Prologue

On a quiet night, the lights were off and the world outside lay asleep. In my cramped four-cornered apartment, I sat on the floor, a single candle flickering between my shaking hands.

After what felt like a pathetic attempt at summoning a demon, something… happened.

He appeared.

Standing right in front of me, tall and terrifying.

He darted a sharp gaze at me, unblinking.

I couldn’t tell his exact gender at first glance, but judging by his physique, it was safe to assume—he was a man. Or something close to it.

His skin was the color of burning flame, deep red, and pulsing. Twisted horns curled from his head like a ram’s. His body was lean but strong, sculpted like something out of a nightmare. Sharp eyes, pointed nose, elongated ears, and a tail that flicked behind him like a whip. His nails were pitch black and razor-sharp.

Then he spoke.

“Human. What is your reason for summoning me?”

His voice was deep, scraping through the air like metal against stone. It echoed inside my skull, and I gulped, suddenly aware of how dry my throat was. The atmosphere in the room had shifted—heavily, violently.

My hands trembled.

I swore to myself I’d face him with courage. That I’d accept the consequences of this. But I wasn’t expecting the sheer pressure of his presence.

“A-Are you the demon?” I stammered.

He sighed and shook his head slowly like he couldn’t believe my stupidity.

“I’m an angel,” he said with a dramatic roll of his eyes, then pointed to his chest. “Do I look like an angel to you?!”

His shout bounced off my apartment walls. I flinched, dropped the candle, and hit the floor, hands over my head.

“N-No, you don’t—!”

“Then why ask?!”

“I’m sorry! My apologies!”

He sneezed—loudly—and smoke puffed from his nose. “Apology accepted.”

He crossed his arms and stared at me again like he was waiting for something. Daring me to speak.

I slowly got to my feet, knees still trembling. “Th-Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. I haven’t done anything yet. Now—why did you summon me?”

This was it. My once-in-a-lifetime chance. And I knew exactly what I came here for.

“I want to sell my soul.”

He burst into laughter. A devilish, echoing, bone-rattling laugh that filled every corner of the room. It was awful. But I stood my ground.

I wouldn’t falter.

“Puny human,” he said between chuckles. “Coming to a demon for help, offering your soul in exchange. Typical.”

“I’m serious,” I said, my voice firmer now. “I’m willing to sell it.”

He smirked and extended a hand.

“What do you desire the most? Power? Fame? Wealth? Knowledge? Love?”

I blinked. That was… fast. I didn’t expect him to offer so quickly. Now he was listing off the dream package like I was ordering from a fast-food menu.

I hesitated.

Which one made sense?

Power? Sure, but power always comes with a price. What’s the point of being strong if I can’t even fix my mess?

Fame? That sounds nice… but I’m just a plain, boring, forgettable woman. People don’t respect overnight fame—they tear it down.

Wealth? Tempting. I could finally live in luxury. But if I had all the money in the world, and no one to share it with, what’s the point?

Knowledge? I mean, yeah. I need that. But too much knowledge? That’s a curse. If I know everything, who do I even trust?

Love? The warm, sweet illusion everyone chases. But love can betray. Love can leave.

If that happens… the deal’s a joke.

I scratched my cheek, overwhelmed. Every desire has its pros and cons. I couldn’t decide.

“All I want,” I muttered, “is to change my boring life… and be happy.”

The demon tilted his head, thoughtful.

“Can you recommend something for someone like me?”

He rested a hand under his chin, pretending to ponder. “Very well. What’s your name?”

I frowned. I didn’t see how that was relevant, but whatever. “Alice Solihn Bosconovich.”

He nodded and offered his hand again. “All right, Alice. Say no more. I’ll give you the best.”

“And what is it?”

“Just shake my hand and leave it to me.”

I hesitated again. “But I haven’t even chosen yet.”

His brow twitched. He looked like he was about to lose patience.

“Would you just shut up and take my hand so we can finish the deal?!”

His voice shook the windows. Glass vibrated, and I dropped to the floor again, startled.

“Why are you yelling?!”

“Are you still interested in selling your soul?” he snapped. “Because if not, I’ll take my leave.”

“Yes! But this is my soul we’re talking about. I just want what’s best.”

He jabbed a finger into my chest.

“There is no best for you after you sell your soul.”

His fist clenched in front of my face, a silent warning. Maybe he was testing me. Maybe he wanted to see if I’d cower and back out.

Of course, I was scared. But fear is exactly why I’m doing this.

“…Okay. I understand.”

“Good. But remember—after this, your soul is mine.”

I nodded. He offered his hand again, this time impatient. But I still had questions.

“Wait—how do I know my desire will be fulfilled?”

“Trust me. It will.”

Yeah. I’ve heard that line before. Never ends well.

“…You won’t scam me, right?”

The demon stared. Then he sighed and face-palmed like he was dealing with the dumbest human alive.

“Seriously? Scam? Do I look like a swindler to you?”

“No, but—this is my soul. I need assurance.”

He leaned in close, eyes narrowing.

“Human… what is the actual value of your soul, honestly?” He paused. “Nothing.”

Ouch.

Okay, maybe I feel worthless sometimes, but he didn’t have to say it like that.

“…Fine. Just don’t screw me over. I want to change my life.”

This time, I was the one who reached out first.

He smiled—and shook my hand.

“Thank you,” I said.