The Vile, the Cruel, and the Volatile

Loren, Sadie, and Emily waited for their busses home outside the school building. Sadie babbled on about their most recent performance, raving about how "cute" it was and asking Emily when they would be performing the next scene. If Sadie was going to treat her this way after just one little romantic dream skit, Emily hoped it would never happen. She was on the verge of smothering Sadie when Serena and her group of friends strolled along, their elegant motions and Photoshopped beauty on full show. In addition, they had applied almost five pounds of makeup to their faces, which was a glaring indication that they either hid or fervently thought they were ugly.

"Hi, Emily. You two put up a really impressive show. With her flawless, gleaming white teeth flashing in a synthetic smile, Serena remarked, "It was almost realistic." Emily suppressed a laugh as she considered the number of agonizing procedures required to create that perfect smile.

Emily said, "Yes, well, that’s why it’s called acting," but her words were a complete failure.

Serena gave her a savage gaze, as if Emily had already offended her.

"I've got you," Serena said. "I know what you’re up to."

"And what’s that?" Putting aside her pretense of friendliness—not that she ever wasted real warmth on these prickly girls—Emily challenged.

"Trying to steal H.O.W. and Trevor away."

Emily gave her a confused expression before a smirk pulled at her mouth. "Really? They are the ones who are preventing me from being alone. In any case, why are you concerned?

"I just hate to see Sebastian lose friends to a Satanist and her… freaks," Serena said with a sneer, her pointed nose pointing up at the sky. She was unbearable, my god.

"Don't you dare call my friend a Satanist!" Loren yelled, pushing her away. You are the one who worships the devil.

The accusation caused a gasp from Serena's entourage. Loren was mistaken, but Emily looked at him gratefully. Serena was just a little bug, squashed against the world's windshield, but Emily was the devil in human form.

"Be mindful of your back, bitch! I have the ability to ruin your life! And I'll make sure that happens if you don't back off and dump Trevor." Afraid of being called a devil worshipper, Serena threatened. Like a flock of geese, her robotic minions followed her as she stalked off.

Loren's voice grew softer as she turned to face Emily. "Do you think I should break up with Trevor?"

Sadie yelled, "No!" before Emily could answer.

Emily glared at Sadie and went on, "What she said. I won't allow Serena to enjoy a win. Furthermore, I will not allow this to destroy your relationship. I'll make sure that no one denies you the affection you deserve."

"How are you going to do that?" Loren inquired, her tone tinged with mistrust.

Emily reassured her, "Please, have some faith," while grinning mischievously. Knowing full well that Emily was the definition of trouble, Loren squinted her eyes.

"What are you going to do?"

"You’ll see…" With a grim chuckle, Emily drifted off.

"Emily," warned Loren.

"You’re going to miss your bus!" Emily quickly jumped in. Before she and Sadie made their way to the bus, Loren gave her one final suspicious look. "Do you think I’m a freak?" was Sadie's pleading query to Loren, which Emily heard because to her improved hearing.

"Of course not!" While they waited to board, Loren objected.

Emily shook her head and giggled to herself. Sad, egocentric Sadie would never understand the world's most important and deadly realities. Emily vowed that she would always be innocent and simple-minded.

Caleb was leaning against the brick wall, like he always did, when Emily walked the few blocks back to the alley. He wore black pants, a white shirt with black stripes, and a black beanie that day. Once more, a cigarette hung from his lips.

Emily said, "Hey," to him. He looked at her warily.

"You know a guy’s waiting for you."

"Yeah?" Emily studied him nervously and questioned. "What guy?"

"Black attire, a leather jacket with silver spikes on the shoulders, and a beard. Does this sound familiar to you? He spoke nonchalantly, yet there was mistrust in his eyes.

"Oh, that’s my… uncle," confessed Emily quickly. He raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, got to go!" Emily blurted, running into the alley's dark recesses. She pretended not to hear him call for her. As she got closer to the brick wall, her anxiety increased, and her suspicions were validated when she saw Xavion standing there with his arms crossed and an angry expression on his face.

"Hi," Emily said docilely. His look was intense and penetrating, and he growled deep in his throat.

"Hi there. Would you like to tell me something?

"Not particularly…" Emily trailed off, mumbling.

His voice was a deep growl as he questioned, "Were you here last night?"

"Out," Emily snapped back. She had stayed away from the Obsidian Angel Dominion last night since she knew Xavion would wonder why she had arrived so late. Thus, she had made the poorest decision of all by choosing not to return home.

With an unwaveringly severe glare, he questioned, "Where?"

"Searching... "This time, I wanted to try it alone," Emily stated, hoping for conviction, but it was useless because Angels could tell lies, and her deceit was exposed.

"Don't insult me! You were out on a double date when I went seeking for you. Xavion lost his temper. Now she was in serious trouble.

"Did you tell the Queen?" Emily's voice was shaking with fear as she asked.

"No... He struck a deal, saying, "And I won't, as long as you drop that boy."

"The date wasn't even genuine! I was set up by my pal. Emily clarified, unsure if the previous statement was accurate, "Besides, Hayden and I agreed to be just companions, nothing more." He sighed after giving her a doubtful look.

"All right. I'll overlook it as long as you're not with him. But I'll be forced to tell the Queen if I ever discover you having an affair with him," he said angrily.

Emily felt a wave of relief. In any case, she had no intention of interacting with Hayden because the risk was simply too high.

"All right. Come now. He pointed at the portal and remarked, "We have a lot of training ahead of us." Knowing that she would not be able to escape this prison known as the Obsidian Angel Dominion for as long as she lived, she obeyed and stepped through.