The Crown's Obsession (WN)

Vladimir was unhappy that Calhoun had taken his joy to torment someone. "And where might have you heard this?"

One side of Calhoun's lips pulled up, "From my mother."

Beth let a sigh of relief through her lips. She had been worried that something bad was going to happen. It seemed that she was part of the living as well as belonging to the underworld because of the Devil's blood coursing through her veins.

Vladimir chuckled, "I saw Michael yesterday. What a nosey angel he is, always trying to keep an eye on what I am doing. He came to me with an offer, an offer much better than what I gave you all when it comes to the demon's life. Did you find an innocent soul or have you decided to let him rest in peace in the coffin?" Vladimir turned his head to look in the direction where Raphael laid in the cemented coffin.

"Your offer was so amazing that we thought it was better to let it pass," commented Calhoun with sarcasm.

"I never make offers to bring back souls from the dead. It is one of those rare offers that comes once in many decades," smiled Vladimir.

It wasn't easy to get an innocent soul to Hell as it went to Heaven. The easiest way to get an innocent soul to Hell was by making a deal with some of the high level demons or the Devil.

"We would prefer not to take away someone's life. Why not pick the worst or corrupted souls?" questioned Madeline.

Vladimir nodded his head as if in agreement with Madeline's words, and then said, "There are too many of those kinds in Hell. I would like to have some innocent ones instead."

Hearing the old bat shift the conversation again, Calhoun asked, "What did Michael offer you?"

Vladimir folded his hands behind his back, he took a few steps away from them and walked towards Constance's grave. He ran his hand on the top of the cemented lid where his daughter laid, "Why don't you take the opportunity to kill someone if you have a chance to get someone dear back in your life?" he didn't look at them and continued to stare at the grave. "After all, that person is a stranger."

Madeline didn't know what Vladimir was going on about, but she said, "It doesn't matter if we know someone or not. Taking away someone's life is wrong."

"Spoken like a true angel," commented Vladimir. Feeling the glare coming from his grandson, Vladimir said, "I was offered Constance, who will get to live again, and breathe just as she used to, but in return-"

"They want Madeline," completed Calhoun, his lips twisted in distaste.

At this revelation, Madeline's eyes widened. Never would she have thought that the angels would do something like this. Calhoun was indeed right. The last time they had spoken with the angels, they were all just words. In the end, they still wanted her to come to Heaven.

"And what did you say?" asked Calhoun.

"Well, I said I would give it a thought," Vladimir shrugged his shoulders, "I believe one should always think before answering. Don't you agree?"

"I will fucking kill you," Calhoun threatened his grandfather lowly.

Vladimir showed Calhoun his fangs. "I didn't tell him anything, though it is very enticing and hard to refuse, as he said he could send Constance. It isn't like I haven't thought about the con side of it," he gave out a dramatic sigh as if he was torn between what to do.

Beth who stood next to Madeline had heard never to make deals with the Devil, which was why she hadn't spoken much in his presence, not to forget, there was something very eerie about the man.

Vladimir smiled in glee. He said, "You should know that the angels can be very persistent, especially when it comes to the righteous path they want to lead the world in. I am just paving a path for everyone, letting them know what exists."

So that was why Vladimir had brought Calhoun's father and his grandmother back to the living world? It wasn't just about torture, but an act that had possibly provoked Heaven. Vladimir was instigating a war between Hell and Heaven, and it made Madeline wonder what the outcome would be.

Out of curiosity, Madeline asked, "If a person enters Hell, can they return to the living world again?"

"Entering Hell is probably the easiest thing, but getting out from there is impossible. When it comes to Heaven, entering and leaving is both difficult as the gates of Heaven are secured by the archangels," Vladimir answered her question, "In Hell, you remember every single sin you have caused, while in Heaven, the angels find it quite convenient to erase the soul's memories. They call it to be the Wiping. A person who enters Heaven doesn't remember anything from the living world, and can live there in peace."

Madeline pursed her lips.

"There was something I wanted to ask you," said Madeline and Vladimir stared at her, "Do you know a person named Marina? She is a demon."

Vladimir tilted his head to the side. "There are too many demons, with many names. Why do you ask about her?"

"Marina was Paschar's lover," stated Calhoun and Vladimir raised his eyebrows.

"I thought his lover was a fragile human," murmured Vladimir.

Madeline shook her head, "I don't think Paschar ever found out that she was a demon, and I would prefer that you keep it that way. Please," she added when she noticed the glimmering mischief appear in Vladimir's eyes.

"Things have turned interesting," hummed Vladimir staring at the dark angel. "I was hoping to spend some time with you children, to bond. To hunt some old demons or humans who have sinned. Let's go to Hell," decided the Devil and he raised his hand to open a black portal at the nearest tree, "And see if we can find your mother if she's truly a demon."