Beelzebub's Bargain

By Tessa Hastjarjanto

**The Devil is coming, and he’s bringing friends.**

When Nora finds out Ben was banished from the Angelic City she needs to know what happened—even if it means going to Hell.

Beelzebub’s right-hand, Jack, forces Ben to revisit a painful part of his past while the demon lord thwarts Nora’s attempts at rescuing him.

After a narrow escape Nora joins Lucifer on a trip to Hades in the Underworld, while Ben finds some much needed help from the Valkyrie in Purgatory.

Together they must find a way to stop Beelzebub, or he will make Earth Hell for the living.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tessa Hastjarjanto
• Release date: Nov 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9789083220994

Tessa Hastjarjanto

Tessa Hastjarjanto is a Dutch/Indonesian writer from the Netherlands. She writes speculative fiction, and blogs at narratess.com about books, fountain pens, and writing.From a young age, she imitated popular stories and games in creating her own worlds. This love eventually led to a masters degree in media and game studies at the University of Utrecht. However a mundane desk job was enough to inspire her to follow her creative passion. The first fanfics were written in lunch breaks and soon original fiction followed.With the support of her husband, she now focuses on her writing career while battling chronic pain. Swiss white shepherd, Shiro, acts as a therapy dog to keep her healthy and reduce stress through extensive cuddle sessions.

Book preview

Beelzebub's Bargain

Tessa Hastjarjanto

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Narratess

Content warnings : Demons, death, murder, kidnapping, blood, (fantasy) violence, torture.

Copyright © 2022 by Tessa Hastjarjanto

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Narratess

www.narratess.com

For information about discounts on bulk purchases, educational copies, or sales promotions, please contact Narratess sales department at [e-mail]. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

First Published, 2022

Cover design by Ravven

Edited by ThEditors.com

ISBN EPUB 9789083220994

For Aurélie

What happened in Devil's Deal and Lucifer's Favour?

When 16-year-old Nora cycles back home after a night with her friends Felicia, Emily, and Josy, a mysterious man accidentally knocks her off her bike. The next morning, she learns the mysterious man is one of the new kids in her class, Ben. Her friend Felicia obsesses over the other transfer, Danny. Nora’s head is filled with thoughts and emotions after several incidents, especially when she finds out the boys made a bet on who could romance her first. But one thing shook her world: Ben and Danny are angels. Danny clears up all the lies he has told and shows his true self to Nora, while Ben has given up trying to make Nora fall in love with him. When the Devil summons them to settle the bet, he looks into Nora’s soul to see the one she truly loves. Danny loses his wings and falls into a coma, while Ben returns to the Angelic City, angry at Nora for choosing Danny over him.

Nora’s summer is filled with learning more about the supernatural world as she keeps an eye on Danny, when Ben returns and pulls Danny back to the world of the living. Danny wakes up with a terrible message—Beelzebub is coming to Earth. Nora and Danny must track down Lucifer, and convince him to take back Hell. Nora and Danny travel to Spain and sneak away from the school exchange activities to find him.

Lucifer had his own reasons for not returning to Hell, but after his chat with Nora he agreed to meet Matthew, to find the answers he needed. When Lucifer confronts Beelzebub and barely escapes his trap, he was forced to make another deal.

Contents

1. Nora

2. Ben

3. Nora

4. Nora

5. Ben

6. Nora

7. Ben

8. Nora

9. Ben

10. Nora

11. Ben

12. Nora

13. Ben

14. Nora

15. Ben

16. Nora

17. Ben

18. Nora

19. Nora

20. Ben

21. Nora

22. Ben

23. Nora

24. Nora

25. Ben

26. Nora

27. Ben

28. Nora

29. Ben

30. Nora

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Thank you for reading

About the author

Also by Tessa Hastjarjanto

Chapter 1

Nora

The list of names of witches and covens was endless. Nora let out a deep sigh and put her pen down. She had to cross-check the names against a list of people that owed Matthew favours, so he knew who to contact first. It was tedious work and would’ve been done in minutes if it was digitised. That would be Nora’s next job, but Matthew needed this list yesterday. Then why had he only given her the papers when she came today?

She spent most mornings at home working on her homework for the summer, which meant reading books and catching up on subjects she fell behind on last year. Afterwards, she’d go to Matthew’s place to help him out with speaker business. She hadn’t decided if she wanted to become his apprentice officially, but if all the work was as dull as this, maybe she wouldn’t.

The sound of the doorbell interrupted her thoughts. Nora wasn’t expecting anyone. Matthew was still in an online meeting, and Lucifer and Diana were away for some special mission, so it couldn’t be them either. Unexpected visitors were rare, and Matthew had warned her about the bad luck they usually brought along. But he still expected her to answer the door.

With clammy hands, she walked to the front door and opened it. A man with pale skin and sleek white hair combed to the back stood in front of her.

Hello, he said, taking off his glasses as he glanced at the outside of the house, avoiding looking at Nora directly. His black pilot sunglasses didn’t match the style of his navy suit. I’m looking for Matthew. His accent sounded Scandinavian. Norway, maybe Sweden.

Nora’s sweaty hand slipped from the handle and she gulped. Something in her gut told her to run. What was the right thing to do? She didn’t want to be rude to him. He’s not available right now, but if you don’t mind waiting, you can come in, she said. Are you a friend?

The man gave her a curt nod. I’ve met Matthew several times now, although I didn’t notify him I would be visiting today. Something came up, and I thought it was best to let him know as soon as possible. He smiled at her and their eyes connected. His light blue eyes surprised Nora. There was only one person who had the same blue eyes—Ben. This guy must be an angel, too.

She stepped aside and guided the man into the living room. Can I get you anything while you wait?

No, thank you, he said. Angels don’t need food or drinks, like humans do. The man grinned at her. I guess I can’t hide my secrets from you. You have seen my eyes before, haven’t you?

Nora nodded. No matter how hard she had tried to forget about Ben over the past year, she couldn’t. She longed for the day she’d see him again, but she was afraid it’d never come.

They’re the same, you know, the angel said. My relationship with the one you call Benjamin is the same as Daniel and Matthew’s—nothing more than a formality. His curious eyes scanned Nora’s face, lingering a little too long for her liking. My visions only concern a specific part of a human’s life and it never lies, unlike his. I prefer mine because they show me the Truth.

Nora swallowed. She didn’t like how he was talking about Ben. He couldn’t control his gift, and as far as Nora knew, Ben hated it. Well, if you don’t mind, I have some work to do, Nora said as she pointed at the papers spread across the kitchen table.

The man raised his hand in agreement and crossed his leg over his knee.

She shuffled her work around, scanning the pages, but nothing stuck. This man—angel—gave her the creeps. She could feel his presence burning in her back. Whoever he was, or whatever powers he had, it made her feel sick, in more ways than one.

She twirled a pencil between her fingers until it fell to the ground because of her clammy hands. She cursed under her breath and picked it up. As she got back up, the angel looked at her, and she had to ask. I hope I’m not being rude, but why are you here? I don’t see any other appointments in Matthew’s schedule for the day.

The angel cleared his throat. I guess I should introduce myself properly. My name is Samael, and I came to deliver a message to this house.

Well, if it’s only a message, I can take it and pass it on to Matthew later, Nora said. I’m sure you have more important matters to attend to.

He nodded slowly. You’re not wrong. I’ve already missed guiding about two hundred souls to their respective afterlife since I came here. Ok then. He got up, straightened his jacket, and buttoned up. Benjamin was banished to Hell, under Gabriel’s orders. I don’t have to explain why, am I right?

Nora shook her head. She had a clear idea why, but it hurt. When did this happen? she asked.

Oh, I don’t know. Who keeps track of the time? He shrugged and looked at his empty wrist. Look at the time. I should be on my way.

Nora blocked the way and said, Wait. How do you know? And why are you telling us?

I saw him with an armed angelic guard heading in the same direction as when I escorted the latest war criminal to Hell. Benjamin didn’t look too pleased. Even a little hurt.

I have to save him, Nora said to herself.

Oh? Samuel’s eyes lit up and, just like Ben’s, his eyes turned into a tropical blue. I can take you there. It’s on the way to my next stop. He held out his hand to Nora.

His hand was bony, like there was no fat on his body at all, waiting for her to accept his offer. She looked from his hand to his face, and back to his hand. Why was it so familiar?

Nora frowned. That night, when Ben talked to her in her dreams, a bony hand grabbed him. Could it have been Samael? Was he the one who threw him out? Angel politics was so much more confusing than human history.

She wanted to see Ben again, to have him around. It’s been a few months since she realised how much she liked him. A warm feeling spread throughout her body whenever she thought about him. But was she ready to go to Hell to save him?

Nora wanted to accept his offer, but a little voice in the back of her head told her not to. The voice sounded like Ben. Why wouldn’t he want her to save him?

Nora reached out to Samael. The pale angel’s smile widened as her hand moved towards him.

Matthew opened the living room door, sprinted towards Nora, and pulled her arm back. Nora, no. His eyes were on Samael. If you shake his hand, you’ll die. Samael can only take souls with him. Not living people.

What? A flash of hurt and betrayal crossed her face, and she pulled back her hand. She glanced at Matthew before turning back to Samael. He only shrugged.

I thought angels couldn’t kill humans. Nora’s voice wavered, and pulled her hands back into her lap.

Samael grinned.

Those rules don’t apply to the Angel of Death, Matthew said. If a human wishes to sacrifice their life and go with, it’s their decision. He should’ve explained this part.

Nora grimaced and said, I didn’t wish to die. You lied to me.

Maybe, maybe not. Samael laughed. How far would you go to rescue your beloved Benjamin? Look deep into your heart.

Nora thought about his words and clutched her chest. Would she give up her life for him?

Matthew stood between them. You’re welcome in my house, Sam, but you’re off duty when you’re here.

I know, I know. No need to remind me. Her wish to go to Hell was so strong, her entire aura screamed it out to me. I had to let her know that there are ways to get there. I guess you’ll have to find another way to save your precious angel from Beelzebub’s clutches. Samael tried to be casual about it, but he sounded too smug. He wanted her sacrifice too much.

Matthew clenched his hand. We appreciate you taking the time to come here, but this is still a neutral zone. Don’t prey on the people present.

I am only trying to help your friend.

And she declined your offer.

She didn’t. Samael passed by Matthew, grabbed a card from his pocket, and gave it to Nora as he passed her. Contact me if you change your mind. Perhaps when you’re away from these… influences.

I think it’s time for you to leave, Matthew said.

Did I forget anything? Samael put his finger on his chin. Well, I guess I should wish you good luck with the upcoming apocalypse. Busy times. He smiled—like a child anticipating their birthday, utter joy. But Nora knew his intentions, and his enjoyment scared her.

Samael opened the door. Fine. I’ll be out of your way. The message is delivered so I can go back to work. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me? You’ll be in Hell much faster. His grin was blinding.

A loud crack Nora recognised as an angel’s teleportation spell followed when the angel left.

Nora looked at Samael’s card in her hand. It looked similar to the one she found in her wallet before. The same cardstock, font, and foil—only the text was different.

Matthew, look. She gave the card to Matthew and grabbed the other one from her wallet. I found this in my wallet when Ben returned it the first night we met. Lucifer said it was one of his cards, ones he gave out before he was banished. What does it mean?

Huh. Matthew inspected them both carefully. That’s strange, but it could explain a lot.

Why? she asked.

This could mean one of the archangels interfered with the bet the boys made. How else would they have gotten one of Lucifer’s cards if he hadn’t been in the Angelic City for millennia? This is bad.

And the Angel of Death visiting us here wasn’t a hint that things were bad? Nora asked.

Matthew sighed. This means the angels won’t help us during Beelzebub’s invasion. If we want to defeat the demons, we need allies. We need a new plan.

I want to save Ben, Nora said immediately. Going with Samael isn’t an option, but there must be other ways to save him, right?

I… Matthew sat on the couch and grabbed his head. Even if you were able to get there, it’s extremely dangerous. No living human has ever escaped Hell as far as I know. I can’t let you go.

Nora swallowed hard. I want to go. I’ll be eighteen in a two weeks. You can’t treat me like a child anymore.

Matthew shook his head. I’m still responsible for you. You’ve got no protection. You can’t fight. Letting you go would be a death sentence. I can’t do that to you or your parents. He rubbed his temple with eyes closed. Let me look for alternative ways first. I’m sure we can get Ben out of there without your help.

Nora stood up straight and said, "I want to help. You want me to become a speaker, but you won’t involve me in any of the stuff that matters."

Being a speaker doesn’t mean you get to plan trips to Hell. Most of it is boring, routine. It’s a need-to-know business and as long as you’re not formally my apprentice, I can’t involve you.

Then see this as my formal claim to become a speaker. I want to be your apprentice. Let me help. She hadn’t thought it through, but if this was necessary to finally be part of it, she’d do it.

Matthew let out a deep sigh, his shoulders slouched. If you really want to help, I guess we can look into it. I’m sure I can find some old satanic books in my library, Matthew said with a nod. Now, how far are you with those papers? I need the list with active European covens so I can contact them before dinner.

Nora snapped out of her dreadful thoughts and looked at the kitchen table. Nearly done.

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A few days later, Nora got up early and cycled to Felicia and Danny, who were stretching in Matthew’s backyard.

You should run with us, Felicia said. It’ll be good for you.

Nora rolled her eyes. Physical activities, especially anything sports related, weren’t for her. I’ll be out of breath before you even break a sweat. I’ll stick to my bike for now.

We can adjust to your pace, Danny said. It’s not a competition.

Nora rolled her eyes, but she knew that at the end of the run Felicia and Danny would sprint until one of them couldn’t go on anymore, and they’ve been getting more competitive every week.

Felicia walked over and put her hand on Nora’s. I like having you with us, on foot or on your bike. I just want to hang out with you more.

Nora thought about the impending demon invasion Beelzebub was planning. No, you’re right. It’s not a bad idea to get into shape a little more.

Cycling is good too, Danny said. He jumped a few times and kicked his knees up high. His legs and arms were even more muscled than last summer. Seeing her super fit friends together made her a tiny bit jealous. Come on, let’s go. Before it gets too hot.

Felicia led the way towards a park with enough trees to protect them from the early morning sun, Danny following closely behind. Nora followed them on her bike, her basket filled with cold water and fruit for their break.

Danny and Felicia talked and joked as they ran. Nora had never seen Felicia so well-matched with anyone. She was happy for them.

After about ten minutes, they passed by a picnic table and stopped for a bit. Nora gave them their water and put the fruit at the centre of the table.

Nora, you’re quiet today. What’s wrong? Felicia asked, after gulping down half of the bottle.

I keep thinking about Ben. I want to get him out of there.

Danny choked on the water, and Felicia patted him on the back. You can’t! It’s too dangerous.

I owe it to him, Nora said. I can’t leave him in Hell. You know what it’s like down there. You wanted to leave, too.

Ben didn’t deserve his punishment, just like Danny hadn’t, in her opinion. She couldn’t change his banishment, but she could at least get him out of Hell, as she had done for Danny. Lucifer could take his wings and make him human.

Danny looked pained, and Nora knew she’d hit a soft spot.

Lucifer will come with me if I ask, she said. We’ll be in and out in a blip. Beelzebub and his demons won’t even know we were there.

Danny shook his head. Beelzebub is clever. He will know.

Lucifer will find a way. And Matthew promised to help.

Felicia squeezed Nora’s hand. Shouldn’t you leave it up to someone else? Why should you be the one putting yourself in danger? You could die, and I’m not ready to lose you.

Wouldn’t you try to save Danny? If there’s anything I can do, I want to try.

Then I’m coming too, he said as he put his bottle of water down.

Nora and Felicia looked at Danny with wide eyes. No, they said at the same time.

Danny giggled.

Felicia raised an eyebrow. What are you laughing about? she asked. These are serious matters. I don’t want either of you hurt. Neither of you should go.

I knew you’d object, Fel. But when you two said no, I felt loved, he said. I will go with you, Nora. If you go, I go. I won’t abandon you, nor Ben. It wasn’t his choice to go to Hell. Leaving him there would be cruel.

But… Danny gently rubbed away the tears pooling in Felicia’s eyes.

Don’t worry, I’ll be careful, he said. And Nora will too. We’ll be back before you notice we were gone.

And then I promise to run with you, Nora added. But at my pace.

Felicia smiled. Deal.

Can we please stop making deals? Danny said with a groan. They always end with trouble.

Chapter 2

Ben

Ugh. Ben coughed out red dust and spat, but the dry itch in his throat stuck. That, and the smell of rotten eggs, made him gag. He hadn’t been this uncomfortable since his training days and he’d left those for good reason. After what Michael had put him through, he had no desire for physical confrontations. He always ended up