POV — the Writer
"We all swore an oath; and bound ourselves with a vow under shared curses, that we would not change this plan, but carry it through to the end."
That night, on the hillside near the city, in a half-collapsed cellar, THOSE Watchers gathered who, according to ancient records, once brought destruction upon the Earth. There were ten of them in total. A mortal woman was already waiting for them there.
They gathered here, in the only place where the spell they had bound themselves with ten thousand years ago concealed their magical practices from both Heaven and Hell. This was the site of their ancient oath.
"So it has begun," Seraquel whispered to herself.
"As we suspected, Azazel has returned to the human world," Samyaza reported to the two who had not yet been informed of the events.
"We deceived Uriel. The 'higher ones' broke their promise to erase original sin. We sent a mortal child to Pandemonium," Seraquel added.
A flicker of pain crossed the woman's face, but for the rest of the gathering she concealed her emotions well. Samyaza brought news of her: in Pandemonium, Lilith and Astaroth had taken the little girl under their protection.
"Heaven will now search for the Watcher who committed the sin again after ten thousand years, and the 'higher ones' will collide with their own guilt."
Tamiel spoke in a whisper as well, as if anything might escape from the place of their ancient oath.
"Lucifer remains silent about the mistake. That is troubling," Samyaza remarked.
"As always, he's trying to roast his own meat over someone else's fire," Kokabel waved it off dismissively.
They all suspected that Lucifer was merely trying to divert Heaven's attention from something. That was why he hastily forged his plan to create a demonic bloodline.
"He cannot leave Pandemonium. That which could take him out has been lost for ten thousand years," Seraquel reassured the others.
Their meeting continued for another half hour, but it consisted mostly of friendly conversation.
"If necessary, we will meet here again, as always," they said as they parted from one another in a cordial mood.
Down below, in the bright and still-bustling city, Betty—and Azazel as well—slept peacefully, although Azazel had already sensed the coming trouble in the air.
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POV — AZAZEL
Another workday. Well, I won't say that this day at the office was not full of surprises.
First of all, Tamara invited me out for coffee.
Once again, I observed her makeup carefully. This woman chose the wrong career path. Instead of office work, she could put her talent to use as a professional makeup artist. One day, I'll mention my opinion to Betty. Perhaps it will reach Tamara that way.
As a warm-up, Tamara talked about the Rrr-Take market research results. Then, as if it were insignificant, she stirred her coffee and handed me a ticket to a late-afternoon concert. Her sister is an artist. The piece will premiere today.
"Would you do us a favor and come? We'd like to fill the large hall."
"I'll be there."
That was it. A seemingly insignificant interlude. We continued talking about the market research.
She gave me one ticket. I knew her partner was with Betty. I knew that Betty had asked her to include me in their afternoon plans.
I no longer felt the danger to be so threatening. If necessary, I would protect Betty before both Heaven and Hell.
So, from today on, Tamara stepped in as an intermediary. I smiled to myself and would have most gladly hugged this woman in gratitude—if I hadn't been wary of Paula's watchful eyes. Who knows what she would be capable of fabricating behind our backs?
Paula had already thrown the "workplace relationship" card onto the table, but she might be capable… what's more, this woman—as Betty calls her—is quite capable of it… of eventually accusing me of adultery.
Just because I appeared with better qualifications, and she no longer feels secure in her managerial chair.
Yes. There are human beings like that. They glue themselves to their boss's chair with superglue, and it takes a Watcher—or a demon—to pry them loose.
If she were a good manager, I wouldn't say a word. But for this woman, even a tiny bit of authority has gone straight to her head. Instead of constructive team-building, she suppresses and torments her subordinates.
So, before I hold the meeting with the demons, I'm going to a concert with Betty.
I wouldn't have traded this ticket even for THAT grimoire.
Lucifer-related tension was just beginning to creep into my thoughts when Selma summoned me to her office.
"Put the results of the market research project on my desk as soon as possible," she demanded.
I didn't understand why she wasn't discussing this with Paula.
"Okay," I replied.
She slid her glasses down to the bridge of her nose and examined me.
"You have good qualifications, and I like you," she continued.
At first, I was stunned. Neither Betty nor Naberius would be happy about this.
Then I felt relieved.
"I've been informed about Paula's upcoming criminal proceedings. After you present the results, I want to appoint you as team leader."
"Wow," I thought. "I already lead a team of demons, and now I'll be leading humans too."
I never wanted a career in the human world, but it seems I can't avoid it.
Betty will probably still be glad that Paula receives the punishment she deserves, so I was glad too.
Paula deserves it.
The team worked hard all morning. The day after tomorrow, we'll be able to place the results on Selma's desk.
I was on my way home when I was struck by a pillar-of-salt curse. An angel attacked me! I didn't see who did it.
I stood motionless in front of a shop window, unable to move for minutes. I tried to pretend I was just looking at the display.
Before the concert, I need to acquire talismans against angelic magic. I must give one to Betty as well.
Heaven has sent a message.
I received a warning.