In the hallway, a blue flame appeared before a small brown and blue demon wearing a fancy black and silver suit, who walked out of the flames. He looked up at a tall woman with blue hair and fish-like scales. The woman's eyes glanced down at the small impish demon for a moment without expression.
"Is there something I can do for you, Meloch?" The woman said her eyes were now facing forward as the two walked through the long corridor. The small demon looked up at her with the faintest of grins, revealing one of his overhung fangs.
"Master Greed would like to see you, Lady Focalor," Meloch replied.
"Lord Mammon? I'll be right there." The woman responded quickly, turning around and heading in the opposite direction.
"Wait for a moment, Focalor," Meloch said, meeting her pace.
"What do you want?" Focalor asked without glancing at him.
"It's about Master Greed... He seems off as of late." Meloch said with a layer of concern over his obedient-sounding voice.
"Off?" Focalor asked with a threatening glance as she came to a stop. The imp's body froze from the sudden stare.
"As the dictator of his pockets, I have noticed his excessive spending, which... concerns me," Meloch said, his hands grasping his book tighter.
"In what ways have you noticed?" Focalor asked, her words were full of malice and warning as her eyes flashed a dim blue.
"Here, look this over," Meloch says, handing Focalor the book. "The numbers have been skyrocketing every month, and on top of that. Placing our new... guests into the luxury room, I mean, look at the dinner he has planned for tonight." Meloch explained while watching Focalor flip through the pages.
"Lord Mammon is the Sin of Greed; of course, he is going to spend his money on every desire he wishes to display," Focalor said, slamming the book shut and tossing it back to Meloch. "You would do well to remember that," Focalor said, her eyes glowing with disgust at the accusations Meloch had presented.
"I meant no disrespect; my words only come from a place of concern." Meloch apologized.
"Concern for our Lord is not yours to bear; you are a glorified butler, nothing more," Focalor said coldly as she continued walking down the hall towards the throne room, leaving a chilling silence in her wake. Meloch watched her leave the corridor, rounding a corner out of sight.
In the throne room, Mammon stood gazing out the large window, his eyes squinted at the slowly dimming sphere of light that was the equivalent of the underworld's sun. His ears suddenly pitched up as he heard the large obsidian door open slowly. He slowly turned to face Focalor.
"You called for me, my Lord," Focalor said, kneeling in front of him. Mammon said nothing. He slowly made his way to his throne and sat down before looking down at her.
"Our new... friends are comfortable, I take it?" Mammon asked with a hint of charisma.
"I believe so, my Lord," Focalor said, raising her head slightly.
"Do you believe they have made a decision on my offer yet?" Mammon asked as his eyes landed on Focalor.
"The bezekira seems to be content with your offer; however, the human seems to have his own reservation... based on what I was able to hear through the door, of course," Focalor responded, her eyes darting away from Mammon's glance.
"Reservations?" Mammon asked with raised brow.
"I don't believe the human trusts you, my lord," Focalor responded. "In my experience, humans are taught never to trust infernal beings, my lord. I am certain that the human is pondering every word you spoke in your earlier conversation."
"Damn religious fanatics still making my life difficult topside!" Mammon shouted, slamming his fist onto his armrest. "Making deals with humans used to be so much easier... and now that the barrier is up preventing demons from visiting earth, temptation has been extremely difficult," Mammon said, his voice calming slightly. "Or maybe I am just out of practice." Mammon grinned.
"My Lord, rejecting an offer from you is just... foolish," Focalor said, her words filled with disgust.
"Now, now, Focalor. Humans have come a long way since the glory days. And even without our influence, many of them have taken on our characteristics... so I can see why he would be so cautious of a real demon." Mammon said.
"I hadn't thought of that, my Lord. I apologize for my interjection." Focalor said.
"No need for an apology," Mammon said, standing up and walking past her. "It seems I must try harder," Mammon said with a cynical grin forming.
"I do have another thing to report, my Lord," Focalor said, not turning to look at Mammon as he passed her. Mammon's ears perked up as he swiftly turned his shoulder to face her.
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"It is about... Meloch, it would seem he is having... doubts about your actions as of late." Focalor said as she stood. "But don't worry, my Lord, I have silenced his infraction."
"Meloch's concerns are noted, Focalor, but it is his job to look after my interests. What exactly did he say about my... actions?" Mammon asked curiously.
"He believes you are spending too much," Focalor said, her words still filled with disgust over what Meloch had said. Mammon let out a light-hearted chuckle.
"I am the Sin of Greed, spending money is my purpose," Mammon said, grinning ear to ear.
"Of course, my Lord." Focalor agreed.
A sudden blue flame appeared in front of Theo's sleeping body. Theo's eyes opened wide as he quickly jumped off the floor and backed away from the flame. Jaxa launched from the couch towards the flames, her claws extended as the flame dissipated. She slammed into Meloch, pinning the small demon to the ground.
"Ever fuckin heard of knocking?" Jaxa said with a hiss. Meloch's chest moved rapidly as Jaxa's claws began to rip his finely tailored suit. Theo slowly approached the two, seeing Meloch's quivering lips.
"I...I do apologize, but Master Greed has summoned you for dinner." Meloch said with a shaky voice. Jaxa's claw retracted as she let go of the poor imp.
"Oh... then why didn't you say that earlier?" Jaxa said, standing back up.
"Because you didn't give him the chance," Theo said, standing next to her. "He still could have knocked first," Theo admitted.
"Please accept my deepest apologies, but if you would follow me," Meloch said, standing up and brushing his suit off, with four claw marks on either side of his arms.
"Lead the way," Jaxa said, rubbing her stomach. "Time for some food."
The three walked into the hallway as Meloch led them down the opposite way from where they had come in. Theo's eyes glanced around the corridor, eventually landing on Meloch. He took note of the small demon's prim posture.
"I would ask if manners exist in Hell, but based on Meloch's behavior, I guess you and Montie are outliers," Theo said, nudging Jaxa's shoulder as they walked.
"Don't put me in the same boat as that alcoholic prick," Jaxa said in mock offence.
"Indeed, master Theo, by the standards of Greed at the very least, Lady Jaxa, has been... pleasant company," Meloch said, not turning to look at the two.
"Fuck yeah!" Jaxa said, pumping her fists and grinning.
"Us of the higher class, excluding those in Wrath or Sloth, of course, are distinguished individuals and act as such." Meloch continued.
"I guess that makes sense. Considering Mammon is considered a prince of hell." Theo said in understanding.
"Precisely. The royals of Hell must keep their noble dignity after all." Meloch said, his head nodding slightly.
"Why is that?" Theo asked.
"Is there something that confuses you?" Meloch said, pausing his steps for a moment and turning to look at Theo.
"I mean, we are in Hell. Why does anyone need to keep up appearances?" Theo asked.
"Oh... very simple, master Theo. A Sin's power is not just based on the temptation they can create, but the belief they are above the average sinner. Their station is above any ordinary demon, and everyone must understand that." Meloch said as they began to walk again.
"Interesting," Theo said, bringing his hand to his chin.
The three finally came to a large wooden door, trimmed with crystalline windows. Hues of purple, yellow, and red let light through in a magnificent display of colors. Meloch snapped his fingers as the door swung open slowly, revealing a large rectangular room with a long dining table. Silk cloth was almost completely hidden by plates of luxurious food and drink. Golden candelabras were placed every few feet, and large jewel-embedded chandeliers hung from the ceiling, blinding Theo for a moment as his eyes took in his surroundings. On the plates were all manner of foods originating from all corners of the world's most delicious delicacies. Those eyes swept over the table in utter amazement. His eyes eventually landed on Mammon sitting at the opposite end of the room, Focalor standing at attention behind his chair.
"Welcome, Theo. I hope this spread is to your liking." Mammon said, holding out his arms in a beckoning gesture. Theo walked forward as Mammon's hands pointed towards two chairs next to him.
"This seems a bit excessive for only five people," Theo said, sitting down. In front of him was a silver plate and a raised goblet, each of which had intricate designs of flora and gemstone shapes.
"Five people?" Mammon asked, raising his brow.
"Yeah, or is anyone else joining us?" Theo said as Jaxa took a seat across from him.
"I only count three," Mammon said, taking a sip from his own goblet. Mammon's goblet was a dull gold with rubies lining the edges of the cup. He brought his lips back from the cup, leaving a red stain on his white-furred lips.
"Three? There is you, Jaxa, Focalor, Meloch, and me. That's five." Theo said in confusion. Mammon let out a pleased laugh.
"Servants don't eat at my table. You are humorous for thinking of such things." Mammon said.
"What?" Theo exclaimed with a hint of outrage at the inequality being shown. Theo looked at Focalor and Meloch, who both cordially nodded at his confused expression.
"It is not their station to dine, but to serve," Mammon says, picking up a large bone with meat dripping from it and taking a delighted bite.
"So you just make them watch?" Theo asked.
"Theo... shut up and eat," Jaxa says, digging into a plate of grilled salmon. Theo looked at her with a serious stare.
"It is quite all right, master Theo, we eat after the master. It is... the proper way of things." Maloch said, pouring a maroon liquid into Theo's goblet. Theo finally relaxed when he saw Meloch's content face.
"Sorry, I didn't realize that's how things work here."
"It is fine. It is... natural for someone with human values to see something like this as impolite in the modern day. Mammon said, placing one hand on the table and the other around his goblet. "However, if it would make you feel more comfortable to indulge, then I will allow them a place beside us," Mammon said as he waved his hand, and two seats suddenly appeared next to Jaxa. Theo looked at Focalor and Meloch. Focalor gave no kind of expression, whereas Meloch looked like an excited puppy waiting for a treat. Theo nodded at Mammon, signalling the two lesser demons to sit down. Meloch immediately started grabbing food and placing it on his plate. Focalor stared at Theo from across the table without a movement towards the assortment.
"Thank you for the gesture," Theo said to Mammon as he took a sip from his goblet. The liquid was a fine red wine that sang as it touched his tongue. Wet and bitter with a hint of fruity flavor. Theo's eyes widened slightly at the taste as he looked into the cup.
"Familiar?" Mammon asked with a smirk.
"How did you know?" Theo asked, taking a second sip for confirmation.
"I'm a greater demon, you don't think I know your desires and preferences?"
"It's the only wine I have ever liked," Theo said, taking another, longer sip. Jaxa's eyes shot Theo a look of concern as Theo finished his drink. "Damn, that's better than I remember."
"Naturally," Focalor said, breaking her rigid silence.
"You don't need to feel guilty about drinking alcohol in Hell. There are no real consequences, nothing to lose, which leads to a more pleasurable experience when indulging in your desires." Mammon said, taking a sip of his own drink. "You will learn soon enough, the benefits of giving in outweigh your instincts to preserve your modesty and morals," Mammon said with a pleased smile, his eyes thinning as he watched Theo like the true predator he was.
"Hey! Theo, slow down," Jaxa said, tossing a roll at him. Theo's eyes, which at one point seemed to be empty of concentration, suddenly came back into focus as the roll hit him.
"Right, sorry," Theo said under his breath as he looked back up at Mammon. Mammon's smile had disappeared, and his eyes were fixed on Jaxa. Mammon fainted with an annoyed smile as he turned back to Theo.
"So... Theo, I know that it is a big decision and I said I would give you all the time you need to think about it, but have you made a decision?" Mammon asked, his grin returning. Theo looked at Jaxa back then at Mammon and answered.