Chapter 4 – The Succubus
       
       
       Loona: « Are you a girl too? »
       Group chat has been renamed to “Arturo n’ girls”
       A barrage of laughing stickers and gifs flooded the conversation while Arturo went to sleep instead.
       In his dream he found himself alone. His apartment: a barren wasteland that compared with the real one gave off an eerie feeling of dread.
       Everything he had that could remotely recall to his lovers, gone –even Amelia’s.
       Yet, Arturo felt nothing more than a slight worry. His mind could tell the differences, even if not the reason why and the lack of sound seemed to go past him as a natural occurrence. And in a funny irony, he went back to bed.
       Then, shock. As soon as he laid down a lady was on top of him. She looked angry, but not aggressive; she looked puzzled but not scared.
       A succubus he felt to have seen before but could not recall where. She had uneven horns with black tips and stars on the side, long pink hair and a strong pinkish body. Her figure was beyond perfection and each portion was there for him to stare at.
       She wore a white and black dress with tall thigh highs and her tail tip in the shape of a heart teased him with a whip-like sound each time it wagged.
       —Just what do you think you are doing? —She said, in a dominant manner—.
       —It has a mind of his own, I swear! —Arturo tried to excuse—.
       —I’m not talking about that.. dumbass…
       —Oh…
       —I’m talking about whatever it is you are doing with those girls, how you tried to do it with me.
       —I-I don’t follow, who are you?
       —Ugh… —She seemed exhausted, not getting the replies she was looking for yet—. I’m Verosika, I’m Vortex’s boss –you know, your friend. We met at my studio.
       Flashbacks appeared to Arturo little by little, taking a while for the realization to kick in.
       —Oh!
       —Yes! Oh! —She changed posture, now sitting on his legs—. For someone who dated a succubus; I expected a much better reaction to a dream slip.
       —Well, the real deal usually feels better. —With more self-awareness, Arturo’s confidence improved—. Why are you in my dream anyways? Amelia sent you? How do you even know I dated a succubus before?
       —Just because I’m a succubus doesn’t mean I know all of them; Vortex told me about you two, first of all. And second, it’s the only way I can see you without getting affected by whatever it is you are doing. So don’t even bother trying.
       Arturo quickly pieced it all together, surprised to learn that succubus (or her at least) were able to sense his curse in action was a huge discovery; and the fact that it didn’t work inside his dreams began to feel like a potential solution or tool. He just had to play the right cards.
       —Well, for your information; the thing that I do isn’t even in my control. So even if I wanted to –I can’t do shit.
       —But you clearly like it, since you got yourself three girls already. A little too shameless, don’t you think?
       A sense of guilt passed through Arturo’s heart. What could he say? That he was forced to? He had no choice? Maybe with Stella and Octavia, but Loona was entirely his own doing –he only used the curse as his excuse to make her happy; to make himself happy. All this time he could’ve looked for help, but he never did –so what other conclusions were there to be drawn?
       —So, what? How are you any better when you invade my dreams, anyway? —Arturo fought back—. At least have a reason to do so.
       —Call it community service, that’s all you need to know. —Verosika avoided the question—.
       “You fucked up the moment you started dating Loona, Blitzo followed her and saw what happened, then he went to Stolas thinking he knew of your relationship with his daughter, finally Blitzo asked me to find out what was going on. You should be thankful they didn’t go after you directly.” Verosika talked to herself mentally. Looking at Arturo with spite.
       The conversation they had wasn’t pretty either:
       
       ***
       
       —Hey, Stolas! —Blitzo looked angry and worried—.
       —Blitzy! Is there something wrong?
       —Yeah, it’s your daughter’s boyfriend. Look, I don’t mind giving them work but I would rather have him stay away from my daughter. And probably your ex-wife too.
       —Oh Blitzy, Via doesn’t have a boyfriend. Are you sure of what you are talking about?
       —I am sure. Octavia talked to Loonie about this Arturo guy, Loonie talked to me about him needing work, and now he wants my daughter too.
       Stolas reacted to the name in an instant.
       —Did you say.. Arturo?
       —Yeah! Him!
       Stolas stayed in silence for a moment, thinking profoundly about what was just said.
       —This sounds like the effects of some sort of love spell. Maybe if I ask Asmodeus.. No that’s bad idea… —Stolas continued his brainstorming aloud—.
       —Why not? The king of lust dealing with it sounds perfectly fitting. I mean, if you give the word I can just kill the guy.
       —Lucifer, no! That would be even worse!
       —What? Why?
       —If he’s dating my daughter.. and somehow my ex-wife, he’s protected by Goetian law.
       —The fuck is that?
       —Rules only we Goetia must follow, put in place by Lucifer himself to avoid use of power and more. If I get Asmodeus involved to break their relationship it could be seen as conspiracy and if you kill him then I can get blamed for assassination. Does that succubus girl still hate you?
       —Yes, why?
       —Succubus share a skill that allows them to sense this kind of magic, although it doesn’t make them immune; she can still clear some doubts for us. Because there is no way my sweet Via would fall for something like him just because love at first sight.
       —So, what do I ask her to do?
       —Just tell her to pay him a visit, and explain what you told me to her. If she can get the spell to break, Via and Loona will be free, and nothing will ever know what happened.
       —So, they’ll just like.. forget about him?
       —No, they’ll just realize they were manipulated, but I can deal with the forgetting part myself afterwards. A temporary broken heart won’t be that big of a deal by then.
       —I’ll talk to her.
       
       ***
       
       —Well, good luck with that. Good night.
       Arturo’s tone was colder than it had ever been, closing his eyes to wait for Verosika to leave.
       —You should also know it doesn’t work like that. I can and I will keep you asleep for as long as I need to make sure you cooperate.
       —And when the girls realize something’s wrong, what will you do?
       —..I’ll expose to them the truth.
       It was then when Arturo felt genuine fear, but he wouldn’t go out without a fight.
       “Whatever he means with community service? Even then what’s her fucking problem?” Arturo looked at her as he talked to himself. “Best I can do right now is to play along, once I’m awake all I have to do is to not sleep, and I win. I’m sure that the curse itself will have a failsafe in case I wanted to out myself.”
       —Very well, start talking then. —Arturo broke his silence—.
       —It’s very simple, you just need to break up with them and stop using whatever spell you are using.
       —I already told you! I am not doing shit! —Arturo’s temper was getting worse—. Right after Amelia dumped me girls just started flowing my way, there was nothing I could do. At first I thought it was my fault for spending time with them but when Stella came around; I never talked to her before! And Loona didn’t even care I was already dating both.
       —…Wait a moment, of course! A curse of true love! —Verosika looked enlightened—. Wow, you must’ve really angered this Amelia girl.
       —I think so too.
       —Ok, simple enough then. We just need to lift the curse.
       —How?
       —I.. I don’t know. We’ll have to ask Asmodeus about it.
       Verosika finally stood up from the bed, walking around to brainstorm how to get the ball rolling.
       —Arturo, here’s the deal. I will allow you to wake up now; continue your life as is until I can get you either an answer or audience with the king. Until then no more girlfriends! Deal?
       —Deal.
       Unknown to Verosika, Arturo crossed his fingers when he said that. After all, he did want to do the right thing –but Verosika’s intervention was not something he was ok with. Her lack of empathy with him had trigger a lack of empathy with her. She was going to help him; yes, but now it was going to be his way.
       For the time being, he wouldn’t go to bed until further notice. Hopefully it wouldn’t take too long.
       The next morning:
       « Good morning, everyone. »
       Loona: « Morning dude, ready for work? »
       Stella: « Morning darling. »
       Octavia: « Morning Art! »
       « Ready as I can be. »
       Stella: « Loona, please take care of him. »
       Loona: « I guess that means not telling Blitz about us, lol. »
       Octavia: «Wow, mom. You actually referred to Loona by her name. Kudos. »
       Stella: « Arturo asked us to be respectful, I’m just following his request. That’s what a wife does. »
       Loona: « Wait, wife? »
       Octavia: « So dad never asked you for anything? »
       Stella: « He did, to give each other our space –since we never really cared for each other.. That’s how arranged marriages usually go. »
       « Ok, not really the kind of talk we need right now. »
       « Anyways. »
       « We can hang out later at my place. »
       Loona: « Sounds like a deal. »
       But with Arturo still unaware of Blitzo’s espionage, Stolas’ involvement and how basically everything was out now, work was not going to be the previous experience he had.
       
       ***
       
       —Morning, Mr. Arturo! —Millie welcomed him as normal—.
       —Morning, Mills. Where’s everyone?
       —Well, Loona’s at her desk if that’s what you really asking. But the boss tends to be late so don’t worry about it too much. Moxx is out getting us coffee. Is something wrong?
       —No! Not at all. Just curious..
       —I mean, if you two want some time alone..
       —Not what I meant! —Arturo interrupted Millie—.
       Arturo was confronted by yet another conundrum. What good would it do to hide his relationship with Loona from the gang if they already suspected it to begin with? If anything, he felt like a traitor to Loona’s feelings as well as his own.
       —Suit yourself. But you two are not fooling anyone. —Millie joked—. Just make sure to not let Blitz know, he’s a little… protective..
       —Tell me about it…
       Millie could not help herself, laughing at Arturo’s last comment despite how rude that could come out. It was either an acceptation of guilt or evidence that Stolas was just like Blitz or worse.
       —Still, two Goetia and Loona? How on earth-
       —Ok, ok I think that’s enough. —Loona finally interrupted the conversation—. Sorry about it, dude.
       —Oh, C’mon Loonie, I was just messing with him a little. You two are free to do whatever it is you want. —Millie kept joking—.
       —Just promise you won’t say anything… I -rather talk to dad about it myself..
       —I’m just glad you finally found someone.
       —Thanks, I guess.
       “Saved once more, thanks Loona!” The inner voice of Arturo thanked her for stepping in.
       And after an awkward moment of silence, away from Millie’s sight, Loona swept for a quick kiss; surprising Arturo who did not expect it.
       Unfortunately, he could not kiss her back, as the door opened with both Blitzo and Moxxie coming in with coffee and doughnuts.
       —Good morning, gang! Hope you are ready to kill because we got work to do! —Blitzo chanted, looking like nothing bothered him—.
       This act did not rise any suspicion from either Loona or Arturo, but it was still somewhat strange; specially for Loona, who knew him like the back of her hand.
       So, as far as both lovers went –Blitzo was unaware of their relationship, just acting as overprotective as usual whenever they were too close together.
       This applied throughout the day –or at least until the very last moment…
       —And.. that’s the day! —Blitzo announced as soon as the clock hit 5pm—. See you guys tomorrow, I have shit to do. Loonie.
       —Oh, sorry blitz. I’m going to be hanging out with Octavia and Arturo tonight.
       —No, no I don’t think you are Loonie.
       —And why the fuck is that?
       —Well.. because if you do… I’ll fire Arturo!
       —What the fuck? —Loona started to turn aggressive—. Just cuz I want to hang out with my friends you-
       —It’s ok Loona. —Arturo intervened—. I’ll let Octavia know.
       Arturo, starting to sense something was odd too, placed his hand on Loona’s shoulder and winked gently. Loona realized this and stopped any form of struggle.
       —Sorry, dude.
       —Hey, at least you know you got a dad that cares for you. That’s something.
       Those words stroke Blitzo’s ego like nothing could ever do, his frown changed to a smile in an instant and even sided with Arturo for a while –finally closing the day with Blitzo and Loona going back to their place, M&M doing the same and Arturo heading back to his apartment to wait for the others to arrive.
       « I’m home now. »
       Octavia: « I’ll be there soon! Dad’s acting weirdly today. »
       Stella: « More than usual? »
       Octavia: « Strangely so, yes. He keeps pestering me about hanging out and spending time together. »
       Loona: « Blitz also acted weird today now that you mention it… Right, Art? »
       « If that means what I think it means… »
       Stella: « Let’s be real, darling. We haven’t exactly been subtle about our relationship. »
       Octavia: « What now, then? Do we split for a while? »
       Loona: « I mean, looks like it. »
       Octavia: « That’s so unfair! »
       « I agree, but it’s best if I don’t cause you two any trouble. »
       Stella: « Or.. You can let me handle it. »
       « How? »
       Stella: « Lingering voices. »
       Loona: « The fuck is that? »
       Stella: « Hunting demons use them to trick humans all the time. The living calls these skin walkers, but you don’t really need a body. It’s just a rune that plays your voice. All you need to do is hide in your rooms with any excuse you can, and I’ll portal you all, leaving a rune in your behalf. »
       « Sounds almost too good to be truth. And oddly convenient. »
       Stella: « Sweetie, magic is convenient. Why do you think God never gave it to humanity? »
       Octavia: « I’m more surprised you know all these spells. »
       Stella: «Via, just because your dad said he never saw me read doesn’t mean I actually didn’t. But if you prefer, I am more than happy to care for our sweet Arturo myself. »
       A barrage of highly suggestive emojis and lewd gifs sent by Stella quickly motivated both Loona and Octavia to agree.
       Now with everyone together again, the conversation continued:
       —What if they open the door? —Loona still looked rather worried—.
       —Yeah, dad does that all the time. It’s honestly annoying.
       —Well, you do lock your doors –right? —Stella was surprised a such question—.
       Silence returned, trailed by a quick trip back to lock such doors. Once more, the conversation went by after that:
       —That’s better.. Shall we get on with it then? —Stella made herself at home, as always—.
       But Arturo remained silent –completely lost in thought.
       —It’s ok, Art. —Octavia rapidly tried to comfort him—. Even if they do know, they can’t do anything about it.
       —Blitz surely can. —Loona interrupted—. He already suggested to fire Arturo if I hanged out with him today.
       —Well, if that’s the case we just find a new job, right? —Octavia bargained—. We can still support him.
       While Loona and Octavia looked for alternatives, things began to make some form of sense for Arturo. He wasn’t well aware of Verosika’s past relationship with Blitzo, but he knew for certain that this was all too convenient not to be related in some way or fashion.
       Stolas can’t do anything, Blitzo’s worse threat was to fire him and Verosika wanted to sort things out. He could feel the pieces falling into place but could not tell the whole picture at all. At best this was just a paranoic conspiracy theory.
       —This is all too boring! —Stella interrupted the moment—. I have a better idea…
       Out of nowhere, Stella “captured” Arturo within her arms, burring his head within her chest and driving her hands across his body to her heart’s content. Loona and Octavia didn’t need any explanation to understand what this idea was.
       Against Arturo’s pleads and wishes, they all dragged him to bed. No sense in crying over spilled milk when you could simply take advantage of what you got.
       —Girls! Wait! —Arturo cried for help—. Girls!
       
       ***
        
       At least he was able to stay awake as he had challenged himself to, no clue how long he would have to do it though. As long as Verosika could not get to him it should be enough –and if you haven’t figured out the plan yet, the goal was to have her meet with him in person, so if she truly wanted to help; it had to be done under the influence of the curse.
       Sadly, for Arturo, nothing would occur until day two; and by then he was already wishing to be dead.
       The doorbell rang as the sun reached its peak, Arturo’s brain reacting to it a minute after the fact. More aggressive ringing following which only helped to startle him as his hand reached for the handle.
       —All, right fucker, you got me here. Happy? —Verosika said loudly as she entered the apartment by force—.
       —Well, I yes am.. —Arturo said, messing up the order of each word—.
       —What?
       —I came you made. —Arturo phrased as his eyes lost orbit—.
       Like clockwork, the curse began to bother Verosika right away. Not only did she felt it crawl into her head and heart, but she had such a strong conviction on her feelings, that the instant desire to care for Arturo felt alien for her. Imagine a self-immune reaction to a virus, but in this case, magic instead of an infection.
       But even then, Verosika was no real match.
       —For fuck’s sake… You can go to bed now. —Verosika dragged Arturo to his room—. I promise to not do anything. You have my word.
       The bed felt so comforting now, a place he had avoided for the past 48 hours. It washed away the pain and exhaustion he had been building up until now.
       But even with Verosika’s promise to wait for him to wake up, his body resisted. He wasn’t fully conscious, but his heart’s sheer willpower kept him hovering on the edge of wakefulness.
       It wasn’t until Verosika gently stroked his head, like a mother caring for her child, that he finally drifted off to sleep –at least, until a sudden movement jolted him awake.
       Apparently, while he was asleep, Verosika had dozed off as well, holding Arturo tightly. When she woke up and realized what had happened, the only thing she could do was push him away.
       As he regained full consciousness, a part of him couldn’t believe she had actually kept her word. He’d been allowed to sleep peacefully, for once. But as his mind cleared, a new question surfaced: Was it the right decision to let her fall victim to his curse? How would it affect her, knowing about it beforehand? Or had it all just been a hasty decision made by a tired man?
       Regardless, the facts were clear. Verosika was there, the curse was taking its toll on her, and she knew what it meant. The only thing left to do was wait and see what would happen now.
       
       ***
       
       —You know, I appreciate you letting me sleep, but I’m not so sure I also requested an alarm.
       —As if you are in any position to. —Verosika looked angry, but her voice felt soft—. Forcing me to meet in person…
       —To be fair, I didn’t expect you to give up so quickly.
       —And who said I did?
       —Well, you knew about the curse, you avoided me for it too. Yet here you are.
       —I simply took the easy way out, so what? Better than waiting for you to sleep or go insane for not doing so. You are already hurting these girls enough as it is…
       Verosika’s expression shifted from anger to pain and melancholy –yet her voice remained calm.
       —And what about you? You wanted to rat me out to them. As if telling them that their feelings were fabricated wouldn’t hurt them as well.
       —Yes, but at least they would know the truth. You may think it makes sense, but the reality is that you are simply too afraid to lose what you got. —Verosika’s tone rose up—. Instead, you played victim.
       Verosika’s words pierced through Arturo like a dagger. He knew she was right, and he hated it.
       Maybe with Stella he could nuance his way out of those claims, but Octavia? He was clearly developing feelings for her, if given the chance; he would’ve taken it every time. And Loona? He was into her from the very beginning, the curse simply allowed him to have his way around her.
       But of course, denial was an easier path…
       —Oh, so I get cursed, shit happens and I’m the bad guy?
       —Yeah, pretty much. —Verosika took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down—. Are we really going to have the same conversation?
       —Well, then what?
       —Again, like I said, the only one who can help you is king Asmodeus. Now, I was able to get you audience with him next week, but I need to know you will go see him –even if it means losing everyone.
       Arturo took a deep breath; it had been so long since everything started and now the end looked so near. He felt afraid, reluctant to let go of what he had built with the girls until now.
       This was the ultimate test, the turning point in which he would either do what’s right for them of right for him.
       —Fine, I will.
       —It’s for the best, Arturo. I’m sure that in different circumstances you would’ve made a great boyfriend to all of them.
       Unconsciously, Verosika leaned for a kiss, proceeded by a slap on Arturo’s face after their lips met. But right before he could apologize or complain, she would launch herself to him again like a girl on prom night.
       After all, like he said during the dream slip, the real deal feels better –and if she had to deal with the curse too, then might as well have her way around.
       After that and a kiss on the cheek, Verosika showed herself the way out.
       
       ***
       
       The next morning, Arturo woke up to the weight of his actions. All the denial he had built up until then crashing down on him, filling his mind with anger.
       Rage he could not focus into anything or anyone in a way that felt fulfilling. Was he angry at himself for what he did, or at Verosika for calling him out? Maybe it was more adequate to focus it on Amelia, as it was obvious all of this was her fault –but that only pointed back at him, after all this all started because he was not a good enough boyfriend and never committed the way he should have, the way Amelia deserved.
       That’s why he was committing to Octavia, Stella and Loona the way he was. Setting up dates, going out, spending time and doing everything he was expected to do. Now he was expected to give it all up.
       He couldn’t take it, even if it was the right thing to do.
       « buzz » « buzz »
       A sudden notification distracted his train of thought. It was an unknown number, but he could tell who it came from.
       « Consider our little thing compensation. »
       « One down, two to go then. »
       « What a greedy little dog. I could just tell them you just cheated on them; you know? »
       « Not really if you accept being my girlfriend too. »
       « And who says I want to? Besides, you’ll have to get them to agree first. Then maybe I’ll say yes. »
       « Bet. »
       ..Or maybe he would go all in, who knows. First he had to ask for permission.
       « Hey girls, wanna do something today? »
       Stella: « What do you have in mind? »
       Loona: « Dad’s with Stolas so I’m in. »
       Octavia: « Same, lol! Where to? »
       « Well, I was thinking of just hanging around, maybe grab a bite at a park? »
       And just like that he was off to the races, and before you knew it all four were walking down the streets of gluttony.
       —It’s here! —Octavia stopped their march—.
       Next to them, a small building that looked much like a convenience store, but with tables and seats much like a restaurant. Certainly, an odd place –but one that felt cozy and welcoming with its fragrant smells of homemade cooking.
       —Bienvenidos! —Said the sinner inside, wearing an apron behind a buffet-like counter—. Welcome!
       —Hello Mr. Ramon! —Octavia waved as she walked in—.
       Everyone looked confused, not only Octavia understood the first time, but she was clearly a regular—.
       —Evening Miss Via. ¿Lo de siempre?
       —You know me too well! —Via turned to the others—. He’s Mr. Ramon, a sinner from Mexico. He makes the best food known to hell!
       —Since when? You never talked about this place. —Loona joked around, taking a seat—.
       —I met Miss Via back on the world of living like a week ago. Over in Los Angeles. —Ramon jumped in—. Shortly after that I got killed by a crazy white dude who shot my place down.
       —And because I liked his food I helped him set in here!
       —Honestly, of all the things I did, I didn’t expect gluttony to be my worst sin.
       —Well, it’s not about the worst sin. —Stella added—. It’s what sin you did the most.
       —My jefa always said I was a good eater, after all.
       —I’m more concerned about the words I don’t understand. —Arturo continued—.
       —It’s called Spanish. —Ramon answered—. And mixing it with the local language is called “pocho” speech. People back in America loved it, said it added authenticity to my business.
       —I don’t understand either, but it does make it feel special and unique! —Octavia praised—.
       —Here’s your order, Miss.
       While they talked, Ramon had been preparing Octavia’s dish, four tacos made with some form of meat in them, mixed with cilantro and chopped onion. The tortilla was oddly small, and each taco had two of them. Followed by that, he placed a four-bowl dishware of sorts at the center of the table, each with a different coloured liquid –green, red, yellow and half lemons.
       Looking around, the whole place did fell alien to everyone, the metal chairs and tables had a weird logo that read “Corona”, the plates were covered with a transparent bag, the floor had an odd flower pattern to it too. And the music was like nothing they have ever heard off. “Amo su inocencia, 17 años. Amo sus errores, 17 años.”
       —Well, I guess it doesn’t hurt to try. —Stella looked intrigued at Via’s plate—.
       —Well, “güerita”. We have tacos, gringas, tortas, chanclas, sanwish…
       —I’ll have whatever she’s having. —Everyone agreed—.
       —Three orders it is then!
       It didn’t take long before curiosity got the best of Stella, Loona and Arturo altogether –testing each sauce at least once and getting a drink afterwards when they couldn’t handle the spicy taste. Octavia on the other hand was having the time of her life.
       But as they tried out their food and drank their drinks, Ramon seemed to be the conversational type.
       —Miss Octavia, I heard recently… about an extermination?
       Since forever, Stella, Octavia, Loona or even Arturo were never bothered by the annual extermination, after all they were never targeted to begin with –as per rules of God and Lucifer. But Ramon, he was a sinner and free game for the exorcists.
       —Y-Yeah… but don’t worry! As long as you stay inside and hidden you’ll be safe!
       —A-And, when is it?
       —Two months.. Wow, I didn’t even realize…
       —Do you even like it here, dude? I mean, it is hell. —Loona asked him—.
       —Are you kidding? I’ve never done better! Everyone here eats all the time.. Back home –well, it was harsh between terrible business and cartels. That’s why I moved to America! But it was just more of the same…
       —But doesn’t it get dangerous too? It’s not like we have any laws, or order. —Loona continued—. That isn’t corrupt at least.
       —Mam’ you have never been to Mexico. —He laughed—.
       Despite the grim topic that the extermination was, it filled everyone with some form of glee to hear Ramon talk so dearly of hell, not only that but he also wasn’t letting himself go down and under at the risk of certain death.
       —Well, I say we meet here in two months then. —Arturo jumped in, inspired by his character—. Make sure this place is kept safe.
       Everyone seemed to like the idea, especially Ramon –who let them eat for free in exchange for protection. Even pulling a joke on how familiar things kept turning out to be for him.
       
       ***
       
       —So, who did you met this time? —Stella joked—.
       —W-What do you mean? —Arturo spouted a nervous chuckle—.
       —Last time you planned a date we welcomed Loona. I’m just streamlining the process…
       —Excuse me but it was you and Octavia who planned that one.
       —You did invite me, dude. —Loona joked around as well—.
       —It’s ok Art! At least I don’t mind if you want to have someone else. —Octavia added, unsure of her position on the matter—. Since you already have mom and Loona, it makes sense.
       —I must simply agree. —Stella continued—. The reason why what Stolas did was cheating in the first place; was because he never properly set up his concubines. Else this would have never happened.
       —But you are not my concubines, you are my girlfriends.
       —Same thing darling. As long as you are honest, you can build your harem as you wish.
       —That still makes it sound weird…
       —Says the guy who called the group chat a harem? —Loona chuckled—.
       —It was supposed to be a joke!
       —Well, if they are ok with it so am I.. Just don’t abandon us…
       Arturo looked worried at Loona; it was as if all of them were too desperate to keep him around that they were willing to do anything to keep a piece of him for themselves. Once more, it was as if he had learned nothing from his ordeals, and he still had to stay true to his promise of finding an end to the curse.
       —So, what’s her name? —Stella insisted—.
       —… It’s Verosika Mayday..
       Everyone stopped walking to look at him.
       —THE Verosika Mayday? —The three of them said in unison—.
       —Y-Yeah? I still don’t know how she found out, but we met yesterday, and well, stuff happened.
       —And you waited to ask for permission? Man, it’s the fucking Verosika Mayday. Say yes, ask questions later! —Loona was especially excited—.
       —To be fair, succubus albeit inferior.. She does come off as what you would call an exception. —Stella was interested now as well—.
       —I’ll.. let her now.. I guess.
       But they still did not continue walking.
       —What? —Arturo exclaimed in surprise—.
       —Well, let her know! —All three agreed—.
       So, Arturo pulled his phone out.
       « Well, it seems to me they don’t mind. »
       « No surprise there. Fine, we can date until you resolve this. »
       « Deal, but the curse stays between us until we find the solution. »
       « Sounds fair. Do I still owe you two, then? »
       « Let’s say it’s three, since I now have to count you in. »
       « Of course you have to. »
       And so, it was done, in record time too compared to the others.
       —She says yes.
       —She better. —Stella said with pride—. I only pick the best men after all.
       —Didn’t you pick dad, though? —Octavia asked—.
       —No, Via. —Stella corrected—. I did not. My parents did and so did king Paimon. Not to distrust his judgement, Stolas simply failed to meet expectations.
       —He’s still my dad, you know?
       —A broken clock gives the right time twice.
       —Can we skip this talk? —Arturo was now getting anxious, trying to push them forward—. I still want to get home.
       
       ***
       
       For the following days before his audience with king Asmodeus, Arturo was able to foster his relationship with the girls once more.
       He added Verosika to the group chat as expected, and she even paid one of her debts around that same time frame, with two more to go.. again.
       And she was definitely an odd one out amongst them; since she knew the truth, it allowed her to show a different side of true love as that one that helps her loved ones to be the best they can. Her love took a simple form, to help Arturo break the curse.
       But the time had come. Arturo stood firmly in front of the big doors that enclosed the king’s office, waiting for his name to be called –Verosika at his side. So, when those doors opened he had someone’s hand to hold onto.
       —Verosika! —Asmodeus said with a powerful voice—. And you must be Arturo.
       The moment the hellhound and the Goetian king crossed paths, Asmodeus’ face of disgust told him what he already knew.
       —Lucifer praised. —The king exclaimed—. You were not lying about him being cursed. No wonder you picked it up.
       —Sorry your majesty. —Arturo bowed—. But if you can take it off-
       Asmodeus interrupted with a powerful laugh.
       —Is this what you meant Verosika? —Asmodeus seemed to be having a blast now—. I guess is not your fault for not knowing but…
       —But? —Verosika turned to worry—. But what?
       —Curses can’t be cured. They must be lifted.
       Neither Arturo nor Verosika understood the difference.
       —Can you then… lift my curse? —Arturo tried to request but ended up just sounding more confused—.
       —Oh, my sweet summer child.. I can’t do that either. Only you can lift it.
       —Ok, then how can he lift the curse? —Verosika not only sounded desperate now, but her tone was simply aggressively violent now—.
       Without warning, Asmodeus took over Arturo’s head with his sole palm. It was impossible to tell what he was doing but it looked like through his hand he was tasting Arturo’s essence. Even making random mouth noises in the process.
       —Seems fairly simple to me. —Asmodeus said, lifting his grasp—. He needs to find true love himself. Until then, any girl who meets him is doomed to fall for him. You included, Verosika..
       —We kinda are already dating.. —She added—.
       —Wait, does that mean I don’t genuinely love them?
       —Them? How long have you been cursed? —Asmodeus looked flabbergasted—.
       —A month? Probably more? It’s four of us now.
       —That you accepted to be with. Like I said, it affects anyone who meets you.
       —It can’t be. I know for a fact, when I was with Octavia; girls would stop bothering me. Millie, Moxxie’s wife; she doesn’t care about me either! Verosika met me day one.
       —You did pop into my mind from time to time.. I simply chose to hide it. —Verosika interrupted—. Since last time I did show it… Blitzo happened.
       —Well, what about Octavia or Millie.
       Asmodeus began to ponder again.
       —Seems to me this Millie of yours, already found true love, turning her immune. As for Octavia.. Were you into her at some point?
       —W-What?! No! Of course not, she’s still seventeen I am about to turn twenty-nine!
       —Arturo, my dear. This is hell, do you have any idea the age gaps I get to see out there? Rasputin took that as a sport centuries ago!
       —Well, I guess I did feel for her, like a brother –since I was in charge of protecting her by Stolas.
       —And if you had been more honest with yourself, the curse would have been lifted already. Now you don’t know how to feel about any of them, am I wrong?
       —No, that’s about right…
       —Then, what now? —Verosika asked, her voice worried sick—.
       —Simple, he needs to pick one of you, but he has to truly fall in love with one of you or else the curse will continue. —Asmodeus explained calmly—. But no cheating, if that love ever crumbles, the curse will return until you find a new true love. Whoever did this to you really fucking hates you.
       —An ex-girlfriend did it. At least that’s what we think.
       —Wait, you should know her! —Verosika had a burst of genius—. Her name’s Amelia.
       —Between thousands or millions of succubae? Probably a couple hundred Amelia, I suppose.
       —Mmmm… never mind then..
       —That’s the best I can do for you two, I’m sorry.
       —You did plenty, Your Majesty. —Arturo bowed again as he and Verosika left the office—. We apologize for taking your time.
       “Shit…” Arturo said to himself as the door closed.
       —Well, I guess you now have to fall in love with one of us.
       —We better tell the rest then..
       —Are you sure, Arturo?
       —Not one bit…
       
       ***
       
       That same day, Arturo stepped into his apartment, the door clicking shut behind him with a finality that echoed in the silence. The familiar scent of aged wood and faint traces of his last meal enveloped him, but it did little to comfort his restless mind. He sank into the worn leather of his couch, the cushions yielding to his weight, yet offering no solace. The weight of his thoughts pressed down like a heavy fog, obscuring any clear path forward. Verosika’s words lingered in his mind, a promise to do the right thing, yet the very notion of “right” felt like a double-edged sword, glinting ominously in the dim light of his living room. The path he was meant to take was the one he dreaded most.
       Could he truly choose? The question gnawed at him, twisting his insides like a vine choking a tree. What did true love even mean to him? It was a riddle wrapped in emotions he struggled to untangle, each thread pulling him in different directions. 
       On top of that, he faced another dilemma: should he reveal his curse to the others and ignite a fierce rivalry between them, each vying for his heart, or should he keep his secret close, allowing time to guide his decision? The air in the room felt thick with uncertainty, and Arturo knew he had to find clarity amidst the chaos. He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, tracing the cracks in the plaster as if they held the answers he sought. 
       Arturo closed his eyes, trying to silence the cacophony of thoughts. He envisioned a future where he could be with both of them, a fantasy that felt as impossible as it was enticing. But reality was a harsh teacher, and he knew that love was rarely so simple. The idea of a love triangle sent shivers down his spine, the potential for heartbreak looming like a storm cloud.
       The question remains:
       “What’s right?” He pondered.
       
       ***
       
       

