The heat was immense. As they exited the ballroom, the soft lights faded away to a more dark, sombre and gloomier atmosphere. Ahsid felt beads of perspiration on her forehead. Even Dane seemed uncomfortable, although he had a firm line on his face. Dumos, however, seemed to be in his element, walking with a happy leap to his steps.

"Dumos, how really is Lucifer?"

"Uhh...he's a kind soul. Though he does get really moody at times, and he does hate the colour black."

"Is that why you were upset with Dane?"

"Technically. It's just that Lucifer considers black to be his own colour. In Hell, only the King is allowed to wear black. Others can have a tinge of it, or dark purple shades, but apparels like Dane's are unacceptable."

"I got that, genius. I said I'd handle it,"said Dane, his hand brushing his hair.

Dumos only grumbled in reply. They came before a metal door wherein Dumos rapped thrice on it. He then pushed it open.

"Dumos Dummkopf, Dumos Dummkopf,"cried out a voice.

A handsome figure revealed himself.

And he was gorgeous. Dark hair swept to the side, cradling his face in the most endearing way. Light illuminated off his sharp bone structure, giving him that royal look. His dark eyes flashed, a hot, intriguing, intensity behind them.

"Hello, my friends,"he spoke, his dazzling smile as if melting his foes and allies alike. His voice like pure silk.

A sideways glance confirmed Dane that Lucifer had Ahsid securely wrapped around his jeweled finger.

Dumos grinned and engulfed Lucifer, a quite informal approach for somone so high ranking.

"I am so glad you came, Dumos. I was so bored. Berith said I could only go to the party when the drums would beat."

He then turned to Ahsid and smiled witth a child like innocence,"Ahsid? I am so glad you're here. I hope you had no trouble in finding the palace. I especially had Astaroth put up signs to direct visitors in the righy direction."

"That was extremely kind of you, my Lord."

"Oh please! I cannot stand for titles. Lucifer is my name and that's what you should call.....what's this?"

Lucifer's eyes fell towards Dane who stood nonchalantly to the side.

"Why are you in black,"snarled Lucifer, the easy air quickly filling in with a angst moment.

Dane shrugged his shoulders while Dumos fiddled with his gold earrings.

"I said..."

His words were drowned by a demon sidling up to him with brisk steps. Short grey hair swept to one side, he was bare but for brown pants with a small metal bull head as a belt. His chest was marked in red in beautiful swirls and his red eyes seemed to glaze over.

Unlike the other demons, his horns were not visible.

"Lucifer,"he whispered into his ear.

A tense minute later, Lucifer's kind voice echoed through,"I remember me owing you 4500 ingots, is that right?"

Dane opened his mouth,"Consider it forgotten."

"Yayyy! I am so glad, dear Dane,"cried out Lucifer and then grinned broadly at Berith, who gave a good natured wink.

"Wait a sec, you're letting him off?"

Dumos was startled.

"Alas, my Dumos, your friend has been quite a help to me for an entire week...I could even go to the Mortal Realm and eat chocolates you know."

"You like chocolates?"

"Indeed Ahsid. They are simply grand, just like Elysium. I looooove chocolates,"said Lucifer.

Ahsid felt uncomfortable. A minute ago it seemed he was about to tear Dane apart, but now he was acting like a little kid.

"Yes....chocolates are sooo nice, you..."

"I think I hear some of the drums. Lucifer, maybe you should see if that's your call."

"Yayyy! I love chocolates. I love parties,"and with a child like gait to his steps, he grabbed Dumos' arm, hurrying out of the room.

But, at the very last minute, he stopped and smiled at Ahsid,"I like you. You like me too?"

Ahsid hesitated. What was going on here?

"You don't like me?" Lucifer's shoulders drooped and his face fell.

"I...of course, I like you,"said Ahsid hurriedly.

Why did it look as if he was about to cry?

"Yayyy! Berith, I like her. I want to reward her. Give her a reward. Toodles-" and the door slammed close.

"What the hell was that,"asked Ahsid, her mind reeling by such a quick exchange.

"Lucifer has a borderline personality disorder,"murmured Berith.

What?

"Poor guy is a overgrown baby but when pissed becomes an emotionless sadistic killer,"explained Berith, biting his lip.

Ahsid suddenly felt sorry for Lucifer.

"Is it that bad?"

"Moreso when he suddenly remembers the deeds which he did during his pissed up stage."

She quietly looked at Dane. Although his face was impassive, his eyes had softened.

"I guess that's not what you expected the Demon King to behave like? He does come as a surprise to people. It's allright for us demons but the others are not as accommodating of that adorable cracknut."

Ahsid smiled at the words 'adorable cracknut'. Berith had a certain quaint way of talking.

"Well, we'll see about this reward. Lucifer will blow his fuse if I don't make you happy."

He grumbled some words in Latin and beckoned Ahsid to follow him. She looked back at Dane, who nodded, assuring her it was safe. Convinced and remembering her true purpose, she eagerly followed Berith. Dane watched them go and then turned back to the ballroom. He had unfinished business to attend to.

"This might sound weird, but when were you born,"asked Berith.

"June,"said Ahsid.

"Woah, really? That's so cool. I am a June born too."

"What..."

"My powers really peak during this time. Hey, have I told you that I am Lucifer's most trusted advisor?"

She understood why Berith was so comfortable with Lucifer, considering how he too changed the pace of the conversation rapidly enough.

"I guessed that when you whispered into Lucifer's ears about how to tackle Dane."

No way Lucifer could have come up with sidestepping the debt that he owed Dane.

A chuckle escaped Berith. "Yep, definitely a Gemini."

"Will you not be attending the ball?"

"I might, I might not. It all depends on whether I get 'peopled out' or not."

Ahsid stopped in her tracks. "Peopled out? Ooh, I get peopled out too. I am so glad I found someone who feels like this."

"I told you, Gemini rocks,"said Berith, winking at her.

She winked back, and the two chuckled in delight.

"Berith, if I may, why do you not have horns?"

"Let me tell you something. Consider this information passed on from a fellow Gemini to another."

Ahsid nodded, slightly tensing at her serious tone. At least she had her crossbows hidden in the folds of her gown, though she doubted Berith would mean her harm.

"As much as we hate to accept it, demons are essentially angels. Most angels have a halo around them."

Ahsid nodeed.

"I have seen it, I guess,"referring to Evangelina's bright glowing face.

"They are in reality, horns. They glow when connected together, blinding the angels with heavenly light, making them rely on God's guidance."

"And the demons?"

"Angels who break their halos become demons. We willingly grow our horns in obscure shapes, so it won't connect back into a halo. Since it can no longer blind us, we can finally see but cannot communicate with God for guidance."

Ahsid was quiet. For the first time, she was at a loss of words.

"Also, circular horns or halos are smooth and easy for God to grab like a chain. Jagged horns are sharp to touch and can pierce Him."

"I am sorry, but are you an angel in disguise then?"

Berith laughed amused. "No, no, visible horns in my case may become an occupational hazard. I travel places with Lucifer, diplomatic missions, signing deals, peace treaties, and they help me in getting better ends of the bargain. My horns are just cloaked with powerful magic."

Ahsid did not fully understand. She was still fascinated by his interpretation with regard to horns.

"So, your reward..."

"Berith, can I bother you for more information?"

"If its about horns, I don't know anymore,"he chuckled.

"No, I need inputs on how to defeat a dragon."