Page 23 of Unholy Night

“How may I be of assistance, Master?” This next demon is larger. Human sized, with curling black horns poking out from her hair, one of which looks as if it’s busted on the tip. Her eyes are slit, with cat-like pupils, and her skin is a red that reminds me of cherries. She’s wearing cat-eyed glasses and what looks like a traditional maid’s black dress, complete with white collar. Unlike Dan she has five fingers, but like Dan they’re each tipped with long black claws.

“Take Lady Lyla and Mandy to their room. They need to be dressed for the cold. Something durable, please.” Lucifer walks over to his desk, searching for a pen and then scribbles something on a torn piece of paper. “Birch! I need you to help me organize.”

I really take a look at his desk this time and cringe. Sticky notes and papers are sprawled out in a haphazard way. It makes my OCD brain demand I straighten it up. Everything about Lucifer and this realm of Hell seems orderly. But his desk is a complete contrast of chaos.

“Of course, Master.” Birch is taller than Mandy, but not as tall as I am. However, that doesn’t matter. He is all bulging muscles and looks one flex away from ripping his shirt. His skin seems to be made of bark. Large, black horns curl back from his forehead, ending in vicious points. And from what I can make out, his teeth resemble those of a shark. “What are we preparing for?”

“A heist, old friend.” Lucifer slaps the demon on the back. “We’re going to steal Santa’s sleigh."

Mandy sucks in a breath and looks up at me. “Stealing is bad.”

“He meant borrowing. We’re just borrowing it to deliver the presents, then we’re going to return it to Santa.” I shoot a warning look at Lucifer over her head. He smiles back and offers a little shrug.

“Lady Lyla, my name is Fuchsia. If you’ll follow me to your rooms, I’ll help you get dressed.” The red demon smiles and I try to not stare at her fangs. “It’s right this way.”

I pat Mandy on the back and she hops off my lap so I can stand up. “Lead the way, Ms. Fuchsia. I guess we’re changing clothes.”

“We need to change?” Mandy grabs my hand.

“Seems like it.” I squeeze her hand. “We’re going somewhere much colder.”

“Follow me.” Fuchsia opens the door and walks out into the hallway.

I look over to where Lucifer is busy planning with the muscle bound demon. His eyes are animated as he talks quickly and quietly. There is something bright and eager in his demeanor. He looks at me as we head for the door and his smile is so alight with happiness and full of mischief it steals my breath. Everything fades away and my world narrows to him, to this moment. The light glinting in his eyes, the crackling coming from the fireplace as the flames reach for him, the white of his smile.

“Mommy?” Mandy tugs on my hand and I suck in a deep breath.

Lucifer gives me a wink and turns back to plotting.

“Let’s go, Bunny.”

We walk out to the hallway and find Fuchsia waiting for us, her hands clasped gently in front of her stomach, her expression serene.”Your rooms are this way, My Lady.”

“Please, just call me Lyla.” I follow the brisk pace the demon sets. “And we don’t really need a guest room, just a place to change.”

“Oh, My Lady, these aren’t guest rooms. They areyourrooms. Only the people Master dislikes stay in guest rooms.” Fuchsia turns and smiles, revealing her fangs once more. “The moment you set foot in Hell he had rooms designed for both of you.”

“Why would he do that? Our contract is only for one night.” I look at the demon in confusion.

“It’s not my place to presume to know.” She looks at me and her smile grows, giving me the distinct impression she has her own ideas as to why. “I simply do what is asked of me.”

“And you prepared rooms for us in this short time?” We take a left down another hall and I find myself wondering where Lucifer’s room is located.

“I would have liked more time, but I think they will work for now.”

“We really only need one room and like I said, not even that. Just a place to change,” I explain.

“That just won’t do.” Fuchsia keeps up her brisk pace. “Master was specific. He even wanted you both in this hall.”

“What’s so special about this hall?” Mandy asks.

“Ah, this is where the VIP’s stay.” Fuchsia looks down at Mandy. “That means Very Important People. It’s been decades since we made rooms for someone.”

I’m not sure what to think of this information. We’re VIPs? Why?

“Who was the last person to stay in the VIP wing?” Yes, this is a much better train of thought.

“Elvis Presley,” she says. “Quite the character.”