I sat across from Galahad in his stark office, the fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows across his weathered face. His golden eyes bore into me with centuries of distrust.

"Absolutely not." His voice cut through the air like steel. "I will not allow demons free access to this world, contract or no contract."

"The terms would be binding-" I started.

"AOR contracts with demons take months to draft and approve." He leaned forward, fingers steepled. "Every word scrutinized, every clause examined. Do you know why?"

I fell silent, knowing exactly why.

"Because it’s your nature to exploit loopholes." His lips twisted. "Demons always twist agreements to their advantage."

He wasn't wrong. I'd attended those exact lessons with prof. Zellaris - how to find weaknesses in phrasing, ways to technically honour an agreement while violating its spirit.

"If your... ‘friends’ wish to help," Galahad's tone made it clear what he thought of demon friendships, "they can come through normally, bound by dimensional restrictions like any other visitor."

"That severely limits what they could do," I argued. "The barriers would-"

"Exactly the point." He cut me off. "Those barriers exist for a reason. To prevent beings like you from overwhelming our world."

"This situation is different-"

"Is it?" His eyes flashed. "Look at yourself right now, arguing to circumvent those very restrictions. You're proving my point with every word."

My protests died in my throat. He was right. Everything I'd seen in Hell supported his position. Demons were cruel, selfish creatures who viewed mortals as toys or tools. Even those I called friends treated humans as prey or property.

I thought of the slave markets, of how demons treated the damned souls. How even becoming a slave was considered mercy, because at least owners protected their property from worse abuse.

"Your silence speaks volumes," Galahad said softly. "You know I'm right."

I did. For all my protests about being different, about my friends being trustworthy, I couldn't deny the fundamental nature of demons. Even Aria, usually sweet and bubbly Aria, saw nothing wrong with toying with mortals for entertainment. Isabella's kindness extended only to those she deemed useful.

"I won't change your mind, will I?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"No." His voice held certainty born of long experience.

I stood, smoothing my skirt with hands that trembled slightly. "Then we'll work within the restrictions."

Faith opened the door, our meeting clearly over. As we walked out, I felt the weight of defeat pressing down on me. Not just because my plan had failed, but because I couldn't argue against Galahad's assessment of demon nature.

The corridor stretched before us, sterile and white. Faith walked beside me in silence, her footsteps echoing against the tile.

"You okay?" Faith asked.

"Just... processing." I glanced at her. "He's not wrong about demons."

"No," she agreed. "He's not. But you're still here trying to help. That counts for something."

Did it? Or was I just acting out of self-interest, protecting my new existence? I couldn't even be sure about my own motivations anymore.

"So, what's your next move?" Faith's question pulled me from my spiral.

"I'll head back, get some help." I straightened my shoulders, meeting Faith's gaze. "Even with the restrictions, there are things we can do."

Faith nodded, her dark eyes softening slightly. "I'll dig deeper into the records. There might be a pattern we missed, something in the surveillance photos."

The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as we walked through the sterile corridor. My heels clicked against the polished floor, each step precise and measured. The sound echoed off the blank walls, creating an eerie rhythm.

"Contact me when you're back from..." Faith paused, her lips quirking. "Wherever you're going to get this help of yours."

I smiled, genuine warmth spreading through my chest. Despite everything Faith seemed to trust me. Perhaps on some deep, unconscious level, she sensed who I really was. The essence of Liam, buried beneath this demonic form.

"I will," I promised, heading toward the elevator that would take me back to the surface, to the transport gate.

The steel doors slid shut with a soft hiss, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Faith's trust felt like a lifeline, a connection to my past self that I couldn't quite let go of, even as I embraced my new existence.

I stepped through the transport gate, the familiar tingle of dimensional travel washing over my skin. The palace's grand entrance hall materialized around me, its obsidian walls gleaming with their usual ethereal light.

Two imp servants bowed as I passed, their wings folded neatly against their backs. The click of my heels echoed through the corridor as I made my way to father's study, where I sensed both my parents' presence.

Mother looked up from a tome she was examining with father as I entered. "Back so soon, dear?"

"Just briefly," I said, keeping my tone light and casual. "I need to grab a few things and coordinate with Aria and Isabella. We're planning to explore some interesting locations together."

Father's eyebrow arched slightly. "Interesting locations?"

"Nothing too dangerous," I assured him quickly. "Just some cultural exploration. Getting to know different realms better."

Mother's crimson eyes studied me for a moment, but she simply smiled. "Do try to avoid causing an interdimensional incident, darling."

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"And remember your glamour when necessary," father added, his attention already returning to the tome.

"Of course." I shifted my weight, ready to make my exit. "I won't be gone too long."

"Be safe, dear," mother called after me as I turned to leave. "And do remember to feed properly."

I nodded, grateful they weren't pressing for details. "I will. Love you both."

The words slipped out naturally, surprising me with their ease and sincerity. I hurried from the study before they could see my expression, my heels clicking against the polished floor.

Back in my chambers, I settled at my desk, fountain pen scratching against parchment as I composed letters to my friends. The process felt archaic compared to using a phone, yet watching my finished messages dissolve into smoke and vanish toward their recipients held its own satisfaction.

"Dear Isabella," I wrote, "I require your expertise in a delicate matter involving the mortal realm. A Vampire has possessed a body of an individual with particular interest to me. Your knowledge of blood magic could prove invaluable..."

I detailed the situation carefully, avoiding any mention of it being my former body or the VCD's involvement. The less complicated this remained, the better.

For Aria's letter, I took a different approach: "Aria, remember our discussion about exploring other realms? An opportunity has arisen, though it involves some risk. Your creative approach to problems would be especially useful..."

The letters disappeared in twin puffs of crimson smoke. I leaned back, massaging my writing hand. Demon communication might lack modern convenience, but watching messages literally vanish into thin air carried a certain dramatic flair that clicking 'send' could never match.

My fingers traced the cold surface of the Lich's communication rune. Unlike the letters, this would establish a direct connection. No carefully crafted words, no elegant phrasing - just straight negotiation with an undead sorcerer about my blood.

The rune pulsed against my palm, its magic responding to my touch. I could contact him now, lay out my terms. Payment only upon successful assistance. The rune grew warm, ready to activate at my command.

I held the ancient stone, weighing my options. The Lich was powerful - that made him dangerous, but also potentially more valuable as an ally. He clearly had resources and knowledge that could help track down whatever was wearing my old body.

I set the rune down, its magic fading back to dormancy. Blood was too dangerous to offer, especially willingly given blood from a demon of my lineage. Even with my limited magical knowledge, that much was clear. Whatever the Lich wanted it for couldn't be good - and the price of finding out would likely be steeper than I could afford.

Two distinct puffs of smoke materialized above my desk, coalescing into scrolls that dropped onto the polished surface. I broke the seals, unrolling both messages.

Aria's response was characteristically enthusiastic: "Adventure in the mortal realm? Count me in! Though you're being mysteriously vague about the details... which only makes it more intriguing! When and where do we meet?"

Isabella's reply carried her usual measured tone: "An unusual request, but potentially interesting. Blood magic against a vampire could prove effective, assuming we can identify the correct approach. I'll bring relevant texts from my family's archives. Name the time and place."

I smiled, penning quick replies to both with instructions to meet at the academy in a few hours. Having their support lifted a weight I hadn't realized I'd been carrying. Whatever entity had taken over my old body, facing it alone would have been foolish. With Isabella's tactical mind and Aria's unpredictable nature backing me up, our chances improved significantly.

The rune sat silent on my desk, its tempting power now easier to resist. We'd handle this our way first. The Lich and his blood price could remain a last resort - one I hoped we'd never need to consider.

I returned to my dorm room to find Bellas tidying up, his muscular form moving gracefully despite visible bruises marking his skin. My eyes narrowed at the purple marks across his chest and arms.

"Who did this to you?" The protective anger in my voice surprised me.

Bellas bowed his head. "The guards, mistress. They've grown stricter with the mistress away. Some take liberties when checking the slaves' movements between buildings."

I opened my mouth to pursue the matter but footsteps in the hall caught my attention. The door opened as Isabella swept in, followed by Aria bouncing on her heels.

"So mysterious, calling us here like this!" Aria flopped onto her bed. "What kind of trouble are you plotting?"

Isabella perched elegantly on my desk chair. "Indeed. Your letters were intriguingly vague."

I took a steadying breath. "I've discovered a vampire has possessed someone important. A mortal organization called the Vampire Control Division is involved-"

"Ooh, mortals trying to control vampires?" Aria giggled. "How adorable!"

"They're actually quite effective," I continued. "They've agreed to work with me to track down this vampire. I need your help dealing with whatever we find."

Isabella raised an elegant eyebrow. "You're cooperating with mortal vampire hunters? Curious choice. Though I suspect there's more to your plan than simple cooperation."

"Perhaps." I kept my expression neutral.

Aria rolled onto her stomach, kicking her feet in the air. "This sounds fun! I can't wait to see what games you have in mind for these silly mortals."

I forced a smile, thinking of Faith's determined face. These were demons, after all. Their help was vital, but I needed to remember they viewed mortals as toys or food. At least Faith should be safe - I'd make sure of that much.

"When do we start?" Isabella asked, her ice-blue eyes gleaming with interest.

"As soon as possible," I replied, drumming my fingers on the bedpost. "Isabella, do you have access to anything that could help weaken dimensional barriers? The vampire might try crossing realms."

Isabella shook her head, silver hair catching the crimson light. "Unfortunately not. Such magic is rare and strictly controlled. Though against mere vampires, we shouldn't need it - they're barely a threat to succubi."

"That's right!" Aria rolled onto her back, grinning at the ceiling. "I mean, we survived a bone dragon! Well, technically we ran away, but hey - still breathing!"

"Could you not ask your parents for assistance?" Isabella's eyes fixed on me with that calculating look I'd grown familiar with. "Their resources would prove invaluable."

I tensed, gripping the bedpost tighter. "They can't get involved in this. Under any circumstances."

"Ooooh," Aria sat up, wiggling her eyebrows. "Someone's being naughty! Does mommy and daddy not know about their little princess playing with mortals?"

"Shut it, Aria." I shot her a warning glare.

"Fine, I'll keep your secret." Aria stuck out her lower lip in an exaggerated pout. Her violet eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "But you're taking me shopping after this. And you're paying for everything."

I let out a relieved breath, glad she'd dropped the parent topic so easily. "Deal."

"Everything," Aria emphasized, bouncing on her bed. "Including that adorable hellfire silk dress I saw at Madame Vesper's last week. And the crystal-heeled boots."

"Yes, yes. Whatever you want." I waved my hand dismissively, though my ring felt suddenly lighter at the thought of its contents being depleted by Aria's expensive tastes.

"And that enchanted corset that makes your breasts glow in the dark!"

"Why would you even-" I caught myself. "Never mind. Fine."

Isabella watched our exchange with poorly concealed amusement, one corner of her mouth curved upward. Her fingers traced idle patterns on my desk as she observed us, looking every bit like a queen entertained by her court jesters.

"What?" I asked, noting her expression.

"Oh, nothing." Isabella's smile widened. "I just find it fascinating how quickly Aria managed to turn a serious discussion about hunting vampires into an impromptu shopping agreement."

Aria beamed. "It's a gift!"

"Yeah, yeah, it's a gift," I muttered, shaking my head at Aria's triumphant grin.

Isabella rose from her perch on my desk chair, smoothing her skirts with practiced grace. "While you two discuss your shopping plans, I'll gather some equipment from home. The dimensional restrictions may limit our personal abilities, but they don't affect enchanted items."

My eyebrows lifted with interest. "That's... actually quite clever."

"Don't sound so surprised." Isabella's ice-blue eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'll return in two or three hours. Try not to destroy anything important while I'm gone."

As the door closed behind Isabella's departing form, Aria slid off her bed and sauntered toward me. The predatory gleam in her violet eyes made my pulse quicken.

"So..." Aria traced a finger along my collarbone. "We have some time to kill. Want to have a little fun while we wait?"

I sighed, but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at my lips. Despite everything weighing on my mind - Faith, the vampire, my original body - Aria's playful advances were oddly comforting in their familiarity.

"You're incorrigible," I said, but pulled her closer.

Aria's lips met mine in a heated kiss, and I surrendered to the moment.