I settled into my seat in Professor Zellaris's classroom, watching her blue-skinned form pace before the blackboard. Her purple hair swayed with each step as she wrote "Dimensional Travel" in flowing script.

"Before we delve into the intricacies of pact-making, there are fundamental concepts about dimensional travel you must understand," she began, turning to face us.

"Many of you might think traveling between worlds is straightforward." Professor Zellaris raised one elegant eyebrow. "It is not."

She drew a series of interconnected circles on the board. "When demons use conventional methods like gates or spells to enter other realms, we face certain... restrictions."

My pen paused above my notebook as she continued.

"The moment we step through, we're marked as outsiders. The very fabric of that reality actively resists our presence." She tapped the chalk against the board. "This resistance dampens both our physical and magical abilities. Push too hard against these limitations..."

She made a popping gesture with her hands. "And you'll find yourself ejected back to Hell. Trust me, it's not a pleasant experience."

I noticed several students shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

"Though magical items are exempt from these restrictions," she added. "They operate independently of our presence."

A succubus with emerald hair raised her hand. "Professor, we visited the mortal realm last week, but I didn't feel any restrictions."

I thought back to our London trip. She had a point - I hadn't noticed any limitations either.

Professor Zellaris nodded knowingly. "That's because you likely didn't attempt anything too extreme. Basic abilities and simple spells rarely provoke the realm's rejection. It's when you try to exercise greater power that you'll encounter resistance."

The explanation made sense. We'd kept our activities relatively mundane during our visit - no major magic beyond glamours and basic charm abilities.

"However," Professor Zellaris's lips curved into a knowing smile, "being summoned is an entirely different matter."

She drew a new diagram showing a summoning circle with arrows pointing inward. "When mortals summon us, they essentially invite us into their realm. This invitation circumvents the usual restrictions."

I leaned forward, intrigued. This explained why some demons preferred being summoned rather than traveling directly.

"A summoned demon becomes, temporarily, a legitimate part of that reality," she continued, her chalk tapping rhythmically. "The only limitations you'll face are those explicitly stated in your pact with the summoner."

Her expression grew serious. "But remember - the mortal who summoned you can just as easily dismiss you once your obligations are fulfilled. This is why the art of pact-making is crucial."

She began listing examples on the board. "A mortal might request 'wealth' - but what kind? How much? Through what means? The vaguer their terms, the more... creative we can be with our interpretation."

Several students chuckled. I noticed Aria scribbling furiously beside me.

"Your pact is your protection, but also your constraint," Professor Zellaris emphasized. "Learn to spot loopholes. Master the art of misdirection. A clever demon can fulfill their obligation while maximizing their own benefit."

She paused, fixing us with her penetrating gaze. "Remember - mortals usually focus on what they want, rarely on how they want it. Use that oversight to your advantage."

I watched Professor Zellaris lean against her desk, a predatory smile playing across her blue-tinted features. "Let me share a personal example of why vague terms are a demon's best friend."

Her purple hair caught the light as she straightened. "Years ago, a mortal noble summoned me. His request?" She paused dramatically. "To make that night 'an unforgettable experience.'"

A ripple of knowing laughter spread through the classroom.

"I started conventionally enough. Bound him to his bed - silk scarves, very tasteful. He assumed it was foreplay." Her smile widened. "I left him there, letting his imagination run wild with possibilities."

She paced the front of the room, her heels clicking against the stone floor. "When I returned, I wasn't alone. I dragged in his first wife by her hair." Professor Zellaris's voice dropped to a whisper. "You should have seen his face when I drew the blade across her throat. The way her blood sprayed across his chest... quite artistic, really."

My stomach clenched, but I kept my expression neutral. Around me, other students leaned forward, enthralled.

"He screamed, of course. Demanded release." She waved dismissively. "But he went very quiet when I brought in his second wife. By the third, he was begging." She adopted a mocking, pleading tone. "'Please, I'll break the pact! You can go free!' As if I didn't know he could banish me just as easily."

Aria nudged me, grinning. I managed a weak smile in return.

"With each kill, I'd whisper in his ear - 'Is tonight unforgettable yet?'" Professor Zellaris's eyes gleamed. "The children were next. Then the servants. Anyone in that grand house. I took my time, made each death... unique."

She described in loving detail how she'd arranged the bodies, how she'd used different methods - some quick, some slow. How she'd positioned the noble to ensure he could see everything. The way she'd painted the walls with blood, arranged limbs into macabre art pieces.

"By the end, he was absolutely mad with grief and terror. His essence..." She closed her eyes in remembered pleasure. "So deliciously flavoured with fear and insanity."

She gestured casually. "He serves me in Hell now. Sometimes, when I'm feeling nostalgic, I make him relive that night." Her smile turned wistful. "Ah, youth. Those were fun days."

Around me, my classmates chuckled and nodded appreciatively. Even Isabella looked impressed. I heard whispers about the noble's foolishness, about the elegant simplicity of the trap.

I waited for the horror to hit me. For the revulsion I would have felt as Liam. But it didn't come.

Yes, the story was brutal. Cruel. But I found myself analyzing it clinically rather than emotionally. The noble had been careless with his wording. The demon had exploited the loophole. It was simply... business.

I glanced around at my laughing classmates, at my teachers, at my friends. They were demons. All of them. And now, so was I.

Was this my new body's influence? The way it processed death differently? To demons, death wasn't an ending - just a transition. Mortals were like... livestock. No, that wasn't quite right. Humans generally didn't torture their cattle for entertainment.

"Now," Professor Zellaris continued, "let's discuss how to identify and exploit similar opportunities in your own pacts..."

I picked up my pen and began taking notes, pushing aside the uncomfortable questions about my changing perspective. There would be time for moral philosophy later.

I forced my attention back to Professor Zellaris as she moved to the next topic, her heels clicking against the stone floor.

"Now, a crucial warning." Her playful demeanour shifted to deadly serious. "Never offer what you cannot deliver in a pact. The realm will bind you there until you fulfil your obligations."

She paused, letting that sink in. "There are only two ways out of an unfulfillable pact. First - being forcefully banished." Her face twisted. "And let me stress this - it is VERY painful. The second way is somehow managing to fulfil the impossible terms."

I jotted down notes, recognizing the importance of this information. Beside me, Aria had stopped doodling in her notebook margins to pay attention.

"Fortunately," Professor Zellaris continued, "most mortals summon demons suited to their needs. They won't request impossible feats from a succubus when they could summon a devil for power, or an imp for menial tasks."

She perched on the edge of her desk. "However, if you find yourself in an undesirable summoning and wish to avoid forming any pact at all, there's a delightfully simple solution."

Her purple lips curved into a wicked smile. "Trick the mortal into breaking the summoning circle before the pact is finalized. Once that circle breaks, you're free to do whatever you please in their realm."

Several students exchanged gleeful looks at this revelation. I could practically see them filing away this information for future use.

"A dropped book, a startled jump, even a well-timed sneeze - any disruption to the circle's integrity will do," Professor Zellaris explained. "The mortals are usually so focused on their grand speeches and demands that they never notice the subtle manipulations leading to their circle's breach."

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

The class continued with Professor Zellaris delving into the nuances of pact-making. She outlined common mortal psychological weaknesses - their desire for wealth, power, and pleasure making them easy to manipulate. Her chalk scratched across the board as she detailed the structural vulnerabilities in various summoning circle designs.

When the class finally ended, I gathered my notes while Aria stretched beside me. Isabella joined us near the door, her silver hair catching the light.

Valentina brushed past, shooting us a venomous glare. We ignored her, already used to her hostility after the failed nectar incident.

"That was... weirdly both boring and interesting," Aria said, adjusting her bag.

"Every class that doesn't involve alchemy or sex is somewhat boring to you," I pointed out.

Aria's bottom lip jutted out in an exaggerated pout. "True. But you're one to talk - you find all the super boring stuff interesting."

Isabella's soft chuckle drew our attention. "Do you two have anything planned for today?"

"No," I said, curious. "Why do you ask?"

"I'll be running an errand for my family." Isabella's ice-blue eyes sparkled. "Would you like to come along?"

Before I could even process the invitation, Aria grabbed my arm. "Yes! We're definitely coming!"

"Wait, I didn't-" I started, but Aria's enthusiasm drowned out my protest.

I walked beside Aria and Isabella through the obsidian streets of Igneus, the heat from nearby lava flows warming my skin. The weight of what we'd just done nagged at me.

"So why did we need to collect all those weapons?" I asked Isabella. The memory of the massive arsenal - swords, spears, and other implements of war - stored in her spatial ring made me uneasy.

Isabella's ice-blue eyes darted around before she answered in a low voice. "Mother received word of brewing trouble that could spill into other circles. She wanted us prepared, and since I was closest, she asked me to handle the pickup."

"Trouble?" Aria's purple eyes widened with interest. "What kind of trouble?"

"I don't know all the details," Isabella admitted, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. "From what I gathered, there's some kind of power struggle happening between demon lords in Glacius."

"The Second Circle?" Aria's usual playful demeanor sobered. "That's... concerning."

I watched both their expressions, noting how even Aria's perpetual smile had dimmed. The weapons suddenly felt more ominous than before, even locked away in Isabella's ring.

"Mother didn't share much else," Isabella continued. "But whatever's happening in those frozen wastes has her worried enough to start stockpiling weapons."

The crystalline formations above cast shifting shadows across our path as we walked. Other demons passed us, going about their daily routines, unaware of the potential conflict brewing in the circle above.

"Do you think it will really spread here?" Aria asked, her voice unusually serious.

Isabella shrugged. "Hard to say. But House Lilitu doesn't take chances."

I bit my lip, considering what Isabella had said. The idea of war spreading to Igneus seemed far-fetched - Mo…Lilith and Lucifer wouldn't allow it. Even if they stayed out of most demon politics, they'd shown enough care for me that they wouldn't let conflict reach here before I graduated.

Then again, what did I really know about them? Two months of interactions hardly made me an expert on their motivations or methods.

"I think it's unlikely the fighting would reach Igneus," I said, keeping my deeper thoughts private. "But it's good your family is taking precautions."

Isabella nodded, adjusting the sleeve of her uniform. "Speaking of family, I need to deliver these weapons to our estate. Would you two prefer to head back to the Academy, or come with me?"

"Oh, I'll come!" Aria bounced on her heels, her earlier solemnity forgotten. "I've never seen the Lilitu estate."

I hesitated. Walking into a noble house filled with purebloods who might recognize my connection to Mother seemed risky. But Isabella seemed to trust us enough to involve us in her family business, and refusing now might raise suspicion.

"What could go wrong?" I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Count me in.

As we approached what appeared to be a carriage, I paused. The vehicle was sleek and dark, seeming to absorb the ambient light around it. Most striking was the absence of horses - nothing appeared to be ready to pull it.

Aria clapped her hands together. "Oh! A shadow carriage! I've never ridden in one before!"

Isabella raised an eyebrow at us. "You didn't think we'd walk all the way to the estate, did you? That would take more than a day."

She gestured toward the carriage, where a demon in formal attire stood by the door. "These are my friends," she told him. "They'll be accompanying me."

Aria didn't wait for further invitation. She bounded inside with a delighted squeal. "This is amazing! The cushions are so soft!"

I followed more cautiously, sliding onto the plush seat across from Aria. The interior was luxurious - rich fabrics in deep purples and blacks covered comfortable seats, while crystal sconces cast a warm glow throughout the cabin.

Isabella entered last, settling beside me with practiced grace. "Would either of you care for refreshments during the journey?"

"Ooh, do you have anything with Angel's Essence?" Aria leaned forward eagerly.

A small laugh escaped Isabella. "That's about sixty percent of what I keep stocked in here."

The carriage began to move, picking up speed with surprising smoothness. I watched through the window as we lifted off the ground, soaring through the crimson skies of Igneus.

I watched the crimson landscape pass beneath us as Isabella broke the contemplative silence.

"You know, we're not your typical pureblood family at the Lilitu estate," she said, swirling her drink. "You won't find any Valentinas there. My mother doesn't care about status - she believes in merit above all else."

"That's quite a healthy attitude," I said, turning my attention back to the cabin.

Aria nodded vigorously. "Thank hell for that. I'm so fed up with people like Valentina, strutting around thinking they're important just because of their family name."

Isabella's lips curved into an approving smile. "Precisely. Which is why..." She paused, setting her glass down. "I was wondering if you two might consider working for my family after graduation?"

"Are you trying to poach us, Isabella?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Was it that obvious?" She laughed, not bothering to deny it.

"I'll certainly consider it," Aria leaned back, stretching her legs. "But there's plenty of time before graduation to think about it."

"Aria's right," I agreed, while internally acknowledging the impossibility of such a future. Even if I never found my way back to my old body, this one belonged to the princess of hell - working for house Lilitu would never be an option.

We chatted about Isabella's family and their business dealings as the carriage soared through the crimson skies. The conversation drifted between topics until Isabella pointed out the window.

"There it is. Welcome to House Lilitu."

My breath caught in my throat. The mansion sprawled across a massive island suspended above a churning lake of lava. Obsidian spires pierced the sky, their surfaces reflecting the molten glow from below. Wide courtyards and gardens dotted the grounds between interconnected buildings of dark stone.

"By the nine circles..." Aria pressed her face against the window. "It's magnificent!"

I nodded in agreement, taking in the sheer scale of the estate. The main building dominated the centre, its architecture both beautiful and intimidating with sweeping arches and sharp angles.

Isabella watched our reactions with obvious pride, a satisfied smile playing across her lips.

The carriage banked toward a large landing platform adjacent to the central building. We touched down with barely a bump, the shadow magic ensuring a perfect landing.

As we stepped out onto the polished stone, our driver cleared his throat.

"Announcing the return of Lady Isabella Lilitu and her esteemed guests!"

His voice echoed across the courtyard, bouncing off the dark walls that surrounded us.

A flurry of activity erupted as several imps rushed toward us from the mansion entrance. Their small wings fluttered as they darted around, offering refreshments and asking about our journey.

The scene struck a familiar chord - the organized chaos reminded me of my brief stay at the palace with mother and father. Though here the imps wore different livery, decorated with House Lilitu's crest.

Aria shifted beside me, her eyes wide as she tracked the imps' movements. She jumped when one materialized at her elbow with a silver tray of drinks.

"Would my lady care for some refreshment?" The imp bowed low.

"I... um... thank you?" Aria accepted a crystal goblet, clearly unused to such attentive service.

The grand doors of the mansion swung open, revealing a striking couple who strode purposefully toward us. The woman's metallic silver hair caught the crimson light, while her emerald eyes fixed upon Isabella with laser focus. Her husband cut an imposing figure beside her, his wisened red eyes and dark beard giving him a severe appearance.

"Isabella." The woman's voice carried clear authority. "Welcome home."

"Mother, Father." Isabella stepped forward to greet them with formal bows.

Though their manner appeared reserved, I noticed subtle signs of affection - the slight softening around her father's eyes, the way her mother's hand lingered on Isabella's shoulder.

"These are my friends from the Academy," Isabella gestured to us. "Lily and Aria."

Their calculating gazes swept over us both. I fought the urge to fidget as they assessed everything from our posture to our clothing.

When the woman's emerald eyes met mine, something flickered in their depths. My throat went dry. Had she detected what I was? The weight of her stare made my skin prickle with unease.

Isabella's mother turned back to her daughter, extending an elegant hand. "The weapons, dear."

Isabella slipped the ring from her finger and placed it in her mother's palm. "Everything is accounted for, Mother."

"Excellent." Her mother's fingers closed around the ring. "Why don't you show your friends around while we handle this matter?"

"Of course." Isabella bowed her head slightly.

Her father placed a hand on his wife's lower back, and they departed without another word, their footsteps echoing across the polished stone floor until they disappeared through the grand doors.

I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My shoulders relaxed as the pressure of her penetrating stare lifted.

"Are you alright?" Aria whispered, nudging me with her elbow. "You looked like you were about to bolt."

"I'm fine." I smoothed my hands over my dress, trying to shake off the lingering tension. "Your mother is... quite intimidating, Isabella."

Isabella's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Pyrrha Lilitu didn't build one of hell's most formidable houses by being gentle. But don't worry - she approved of you both."

"She did?" I blinked in surprise. "How can you tell?"

"If she hadn't, you'd know." Isabella gestured for us to follow her. "She wouldn't have suggested the tour, for one thing."

Isabella led us through the mansion's winding corridors, our footsteps echoing off the polished stone floors. The dark walls held countless portraits - generations of silver-haired Lilitu ancestors gazing down at us with those same piercing eyes.

"It's rather quiet," I observed, noting the emptiness of the vast halls.

"Usually is." Isabella shrugged. "Mother and Father prefer their privacy. The imps handle most of the day-to-day operations."

We passed through an archway into what appeared to be a private garden. Black roses bloomed amid twisted metal sculptures, their petals seeming to absorb the crimson light from above.

"Sometimes Cassandra drops by - she's my eldest sister," Isabella continued. "But she's busy managing trade routes through the Second Circle these days. Elena runs security in the Third, Victoria handles diplomacy in the Fourth..."

"How many sisters do you have?" Aria asked, reaching out to touch one of the black roses.

"Seven. All older, all occupied with their duties across the circles." Isabella's tone remained neutral, but I caught a hint of something in her expression - perhaps loneliness. "There's not much excitement here, truth be told. Just Mother and Father discussing politics or reviewing reports most days."

We emerged onto a balcony overlooking the lava lake below. The heat rose in shimmering waves, distorting the view of the distant shores.

"The training grounds are down there," Isabella pointed to a section of the floating island. "And the armoury is in that building to the right. But unless you're interested in weapons testing or combat practice, there's little entertainment value."

"It's still incredible," Aria insisted, leaning against the balcony rail.

Isabella smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I suppose. I should speak with my parents about the delivery. Then we can head back to the Academy - I'm sure you both have better things to do than wander empty halls."

"Are you sure?" I asked. "We don't mind staying if-"

"No, it's fine." Isabella waved off my concern. "I'll fetch us another shadow carriage. Wait here - I won't be long."

She turned and strode back into the mansion, leaving Aria and me alone on the balcony with the rising heat and the distant sound of bubbling lava far below.