."

"Never?" I stepped even closer, trapping her against the wall. My lips hovered just inches from hers. "Don't lie to yourself, Lisa. I've felt your jealousy, the way your heart races when I'm near. You want me just as much as you hate yourself for it."

Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment as if trying to will away the truth. When she finally opened them, they were filled with anger—but not just at me.

At herself. "I won't fall for you," she said, her voice trembling with the effort it took to hold herself back.

"Is that what you think?" I whispered, my fingers gently brushing her arm, sending shivers down her spine. "I don't need you to fall for me. I'm already inside your head... and your heart."

Lisa's breath was shallow, her body rigid. She wanted to push me away, to scream, to deny everything, but I could feel the battle raging inside her.

Her eyes locked onto mine, and for a split second, her walls cracked. The truth, buried deep inside her, was clawing its way out.

I leaned even closer, my lips brushing the shell of her ear as I whispered, ". The real question is, How long will you keep pretending you don't want me to be?"

She bit her lip, her fists trembling at her sides, and I could see it—the surrender.

I laughed, a cold, mocking sound that echoed through the empty hallway. "How was the joke?" I asked, my voice laced with arrogance.

I watched Lisa's expression shift, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She looked at me, hurt and anger swirling together.

"I just want to get away from you," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. There was desperation in her words, but I could sense the lie underneath.

She wanted to run, but I knew she wouldn't. I had her wrapped around my little finger, whether she admitted it or not.

I leaned in slightly, my tone lowering, more sinister. "I don't care," I said, my gaze piercing through her. "And you know what? You're just pretending to be something you're not. I know your soul is pure, untouched by the darkness, and I want to taint it." The words rolled off my tongue with a twisted satisfaction, watching her flinch as they cut deep.

With that, I turned and left her standing there, alone in the hallway, broken yet still trying to resist. I knew she'd be thinking about my words long after I was gone.

I entered the classroom, taking my seat at the back, far away from the human noise. As soon as I settled in, the teacher began the lesson, droning on about something utterly meaningless.

I smirked to myself. Humans—so foolish, so fragile. They sin, they fall, and then they turn around and blame me. It's always been that way. But in the end, their sins benefit me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a boy sitting a few rows ahead, his gaze fixed on the girl behind me. Lust was written all over his face, his thoughts dirty and impure.

Meanwhile, the girl he was staring at couldn't take her eyes off me, her expression filled with longing as she absentmindedly chewed on her lip.

Typical. Humans—always craving something, always wanting what they can't have.

I leaned back in my chair, amusement flickering in my eyes. Let them sin, I thought. It only makes my power stronger.

As soon as classes ended, I made my way out, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. The day had dragged on, filled with the usual human absurdities.

But as I reached the hallway, I spotted Jimin Kwon standing there, waiting for me. His face was serious; his brows furrowed in worry.

"Taehyung," he called out, approaching me, "can we talk for a bit?"

I sighed, not particularly interested in whatever he had to say, but nodded anyway. He led me to the garden, away from the crowds of students, where it was quiet and secluded.

Once there, Jimin turned to face me; his expression was troubled like he was grappling with something heavy.

"Taehyung," he began hesitantly, "I know this might sound funny to you, but... I'm really worried about Lisa. She doesn't seem like herself. Don't you think there's something strange about her lately? I mean... it's like she's been possessed or something."

I couldn't help but laugh at his words, the sound dark and mocking. "Yeah," I said with a smirk, "maybe she's possessed by a devil, I guess."

Jimin's face paled, his eyes widening in terror as he looked at me, searching for any hint of humor. His reaction only made my smirk grow.

Humans and their superstitions, I thought, amused by how easily they scared themselves with thoughts of demons and possession.

"Isn't it funny?" I teased, tilting my head slightly. "It was just a joke. You're always jumping to conclusions like that." I took a step closer, my voice dropping.

"But if you're that worried, why don't you get close to her? See if there is something wrong with her. Or maybe... you need to see a doctor. I think your mental state might be slipping."

Jimin stared at me, his fear mixing with confusion. He didn't know what to believe anymore. But the more I toyed with him, the more I could see the doubt creeping into his mind.

His concern for Lisa had taken a darker turn, and I knew it would eat away at him.

As I watched him stand there, speechless and shaken, I couldn't help but feel a twisted satisfaction.

I looked at Jimin, my expression bored and cold. "Now don't bore me, Jimin. Go do your work," I said dismissively, turning on my heel and walking away without a second thought.

His fear, his confusion—it was entertaining for a moment, but I had more important things to deal with.

Making my way toward the stairs, I climbed up to the college terrace, where the air was quiet, the world below feeling distant.

Once there, I summoned Elpass, my faithful crow, the only creature I could truly rely on in this human world. Within seconds, he appeared, his black feathers shimmering in the dim light, invisible to the human eye.

"My lord," Elpass greeted his voice a low whisper as his glowing eyes locked on mine. "What has happened?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I glanced out over the campus below. "It's Lisa," I muttered, my tone sharp. "She's not in her right mind. She's conflicted and confused. I can sense what's going on inside her, but it's irritating. I need to know exactly what's happening with her."

My gaze hardened. "I want you to watch her closely. Something's not adding up, and I don't have time for her games."

Elpass tilted his head, his sharp eyes gleaming with understanding. "Of course, my Lord. I will observe her and return with answers."

I nodded, my mind already swirling with thoughts. "She's resisting me... still clinging to her humanity, her purity. But she won't be able to deny me forever."

I smiled darkly, the thought of Lisa breaking under my influence was both a challenge and a thrill. "She's just delaying the inevitable."

Elpass gave a soft caw before spreading his wings and disappearing into the shadows, off to carry out my command.

I remained on the terrace, the cool breeze brushing against me, my thoughts lingering on Lisa. No matter how much she tried to resist, I'd unravel her soon enough.

As I saw Lisa approaching the terrace, I knew she was coming for a reason. She looked troubled, her movements tense and hurried.

The air between us crackled with an electric charge, a mix of tension and unspoken words.

When she reached the railing, I leaned casually against it, a faint, amused smile playing on my lips.

"Little virgin," I said, my voice dripping with mockery. It was more than just a name; it was a taunt meant to unsettle her.

Her reaction was immediate. I saw her pulse quicken and her fists clench, a futile attempt to hide how much power I had over her.

Her voice, when she spoke, was dry and cutting. "How come you aren't with that Soojin fool today? Did she dump you?"

I could sense her irritation, her desire to push me away. "Why do you worry so much?" I asked, my voice soft and teasing. I enjoyed seeing her so discomfited, knowing I was the cause.

Her heart raced visibly. "Don't even mention it! What do you want me to care?" She snapped, her tone sharper than she intended.

I leaned back against the railing, letting a soft, mocking giggle escape me. The silence that followed was thick and oppressive, like an invisible wall between us.

I could feel her watching me, her curiosity and frustration simmering just beneath the surface. She tried to act nonchalant, but her every glance betrayed her true feelings.

I relished the control I had, savoring the way it made her react, and I knew this game between us was far from over.

As I asked. "Do you fall for me?" I could see her entire demeanor shift. Her body tensed, and I could almost feel the weight of her confusion and pain radiating from her.

She froze, turning towards me, but I kept my gaze fixed on the horizon, deliberately avoiding meeting her eyes.

I wanted her to grapple with the silence, to feel the full impact of my words without the distraction of my gaze.

"Don't worry," I said calmly, letting a hint of reassurance slip into my voice. "As soon as our pact is concluded, I will return to Pandemonium, my palace city, and you will never see me again. I will order my subordinates to leave you alone. After you give me your virginity, the demon world will never seek you out again."

I could sense that my words were supposed to be comforting, but Lisa seemed far from at ease. The conflict in her eyes was palpable—a mixture of fear and longing that I could almost taste.

Before she could respond, a familiar voice pierced the tense atmosphere. "Lisa!"

Jimin appeared at the door to the terrace stairs, his presence starkly contrasting mine. I watched as Lisa's startled expression shifted to one of mixed relief and confusion.

Her attention was momentarily pulled away from me, and I saw the softness in her eyes as she looked at him.

"I'm going," I said coolly, pushing off from the railing. I didn't need to see her reaction—I could feel it in the tightness of the air.

My departure was quick and purposeful, and I brushed past Jimin as I left, my dark silk shirt brushing against his pristine uniform.

The collision of our worlds was brief but intense, a stark reminder of the boundaries that separated us.

As I walked away, I could still feel the remnants of her gaze on me—a lingering echo of her unresolved feelings.

It was almost as if she was reaching out to me, even as she was drawn toward Jimin. I left her in that turbulent space, knowing that the next steps would be hers to navigate.

As I walked away, I could hear the muffled voices of Jimin and Lisa. Jimin's confession was unmistakable, a declaration of feelings that seemed to pull Lisa's attention away from me.

I felt a grim satisfaction at the realization that my interference had reached its intended effect, creating the chaos and emotional turbulence I had aimed for.

Elpass appeared beside me, his excitement barely contained. "Did you hear, my lord!? Jimin has finally decided to declare himself!" He croaked, his voice brimming with an almost childlike glee.

"Yes, I heard, Elpass," I replied, allowing a faint, predatory smile to curl my lips, revealing a pair of white fangs.

"We may have delayed a bit compared to usual, but in the end, the girl's wish came true. I was concerned about the malfunction of the magic. However, we'll soon return to the Underworld; my slaves will have already started their chaos by now."

I moved away from the tree where I had been leaning, my thoughts drifting as I considered the next step in my plans.

I licked my lips, contemplating the prospect of returning to the Underworld; my mind was already focused on the bloodshed waiting for me there.

"But first," I said, a dark glint in my eyes as I turned my gaze toward Elpass, "I need to discover what Lisa truly tastes like. So, make sure to keep your distance and avoid any disturbances. If you so much as try to interfere, I will make your feathers catch fire. Understood?"

Elpass, visibly taken aback by the intensity of my glare, nodded quickly, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Sure, my lord," he stammered, clearly anxious to avoid any further confrontation.

With that, I dismissed him with a wave of my hand, turning my attention back to the void.

The anticipation of my return to Pandemonium, combined with the satisfaction of witnessing Lisa's emotional turmoil, filled me with a dark, exhilarating thrill.