Chapter Four

Frey went to school alone. My parents decided for me to skip school today as they said we have something important to discuss. Damn, it’s only the second day of class and I’m skipping it already.

“Let’s wait for Lilith to arrive.” Pops said while reading the newspaper at the dining table.

“I had a weird dream last night, Pops.” I joined him at the table while I get myself some cookies.

“Really? What is it about?” he said without looking up from his newspaper.

“I was with Charon on river Styx, and then when I got off his boat I was in the seventh circle. The one with the burning sand and raining fire. The sand turned into quicksand and it is swallowing me and I’m burning. There are demons around me and they are chanting that I should die.” I took a bite out of my cookie.

Pops closed his newspaper and stood up. At the same time, Gran arrived. We settled in the living room, me, my parents, Lucifer and Lilith.

“I’m so sorry for what happened last night, Zari baby.” Gran apologizes to me as she held my hand with both of hers.

“It’s okay, Gran. I know you didn’t mean it. Are you alright now?” I smiled at her warmly.

“Yes. I am fine.” She answered.

“I would like to come clean about what happened yesterday.” Pops started. Gran retreated her hands as well. I think he already told her the reason.

“What do you mean?” my father asked.

“The day Zaria was born, I received a prophecy from the Elders.” Pops started. The elders are like oracles that spun the thread of life. Demons, Angels, and mortals with special abilities ask them for guidance with life.

“They went to see you?” My mother asked as well.

“No, they sent me a vision, a prophecy about what Zaria’s future will hold.” Pops said.

He said the prophecy, and it is the same words as what Gran said last night. He said he didn’t pay attention to it at first. He was overjoyed with having a daughter for the very first time that he had completely forgotten about it.

“But how did you know that something is happening last night? You sent me a message. You said you’re in London.” I asked.

“The prophecy was sent to me again. At that very moment, I know I needed to find you.” Pops explained.

“But what does the prophecy mean?” I asked again. There are so many questions on my mind right now. I don’t know what to ask first.

“It means you, Zaria, will inherit my throne in Hell.” Pops is looking at me straight in the eye.

“What?!” I stood up in shock, as well as my parents. 

“Father that is ridiculous! You know the kings won’t allow this! What can Zari do if they started to target her?” My father is raising his voice. I had never heard my sweet, loving father raise his voice before. He was never angry.

“I know. I know. But the Elders had given the prophecy and we can’t do anything about it. We can’t change it. No one can.” Pops explained.

“What if I don’t want to? I’m just eighteen! I don’t want that kind of responsibility! And I’m your daughter, would you like to lose your only granddaughter to some kings that can definitely kill me?” I used my hands as much as possible to emphasize my exaggeration.

“I will talk with the kings about this. I think it will be better to have a coronation in Hell to solidify this set-up and avoid any misunderstandings.” I sat down again as Pops tells us this.

I’m scared for my damn life.

The kings of hell. They are the ones who overlook each circle of hell. One for each circle. I’m a fool if I were to challenge them. They are as old as Lucifer, who had been in Hell just a few years after the casting out of the angels. They are once mortals that harness the greatest sins, they are given high positions. What can a demoness who had been living in the mortal world her whole life do against them?

“Lucifer, can’t we really do nothing?” Gran asks. A collective sigh can be heard across the room.

No one is speaking at the moment. I think everyone is trying to come up with a plan to turn things around. I had no idea what I have to do. And by looking at my parents, I can tell they also don’t have a clue.

“I will try to talk to the kings. I will let you know what they have to say.” Pops stood up ready to leave.

“Pops!” I stopped him. “Can you at least try to sound like it is not confirmed yet? Maybe they won’t panic if you say that it is just a plan and nothing is concrete.” I proposed.

“I will try that. I’ll do my best.” In a gust of wind, Lucifer is out.

We sighed once again. A few minutes passed, Gran said her goodbyes as she said she is already needed at the diner. Mother started to prepare our lunch and my father gathered his knitting supplies.

I went to my room. I need to think. If the prophecy is true, then I shall be the queen of hell. But what should I do as queen? I don’t know the policies. I have not been exposed enough to the process and I only went there once. 

Queen of Hell. It sounds fancy. But it also sounds like a big responsibility. And I don’t want that.

Damn, who would’ve thought that my life would have the biggest plot twists of all time?

I fell asleep. But I bolted up due to Frey’s shouting my name and abruptly opening the door.

“Tell me it’s not true, Zaria.” Her voice sounded angry.

“Tell you what?” My voice sounded like I was just woken up, which I just did.

“That you’re a monster. A demon!” What?!