Chapter 5 – The Angel
       
       
       —Well, for once I am. —Verosika said with a warm tone, hugging Arturo—.
       —I’m just.. afraid, you know?
       —What do you mean?
       —I.. I know I am not the victim here, alright? Even you said it during that dream slip. Every girl I met fell in love with me and instead of just telling the truth I let everything happen on its own. First it was Stella and Octavia –I could’ve just explained to them what was going on, but instead I bargained and ended up dating them. Then I met Loona, and instead of keeping my distance I accepted Via’s and Stella’s idea of dating her too, even after the date had gone wrong I still made it work. Then it was you, I got mad that someone had realized the truth, so I forced you to see me. Do you get it now?
       —Wow, well first of all, I fell in love with you since we met, Asmodeus just explained it to you –hell even I can admit I thought of you from time to time ever since. You could say my actions were somewhat.. driven by that I guess. But for you to now try and victimize us?
       —Isn’t that the truth, though?
       —Even if it is, you’re still doing it, Arturo. You talk like you’re owning up to what you’ve done, but all I hear is you patting yourself on the back for admitting it. You say you “let everything happen on its own,” like you were just some innocent bystanders in your own life. But that’s not how it works. You made choices, and now you’re trying to twist it, so it looks like we’re just victims of circumstance. That’s not taking responsibility; that’s avoiding it. You don’t get to just say, ‘Oh, I’m not the victim here,’ and then act like that absolves you of everything.
       Silence followed right after Verosika’s words. Arturo could not fathom a response to her at all –after all, she was right. Once more he was trying to avoid responsibility, just like he did with Amelia, just like he had done his entire life. It had turned to such; she had to break silence once more:
       —Curse or not, I love you Arturo. And believe me those words are hard as fuck to say after some shit I have gone through. But is because of these feelings that I believe in you doing the right thing too.
       —And what about the others?
       —Worst that can happen is we turn it into a competition. I am sure as hell not letting you go off that easily.
       —Are you’re fine with that? Competing for my love? That sounds even more fucked up.
       —Hey, if I’m fighting over a boyfriend capable of stepping up to his own bullshit; that’s way more worth it than my last, and definitely a boyfriend worth keeping. —Verosika kissed Arturo—.
       —I guess it’s stepping-up-time, then.
       
       ***
       
       Back at his place; and after a lengthy conversation, now everyone was up to date with the truth –each reaction being an uncanny balance of expected and unexpected responses.
       —Real or not.. —Octavia stepped forward—. If it wasn’t for it, I would still be alone.. I’m happy I met you at all, curse or not.
       —I must say, impressive work from whoever did this to you. —Stella commented—. I didn’t even notice.
       “I’m pretty sure you did, but didn’t care,” Arturo said to himself; remembering all the crazy stuff Stella had done thus far.
       —I mean, hell dude. —Loona scratched her head—.
       —Asmodeus says the only way to fix this is to find who I love. —Arturo continued—. Until then, all of you will continue to be afflicted; and those I meet.
       —Then first order of business is to make sure you don’t meet new people. —Loona suggested—. Right?
       —I for one don’t care for competition. —Stella joked, puffing herself up—.
       —Y-yeah? Well, according to what Art’ said, I was keeping his curse at bay. —Octavia tried to defend herself—. That means I win.
       —Girls, I think you are all missing the point here..
       Arturo tried to jump in the conversation, but at this point every girl had more interest on showing off themselves than to focus on what he felt was the main issue –they were all being manipulated one way or another. His despair turning for the worse when even Verosika jumped in to the fun.
       —You seem to forget his recent girlfriend was a succubus. —Verosika chuckled—. We are jack-of-all-trades for a reason.
       —Jack of all trades, master of none. —Stella poked fun at her—.
       —Says the one-dimensional Marquise. —Verosika returned the punches—.
       And as expected, what started as a simple banter; all girls turned it into a warzone.
       —Is that so? I for one I’m his same race. —Loona argued—.
       —Oh, please. —Stella smirked, her sharp eyes narrowing on Loona—. Being the same species doesn’t make you special. It just means you're predictable.
       —Predictable? —Loona scoffed, rolling her eyes as her tail flicked angrily—. At least I don’t spend my time making enemies and losing my family in some petty power struggle.
       —Careful where you tread, mutt. —Stella hissed, her regal tone cracking as her feathers ruffled—. You don’t even have a family.
       —Oh, I wouldn’t talk about family, Stella. —Verosika interjected, her sultry tone dripping with mockery—. Last I heard, your family can’t even stand you. Arturo deserves someone who knows how to keep things spicy. You wouldn’t know how to please him if your life depended on it.
       —Ha! You’re one to talk. —Stella shot back, venom in her voice—. How many failed relationships have you had, succubus? You might be ‘spicy,’ but you burn out faster than you light up.
       —Girls, girls! —Octavia groaned, stepping forward with a frown—. Arturo doesn’t care about any of that. If anything, I’ve already won his heart. After all, I’m the one who’s actually brought him peace. Right, Arturo? —She turned, trying to catch his attention—.
       —Oh, you’re such a child. —Verosika sneered, inspecting her nails nonchalantly—. You don’t even know what Arturo needs. He’s a man. He needs passion, excitement, and someone who can handle him in all aspects.
       —And you think that’s you? —Loona growled, stepping in closer—. Let’s be real. Arturo’s already had his fill of bad decisions, which makes you the last thing he needs.
       —Bad decisions? —Stella barked out a laugh—. What do you bring to the table, Loona?
       —Enough! —Arturo’s voice finally broke through the chaos, his exasperation silencing the room—. This isn’t a competition, okay? You’re all missing the point.
       The girls all paused, glaring at each other before turning their attention back to Arturo, each with their own agenda.
       —Fine. —Stella sniffed, adjusting her feathers and stepping forward—. But if it were, I’d be winning. Arturo knows I can give him class and status. Not to mention, I’m not afraid to take what I want.
       —Ha! As if! —Loona crossed her arms—. Status doesn’t mean anything when you’re a stuck-up, prissy diva. Arturo’s better off with someone who’s real and doesn’t put on a show.
       —Real? —Verosika purred, leaning closer to Arturo with a sly smile—. Sweetheart, I’m as real as it gets. No one can make him feel alive like I could.
       —Or make him regret his choices just as quickly. —Octavia muttered under her breath, earning a glare from Verosika.
       Arturo sighed, rubbing his temples as the girls devolved back into sniping at each other. He wasn’t sure what was worse –the curse or the circus it had turned his life into.
       —This is my life now, isn’t it? —he muttered to himself.
       —Better get used to it, lover boy. —Loona smirked—. Looks like you’re stuck with us.
       And with that, the argument erupted once more, the sound of bickering filling the room as Arturo resigned himself to his fate.
       Arturo groaned, slumping in his seat like a man watching a train wreck he couldn’t stop.
       —Can we focus on fixing the curse instead of acting like this is some kind of weird dating game?
       The girls collectively ignored him.
       —It’s clear. —Stella said with an air of finality—. We can’t afford to have Arturo meeting anyone else until this is resolved. If Asmodeus himself said that meeting others spreads the curse, then we must act quickly.
       —Agreed. —Verosika’s sultry grin widened—. Which means we need to keep him somewhere safe. Somewhere… private.
       Loona’s eyes narrowed.
       —Yeah, but not your definition of private. Arturo doesn’t need to be smothered by your clingy succubus energy.
       —Oh, but he needs to be smothered by your insufferable sarcasm instead? —Verosika shot back—.
       —Enough! —Octavia’s shout startled the room into momentary silence. She adjusted her feathers, clearing her throat as she regained her composure—. Look, if we all keep fighting, Arturo’s going to end up cursed forever. We have to figure this out together.
       —Together? —Stella snorted—. Don’t be ridiculous.
       —She’s right. —Arturo interjected, surprising everyone. He straightened up, trying to look authoritative despite his obvious exhaustion—. As much as I’d like to wake up and find out this curse is just a bad dream, it’s not. If keeping me secluded is the only way to stop this from spreading, then fine. But you all need to—
       —Take care of you? —Verosika interrupted, her voice dripping with flirtation—. Don’t worry, sugar. I’ve got plenty of experience keeping men… occupied.
       —No, no, no. —Loona cut in, standing up and placing herself between Arturo and Verosika—. If anyone’s staying by his side, it’s me. At least I don’t see him as a meal ticket.
       —Meal ticket? —Stella hissed—. Loona, dear, if anyone’s keeping him company, it’s going to be someone with class.
       —Girls! —Octavia jumped the gun—. This isn’t about who gets to babysit him!
       Arturo pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling deeply. He’d been through some bizarre situations since the curse began, but this was… something else.
       —Alright, here’s the plan. —Arturo said, standing up and gesturing for quiet. The girls looked at him with various degrees of scepticism and intrigue—. We all work together to figure out how to break this curse. But in the meantime, no one gets to monopolize me.
       Stella raised an elegant eyebrow. —And how do you plan to enforce that, darling?
       —By setting ground rules. —Arturo replied, crossing his arms—. First, no fighting. Second, no using me as a pawn in whatever power struggle you’ve got going on. And third–
       —No bringing other girls around. —Loona finished, her tail flicking—.
       She smirked when Arturo gave her a reluctant nod.
       —What? It’s true. The last thing we need is more people getting cursed.
       —Fine. —Stella relented, though her tone suggested this was far from over—. But don’t think for a second that this makes us equals.
       —We were never equals. —Verosika added with a sly grin—. I’m still the most qualified.
       —Oh, shut up. —Octavia muttered, earning a glare from the succubus.
       Arturo sighed. This wasn’t exactly the resolution he’d hoped for, but it was better than constant chaos. Probably. Besides, this was probably the first time he saw Octavia being on the offensive, Stella’s true colours, Loona’s confidence and Verosika’s romantical side.
       For a fraction of a second, he felt equally interested in all of them as each showed themselves for who they were instead of what they felt he wanted from them.
       And so, the uneasy alliance was forged. The girls agreed –begrudgingly– to keep Arturo secluded and work together to break the curse. But deep down, each of them had their own plans, their own strategies to win Arturo’s affection while keeping the others at bay.
       
       ***
       
       For Arturo, life had settled into a peculiar rhythm, though “settled” was a generous term. Days blurred into one another as the girls tried every trick in the book to win his attention. It was as if their chaotic competition had become its own kind of curse –one he wasn’t sure he entirely hated.
       Stella had spared no expense in trying to make him see her as the only suitable option. His home had become a display of her exorbitant taste, filled with gifts, like a new TV or home device, or furniture so ornate it looked like it belonged in a Hellish museum to replace his old sofa and excuse of a bed. She insisted on holding dinners with dishes so extravagant Arturo felt guilty even touching them, especially when she glared daggers at anyone who dared insult her culinary choices.
       —Only the best for you, darling. —she’d say, her tone dripping with superiority—. After all, a man like you deserve nothing less.
       Arturo wasn’t sure how to tell her that he’d prefer something simple. Like pizza or cup noodles.
       Meanwhile, Verosika had taken a decidedly more… hands-on approach. Every interaction felt like a scene from a romance novel –intense, steamy, and just a little too much. She’d drag him out for what she called “date training sessions,” insisting they needed to “sharpen his skills.”
       —Trust me, babe. —she’d say with a wink—. When this curse is over, you’re going to thank me for teaching you how to woo a lady.
       Arturo wasn’t sure if being taught to seduce by a literal succubus was helping or making things worse, especially when Verosika made a habit of leaning just a little too close and laughing a little too loud at his awkwardness, it felt more like a guide on what she wanted from him.
       Loona, on the other hand, tried to play it cool –at least at first. Her strategy mostly involved trying to share his interests, trying to be what she felt was “the perfect girl” he expected.
       And then there was Octavia, who took a quieter, subtler approach. While the others fought for Arturo’s attention with grand gestures and bold declarations, Octavia focused on spending quiet moments with him. Mostly like those tender moments they shared together before everything turned the way it did. Cuddling together in bed or watching TV until morning.
       It was like going back in time to the first time they met.
       Arturo appreciated the calmness of their time together.
       Despite their vastly different methods, one thing was clear: each of them was utterly determined to win him over. And as exhausting as it was, Arturo couldn’t deny that their efforts were slowly chipping away at his defences.
       But then, just as Arturo was beginning to adapt to his new, chaotic normal, the next Extermination was near. For hellborn like them an extermination meant nothing; since exorcists would only target sinners –but they had a promise to keep.
       
       ***
       
       The streets of Hell were eerily quiet, save for the distant rumble of chaos brewing in the city’s core. Arturo and the girls hurried toward Ramon’s restaurant, the dim glow of its neon sign cutting through the haze. Inside, the familiar smell of freshly cooked food greeted them, a comforting contrast to the tension hanging over their heads.
       —Bienvenidos. —Ramon’s warm voice called out from behind the counter, though his usual jovial tone carried an edge of nervousness. His apron was dusted with flour, and his hands trembled slightly as he worked—.
       —Hey, Ramon. —Octavia said with a small wave, trying to sound calm—. We’re here to keep our promise.
       —You… you actually came. —Ramon looked up, his smile faint but genuine—. Gracias. I was worried you might forget.
       —We don’t break promises. —Arturo replied firmly, though his unease was clear. He glanced out the window, half-expecting an angelic figure to appear at any moment—.
       Stella entered last; her usual poise shaken by the gravity of the situation. —Our presence alone should keep others away, but you still might want to close shop for a while.
       —Uh, excuse me? —Ramon raised an eyebrow, gesturing to his cozy but modest restaurant—.
       —Maybe block the doors as well. —Loona said, grabbing a chair and dragging it to block the front door—. We just need to keep them out long enough for the Extermination to pass.
       —But this place doesn’t even look threatening! —Ramon protested, gesturing around—. It’s just a restaurant!
       —To them, you’re just another sinner. —Octavia said quietly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder—. That’s all they care about.
       Ramon sighed, nodding as he grabbed a baseball bat from behind the counter. —Alright, let’s make this work.
       As the hours passed, the group prepared the restaurant as best they could. Tables and chairs were stacked against doors and windows, and even the kitchen was fortified with pots, pans, and whatever else they could find. Ramon cooked nervously, insisting that they couldn’t fight on empty stomachs.
       —Eat up, everyone. You’re going to need the energy.
       —Thanks, Ramon. —Everyone said—.
       But the calm didn’t last long.
       The sound of wings beating through the air sent a chill down their spines. A bright light flashed outside, followed by the unmistakable sound of angelic voices echoing through the streets.
       —They’re here. —Loona growled, her fur bristling as she crouched by the door.
       The air inside Ramon’s restaurant was thick with tension, even as the glow of the angels outside bathed the streets in an unsettling light. The group huddled around a small table at the back of the restaurant, speaking in hushed tones, their voices almost drowned out by the distant sound of wings, screams, and violence.
       Ramon, though visibly nervous, broke the silence first. —So, uh… What’s the deal with all of you then? You’re all acting like Arturo here is the last margarita at a party.
       —That’s because he is. —Verosika said with a sly grin, her arms draped over the back of her chair—. Arturo’s got a way of… sticking with you.
       Arturo groaned, rubbing his temples.
       —Can we not do this right now?
       But Ramon wasn’t about to let the question go. He leaned forward, his curiosity outweighing his fear.
       —No, seriously. I mean, you’ve got the bird girl, the posh one, the Hellhound, and… well, her. —He nodded toward Verosika, who raised an eyebrow at the vague gesture—. How’d this all start?
       The group exchanged uneasy glances, unsure who should speak first. Finally, Arturo sighed.
       —It’s complicated. —he said—. Let’s just say… I didn’t exactly choose this.
       —You’re telling me they all chose you? —Ramon asked, incredulous.
       —Pretty much. —Loona muttered—.
       —Actually.. It’s not that simple. —Octavia cut in; her tone defensive—. There’s a curse involved. From what I understand, Arturo was cursed by his ex.
       Ramon tilted his head, clearly puzzled. —A curse? Man, talk about resentment.
       Arturo hesitated before explaining. —It’s… complicated. Basically, anyone I meet gets… attached. Falling in love with me at first glance.
       Ramon blinked, then let out a low whistle.
       —Man, talk about a weird way to make friends.
       Ramon then was caught up to date on everything that occurred. Arturo explained how his relationship with Amelia ended, meeting Octavia, so on and so forth. Periodically each girl would add their own side of the tale as they came into picture.
       —It’s not funny. —Arturo muttered—.
       —No, it’s not. —Ramon’s tone shifted, softly laughing—. But you.. Verosika, was it? You said you knew something was off from the start, right? —He leaned forward, his voice laced with suspicion—. So, what took you so long to intervene?
       The table fell silent. All eyes turned to Verosika, who leaned back in her chair, her usual smug demeanour faltering.
       —That’s… a complicated question. —she said carefully—.
       —Is it? —Ramon pressed—. If you knew something was wrong, why didn’t you do something sooner?
       Verosika sighed, her gaze drifting to the faint light filtering through the cracks in the barricade. —Because it wasn’t that simple.
       Arturo frowned, leaning forward.
       —What does that mean?
       Verosika hesitated, her usual confidence replaced by a rare moment of vulnerability.
       —Look, I wasn’t the first person to notice something was off. Blitzo did, I think.. He came to me because he thought I could help. But by the time I got involved, things were already… messy.
       Loona’s eyes opened wide with Blitzo’s mention, and if he was involved, chances were Stolas was too; so, she turned to see Octavia to see if she reached a similar conclusion.
       —Messy how? —Arturo asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
       Verosika closed her eyes, her fingers drumming against the table as she gathered her thoughts. —Blitzo saw you with Loona. He didn’t like it, especially because you were already dating Octavia and Stella. That’s when he went to Stolas.
       —What does dad have to do with this? —Octavia asked, her eyes narrowing.
       —Everything. —Verosika replied, her tone sharp—. He recognized the signs too and was the first to guess this was some sort of spell. So, he asked Blitzo to reach to me; he then told me all of this.
       —Wait, what? —Arturo’s eyes widened, his voice rising in disbelief—.
       —Yeah. —Verosika said bluntly—. There is probably more information I’m missing; but that’s the basics I was told.
       Arturo’s mind raced as he tried to process her words.
       The room fell silent again, the weight of her words settling over them like a heavy fog.
       —Well… that’s a lot to process. —Ramon finally said, breaking the silence with an awkward chuckle—. And here I thought my biggest problem was dying again.
       Arturo leaned back in his chair, his mind racing as he tried to piece everything together. Loona was also worried as she began to piece things together around Blitzo’s weird behaviour ever since she started dating Arturo –but no one looked as worried as Octavia, who feared for whatever her dad would be capable of. Then silence took over again.
       Meanwhile, outside, the cacophony of screams and violence had begun to subside, though the glow of angelic light still loomed, casting an eerie brilliance over the streets. The group remained tense, each lost in their own thoughts as they processed Verosika’s revelations. But before anyone could speak again to start a new conversation, a strange sound cut through the air –a crash-like sound, like something had made its way inside.
       The room tensed immediately. Loona’s ears perked, her tail bristling as she instinctively crouched.
       —What the hell is that? —she growled, her eyes darting to the barricades—.
       Before anyone could react further, a beam of soft golden light pierced –it was warm, almost soothing. The light expanded, shimmering as it coalesced into the shape of a figure.
       As the light dimmed, a woman stood before them. She was short, but with a radiant presence that seemed to fill the room. Her long, flowing robes shimmered like sunlight on water, and her wings –vast and feathered in brilliant hues of white –spread gracefully behind her. Her expression was one of worry and sadness.
       —Who are you? —Stella demanded—. We are hellborn, you have no business here.
       —I am not your enemy. —She raised a hand, the gesture instantly diffusing the tension in the room. Her voice was gentle but commanding—. My name is Emily. I am… a seraph of Heaven.
       —A what? —Octavia asked, her tone suspicious.
       Emily nodded. —A seraph. An angel if you must.
       The room fell silent again, the weight of her words sinking in. Even Verosika, who was rarely caught off guard, raised an eyebrow in surprise.
       —An angel? Since when do angels come down to hell? —Arturo finally asked, his voice sceptical—. Why would an angel leave Heaven?
       Emily’s expression darkened, her gaze drifting to the faint glow of the Extermination outside. —Because Heaven is not what I thought it was. And this… this slaughter… —Her voice cracked slightly; the weight of her words evident—. This is not the will of the Creator.
       —So? That doesn’t explain shit. —Loona asked, her tone filled with doubt—.
       —I know. —Emily replied, her gaze steady—. But regardless.. The Extermination should not be happening. It is the result of a vendetta, not divine judgment.
       —Vendetta? —Verosika leaned forward, intrigued—. Care to elaborate?
       Emily hesitated, glancing around the room before speaking. —The last Extermination ended prematurely, I’m sure you know about this. Adam, the leader of the exorcists, was killed. His death caused chaos in Heaven’s ranks, and now… one of his closest allies, Lute, is seeking revenge.
       —So what? —Stella cut in; her tone icy—. This Lute orchestrated an attack on Hell to avenge Adam’s death?
       Emily nodded. —Exactly. This Extermination isn’t about cleansing souls or carrying out divine will. It’s about revenge. And it’s not just the sinners who are at risk.
       Her words sent a ripple of unease through the room.
       —Wait, what do you mean by that? —Octavia asked, her voice quieter now—.
       Emily looked directly at her.
       —From what I gathered, the extermination was a deal made between heaven and Lucifer. That’s as much as I know. Then, after one of these exterminations; Adam decided to do another one shortly after-
       —Yeah, it caught us off guard too.. —Verosika jumped in, interrupting Emily—.
       —But during this one, he was killed. Causing heaven to panic as they feared you might fight back.. Furthermore, a soul was able to redeem in the process, so all the higher ups fear Heaven could be invaded by sinners “turned good”. I believe Lute used the regular extermination schedule to fight back.
       —That’s bullshit. —Loona growled, her claws digging into the table—.
       —Whether it is or not, now they are targeting everyone, and that includes you all. —Emily said worried—.
       —Cool lore dump, we lived through it, but we still don’t get why are you here. —Arturo asked, his tone sceptical—. To warn us? To stop them? To give us up?
       Emily’s gaze softened as she looked at him. —I’m here because I cannot stand by and watch this happen. Heaven may have their own agenda, but I still believe in the Creator’s mercy. I want to help you.
       —Help us how? —Verosika asked, her tone suspicious—. You’re just one angel. What can you do against… all that? —She gestured toward the glow outside.
       Emily straightened, her wings unfurling slightly. —I cannot stop the Extermination. But I can protect you. And I can help you understand what you’re truly up against.
       —How? —Arturo questioned—. Why us?
       —I still don’t know how.. or why. I just know it has to be you guys.
       —So, you happen to stumble here, and now we are the chosen ones or something? —Loona jumped the gun—.
       —I actually came here before everyone else, saw all of you hide here and made sure no one followed you.
       All the girls looked at each other in awkward silence.
       —You saw us. —Verosika continued—. Did it occur to you something was off when you did?
       —Exactly! It was a weird energy. Both dark and bright!
       —Arturo, come here. —Stella nodded to all girls as she took him to Emily—. Hold her hands please.
       With Arturo in front of her, he could appreciate all of her features. Her grey skin; like ashes from an old fire; her blue eyes and sclera shining like sapphires brought attention to her face; her cute white freckles gave of a sense of innocence he had never felt before. Was this the effects of being near a holy being?
       —And you; seraph, hold his hands as well. —Stella added—.
       —How do you feel? —Verosika approached—.
       —Warm. —Both Emily and Arturo responded together—.
       —Of fucking course… —Verosika covered her face in disbelieve—.
       —What? —Emily blinked; her tone genuinely confused—.
       —It’s the curse. —Loona interjected bluntly, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall—. That “weird energy” you felt? That’s him.
       —Excuse me? —Emily’s brows furrowed, pulling her hands back from Arturo as if she’d touched something dangerous—.
       —It’s true. —Octavia stepped forward, her fingers twitching nervously—. Arturo is cursed. Anyone who meets him falls in love with him. It’s not something he does on purpose—it just happens.
       —Love? —Emily repeated, the word foreign on her tongue. Her confusion deepened, and she shook her head slightly—. I don’t understand.
       —Of course you don’t. —Stella’s voice was sharp but strangely empathetic—. You’re an angel. You’ve probably never felt anything close to it before.
       —Hey! —Emily shot back, a hint of indignation creeping into her usually calm demeanour—. I know what love is.
       —Do you? —Stella arched a perfectly manicured eyebrow—. Because if you did, you wouldn’t be so confused right now.
       Emily opened her mouth to respond but hesitated, her hands clenching at her sides as she struggled to find the right words.
       —Look, we’re not trying to be jerks about it. —Arturo said, his voice unusually soft as he glanced between Emily and the others—. But this curse? It’s complicated. It messes with people’s feelings—makes them think they’re in love with me when they’re not. Well, they are; but because of the curse. It’s… complicated.
       Emily’s expression softened slightly as she studied him, her gaze searching for answers. Her wings shifted behind her, the white feathers rustling softly as she processed their words. She looked at Verosika, Stella, Loona, and Octavia in turn, noting the subtle tension and unspoken emotions between them.
       —You’re serious. —Emily finally said, her voice barely above a whisper—.
       —Dead serious. —Verosika replied, her tone dry as she leaned back in her chair—. Although, it has been more fun that in sounds.
       —But… if it’s a curse, where did it come from? —Emily asked, her tone now more curious than doubtful—. Who cast it?
       Arturo sighed, running a hand through his hair.
       —My ex.
       —Your ex? —Emily repeated, tilting her head slightly—.
       —Yeah. —Arturo nodded; his expression grim—. Amelia. She… wasn’t happy when we broke up. Next thing I know, I’ve got this curse, and everyone I meet suddenly are in love with me.
       Emily frowned, her mind racing as she tried to reconcile this explanation with what she had felt.
       —But what about me? I don’t… feel anything like that.
       —And yet, you said you felt “warm.” —Verosika added, her tone sceptical but intrigued—. That’s not nothing.
       Emily glanced at Arturo again, her expression conflicted. —I don’t know what I felt. I’ve never… —She paused, struggling to find the words—. I’ve never experienced love before. Not the way you’re describing it.
       Silence followed for a while, Emily looked around the room while this occurred, her wings folding tightly against her back as she processed everything.
       —If what you’re saying is true… then I’ll help.
       —You will? —Arturo asked, his voice laced with surprise—.
       Her hopeful tone hung in the air like a foreign melody, leaving the room in an uneasy silence. Arturo looked down at his hands, unsure if the thought brought him comfort or dread.
       Meanwhile, Emily’s radiant confidence faltered for just a moment. She turned her gaze to the faint glow of the Extermination outside, her wings curling tighter against her back as her thoughts churned. Could she really stay here? Could she prove to Heaven that the violence wasn’t necessary, that sinners weren’t beyond salvation?
       She’d told herself she was doing the right thing, but doubt clung to her like a shadow. By helping these souls, was she defying her Creator’s will? Or was she following it in the truest sense?
       Still, there was something about this group—fractured, chaotic, but stubbornly united in their own way—that stirred a sliver of hope deep within her. If they could make it work, maybe Heaven and Hell could too.
       —Yes. —Emily nodded—. Imagine, if we can get along, we could prove Heaven none of this killing makes sense!
       The group exchanged uneasy glances, they were trying to warn her and instead she found this event to be a wonderful way to prove her point.
       Meanwhile, Ramon was still thinking about “the soul that redeemed”, thinking if he could go to heaven at some point too.
       For now, as it turns out, instead of fixing his polyamorous situation a new girl was joining the feud.
       —Wait, so does that mean you are going to stay here in hell? —Arturo wondered—.
       —Oh, she’s not staying with you! —The four girls said out loud—.
       Arturo buried his face in his hands. Somehow, his life had just gotten even more complicated yet again.
       Emily, meanwhile, sat quietly, her hands resting on her lap as she glanced at Arturo. She didn’t fully understand what was happening, this curse, these bonds –but she knew one thing for certain: Arturo wasn’t like any soul she’d encountered before.
       Outside, the light of the exorcists burned on, but within the small taco restaurant, an unspoken agreement had formed. For now, they would stand together, even as the lines between Heaven and Hell blurred in ways none of them could yet comprehend.
       And after everything finally settled, with warm farewells and hopes, everyone made it back home in one piece.
       
       ***

