I sat on the edge of my bed, enjoying the gentle sensation of Bellas drawing the brush through my long white hair. It was an unnecessary indulgence—one of the perks of being a succubus was that my hair never truly tangled—but I found comfort in the ritual nonetheless.

  "Your hair is perfect as always, Mistress," Bellas murmured, his fingers lightly tracing the silken strands.

  "Thank you, Bellas. It's the feeling I enjoy more than the result," I admitted, closing my eyes briefly.

  The door to our room burst open with a bang, and I turned to see Aria practically dragging Isabella inside. My eyebrows shot up at the sight of Isabella's disgruntled expression, though she wasn't actively fighting Aria's grip on her wrist.

  "We're going! Right now!" Aria announced triumphantly. "Get your things together, Lily. The hot springs await!"

  I blinked in surprise. "You actually convinced her?"

  Isabella sighed, smoothing her silver hair with her free hand. "She made some compelling arguments."

  "I told her you were really looking forward to it," Aria said with a wink. "And that if she didn't come willingly, we'd carry her there ourselves."

  "I'd have liked to see you try," Isabella replied dryly, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward.

  I stood, giving Bellas a gentle pat on the shoulder. "I'm impressed, Aria. I didn't think Isabella would be in a relaxation mood after yesterday."

  Isabella's ice-blue eyes met mine. "I wasn't. I'm still not, really. There's so much to prepare for with the houses mobilisation."

  "Which is exactly why you need this," I insisted, moving to gather my things. "One day to clear your head before diving into war preparations."

  "The best strategies come from rested minds," Aria added sagely.

  Isabella raised an elegant eyebrow. "Since when are you a military tactician?"

  "I read it in a book once," Aria replied cheerfully. "Or maybe I made it up. Either way, it sounds true."

  I laughed, the tension in the room dissipating. "Bellas, grab those towels from the wardrobe. You're coming with us."

  "Yes, Mistress," he replied, moving quickly to obey.

  "Is that wise?" Isabella asked quietly. "Bringing a slave outside the Academy?"

  "He'll be safer with us than left alone here," I reasoned. "Besides, who's going to challenge three succubi?"

  "Fair point," Isabella conceded. "Let's go before I change my mind."

  * * *

  The journey to the hot springs took us through the less developed areas of Ardorkeep, where the natural volcanic features of Hell were left mostly untouched. Plumes of steam rose from cracks in the obsidian ground, and the air grew increasingly humid as we approached our destination.

  Isabella's mood had improved considerably since we'd left the Academy. The further we got from the administrative district, the more her shoulders relaxed and her expression softened. She even laughed at one of Aria's ridiculous jokes about a harpy and an incubus walking into a soul bar.

  "I needed this more than I realised," Isabella admitted as we rounded a corner on the path. "Mother has been in meetings non-stop since the explosion. The tension in our household is suffocating."

  "That's why you have us," I replied, giving her a gentle nudge with my shoulder. "To drag you away when you need it."

  "Speaking of dragging," Aria chimed in, pointing ahead, "isn't that Nyx from our class?"

  I followed her gesture and spotted the distinctive midnight-blue hair of Nyx Shadowveil. She was walking alone, as usual, with a stack of books balanced in her arms and her signature glasses perched on her nose despite the steam that was surely fogging them.

  "It is," I confirmed. "I don't think I've ever seen her without at least three books."

  "She's brilliant," Isabella noted. "Even my mother has mentioned her potential."

  We were about to call out a greeting when Nyx stopped abruptly, her posture stiffening. From around the bend ahead came a familiar, haughty voice that made my teeth clench instinctively.

  "—absolutely insist, Shadowveil. Someone of your... background should be grateful for my attention."

  Valentina Morgenstern's platinum blonde hair came into view first, followed by her impeccable figure clothed in what appeared to be designer swimwear under a sheer wrap. She was gesturing imperiously at Nyx, who clutched her books tighter to her chest.

  "I've already declined," Nyx replied, her voice calm but firm. "Now if you'll excuse me—"

  Whatever else they said was drowned out by a sudden hiss of steam from a nearby vent and the laughter of a group of imps passing between us. By the time the noise subsided, Nyx was walking briskly away from Valentina, who stood with her hands on her hips, looking furious.

  "Should we do something?" Aria whispered.

  I shook my head. "Not our circus, not our monkeys. Besides, Nyx seems perfectly capable of handling herself."

  "Agreed," Isabella said. "Valentina throwing her pureblood status around is hardly news. Let's not let her ruin our day."

  Bellas remained silent behind us, carrying our bags with his head slightly bowed. I noticed his eyes following Nyx with a hint of concern, but he quickly looked away when he caught me watching him.

  "I'll ask Nyx about it later," I decided aloud. "For now, let's focus on relaxation."

  We continued down the path, giving Valentina a wide berth. She noticed us passing but merely sneered before turning to her entourage of lesser succubi who had materialised behind her.

  The entrance to the hot springs was carved directly into the black rock face, with elegant runes glowing along the archway. Inside, the reception area was dimly lit with floating orbs of purple flame, casting everything in a soothing glow.

  A tall female demon with four arms and scales instead of skin greeted us from behind the counter. "Welcome to the Brimstone Springs. Do you have a reservation?"

  "Under Lilitu," Isabella replied smoothly.

  The receptionist's eyes widened slightly at the name before she quickly composed herself. "Of course, Lady Lilitu. We have your private pool prepared as requested."

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Her gaze then fell on Bellas, and a slight frown creased her scaled forehead. "You've brought... a mortal?"

  "Is that a problem?" I asked, keeping my tone light but firm.

  "No, not at all," she replied quickly. "It's just unusual. Most patrons leave their property at home or in the holding area."

  "He'll be attending us," Isabella stated in a tone that brooked no argument. "We require his services."

  "Of course," the receptionist nodded, handing us three obsidian tokens. "These will open the doors to your private area. Please enjoy your visit."

  We followed a winding corridor deeper into the rock, the air growing increasingly warm and mineral-scented. Finally, we reached a black door inlaid with silver runes that glowed when Isabella pressed her token against them.

  The door swung open to reveal our private spring—a steaming pool of dark water surrounded by smooth obsidian benches, bathed in the same purple flames that had illuminated the reception area. Above us, the obsidian ceiling of Igneus stretched like a night sky, its crystal formations twinkling like distant stars. Jagged rock formations framed the opening, ensuring complete privacy from neighbouring pools.

  * * *

  The private pool was unlike any I'd seen in Hell so far. While the healing springs Aria, Isabella, and I had visited after our unfortunate demise at Cain's hands had been functional and restorative, this was clearly designed for pleasure rather than recovery.

  Steam rose from the dark surface of the water, carrying mineral scents that tickled my nose pleasantly. The obsidian walls gleamed in the purple light, polished to mirror-like perfection. Small alcoves had been carved into the rock, each containing oils, scrubs, and other bathing accessories.

  "This is magnificent," I said, running my fingers along the smooth edge of the pool. "How did you find this place, Isabella?"

  Isabella set her bag down on one of the benches and began unfastening her gown. "Pure accident, actually. Mother was meeting with a business associate who suggested it. I tagged along, expecting to be bored out of my mind, but ended up discovering my favourite retreat in Ardorkeep."

  "I can see why," Aria said, already stripping off her outfit with typical lack of modesty. "This makes the Academy baths look like a puddle in the street."

  I turned to Bellas, who stood quietly by the door, still holding our bags. "You can set those down and wait over there," I instructed, pointing to a bench.

  As I removed my own clothing, I couldn't help but notice how comfortable I'd become with nudity. The water looked impossibly dark, almost like liquid obsidian itself, with faint crimson undertones visible where the light struck it.

  Isabella was the first to enter, stepping gracefully into the steaming pool without so much as a flinch. "Perfect temperature," she sighed, sinking down to her shoulders.

  Aria followed with considerably less decorum, splashing in and sending droplets flying. "Hellfire, that's hot!" she exclaimed, though her expression was one of pleasure rather than pain.

  I dipped a toe in cautiously. The temperature was shocking—easily hot enough to cook a human alive—but my succubus body registered it as deliciously warm rather than scalding. I slid in slowly, feeling the mineral-rich water envelop me.

  "No wonder you love this place," I said to Isabella as I settled against the smooth stone edge. "I've never felt anything quite like this water."

  "The minerals come directly from the deepest magma chambers," Isabella explained, her usually perfect hair now clinging to her neck in damp tendrils. "They say it's excellent for the skin and helps replenish magical reserves."

  I glanced over at Bellas, who sat stiffly on the bench, eyes carefully averted from our naked forms despite having seen us unclothed countless times. Something about his posture tugged at me.

  "Bellas," I called, "come join us."

  His head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. "Mistress?"

  "You heard me. The water's fine."

  He hesitated, looking to Aria and Isabella for confirmation.

  "Don't just sit there," Aria said with a lazy wave. "Consider it an order if that makes it easier."

  "He should be able to withstand the temperature," Isabella noted clinically. "Though I'd suggest he enter slowly to acclimatise."

  Bellas stood and began removing his simple tunic and pants. I watched him, noting the lean muscle of his body and the faint silver lines of enhancement runes etched into his skin—traces of magic that allowed him to serve as a pleasure slave to energy-draining succubi without being completely drained.

  He approached the pool cautiously, testing the water with one foot. I saw him wince slightly but continue lowering himself in with remarkable stoicism.

  "Is it too hot?" I asked, genuinely concerned.

  "No, Mistress Lily," he replied, though his skin had flushed deep red. "It's... manageable."

  Once fully submerged, he seemed to adjust, his breathing evening out as he sat at a respectful distance from us.

  "Have you heard the Northern Caves have gone quiet again?" Aria asked, changing the subject as she stretched her arms above her head.

  "Really?" I asked, grateful for the distraction from watching Bellas's discomfort fade to something resembling enjoyment. "No more undead incursions?"

  Isabella nodded. "Mother mentioned it yesterday. Apparently, the magma flow has stabilised, so the undead have stopped being pushed toward the surface."

  "Thank the depths for that," Aria sighed. "I've had enough of liches and their bony minions to last several lifetimes."

  "Though Kyriakos wasn't so bad," I pointed out. "For an ancient undead wizard, he was surprisingly helpful."

  "Only because Cain had crossed him centuries ago," Isabella reminded me. "Don't mistake temporary alignment of interests for friendship."

  The conversation drifted comfortably for a while, the hot water loosening our tongues as well as our muscles. Aria eventually stretched her legs out, wiggling her toes at Bellas.

  "Make yourself useful," she commanded playfully.

  Without hesitation, Bellas moved to take her foot in his hands, beginning to massage it with practiced skill. Aria's eyes fluttered closed in pleasure.

  "Now that's what I call service," she purred. "You're missing out, Isabella."

  Isabella raised an eyebrow but extended her own foot toward Bellas, who dutifully began alternating between the two of them. I watched, amused by how naturally he handled the situation.

  "So," I said, turning to Isabella, "are you going to tell us what's really happening with your house? Beyond the official story?"

  Isabella's expression tightened momentarily before she sighed, relaxing back into the water. "Mother is mobilising our forces, as expected. The death of Glakius has the Second Circle houses baying for blood."

  "But?" Aria prompted, moaning slightly as Bellas found a particularly tense spot in her arch.

  "But she's explicitly ordered me to stay out of it," Isabella said, frustration evident in her voice. "She wants me to focus on my studies as if nothing is happening."

  "That doesn't sound so terrible," I offered. "Isn't that what you're here for anyway?"

  Isabella's eyes flashed. "I'm not a child to be sheltered. I've been training for this my entire life—combat magic, political strategy, intelligence gathering. And now when it actually matters, I'm supposed to sit in classrooms solving equations and practicing seduction techniques I mastered years ago?"

  "Maybe your mother just wants to protect you," Aria suggested, surprisingly insightful for once.

  "Or maybe she doesn't trust me," Isabella countered. "Maybe she still sees me as the runt of the litter, the eighth daughter with something to prove."

  I leaned forward, catching her eye. "And is that how you see yourself? Someone with something to prove?"

  Isabella didn't answer immediately. Bellas had moved on from feet to calves, his strong fingers working up Aria's leg while his other hand continued massaging Isabella's foot.

  "I know my worth," she finally said. "But knowing it and demonstrating it are different matters."

  "So demonstrate it by respecting your mother's wishes," I suggested. "Sometimes the hardest battle is the one against your own impulses."

  "Says the one who charged headfirst into a fight with an ancient vampire," Isabella retorted, though her tone had softened.

  "And nearly got us all killed," I reminded her. "Sometimes patience is the better strategy."

  Bellas had worked his way to my feet now, his touch gentle but firm as he found pressure points I hadn't even known existed. The sensation was divine, and I found myself sinking deeper into relaxation.

  "Besides," Aria added, "if war is coming, there will be plenty of opportunities to prove yourself. Why rush into the first skirmish when you could position yourself for the decisive battle?"

  Isabella looked surprised at Aria's strategic thinking. "That's... actually quite insightful."

  "I have my moments," Aria grinned. "Now, enough serious talk. Bellas, be a dear and work on Lily's shoulders next. She's been carrying tension there since that explosion."

  As Bellas moved behind me, his strong hands finding knots in muscles I hadn't realised were tight, I watched Isabella's face. The conflict there was strangely familiar.

  "Just enjoy today," I told her softly. "Tomorrow will arrive with all its complications whether you worry about it or not."

  Isabella's lips curved into a small smile. "When did you become so zen about life?"

  I laughed, tilting my head to give Bellas better access to a particularly stubborn knot. "Probably around the time I stopped questioning which parts of me are real and just accepted that this—" I gestured to our surroundings, to the three of us lounging in the steaming water, "—is my reality now."

  "And is that so terrible?" Aria asked, floating onto her back, her purple eyes watching me curiously.

  I considered the question as Bellas's thumbs pressed into the base of my skull, sending waves of pleasure down my spine. The hot water cradled my body, the company of friends surrounded me, and for once, no immediate danger threatened our existence.

  "No," I admitted, "it's not terrible at all."