013: tempting offer

Wednesday 5th February,2025

It had been a couple of days since the two males moved into a small, cozy apartment following Adam’s unavoidable demotion. The closeness of the space should have brought them nearer, but instead it only worsened things. It got so bad that Liam spent most of his time at the Abyss, refusing to accept their new lifestyle, while Adam buried himself in work — not because he wanted solitude, but because he sensed the raven-haired demon needed time to adjust.

Despite Adam being the one demoted, Liam had surprisingly been the most affected.

Adam sat in the living room beside a pile of documents. In less than a week, his former position had already attracted numerous candidates. That was Heaven for you — things moved on regardless of circumstances.

It was well past midnight. He wanted to go back to bed more than anything, but he knew he wasn’t in a position to rest. The only fortunate thing was that, while still an archangel, he had already paid the academy fees for both of them.

Now all that remained was finding a new source of income for the rest of his stay on Earth — which, for him, meant eternity.

A troubling thought surfaced.

There was only one way to escape the hole he had dug for himself… something he would never have considered under different circumstances.

He sighed, rubbing his temple as agitation crept in.

Thursday, 6th February, 2025

Early the next morning, Liam was having breakfast, already dressed in his school uniform, when Adam came downstairs in casual wear, earning him a raised brow.

“You do know we have school today, right?”

“You’ll have to go on ahead without me,” Adam replied bluntly.

Before Liam could protest, the blonde was already gone.

He sighed in defeat, wondering what had gotten the man so worked up.

*. *. *.

ADAM

Soon, I found myself standing before one of the seven palaces belonging to the Kings of Hell — the same fallen angels who had followed Lucifer during his descent.

I had been here once before, strictly on archangel duties.

Though I had sworn never to set foot on such sinful ground again, I had no choice but to cast my pride aside.

With that resolve, I approached the massive gates. Demon guards stopped me, but stepped aside the moment I raised my silver rosary.

The gates opened.

Inside, under escort, I observed the palace. Black obsidian walls gleamed under dim lighting, the decor elegant and refined. For a fallen angel’s domain, it was surprisingly classy — perhaps even more so than I remembered.

You would expect Lust’s palace to be overtly erotic from the entrance alone.

I was led into the throne room.

A maroon-haired man lounged on his throne with a blonde succubus straddling his lap, arms looped around his neck. The two were engaged in a heated kiss, his hand sliding leisurely along her thigh.

I expected them to stop when the doors opened.

They didn’t.

The guard beside me, clearly used to such displays, cleared his throat awkwardly.

Without breaking contact, the man’s eyes shifted to me, recognition flashing. He pulled back — not without giving the succubus one last teasing nip on the lips — before dismissing both her and the guard.

We were alone.

Resting his head against his hand, he smiled lazily.

“Apologies for the inconvenience, Archangel Adam. What brings you to my humble abode?” Azazel asked, voice smooth and courteous.

“It’s former archangel,” I corrected. “I’ve been demoted.”

“I’m aware.”

A glass of red wine materialized in his hand as he swirled it thoughtfully.

“To be honest, I was quite shocked. In all my years as a fallen angel, I never imagined I’d see an archangel succumb to lust. I thought the Nephilims were daring.”

He chuckled.

“You know why I’m here.”

Azazel rose and descended the steps, circling me slowly.

“Let’s see… You came to Earth on probation to retrieve a forbidden scroll, had a one-night stand, entered a blood contract, survived multiple attacks, enjoyed a rather sinful night, got demoted… and now you’re here for a loan. Am I correct?”

How he knew all that didn’t matter. All I cared about was securing the loan and leaving as quickly as possible.

Unlike most fallen angels, Azazel had adapted exceptionally well to Earth. Casinos, clubs, industries — his influence spanned the globe. His charm alone secured him powerful connections even in Hell.

The last time I came here was two centuries ago, around the 1800s, as a mediator between Heaven and Hell over human affairs. Even then, he had been considered a prodigy. His fall had shocked everyone.

“So,” he said, stopping in front of me. “How much?”

“Enough to reinvest and get back on my feet.”

He studied me, green eyes gleaming.

“That’s quite the request. But nothing comes free.”

He tapped his chin thoughtfully.

“What could I possibly want… Wealth? Power? Pleasure? I already possess them all.”

He leaned close, voice dropping.

“Perhaps something… different. Something you value.”

He whispered in my ear.

“Something or rather someone like… Liam.”

My body tensed instantly.

“No,” I said, fists clenched. “Anything but him.”

“Oh? Already attached I see ?” he mused. “Then allow me to sweeten the offer.”

His smile widened.

“One billion dollars. No repayment required. A high-ranking position in any of my companies. Even the location of the forbidden scroll.”

He leaned closer.

“All in exchange for the one you treasure most.”

The offer was absurdly generous. It would solve everything — his mission, his future, the contract.

But…

Did he really want to be free of Liam that badly?

He had already sacrificed everything to remain by his side.

“No.”

Without another word, Adam turned and walked out.

*. *. *.

Azazel

I had been enjoying one of my kingdom’s finest succubi when the doors opened. Why stop? Lust and shame have never coexisted in my vocabulary.

After dismissing both servants, I was left alone with Adam, not fully knowing the reason for his sudden visit. When he mentioned the loan, my interest seemed to be peaked. It had been a while since I had had some real fun. That was until I came across the interesting love story between those two.

A demon prince and a fallen archangel entangled in something far deeper than either wished to admit. How could I resist testing such a story?

Most who sought my aid paid in servitude or crippling interest.

But this time, I wanted something more entertaining.

So I offered him everything — in exchange for the person he valued most.

When he refused, I felt neither anger nor disappointment. In truth, I had hoped for that answer.

Power and pleasure never motivated my fall.

Boredom did.

Heaven was perfection… and perfection is tedious.

When Lucifer called for allies, I saw an opportunity for something new — even if it meant eternal torment.

Watching this tale unfold was already proving worthwhile.

As I savored the thought, the chancellor rushed in, alarmed.

“I deeply apologize for the angel’s rudeness, my lord. Shall I have him brought back?”

“No need,” I replied calmly. “His protectiveness is… intriguing.”

I set my glass down.

“Prepare for my departure.”

“Departure?” he echoed in panic. “My lord, leaving the underworld risks divine punishment—”

“I am aware.”

I rose, smiling faintly.

“But since when have I ever placed authority above my own entertainment?”

Before he could protest further, I was already leaving the throne room.