Feywild: B1 - 4. Devilish Trouble

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A rare surge of annoyance pumped through Gabriel’s veins as he strode out of the Tower’s first-floor meeting room, leaving the agitated white-haired matriarch of the Snowpaw Pack speechless; his exit was his response to her disrespect.

Respect amongst werewolves was built on strength and leadership, and his mate needed to command as much. They knew better, so why was it so hard for some packs to grasp his demand?

He was the High Alpha; his decisions were the law within their culture, yet some of the pack alphas had the nerve to question him? His revealed ears and spiked tail sent a whirlwind through the halls as he struggled to constrain his anger.

How many times must I tell them that I won’t marry their daughters unless they’ve Flowered; is it so hard for them to understand I won’t choose a mate unless she’s my equal?! And a 20-year-old pup who has yet to enter the Dream to run in the Wildlands? I don’t care how powerful the pack is as a whole, I could wipe them out in a single night; my wife must be able to do the same!

Fearful looks came from the graduated mages maintaining the structure and its magic. They shied away from his pulsing blue aura and sprouting black fur, reacting to his inner struggle…and, unbidden, the damned woman’s face shot to the surface of his brain: Chelsea’s horned, smug smirk, poking fun at him.

As he stepped into the magical octagon, he hated that his rage melted away when her teasing eyes consumed his thoughts.

My future mate, if I ever find one, should at the very least be able to compete with that infuriating succubus… When did she get so far under my skin? Why put me on a mission with her, of all Manipulators?

His cooled brown eyes shifted to the trembling wizard, operating the teleportation gate. “The instructor’s conference room,” he bluntly stated, his voice low as gravel.

“Just a moment,” the wizard choked, shifting the glowing runes on the wall.

Gabriel’s mind had long forgotten the man, his thoughts turning inward and recalling their recent venture to capture Jade. The trip had only taken three days, yet it showed how intrusive the devil was that she could insert herself into his brain when dealing with pack business. It wasn’t right…but her grin wouldn’t be denied, and the most infuriating part was knowing it had nothing to do with her powers.

He released a long, calming breath and refocused. 

The execution should be over by now, and the fact this meeting was called hints that Jade survived. Why contact me, though? I don’t teach Manipulator courses. That damned succubus isn’t an instructor either. I suppose something probably went wrong…and if Chella was involved, I shouldn’t be surprised.

A touch of anxiety replaced his anger as the familiar shimmer of magic enveloped him. Moments later, he materialized in the conference room. Several figures were already gathered, their expressions a mixture of intrigue and exasperation. Two people immediately snatched his attention:

Nicolas Flamel was an odd sight, given his human status in what should have been a monster gathering. Then there was Stephen’s vicious fiancée of a half-dragon, who was a special student, and was only called upon to represent the young dragon when he was unavailable.

Something big has happened.

He restrained a sigh when Chelsea’s mischievous, brunette college-girl form locked onto him. How did she manage to always worm her way into his personal space recently?

She lightly patted the pulled-out seat next to her, purring, “Gabby, so good of you to join us! Amara’s been getting antsy waiting for you. How was the pack meeting—unfruitful, I assume? When will those wolves learn you’re a sucker for strong women… Like me!”

Gabriel suppressed a growl, not wanting to give her the satisfaction as he walked around the table to join her. He didn’t have an excuse to refuse the offer, and she’d strategically positioned herself to practically leave her side as the only open option. Plus, despite always agitating him at the start, whenever she left, she left him in a brighter mood…and he needed that right now. It was almost unsettling, as if she’d figured him out.

Her lounging posture was a picture of casual amusement when he neared.

“Why is Amara here instead of Stephen… Is he with Jade?”

A dangerous gleam sparked in the half-dragon’s lilac eyes. She now looked interested as she straightened, adjusting her school uniform and skirt. Her thick, long black hair framed her face, exuding both beauty and pride while glancing between the various figures around the table.

“Jade?” Amara whispered, voice laced with arrogance and envy while brushing her bangs behind her pointed ears. “What could be so important about this Jade person that it requires my fiancé’s time?”

Gabriel felt his stomach acid turning upon seeing Chelsea’s burning desire to start trouble. The succubus’ tail weaved behind her, leaning forward to smile at the 54-year-old woman, a kitten to the five century old devil.

“Oh, don’t worry about that little detail, dearie. I’m sure you’ll find your place. After all, we all have our roles to play in this little drama. Is anyone else curious as to what has occupied our star student dragon this fine afternoon?”

Silence followed, further coating Chelsea’s tongue in butter. “Don’t tell me the rumors haven’t reached you yet,” her words sparking murmurs and glances from the others.

The dragon’s suspicious eyes narrowed, waiting for answers. There was a bit of history between them, mostly started by Amara’s arrogance. He could sense the devil was about done playing with kitty gloves for the Dragon Elders’ chosen.

Once again, the succubus managed to sweep his annoyance out of his mind as he followed everyone else’s example, scanning the throng to see who was going to set the direction.

Ever the picture of poise and authority, Principle Marissa was the obvious choice. Posted by the large window, the ancient witch looked over her academy, expression as unreadable as her scent.

Then again, Beiric, the druid patriarch that had guided Arcadia with Marissa over millennia, was also a potential candidate to break the silence.

He didn’t expect much from Professor Aslan, the quarter elf, being one of the few individuals in Arcadia to have fey magic. Yet, Chelsea, ever the center of attention, finally took it upon herself to clarify.

“Well, since you’re all so curious,” the succubus began brightly, her eyes twinkling with a devilish light, “the feyiron guillotine was burned to dust—poof! And the blade itself damaged. The dragon’s holy artifact is no more! Yay! Oh…are we not clapping?” she jokingly laughed.

A heavy atmosphere descended upon the room. Gabriel’s brows furrowed in thought, the implications of such an event were staggering. The fey-slaying guillotine was a revered artifact of the lizards, a symbol of both fear and respect to their power against their mortal rivals.

Amara broke the silence, her voice sharp and incredulous. “How is that possible? If that is so, and you are not trying to stir up trouble, someone must be punished. Is that where Stephen is?”

The room buzzed with tension, and Gabriel glanced at Principal Marissa, who now seemed uncharacteristically troubled, her usual composure slightly cracked. He knew the significance of the artifact, but how was it destroyed? Who was responsible was obvious enough: Jade’s execution.

Her unusual powers at the gateway…

Professor Aslan stood up, his face a mask of concern. “The implications of this are vast. It’s functioned perfectly since long before any of us were born. Who is this Jade person? Was it her? How could anything but a True Dragon damage such a potent artifact of the Mythical Age?”

Nicolas Flamel broke his silence for the first time, curiosity on his face. “This is certainly no small feat. The feyiron guillotine is ancient and powerful…immune to any scrutiny from my wife and my observations. What manner of being could do it? Someone on the Saint level? If it has been destroyed, I’d love to examine the remains. The safety of the academy could be at stake if the feyiron is unstable.”

Gabriel felt a familiar weight settle on his shoulders. He had been brought into this meeting for a reason. His thoughts turned to Jade. Could she somehow be connected to this incident?

The timing seemed too coincidental. Everyone was assuming Chelsea had named Jade the culprit, but the devil was tricky with her words. His gaze darted to Chelsea as she clarified, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.

“Indeed! Indeed! It seems our little Jade, a suspected fey, is responsible for the destruction…a Luminary. On a side note, as it turns out, the dragons didn’t create the execution device—it was crafted by the High Queen of the fey.”

A murmur of shock rippled through the room, but it was Amara who reacted the strongest. Her eyes flashed with fury as she snarled and rose to her feet, a thin red aura surrounding her.

“You speak nonsense, succubus; you’ve gone too far!”

Chelsea leaned forward, her impish eyes twinkling with challenge at the prideful dragon, and she saw unease creep into some of the other instructors at the stand-off.

Gabriel recognized the half-dragon Bloom was a force to be reckoned with, even at the Bloom level…yet, the Archdevil was newly Flowered: Amara could destroy a house in a burst of strength…Chelsea, a skyscraper.

“Oh, Amara, darling,” the succubus lilted, tongue dripping poison. “If I’m speaking nonsense, why is your fiancé in my room with another girl and not here…in your seat? He could be in a messy bed right now, as my sheets usually are.”

“Keep talking, devil!”

Chelsea paused, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “You know, I have noticed Stephen has a thing for mysteries. Maybe Jade’s just another one he wants to unravel.”

The words struck at Amara’s insecurities, her pride and possessiveness flaring, the atmosphere becoming heavy with her releasing draconic aura. “I told you to watch your tongue, Doctor, or I’ll—”

“Or you’ll what?” Chelsea interrupted, her tone playful yet sharp, a single flick of her barbed tail sending a rush of hellish wind that stripped the heat out of Amara’s sails. “Get angry? Scold me…cry and throw a tantrum? Face it, Amara, you can’t control everything. Least of all, Stephen’s interests…or me.”

Gabriel sighed inwardly. This was not the time for petty squabbles, and Chelsea was pushing Amara’s buttons intentionally to instigate a fight. Was it because he was here? Why had that thought entered his brain?

“Enough, both of you,” he said, his voice firm and placing a hand on Chelsea’s arm. “This isn’t about personal grievances. We need to focus on the real issue at hand—figuring out what happened and ensuring the safety of the academy.”

Chelsea’s tempting, flaming eyes and aura popped like a balloon at his touch, her tail coiling around it like a snake as she tilted to give him the most innocent smile. “I knew I could get you to make contact! Your hands are so…rough, Gabby. I love it!”

Damn devil woman, Gabriel internally sighed, feeling as if he’d somehow lost…again.

Principle Marissa, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, her voice calm yet commanding. “Gabriel is right, Chelsea, enough. Stop causing trouble. The destruction of the feyiron guillotine is a serious matter.”

Chelsea leaned back, her impish grin undiminished, but she obeyed. “Just a little devilish fun.”

He could practically hear the dragon’s grinding teeth as her fingers broke into the table’s wood. She managed to settle down, though. It wasn’t like she could do anything to anyone in the room at her current strength in any case, and the devil was subtly poking the lizard to remind her she wasn’t dealing with students.

The witch paused, her auburn hair fluttering as she moved to take her seat, intense orange irises fixated on the succubus. “The board of directors has made a decision regarding Jade and the guillotine incident.”

Gabriel sat back, not having any particular leg in the race. He didn’t agree with the executions of every fey but it wasn’t a part of his domain. Whatever was decided, he’d help Jade as much as was possible, given his station. Someone had to be on the monster’s side in this hellish academy…even fey.

Marissa turned to the rest of the group, her gaze steady and unyielding. “They have voted against my recommendation to send Jade to Feymore. Instead, she will attend Arcadia and will be placed in Gabriel’s class.”

Gabriel’s confused eyes flicked to Professor Aslan’s mirrored expression, the quarter elf’s vision soon creasing with anger.

“Gabriel’s class? If she is a fey, then she should be in my class! This is preposterous!”

“Classes?!” Amara balked. “This is unbelievable. She destroyed the feyiron guillotine!”

Marissa's gaze turned to ice as she regarded Aslan, and the half-dragon suddenly cowed at her overwhelming presence.

“If it had been solely up to me, Amara, Jade would have been executed by my hands. But that was the minority opinion.” Her gaze then shifted to Beiric, the druid remaining silent throughout the exchange.

She gave the elder a scathing glare that sent a shiver down Gabriel’s spine. Forget Flowered, these two titans amongst the human mages were above the Blossom level…Saints, essentially natural disasters.

Yet, under the Witch Queen’s glare Beiric remained perfectly calm, his aged expression serene; he didn’t respond to the hostility. Clearly, he had been a critical member of the board of directors that had voted against her proposal. There were deeper currents at play.

Amara’s anger was immediately redirected, now looking contemplative. “Why would the Dragon Elders choose to keep her here if she destroyed our artifact? I see…”

Gabriel highly doubted the half-dragon understood the reasoning behind their decisions as the woman’s teeth rose into a grin, sensing her bloodlust. She’d no doubt thought they were giving her some level of authority since it was now within Arcadia’s jurisdiction.

Marissa's gaze softened slightly as she looked out of the window again, though her voice retained its edge. “All you need to know is that there is great potential in her if properly managed.”

Gabriel rubbed the stubble on his chin, finally managing to get Chelsea’s tail off his arm to the succubus’ light pout. “I understand the board’s decision is final. I can recognize that Jade has already shown a unique capability to handle fey magic… I just don’t understand why you’d put a Manipulator in my class. I can’t teach her much.”

Aslan opened his mouth to protest again, but Marissa raised a hand to silence him. “This is not up for debate,” she firmly stated. “The board made their decision. And Arcadia is my domain. Gabriel will oversee her training. End of discussion.”

Beiric’s nose creased with displeasure, the two Saints’ and members of the board locking eyes like electricity again, his voice still calm and measured as he spoke up.

“Use your power over Arcadia to withhold explicit instruction from Jade as much as you like, Missy, it won’t change the fact that she is a Luminary. The Feywild will teach her itself.”

Marissa’s lips curved into a tight smile, their unusually hostile interactions sparking interest in not only Gabriel by the looks on the others’ faces.

“Then let it teach her. She will not be granted any special privileges other than the protection of not being killed by non-students, as the rules dictate. She will receive no additional resources or leniency outside what others offer her…and I will let my displeasure be known for those that do.”

Chelsea raised her hand, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “What exactly is a Luminary?”

Marissa's expression darkened, her orange eyes flashing with a warning that sent the succubus sinking into her chair. “Why don’t you ask Asmodeus, but I doubt you’ll receive an answer from your Sovereign. That is not for you to know, Chelsea. A Luminary is something that should never have been made…at least Hell was on my side.”

Gabriel sensed the weight of Marissa’s words, understanding that the Principal’s knowledge ran deep and dark.

Chelsea, not one to be easily dissuaded, pressed on. “But isn’t there any information we should know about a Luminary?  Well, if they’re that troublesome. Any potential dangers or signs to watch for? The devil is in the details, after all!”

Amara, still fuming but now intrigued, crossed her arms. “So, we’re just supposed to let her roam around and hope the Feywild doesn’t turn her into something you can’t control?”

Marissa’s expression was resolute. “Luminaries are controversial and fraught with danger, much more a fey Luminary. Your focus should be on ensuring that Jade is frustrated and hated amongst her peers so she does not become a threat to herself or others. You want my advice on what you should do? Isolate her.”

The room hushed as the weight of Marissa’s words settled over them; it was now obvious why she’d put a Manipulator in his class. Jade’s presence in Arcadia was a potential powder keg, and adding someone like Chelsea into the mix, and it was a full-blown nuclear meltdown. To make matters worse…it was now his problem.

All eyes darted to Nick as the renowned Alchemist adjusted his three-piece suit. His red, black-trimmed undercoat and shining ruby bolo-tie were in sharp contrast to his white overcoat, dress shirt, and pants.

“Excuse me, President, but might my wife and I have half of Jade’s lessons to share the load with Professor Gabriel?”

Bewildered eyes darted to the white-haired man which soon went to Marissa. The Witch Queen’s eyes creased, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips while glancing toward Beiric.

“Very well,” she finally decided, “I will allow you two to work out the details.”

Chelsea's eyes sparkled with interest. “Oh? No monster has attended a human class since as long as…well, since I was a little ember in Hell. This should be interesting.”

The druid’s fingers tightened against his staff. “So that is why you invited Nicolas here. He only wants her in his class to take samples. This is playing with fire none of us can understand, Marissa.”

Marissa’s frigid stare returned. “If you didn’t want to play with the unknown, you should have been on my side. She vanished in a flicker of light. “This meeting is adjourned.”

Amara's face twisted with anger in her exit. “Why would they let a suspected fey near my fiancé?” she demanded. “Stephen is supposed to be protected from such influences; it’s the purpose of the guillotine being here in the first place!”

I highly doubt that, but…

Gabriel gave Chelsea a look, her impish eyes dancing to respond.

Don’t do it!

“Oh, darling, you know I must! She’s the worst.”

“What are you afraid of, Amara…that Stephen isn’t strong enough to resist her charms?”

Amara can to a halt by the magical runes.

“What?!”

A teasing smirk lifted the succubus’ eyes. “True Fey can affect True Dragons with their magic, you know. How could an arranged marriage to a woman twice his age compete with genuine attraction? Feeling pressured, sweetie?”

Amara's hands clenched while advancing back to the table, her fingers sinking into it and breaking part of its stability. “Are you saying Jade is more attractive than me? That Stephen would break his duty to our race by…by fornicating with a Wilding?!”

Chelsea winked, putting a finger to her lips. “Your response is evidence enough regarding your tentative relationship.”

“The Elders will hear about your tongue, devil!”

“What a pitiful response for a dragon,” Chelsea lamented.

Gabriel rose, his tone firm and calming. “This isn’t about attraction or duty. It’s about ensuring Jade is monitored and properly guided…as was my task. Don’t make this personal. We’re here to maintain the balance between devils, angels, humans, and monsters alike.”

Amara glared at Chelsea but said nothing more, her anger simmering just below the surface since there truly wasn’t anything she could do. Chelsea merely smiled, a picture of smug satisfaction, as was typical. Gabriel figured this was only the beginning of the complications Jade’s presence would bring to his life.

As they all began to leave, Gabriel couldn't shake the feeling of the immense responsibility now resting on his shoulders. Jade was a wild card, a variable that could tip the balance in ways none of them could fully predict, or the powers that be were willing to share.

He caught Amara’s eye as she stormed out, her pride clearly wounded. Chelsea lifted from her chair with a satisfied grin playing on her lips.

“Care for a late lunch with me, handsome? We can share a glass of wine while explaining things to Jade. It would be good to have a woman’s touch nearby, and who better than someone she already is well accustomed to dealing with at this point?”

Gabriel lingered a moment longer, letting the succubus’ invitation simmer while watching the interactions unfold. His thoughts drifted back to the meeting with the Snowpaw pack. The notion of marriage was already a thorn in his side, then there was this devilish woman, and now this new challenge with Jade looming over his head: his neck might as well have been on that chopping block.

Nick was quick to come around the table, but Chelsea was faster, extending a welcoming flick of her tail to  draw the man’s gaze. She extended her hand to shake his, the Alchemist unknowingly taking the bait, allowing her to pull him into a hug.

“Professor Gabriel, I look forward to—oh, uh, hehe, Doctor Chelsea…that’s a tight grip!”

“And yet soft as clouds!” she cooed, pulling him forward to insert herself between them. “I look forward to our partnership in guiding our budding little dormant flower! Shared custody is a beautiful thing, is it not?”

“You’re unbelievable,” Gabriel groaned, shaking the Alchemist’s hand and reflecting his forced smile. “Maybe we should discuss Jade over dinner tomorrow?”

Chelsea licked her lips and clapped her hands together. “It’s a date! Will your wife be joining, as well, Nick?”

“Haha. I’ll see if she can make it…”

“Excellent!”

The Alchemist was swift to run…which was the smart thing to do, and, beside Beiric, Aslan was the last to leave, still muttering to himself in frustration.

“If she is truly a fey, she should be under my tutelage. This is absurd,” he grumbled, not meeting Gabriel’s gaze as he exited. “What is a Luminary, and why rob me of a fellow fey?”

Beiric, ever the pillar of calm, approached Gabriel, showing an unusually approving look at the succubus. “Well done poking things along, Chelsea.”

She latched onto the elder’s arm, looping her other around Gabriel’s while steering them toward the teleportation runes. “Just doing my contracted duty as a bringer of chaos amidst the sheep! So, what juicy details can you share, you old fox?”

Gabriel’s brow furrowed. “There was a plan?”

“Of sorts,” the druid mumbled, “and not enough to satiate your ravenous appetite, dear.”

A resigned sigh and pout came to the woman’s mouth. “That’s disappointing.”

Beiric slowed their progress, his tone turning serious. “Remember, Gabriel, the Feywild will have its way, regardless of our interventions. We must tread carefully.”

Gabriel nodded, appreciating the druid’s wisdom in the coming trial that was thrust onto him. “I know, Beiric. But we also have a responsibility to guide her, and to protect everyone here… I just realized, but Stephen wouldn’t be with Jade unless you asked him to.”

Chelsea snickered, her soft chest pressing against his bicep. “There’s my Gabby!”

Beiric’s eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement. “Indeed. And sometimes, guidance means knowing when to step back and let nature take its course. Jade was an enigma of sorts…an anomaly that the Principal fears, and not for unfounded reasons.”

With that, Beiric activated the magic in the stones himself, taking them onto ground level and paused at the entrance. He observed the flow of people. Nick headed toward the left wing—the human part of Arcadia—his expression one of content focus. Amara, in stark contrast, stormed off toward the west wing, her anger palpable even from a distance.

Chelsea, ever the provocateur, couldn't resist a few jokes; her antics somehow brightened his heavy spirit. “Think Amara will break more furniture in her rage? Maybe Stephen should invest in sturdier tables… Wait, she’s going to my room! Well, I can just bill the Dragon Elders, I suppose.”

Gabriel smirked despite himself. “You're not helping, Chelsea.”

Her perfectly clipped fingernail lifted to poke at the corner of his mouth, singing, “This says otherwise!”

Beiric’s expression turned serious as he watched Nick disappear down the corridor. “Both of you…watch out for the Flamels.”

Chelsea’s eyes widened while looking beyond the students and Tower staff with a spike of intrigue. “Oooh? Am I sensing some history? They were brought on by the Principal, were they not? Their Alchemy certainly has lowered monster mortality rates over the last few years, but I haven’t sensed anything more evil from them…not that I’ve taken much of an interest to investigate. Maybe I should,” she hummed.

The druid stroked his beard. “Sharp as ever, lassy. Indeed, Missy may have recommended them and brought them on after the board’s approval, but their goal is research, not teaching. They're playing a deeper game here.”

Gabriel nodded, the weight of Beiric’s words settling heavily on his shoulders.Yet more things added to his plate. “I’ll keep an eye on them. And on Jade.”

Chelsea's eyes gleamed with mischief and something more. “Seems like we’re in for an interesting term. Keep your claws sharp, Gabby! I may need an itch scratched,” she winked. “And I’ve been craving something with a bit of a beast inside them.”

Gabriel sighed, knowing Chelsea’s words held more truth than jest; she was a succubus, after all. “You always do when I’m around. Let’s just make sure we’re prepared for whatever comes next…and not get distracted.”

With that, the druid left, and he let the succubus guide him to her bed chambers to inform Jade and Stephen about what had been decided…not that the horny devil saw it that way with her teasing remarks and tail. How did he get into these situations? No, maybe it was Jade’s misfortune flowing onto him for being a part of her capture duo…it would be just his luck.

As they walked, Chelsea’s curiosity got the better of her. “Gabby, what exactly is a Luminary? The Witch Queen was annoyingly tight-lipped about it.”

“How should I know?” he grunted.

She latched onto his arm, her playful nature reasserting itself as they made their way towards the monster area’s hospital district; he didn’t pay any mind to the looks the Dormant monsters gave their looped arms or the succubus’ blushing cheeks. Most of the students looked no different than humans since pure breeds were extremely rare these days and even rarer in Arcadia.

“I think I can take a guess!”

“Uh-huh.”

“A Luminary is a force capable of disrupting the delicate balance,” she stated as if proudly speaking from a script from the Principal herself. “Whether that disruption is for better or worse is yet to be determined. Gabby, you know what this means, right, right?”

“Haaa. I wish I didn’t… Imagine the chaos, the drama?”

“Oh, it’s going to be delicious.”

Gabriel sighed, trying to keep his focus. “Chelsea, I think you’re stirring up too much trouble already. I know you’re under contract, and you follow a strict guideline as Hell’s representative here, but try to think about others…a little.”

She leaned in closer, her voice a sultry whisper. “Oh, you’re always on my mind, sweetie, and I’m a devil… Trouble is my middle name, Gabby. Or haven’t you noticed?”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. “You might as well have it on a nameplate with the hornets nest you’ve stirred up with the dragons.”

Chelsea’s laugh was light and musical. “If I had a nameplate for every trouble I caused, I’d need a bigger door. I’ve always liked the doctor title, too. No need to complicate it. I’m a doctor of the heart!”

“Pfft!” Gabriel shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here you are, arms looped around this troublesome devil’s slender waist, Gabby.”

Her guiding fingers directed his hand momentarily to places it shouldn’t be, her seductive eyes tempting and alight with glee

“I’m not…mmm-hehehe. Really?”

“Walking me to my room like this, you’re awakening my devil’s heart! Does this mean you’re finally succumbing to my charms?” She batted her eyelashes dramatically. “I can sense your walls crumbling, and so quickly after all the years I’ve teased you.”

Gabriel rolled his eyes, removing his hand only for his backside to tense as her tail wrapped around his and her arm entangled his again.

“Chelsea!”

“No one’s looking, I’ll make sure of it,” she breathed, her hellish breath hot against his ears. “Just a little longer… Fine! Fine! No tail… Sourpuss.”

There was a hint of amusement in his gaze as she pouted and released his tail; he really did need to find a wolf that could match her…and fast. “Or maybe I just want to make sure you don't cause any more chaos tonight.”

Chelsea’s grin returned, unrepentant to her nature. “Chaos is my essence, my little puppy dog. You’re well aware. Besides, what fun would life be without a little devil on your shoulder?”

As they reached her door, Chelsea turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Well, here we are, handsome. My room. You’ve finally made it after holding back for so long, Gabby. Aren’t you just a bit curious what happens next?”

Gabriel stuck his hands in his pockets, giving her a weary look. “Chelsea, you’re stepping on my tail enough today. Can we just go in and tell Jade the bad news…that she’ll probably die here?”

She laughed, a teasing glint in her blazing eyes. “Oh, no need to be grim; it's an adventure! And stepped on your tail? Oh-no, do I need to massage it better… I’m quite skilled!”

“Chella…”

The succubus’ hands darted to her mouth, practically glowing. “You called me Chella again! Ahhh! I’m so turned-on. Okay. Okay. I’m cooling off,” she giggled. “Just give me a moment to prepare myself… It’s not every day a succubus invites someone into her bedroom.”

Gabriel shook his head; this woman was ruining him. “Maybe I should go and let you handle it if your itch is this bad tonight. Goodnight, Chelsea, and try not to visit me in my dreams…or cause any disasters before morning. It’s not like I’m going to be able to guide her into the female dorms.”

Chelsea gave him a mock salute. “No promises, Gabby. Sweet dreams. And aren’t you lucky my room is in the hospital ward; no pesky gender rules,” she whispered, slipping through her door in a flash of fire without opening it. “Don’t worry. I’ll stop those incessant nightmares… I always do.”

As he turned to leave, Gabriel couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and anticipation. The days ahead were uncertain, filled with potential chaos and unexpected turns. But with allies like Beiric and, yes, even a temptress like Chelsea, he felt a rare surge to his heartbeat…maybe that was why he enjoyed being with the dubious succubus? Of course, he’d never tell her that.

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