Outside the Royal Palace – Crimson Gate
A massive obsidian gate towered before Aria, lined with runes that glowed like dying embers. Beside her stood Hulk, arms crossed, eyes forward. Hell's Royal Palace loomed in the background like a slumbering beast.
"I've come to drop off Lord Azreal's guest," Hulk said firmly to the guard.
The armored guard gave Aria a curious glance. "Is she the one Lord Azreal is expecting?"
"Yeah," Hulk nodded.
The guard turned, raising a hand. A glowing red panel flickered in the air, revealing a virtual face. The guard's eyes widened as he immediately bowed. "Lady Sarah."
Sarah's image spoke coldly, "Lord Azreal sent me to welcome the guest. Carry on."
The panel vanished, and moments later, Sarah appeared in a flash of crimson light front of Aria. She looked Aria up and down, unimpressed. Then she glanced at Hulk. "Still the same after three years. Haven't changed a bit. What a pity."
Aria took a step forward to greet her but stumbled, tripping over the uneven floor. Her cloak flew up mid-fall—her underwear flashing right in Hulk's line of sight.
Blood exploded from Hulk's nose. "I—I have to go! Lord Azreal gave me… another errand!" he stammered, turning into a blur as he vanished.
The guard stood frozen. As he bent down to help her up, his hand slipped—landing right on her chest.
Smack!
"You're all perverts in this palace!" Aria screamed, face red as she slapped the guard. "Only Azreal is normal!"
Silence.
The guard slowly raised his blade, pointing it at her throat. "How dare you speak of Lord Azreal so casually."
Sarah's smile faded as she stepped forward. "What relationship do you have with Lord Azreal, girl?"
Aria stood, brushing dust off her cloak. "Relationship? You could say… we're good friends."
A laugh escaped Sarah's lips, dripping with venom. "Good friends? With the Lord of Hell? How far he has fallen."
The guard looked at Sarah. "Shall we send her to the Confinement Layer? A little discipline might remind her of her place."
"Yes," Sarah nodded coldly. "Let's see if she can endure Hell's hospitality."
Two more guards appeared and grabbed Aria by the arms.
"Hey! Let me go! I thought I was a guest!" Aria yelled, thrashing against their grip. "This your idea of a welcome party?! I need to see Azreal!"
Her voice echoed as they dragged her into a glowing red portal.
Sarah watched silently, then turned to the guard. "Don't let Lord Azreal find out."
He bowed. "Yes, my lady."
---
Azreal's Room – Inner Palace
Azreal stood shirtless, adjusting his dark robes as Sarah appeared behind him.
"Have you welcomed her?" he asked casually.
"Yes," Sarah replied smoothly. "She looked… unkempt. I had the maids prepare a room for her to freshen up."
Azreal smiled faintly. "That's kind of you. Didn't expect that from you, Sarah."
Sarah tilted her head. "So, you finally apologize for ignoring me all this time?"
"Don't get used to it. That's the last time," Azreal said, finishing with his cloak.
Her smile faded. "May I ask you something, Lord Azreal?"
Azreal glanced at her. "Ask."
"What happened between you and that girl? You've changed. Grown soft in my absence."
He paused, looking away. "Why do you think so? Did Aria say something to you?"
"I asked about your relationship. She called you a… good friend."
Azreal chuckled. "She's right."
"You've stooped low," Sarah snapped, voice rising. "Befriending such shameless, lost souls. It's disgraceful!"
Azreal's gaze sharpened instantly. "Watch your tongue, Sarah. Don't make me break my promise and shut you down again."
Sarah's eyes widened. "Forgive me, my Lord."
Azreal turned to leave. "Don't bring this up again."
The door shut with a heavy click behind him.
Sarah stared at the door, fists clenched. I can't let her near him. She'll corrupt him… He's the Guardian of Hell. He punishes souls. He doesn't befriend them.
She vanished.
---
Palace Hall – The Flame Corridor
Azreal walked through the vast hall lined with blazing torches and busy servants. He called over a maid.
"You received a guest earlier today. Where is she?"
The maid blinked. "We haven't received any guest yet, my Lord."
Azreal's eyes narrowed. "Call the others. Confirm it."
"At once."
He walked away, frustration swirling in his chest.
Inside a dark, majestic chamber lined with chains and flaming pillars, he snapped his fingers.
Hulk appeared instantly. "You called, my Lord?"
"Where is Aria?" Azreal asked sharply. "The maids never received her."
Hulk blinked. "But… I left her with the guard and Lady Sarah."
Azreal's expression darkened. "Sarah told me she sent her to a room. But she's nowhere to be found."
"Could she… still be at the gate?"
"Possibly," Azreal muttered. "Call the Palace General."
"Yes, my Lord!" Hulk vanished.
Azreal's fist clenched. What the hell is going on here?
---
The Confinement Layer – Depths of Hell
Chains rattled. Flames crackled. Aria was tied to a cross, her arms outstretched as dozens of Hell guards circled her.
A voice echoed above—Sarah's voice. "Begin the sentence. The first to make her scream gets promoted to Palace General."
Cheers erupted. Weapons clanged. The sound of whips filled the air.
Aria struggled. "Why are you doing this?! I didn't do anything!"
Her voice was swallowed by fire.
---
Back in Azreal's Room
Sarah stood alone, her virtual fingers gliding over a glowing panel. Streams of code flowed as her form shimmered—transforming from her virtual form into a human body.
She flexed her fingers, feeling the warmth of flesh. "It's nice to have a body again."
She walked slowly to the window, gazing at the flickering palace lights.
"Lord Azreal… if you are the Guardian of Hell… then I am your guardian."
She turned toward the door with a cold smile.
"I'll protect you… even if it means killing everything that corrupts you."
She vanished into the shadows.