After her mini brawl with Asmodeus, Selena decided to go visit Stolas of Ars Goetia next. She needed to visit the human realm. He held the grimoire that allowed safe passage into the other world. She now had bargained for free advertising and referrals basically. So now that Hell had some set up in her plan. Now was the time to get started in the human world. She had to advocate to others about her goddess's benevity and plan. Neana had made it clear last night that now was the time to act. Selena just had to finish setting up the board.
She knew where he resided but hadn't seen him in what seemed like millenia. She teleported to his palace. The place felt desolate. What the fuck had happped here? Their house used to be so lively. She knocked on the door. An imp opened the door. "What can I do for you, ma'am?" the butler imp peered past the portal of the home.
"I'm here to see Prince Stolas. I need entry to the human world." She spoke plainly.
"I'm afraid the prince isn't available today." He began to close the door on her.
She heard crying in Stolas's bedroom and put her foot between the door and the frame. "I don't think you understand, sir. I am not asking. I'm telling." She pushed the door to the wall with a loud bang. She rushed past the butler and towards the sound of tears. As she ran through the mansion, carnivorous plants attempted to nip at her heels. She remained one step ahead of the demon-eating plants. As she approached what could be assumed as Stolas's bedroom, she slowed to a stop. "Stolas, is everything okay?" She gave the door a slight rapping. "Honey, what's wrong?" The crying stopped. Soon a worn out impish butler appeared behind her.
"You, rude demoness! You should not intrude into someone's home uninvited! Now out with ye!" He began shoving her only for her to plant her feet in protest.
"If you intend to continue serving Stolas of Goetia, I suggest you stop. Now." Her eyes glowed, and her voice deepened at the potential threat. The imp swallowed. Stolas then opened and peeked his head around the door.
"Selena? Is that you?" A hand appeared around the door frame. It wiped his eyes. "What are you doing here? Is my butler causing you trouble?"
"It's fine, Stolas. What happened? Why are you crying?" She stepped forward and reached her hand toward him. She didn't touch him but rather left it close for him to lean into which he did in fact do.
"Come inside, priestess." Stolas opened his door wider. His butler looked at him with an agape mouth. "She helped Via when she was younger. I am eternally in her debt. The next time she comes knocking, give her the full range of my castle." He shut the door on the butler. "Speaking of, I never got to thank you enough for saving her from danger or using your herbal remedies on her when she was sickly. I appreciate it deeply. Without my Via, my life would be surrounded with darkness and no starlight. She is my little starfire."
"I only did the right thing, Stolas; now, why do you shed tears?"
"I– I.." He seemed to begin tearing up again.
"Know this, Stolas of Goetia, whatever you say stays between us." She wondered if this had anything to do with the rumors circulating about him lately.
"I made this deal with an imp. And somewhere along the way, I wanted more than what the deal stated, but I didn't have the courage or the words to tell him. He seems to be angry with me." He sat down and placed his head in his hands.
"Does this have to do with the rumors, Stolas?" She sat next to him and stroked his feathers.
"Yes. I have been sleeping with Blitzy so he can use my grimoire. It ruined my marriage even though that was already falling apart. And now he wants so little to do with me. I've tried calling. But he won't answer. What should I do?" He began weeping softly again.
"Firstly, you give it time, Stolas. Then when he's ready, you talk. And continue communicating. If that's what you want." She stayed and calmed him.
Once he was calmer, he sat up with a vindictive look and turned to Selena, "What did you need?"
"I want to travel to the human world to make a couple of deals."
"Since when have you been a deal maker?" He seemed genuinely surprised.
"Since now." She had a determined look he could not place.
"Well you'll need to go to I.M.P and talk to Bliztø; he'll have my tome, and you can enter from there."
"Alright. Thank you for helping me. I'm sorry for the short visit, but I need to go now if that's okay."
"That's fine. Thank you for your help." He waved her off as she darted out of the palace.
After watching the news broadcast, Alastor found himself extremely worried for Selena. He didn't know why. He wanted to know what she was up to, what she was doing, what she was thinking, where she was going. He was going mad with all the possibilities. How could this woman consume him so? He would have to discuss this with her. After all, Husker said that communication was important in all relationships.