Still in the garden, Astra pondered what she should do. What came after death? Especially hers — offered in a ritual sacrifice.
She didn't care about Asmodan's promises of wealth and power. What she truly wanted was to see her friend again, her fiancé… and maybe, just maybe, strangle her mother-in-law. All of this, after all, was that woman's greedy fault.
"If I accept," she said, standing tall before the demon, "I want everything in writing. And don't bother trying to trick me — I want a hidden clause. If you try anything sneaky, you'll suffer the consequences."
Astra wasn't naïve. She had a law degree, had worked at a law firm, and understood the art of fine print. A hidden clause could be her lifeline. Asmodan only smiled. He expected nothing less from that woman. In truth, he knew her better than she knew herself — and even in that place between life and death, her essence hadn't changed. Others arrived there full of hatred and vengeance. Astra, somehow, still looked upon the world with sadness, yes — but also with empathy.
"I accept your proposal," she continued. "But I want the terms spelled out. All of them. I know how pacts work. What I can and can't do. I want clarity. Say yes now, and shake my hand."
Warily, Astra reached out. The demon's hand was warm and firm. As their palms touched, the world spun violently around them — but her eyes remained locked on his face.
Then, Asmodan murmured in a language she couldn't understand. A searing heat built in her chest.
"The eyes are the windows to the soul," he said. "You can't go around collecting souls with sad puppy eyes…"
He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her face. Astra shivered. Then he blew gently into her eyes. From the air itself, he pulled a glowing ruby the size of a fist and pressed it to her chest. It burned like fire and froze like ice.
More words followed, and in an instant, Astra was no longer draped in leaves but wore a dark leather outfit and a long coat. She hadn't changed physically — but she felt alive again. Stronger. And something else… darker.
The deal was set: she must deliver three souls to Asmodan each year, for seven years. At the end, she'd gain immortality and wealth beyond measure. Fail, and her soul would be lost forever to Hell.
But Astra had insisted on a hidden clause: if Asmodan tried to deceive her — directly or through others — the pact would be nullified, and she'd keep the benefits without owing him a thing.
He had agreed… with a grin.
"You may think you know the law," he said, "but there are many ways to lie without breaking a rule. You'll learn. After all, you didn't spend enough time in the mortal world to understand how it works."
Her eyes narrowed — now sharp, feline, predatory.
"That doesn't reassure me."
"Good," he smiled. "Fear keeps people alive."
He pricked her finger with a dark thorn plucked from a strange black rose. Her blood sealed the scroll.
"You'll return to the mortal world," he declared. "Changed. You now have… talents. Use them well. I don't care how you do it — just deliver three souls by December 31st. Your reappearance will stir things up: your fiancé, your friend Joan… and your mother-in-law. Be careful. She's one of the most terrifying humans I've ever known."
With a final breath upon her face, darkness claimed her.
It was 7:00 a.m. when Astra awoke to her alarm blaring.
She jolted upright, nearly falling out of bed.
At first, she remembered nothing — just a strange dream. She walked to the bathroom, washed her face, and looked in the mirror. Her reflection was the same, except for her eyes. There was something moving inside them.
She tried to pray — but the rosary burned her hands like hot coals. She gasped, dropped it, and stared at her palms. The skin healed instantly.
Was she still dreaming?
Her wardrobe held only her old dresses and nightgowns — untouched since before the wedding. And the mention of that word — wedding — brought tears to her eyes.
She went back to the mirror. Placed her hand over her chest. Her heart was beating. Relief flooded through her.
But the eyes… there was something in them.
And then — someone opened the door to her apartment.
Joan.
Her best friend, her sister in everything but blood. A red-haired bombshell with a voice that could scold and soothe in equal measure. She stood in the doorway, staring at Astra like she'd seen a ghost.
"What the hell? Are you trying to kill me, girl?!"
Astra sat still, unsure of what was real anymore. Had she really died? Had she really returned?
"This is my apartment," she said softly. "Why is it strange that I'm here?"
Joan blinked. "Uh, because you're on your honeymoon? Or were, at least. What, did you forget?"
"My… honeymoon?"
None of it made sense. Not the wedding. Not the trip. Not even the sacrifice.
Joan dropped her coat and began pacing.
"Yes! You and Evan went on a fancy cruise — your mother-in-law left me behind at the port, saying the celebration was only for 'close friends.' Ugh. I bathed you when you had the flu — how much closer can you get?"
But Astra was fixated. Had the whole thing — the ritual, Asmodan, the pact — been a lie?
"Joan," she said, her voice low. "How long has it been since I left?"
Joan frowned. "Two weeks, I think. Hold on…"
She came back with a calendar. Fourteen days crossed off.
"Joan," Astra whispered. "I need a favor. Right now."
"You're freaking me out…"
"Please. Just call the hotel where we were supposed to be staying."
Joan hesitated. But she knew Astra too well. Something was wrong.
She called.
After several minutes, a familiar voice answered: Eleanor — Astra's mother-in-law.
"Joan? What's wrong with you? I told you the newlyweds needed rest. Stop calling the hotel!"
Joan put the call on speaker. Astra leaned in, barely breathing.
"Relax, Eleanor," Joan said. "I just want to know if she's okay."
"Yes, of course! I saw them both today. They're in love. Glowing."
Astra's blood ran cold. Joan's eyes widened.
"You saw her? Today?"
"Yes! And she's fine. Joan, darling, I get it — you're worried. But you're being a bit… clingy. She'll be back soon. Just give them space."
The call ended.
Joan lowered the phone and looked at Astra.
"What the actual hell is going on?"