UPDATE 19 November 2024: spelling, grammar, some details that did not quite make sense.

— ML

Chapter Fifteen: March, Part Five

March 12, X792, 8:00 a.m.

The Black Qora sun was at its peak, rivaling the dullest of lightbulbs in the sky. The small source of light from the little window near the ceiling awoke him. Or rather, the rising of neighboring inmates outside disturbed his long hours of staring at the back of his right eyelid. Jackal squinted his eye open and shut to adjust to the dark daylight. He looked over to the opposite bed, glaring at its emptiness. Tempesta was supposed to be there.

After throwing on his shirt and trousers, Jackal emerged from his cell not long after the waking time everyone was expected to rise by. He brought with him a small bucket of toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, exfoliating sponge, and bar soap. He tossed his towel over his shoulder.

Jackal had no idea where his lighter mood suddenly came from. It seemed like a switch flipped as soon as he stepped out in his slippers. Of all the inmates he gave a polite nod or short greeting to, very few of them reciprocated. In fact, multiple creatures were confused by his interactions. Where was the scowl or the glaring daggers?

On a regular day, Jackal did not greet anyone but his friends and maybe Bird, Izumi, Elfine, or Wendell, if he even bothered to notice their presence.

The feline demon passed the cafeteria, spotting Yuichi-sensei. The human doctor was just locking a door that was staff only.

"Yuichi, morning!" Jackal grinned at the human. Yuichi smiled back.

"Good morning, Jackal. You're in a good mood today."

"Of course I am! Why wouldn't I be?"

Yuichi watched the blonde practically skip to the flight of stairs before jogging up to the second floor, where the showers were located.

I feel great today! I don't need a reason why!

Jackal spotted Tempesta exiting the showering room. He wore a clean set of clothes and slippers. The blonde faintly smelled the typical gentle aroma of bar soap and olive oil. Jackal felt a soft flutter in his chest where his heart would be.

"Tempeee!" Jackal sang, throwing his arms around his boyfriend. The snow-haired demon nearly jumped in surprise. Tempesta grabbed Jackal's face, lifting it up to inspect.

No lines of exhaustion or dark eye circles? Check.

Public display of affection? Check.

Taking a shower as soon as he got up in the morning? Check.

Tempesta's eye and posture softened as a big smile set it. "Welcome back," he whispered, hugging the blonde tightly. Jackal nearly squealed with delight, his tail lashing energetically.

Greg happened to descend from the third floor on one of her many hourly rounds. When she saw Jackal and Tempesta together, she turned on her seal leather heel and walked the other way, assuming they would not want to be disturbed.

Jackal let go of Temoesta after a long pause. He pulled something from his pocket, then dropped to one knee. Tempesta's eye widened in shock. Is he...? No, that's impossible. But maybe...

Jackal presented a small white flower with splotches of red and yellow on its round petals. The stem twisted much like a grapevine, with one delicate little leaf.

"For you, lovely. I don't have enough poetic words to describe your otherworldly beauty and charm," he professed, taking Tempesta's hand. He placed the little flower in his palm. "I hope this soft touch of nature compliments you enough."

Tempesta could only stare in shock over such a bold declaration. A small part of him was expecting a different type of gift, as irrational as that thought was. Still, he accepted the flower, carefully pushing the stem through one of his braids to secure it in his hair. Jackal stood back up, then planted a soft kiss on Tempesta's cheek. The snow-haired demon gently cupped his face in one hand, kissing the feline demon's forehead, nose, then his lips.

Tempesta immediately pulled away at the sound of wolf whistles from the first floor. Several inmates watched the entire encounter. It was obvious by their cheeky grins and fake kissing faces that it was pure mockery. But Jackal did not care, to Tempesta's surprise. In fact, he smiled with such pride that he had never seen in the blonde before.

"I don't care who sees us, you're mine," Jackal whispered, hugging him around his waist.

"I'm... yours?" Tempesta murmured, blushing lightly.

"All right, enough of that!" a guard barked as two more stepped forward to separate the group of people downstairs. As expected, the group scattered back to whatever they were up to before.

"Yes, you're mine!" Jackal beamed. Tempesta loved to hear those words out loud. A small, nagging feeling in his gut made him look away bashfully.

No, nothing is wrong with him. We're all different here! He's also just... different. Different every other day?

"Uh, you should take your shower quickly; they stop serving breakfast at 8:30," Tempesta said curtly. Jackal laughed softly, stepping away from his boyfriend. It was so typical of him to act that way when flustered.

"I'm good on breakfast. Besides, I'm not always hungry for food in the morning," Jackal winked before proceeding to the shower room, leaving Tempesta to process his last comment.

"Not always hungry for...?" Tempesta murmured questioningly to himself. His left eye widened as the phrase set it.

Greg practically hid around the corner near the other closed-off demon unit, a giddy grin on her face.

HQ is gonna LOVE this!

.

Usually, only one creature went into the showers at a time. But recently, two or three would go together (with permission) for safety and socializing. Kyôka and Sayla always went with Minerva if she asked for company. Lamy, Tempesta, and Jackal all showered alone, unfortunately. Certain guards paid close attention to relationships among prisoners and made sure none of them had too much quality time.

Jackal relaxed audibly with a long sigh under the cold water. He stood barefoot in the cleanest stall, running water through his hair first. He closed his right eye, slicking his hair out of his face. His hair grew faster than it used to. It was already over an inch closer to his shoulder blades than the previous month.

His mind eventually drifted back to that wonderful time with his partners just a few days ago. Lamy was such a beautiful woman, opening herself to him completely; it was probably one of the most pleasant moments of his life after death. Tempesta, so squared on the outside; Jackal could tell he could've been a heathen in bed if nothing held him back. But it was not perfect. The blonde became too aggressive. Snow-hair was upset. Jackal cried. Bunny demon coddled him a bit. He didn't mean to hurt her; it sort of just... happened?

The hunger in her soft pink eyes made him crave something else. Something primal. He loved how much her insides tightened around him the harder he squeezed her neck. Warm, wet muscles pulled him deep inside her womanhood. Her beautiful eyes had shown a flash of fear.

It was the fear that drove his orgasm. He loved how powerless she was in that moment, completely at his mercy. He believed she secretly enjoyed the breathless feeling, even if she asked for a break from sex right after.

Jackal leaned against the shower wall, looking down at the growing erection. A smile crept across his face. There was no shame in a little bit of sadistic pleasure. The others just needed to understand him better. There was no use in crying about such little things.

I love her. I love him.

He stroked from the base of his member to the tip, slowly massaging the shaft. The blonde focused his gaze on his erection, envisioning Lamy on her knees between his legs.

She slid her tongue up and down his shaft, stroking slowly to lubricate the shaft all over. In real life, she could only suck a little over half his length while using one hand to stroke the rest in a gentle twist of her wrist, or else she might gag. Jackal ran his fingers through Lamy's soft hair, fighting the urge to push himself into her throat. Her mouth was so good that day. It was such a shame she did not wish to push her limits with him.

I love her.

But then, he imagined Tempesta right beside her. Together, they licked and sucked his erection in his daydream. Sometimes their lips met in a kiss, savoring the taste of Jackal's imaginary pre-cum mixing with their saliva. Jackal could see their eyes looking up at him, wordlessly asking for more.

I love him.

He wanted her. He wanted him. Jackal stroked himself faster, softly groaning in pleasure. Lamy sucked him harder, nearly caving in her cheeks to create more tightness around his member.

Tempesta massaged his gonads with his mouth and tongue. Jackal had never received that kind of treatment, but he imagined it was just as exciting as a simple blow job.

The build-up of pleasure teasing his mind sent him over the edge, ejaculating in just a couple of minutes. His rhythmic gasps slightly shook his body with the passing waves of silent ecstasy. Semen squirted out, soon washing away in the cold stream of the shower. He breathed heavily, closing his eyes.

I love.

I lo

He never thought the mere idea of a man could arouse him, much less make him finish so quickly. That was a whole new world of pleasure he had yet to explore. Now he just needed the courage to go all the way. Until then, he would keep dreaming.

I—

March 12, X792, 10:46 a.m.

Sayla.

I have more to share with the others, thanks to Izumi and Wendell. I had to write everything down just to ensure that I did not miss a single detail.

The land this prison exists on is essentially the "other" Kingdom of Fiore, called the Dominique Empire (DE). DE went by other names over the centuries, but Izumi and Wendell didn't know any other names.

The empire is currently ruled by Queen Dominique I.

Apparently, a war was waged against the Angel race that resides in Heaven. This war between "light" and "dark" has existed for so long, it is uncertain why the war began.

One thing led to another, and now DE seeks to exterminate Purgatory's most inferior creatures to further some kind of societal advancement. It is said that the seven billion in our identification numbers represents the death toll over the years.

I find that hard to believe.

Either the world population is massive here, or the prisons have existed for a very long time. Izumi and Wendell could not confirm this.

But why not imprison Angels? They are the true enemy. Or perhaps the queen is a typical fascist who wants "perfect" subjects for a "perfect" Empire.

DE consists of the following countries:

• Magnoramus: we live here right now

• Twilight Zone: cluster of islands

• Demiterum: Dragonkind are certainly not welcome

Major cities include (not limited to):

• Foretitou (also spelled Foreititou)

• False Line: city guild is a type of guild that consists of more than 700 members. False Line has tens of thousands of mages of many kinds.

• Jupetoresoid: Wendell said it is the "best party city in the continent." What's a party city?

• Saint Demos: major center of trade and entrepreneurship.

The couple originally migrated to DE from another continent where dragonkind thrives. Their specific home country is called Alvarez. They left to escape the conflict, only to be captured for breaking the laws of their land.

• fleeing illegally

• unauthorized entry into a foreign country

• draft evasion

• assault of several officers with a deadly weapon

• and more? What does that mean??

Male or female, it did not matter. If a dragonoid is able-bodied and older than 23, they are soldier material. DE and Alvarez are allies. They learned the hard way how close that alliance is.

The way they described bits of their culture is nothing like any place I heard of on Earthland. Dragonkind are not fond of foreigners, the same as Earthland dragons. Although Izumi is a dragonoid, she is more human than dragonoid.

Alvarez is home to the Manji Dragon Clan, said to be ruled by a very powerful child emperor. I wonder if he is also part of the Alvarez-DE alliance. Izumi and Wendell are not from a clan.

Dragonkind were once considered "witchcraft" and "wonder beasts." That is worse than a feral. Their power is sacred and misunderstood. Too sacred to share carelessly.

However, they refused to disclose their magic or curse power. Dragonkind are very private about their power. Oh well, they are entitled to their privacy.

(Small drawing of Sayla with a pouting face)

They are not sure exactly how many of these prisons exist.

Wendell estimated more than 200 across the Empire.

Alvarez does not practice extermination of any kind. The dirtier work is left to the outskirts DE, I suppose.

The "mistakes" and "errors" of this world are concentrated in these walls to be killed, die naturally, or live long enough to somehow escape.

That includes:

• creatures who fell from Earthland, spared from Hades

• elves

• draft evaders

• illegal immigrants

• endangered demon species

• humans (past tense, wherever they are)

• other populations deemed unworthy of a place in DE

And by whatever miracle our Angelic has in store for us, we will escape! I am not dying here. I have already died once, and it was humiliating and scary.

I tried to find information on the outermost walls. Neither Izumi nor Wendell know why the electrocution only senses/kills prisoners and not guards or other employees.

They also have no idea how people or shipments come in and out, as the walls are not built with exits.

When prisoners and shipments come to this prison, they are most likely sent by carriage or vehicle, then teleportation magic. Teleportation makes the most sense to me.

Jackal is essentially resistant to the effects; we do not know how. He just is. I can use some magic again. And curse. I don't know how. I just can. Minerva uses curse, I think.

Again, I don't know.

We breathe without hearts, hear without ears, speak well without tongues. I don't even have a lisp from this ugly gap in my teeth. (Little face with raised eyebrow)

I do not understand how anything works here, and it kind of boggles my mind.

According to Wendell, the walls are also enchanted with eterano-draining power. All creatures of this world rely on eterano to have magic, curse power, and life in general. Allegedly, the prisons emit enough anti-eterano to render all of us powerless but not dead from deficiency disorders.

A couple of us are obviously the exception. I hope that when I leave this place, I can properly study this technology.

Also, Jerza Fernandal Daywalker Scarlet did not retire. Humans were probably not eliminated either. They were either transferred or released into the custody of some other place. Set free. So unfair.

Jerza is responsible for ruining our lives. My comrades' lives. My friends. My Kyôka. She did not retire from her cruel line of work. We don't actually know where she is now. Possibly pulling strings elsewhere. Watching. Smirking like a proud villain with Erza Scarlet's face.

I would have preferred an eternity in Edolas over this.

(on the next page is a sketch of a map of the Dominique Empire and its countries and major cities. Saint Demos is marked with a star as the alleged capital of the Empire, located in Northern Magnoramus. On the west coast, the Twilight Zone islands are drawn with lines between them, much like a web of bridges connecting to the massive Magnoramus land called Scarlet Desert. Jupetoresoid is close to the center of Demiterum, False Line is a little to the southeast, and Foretitou is far west, almost at the border of Demiterum and Magnoramus)

"Any questions?" Sayla asked aloud.

She had presented the open journal on the table. All of Tartaros Fairy (except Kyôka in quarantine), Bird, and Elfine were practically crammed together around a six-person bench. Lamy rubbed her temples, deep in thought. Tempesta was sat down, resting his cheek on his elbow-propped palm, glaring at the map sketch. Bird was busy translating everything to French in his own notebook. Jackal had casually braided his hair as Sayla presented her notes with the group, making subtle flirtatious glances at Elfine. At one point, she smiled sheepishly at the blonde demon.

"I have a question. What is the closest city to this prison?" Lamy asked.

"We're actually forty miles away from the Twilight Zone islands," Sayla replied factually. "Izumi also said there are a couple of villages in Scarlet Desert. She did not know names or exact locations, though."

"Oh, wonderful! As soon as we get out, we could attempt to gain citizenship there," Lamy suggested, envisioning a potential route to independence. Tempesta shook his head, sitting up.

"That may not be the case in this land. We are completely undocumented outside of these walls, no different from illegal immigrants. How could we possibly find our way to citizenship?"

"It's difficult, but not impossible," Bird replied, pausing his writing. "I was an immigrant from Alvarez as well. I required a DNA test for a proper background check. After my identity was confirmed, I had to take exams to prove I was as intelligent as my education history suggested. Furthermore, I was required to live under close surveillance in a facility of transitioning people."

"What about demons who come from Earthland, like us?" Lamy asked. "Do we get a special test too?"

"I don't know," Bird answered, frowning slightly. "I've never gotten to know an Earthling before you all."

"You should try contacting your Reaper," Elfine said, breaking eye contact with Jackal. "I can't confirm it, but Reapers keep a collection of files for every soul they collect. You would have to find the Reaper that goes to Earthland."

"Easier said than done," Tempesta sighed. "We don't remember even meeting one on the way here."

"I vaguely remember," Jackal said, stroking his braid. He stared blankly at the table, deep in thought. "I had a dream—and hear me out, it was important," he emphasized, shooting a look at the skeptical Bird. "It was a woman in black. She smelled like rotten air and kind of looked like Zeref."

"Bullshit!" Bird chuckled.

"Purgatory is like the center of alternate worlds, so it's not too far-fetched," Elfine chimed in.

"Like Edolas?" Lamy questioned.

"Yes, like Edolas," the female elf replied.

"Or Elentear," Sayla added.

"Is there really a Reaper that smells rotten?" Tempesta questioned.

"I've never died before, so I don't know," Elfine answered.

"And how do we contact a Reaper from here?" Lamy asked the elf. Elfine shrugged with her hands up.

"Sorry, I was born and raised in this world."

"Well, that's a bust," Jackal pouted, laying his chin on the table. Bird rolled his eyes as Lamy patted the blonde demon's head.

"Well, anyway," Sayla interjected. "This is the only information we have to work with right now. In the meantime, we will continue to create a "kekaku" to—"

"Kekakick some ass?"

Everyone stared dumbfounded at Jackal, who tittered lightly to himself. Even Bird thought that was a little bit funny.

"Jackal, are you okay?" Sayla asked softly. It was definitely not like Jackal to crack such terrible jokes.

"I don't know why you're all so worried!" the blonde huffed, crossing his arms. "I'm in a good mood for one day, and everyone thinks something is wrong. What's with you people? Imprisonment doesn't mean I can't laugh a little!"

"I-I'm glad you're feeling better," Lamy reassured him with a bright smile. "I'm happy you're smiling again."

"Thank you, Lamy," Jackal smiled back. Bird facepalmed.

"Pas si fort," Bird hissed at Sayla. She promptly sat between Lamy and Tempesta as a guard walked by their table. The bunny demon grunted at suddenly getting squashed against Bird. Elfine waved at the guard with a smile. When he was far enough, she rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Batârde."

March 12, X792, 5:14 p.m.

(a rushed drawing of a black lion sitting on a hill above eighty-seven little circles in seven rows of eleven, and one row of ten. The first eleven circles are bigger than the others. Out of the big circles, five are black. In the next rows, ten random small circles are also colored back. The following text is written in ancient Potemelian:

(Where is my body and blood

(Holy shine stolen from the Heavens

(King of Zodiacs broken

(Infinite wrath of 73 stars

(I can't find my way home anymore)

(I'm scared. I don't know who they're supposed to be. They're inside me. They sit with me. Watch me. Mock me. Beg me. What the fuck is happening to me? They won't leave. What the fuck.)

March 13, X792, ??:?? ?.?.

Tempesta meditated through the night and sometimes fell asleep. He always got up before Jackal, and it was the case today. After rising from his odd slumber, he quietly sat by his boyfriend's bed across the room. Tempesta knew he was awake by his twitching ears and tail lashing every so often.

He touched the blonde's face, tracing his fingers down his neck to his shoulder, then back up to his face. He stroked his thumb on Jackal's brown-spotted cheek near his scar. His good eye slowly opened. Tempesta smiled warmly, folding his arms on the bed to rest his head. Their eyes met in a quiet stare.

He wished he could feel a heart pounding in his chest. All he could really sense was a flutter of some kind. A good kind.

"You're nervous," Jackal whispered. Tempesta closed his eye.

"Hmm, maybe..."

"What are you thinking?"

"I don't know." Tempesta shivered when Jackal cupped his face gently. His hands were always warm. Right now, they were rather hot on his cold cheek.

"Come here," Jackal murmured. "I don't get to hold you often."

Often? What does he mean? Tempesta thought. They cuddled multiple times a week. It was as often as Jackal wanted, really. He thought nothing of it as he climbed onto the bed. Jackal shifted closer to the wall so that his boyfriend could settle beside him. Without hesitation, Jackal wrapped his arms around Tempesta's head, pulling it against his chest. The snow haired demon breathed in his scent, wrapping his arms around Jackal's waist.

He eats better, but he's still so slim, Tempesta mused. At least he did not feel every individual rib anymore.

"What do you love about me?" Jackal asked.

"That's easy, I love everything," Tempesta answered. "Your angry glare, your vulnerability, your spots, your old laugh, your new laugh, the funny shape of your feet—"

"What's wrong with my feet?" the blonde interrupted.

"Nothing! They're yours, so I love them," the snow-haired demon chuckled softly. "I love your eyes, well, eye. The way you watch the light in the window. Your hugs. And how your mood changes like the weather—"

Jackal lifted Tempesta's face to silence him with a kiss. He was caught off guard, half expecting him to swear or threaten to kick him like usual.

So soft...

The snow-haired demon gently tugged Jackal's lower lip between his teeth. The blonde responded by slipping his tongue into his mouth. It was abnormally cold, like kissing a ghost. Jackal traced his palms down to the sides of his neck. Tempesta grabbed his outer wrist, stopping whatever he thought his boyfriend was about to do. Jackal wouldn't dare to try that on him, would he?

"Scaredy cat," Jackal teased between kisses.

"I'm not scared," Tempesta murmured. Jackal grabbed his chin with a little more force, attempting to dominate the snow-haired demon with his lips and tongue. He growled a little, grabbing Jackal's neck. He gasped in surprise, but even that was short-lived.

Tempesta cringed in pain when nails nearly broke the skin of his cheeks. Jackal used the opportunity to get on top of him, pinning him by his wrist. He covered Tempesta's mouth with the other hand. The snow-haired demon noticed a playful glint in Jackal's dilated pupil. His light brown eye... kind of looked blue in the dark.

He thinks this is a game? Fine!

Tempesta tightened his grasp on Jackal's neck. His inhaled breath caught in his throat. A lukewarm trickle of blood slowly oozed from a cut in Tempesta's right cheek, but he didn't care. He would not lose against Jackal of all demons.

The snow-haired male flipped them both over. However, they fell straight to the floor due to the lack of bed space. Jackal felt the wind get knocked out of his chest, sandwiched between a body of muscle and a concrete floor.

"G-get off!" he croaked. Tempesta smirked triumphantly despite his face turning red. The couple took a moment to finally catch their breaths. Tempesta hid his face in the crook of Jackal's neck. The blonde tried to pull his wrists free, but soon gave up.

"You know I'm stronger," Tempesta breathed close to his ear. "I was going easy on you."

"W-well, so was I," Jackal grumbled. Tempesta stood on his hands and knees, keeping the feline demon trapped beneath him. Jackal's eye was brown again. The lighting must have played tricks on him.

Jackal blushed lightly, his right eye wide. "Can you let me up, please?"

The snow-haired male sighed, standing up. He grabbed his boyfriend's hand to help him up. He could've taunted him more, but he was not interested in getting yelled at again. Jackal lifted his shirt to wipe Tempesta's face.

"Sorry I went overboard," he said, frowning. Tempesta looked away, suddenly shy about his face up close.

"It's a scratch; I'm fine."

"You know I love you, right?"

"Obviously."

"W—I mean it."

Their eyes met in an intense stare. Jackal looked apprehensive. Nervous, even. What's on his mind?

"Uh, Tempe, I think I want my diary to stay private," the blonde said meekly, averting his gaze. It darted to the floor, then the other wall. "There's, uh, some things I'm not ready to share."

"I'll respect that," Tempesta replied, patting his hair comfortingly. "I will only look if I absolutely have to. Otherwise, your journal is yours alone." He kissed his forehead, then his nose. Jackal smiled sheepishly.

"Stop that, you're making me feel smaller!"

"You are shorter than me, so quit whining."

"Fuck you!"

"That's more like it."

March 13, X792

Angelic.

I never truly left, did I? I was also never there. There is a labyrinth world. Your only evidence of their existence is a letter Lamy keeps hidden and a small gravestone. They are alive, although it does not seem like anyone thinks of them.

I watch over Minerva. She is safe. She is very sad, but safe. Remember Rojessa, the name that was never given. I don't think I deserve to know the assigned name on record.

I am not your savior. Stop worshipping me. I am not allowed to serve you.

March 13, X792

Sayla. It is nice to finally meet your handwriting again. Who are you? Why did you leave? How did you leave? Where can we find you? Do you know the reaper who guided us to this world? I would love to get to know you again, if that is alright with you. I don't care if we cannot meet right now. Please. We need answers.

March 14, X792

Jackal burst from his cell, sniffing the air. He knew that scent all too well. He bolted down the hallway of his living unit, unbothered by guards who attempted to slow him.

"Stop running, Seven-Zero!"

"Fuck you!" Jackal immediately shot back over his shoulder. He promptly swerved from crashing into a group of inmates. Today, fresh bread would be served with vinegar, olive oil, and whatever the main courses of the day were. And so, the main area in the center of the prison was crowded all the way into the cafeteria.

He finally spotted a head of raven black hair beside Lamy and Sayla. Tempesta also navigated through the sea of creatures. Jackal rammed his shoulder into a smaller male inmate, knocking him sprawled to the floor.

"Watch it, asshole!" he sneered, scrambling to his feet. He ducked out of sight when Jackal hissed with all the emotion on his mind. It almost sounded like a rabid snarl came through as well. When he finally saw Minerva, he froze up.

"M-Minerva, you're..." He trailed off, fearing he might cry immediately if he tried to talk again.

The humanoid woman—normally catatonic, scared, and anxious—wore the most joyful smile on her face. Her eyes lit up like stars upon spotting the feline demon a few feet away. Jackal did not bother to stop his tears from bursting.

In seconds, he pushed through the last of his walking obstacles, grabbing Minerva in a tight hug. He sobbed on her shoulder, blubbering apologies over and over. It all came out at once.

He was sorry he didn't protect her enough. Sorry he injured her. Sorry he couldn't be there when she went into labor. Sorry he was such a cowardly idiot. He apologized for anything and everything he might have done that hurt her. And through all of that, she embraced him as well. He stuttered and inhaled sobs so much she could barely understand him. At the same time, she completely understood.

"I'm home," she whispered with a soft smile.

"Is this a group hug?" Lamy excitedly hugged the duo without waiting for an answer. They Sayla, and finally a very awkward Tempesta.

"We missed you," the hornless demon smiled.

There was subtle exhaustion behind her happy expression that they collectively decided to address later. Right now, it was about making her first day back in limbo as peaceful as possible.

Rojessa is based on the name Jessa, a gender-neutral Hebrew name that means to behold, foresight, Yehowah has added, God exists, and I possess. Apparently, Yehowah is just another term for Jehova. I don't know that lol. I put Ro in front of Jessa because sometimes R names (Rowan, Rodrigo, Roland, etc) are cool.

— ML