A Friend to the Darkness: Becoming the Queen of Hell

By Katherine Rathbone

A Friend to the Darkness: Becoming the Queen of Hell is an everyday tale of friendship, love, growing, learning and finding one's place in the world. Except my friends are demons, and my love is the King of Hell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tablo Publishing
• Release date: Jul 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781649691521

Book preview

Two.

It was weeks before I saw my new acquaintances again. This time was the middle of the day. I was walking my dog down by the river, enjoying the solitude, contemplating going for a swim. I decided it was probably too cold still. Maybe next week. The cold didn’t stop my dog, and I settled down on the riverbank to watch him play in the water.

Hiya, Katie. It was Sebastian’s musical voice. I leapt to my feet, and looked wildly around. He stepped from behind a tree, and gave me a knowing smile.

Uh, hi. I stammered. I’d almost convinced myself I had dreamt that night.

Watcha doing down here? He asked curiously.

"What are you doing here?" I shot back, trying not to let my nerves show. He smiled, and sat down, removing his boots. He rolled his pants up to his knees, and his long shirt sleeves up to his elbows. Without looking back at me, he waded a short distance into the water, before bending down and letting his arms drift in the current.

Is that shirt silk? Won’t you ruin it if it gets wet? Why did that pop into my head?!

He straightened, and turned to smirk at me. Why? Do you want me to take it off?

Gross. I snapped and looked away from him. Come, Rufus. I called to my dog. We should go. But the traitorous mutt splashed over to Sebastian instead. Sebastian laughed delightedly and patted my dog enthusiastically.

Hey buddy! He exclaimed, rubbing behind Rufus’ ears. Oh, you’re a good boy, aren’t you? He splashed down into the water, and wrestled and played with Rufus, giggling like a kid the whole time. I have to admit, it was pretty adorable. In spite of myself, I relaxed and smiled as I watched them.

Sebastian glanced over at me, a wide, genuine grin on his face. He looked a bit embarrassed, then shot me a guilty grin. There’s no dogs in Hell. I love dogs. He gave Rufus one final pat, then stood and came over to sit by me, dripping wet.

You ruined your shirt. I pointed out.

Should have taken it off, I guess. He absentmindedly rubbed his chest. We both watched Rufus sniffing around the nearby bush for a while.

So what are you doing here, Sebastian? Come to take my soul to Hell? I tried for a joking tone, but my voice wavered a bit on the last part.

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow, and said seriously, Contrary to popular belief, Lucifer and the rest of us don’t actually want your souls in Hell. I snorted. He smiled and shook his head. Cynical, aren’t we? I shrugged. He was quiet for a while longer, before asking, So, what did your friends say when you told them about the other night? He glanced at me sideways.

I didn’t meet his eye as I replied bitterly, What friends?

He seemed taken aback. I dunno, the cult maybe?

I laughed. They kicked me out before I even met you guys.

Seriously? Why? He sounded shocked.

I blushed. Because I said that if Lucifer wanted my soul, he’d have to work for it.

Sebastian laughed again. Seth did mention that you said that. Good for you.

Does he own your soul? And who is Seth? I was curious.

Seth is my brother, and I don’t have a soul. I’m a creature of the underworld. What you see is what you get. He spread his hands and smiled charmingly.

So when you die, you just… stop existing? I was vaguely horrified.

Yep. But I will live forever. Unless someone or something kills me. I nodded thoughtfully.

How old is your brother? I asked slyly.

He smirked at me and met my eyes. Younger than me.

Is he cute? I grinned cheekily.

Sweetheart, we’re all beautiful.

Just your family, or demonkind? I shot back.

Sebastian laughed uproariously. You do think I’m good looking. He teased.

Eh, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Demon thing? He sounded cautious.

Classic good looks, a jawline that could cut glass, and a smile brighter than my future. I teased. He looked embarrassed. Hmm, not to mention those muscles. Is that how you torture people? Make them watch you work out?

He shifted uncomfortably, and looked at me wide eyed. I grinned at him, and gently punched his arm. I win that round. I smiled at him. He smiled back and shook his head at me.

Aren’t you afraid of me? Of what I might do to you? It was his turn to be curious.

I shrugged. You only live once. And you don’t seem rapey. Plus, my dog likes you.

Your dog likes me? You risk your eternal soul, because your dog likes me?

There’s not many humans he takes to like that. I can’t think of a single better reason to ‘risk my eternal soul’. I mocked him.

I could literally tear you to pieces. He raised his hand and showed me his talons.

I grabbed it and studied them closely. His skin was warm. You won’t. I said confidently, giving his hand back.

He flexed it, looked from it to me, and asked, How do you know?

Who would look after my dog if I died?

What? His face was so confused.

You like my dog. If you killed me, there would be no one to look after him. You said there’re no dogs in Hell, so you can’t take him with you. And if you hurt me, I wouldn’t let you play with him anymore. So you won’t.

He cocked his head at me. I’m a demon. Who’s to say I care for anything?

I shook my finger at him. You can’t fool me, mister. I saw how you looked at him.

He shook his head at me again, and said quietly, you’re remarkable.

Not really. I just say what’s on my mind. No filter. Probably the reason I don’t have any friends. I shrugged, and tossed a rock into the water.

Their loss. He murmured. I snorted again. He rolled his eyes, before standing and dusting himself off as well as he could. Do you have plans for tomorrow night?

I stood as well, before replying, Literally just told you I have no friends. So no, I have no plans.

Can you sneak out?

I grinned. What mum doesn’t know, doesn’t hurt her.

Meet you here, then? Say, 11?

It’s a date. I winked, and turned to walk away, calling Rufus as I went.

What do you drink? He called after me.

I’m sixteen. I turned back to him, grinning. He raised his eyebrows, not saying anything. I laughed. Bourbon. He nodded and disappeared. That was going to take some getting used to.

As 11pm the next evening drew nearer, I became more nervous. Was Sebastian going to bring friends? Or was it just me and him? He had known I was joking when I said it was a date, right? Right? I should’ve asked for details. I climbed silently out of my window, and made my way to the river.

When I arrived at the spot where I had seen Sebastian, there was a small group of people gathered around a fire. I approached them before I realised they were all human. From my school, no less. Shit.

The fuck are you doing here, weirdo? Some arsehole had noticed me.

I raised my hands, and said, Leaving, don’t worry. Just meeting someone.

Pfft. Who would come down here to meet you? His tone was derisive.

Katie? Is that you? Sebastian’s voice came from the path behind me. Wide eyed, I spun to look at him, worried that he was showing himself to these cretins.

I had no cause to worry, though. He appeared human, same hair, same eyes, no horns, no red skin, and no talons. He grinned at me. I shook myself. Hey, you! I walked over and took his warm hand. Later, losers. I threw over my shoulder to the group around the fire, who were staring, mouths agape. I pulled Sebastian down the path, out of sight.

Hey. He grinned at me, and looked at my hand in his. He… shimmered, and he was back to his usual form. I primly snatched my hand back.

Hey. I muttered, blushing.

He looked at me seriously, and raised an eyebrow, before looking back along the path we had just come down. They seem like total jerks.

They are. I replied shortly.

We can fuck with them, if you want. He studied me closely.

That’s tempting. Are you here alone?

I brought Sera, and Seth wanted to meet you as well.

Well in that case, let’s forget about those wankers.

He nodded, and held his hand out to me. I regarded it suspiciously. He rolled his eyes. Take my hand, Katie.

Why? I demanded.

Just trust me.

I snorted. Never trust a good looking guy who says ‘trust me’.

He sighed. I’m not a guy, I’m a demon. He pointed out.

I laughed, and took his hand. In the next instant, the landscape had changed, and we were standing at a secluded stretch of riverbank. There were two other demons seated at a small fire. I recognised Sera, and assumed the other had to be Seth.

Holy shit, did we just teleport?!

Sebastian laughed at my wonder. Sure did.

You guys have heaps of cool tricks, hey! I exclaimed. He laughed harder. Sera and the other demon got to their feet. I wandered closer.

Hi, Sera. I ventured shyly.

Hi, Katie. She smiled briefly at me.

Sebastian placed a hand in the small of my back. Katie, meet our little brother, Seth. Seth, this is Katie.

Hey. He held out a hand for me to shake. I took it mechanically. I’ve heard a lot about you. He smirked at me.

All bad, I assume. My voice wasn’t as steady as I had hoped it would be. Where Sebastian’s voice was musical, Seth’s was low, deep and impossibly sexy. I’m pretty sure I was blushing. Sebastian hadn’t lied when he told me they were all good looking. Seth’s features were sharper than Sebastian’s, but he was equally, possibly even more, beautiful than his older brother. His eyes, horns and talons were a deep cobalt blue, and his shoulder length, lustrous black hair swept back, held out of his eyes by his horns.

Want a drink, Katie? Sera was smirking at me. I realised my hand was still grasping Seth’s. I snatched it back and coughed.

Yes, please. I took the cup from her, avoiding Seth’s eyes. I drank it all down in one go, and held it out for a refill.

Oh great. Seth sounded bored. A messy teenaged drunk girl. This will be fun. He rolled his eyes at Sebastian.

Listen, buddy. I stepped close to Seth and jabbed a finger in his chest. I’m Australian. Drinking is our national sport. I could drink your demon arse straight back to Hell, bitch.

He glared at me, and the night went silent. The flames in the fire died down, and he loomed over me. I refused to take a step back, and kept glaring him in the eye, craning my neck further back the taller he got.

I put my hands on my hips, looked him up and down, and said in a mocking tone, Compensating for something there, buddy?

Sera gasped, and Sebastian burst into laughter. Seth looked taken aback, then resumed his normal size and laughed too. He looked over my shoulder at Sebastian and said, Maybe you’re right. She might be remarkable. He smirked at me, said, Wouldn’t you love to find out? and leaned forward as if he was going to kiss me. I stepped back first. Dammit. He grinned and swaggered over to his spot by the fire.

Sebastian clapped his hand on my shoulder. That round goes to Seth, I believe. His eyes twinkled.

Mmh. I grumbled, and sat by the fire, away from Seth. I took a sip from my refilled drink. So are all demons brothers and sisters? Lucifer’s children? I asked curiously. My companions exchanged guarded glances. Sera answered.

Um, no. She swallowed. Lucifer doesn’t have children. Our father is... a different demon. We’re not all related, but we do call each other brother and sister, which gets confusing, I guess. These guys are actually my brothers, same parents. And we have another sister too, Sebine.

Seth hissed, and Sebastian glared at her. We, uh, we don’t get on with her. She added quickly, avoiding her brother’s gaze.

Family can be tough. I offered. They nodded, and gazed into the fire, lost in thought. I sat quietly, sipping my drink. Eventually, Sera offered me a smoke, and asked,

So, tell us about your life.

I coughed, and looked around. My life? It’s boring as… Well, it’s boring!

Aha, you were going to say boring as Hell! Sebastian exclaimed. "Which happens to be our life. Therefore, yours must be more interesting!"

I rolled my eyes at him, and began to talk. They all seemed surprisingly interested in my day to day life, asking me probing questions, telling me to clarify things they didn’t understand, and even offering me advice. It wasn’t very good advice, granted- it involved a lot of disembowelling people, but at least they offered. We laughed, and talked, and drank, and smoked.

I was pleasantly buzzed, when I noticed Seth and Sebastian exchanging glances. Suspiciously, I asked, Can you read minds?

Hmm? What? Sebastian asked.

Can you read minds? I repeated, glaring at them. Have you been reading my mind?!

What? No, we can’t read minds! Sebastian exclaimed.

Then how did Sera call you, that night we met? I challenged him.

That’s different. Sera replied for him. We can hear prayers addressed to us and Lucifer. It’s really hard topside, so we can’t like, have a conversation by praying to each other.

What are you two doing then?

Seth smiled lazily. We’re brothers. We don’t always need to speak to communicate.

I glared at him and sniffed. Seth grinned. Do you want to know what we were talking about?

I tossed my head. The answer was a resounding yes, but I didn’t want him to know that. Whatever. My tone was nonchalant. Finally I was getting the hang of chatting with these guys.

Sebastian barked a quick laugh. Seth here was asking if he should ask you something. I was strongly suggesting he didn’t.

I raised my eyebrow at Seth. He smirked back at me.

Well? I snapped. What do you want to ask me?

He straightened, and smiled at me. It was almost predatory. He captured my eyes with his cobalt ones, and I felt my pulse quicken. Sebastian doesn’t think I should ask. God, his voice was so sexy. I raised an eyebrow at him. He snorted, looked away from me for a second, then back into my eyes. Wanna fuck?

I blinked. Wanna die? I snapped back at him.

He smiled widely. "You wouldn’t even know how to kill me, Human."

I smiled back coldly. I’m pretty sure those knives that Sera is carrying would do the trick.

He chuckled, and held his hand out to her. With obvious misgivings, she pulled a knife from behind her back. He took it, and walked over to me, holding it out. This knife? He smirked.

I took it from his hand and admired it. It was beautiful. There were two curved blades made from a smoky grey material on either side of a leather bound handle. I balanced it on my finger, watching the way it held steady, right in the centre.

So, wanna fuck? Seth asked again.

I got to my feet and grasped the knife, looking him in the eye. No. My voice didn’t even shake a little bit.

Aw, why not? Don’t you think I’m pretty?

I guess you’re kinda pretty. For a really old dude. I conceded.

Sebastian and Sera roared with laughter, and Seth spluttered.

Katie wins that round! Sebastian was still laughing. Seth sniffed.

In demon terms, I’m roughly the age as you. He pouted.

I smiled and held out my hand. Friends?

He regarded it for a moment, then shook it firmly. Friends. He agreed, with a grin. His face became serious, and he kept a hold of my hand. Just so you know, we punish the wicked, not… not good people. I wouldn’t have… you know… hurt you. He mumbled. I gave his hand a quick squeeze.

I didn’t think you would. I reassured him.

Sure. He scoffed, taking his hand back. You thought I was going to eat your soul.

Can you do that?!

He rolled his eyes at me. No.

Oh. I was disappointed. There were more than a few people that I’d like to see my new friends chow down on. Oh well. I offered Sera her knife back. She shook her head and smiled.

I have a feeling you might need that. You keep it. She stood and pulled her top up, revealing rock hard abs. She removed a sheath from around her waist and handed it to me.

Damn, girl! That isn’t going to fit me! You’re as fit as… I trailed off, realising I was about to say ‘Hell’ again.

Don’t be daft. She sounded uncomfortable. Of course it will fit.

I was surprised to find she was right, and I threw my arms around her in delight. Thank you! I exclaimed. She patted my back awkwardly, before gently pushing me away.

That’s ok. No need to, uh, hug about it. She sounded embarrassed.

Oh, I’m sorry. I stepped back. I didn’t mean to overstep.

Sebastian waltzed over and gave me a quick squeeze. You didn’t overstep. Sera just isn’t a hugger. He smiled at me, and she shrugged.

Seth smirked. I’ll have a hug. I flipped him the bird without looking at him, and asked if anyone else wanted a drink.

And that was how most of our weekends went over the next couple of months. We fell into an easy routine of chatting and laughing together, down by the river. As the weather warmed, we often swam too. Demons love to swim, apparently. I found myself itching for the weekends, to discuss books with Seth, movies with Sebastian, and life in general.

Three.

I’d had a terrible day. Even though my outlook on life had brightened with friends to share my life with, the girls at my school were epic bitches. The boys, well, if I was lucky they mostly ignored me. Mum was working late that night, so when I got home I retrieved a family sized block of chocolate from the fridge, and headed to my room to nurse my sorrows in peace. I had my head stuck in a book, and didn’t bother to look up as I flung myself onto my bed.

Ooof. My bed wasn’t empty. I leapt to my feet with a scream, fumbling for the knife Sera had given me, flinging my book and my chocolate at the creep in my bed. It was Seth. He raised his hands and yelled, The fuck? Stop throwing shit at me! What are you doing?

What the fuck are you doing?! That’s my bed! I yelled right back.

He sat up and smirked at me. If I knew it was this easy to get you in bed with me, I would’ve done it ages ago.

Tell me, does everyone who finds themselves in bed with you scream and throw shit? I challenged. He laughed, and patted the spot beside him.

Seriously, what’s up?

What do you mean what’s up? I’m just innocently trying to read my book and some weirdo is waiting for me on my bed!

He shrugged. I figured you didn’t want me to appear at the exact moment you prayed, so I came here and waited for you. Don’t worry, your mum didn’t see me.

Prayed? What the Hell are you talking about? I was cranky. He’d interrupted my chocolate.

He looked at me as if I was not too bright. Earlier today. You prayed for me. Here I am. He spread his hands.

I didn’t pray to you! I was so confused.

He sighed. You pictured me in your head, and thought, ’I wish he was here.’ Well, here I am.

I felt the colour drain from my face, and I sat down heavily on the bed beside him. You heard that?!

He shrugged. It was a prayer addressed to me, so yeah, I heard it. To be perfectly honest, I do listen out for you. In case you need us. He looked a bit uncomfortable.

Oh. My. God.

He laughed without humour. God doesn’t have much to do with me.

I can’t believe you heard that. I was mortified.

Well, this is awkward. Sorry, I thought you wanted to talk. Seth eyed me uncertainly.

I do! I did. Ugh. I appreciate the company? I drew my legs up and sat cross legged, rubbing my face, before looking at him between my fingers.

He smiled gently. Hiya, Katie. How was your day?

I sighed. Shit thanks, Seth. How was yours? He didn’t answer me, just waited for me to keep talking. I rubbed my face again. Ugh, so there’s this guy.

Woah, woah woah. I don’t think I’m qualified for this conversation! He looked panicked. How about I go fetch Sera?

I raised an eyebrow at him. Really? Sera?

Ugh, ok, point taken. So this guy. Do you want me to kill him for you?

Could you? I was curious.

No, actually. We’re not allowed to kill humans. I was just trying to be supportive. He looked worried. Do you really want me to kill him?!

I sighed. No, not really. I rubbed my face again. "He seemed really sweet. He’s new. We’ve been chatting, and I guess I was kinda starting to… I dunno, like him, I guess."

Is he prettier than me? Seth teased.

Well, he’s not a creepy old man, so yeah. I shot back.

Seth rolled his eyes. I keep telling you, I’m practically your age. So what’s with the past tense? What happened?

I saw him at recess and said hi. He completely ignored me. I thought that was kinda weird, but went off to the library to read.

You are such a badass.

Fuck you.

Promises, promises. He smirked at me.

I rolled my eyes. Anyway, I went to sit with him at lunch time, and he got up and left. Just totally ignored me.

Ouch.

Yeah. But then Carmen came over.

Oh, that bitch! I’d complained about her to my friends before.

Mmm. Her. She was laughing at me, and she said, ‘you didn’t really believe someone like that could like someone like... you?’ She laughed again, and said, ‘it’s ok. I rescued him. I told him how much a slut you were.’

Hang on, that made him not like you? Seth sounded confused. I rolled my eyes at him. No seriously, who cares who you sleep with?

I shook my head. Humans.

Man. Humans suck.

Sure do. Anyway, that’s why my life sucks at school. No one talks to me because of that bitch. In spite of myself, tears pricked my eyes. Seth handed me my chocolate, and I laughed at him, wiping my eyes. Perfect response. Thanks, man.

I aim to please. He grinned at me. But, if I am not mistaken, your mother is due home soon, and I should get out of here. You ok? His voice was gentle at the end.

I am. Thank you, Seth. It’s nice to know you’re listening out for me.

He grinned at me. Just try not to think of me when you masturbate. That could be awkward.

I threw my pillow at him, but it sailed through the space he had occupied as he disappeared.

The next day at lunch, Carmen sauntered over to me. I watched her warily. She seemed to be walking… differently. Katie! She called out.

What do you want, Carmen? I asked suspiciously.

I have something I need to tell you, Katie. She spoke loudly, even for her.

What? I was braced for anything.

I need to tell you why I am such an insufferable bitch.

Huh. I thought that’s just how you were born. A crowd was gathering around us. Carmen looked around at everyone, and seemed satisfied.

I am so cruel to you, Katie, because I am completely jealous of you. I wish I was half as smart as you, and even a quarter as pretty. I tell guys to stay away from you because secretly I would fuck you myself, if I could. It was a small country town in the 90’s. It shouldn’t have mattered, but she had just committed social suicide. I stared at her, my mouth agape. Everyone around us was in uproar. She smirked at me. That looked familiar.

Seth?! I whispered incredulously. ‘Carmen’ winked, and walked away.

That afternoon, I rushed home from school, said a perfunctory hello to my mother, and raced into my bedroom. As I expected, Seth was there. I turned my stereo on, and whisper yelled, What did you do?!

He preened. And the Oscar goes to… this guy!

What was that? Other than fucking amazing, that is.

Just a minor case of possession. And not the drug kind. He grinned at me.

Holy shit! You can possess people? I was incredulous.

Katie? Who are you talking to? Mum called out from the living room.

Ah, no one, mum. Just singing. I yelled back.

Seth spoke quietly. Yeah, we can. It’s fun, but really hard. Really, really hard. I’ve had to hang out topside all day to rest before I could teleport home.

You did that for me? I was touched.

Absolutely. That bitch shouldn’t bother you anymore, dear one. But I really need to get back. See you this weekend?

Ah, yeah. See you. And thanks, Seth.

He grinned and disappeared. I collapsed onto my bed, and reflected on how nice it felt to have friends that would stick up for me, and call me pet names.

The next day at lunch, Carmen cornered me near the toilet block, out of sight of the teacher on yard duty. She was surrounded by a diminished number of lackeys.

What the fuck did you do to me, bitch?! Her face was contorted with rage.

I grinned. Nothing like what you want me to, apparently. Some of her companions tittered.

SHUT UP!! She screamed at them, without looking away from me. You put a spell on me, you fucking witch!

I laughed in her face. A love spell? I taunted.

She came for me, fists flying, and landed a decent punch on my face. I felt my eye puff up immediately. I returned the favour, and then we were on the ground, rolling around, pulling hair, scratching… bitch fighting. I landed one more good punch, then leapt to my feet and stood over her threateningly. Stay away from me. I hissed, turned on my heel and stormed off.

That afternoon, mum sighed when she saw my face, and got an ice pack from the freezer. Did you start it? She asked resignedly.

No, mum.

Good. Did you finish it?

Yes, mum.

I suppose that’s a good thing. Her tone was grudging.

Four.

That Saturday night, I met my friends down by the river. They were accompanied by a fourth being this time. As I stepped closer to the fire, Seth leapt up and took my face in his hands.

What happened? He exclaimed, studying my black eye, turning my head from side to side.

You should see the other guy. I muttered, removing his hands.

Katie! Sera seemed angry. Why didn’t you pray for us?!

It’s no big deal, you guys.

Who did this? Sebastian’s voice didn’t sound on the brink of laughter this time. We will destroy them.

I barked out a laugh. Seth already ruined her life.

He drew in a sharp breath. Carmen?!

I grinned and nodded.

I’m sorry! I didn’t think she’d have the guts to do anything! He sounded a bit panicked.

Like I said, it’s no big deal. I handled it.

What did you do, Seth? Sera’s tone was cautious.

He coughed, and glanced guiltily towards the figure at the fire. They had their back to the flames, and all I could tell was that they were tall. Taller even than Sebastian. I uh, I kinda possessed her a little bit and made her say that she was jealous of Katie. And wanted to have sex with her.

Sera and Sebastian’s lips twitched, and they glanced at the figure by the fire too.

Oh come on, guys. That’s funny. You should have seen it. It was gold. I told them.

The figure by the fire stepped closer to us, and I could make out their features. He was achingly beautiful. He made my other demon friends look plain in comparison. He didn’t have red skin like the others. His was a creamy alabaster, flawless. He had white blonde hair, similar in length and style to Seth. He had horns, but they were massively long and arched delicately well behind his head. They were a gleaming silver, and matched his intelligent eyes. I reflected that silver eyes should have looked creepy, but they just accentuated his beauty. I hoped whoever he was that he was an idiot. It wouldn’t be fair for him to be so beautiful and interesting.

Explain that to me, Seth. He spoke with an unconscious air of command, as if it didn’t occur to him that whoever was listening wouldn’t follow his direction. That irked me.

Seth looked a little hunted. That girl was making Katie’s life Hell, my Lord. So I possessed her, just for a little while, and… fixed it for her.

The new guy raised an eyebrow, and Seth shifted his feet uncomfortably. Was that wise, do you think? And do you think perhaps you should have run that by me, first?

Seth stared at the ground and mumbled, Yes, my Lord.

I stepped between them, hands on hips, and glared at the new guy. Back off, buddy. I snarled. He blinked, and I took a step closer to him. He smelled like hot cinnamon doughnuts, and rain after a hot day. Wow, how could someone smell so good? I tried to ignore it. Who the fuck do you think you are, talking to Seth like that?!

My friends made panicked noises behind me, and I felt hands grabbing for me, pulling me back, away from him. New guy raised a hand, and the hands holding me dropped away. I turned to my friends, who were now standing in a straight line, hands behind their backs, heads bowed. It occurred to me that maybe I had fucked up. Oh well, I was committed now. I turned my glare back to the new guy. Well, who the fuck are you? I challenged.

He tilted his head and regarded me with a slight smile. I am His Eternal Majesty Lucifer, King and Lord of all Hell. I believe you have pledged me your allegiance, Human.

Oh. I squeaked. Well, ok then, carry on. And stepped aside so he could see Seth again.

Lucifer looked at me wonderingly, then burst into musical laughter. She is remarkable! He addressed my friends, who laughed nervously. Come, let’s drink! Lucifer said, eyeing me with a calculating look. I frowned at him, then remembered who he was and tried to smile instead. He shook his head at me, amused, and handed me a drink. The tension in the air eased, and we chatted and drank. I kept stealing glances at Lucifer, weighing him up. Eventually, I addressed him.

So, is there a rule against possession? Or is it just because Seth is a low level demon that he should have checked with you first?

Lucifer blinked. HEY! Seth yelled, sounding offended.

What? I asked, confused.

What makes you think I’m a ‘low level demon’, you bitch? Seth was indignant. Lucifer looked amused.

Aren’t you all? I looked around at everyone. Sera had one eyebrow raised, and Sebastian was chuckling quietly. I mean, why else would you be hanging out with me? Seth spluttered. Lucifer answered for him.

You are in the presence of the majority of my Court, Human. Sebastian is my First Lord, Sera my Second Lord, and Seth my Third Lord.

Woah, you guys are Lords of Hell?! I was excited. Sebastian laughed loudly, Sera rolled her eyes and Seth fumed. How many are there?

Lucifer smiled indulgently. Four Lords, plus my Second in Command.

Wow, I had no idea you guys were important!

Have another drink, Katie. You’re going to make Seth’s head explode. Sebastian filled my cup. I took a long swallow, and said,

Oh, Lucifer?

Mmm? He looked at me curiously.

Stop calling me Human. Sera gasped. Lucifer blinked, and regarded me curiously.

What should I call you then? His tone was indulgent.

My name is Katie. That might be a good start.

He took a drink, and eyed me speculatively. Katie. He said it slowly, as if tasting it. The sound of my name in his mouth gave me a shiver that I shoved down.

There. That wasn’t so hard, was it? I beamed at him and winked. He blinked and shook his head disbelievingly.

I uh, I’ll be back in a minute. Seth mumbled and disappeared. He reappeared not long after, holding a joint. I looked at it questioningly.

Oh, I need this. He glared at me. You’re stressing me the fuck out.

Sebastian and I laughed at him. Sera shook her head. Lucifer’s lips twitched.

I tilted my head as I looked at him. Have you used up your quota? I asked him.

Oh, here we go again. Seth sat and lit his joint, smoking in long draughts.

My quota of what? Lucifer asked, puzzled.

Of laughter. Or are you too important to laugh? Too serious?

Sera snorted, then reached for Seth’s joint when Lucifer glared at her.

You should give that to him. He needs to chill out. I pointed to Lucifer. Sera looked at him, shrugged, and offered him the joint. He looked at it warily.

Go on. I spoke encouragingly. There’s only us here, we won’t tell anyone if the King of Hell has a good time.

Oh, I want that back. Seth groaned.

I think we might need more, Seth. Lucifer eyed me, and took a long drag.

There you go! I clapped.

Your wish is my command, my Lord. Seth disappeared again.

Lucifer tilted his head back and regarded the stars.

I stood to refill my drink. Seth reappeared and settled down by the fire again. I was about to ask if anyone else wanted another drink, when Lucifer said, Get me one. With that air of unconscious command.

Nope. I retorted. My friends froze.

What? His tone was dangerous.

NOPE. I said it loudly and clearly.

You would deny the King of Hell, Human?

"I said don’t call me that, buddy. " I snapped.

You swore your allegiance to me, Human. His silver eyes were flashing.

Allegiance, not servitude. You’ve got legs. Either use your manners, or use them.

Get. Me. A. Drink. His voice rang with authority, and I found myself reaching for his cup. I shook my head violently to clear it. I wasn’t his fucking servant.

No. My friends gasped, and Lucifer looked surprised, then chuckled.

Katie, would you please get me a drink? His tone was only a little sarcastic.

Absolutely, Lucifer my friend. I grinned as I took his cup.

You’re impossible. He said wonderingly to my back as I filled the cups.

I turned and grinned at him.

A couple of days later, Seth was in my room again when I got home from school. Hiya, Katie. He smiled lazily.

Hey. What are you doing here?

Your mum is working late, right? He asked.

Yep. Why?

I’m going to teach you how to fight. He said it resignedly.

What? Why?

He rolled his eyes. "So