Hell's Cursed Sinner

by thatRandomwizard11

After years of watching her people perish each New Year due to heaven's Annual Extermination, Charlie Morningstar, princess of Hell, finally resolves to help her people from that day. Along the way, she encounters a new fallen sinner with his intimidating companion. Unfortunately, the sinner has no memory of his past life, and the more she uncovers, the more questions arise.

23. Chapter 23 - Heaven's Hell

Almost a year ago!

Charlie waved enthusiastically, her smile radiant and brimming with optimism. "Take care, Mom!" she called out, her voice filled with warmth and excitement.

Yuta, more reserved, raised a hand in a shy, almost awkward wave. "See you soon…" he murmured, his words quiet but genuine.

Lilith turned to look at her daughter one last time, her expression softening. With a subtle shimmer of energy, she vanished, teleporting back to her palace. As she strode through the grand, marbled halls toward her chambers, her thoughts wandered. Yuta… Charlie… Her fingers lightly traced the edge of a gilded banister as she ascended a spiraling staircase. Hopefully, they won't find themselves in trouble while she delves into the mystery of who—or what—Yuta truly is. Heaven held the answers, but getting them would be no small task.

After a bit of more thinking… again… just for the love of Lucy… Yuta and Charlie wouldnt get into some kind of trouble.

Lilith stood in her room, a mountain of luggage towering beside her. She crossed her arms, surveying the array of meticulously packed bags. A sigh escaped her lips. Do I really need all this? she wondered briefly, before dismissing the thought—of course she did. Heaven had its own sense of decorum, and appearances mattered.

She reached for one of the bags when a faint, peculiar sensation stopped her. Her sharp intuition tingled. Something—or someone—was inside. Furrowing her brows, she unlatched the bag and threw it open.

Inside, curled up awkwardly amidst her carefully folded gowns, was none other than Lucifer.

"…Hi," he greeted sheepishly, flashing a crooked smile.

Lilith groaned, rubbing her temple. "Lucifer," she said with an exasperated edge, "what are you doing in my luggage?"

He clambered out, attempting to straighten his rumpled coat. "Oh, you know… just thought I'd tag along. You could use the company," he said, flashing puppy eyes at her, his voice dipping into faux innocence.

Lilith rolled her eyes and grabbed him by the shoulders like a misbehaving child, setting him firmly on the ground. "No."

"But why not?" Lucifer whined, trailing after her as she turned her back to him. "Please, Lilith, just let me go with you!"

His signature puppy eyes—typically his trump card—came out in full force. Lilith paused, her expression unreadable, before grabbing a nearby pillow and hurling it at his face. It landed with a satisfying thump.

"Not this time," she declared firmly.

Lucifer caught the pillow, deflating slightly as he hugged it to his chest. "I don't get why you won't let me help. I am good at this sort of thing, you know. Finding answers, solving mysteries…"

"I've already explained this," Lilith replied, her tone clipped but patient. "I need to do this myself."

He pouted, but she ignored him, busying herself with rearranging the luggage. In her mind, the real reason she didn't want him to come lingered like a shadow. The cursed souls. The subject wasn't one Lucifer handled well, and she didn't want to burden him with it—or with what she might uncover.

Still, Lucifer wasn't one to back down easily. "I could use my powers," he offered, attempting to sound casual. "Figure out that kid's memories myself. Why go to those stuck-up angels for help?"

Lilith turned, her gaze sharp. "We've tried that, remember? And as I said before, I don't want to subject you to Heaven's disdain. Their looks, their sneers—they're exhausting, and frankly, I would prefer not to shove my foot into an angel's ass for once"

He hesitated, fidgeting with his hands. "Then why are you going?"

"Because," she said with a hint of finality, "I can handle it. Besides, someone has to stay here—to watch over the Pride Ring, to keep an eye on Charlie."

At the mention of their daughter, Lucifer's shoulders slumped. A flicker of insecurity crossed his face. "Do you… really think it's safe for me to talk to her?"

Lilith paused, her expression softening. "Who else do you think you're gonna talk to, Lucy? Satan?" She placed a hand on his arm, her voice steady. "Charlie is your daughter. Of course, she wants to talk to you. She loves you, even after everything. Don't let your doubts get in the way of that."

Lucifer's lips pressed into a thin line, uncertainty lingering in his eyes.

"Just try," Lilith urged gently. "For her. For us."

Lucifer nodded slowly, his expression hesitant but determined. "Alright," he said, his voice quiet. "I'll try."

Lilith smiled faintly, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Good. Now, be a good husband and help me with these bags."

Without missing a beat, Lucifer snapped his fingers. A golden glow enveloped the towering pile of luggage, and one by one, the bags began to shrink, their forms condensing into tiny, weightless versions of themselves. With a flick of his wrist, the glowing miniatures floated into an ornate purse that appeared out of thin air.

Lucifer held out the purse with a cheeky grin. "There you go. All packed, my queen."

Lilith took the purse, her lips twitching into a smile despite herself. "Show-off."

He shrugged dramatically, a hand over his chest. "I aim to please."

She sighed softly, clutching the purse as she opened a portal with a wave of her hand. The swirling gateway shimmered, its edges glowing faintly. But she hesitated, standing in front of it with an air of uncertainty.

Lucifer, ever perceptive, seized the moment. "You look tired," he said, his voice light but tinged with care. "Why not leave tomorrow? Just one day won't change anything, will it?"

Lilith groaned, rolling her eyes. "The sooner this is done, the better, Lucifer. You know that."

He stepped closer, his expression softening. "I know. But…" He hesitated, then smiled gently. "I want to be selfish today. Just this once. Stay—just for tonight."

She glanced at him, weighing his words. He rarely asked for anything, and the sincerity in his tone gave her pause. After a moment, she sighed, setting the purse on a nearby table. "Fine. Just this once."

A triumphant grin spread across Lucifer's face, and before she could change her mind, he pulled her into a warm embrace. She let out a soft chuckle, resting her chin on his shoulder as she patted his head.

"So," Lilith said, her voice carrying a teasing lilt, "what exactly do you have in mind for this stolen day of yours?"

Lucifer pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, his excitement bubbling to the surface. "Oh, you know, nothing too extravagant. Just a nice dinner, maybe a movie. Anything as long as it's with you."

Lilith shook her head, a faint smile lingering on her lips. "Dinner and a movie, hmm? You make it sound so simple."

"Simple is good," he said with a wink. "Besides, it's not about what we do. It's about who I'm doing it with."

The evening unfolded like a delicate symphony, each note composed of laughter, warmth, and fleeting glimpses of the love that had endured millennia.

They began their dinner in the grand yet intimate dining hall, where a table adorned with a crimson cloth and flickering candelabras awaited them. The golden light softened Lilith's sharp features, and Lucifer couldn't resist a sly remark about how the flames paled in comparison to her. She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips.

The meal was a decadent spread of their favorite dishes—an indulgence befitting their station. Lucifer teased her over her meticulous table manners, exaggerating his own poor form by noisily slurping his wine, prompting a scandalized look from Lilith. "You're impossible," she scolded, though her tone was laced with amusement.

"And yet, you married me," he quipped with a mischievous grin, earning a half-hearted swat on his arm.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, dipping between playful banter and moments of quiet nostalgia. Lucifer recounted an absurd story of a time he'd challenged Mammon to a duel over an argument about the finer points of greed. "The fool actually bet his entire vault against me. Who does that?" he exclaimed, waving his fork for emphasis.

Lilith chuckled, her laughter light and melodic. "And what did you do with it?"

"I gave it back, of course. Well, most of it," he added, smirking as he lifted his glass for a toast.

"To our chaos" she said, clinking her glass against his.

"To love," he countered, his tone softer, eyes lingering on hers.

After dinner, Lucifer led her to their private theater, a luxurious room draped in dark velvet curtains and lined with ornate gold details. He insisted they watch one of his favorite old films, a grandiose drama he had seen countless times. Lilith settled into her seat, a glass of wine in hand, while Lucifer took the liberty of narrating the entire film—complete with exaggerated voices and overly dramatic gestures.

"Do you have to do this every time?" Lilith asked, feigning exasperation as he mimicked the lead actor's grand monologue.

"It's tradition!" he replied, leaping onto the back of the sofa like a performer on stage. "Besides, my interpretation is vastly superior."

"You're insufferable," she muttered, though her lips betrayed a hint of a smile.

By the time the credits rolled, they were sprawled across the plush sofa together, Lucifer's head resting in Lilith's lap. He traced lazy patterns on the back of her hand as they sat in a companionable silence. The tension that usually haunted his features had softened, replaced by a rare contentment.

Lilith, too, felt a sense of peace she hadn't known she needed. Her fingers carded through his hair absentmindedly, her gaze occasionally drifting down to his serene expression.

The hours slipped away until the fire in the hearth burned low, casting long shadows on the walls. When they finally retreated to their bedroom, it wasn't out of obligation but a shared desire to prolong the closeness of the evening.

As they lay entwined, the world outside their sanctuary seemed distant and unimportant. For that one night, the weight of eternity was lifted, leaving only the quiet, unspoken bond between them. A bond forged in chaos but enduring through love.

Now, in the stillness of their bedroom, they lay entwined in each other's presence. Lucifer had nestled himself against Lilith, his breathing soft and even as he drifted on the edge of sleep. His arms loosely wrapped around her waist, his face buried in her shoulder like a child seeking comfort.

Lilith, however, remained awake, her hand absentmindedly caressing his hair. She stared at the ceiling, her thoughts pulling her into their relentless tide. The night had been wonderful—Lucifer had been more at ease than he had been in ages—but the weight of her responsibilities loomed large.

She sighed softly, her fingers tracing circles on his shoulder. A cursed soul here in Hell... those damn fools in Heaven couldn't even manage their own messes. And now Charlie—her sweet, idealistic Charlie—had gotten close to that boy. Yuta. In mere days, he had rekindled her determination to chase her impossible dream.

It was exhausting.

Lilith frowned, her mind racing. She needed a plan, a solution. Perhaps some excuse to keep Yuta in Hell for the time being? Something to slow this whirlwind down before it spiraled further.

"Lilith…"

Lucifer's voice broke through her thoughts, soft and slightly groggy. He shifted against her, his crimson eyes peeking open as he looked up at her. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," she said quickly, brushing her fingers through his hair.

Lucifer gave her a knowing look, one that cut through her practiced composure. "You're thinking too much again," he murmured. "I can feel it."

She hesitated, then let out a soft laugh. "And here I thought you were asleep."

Lucifer smiled faintly but didn't press her further. After a beat of silence, his expression shifted—conflicted, hesitant. Lilith noticed, her hand pausing to rest against his cheek.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Lucifer closed his eyes briefly, as if summoning courage. When he opened them again, there was a flicker of resolve in his gaze. "After you come back from Heaven… I'll get back to my duties."

Lilith blinked, startled. "Your duties?"

He nodded, his voice steady. "With you. For Charlie. For us. After you've done whatever needs doing in Heaven… I'll be here, waiting. And when you return, I'll step up again. We'll rule together, Lilith. Like we used to."

Her surprise deepened as his words sank in. "Lucifer… are you sure? You don't have to push yourself for me, or for anyone—"

He interrupted her with a rare firmness, sitting up slightly to look her in the eyes. "I need to do this, Lilith. It's been too long. Hiding, running… it's not who I want to be anymore. I need to step up—for you, for Charlie, for us. I want our family to be whole again."

For a moment, Lilith could only stare at him. The raw sincerity in his voice left her at a loss for words. Then, slowly, a soft smile spread across her face, warm and genuine.

She cupped his cheek, her thumb brushing against his skin. "You've always been more than enough, my little Lucy."

Lucifer leaned into her touch, his eyes closing as a faint, content smile graced his lips.

And for the first time in what felt like ages, the weight on Lilith's shoulders felt just a little lighter.

---

St. Peter, an angel who welcomes the new souls to heaven, stood at his usual post in front of Heaven's golden gates, humming a cheerful tune to himself as the endless expanse of light shimmered around him. Today was like any other—or so he thought. He had received a brief heads-up that someone important would be arriving, and naturally, he assumed it would be a particularly virtuous soul or perhaps a renowned figure from history finally finding peace in Heaven.

When the portal appeared, a figure came out, revealing the tall, commanding figure of Lilith, Queen of Hell, St. Peter froze mid-whistle. His eyes widened, his heart skipping several beats as the realization hit him like a celestial thunderbolt.

"Holy Sh—uh, I mean—welcome!" he stammered, his voice an octave too high. Internally, he was screaming at himself. Why didn't Sera warn me it was going to be HER?

Lilith stepped forward with her usual grace, her heels clicking softly against the ethereal pathway. Her presence was overwhelming; her magenta horns curled elegantly, and her imposing height made the angel feel like a child in her shadow. Despite her relatively neutral expression, her piercing gaze bore into him, sending shivers down his spine.

St. Peter managed a nervous smile. "Y-Your Majesty! Uh… welcome to Heaven?" His attempt at politeness came out more like a question.

Lilith arched a single brow at him, a slight edge of irritation in her expression. "I don't have time for pleasantries," she said curtly, her voice as smooth as silk but carrying the weight of her authority.

He swallowed hard, trying to summon the courage to do his job. "A-actually, if you'd just wait a moment, I should notify the Seraphim about your arrival—"

She didn't wait. Without sparing him another glance, Lilith strode through the gates, leaving St. Peter sputtering behind her.

"Wait! You can't just—!" He hesitated, debating whether to pursue her, but the thought of confronting her more directly was enough to keep him planted where he stood. He muttered under his breath, "I should've called in sick today."

Lilith moved through Heaven's pristine streets with an air of casual disdain, her sharp eyes taking in the sight of glowing spires and endless skies. It had been centuries—no, millennia—since she had set foot in this place. The blinding radiance, the overwhelming perfection… it was as sickening as she remembered.

Still, there were moments of Heaven she didn't entirely detest. The beaches, for instance. Those had been tolerable. Perhaps, she mused, a visit wouldn't hurt before her business concluded.
Her expression hardened. Focus, Lilith.

She wasn't here to reminisce. She had a goal: accessing Heaven's soul archives, specifically the section dedicated to cursed souls. That kind of information wasn't handed out freely, not even to her. She needed leverage.

And for that, she had called on someone who might help—or at least someone she could twist an arm or two. Gabriel. Lucifer's younger brother.

Where is that feathered nuisance? she thought, scanning the streets.

Before she could take another step, a cheerful voice broke through the air. "Lilith! My goodness, it's been forever!"

Lilith turned sharply, her eyes narrowing slightly as she recognized the figure approaching. A Seraphim—Emily.

Emily had six glowing white wings that seemed to shimmer like sunlight on water, and her radiant smile was almost too bright for even Lilith to bear. The Seraphim practically skipped toward her, her movements graceful and filled with genuine joy.

"Welcome back to Heaven!" Emily said warmly, as though greeting an old friend. "It's been so long since we've seen you. How have you been?"

Lilith's lips tightened into a thin line, her discomfort evident. She had no patience for Emily's unrelenting kindness, but she forced herself to remain civil. "Emily," she said coolly, inclining her head in acknowledgment. "It's… been a while."

The Seraphim's eyes sparkled. "Far too long! You look amazing, by the way. As regal as ever."

Lilith resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Thank you. I have business here, so if you'll excuse me…"

Emily tilted her head, her radiant smile still unwavering. "Oh, of course! Don't worry—I'll just accompany you!"

Lilith paused, an eyebrow twitching ever so slightly. "Riiight…" she muttered, her voice laced with thinly veiled annoyance. She turned on her heel, stepping ahead with purposeful strides, only for Emily to fall in step beside her, wings lightly fluttering as she moved.

As they walked, the Seraphim launched into a barrage of cheerful chatter.

"It's really amazing to see you here, you know. It's not every day the Queen of Hell visits! Have you seen the new city additions? The fountains are divine—well, obviously, they're divine—and we recently added some new celestial gardens!"

Lilith's golden eyes flicked around the bright streets, scanning for any sign of Gabriel. Her responses were curt, usually a dismissive "Mhm" or a vague nod.

Emily either didn't notice or chose to ignore Lilith's disinterest, continuing her one-sided conversation with the enthusiasm of a first-time guide.

"I remember the last time you came here! Oh, what was it for again? Ah, yes! That treaty negotiation! Such a momentous occasion. And you know, I always thought you had the most impeccable style—"

Lilith finally sighed audibly, her patience wearing thin. "Emily, as… enchanting as this is, I'm in the middle of something important."

Before the Seraphim could respond, a familiar figure approached from down the street, his presence like a calm breeze cutting through the tension. Gabriel.

Dressed impeccably in a white and blue suit that seemed to shimmer faintly, Gabriel's demeanor was composed yet warm. His resemblance to Lucifer was unmistakable—the same sharp features and regal posture—though his aura was gentler, less mischievous. He also towered over most beings, which only reminded Lilith that Lucifer was the shortest of his siblings, a detail that she knew irritated him to no end.

"Emily," Gabriel called out, his tone kind but firm. "Thank you for keeping Lilith company, but I'll take it from here."

Emily's wings fluttered as she clasped her hands together. "Oh, of course! I was happy to help!" She turned to Lilith with a bright smile. "If you need anything, just call for me, okay?"

Lilith mustered a tight-lipped smile, nodding in acknowledgment. As Emily cheerfully floated away, the Queen of Hell exhaled, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.

Gabriel approached her with an arched brow. "Why didn't you wait at the gates? That would've saved us both some trouble."

"I did," Lilith replied coolly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her horn. "But you weren't there. So, I took the initiative."

Gabriel sighed, shaking his head. "Of course you did."

Without further exchange, he motioned for her to follow him. They began walking together through Heaven's golden streets, the air between them tense with a history neither cared to dredge up.
Their conversation started stiffly, almost mechanical.

"How's Hell?" Gabriel asked, his tone polite but distant.

"Flaming, as usual," Lilith replied dryly. "And Heaven?"

"Still bright," he said with a faint smirk.

There was a long pause before Gabriel asked, "How's… your family?"

Lilith's gaze softened momentarily before hardening again. "Managing," she replied. "Yours?"

"Intact," Gabriel said simply, though there was a hint of something unsaid in his tone.

As they walked, Gabriel finally broke the surface of civility with a pointed question. "Why are you interested in Cursed Souls, Lilith? That's not a topic you usually dabble in."

Lilith's expression didn't falter. "Curiosity," she replied smoothly, her voice even. "I wanted to see how they're being handled these days."

Gabriel stopped walking, turning to face her fully. His piercing blue eyes studied her, searching for any sign of deception. "You've never been one for idle curiosity, Lilith."

She met his gaze, unflinching. "And you've never been one to doubt me so openly. Is this how Heaven treats its guests now?"

Gabriel sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let's just get this over with," he muttered, resuming their walk.

Lilith allowed herself the faintest smirk, though her mind remained sharp. One step at a time.

---

They arrived at the building—a grand, towering structure bathed in an almost blinding light. Its spires stretched endlessly upward, and the building itself seemed alive with activity. Angels and cherubs bustled in and out, some even gliding through open windows, their radiant wings glowing against the brilliant architecture.

As Lilith stepped inside alongside Gabriel, the room fell into a soft murmur. Glances turned toward her, some wary, others openly curious. Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"Is that really her?"

"What is she doing here?"

"The Queen of Hell, in our halls?"

Lilith exhaled slowly through her nose, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. The attention wasn't surprising, but it was draining. Her thoughts flickered to Lucifer—yes, it was a good decision to leave him behind. His presence would've turned whispers into a full-blown uproar.

Gabriel, sensing her discomfort, took a step forward and raised a hand. His calm yet commanding voice carried through the space. "Everyone, return to your duties. She is with me."

There was a pause, but his words had their intended effect. The angels returned to their work, though a few still cast lingering glances as Lilith and Gabriel made their way deeper into the building.

The two walked in silence until they reached a private area, a smaller chamber where an older angel awaited them. His appearance was ancient yet dignified—lines of age etched across his serene face, his silver wings neatly folded behind him. He glanced up from the tome he was studying, his gaze sharpening as he took in Lilith's presence.

"Gabriel," the old angel greeted, his voice steady but laced with subtle caution. "What brings you here? And… in such company?"

"We're here to access the Cursed Souls archive," Gabriel replied evenly.

The angel's expression tightened, his gaze flicking briefly to Lilith before returning to Gabriel. "Does Michael know about this?"

Gabriel nodded, his response calm but clipped. "I informed him."

The old angel scrutinized Gabriel for a moment longer, then seemed to relent. With a faint sigh, he gestured to the side, where a swirling portal materialized in the air. Its edges shimmered with golden light, but its core was dark and foreboding, like a void pulling at the edges of Heaven's perfection.

"You have two hours," the old angel said quietly, stepping aside.

Lilith cast a sidelong glance at Gabriel as they approached the portal. As soon as they stepped through and the light of Heaven faded behind them, she spoke. "Did you really tell Michael?"

Gabriel didn't look at her, his eyes fixed ahead as they entered the archive's dimly lit expanse. "I did. Whether he actually listened is another matter."

Lilith raised an eyebrow at the faint tension in his tone but decided to let it go. Gabriel's discomfort was palpable, and prodding would only stall their task.

Her focus shifted to the space around them. The archive was unlike anything she had ever seen—a sprawling, otherworldly place where the floor and walls were intertwined with thick, black roots. These roots pulsed faintly, as though alive, and each one cradled a book within its tendrils.

Lilith stepped closer to examine the roots. Inside the translucent surface of one, she could see the faint outlines of a book, its pages glowing faintly. Her fingers brushed over the root, and it seemed to hum under her touch.

"What is this place, exactly?" she asked, her voice quiet but curious.

Gabriel stopped beside her, his gaze following hers. "This room contains every human soul," he explained. "Each book represents a life—every choice, every action, every consequence."

Lilith's eyes narrowed slightly. "And the roots?"

"Everyone is cursed, Lilith. It's a part of human existence, born from well... you know who. But not everyone taps into that curse. Those who live and die without unleashing that energy pass peacefully through life, their souls unmarked. The roots you see here… they belong to those who did."

"The cursed souls," Lilith murmured, her gaze sharpening.

Gabriel nodded. "The more rooted the book, the stronger the curse that was unleashed during their lifetime."

Lilith studied the room again, her eyes scanning the tangled web of roots stretching endlessly around them. The air felt heavy, almost oppressive, and yet… there was an undeniable allure to the place.

Lilith surveyed the vast, twisting expanse of roots and books surrounding them, her golden eyes narrowing with thought. "Gabriel, this is going to take more than two hours," she said flatly.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, turning toward her. "And what exactly are you looking for, Lilith?"

"I told you," she replied, her voice even. "I want to learn more about them. The cursed souls."

"After all this time?" Gabriel's tone was laced with curiosity, but there was an undertone of suspicion.

Lilith's gaze remained fixed on the maze-like surroundings. "I want to see how much they've evolved. If they've become... something else."

Gabriel tilted his head, his expression softening slightly. "And how do you plan to sift through this?" He gestured to the seemingly infinite library. "This is every single human soul. It's impossible to do this manually."

Lilith frowned. "There has to be a way to navigate it easier. Heaven doesn't just let things sit around without categorizing them."

Gabriel crossed his arms, thinking for a moment. "There were angels who tried to create a system for that—something to help read and catalog cursed souls more efficiently. But..." He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor.

"But what?" Lilith prompted, impatience creeping into her tone.

"The longer they stayed here, the more they began to feel... something," Gabriel admitted, his voice quieter now. "A sense of dread, terror. It didn't help that the cursed souls they read about were so... bloody. Angels aren't exactly equipped to handle that kind of darkness."

Lilith arched an eyebrow. "Where did they leave off? If they couldn't finish, maybe I can take it from there."

Gabriel sighed but flicked his fingers. The room shifted instantly, the roots writhing and twisting as if alive. The space around them blurred and moved at a dizzying speed until they stopped abruptly in an area even darker than before. This section was suffused with ominous energy. The black roots were thicker, pulsating faintly, and red, unblinking eyes peered out from between the vines.

Lilith took a step forward, her brows furrowed. "Why is this section so... overgrown?" Her voice was calm, but there was a trace of wariness beneath it.

Gabriel didn't answer immediately. He was staring at a particular section of the roots, his face unusually tense. Without a word, he spread his wings and flew toward the tangled mass, using his hands to cut through the roots. The air grew heavier as he worked, a palpable sense of dread radiating from the area.

Finally, Gabriel uncovered a book. Both he and Lilith could feel it—the overwhelming pressure emanating from it, like the very essence of death and destruction compressed into a single object.

"Gabriel," Lilith called sharply, pulling him from his daze.

He blinked, turning back toward her. "This..." He took a deep breath. "This is where the last angel stopped. The book belongs to a soul called Ryomen Sukuna."

The name alone sent a wave of foreboding through the air. Lilith frowned, her expression hardening as she stepped closer. The pressure around the book became suffocating, and flashes of violent imagery flitted through her mind—death, destruction, chaos.

"What's with this soul?" she asked, her voice steady despite the oppressive energy.

Gabriel exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed on the book. "This one has existed for over a thousand years. Its power and malevolence were unparalleled. A human... but something far more dangerous. It defied death for centuries."

Lilith's eyes widened slightly. "A human? Alive for a thousand years? How is that even possible?"

Gabriel shook his head. "No one knows. Its power kept growing, feeding on something we couldn't identify. But..." He hesitated, his voice dropping. "You can't open a book while its soul is still alive. And now, Sukuna's book is accessible. Which means..."

Lilith's golden eyes gleamed as she finished the thought. "Sukuna is dead."

Gabriel nodded solemnly. "Yes. But when did this happen? And how?"

Lilith's lips pressed into a thin line. The implications of Sukuna's death were vast, and she needed answers. Gabriel straightened, his expression turning serious. "This has to be reported. Michael—"

"No," Lilith interrupted sharply, her tone commanding. "This stays between us."

Gabriel frowned. "Lilith, this isn't something to keep quiet—"

"I need time," she said, her voice softening, though there was an uncharacteristic plea in it. She took a step closer to him, her expression unguarded for once. "Please, Gabriel. Let me figure this out first. I'm asking you."

Gabriel hesitated, caught off guard by the sincerity in her tone. Lilith rarely asked for anything, let alone with such vulnerability. After a long moment, he sighed. "Fine. But only for now. If this gets out of hand, I won't be able to protect you."

Lilith gave him a small, grateful smile. "That's all I need."

Gabriel lingered for a moment, as though he had more to say. His expression softened briefly before he raised his hand, summoning a faintly glowing, golden clock. The device hovered in the air for a moment before it drifted to Lilith's side.

"This is your alarm," Gabriel explained, his tone calm but firm. "When the timer runs out, you'll be teleported back to the exit, no exceptions. Use your time wisely."

Lilith opened her mouth to ask another question, but before the words could leave her lips, Gabriel shimmered into a cloud of golden sparkles, vanishing without another word.

Lilith frowned, folding her arms as the glowing clock hovered quietly beside her. "So much for getting more help," she muttered under her breath.

She cast a glance at the room around her—the thick roots pulsing with latent energy, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down with each passing second. She let out a long, exasperated sigh. There was no getting around it.

If the room was this deeply rooted, it meant one thing: she'd have to go through the cursed archives in order to make way.

Every book.

It would take time, patience, and focus to sift through a thousand years' worth of cursed souls before she could even begin to reach what she was looking for—Yuta's record which is in one thousand years.

"Wonderful," she muttered dryly. "Time to work."

The book of Sukuna opened with a whisper, the air around it chilling noticeably. As Lilith's eyes scanned the pages, a story began to unfold—a story drenched in blood and power.

Ryomen Sukuna's life began as a curse.

Even in the womb, Sukuna was put to the ultimate test of survival. His mother, emaciated and starving, carried not one but two children. Sukuna and his twin brother shared the same fragile space, but only one could thrive. To survive, Sukuna consumed his twin, devouring the life meant for both.

When he was born, his very existence was a portent of doom. His body was unnatural: two pairs of piercing eyes stared out from his face, a grotesque mouth stretched across his stomach, and cursed marks wove themselves across his skin like an intricate tapestry of power.

From his first breath, Sukuna's curse was already awakened.

As he grew, Sukuna's life was defined by isolation and cruelty. He scavenged for what little he could, scraping by in a world that had no love for someone so different. The villagers feared him, their whispers like knives carving into his young mind. They mistreated and ostracized him for his monstrous appearance, their fear quickly turning to hatred.

But Sukuna wasn't the only one marked by hardship. This was a lawless age—a time when humanity embraced its darkest impulses, an era of chaos and unchecked power. It was a time when curses were not anomalies but a reality woven into the fabric of life.

The golden age of sorcery.

Sukuna was a product of this world, and as the years passed, he adapted to its brutality. He grew stronger, colder, more ruthless. Where others saw weakness, Sukuna saw opportunity. Where others faltered, he thrived.

Lilith's eyes narrowed as the images in the book began to shift—scenes of Sukuna's rise to power, of the atrocities he committed without hesitation. His strength was unparalleled, his curse a force of nature that even the strongest sorcerers struggled to match.

Her fingers lingered on the page, the weight of his story pressing against her mind. She felt the echoes of the fear he inspired, the chaos he embodied.

"From birth to monster," Lilith murmured, her voice soft as her fingers traced the edge of the page. The weight of Sukuna's story pressed on her, but she couldn't stop. There was more to uncover.
She continued reading.

Sukuna had the talent. He had the power. Slowly but surely, revenge became his driving purpose—a path carved out by the pain and hatred he had endured. As he grew, he honed his cursed energy, mastering his innate technique with terrifying precision.

What began as survival evolved into vengeance.

Piece by piece, Sukuna dismantled the lives of those who had wronged him, those who had denied him his right to exist. His vengeance was absolute—a trail of slaughter that claimed both commoners and cursed sorcerers alike. By the time his work was done, the world he once knew lay in ruins behind him.

But the question remained: what now?

A rush of exhilaration filled him, his blood singing with newfound purpose. Sukuna's heart beat not for redemption or peace but for freedom—the freedom to live by his nature, to follow his own desires without constraint.

And so, he did.

Sukuna's innate talent and raw, unrelenting power allowed him to grow rapidly, surpassing even the most seasoned sorcerers of his era. He was untouchable, unstoppable. That was until he met—
Lilith frowned. A section of the text became illegible, the name obscured by dark smudges as though the page itself rejected clarity. She tilted the book, squinting to no avail.

"Who is this?" she muttered to herself. Still, she read on.

Sukuna encountered a young boy, a child from a forgotten village. Much like Sukuna, the boy was shunned and mistreated by his own people, an outcast of circumstance. Something clicked within Sukuna when he saw the boy—perhaps a reflection of himself.

Deciding to put an end to the village's existence, Sukuna prepared to slaughter them all. But before he could act, the boy did it first.

The child's cursed technique was cold and ruthless, an extension of his suppressed rage. He wiped out the village, his power radiating in jagged bursts of frost. Ice coated the land, bodies preserved in a silent, frozen grave.

Lilith's fingers stilled on the page. Her crimson eyes scanned the text again, her curiosity sharpening.

The boy then turned his sights on Sukuna, challenging him—not for revenge, but to prove his worth, his right to exist in a world that had abandoned him.

Sukuna, however, knew the child's efforts were futile. The boy's power, while raw and impressive, couldn't hold a candle to Sukuna's mastery. Still, the fire in the child's eyes—the determination, the will to fight against impossible odds—stirred something within him.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Sukuna was intrigued.

Instead of killing the boy, Sukuna offered him a chance: live. Live by your strength. Fight for yourself, not for others.

And the boy took it.

From that moment, the boy began following Sukuna, as an observer. He didn't ask Sukuna for lessons; instead, he studied him, learning through quiet persistence. Sukuna found himself growing accustomed to the boy's presence.

Time passed, and Sukuna continued his wandering, perfecting his craft. What began as a simple cursed technique transformed into something horrifying, something unparalleled.

His name spread like wildfire, whispered in fear by humans, cursed sorcerers, and spirits alike. The monster he had become was legend. His power invited challenges from every corner—sorcerers, spirits, and the strongest entities the cursed age had birthed. Yet not one could stand against him.

Lilith flipped the page, her curiosity deepening.

Sukuna's ventures grew darker. At one point, he developed a taste for humans—not merely as foes, but as sustenance. Cannibalism became his latest fascination.

The challenge, however, was storage. Sukuna needed a way to preserve his "meals."

As fate would have it, the boy—now a young man—came at the right time. His cursed technique, the manipulation of ice, proved invaluable. Not only could he preserve Sukuna's "resources," but his skill in cooking made the grotesque act almost refined.

This marked a shift.

For the first time, Sukuna granted the boy a true place at his side. The once-outcast child became an unlikely companion.

And for the first time in his long, cursed life, Sukuna felt… not entirely alone.

But as with all things, time moved forward.

At some point, Sukuna encountered Tengen—a sorcerer both ancient and enigmatic. Though her appearance was that of a young woman, her wisdom betrayed her true age. The name struck a chord in Lilith's mind as she read, faint recognition sparking in her thoughts.

Unlike every other sorcerer Sukuna had crossed paths with, Tengen did not approach him with malice or desperation. Instead, her demeanor was calm, her intentions seemingly neutral. This intrigued Sukuna. He, who had faced countless foes driven by arrogance or fear, found himself curious.

Tengen was renowned for her mastery over barrier techniques—unparalleled in her era. These barriers were not only tools of protection but also constructs powerful enough to suppress even the strongest cursed spirits. Yet, her presence felt… different.

Lilith traced the lines of the text, her focus sharpening as the story unfolded.

Tengen's existence was rooted in purpose: to balance and suppress cursed energy. But this era of chaos—the so-called Golden Age of Sorcery—had rendered her efforts almost futile. Every sorcerer had grown monstrously strong, not out of necessity, but for amusement. It was a time where raw power and personal ambition ruled, drowning out any semblance of order.

For Sukuna, whose philosophy treated cursed energy as a mere tool, Tengen's perspective was refreshing. She described cursed energy as something far deeper—a manifestation of the sorcerer's twisted will, shaped and wielded by their soul.

They spoke for hours.

Tengen's insights didn't change Sukuna, but they illuminated a concept he hadn't fully grasped before. The meaning of a curse, the essence of cursed energy, became clearer to him. It was a tool, yes—but one imbued with intent, with purpose.

And from that understanding, Sukuna grew even stronger.

Lilith's lips pressed into a thin line as she absorbed the weight of these revelations.

Then, there was another figure—a teenager, Tengen's apprentice. His name, too, was obscured in the text, a frustrating gap that left Lilith questioning. Sukuna's encounters with this boy were brief at first, but he left an impression.

The apprentice exuded a quiet, unnerving presence, even to Sukuna. The boy's movements were deliberate, his gaze sharp with an almost predatory curiosity. Sukuna did not know much about him, but there was something unsettling about his unshakable demeanor.

Years passed.

Sukuna's reputation grew, his name whispered across the land. To the world, he was no longer human—he had transcended that. He was a curse incarnate, an unstoppable force of destruction.
But with his rise came a new burden: boredom.

At the peak of his power, there was no longer anyone who could challenge him. Sorcerers who dared to face him fell like leaves in a storm. Even cursed spirits, born of immense hatred and fear, were no match. Sukuna's existence, once defined by struggle and bloodlust, began to feel hollow.

Then, the apprentice returned.

Lilith's pulse quickened as she read on.

The teenager sought Sukuna with a proposition—a deal that would shatter the stagnation of his life.

"Tengen must fulfill her purpose," the boy said, his voice steady and unwavering. "But for that to happen, the rulers of this era must die."

These "rulers" were the strongest sorcerers of their time. Not mere practitioners of raw power, but those who had honed their skills to perfection. Their unparalleled strength was the foundation of the Golden Age of Sorcery—a time of excess and chaos.

But the apprentice claimed it was time for this era to end.

"You feel it, don't you?" he pressed, his piercing gaze meeting Sukuna's. "The boredom. The hollowness. At the peak, there is nothing left to climb."

Sukuna remained silent, studying the boy.

"I can give you what you crave," the apprentice continued. "A true challenge. A fight worth your power."

Lilith paused, her fingers hovering over the page.

The boy's words resonated with Sukuna. It wasn't just the promise of a challenge—it was the boy's unyielding conviction, the hunger in his eyes, that captured his attention. Sukuna had seen ambition in countless forms, but this was different. It was raw, calculated, and utterly unbreakable.

The offer lingered in Sukuna's mind, a tantalizing promise that stirred something within him—a thrill he hadn't felt in years. The strongest sorcerers of the era would fall by his hand, and in return, the apprentice would grant him a battle that would push him to his limits.

Sukuna's lips curled into a predatory grin. "Very well," he said, his voice a low growl of anticipation. "I accept."

What followed was chaos incarnate. The apprentice provided Sukuna with cursed tools of immense power: Hiten and Kamutoke, forged with techniques fit for Sukuna's power. With these weapons in hand, Sukuna unleashed devastation upon the land, the sheer magnitude of his power shaking the earth.

First fell the Northern Fujiwara Clan's Five Void Generals, their fabled strength crumbling before Sukuna's onslaught. Then came the Sun, Moon, and Stars Squad, their coordinated attacks proving futile. The Desshi Pacification Squad was obliterated in a single, overwhelming strike. Finally, Sukuna decimated the remnants of the Sugawara Clan, their proud lineage extinguished under the weight of his cursed energy.

Each victory cemented Sukuna's dominance. Word spread quickly: Ryomen Sukuna ruled over all. His name became synonymous with power, fear, and inevitability. The once-thriving Golden Age of Sorcery—an era of unmatched ambition and chaos—was brought to a definitive end.

Sukuna stood at the apex, crowned as both the strongest sorcerer in history and the King of Curses.

Lilith's breath hitched as she read, her fingers brushing the edges of the worn pages.

Sukuna, the one who was doomed to die in his mother's womb, had defied that fate to become a monstrous sorcerer—a figure whose rise marked a turning point in cursed history.

Yet even with the world of sorcery at his feet, Sukuna found himself plagued by a familiar enemy: boredom. There were no more worthy foes, no challenges left to conquer. The land grew still, subdued by his overwhelming presence. He roamed freely, unchallenged and unmatched.

Years passed.

Then, the apprentice returned.

"It's time," he said, his calm demeanor unchanged despite the storm that Sukuna always seemed to bring.

Sukuna's crimson eyes narrowed. "Time for what?"

"To fulfill my end of the deal," the apprentice replied. "A way for you to survive, for your soul to remain intact. When the time comes, you'll return—and you'll face a being unlike any other. A true challenge."

Sukuna's gaze sharpened, the weight of those words sinking in. "Explain."

The apprentice leaned forward, his voice steady, his eyes filled with an eerie determination. "I'm creating a force of chaos—something that not even I can control. A being so powerful it will leave its mark on past, present, and future alike. When it's ready, you'll fight it. It will be your equal, Sukuna, perhaps even your better."

Sukuna studied the boy's expression, searching for deceit but finding none. He didn't fully grasp the mechanics of the plan, nor did he care to. What mattered was the truth shining in the apprentice's eyes.

Sukuna chuckled darkly. "You're a bold one, I'll give you that."

The apprentice didn't waver. "And you're the only one who can do this."

Sukuna agreed. His final act in this life was to embrace his temporal death, his soul preserved by the apprentice's arcane methods. He would sleep, awaiting the day of his resurrection—the day he would finally face the challenge he'd craved for centuries.

Lilith blinked as the pages abruptly turned blank. The records fell silent, a gap in history stretching across centuries.

She leaned back, gripping the book tightly. The room felt heavier now, charged with the weight of what she'd read. Sukuna's life marked a turning point—a fracture in time for sorcery.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden chime of the alarm. Before she could react, the magic took hold, teleporting her out of the chamber.

Lilith stumbled slightly as she reappeared at the exit, empty-handed. "Already two hours?" she muttered, frustration bubbling up. The wealth of knowledge within those walls was staggering, and yet it wasn't nearly enough time.

Straightening herself, she exhaled deeply. "A thousand years of cursed human history… I'll need far more than this."

With resolve hardening in her chest, Lilith stepped away, already planning her return.

---

Lilith stepped into her hotel room, letting the door click shut behind her with a soft finality. The weight of the day pressed heavily on her shoulders, and she exhaled sharply, dropping her purse onto the small table by the bed. Heaven, with all its saccharine smiles and incessant cheer, was draining.

"So much fake positivity," she muttered under her breath, kicking off her heels with a quiet groan.

With a wave of her hand, the contents of her purse spilled onto the table—a few trinkets and tokens her husband had snuck inside. Her lips twitched into a faint smile. Lucifer always had a way of grounding her, even when he wasn't physically present. The small mementos made the sterile hotel room feel a little less foreign, a little more like home.

She flopped onto the bed, her wings spreading slightly as she sank into the mattress. Her mind wandered, unable to quiet itself. The book. The life of Sukuna. The illustrations, the visceral accounts of his conquests and slaughters, from his cursed birth to his eventual demise—it lingered in her thoughts like a stubborn ember, refusing to extinguish.

"The King of Curses…" she murmured, staring at the ceiling. "How much stronger have sorcerers grown since then?"

Her thoughts drifted to Yuta, a modern sorcerer who had shown her power far beyond anything she had witnessed in humanity's early days. It was clear that humans had come far in mastering their cursed energy.

And yet, Sukuna's story felt incomplete.

The hidden names in the text gnawed at her curiosity. Why were they obscured? Who was Tengen's apprentice, and why did their name vanish from history? She furrowed her brow. Gabriel. He might know something about this. He was good at uncovering the kinds of secrets Heaven didn't like to share.

Her fingers fidgeted with the corner of the blanket as another realization hit her. Perhaps this was why Heaven had no clear record of Sukuna's survival over the centuries. He hadn't truly been alive—nor truly dead. He had existed in a liminal state, waiting for something, or someone, to awaken him.

But now, Sukuna had finally been killed.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "If he's gone," she whispered, "then that can only mean one thing—he met his match."

The thought was unsettling, a sharp contrast to the exhaustion tugging at her body. Her groan broke the silence of the room as she rolled onto her side. She wanted to be done with this, to finish her task and go home. But this was far from over.

Lucifer's promise drifted into her mind, a soft warmth amidst the chaos. He had vowed to reclaim his duties, to rise once more with the confidence she knew he was capable of.

"Finally," she muttered, a faint smile gracing her lips. It had taken so long, but he was beginning to find himself again.

And she wanted nothing more than to help him, to be by his side every step of the way.

But there was no escaping her present reality. Yuta's fall into Hell had thrown everything into uncertainty. What happened to him? Why did he end up there? Heaven, as usual, remained oblivious, offering no answers.

Lilith exhaled slowly, letting her head sink deeper into the pillow. Her mind was a tangle of thoughts—family, Sukuna, Yuta, and the growing sense of urgency to uncover the truth. She closed her eyes, willing her restless thoughts to quiet.

Eventually, her mind began to drift, softening with each passing moment. The image of her family filled the quiet recesses of her mind, a comforting anchor amidst the chaos.

And with that, she finally surrendered to sleep.

---

The next morning, Lilith opened her door to an unexpected sight—Gabriel, standing tall and radiant, his serene demeanor offsetting her groggy mood. His presence felt both imposing and oddly comforting, a quiet reminder of the complex ties between Heaven and her family.

"Morning," Gabriel greeted, his voice as calm and measured as ever.

"Morning," Lilith replied, rubbing her eyes. "What brings you here?"

They exchanged pleasantries, and Gabriel wasted no time getting to the point. "You managed to open more paths for your research," he remarked, a hint of approval in his tone.

Lilith leaned against the doorframe, her expression unreadable. "The book… and the atmosphere in that place, it was haunting. Dreadful, even. But I've endured worse."

Gabriel tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Not yet," she admitted, folding her arms. "I need more time. There's a lot to uncover, and the answers aren't exactly jumping off the pages."

He nodded, as if he'd expected this. "That's why I came prepared." Gabriel reached into his coat and handed her a card. Its design was simple, but the significance was clear. "This will grant you unlimited access to the archives. No time restrictions. The security has already been informed, so there's no need to worry about any... misunderstandings."

Lilith stared at the card, momentarily at a loss for words. "Why…?" she asked finally, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Why are you doing this? And so kindly, no less?"

Gabriel's expression softened, though there was a faint glimmer of vulnerability in his eyes. "I want to be on good terms with you and Lucifer. All of you, really. And… maybe one day, he'll visit us. Me and our other brothers."

Lilith's gaze lingered on him, and for a moment, pity flickered in her crimson eyes. Despite his towering frame and celestial presence, Gabriel was the youngest of the archangels—a being of immense power, but still yearning for the approval and companionship of his eldest brother.

She sighed, her stance relaxing. "We have no quarrel with you, Gabriel. Or the other archangels. Even the seraphim. It's the elder angels who we take issue with. I'm certain Lucifer isn't mad at you or the others, but…" She paused, slipping the card into her pocket. "I'll let him know you'd like to see him."

Gabriel's gratitude was quiet but palpable. "Thank you, Lilith."

After he left, Lilith wasted no time returning to the archives, her mind already racing with questions and possibilities.

The atmosphere of the library was as heavy as before, the weight of centuries pressing down on her as she flipped through the ancient tomes. Page after page revealed stories of cursed users—some who accidentally unleashed their cursed energy, others who sought power, and still others who fought to protect.

One thing became increasingly apparent: cursed spirits were less common than they had been in Sukuna's time. Tengen's barriers had worked, stabilizing the flow of cursed energy and preventing spirits from forming so easily.

But amid the accounts, one detail gnawed at her curiosity. An unreadable name kept surfacing in the texts, tied to multiple cursed users.

"Who are you?" she muttered under her breath, her fingers trailing over the faded ink. The figure was referred to inconsistently—sometimes as a girl, other times as a boy. Their identity seemed deliberately obscured, yet their presence lingered like a shadow over the narratives.

Whoever this unnamed figure was, their significance loomed larger with every passing page. Lilith could no longer brush aside the recurring mentions of Tengen and the mysterious presence that shadowed the history of sorcerers. The patterns were undeniable, and the questions refused to quiet in her mind.

Another day concluded, Lilith returned to her temporary quarters and left a message for her husband. She explained it would take longer than expected and asked if he was managing well alone in their palace. His reply came swiftly, a mix of reassurance and humor, though she could tell he missed her.

And so, her days fell into a rhythm. Research, questions, and lingering thoughts about this unnamed figure consumed her for months. Then one day, as she stepped outside for a breath of fresh air, she found herself deep in thought. The sun cast soft light across the gardens, but her mind was shrouded in the darkness of unanswered mysteries.

It was then she heard it—a voice. Serene and gentle, like a narrator weaving a tale for eager listeners. The words carried a hopeful lilt, their cadence mesmerizing. Lilith turned her head and followed the sound.

Beneath a blossoming tree sat a young, slim girl with long dark hair braided elegantly behind her, cascading past her shoulders. Her bangs framed her forehead, drawing attention to her delicate features. She was surrounded by a group of child angels, their eyes wide with wonder as she narrated a story.

With a wave of her hand, vibrant illustrations appeared in the air—beings with forms that were too unique, too strange to be coincidence. Yet the girl's words imbued them with life and kindness, transforming their monstrous appearances into something enchanting.

Lilith stood at a distance, captivated. It was the first genuinely warm moment she had experienced since arriving.

"She's quite remarkable, isn't she?"

The voice startled her. Lilith turned quickly to see Emily, the little seraphim who had appeared out of nowhere, smiling up at her.

Lilith exhaled, trying to calm her racing heart. "Yes," she replied softly. "She is."

Emily's gaze drifted toward the girl. "That's Riko Amanai," she said with a tone of admiration. "A human soul who arrived about twelve years ago. She came with her guardian, Misato Kuroi, who's like a mother to her."

Lilith raised a brow, intrigued. "A human soul?"

Emily nodded. "Riko's always been special. Ever since she arrived, she's had a way of turning the unsettling into something beautiful. Those creepy monsters she imagines—she gives them stories, kind and hopeful ones that touch even the youngest angels' hearts. And she's so gentle, always offering comfort to anyone in need, whether they're angel or human."

Lilith's gaze shifted back to Riko, her voice steady yet distant. "Creepy monsters, huh?"

Emily giggled. "They're adorable, aren't they?"

Lilith frowned slightly as she studied the illustrations. There was something disturbingly familiar about the creatures. The longer she stared, the clearer it became. Their shapes, their forms…

Cursed spirits.

The realization struck like a thunderclap. Riko wasn't outright saying it, but the similarity was undeniable. Did the seraphim not recognize what they were? Lilith glanced at Emily, her innocent expression suggesting she was none the wiser.

And Sera? Lilith wondered. Surely someone had noticed the resemblance. Or had they?

She chose to stay silent for now, her curiosity pulling her in a different direction. If Riko had knowledge of cursed spirits, she needed answers.

Lilith's eyes lingered on the young girl, her voice weaving a story about coexistence—humans and these creatures living in harmony. The concept was bold, almost naive. And yet, there was a beauty to it.

"Emily," Lilith said gently, "I think I'd like to speak with Riko. Privately."

The seraphim tilted her head, curious but compliant. "I'm sure she'd love that, just ask her when she is done."

As Emily skipped away, Lilith's gaze remained fixed on Riko, her mind already piecing together what she would say.

The children huddled close under the shade of the blossoming tree, their wings twitching as soft laughter rippled through the air. The young girl, Riko Amanai, sat in their center, her hands folded neatly on her lap. Her voice was calm yet alive with emotion, a melody of gentleness and authority that captivated every ear.

Lilith stood just beyond the group, watching silently, her arms crossed as she leaned against a marble column. There was something ethereal about Riko's presence, something both human and otherworldly.

"Once, a long time ago," Riko began, her dark eyes scanning her small audience, "there was a world filled with light and shadows. The light gave warmth, comfort, and hope. But the shadows…" She hesitated, her lips curling into a small smile. "The shadows were misunderstood."

The child angels gasped in unison, their luminous eyes wide with curiosity.

"They were born from sadness, fear, and pain," Riko continued. "But these shadows weren't bad, you see. They didn't ask to exist. They simply were. And the world, for all its beauty, didn't understand them. It feared them. Fought them. Drove them away."

Riko's hand moved delicately, and glowing images materialized in the air. The figures were unmistakable—twisted shapes of cursed spirits, their grotesque forms softened by her artful rendering. They no longer looked menacing but strangely sorrowful, like creatures lost in a world too bright for them.

"But there was one," Riko said, her tone shifting to something more hopeful, "who saw their pain. A human. Small, like you." She gestured to the smallest child, who giggled shyly. "And this human decided to talk to the shadows. To understand them."

Lilith felt her breath hitch. The imagery, the cadence of Riko's voice, stirred something in her. She remained silent, watching.

"The shadows didn't trust the human at first," Riko admitted. "Why would they? The world had only ever hurt them. But the human was patient. Kind. And slowly, the shadows began to speak."

The illustrations shifted. The dark forms began to shine faintly, their edges less jagged, their movements less erratic.

"And what do you think they said?" Riko asked, tilting her head at the children.

"They were lonely!" one of the angels chirped.

"They were scared!" another added.

Riko smiled. "Yes. They were lonely. They were scared. They didn't want to hurt anyone. They just wanted a place where they could be."

Her voice softened, almost a whisper now, but still clear. "The human gave them that place. Not by fighting them, not by destroying them, but by showing them kindness. And in return, the shadows became protectors. Friends. Guardians of the balance between light and dark."

The images dissolved, and the children clapped, their wings fluttering with joy. Riko laughed softly, bowing her head.

"Again, again!" one of the angels cried, bouncing in place.

"Later," Riko said gently. "You all need to rest your wings now, okay?"

The angels groaned but nodded, scattering with giggles and whispers.

Lilith waited until the last of them had left before stepping forward. "You have a way with stories."

Riko looked up, startled for a moment, but then her expression softened. "Thank you. I try to give them something to think about."

Lilith's gaze lingered on Riko, sharp yet tinged with curiosity. "Those shadows you spoke of… they aren't just from your imagination, are they?"

Riko stiffened slightly, her eyes widening in surprise before narrowing with caution. Slowly, she turned to face the imposing woman. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her tone tentative but steady.

Lilith tilted her head, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. "You know exactly what I mean."

Riko's eyes flickered, as though trying to analyze the stranger before her. She caught sight of Lilith's curved horns, the faint shimmer of otherworldly energy surrounding her. "You're not from… around here, are you?"

Lilith chuckled softly, the sound carrying a hint of amusement. "You could say that. But I'm not the one being questioned, am I?"

Riko bit her lip, trying to maintain her composure. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't match Lilith's commanding presence. She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You're not like anyone I've met before. Fine, I'll bite. Are you serious about what you're asking?"

"Completely," Lilith replied, her expression calm yet insistent.

Riko hesitated, glancing around as though checking for eavesdroppers. Her voice dropped to a near-whisper. "Meet me at my place tonight. I… I can't talk about it here."

Lilith's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. She nodded. "Understood."

Riko gave a curt nod in return, then quickly turned and walked away, her pace brisk. Lilith's gaze lingered on the drawings left behind. The cursed spirits depicted there… How did she know about them? There wasn't the faintest trace of cursed energy in the girl. She was just a soul—untainted, unawakened.

Fascinating.

---

Riko Amanai hurried home, her mind swirling with thoughts of Lilith. Who is she? And how does she know? She'd thought her stories about cursed spirits were vague enough to go unnoticed, just a creative outlet, nothing more.

As she entered her modest apartment, she dropped her bag by the door. "I'm home!" she called, her voice carrying a mix of weariness and unease.

"Welcome back!" came a cheerful reply. Misato Kuroi, her caretaker and surrogate mother, appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "How was it today? Those little angels can be a handful."

Riko sighed, kicking off her shoes. "It was fine. Not a problem, really. Except for… well, one tiny little thing."

Misato raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of mild concern. "What kind of 'tiny little thing' are we talking about?"

Riko hesitated before blurting, "A woman approached me—well, cornered me, really—and started asking about the cursed spirits."

Misato's expression immediately darkened. She grabbed Riko by the shoulders, shaking her lightly. "Riko! You weren't supposed to talk about that! We agreed it's too dangerous!"

"I know! But what was I supposed to do?" Riko exclaimed, throwing her hands up. "She was… really scary! Like, scary-scary."

Misato frowned, her worry deepening. "Scary? Was she an angel or something?"

"I don't know," Riko muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Do angels have horns?"

Misato blinked. "No."

"Well, that's a shame," Riko deadpanned, crossing her arms.

Misato's expression softened for a moment before turning serious again. "And now she's coming here tonight?"

Riko nodded reluctantly. "Yeah. She insisted. I couldn't just brush her off. Besides, she… she seemed to already know. She wasn't asking like someone curious. She was asking like someone sure."

Misato sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This is going to be a problem. Did you tell her about Rika?"

Riko's eyes widened. "No! Wait… where is Rika?"

"She went out to the park," Misato replied, glancing at the clock. "About twenty minutes ago."

"What?" Riko exclaimed, panic creeping into her voice. "She's going to come back and see a stranger here! You know how she gets!"

"Calm down," Misato said, holding up her hands. "She'll be fine. She's smart, and she knows her way around. Besides, she forgot her phone again, so trying to reach her is pointless."

"Again?" Riko groaned, slapping a hand to her forehead. "I swear, that girl's going to drive me crazy."

"You'll just have to be ready when she gets back," Misato said firmly. "And you'd better focus on what you're going to say to your guest. Rika can handle herself."

Riko sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Right. Yeah. You're probably right." But as she moved to prepare for the evening, a gnawing unease remained in her chest. She had a feeling tonight would be far from ordinary.

---

The night had fully set in, a thick silence enveloping the apartment as both Riko and Misato waited. Misato sat on the couch, calm and composed, occasionally glancing at Riko, who was pacing nervously.

"Riko," Misato said softly, a slight motherly edge in her tone. "You're going to wear a hole in the floor. Sit down and breathe."

Riko stopped mid-step, shooting her an apologetic glance. "Sorry. I just… I don't know what she's going to do, Misato. She's not an angel—that much I know—and that makes this ten times worse."

Misato walked over, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You'll be fine. We'll be fine. We've handled worse than this, haven't we?"

Riko exhaled shakily, nodding. "Yeah. You're right." She took a seat, trying to steady herself. But her newfound composure faltered when she felt it—a presence approaching. It was heavy, commanding, and undeniably otherworldly. Misato stiffened beside her, clearly sensing it too.

"This is demonic" Misato muttered, her voice low but alert. "Formation."

Riko nodded, quickly falling into step as the two readied themselves.

Lilith approached the building, glancing around at the unfamiliar layout. This place was a labyrinth, lacking any proper guidance. Still, the night air was refreshing, a welcome change from the dense libraries she'd been buried in. Her mind lingered on the last text she'd read—300 years after Sukuna's supposed death. Intriguing, but incomplete.

She checked the card again for the apartment number, her sharp senses zeroing in on Riko's presence… and another, likely her caretaker. At least she didn't lie.

Lilith climbed the stairs, ignoring the curious looks from a receptionist and a few passersby. Her presence was enough to keep most from daring to speak to her. She finally reached the door. With a small sigh of relief, she knocked firmly a few times.

Inside, Misato and Riko exchanged a tense glance. They remained silent, unmoving.

Lilith frowned and knocked again. "Riko," she called, her voice calm but firm. Still no answer. A spark of annoyance flickered in her expression.

After a couple of minutes, Lilith's patience wore thin. With a soft scoff, she muttered, "Fine," and turned the knob. The door opened easily, and she stepped inside.
The apartment was dim, the air thick with tension. Lilith took a step forward—

"ORA!"

A scream tore through the silence as Riko slammed a jar against Lilith's face, shattering it on impact.

"What in—?!" Lilith staggered back, bewildered.

Before she could recover, a splash of water hit her square in the face. Misato, standing a few feet away, held an empty bottle of holy water, her expression both determined and nervous.
For a moment, there was silence.

Lilith, dripping wet, slowly turned her gaze to the pair. Riko and Misato stood frozen, staring at the towering woman.

"Demon, begone!" Riko managed to squeak, clinging to Misato's arm.

Lilith's eye twitched, her frustration barely contained. A dark, demonic shadow began to grow behind her, swirling and stretching ominously. Riko yelped, pulling Misato into a tight hug as if bracing for the end.

From outside, the muffled sound of a woman yelling echoed through the quiet streets:

"WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUUUCK?!"

...

Minutes later, the three sat around the small kitchen table. The tension in the room had eased, though Lilith's irritation still lingered like a storm cloud above her. She sat stiffly, her wet hair clinging to her face.

"Do you need another towel?" Misato asked kindly, her tone almost apologetic.

Lilith didn't even glance her way. "No," she replied curtly, her voice flat.

Riko coughed awkwardly into her hand, breaking the silence. "Uh, look… I hope you understand we only did that for, uh… precautionary reasons."

"Precaution," Lilith repeated dryly, her gaze fixed on Riko, sharp enough to pierce steel.

"Y-yeah," Riko stammered. "Talking about cursed spirits is… well, it's not exactly allowed around here. We couldn't take any chances."

Lilith leaned back slightly, her fingers drumming against the table. Her eyes glinted dangerously as a smirk tugged at her lips. "Depending on your reason, I'll decide whether to drag you both to hell with me or not."

Misato paled, while Riko gulped audibly.

The room sat heavy with tension, Lilith's words hanging in the air like a drawn blade. Her crimson eyes scanned Riko and Misato with sharp precision. "Let's get to the point," she began, her voice low but commanding. "Why aren't you allowed to talk about cursed spirits here? How do you even know about them? And…" she gestured at her soaked form, a single drop of water trailing down her cheek, "…why in the name of all infernal realms did you think holy water would work on me?"

Riko, still clinging to the back of a chair, swallowed hard. "Well… you're a demon, so… logic?" She forced a nervous smile, trying to downplay the absurdity of her reasoning.

Lilith's glare deepened, her patience wearing thin.

"Good to know it doesn't work, though!" Riko added awkwardly, her attempt at humor falling flat.

Misato stepped in, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to Riko's nerves. "Let me explain," she said gently, hands folded before her. "Riko isn't just an ordinary girl. She was a Star Plasma Vessel."

Lilith tilted her head, intrigued. "A what?"

"A Star Plasma Vessel," Misato repeated. "A chosen individual meant to host the sorcerer Tengen to prolong her life."

Lilith's brows arched in recognition. "Tengen? An... old sorcerer?"

"Yes," Misato confirmed. "Tengen's cursed technique grants her immortality… but not in the way you'd think. Her body undergoes an evolution every five hundred years, turning her into something less human, more… a shell. To halt that evolution, she merges with a Star Plasma Vessel, rewriting her body's information to refresh it."

"So… a sacrifice," Lilith said bluntly, her lips curling into a faint scowl.

Misato nodded. "Exactly. Riko was meant to be that vessel."

Lilith's gaze shifted to Riko, who was uncharacteristically quiet. Her voice softened just a fraction. "Is that how you died?"

"No," Riko answered plainly, her tone devoid of emotion. "Because of… someone, I never got the chance to merge with Tengen. I was killed."

Lilith leaned back, clearly surprised. "And if you had merged?"

"Then I wouldn't be in heaven. I'd be stuck inside her, forever." Riko's voice remained calm, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper—bitterness, maybe relief.

Lilith processed this, her mind churning. "Why does Tengen need to keep living, anyway?"

Misato hesitated but eventually answered. "Because without her, Japan—no, the world—would be overrun with cursed spirits. Her barrier contains them, keeps balance."

Lilith's sharp gaze narrowed further. The room went quiet, the pause heavy with unspoken thoughts. When she didn't interrupt, Misato continued.

"After we died," Misato said, her voice softer, "we found ourselves in heaven. At first, it was strange—overwhelming, even. The angels were kind and gave us a place to live."

"But," Riko cut in, her voice tinged with frustration, "when I asked about cursed energy, things… didn't go well."

Lilith's lips curled faintly. "Let me guess. Sera."

Misato's eyes widened. "You know her?"

"Unfortunately," Lilith muttered, her tone laced with disdain.

Misato nodded. "Sera, the Seraphim, came to us. She interrogated us about what we knew. When we told her everything, she made it clear: if we wanted to stay in heaven, we couldn't breathe a word about cursed spirits or energy. For our own safety."

"And you've kept quiet ever since," Lilith said, her voice low and thoughtful.

Riko nodded. "That's why we were on edge when you showed up asking questions about cursed spirits. We've built a life here… and we didn't want to lose it."

Lilith studied them both for a moment, then sighed, her demonic presence retreating as she leaned back in her chair. "I see."

The tension eased slightly, though silence lingered until Riko cautiously spoke again. "So… why are you so interested?"

Lilith hesitated for a moment before answering, her tone guarded. "I'm investigating something personal. The cursed sorcerers of today might hold the answers I need." She didn't elaborate, and the flicker of trouble in her eyes warned Riko not to press.

Riko surprised herself by stepping forward. "If you need anything else, you can… call me, I guess. I still want to tell stories—real ones—about the sorcerers of today."

Lilith blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, with a faint smile, she nodded. "I'll keep that in mind." She rose, her towering form somehow graceful despite the cramped space. "Thank you… for the help. I won't pry any further. You've been through enough."

As she left, both Riko and Misato released deep breaths, their earlier fear melting into relief.

"That… wasn't so bad," Misato muttered.

"Speak for yourself," Riko replied, slumping against the table.

...

Outside, Lilith descended the stairs, her mind preoccupied. She barely noticed the figure she bumped into until she stepped back, murmuring, "Apologies."

The girl—a teenager with dark brown hair, a soft blue dress, and calm, kind eyes—offered a polite smile. "It's alright."

Lilith paused for half a second, a faint sense of familiarity tugging at her, but she dismissed it and continued on her way.

The girl watched her go, then entered the apartment.

"Rika!" Riko greeted, rushing over.

Rika raised an eyebrow at the sight of her. "Why are you so worked up? And why is the floor wet?"

Misato stepped in with a sheepish smile. "We'll explain. But for now, let's have dinner."

Rika nodded, still confused, but followed them to the kitchen.

---

For months, Lilith scoured every resource she had—ancient tomes, cursed scrolls, even the damned library of souls, an archive whispered to hold the collective memories of every lost spirit. But to her mounting frustration, she found nothing substantial about Tengen. Not a single entry, not a trace of her direct existence. It was as if Tengen was a ghost written into history only through fleeting mentions in the lives of others.

It gnawed at Lilith, the sheer impossibility of it. Every clue led to a dead end, a silence that felt deliberately constructed. After exhausting her patience, she slammed a brittle tome shut, the sound echoing in the library's cold, oppressive silence. With a resigned sigh, she shoved it back onto the towering shelf.

"This is pointless," she muttered to herself, brushing a stray strand of her golden hair from her face. "If she existed, there should be more than whispers."

Admitting temporary defeat, Lilith redirected her focus. She delved deeper into the annals of sorcery's evolution, hoping the modern chapters might at least offer clarity on today's cursed sorcerers. Yet, as she pressed on, she noticed another unsettling pattern: several names in the records were indecipherable, blurred as though deliberately obscured.

She sought answers from Gabriel. Surely the archangel, with his vast knowledge, would know. But as always, duty consumed him. Gabriel barely glanced her way as he maneuvered through heaven's gilded halls, leaving her with nothing but his vague promise to address it when time allowed.

Time stretched on, as it often did in heaven. When Gabriel finally stood before her, Lilith wasted no time.

"What do the unreadable names mean?" she demanded, her voice edged with irritation.

Gabriel, ever patient, tilted his head. "It means they're still alive."

Lilith blinked, caught off guard. "Alive? How? After hundreds of years?"

Gabriel's golden gaze grew thoughtful. "It could be a phenomenon like Sukuna—a state neither alive nor dead. A liminal existence. Whatever the method, it defies the natural order. I've been investigating this myself, but the truth eludes even me."

The explanation didn't sit well with Lilith. Her fists clenched at her sides, frustration bubbling to the surface. "There's so much wrong with this. How did humans even get here, Gabriel? To the point of denying death itself? They're disrupting the balance, and here I am—the Queen of Hell—piecing this together instead of heaven. Why am I the one digging through cursed histories while you're all just…" She gestured vaguely, the weight of her anger dulling her sharp words. "…complacent? For fucks sake..."

Gabriel observed her quietly, his expression betraying a flicker of empathy. "Why indeed?" he said softly. "Your frustration is justified, but even now, I don't even know the reason you are here. Not yet."

Lilith fell silent, her mind drifting elsewhere. Yuta. This had all started because of him. She didn't care about the grand mysteries or heaven's secrecy—she just wanted to know his story. His fate. His past. And yet, here she was, entangled in the enigmas of cursed souls and immortality, a thousand years of unanswered questions stretching before her.

Her crimson eyes flickered toward Gabriel. For a moment, she considered telling him about Yuta. Maybe he could help, offer insights she couldn't see. But the memory of heaven's suffocating rules stopped her. Riko's story still lingered in her mind—a cautionary tale of silence enforced by fear. Gabriel might not even know the full truth, and burdening him with her own secrets felt reckless.

Instead, she forced a casual smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm just curious," she lied. "Trying to learn more."

Gabriel didn't buy it. His knowing gaze lingered for a moment before he sighed, a quiet exhale of weariness. "Take it easy, Lilith. You've done enough for now. Give yourself time to breathe."

Lilith didn't respond immediately, watching as Gabriel turned and walked away, his angelic form disappearing into the light of the hall. When he was gone, she exhaled sharply, the weight of unanswered questions pressing down harder than before.

Her search would continue, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of stillness. There were truths to uncover, and she would find them—one way or another.

Lilith stepped into her apartment, the disarray immediately catching her eye. Books were stacked haphazardly on the floor, papers sprawled across the table, and even her usually pristine vanity had a layer of clutter. The mess was so unlike her meticulous nature, but with everything going on, keeping tidy had been the last thing on her mind. She sighed, brushing her hair back as she tossed her jacket onto the nearest chair.

Her phone buzzed faintly on the counter, and after a brief hesitation, she picked it up. Scrolling through her contacts, her thumb hovered over Lucifer's name. Maybe hearing his voice would steady her nerves, even if just for a moment.

She tapped the call button.

After a few rings, a familiar voice answered—not his. "Lilith?"

"Charlie?" Lilith blinked, caught off guard. "Wait... are you with Lucy?"

There was a brief, awkward pause on the other end. "Um… yeah," Charlie admitted hesitantly. "I'm here with my dad."

Lilith heard Lucifer's faint voice in the background, something teasing and lighthearted, but she couldn't make out the words. A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Well, isn't that a surprise. How's it going, sweetheart? And how's Yuta treating you?"

Charlie's voice brightened instantly. "Oh, it's been amazing! Yuta's such a great guy. We've been spending a lot of time together, and honestly, I feel like he's helped me grow so much."

Lilith's smile softened, her tension easing just slightly. "That's wonderful to hear. I'm glad you're doing well, truly. And it's good to hear your voice, Charlie."

Charlie's warmth was almost tangible through the phone, her voice bubbling with its characteristic cheer. "Same here, Mom! Did you want to talk to Dad? I can pass the phone."

Lilith hesitated briefly before replying, "Yeah, but since I have you here, I need to talk to you about Yuta first."

The tone in Lilith's voice shifted slightly, turning more serious. Charlie, sensing the change, stayed quiet, allowing her mother to explain.

Lilith began to outline what she'd pieced together so far. "It's... complicated. From what I've gathered, Yuta's situation isn't entirely unprecedented. There've been a few cases in the past—cursed souls who managed to avoid heaven and its process altogether. But with Yuta, it's... different. I suspect that when he died, his soul somehow ended up in another body. It's an extremely rare occurrence, but there are ancient texts that describe cursed souls tampering with their essence to such an extent that they can swap bodies. For most of them, though, it's like being stuck in limbo, not fully belonging anywhere."

She paused, her tone softening as she admitted, "But Yuta… Yuta ended up here in Hell. That part still doesn't make sense. And then there's his memory loss. I haven't figured that out yet, but I will. I promise. For now, all I can say is that I'm still working on it."

Charlie listened intently, though by the end of the explanation, her expression was a mix of confusion and overwhelmed intrigue. "So… uh…" she started, her natural goofiness bubbling to the surface. "You're saying Yuta's, like, special or something? Got it! Totally makes sense. Yup!"

Lilith could hear the faint strain in Charlie's voice as she tried to keep up with the details. Despite that, Charlie's lightheartedness broke through. "Alright, I'll just make sure he doesn't blow anything up while you're figuring that out. Good luck with all that spooky soul-swapping stuff, Mom!" She chuckled before quickly adding, "Anyway, here's Dad. Love you!"

There was a muffled shuffle on the other end as the phone changed hands.

Then came the familiar, smooth voice of Lucifer Morningstar, dripping with affection and playful mischief. "Lilith, my love," he greeted warmly.

She couldn't help but tease. "Well, well, Lucy, spending quality time with Charlie? Finally catching up with her, are you? Good for you."

Lucifer's chuckle was low and sheepish. "I did promise you I'd try, didn't I?"

Hearing that brought a genuine smile to Lilith's face. "You did. And I'm proud of you for following through." Her voice softened further as she ventured into the next topic. "Speaking of promises… are you still planning to return to your duties after I'm back? It's been a few months now, and I wondered if… you'd changed your mind."

The hesitation on the other end was brief but noticeable. "I haven't changed my mind," Lucifer replied firmly. "I'll keep that promise too."

Silence lingered for a moment, but it was the comfortable kind. Lilith hummed softly, clearly pleased. "Good," she murmured. "Thank you, Luci."

She hesitated again, her next words quieter. "Forgive me for being away so long… it's been months now. Heaven isn't exactly where I thought I'd spend so much time."

Lucifer's tone turned gentle. "There's nothing to forgive, Lilith. Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting for my queen whenever she's ready to come home."

His words sent a wave of warmth through her, but Lilith's sharp intuition couldn't ignore something else—something off. Even through the phone, she could sense it. Her eyes narrowed, a playful yet probing edge creeping into her tone. "Luci… is something wrong?"

The faint hesitation on the line was enough of a tell. Lucifer quickly masked it with a joking tone. "Wrong? What could possibly be wrong? Everything's perfectly fine, my love."

Lilith's tone shifted, seductive and demanding in a way that only she could manage. "Luci," she crooned, her voice laced with honey and steel, "are you hiding something from me?"

The question sent a visible shiver down Lucifer's spine—she could practically see his reaction in her mind's eye.

"Spill it," she urged.

Lucifer let out a long sigh, knowing there was no winning against her. "Alright, alright. I might have… other surprises waiting for you when you get back."

Her hum was low and thoughtful. "A vague answer, but I'll accept it—for now." There was a teasing lilt in her voice. "I'll make you spill the rest when I'm back, you know."

Lucifer chuckled softly. "I don't doubt that. But for now, let's call it a surprise worth waiting for."

"Fair enough," Lilith replied, her tone warm yet still curious. "I'll be patient… for now."

As the call ended, Lilith leaned back against the counter, her mind swirling with thoughts. Whatever Lucifer had planned, she'd uncover it soon enough. For now, she let herself smile, the call leaving her feeling just a bit lighter amidst the weight of her frustrations.

---

It was... refreshing, knowing what awaited her back at home. Lilith allowed herself a brief smile as she adjusted her posture, a queen regaining her poise. With renewed determination, she continued her efforts, flipping through book after book, weaving through the labyrinth of lives recorded within these sacred halls. She no longer dwelled on side concerns—unreadable names, Sukuna, Tegen, or Tengen's elusive apprentice. Those enigmas could wait.

Now, she focused singularly on one purpose: Yuta. She needed to uncover his past, not just for her own curiosity but as a favor to him. He had been instrumental in helping Charlie find joy again. It had been far too long since her daughter dared to dream, to see the world with such bright optimism. Lilith felt a deep gratitude toward him and wanted to honor it in her own way.

As for Heaven's inevitable troubles with the mess she was uncovering, that wasn't her concern. She had done her part, meticulously recording every cursed user up to the modern day. Whatever fallout came from this tangled web of souls, Heaven would have to deal with it. She had bigger priorities now.

Lilith shifted her approach, reading the ancient records not as puzzles to solve but as stories to absorb, lives to understand. The detachment allowed her to move faster, yet there was still a lingering tension in her mind—an unshakable feeling she couldn't quite place.

That feeling crystallized when she sensed it: a familiar scent. It stopped her cold.

"Riko."

Her gaze darted around the endless halls, her senses sharpening. She knew the girl was close, but how? How had she not noticed her before now? "Riko!" Lilith called out sharply. Her voice echoed through the vast expanse. "Come out! This place isn't meant for a human soul!"

There was no reply. Lilith's patience thinned as she scanned the area, her frustration bubbling beneath her composed exterior. With a low groan, she raised her hand, a faint pulse of dark energy emanating from her palm. The magic rippled through the air, tugging at her target.

Within moments, Riko was pulled from her hiding place, floating awkwardly before her. The girl gave a sheepish wave, her voice hesitant. "Uh… hi?"

Lilith narrowed her eyes, exhaling sharply. "How are you even here? This place is far beyond where you should be."

Riko shifted nervously. "I just… followed along, I guess."

Lilith's brow furrowed. "Followed? And how exactly did the angels not notice you? You're a human soul. You should stand out like a beacon here."

"I… don't know," Riko admitted, scratching the back of her head. "I wasn't hiding or anything. I was just… there. No one seemed to care."

Lilith's lips curled into a smirk, equal parts amused and disdainful. "Pathetic. Typical angels." She released her magic, gently lowering Riko to the ground.

Riko stumbled slightly as her feet touched down, brushing back her messy hair. Lilith tilted her head, eyeing her with mild curiosity. "Lost, were you?"

The girl hesitated before nodding. "Maybe? This place is so… big. The halls just keep going and going. I walked straight for what felt like forever, and then… I found you."

Lilith hummed, her gaze softening slightly as she pieced it together. "Of course. That explains it. This room is near infinite. You're lucky you bumped into me; otherwise, you'd still be wandering. Forever."

Riko gulped at the thought, her hands gripping the edges of her skirt. "Forever?" she echoed, her voice wavering.

Lilith let out a soft chuckle, the edge in her tone easing. "Don't worry, little one. It's not your fate today. But what are you doing here? What brings you to this place?"

Riko hesitated again, her gaze flicking downward as she shuffled her feet. "I… I saw you here before, and… I don't know. I just wanted to talk to you."

Lilith raised a skeptical eyebrow, crossing her arms as she regarded the girl. "Talk to me? You risked wandering endlessly in an infinite room just to talk?"

Riko nodded earnestly, her voice growing more genuine. "Yes. I… I wanted someone to talk to… someone different that could understand me…"

Lilith stared at her for a moment, caught off guard by the sincerity in Riko's tone. With a resigned sigh, she uncrossed her arms. "Alright, then. You've got my attention. What is it you want to talk about?"

Riko hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting around the endless, towering shelves of the archive. Finally, she looked back at Lilith. "Is this a… bad time?"

Lilith smiled faintly, her posture relaxing slightly. "Not really," she replied. "I could use a break anyway."

Riko tilted her head curiously. "What are you doing here?"

Lilith gestured to the expanse around them, her voice calm but tinged with quiet authority. "This place is like an archive—an endless record of every cursed soul."

Riko's eyes widened with genuine excitement. "Every cursed soul?!" she gasped, practically bouncing on her feet.

Lilith nodded, a small smirk forming at the girl's enthusiasm. "More or less. Every sorcerer and every cursed individual is recorded here. I'm working my way through it all."

Riko blinked, her expression shifting to amazement. "You're reading every single one? That's… a lot."

Lilith chuckled softly. "It is. But not as many as there once were." She paused, her tone growing quieter, more introspective. "It seems there are fewer and fewer sorcerers with each passing day. They're not as common as they used to be."

Riko nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah… I noticed that. Most sorcerers I've met are more… undercover, I guess. It's like they're hiding."

A brief silence fell between them, broken only by the faint hum of the infinite space. Lilith watched Riko closely, her crimson eyes softening as a nostalgic expression crossed her face. There was something about the girl's energy—innocent yet resilient—that tugged at a memory.

"Why do you tell those stories?" Lilith asked suddenly, her voice low and curious. "The ones you tell the children?"

Riko blinked, caught off guard by the question. She tilted her head, thinking for a moment before responding. "Ever since I was born, everyone told me I was special. I was the Star Plasma Vessel for Tengen. It was… all I knew." Her voice grew quieter, more reflective. "I lived a good life, surrounded by people who told me how important I was. It became normal. My caretaker—who I now call my mother—made sure I had everything I needed. But still… I always thought that was it. I was only a sacrifice. Nothing more."

Lilith's expression didn't change, but there was an intensity in her gaze, as if she was carefully piecing together Riko's words.

"It was like that for fourteen years," Riko continued, her voice steady but tinged with lingering sadness. "I even took pride in it, calling myself the next Star Plasma Vessel. But when the time came…" She hesitated, her hands gripping the edges of her dress. "Two sorcerers came to escort me to Tengen."

Lilith nodded silently, urging her to continue.

"At first, I thought they'd be intimidating," Riko admitted with a faint smile. "Just bodyguards doing their job while I was escorted toward my destiny. But… those two sorcerers were the best thing that ever happened to me. They completely changed my life in just three days."

Lilith tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "Changed it how?"

Riko's smile widened, bittersweet but full of warmth. "They treated me like something more than a vessel. Like I was just… Riko. Not the Star Plasma Vessel, not some sacred duty—just a normal girl. Those three days were everything to me. We went through so much—kidnappings, fighting curses, and even a trip to the beach." She laughed softly at the memory, her voice growing softer. "But the best part? They made me feel like I mattered for who I was, not for what I was meant to do."

Lilith's gaze remained steady, her arms loosely crossed as she listened.

"When the last day came," Riko continued, her voice trembling slightly, "I started to feel doubt. I wanted more time. I wanted to live, to experience everything I hadn't. And then… right when we reached the point where I was supposed to fulfill my purpose, one of the sorcerers said I didn't have to."

Lilith's brows raised slightly in surprise, but she said nothing, letting Riko speak.

"He offered to turn back," Riko whispered, almost as if she couldn't believe it herself. "Just go home. He told me they were willing to go against their higher-ups, to fight anyone who stood in their way, just so I could keep living." She looked down, her voice breaking slightly. "The two strongest sorcerers, willing to risk everything… for me."

Lilith studied her closely, her expression softening with understanding. It was clear to her now—Riko had been born into a life dictated by others, her sole purpose reduced to that of a sacrificial lamb. How could anyone not long for more?

The silence between them was thick with unspoken empathy until Riko broke it. "But… right after I accepted their offer to turn back, to try and live my own life…" She hesitated, her voice cracking under the weight of the memory. "I was killed."

Lilith's eyes widened, and for a fleeting moment, her usual composure faltered. "You were… killed?" she repeated softly, disbelief coloring her tone. "Right after choosing to fight for your own future?"

Riko nodded, her lips curling into a bittersweet smile. "It's still so vivid. I remember finding myself at the gates of Heaven, standing there with my mother—she'd been killed too."

Lilith didn't respond immediately, letting the weight of Riko's words sink in. She felt a pang of pity for the girl, a rare emotion for someone like her. It wasn't just pity, though. It was recognition—Riko's story mirrored her own in a way that struck a deep chord.

Lilith's voice softened. "You were born to be a vessel for Tengen," she said quietly. "Just as I was created to be nothing more than a companion of a man. We both were given lives defined by others' expectations." She glanced at Riko, her crimson eyes glinting with something that might have been regret—or admiration. "But your chance to break free… it was stolen from you."

Riko took a breath, her voice steady despite the rawness of her words. "That's why I tell those stories," she explained. "I realized too late that everyone has the power to be more than what they're told they are. It doesn't matter what others expect, or what they think you're meant for. You have to decide for yourself. You have to fight for it."

Another pause hung between them, but this time, it wasn't uncomfortable. Lilith let Riko's words settle, her sharp mind replaying them in silence. There was something profoundly inspiring in the girl's resolve—something that resonated deeply with her.

"You…" Lilith finally spoke, her voice softer than before, "You didn't let it break you. Even after everything, you turned your pain into something more. Hope. For others."

Riko smiled faintly. "That's what matters most to me now," she said. "If I can help even one soul realize they can choose their own fate, then it's worth it."

For a long moment, Lilith said nothing, her expression unreadable. Then, with a faint smile, she reached out and placed a hand on Riko's head, giving her a gentle pat. "At the end of it all," she said, "you did break free of your fate. That's what counts."

Riko looked up at her, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Do you really think so?"

Lilith chuckled, her regal demeanor returning as she withdrew her hand. "Of course. You've earned my respect, Riko."

Riko's cheeks flushed faintly at the compliment. After a moment, though, her curiosity got the better of her, and she tilted her head. "So… what about you? What are you really?"

Lilith raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "What am I?" she echoed, her tone playful. "I'm the Queen of Hell."

Riko nearly stumbled back, her mouth opening and closing as she processed the revelation. "W-Wait, what?!"

Lilith laughed, a rich, melodic sound that filled the vast archive. "Oh, now you falter?" she teased, crossing her arms with mock indignation.

Riko quickly regained her composure, her lips curving into a hesitant smile. "Well… I guess you're not that bad for a queen of Hell."

Lilith smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

The silence that followed wasn't awkward; it was companionable. Finally, Lilith broke it, her tone lighter. "How about this—you help me read through more of these records," she offered, gesturing to the endless shelves. "And while we work, I can tell you some of my stories"

Riko's face lit up with excitement. "I'd love that," she said earnestly.

"Good," Lilith said with a smile, turning back toward the nearest rooted shelf. "Then let's get started."

---

What had started as a one-day collaboration gradually became routine. Lilith found herself bringing Riko along more often, not just for company but to share pieces of her story. She recounted how she had come into existence, her eventual fall to Hell, and her partnership with Lucifer that led to the creation of their family.

All the while, Riko helped register the cursed souls in the archives. At first, Lilith hesitated, reluctant to have the girl participate in such grim work. But Riko insisted, her curiosity overpowering Lilith's concerns. She wanted to learn more about the lives of sorcerers—how they lived, how they differed, and how their stories intertwined. Secretly, Riko harbored the hope that she might stumble upon the names of the two sorcerers who had changed her life: Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru.

Lilith gently warned her. "If they're still alive," she explained, "their stories won't appear here. The books write themselves only when a soul's journey ends."

Riko nodded, understanding, but it didn't deter her enthusiasm.

As the days passed, an unexpected bond grew between them. Lilith, in her own reserved and guarded way, began to develop a soft spot for Riko. She admired the girl's persistence and her resolve to turn tragedy into purpose.

The months flew by, and with each passing day, they chipped away at the monumental task. The timeline of cursed souls was vast, with 200 years still separating them from the modern era. Yet, for the first time in ages, Lilith felt a sense of momentum—and companionship—as they worked side by side.

"One last push," Lilith muttered one evening, stretching after hours hunched over a desk. She glanced at the towering shelves around her. "I've done Heaven a favor for free, you know. They should be thanking me."

Riko chuckled softly, sifting through the twisting roots that seemed to guide her to the next book. She hummed thoughtfully as her fingers brushed over the spines, her eyes scanning the names etched on their surfaces.

Suddenly, her gaze landed on a particular book—a locked one. Her brow furrowed in curiosity as she picked it up. The name on its cover made her breath hitch.

"Charlie Morningstar."

Riko turned toward Lilith, the book still in her hands. "Lilith… what's your daughter's name again?"

Lilith looked up, her expression confused at first. But as her eyes fell on the book Riko held, her face froze, and then shifted into terror.

Without a word, Lilith lunged forward, snatching the book from Riko's hands.

"No," she whispered, shaking her head as she clutched the book tightly against her chest. Her voice grew more frantic. "This… this can't be. She inherited it? No, no…"

"Lilith!" Riko stepped forward, her tone gentle but firm. "What's going on? Talk to me."

But Lilith didn't seem to hear her. She was too lost in her thoughts, her crimson eyes wide with dread.

The silence grew heavier with each passing moment, the tension thick enough to cut. Finally, Lilith spun on her heel, clutching the book as she stormed out of the archive.

"Wait!" Riko called, hurrying after her. Though Lilith's pace was quick, Riko managed to keep up, her determination unshaken. "Lilith, stop! What does this mean?"

Lilith didn't answer, her steps echoing through the corridors as Riko trailed behind her, desperate for answers.

Lilith sprinted through the heavenly expanse, her mind racing faster than her legs could carry her. The open skies and pristine light blurred around her as dread clawed at her chest. Charlie hasn't shown any signs. No cursed energy, no hint of it—nothing.

She clung to that hope, the fragile belief that her daughter had escaped inheriting it. But now…

No.

Images flashed through her mind—Charlie being taken from her, stripped from their family because of that curse. It was the very reason she and Lucifer had hesitated to have a child in the first place. And now, the fear she had buried for so long came roaring back.

"I can't let this happen," she muttered under her breath, her wings twitching as if preparing to take flight.

Her thoughts spiraled. She remembered Yuta's question—when he'd casually asked if Charlie had cursed energy. He said he'd felt something from her. At the time, Lilith dismissed it outright, convincing herself it was nothing. She couldn't face the possibility.

That was so foolish. So, so foolish.

The realization burned through her, and a new urgency gripped her. She had to return to Hell immediately. She needed answers.

But as she turned a corner in her frantic dash, she collided with someone hard. The impact knocked her backward, the book slipping from her grip and skidding across the marble floor.

Lilith looked up, her breath catching as her eyes met a face she never wanted to see again.

Standing before her was a man with large golden wings that shimmered like sunlight. His face was obscured by a black mask adorned with gold patterns, his expression unreadable but no less imposing. A pair of horns jutted out from his head, and he wore a smooth white and gold cloak emblazoned with a prominent 'A' symbol on the front.

Adam—the first man.

"Well, well," Adam said, tilting his head with an air of nonchalance. "You dammed Bitch. Don't you know it's polite to look where you're going? Its like... common fucking sense?"

His golden eyes fell to the book on the ground, and his brows arched in mock curiosity. He picked it up before Lilith could react, turning it over in his hands. His lips curled into a slow, knowing grin as he read the name on its cover.

"Ohhh…" Adam's voice was sing-song, laced with smug amusement. "This is bad. Really bad. Reaaallyy fucked up"

Lilith clenched her fists, rising to her feet. "Give it back, Adam."

He ignored her demand, his grin widening. "So, the brat of the fallen angel and the first sinner is cursed after all."

"That's none of your business," Lilith hissed, stepping closer to him. She tried to snatch the book, but Adam pulled it away effortlessly, holding it just out of reach like a parent teasing a child.

His voice took on a taunting edge. "You know, everyone's been curious about why the Queen of Hell has been skulking around the cursed archives. Gabriel said you told him it was mere curiosity. Nothing serious. Nothing… personal. How stupid"

Lilith's glare burned hotter, her wings trembling with the effort to restrain herself. She wanted to strike him down, to silence that cocky voice, but they were in Heaven, under the watchful eyes of others. She couldn't risk it.

Adam continued, unfazed. "But I knew better. The very day I heard you were here, I knew you were up to something. And now? Oh, this is rich. All this effort just to see if your little demon princess is cursed?"

Lilith froze for a moment, her resolve flickering.

Adam laughed, the sound grating against her ears. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

With a swift movement, he unfurled his golden wings and took to the sky, holding the book aloft.

"Give it back, Adam!" Lilith's voice echoed with a sharp, commanding fury as she spread her own wings. Unlike Adam's radiant feathers, her wings were dark and jagged, almost demonic in appearance—a stark reminder of her fallen status.

Adam hovered high above, a cocky smirk on his face as he twirled the book in his hand. "Come and get it, then."

Lilith's heart pounded with rage as she launched herself into the sky, her wings cutting through the clouds like blades. He doesn't understand. He's got it all wrong.

Adam thought this was about Charlie—and in a way, it was. But the truth was more complicated, more painful.

Between the clouds, the chase began. Lilith's focus narrowed, her vision locked on Adam's smug figure as he darted through the heavens. She wouldn't let him escape. Not with that book. Not with her daughter's fate.

High above the endless expanse of Heaven's skies, Adam's mocking voice echoed through the clouds, each word sharp and grating.

"So, Lilith," Adam began, his tone dripping with smug amusement, "what's the plan here? Hiding the book from Heaven so they don't get their claws on your precious little princess? Bold move, even for you."

Lilith's teeth clenched, her wings beating furiously as she kept pace with him. Power radiated from her in waves, her restraint hanging by a thread.

"Why do you even care, Adam?!" she shouted, her voice cracking through the heavens. "This has nothing to do with you! I have a family to protect. You wouldn't understand."

Adam's grin widened as he glanced over his shoulder. "Oh, but it does have to do with me, darling. Someone's got to keep order, and Heaven's asked me to do just that. Consider me a humble enforcer."

"Bullshit!" Lilith roared, her voice vibrating through the air. "This isn't about 'order.' You're doing this out of spite! You don't have anything to fight for, Adam. You're empty. What the hell would you know about family?!"

Her words struck a nerve. Adam's smirk faltered for the briefest moment, his eyes narrowing before he quickly masked it with laughter. "Touchy, touchy. Careful, Lilith—you're starting to sound desperate."

Lilith's patience snapped. With a flash of dark energy, she summoned her staff, its design sleek and ominous, resembling a microphone stand with jagged edges. She darted forward, aiming to strike Adam down, but he was ready.

In a burst of golden light, Adam conjured a shimmering guitar, its body radiant with celestial energy. The two weapons clashed mid-air, the impact rippling outward and parting the clouds like an explosion.

Lilith pressed forward, her staff sparking as it ground against Adam's guitar. She shifted tactics, letting go of her weapon with one hand and swinging a punch at Adam's face.

The blow came fast—too fast for Adam to react.

But it stopped abruptly.

Lilith's eyes widened as her fist froze inches from Adam's smug face, held back by an effortless grip. She turned her head to see who had stopped her, and her blood ran cold.

Standing beside her was Sera, the Head of the Seraphim.

Sera's presence was overwhelming, her owl-like visage both majestic and terrifying. Her skin glowed faintly, her straight, silken hair framed her stern face, and her six massive, celestial wings spread wide behind her. Her halo, larger and more intricate than any Lilith had seen, floated above her head, an ethereal eye hovering below it, its dark purple-blue lid blinking slowly as it observed everything.

"What in God's name are you two doing?" Sera's voice thundered, commanding and sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade.

Lilith pulled her hand back, glaring at Adam, who now hovered smugly with the book clutched tightly in his grasp.

Adam's grin didn't waver. "Oh, Sera, just a little… disagreement. I happened upon Lilith and thought I'd remind her of what her family truly is—failures, sinners. Just a fucked up family. Nothing more."

Lilith's breath hitched, her heart pounding as Adam tucked the book into his cloak. She braced herself for his next move, expecting him to expose everything. But instead, he lied.

Sera's golden eyes shifted between them, narrowing. Her sharp gaze lingered on Adam.

"Provoking her?" Sera sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose before letting her glowing fingers drop to her side. "And you, Lilith. Of all people, I expected you to have more self-control than to fall for his games. This is beneath you."

Lilith's jaw tightened, her mind racing. Why was Adam lying? What was he playing at?

"Understood," Lilith muttered through gritted teeth, lowering her gaze to feign submission.

Sera transformed with a burst of light, her owl-like form shifting into a more human appearance. She was still imposing, tall and commanding, towering over both of them even in her smaller form.
"I don't want to hear of anything like this again," Sera said sharply, her voice cutting like glass. "Adam, you shall be punished acordingly after you end your duties, this was just uncalled for. And Lilith, consider this your first and final warning. At the end of this year, you will leave Heaven and will no longer have access to the cursed archives during the rest of your time here. Is that clear?"

Lilith nodded stiffly, her hands curling into fists at her sides.

"Good."

Without another word, Sera disappeared in a flash of light, leaving behind the faintest scent of ozone.

As the silence of the heavens enveloped them once more, Adam turned back to Lilith, his smirk as sharp and condescending as ever.

"So much for that," he quipped, his tone flippant.

Lilith's glare could have pierced through steel. Her patience, already worn thin, was evaporating entirely. "What's your game, Adam?"

Feigning hurt, Adam placed a hand over his heart, his expression mockingly wounded. "Game? Lilith, after you lied to Sera's face to protect your little princess, this is how you treat me? Ice cold. Ouch."

Lilith's lips tightened, and for a few moments, neither spoke. Her burning gaze met his smug grin, unwavering. Adam's teasing demeanor faltered as he realized she wasn't playing along. His smirk faded, and his expression turned uncharacteristically serious.

"Well," he said, his voice dropping an octave, "I didn't come here just for fun. I want to make a deal."

Lilith's laugh was bitter, humorless. "Of course. Of fucking course, the great Adam wants a deal. Let me guess, what do you want this time? Marriage? Again? You can kiss your own damned ass."
Adam raised both hands in mock surrender, shaking his head. "No, no, don't flatter yourself. I don't see you that way anymore. Even if you're still as hot as ever—"

Lilith's eye twitched dangerously.

"—but," Adam continued smoothly, "I just don't feel that spark anymore. You know how it is. People change."

Lilith's scowl deepened, but before she could lash out, Adam pressed on. "Let's get to the point. Thanks to you, Lilith, Heaven owes you. Those cursed archives you raided? The elders are… inspired. They're reviving one of their old projects."

Her brow furrowed, her anger briefly tempered by confusion. "What project?"

Adam shrugged, his disinterest almost palpable. "I don't know, and I don't care. But here's the fun part—thanks to your little stunt, I'm on track to oversee it." He paused for dramatic effect, letting the words sink in. "And that means no more exterminations. That'd just be… a drag. So messy. So boring."

Lilith's temper flared again. In a single, fluid motion, she grabbed Adam by the collar of his golden cloak, yanking him closer. "You'd rather slaughter my people than take on some job that could keep Heaven out of it?!"

Adam's grin returned, infuriatingly smug. "Correction: Extermination Day isn't going anywhere. But no one does it better than me. Heaven's exorcists adore me. It's a family tradition at this point."

Her grip loosened as her disgust overpowered her rage, and Adam smoothed his cloak as though her outburst had been nothing more than a mild inconvenience.

"Anyway," he continued breezily, "like I said, I'm in a good mood today. Just saw two of my exorcists fucking each other up to impress me. Isn't that sweet?"

"You're sick," Lilith growled.

"And you're dramatic," Adam shot back, grinning. "Since I'm feeling generous, here's the deal: I'll recommend you to lead this little project. Imagine it—Lilith, the demon-turned-Heavenly administrator. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

"What?" Lilith's voice was sharp, disbelieving.

"You heard me," Adam said, his grin widening. "You take over. Of course, that means staying out of Hell, away from your little family, and dedicating yourself entirely to this. But honestly, I'm doing you a favor. Hell's a cesspool, and you know it. You should be thanking me."

Lilith's fists clenched at her sides. Her entire being screamed to lash out, to end him here and now.

But Adam wasn't done. He leaned in slightly, his tone softening, almost conspiratorial. "And if you're smart, you'll take the offer. Because if you don't… well, I might have to mention a certain someone's… unique powers."

Lilith froze. Her breath caught in her throat.

"Charlie," Adam said smoothly, his voice dripping with feigned sympathy. "Your sweet, cursed daughter. A child of a fallen archangel and a demon? That's a red flag even Heaven can't ignore. You know what they'll do if they find out. They'll rip her from you, and they won't care if she's alive or not when they're done."

Lilith's world seemed to tilt. Her mind raced, regret and rage swirling together in a storm of guilt. This was her fault. Every mistake, every choice, had led to this.

Adam grinned, triumphant, as he handed the book back to her. "Think it over. The decision will be made mid-year next year. Plenty of time to weigh your options. But if you care about that child… well, there's really only one choice, isn't there?"

Without waiting for a response, Adam turned and flew off, his golden cloak shimmering in the sunlight.

Lilith stood there, clutching the book tightly, her gaze fixed on the burning sun above. Her expression was hollow, her fury replaced by a crushing weight of despair.

"…Why did this happen?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

---

Lilith stepped into her apartment, shutting the door behind her with a weary sigh. She leaned against it for a moment, the weight of the day pressing down on her like a lead blanket. It was ironic, really—only one month left until she could return home, and now this.

The reality she had spent so long denying was impossible to ignore anymore. Her daughter, Charlie... cursed, just like her. Cursed, like all of humanity.

But Charlie was different.

As Adam so gleefully pointed out, Charlie wasn't just cursed. She was the first being of angelic blood to bear cursed energy. A phenomenon that would make her a living anomaly—a threat in the eyes of Heaven. That was something the celestial realm couldn't ignore, no matter how much Lilith wished otherwise.

Unless…

Her mind lingered on Adam's so-called offer. His voice echoed in her thoughts, every word grating like sandpaper against her nerves.

"I'll stay silent about your daughter, so Heaven doesn't take her away. In return, I get to keep doing my genocide happily."

That was it. That was the deal. Her cooperation in exchange for Charlie's safety.

The sheer audacity of it made her blood boil. To be under someone's control again—not for herself, but for her daughter. Her sweet, oblivious daughter who had no idea what she represented or the burden she carried.

Lilith exhaled sharply and checked her phone, scrolling through a flood of unread messages. Most were from Riko.

"Where are you?"

"Are you okay?"

"Why did you storm off like that?"

"Please answer."

And more.

Lilith rubbed her temple, guilt prickling at her for leaving Riko hanging. She tapped out a short reply:

"I'm fine. Don't worry."

Fine. What a lie.

She wandered further into her apartment, tossing her phone onto the coffee table. Her eyes caught on the cursed book Adam had returned to her, lying there like a physical manifestation of her mistakes.

That damned book. Seeing it again had sent her spiraling. A book her daughter had touched. One of the many cursed things in her life.

The phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from her husband, showing off yet another one of his rubber duck creations. The man was endlessly fascinated with the things, much to her bemusement.

Another buzz followed. A message from Charlie, with a picture attached.

It showed Yuta sprawled on a couch, fast asleep, with Dazzle perched on his face.

"Dazzle finally getting attached to someone other than our family!" Charlie's message read, followed by a string of heart emojis.

Lilith let out a faint, almost imperceptible smile. When was the last time Dazzle had shown interest in anyone beyond their tiny circle of Charlie, Lucifer, or herself? It was such a small, absurd thing, but it warmed her heart, if only a little.

The phone buzzed again—Riko.

That was fast, Lilith thought, her faint smile fading.

She opened the message, and after a brief hesitation, began typing an explanation. Not everything, of course—just the basics. What happened, why she stormed out, and that she wouldn't be able to return to the archives.

Riko's reply came quickly. She suggested they meet at her place tomorrow to talk things over properly.

Lilith hesitated, her thumb hovering over the screen. Then she typed back, "Sure. That sounds good."

She put the phone down and sank into the couch, her eyes drifting back to the cursed book on the table. She needed to clear her mind, but that felt impossible. Maybe Riko was right. Maybe she did need to talk to someone, if only to stop herself from drowning in the weight of it all.

...

The following day, Riko sat across from Lilith in her cozy yet oddly chaotic living room. Lilith, arms crossed, stared blankly at the table between them, her thoughts an unreadable whirlwind. Riko hummed softly, a melancholy tune that mirrored the heaviness of what Lilith had just shared.

"So," Riko finally broke the silence, her voice gentle yet probing, "what are you going to do?"

Lilith shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "I don't know, Riko. What can I do? It's Heaven we're talking about. They'll just take her, and that's it. End of story."

Riko's expression shifted—determination and a hint of mischief crept into her eyes. "Lilith, come on. You're not seriously going to give up, are you?"

Lilith raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly do you think I should do? Adam has me cornered. If I push back, Charlie's gone. Just like that."

"It's not fair," Riko muttered, leaning back in her chair. "It's really not. But, Lilith…" She hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. "You're… you. You're Lilith. The first woman. The first person to ever say 'screw this' and break away from a shitty fate. You didn't let anyone define you then, so why now?"

Lilith tilted her head, skeptical. "You make it sound so simple. It's not."

"Of course it's not," Riko shot back, her tone sharpening but still laced with warmth. "Nothing worth doing ever is. But let's not forget who we're talking about here. You're the Queen of Hell, for crying out loud! You're not some damsel waiting for someone else to save the day. You're the one who raised hell itself—literally."

Lilith let out a dry chuckle. "You're laying it on a little thick there."

"I'm serious!" Riko leaned forward, her enthusiasm almost childlike. "You defied God, Lilith. GOD. You didn't just walk out on some crappy relationship; you walked out on the creator of existence. You stared down Heaven, Hell, and everything in between, and you didn't flinch. You're the blueprint for 'doing what's impossible.'"

Lilith's gaze softened slightly, but she didn't interrupt.

"And Adam?" Riko continued, gesturing animatedly. "He's a jerk. A smug, egotistical jerk who thinks he's got you figured out. But newsflash for him—you've always been stronger, smarter, and way more badass. You don't need his approval, and you sure as hell don't need to let him dictate your life now."

Riko paused, scratching her head. "Look, I know I'm just some random soul who doesn't have all the answers. Honestly, I'm probably way out of my depth here. But I know one thing for sure—if anyone can find a way to beat this, it's you. You're Lilith. You make your own rules."

She offered a sheepish smile. "And hey, worst-case scenario, I'll back you up. I mean, I'm not exactly much of a fighter, but I can… I don't know, throw some books at Adam or something?"

Lilith blinked at her, then burst into unexpected laughter. It was brief, but genuine. "Throw books at Adam? That's your big contribution?"

"Hey, don't knock it till you try it!" Riko quipped, grinning. "Besides, who wouldn't want to see his stupid face get smacked with a heavy encyclopedia? He probably needs one anyway"

Lilith shook her head, her smirk lingering as Riko's humor chipped away at the tension. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculous but right," Riko said, leaning back with a triumphant air. "You're the Queen of Hell, Lilith. You've faced worse before. And yeah, it's unfair as hell—pun intended—but you've never let that stop you. You fought for your freedom. Now you'll fight for Charlie's."

Lilith stared at Riko for a long moment, the words sinking in. She hated to admit it, but the girl had a point.

Riko shrugged, suddenly bashful. "Anyway, that's my motivational speech. Not bad, right? Kinda cheesy, but it's the thought that counts."

Lilith let out a slow breath, the weight on her shoulders feeling just a little lighter. "Not bad," she said quietly. "Not bad at all."

Riko beamed, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Lilith felt a spark of determination reignite within her.

She was Lilith—the first woman, the Queen of Hell, the defier. She had faced impossible odds before, and she would do it again. For her daughter, for her family, and for herself.

To remind Heaven once again that she will not yield.

...

Riko and Lilith decided to step out for some fresh air. The atmosphere had grown heavy after their earlier conversation, and Riko took it upon herself to lighten the mood. She began recounting stories about her time caring for the angelic children, her voice animated as she mimicked their laughter and antics.

Lilith listened quietly, occasionally smirking at Riko's vivid impressions. It was a momentary reprieve, a rare slice of normalcy in their otherwise turbulent lives.

Riko's storytelling came to an abrupt halt when she accidentally bumped into someone—a tall, muscular man with mid-length straight black hair that brushed just above his ears, piercing green eyes, and a scar that tugged slightly at the corner of his lips. He wore a casual outfit, simple but sharp enough to suggest he wasn't someone easily overlooked.

For a moment, Riko froze, her breath catching as her eyes met his. The man, though clearly startled, masked it with a stoic demeanor, his gaze unwavering but guarded.

"Riko?" Lilith's voice broke the silence, her brow furrowing as she glanced between the two. "What's going on?"

Riko didn't answer immediately. She stood rooted in place, her lips parting as though she might say something, but the words never came.

Before she could compose herself, a soft, angelic voice called from behind the man. "Toji?"

A woman approached, her presence almost serene. Her black spiky hair, and her gentle smile seemed to radiate warmth. She moved with an effortless grace, though her expression shifted slightly when she noticed Riko.

"Miss Amanai," the woman said kindly, her voice tinged with surprise.

Riko finally broke her silence, her response clipped but polite. "Miss Fushiguro…"

Lilith watched the exchange, her confusion mirrored in the subtle furrow of her brow. The tension between Riko and the man—Toji, apparently—was palpable, as if years of unspoken history hung in the air.

The woman accompanying Toji seemed to notice as well, though she merely chuckled softly. "Well, it's good to see you again, Riko" she said with a kind smile. "Still as beautiful as ever."

Her words were meant as a compliment, but they only deepened the awkwardness of the moment. She reached out to gently tug on Toji's sleeve. "We need to get going. Hopefully, we can catch up another time."

Toji said nothing, his eyes lingering on Riko for a moment longer before he allowed himself to be pulled away. The tension didn't dissipate as he left, his retreating figure marked by a single glance over his shoulder, his expression unreadable.

Lilith waited until they were out of earshot before turning to Riko. She opened her mouth to ask what had just happened, but Riko cut her off, her voice quieter than usual.

"Lilith…" she began, her tone hesitant, "with all the time you've lived… is it ever possible to let go of the past? The bad parts?"

Lilith regarded her carefully, the weight of the question settling between them. After a moment, she spoke, her voice steady but laced with a hint of sadness. "You don't let go of the past, Riko. You learn from it. You take its lessons and carry them forward. Otherwise, it'll consume you, and there'll be nothing left for your future."

Riko nodded slowly, her gaze distant. Without another word, she resumed walking.

Lilith stayed behind for a few moments, watching her before eventually catching up. As they walked in silence, Lilith's thoughts churned.

Who was this Toji? she wondered. And what kind of history did he share with Riko?

---

"And we will eat some ribs after, yeah?!" Adam roared, raising his fists to the sky.

The exorcists erupted into a deafening cheer, their collective voices shaking the air. Adam basked in their energy, a grin spreading across his face as he clapped his hands with exaggerated enthusiasm.

The Extermination Day had come once more, and the tension in the air was electric. Adam stood before an army of exorcists, their eyes gleaming with a shared bloodlust as they waited for the portal to Hell to open.

"That's what I like to hear, ladies!" he said, his voice dripping with mock charisma. "Now let's get down to business and kill as much of that bitch's people as we can."

He jabbed a finger dramatically in Lilith's direction. She was leaning casually against a pillar, entirely unbothered, scrolling through her phone. Without looking up, she raised her middle finger at him.

Adam's grin faltered for the briefest of moments as his gaze locked onto hers. Those eyes—burning with unyielding determination—stared back at him. It wasn't the first time he'd seen that fire, but it infuriated him just the same.

How dare she look at me like that, Adam thought, masking his irritation behind a smirk.

"And while you all do the real work," Adam continued, raising his voice to the crowd, "I'll be accompanying our esteemed guest to her mud along with that failure of an angel—what's his name again?" He paused for effect. "Oh right, Lucifer!"

The exorcists roared with laughter, their cheers egging Adam on.

Adam glanced at Lilith again, hoping for a reaction. But she didn't even flinch. Instead, she remained fixated on her phone, her expression calm and indifferent.

She's ignoring me? Adam fumed inwardly.

Still, he didn't let it show. If Lilith wanted to play the composed queen, fine. He'd turn up the heat.

Adam strode over to two exorcists standing at the front of the formation. Both women snapped to attention as he approached, their faces with a serious expression.

"Ladies," Adam said, crouching slightly to meet their gaze, his voice low and conspiratorial, "today is the day you prove your worth. Challenge after challenge, I watched you rise and fall. And now... by the end of this glorious slaughter, I'll decide which of you gets to be my right-hand girl. Understand?"

The two exorcists nodded.

"Lute," Adam said, pointing to the first woman, and then he turned to the second, "and… Vagina."

The second woman stiffened. "It's Vaggie, sir."

Adam raised a dismissive hand. "Hmm… no," he said flatly, already turning away.

Behind him, the portal to Hell began to shimmer, its edges crackling with energy. Adam let out a triumphant laugh as he summoned his guitar, slinging it over his shoulder like a battle standard.

"It's showtimeeeeeee!" he bellowed, strumming a single reverberating chord. The sound echoed ominously, a warning shot to Hell that the slaughter was about to begin.

Lilith watched the spectacle with a mixture of disgust and disdain, her lip curling slightly. Still, she remained composed, her thoughts elsewhere.

"Hopefully, Charlie and Yuta just stayed out of trouble during this year I was gone…" she thought, her grip on her phone tightening slightly. "I wonder what they are up to now…"

...

Meanwhile, in Hell, Yuta Okkotsu stood atop the skeletal framework of a crumbling building, his silhouette stark against the blood-red sky. He adjusted the drape of his white jacket, now worn as a cape over his shoulders, fluttering slightly in the sulfurous breeze. His outfit had undergone a transformation—a sleek black butler-like suit sans the jacket, revealing a black vest with polished silver buttons over a crisp white shirt, its sleeves rolled up to his elbows. A thin black tie completed the ensemble, along with slim black pants and, somewhat incongruously, his signature white sneakers. At his side, his katana case was strapped to his belt, rather than slung across his back as before.

He stretched his arms, his joints cracking softly as he scanned the sky. The golden portal above began disgorging figures—exorcists descending like a flood of locusts, their shimmering weapons catching the light as they spread out across Hell's tortured landscape.

A soft voice crackled in his ear through the earpiece nestled in his right ear. "So… how do you like the new look?" Odette's tone carried a mix of curiosity and playfulness.

Yuta smiled faintly, his voice warm with sincerity. "Pretty cool."

"You can thank Charlie and Clara for that," Odette replied with a hint of pride. "They really put it together. And honestly? It suits you. Looks sharp."

He chuckled softly. Of course it was them, he thought, momentarily picturing the two women bickering over fabric swatches while sneaking in unsolicited advice on posture and demeanor.

The faint hum of chaos in the distance brought him back to the moment. His gaze hardened as the first exorcists touched down on the cracked earth far below.

Odette's voice softened, tinged with caution. "Now, you've got this. But listen, if things get too dicey, there's no shame in backing off. You don't need to—"

"I won't lose," Yuta interrupted firmly, his voice steady and resolute.

The confidence in his tone caught Odette off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless. Though she was still against the idea of him taking on such a direct role in the conflict, something about his unwavering determination reminded her of who he truly was—someone who didn't step into a fight unless he was ready to finish it.

A small smirk curled at the corner of her lips as she leaned back in her chair, glancing at the monitors around her. "Go get 'em," she said with a quiet chuckle.

Yuta nodded to himself, the fight was here, and he was ready.

End Of Chapter

---

Writer: Sooo many characters introduced here! And some unexpected ones! (Probably!)
Been a while since we saw Lilith, and wanted to take advantage here and make a preview of heaven, now... I know its probably a biiiiig stretch with what Im doing, but here I am just trying to go for new things, hopefully you enjoy those, like that Cursed Archive, basically a timeline.
Now... a preview of Sukuna's backstory. Of course, in canon, we know almost... nothing, so Im just going with what they showed, specially with those plot points of Sukuna having two sides to chose, Urame (Who was a boy in the heian era and reincarnated in a woman's body in the modern era lol) and the other girl who we dont really know who it is. Also the plot point of Sukuna knowing Tengen, and Tengen and Kenjaku already knowing each other to the point of him calling Tengen an old friend, so... yeah trying my best to be original with the crumbs we have (Woulve loved a heian flashback but what can we do about it? lmao)
And Riko and Toji! After all those jokes about Toji somehow making it to heaven thanks to one of Gege's artwork, I decided to make it for... real real. As im saying, im really doing a big stretch with all these things, so hopefully it goes out well in the future.
And also a lot of flashbacks or some mentions, like Sukuna, of course, I plan to fully flesh it out when the time is right, so for now have an idea of how it went. The same thing will be with every big events that have happened, like Lucifer's fall, Yuta and Kenjaku arriving at hell, Kenjaku's past, etc.
And now for the last little part, Yuta's new outfit! Probably about time, if you want a rough idea of how it looks, its a butler's suit, trying to go for that Hazbin thingy with everyone using a kind of suit, and also using as a cape his jujutsu white jacket, almost like Maki post-shibuya, that she had her jacket as a cape, so its inspiration from it. (These are times when I wish to know how to draw but I suck)
And.. think thats it for now, of course, let me know your thoughts!
Aaand I almost forgot, Rika! Remember in JJK0 that Yuta freed Rika's soul and left behind the cursed spirit. Just so you remember in case you dear readers forgot.