Vira's tail was already tightening around Lucian's wrist like a velvet leash, tugging him toward the shadowed corridor that led to the private "study rooms" when the air shimmered.
Crimson smoke coiled like a serpent in front of them, thick and fragrant with night-blooming jasmine and barely restrained fury.
The raven-haired succubus from earlier materialized in a dramatic swirl—long black hair whipping like silk ribbons, violet eyes blazing, sheer lingerie replaced by a form-fitting black corset and thigh-high boots that clicked ominously on the marble.
She planted herself squarely between them and the corridor exit, arms crossed under her impressive chest, wings half-unfurled in clear challenge.
"Not so fast, little virgin," she drawled, voice dripping acid and honey in equal measure. "I felt the ripple when you fed. The whole damn academy probably did. You reek of fresh conquest and human musk."
Vira hissed softly, tail flicking in irritation. "Move, Jaza. We're busy."
Jaza—apparently that was her name—ignored Vira completely. Her gaze locked on Lucian, raking over him from messy black hair to the faint crimson glow in his eyes, lingering on the barely-there nubs of horns pushing through his scalp.
"You popped your seal on some lonely mortal," she said, stepping closer until the heat of her body brushed his. "And now you think you can just waltz off with these two for round two? Cute. But I was summoned away before I could properly welcome the new blood."
Liora laughed, low and dangerous. "Jealous, Jaza? Didn't think you cared about fresh meat."
Jaza's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Oh, I care when the fresh meat levels up before I get a taste. I can smell the overflow on him. One good ride and he'll sprout real horns. I want in on that."
She reached out, trailing a single black-nailed finger down Lucian's chest, right over his heart.
Vira snarled and stepped forward, but Jaza didn't budge.
Lucian felt the tension crackle between the three succubi like static before lightning. His own demonic instincts stirred—possessive, hungry, ready to claim or be claimed. The System pinged softly:
[Lust Energy: 972 / 1000]
[Social Tension Bonus: +3/min while contested]
Before anyone could escalate, a sharp voice cut through the atrium like a whip.
"ENOUGH!"
All heads turned.
A towering succubus strode toward them from the far archway. Short-cropped emerald-green hair, broad shoulders straining against a fitted black tactical vest, muscular thighs visible beneath a short combat skirt. Twin curved horns swept back from her forehead like a crown, and her amber eyes glowed with barely contained authority. A long whip coiled at her hip like a living thing.
Professor Lorynthra.
She stopped a few feet away, arms crossed, wings snapping once in irritation.
"Vira. Liora. Jaza. And the new incubus who already smells like he's been busy." Her gaze flicked to Lucian, assessing. "You four have approximately ten seconds to stop eye-fucking each other in the middle of the hallway and get your asses to Combat Training 101. Or I'll drag you there myself—by the tails if necessary."
Jaza's wings folded with a reluctant snap. "Spoilsport."
Vira pouted dramatically but released Lucian's wrist. "Fine. But this isn't over."
Liora just smirked and blew Lucian a kiss before sauntering off.
Jaza lingered a second longer, leaning in so only he could hear. "We'll finish this conversation later, pretty boy. I always collect what's owed."
Then she vanished in a puff of smoke.
Professor Lorynthra jerked her head toward the corridor. "Move it, Steele."
Lucian hurried after the others, pulse still racing.
The Combat Training arena was a massive circular chamber beneath the academy's main spire—high vaulted ceiling reinforced with magical runes, padded floors that could absorb demonic impacts, weapon racks lining the walls, and floating orbs that projected holographic training dummies.
About twenty students were already assembled in loose formation. Incubi and succubi alike, most already showing partial demonic traits: small horns, glowing eyes, faint wing buds.
Professor Lorynthra strode to the center like she owned the gravity in the room.
"Listen up," she barked. Her voice carried without effort. "This isn't playtime. Sometimes summons go wrong. Sometimes you're pulled into dangerous situations—jealous partners, rival demons, human hunters who know what you are. Sometimes your summoner is the threat. In those moments, seduction won't save you. Strength, control, and combat will."
She cracked her whip once; the sound echoed like thunder.
"In this class, we train you to protect yourself—and, if you choose, your summoner. We drill evasion, close-quarters combat, energy redirection, and demonic augmentation. Fail here, and the next time a portal yanks you somewhere ugly, you'll be the one who ends up broken."
Her amber eyes swept the group and landed on Lucian.
"We also have a new student today." She gestured sharply. "Lucian Steele. Step forward and introduce yourself."
Lucian swallowed and walked to the center. Every eye followed him—some curious, some amused, some openly hungry. He could still smell faint traces of human women on his skin, and he knew they could too.
"I'm Lucian Steele," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Just turned eighteen today. First day here. Still… figuring things out."
A ripple of laughter and murmurs went through the class.
Professor Lorynthra's lips twitched—almost a smile. "Figuring things out, hm? You already smell like you've figured out the feeding part just fine. Good. Use that energy wisely in here. Lust is fuel. Channel it right, and you'll hit harder than you think."
She clapped her hands once.
"Pair up. Warm-ups start now. New boy—" She pointed at Lucian. "You're with Jaza. Let's see what that fresh conquest energy can do in a real fight."
Jaza materialized beside him in a swirl of smoke, smirking wickedly.
"Looks like fate agrees with me," she purred, cracking her knuckles. "Ready to get physical, Lucian?"
The professor's whip cracked again.
"Begin!"