I woke to Anastasia gently shaking my shoulder. The morning light filtered through the obsidian windows of my bedroom, casting crimson patterns across the silk sheets.

"Your father requests your presence in the study, Princess," she whispered, already laying out a formal black dress.

I groaned, rolling over. "This early?"

"He was quite insistent." Anastasia helped me into the dress. "Though he tried very hard to sound casual about it."

The study doors opened before I could knock. Lucifer stood at his desk, pretending to examine some ancient texts.

"Ah, you're here." He shuffled papers around. "I was just reviewing some old materials. Since you're already up, you might as well learn something useful."

I bit back a smile at his transparent attempt at nonchalance. "Of course, Father."

"Divine Magic." He cleared his throat. "Not typically something our kind practices, but knowledge is power." His fingers traced the spine of a leather-bound tome. "And as my daughter, you should understand all forms of magic."

"But I thought demons couldn't use Divine Magic," I said, settling into one of the plush chairs across from his desk.

Lucifer's lips curved into a knowing smile. "A common misconception. One we don't bother correcting at the Academy."

"Why not?"

"Think about it." He sat down, folding his hands. "What's the core of Divine Magic?"

"Faith," I answered. "The collective belief of..."

"Exactly." He nodded. "And demons are inherently faithless creatures. Most don't see the point in even trying when Arcane Magic comes so naturally."

I leaned forward. "But you said we could use it?"

"A select few demon lords command enough fear and worship to tap into Divine Magic. But that's rare." His blue eyes grew distant. "There's another way, though. Divine Magic can be channelled through personal conviction - a deep, unwavering belief in a concept or ideal."

"Then why don't more demons use that method?"

"Why would they?" Lucifer's wings shifted slightly. "It requires tremendous effort to build and maintain that level of conviction. Most demons find it easier to simply blast their way through problems with Arcane Magic."

"You seem quite knowledgeable about Divine Magic, Father." I observed.

"I should be." His expression turned wry. "I might be a ruler of hell but I'm still an angel, even if a fallen one. The principles are... intimately familiar to me."

"Will you teach me how to use conviction?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Lucifer shook his head. "That's not something I can teach. Conviction must come from within - it's a deeply personal journey of discovering what you truly believe in."

"Oh." My shoulders slumped.

"Don't look so disappointed." He waved his hand dismissively. "As ruler of Hell, I have access to something far more potent - the collective faith and fear directed at Hell itself. Not to mention countless mortals across different worlds still worship and fear me, despite Heaven's attempts to stamp it out."

"They do?"

"Indeed." He leaned back in his chair. "And since you carry my blood, you should be able to tap into that power. It might be slightly diminished compared to what I can access, but it's still significant."

"Really?" I perked up.

"Actually, it should be quite natural for you." He ran a hand through his golden hair. "Despite being a succubus, you still have some angel blood running through you. That makes you uniquely suited to wielding Divine Magic."

"Wait, so I'm part angel?"

"Of course." He chuckled. "Did you think those wings of yours came solely from your mother's side?"

I spent the rest of the day in Lucifer's study, surrounded by ancient tomes and scrolls while attempting to grasp Divine Magic. The process felt strange - like trying to catch smoke with bare hands.

"Focus on the fear," Lucifer instructed, his voice patient. "Feel how it ripples through reality."

I closed my eyes, reaching out with my supernatural senses. At first, there was nothing but the usual background hum of Hell's ambient magic. Then slowly, like a rising tide, I felt it - countless whispered prayers and terrified pleas echoing across dimensions.

"I can feel them," I whispered, surprised by how intoxicating the sensation was. "All those mortals..."

"Good. Now channel that energy through your mana."

This proved more challenging. Every time I tried connecting this faith-energy to my mana, it slipped away.

"You're forcing it," Lucifer observed. "Divine Magic isn't about dominance like Arcane Magic. Let the faith flow naturally into your essence."

I tried again, loosening my grip on the power. This time, instead of grabbing at it, I let the energy wash over me. To my surprise, some of it began seeping into my mana pool.

"Better," Lucifer nodded. "Now try creating light."

I focused on the mixed energies within me, attempting to manifest illumination. A tiny spark flickered between my palms before quickly dying out.

"I can't do it," I sighed, frustrated by my lack of progress.

"On the contrary." Lucifer's eyes gleamed with pride. "That spark was remarkable. Most demons can't produce even that much light on their first try."

"Really?"

"Light magic is antithetical to demon nature," he explained. "The fact you managed any illumination at all speaks volumes about your potential."

I tried again, managing to sustain a dim glow for several seconds. Though the achievement felt minor, Lucifer's pleased expression made me feel oddly warm inside.

We practiced Divine Magic for several more hours, with each attempt bringing marginally better results. My fingertips tingled from channelling the strange energy, yet I couldn't stop smiling.

Father's patient instruction and quiet pride in my progress created a warmth in my chest I'd never experienced before. Before, I'd learned everything through books or impersonal lectures. This one-on-one guidance felt different - special.

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"Try visualizing the light as an extension of yourself," Father suggested, demonstrating with his own perfect sphere of radiance.

I mimicked his gesture, managing to create a flickering orb that lasted nearly thirty seconds before dissipating.

"Much better," he nodded, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Your control is improving rapidly."

Mother's voice interrupted our session. "Having fun with our daughter, dear?"

She sauntered into the study, her presence filling the room with her usual mix of power and sensuality. Father straightened his posture, trying to maintain his dignified appearance.

"I'm merely providing necessary magical instruction," he stated firmly, though his eyes softened when they met hers. "As required by our child's education."

Mother's knowing smile widened as she traced a finger along his shoulder. "Of course you are." She turned to address us both. "The servants have prepared dinner, if you'd like to take a break."

"Perhaps that would be wise," Father conceded, glancing at my tired attempts to manifest light. "We've made good progress for one day."

"Indeed we have," I agreed, realizing I'd stopped thinking of him as Lucifer somewhere during our practice.

Walking to dinner between them, I felt a bittersweet ache in my chest. As we headed toward the dining hall, I realized I'd stopped thinking of him as Lucifer entirely. Somewhere during our lesson, he'd simply become father in my mind.

These two had somehow become genuine parents in my heart. Despite knowing our bond was fake, the thought of eventually leaving them behind to return to my original body hurt more than I'd expected.

I woke to mother's gentle touch on my shoulder. Her crimson eyes sparkled with mischief as she perched on the edge of my bed.

"Rise and shine, darling. Today you're mine."

I blinked sleep from my eyes. "No Divine Magic practice?"

"Your father had his turn yesterday." She waved her hand dismissively. "I've something far more entertaining planned."

Mother pulled me from bed and steered me toward the wardrobe. Her fingers danced through the hanging garments until she found what she sought - a midnight blue gown that shimmered like starlight.

"Perfect for a masquerade ball," Lilith declared.

"A what?"

"We're going hunting together." She held the dress against me. "There's this delightful realm where the nobility throws the most extravagant masked parties. Such wonderful hunting grounds."

I shifted uncomfortably. While I'd grown accustomed to feeding on mortals, doing so alongside Lilith felt oddly embarrassing. "What about Father? Won't he mind you... being with other men?"

Lilith's laughter rang through the room. "Oh darling, your father understands my nature. Angels have very different needs than succubi, or mortals for that matter. He's content with our emotional bond and occasional physical intimacy." She traced the mask's edge with a manicured nail. "Besides, he has his duties keeping him far too busy most nights."

"I see." I wasn't sure how to process this casual revelation about their arrangement.

"Don't be shy, dear." Mother's knowing smile widened. "It's perfectly natural for a mother to go on a hunt with her daughter."

She helped me into the gown, her fingers expertly lacing the bodice. The fabric clung to my curves in ways that would have mortified me weeks ago. Now it felt almost natural.

"There." Mother stepped back to admire her work. "You look absolutely ravishing."

She conjured an ornate mask of silver filigree and secured it to my face. The enchanted metal adjusted itself perfectly to my features.

"Now for the finishing touch." Lilith's hands wove through my white hair, styling it into an elegant updo. "We'll pose as visiting nobility from a distant province. The mortals are always eager to impress foreign dignitaries."

I watched her work in the mirror, struck by how similar we looked despite her black hair. The same graceful movements, the same predatory gleam in our eyes. When had I started moving like her?

"Stop overthinking, darling." Mother tapped my nose playfully. "Tonight is about having fun together."

Mother adjusted her own mask, a delicate creation of black lace and garnets. Her glamour shimmered into place, transforming her demonic features into those of an elegant noblewoman.

"I'll assume the role of the Duchess of Blackmoor, and you'll be my daughter," she clarified smoothing her dark silk gown. "Blackmoor is a remote duchy known for its mysterious rulers who rarely venture to court. The mortals' imaginations will do half our work for us."

I concentrated, letting my glamour flow over my form. The horns vanished, my tail disappeared, and my skin took on a more human pallor. Mother circled me, inspecting the transformation.

"Remember to maintain an air of mystery," she instructed. "Let them approach you. The harder they work to gain your attention, the sweeter they will taste."

She demonstrated a subtle walk, her hips swaying just enough to draw the eye without appearing vulgar. "Like this, darling. We're not common succubi - we're royalty playing at being nobility."

I mimicked her movements, finding the rhythm easier than expected. My body seemed to know instinctively how to move with deadly grace.

"Perfect." Mother's smile held genuine pride. "Now, when they ask about Blackmoor, be vague but intriguing. Mention our ancient castle, our strange customs, but never give specifics. Mortals love a good mystery."

She raised her hand, dark energy swirling around her fingers. A portal materialized before us, its edges rimmed with crimson light. Through the opening, I glimpsed a richly appointed chamber.

Lilith stepped through first, her skirts rustling against the portal's edge. I followed close behind.

We emerged into a room that could have been plucked from a period drama. Gilt-framed mirrors lined the walls, reflecting the warm light of crystal chandeliers. Delicate furniture upholstered in cream silk stood arranged in intimate groupings. A marble fireplace dominated one wall, its mantle adorned with fresh roses.

Mother's hand rested lightly on my arm as we stepped into the grand ballroom. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across marble floors, while orchestral music floated through the air. Masked figures twirled and glided across the dance floor in a swirl of silk and velvet.

I found myself moving with practiced grace, though I couldn't recall learning these movements. My body knew exactly how to hold itself, how to glance demurely from behind my silver mask, how to make each step appear effortless.

Lilith guided us through the crowd with subtle touches and gentle pressure on my arm. We drew appreciative glances from the assembled nobility, but she kept us moving, clearly searching for particular prey.

"Remember to breathe their desire," she whispered. "Let it feed you even before the hunt begins."

I inhaled deeply, suddenly aware of the waves of lust rolling off various masked figures. The sensation was intoxicating - different from feeding, but satisfying in its own way.

Mother steered us toward a refreshment table laden with delicate pastries and crystal glasses of champagne. As we sampled the offerings, I noticed two men approaching. Their matching black hair and similar bearing marked them as father and son, though both wore elaborate masks that concealed most of their features.

The younger man's eyes fixed on me immediately, while his father's gaze lingered appreciatively on mother's curves. Their desire blazed like beacon fires to my supernatural senses, rich with promise.

"My ladies," the elder man bowed deeply. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance at previous gatherings."

"Indeed not," mother replied, her voice a silken purr. "We rarely venture from our estates."

"Might we know the names of such enchanting visitors?" the younger man asked, his eyes never leaving my face.

Mother's laugh sparkled like champagne. "Come now, good sir. Surely you know it's considered the height of impropriety to ask identities at a masquerade."

"How terribly rude of us," the father said, stepping closer to mother. "Though I hope you'll forgive our curiosity. It isn't every day such mysterious beauties grace our humble gathering."

"Perhaps we might make amends with a dance?" his son suggested, extending his hand toward me.

Mother's fingers trailed along the elder man's sleeve. "I suppose we could be persuaded to overlook the breach in etiquette." Her voice dropped to an intimate murmur. "After all, what is a masquerade without a little impropriety?"

I swallowed hard as the young nobleman extended his hand. The thought of dancing - especially from a woman's perspective - made my stomach twist. Yet one glance at Lilith's expectant smile killed any notion of retreat. I somehow couldn't bear to see disappointment in those crimson eyes.

Taking his offered hand, I allowed him to guide me onto the dance floor. My heart hammered against my ribs as he pulled me close, one hand settling on my waist. The music swelled, and suddenly my body moved with fluid grace, following his lead as if I'd done this countless times before.

Each step came naturally - my feet knew exactly where to go, my hips swayed with perfect timing, my hands rested just so on his shoulder and palm. This body remembered the intricate patterns of formal dance, even if my mind did not.

As we twirled across the marble floor, I caught glimpses of mother dancing with his father. She moved like living silk, all sensual grace and knowing smiles. Was that how I looked now? Did I move with that same innate allure?

The young nobleman pulled me closer, his breath warm against my ear. "You dance divinely, my lady."

My lips curved into a smile I didn't consciously choose to make. Everything felt both foreign and familiar - like wearing a perfectly tailored dress that belonged to someone else.

Who was I really? The engineer who'd stumbled into this supernatural existence, or the demon princess who'd been asleep all along? When I smiled, whose smile was it? When I moved with such natural grace, who was the one that moved?

The questions swirled in my mind as we spun across the floor. Each time I caught my reflection in the ballroom's gilt-framed mirrors, I saw a masked beauty moving with practiced elegance. Not a trace of masculine awkwardness remained. Not a hint that I'd ever been anyone but this creature of feminine grace.