Chapter 33

The sky beyond Zenides' office window was a canvas of muted hues, faint shards of lightning streaking across the dark expanse like tendrils of raw energy, ominously spreading before dissipating into the void. Suddenly, a crack echoed through the air, causing Zenides to startle, her head snapping up from her desk.

In that moment, her thoughts immediately turned to Lumiria. The newcomer, once again, lagging behind in her duties. Zenides rose swiftly from her chair, scanning the room until her gaze settled on Lumiria's door, towards which she hurried with growing concern. Yet, upon reaching it, she found no trace of the young succubus.

With a sigh, Zenides felt a knot of worry tighten in her chest. Where could Lumiria be? Had something happened to her? The storm outside seemed to mirror her inner turmoil, its intensity matching the urgency of her thoughts.

Determined to find answers, Zenides cast a sweeping glance around the room, her eyes darting from corner to corner in search of any clue to Lumiria's whereabouts. But the room remained silent, save for the distant rumble of thunder echoing through the night.

As Zenides took a moment to collect herself, her mind racing with possibilities, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Turning towards the window once more, she watched as the storm clouds began to part, revealing a sliver of moonlight breaking through the darkness.

In that brief moment of clarity, Zenides felt a surge of resolve wash over her. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them head-on. For in the heart of the storm, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there was always a glimmer of hope waiting to be discovered. And with that thought in mind, Zenides squared her shoulders and prepared to continue her search, determined to bring Lumiria safely back into the fold.

"Mrs. Zenides." She turned, startled, seeing a young succubus with red skin staring curiously at her. "Mr. Markel requests your presence on the deck."

Zenides nodded, mentally preparing herself for her rare encounters with Markel, who lately seemed to be monitoring them more closely.

"I'm on my way," she replied.

The succubus nodded and left the room. Zenides glanced around once more before making her way to her boss's office.

She had already braced herself for this, in case anything sounded suspicious or caught Markel's attention. Nothing escaped his notice.

He was the chief incubus overseeing the highest administrative level. If any succubus crossed the line by getting involved with humans, there would be severe punishments. They could, but under strict conditions.

And if he sensed that their nature was being tampered with or manipulated, only God and the devil knew what would happen to them.

He was there, the deck resembling the cockpit of an airplane, covered in frames and glass. It made it seem like they were on a huge ship. Right in front of him were monitors displaying profiles of the succubi and the status of the control of the city where the energy-sucking creatures lived.

"You sent for me, Markel."

He stood facing the view of the pale red sky engulfed by dark, dirty clouds. His white hair in a military cut and his huge overcoat with boots said everything about his personality.

"I heard that one of our succubi finally managed to drain energy from a monk's descendant. And now she's after another who posed the same difficulty for our employees."

"Correct, Markel. Lumiria has dedicated herself diligently to this task."

"And how is she doing with the simpler tasks?"

Zenides barely lifted her chin, she had already prepared for this, hadn't she?

"She's checking everything already. Rested enough and started conducting research to drain energy from the most common boys."

"Hmm."

He let out a deep sigh, for a moment sounding quite threatening, as if he were about to turn around and drop a bomb.

"I understand." Markel nodded, his eyes analyzing Zenides with an intensity that made her uncomfortable. "It's important that our succubi are efficient in all their tasks, from the simplest to the most complex. We need to ensure that our resources are utilized in the best possible way."

Zenides maintained her posture, aware that every word she said could have significant consequences. "Lumiria is making an effort, sir. She understands the importance of her responsibilities and is determined to excel."

Markel seemed to ponder for a moment, his piercing gaze still on her. "Make sure she continues on this path. We cannot tolerate failures, especially when it comes to such delicate energies."

"Understood, sir. I will ensure that Lumiria and all the other succubi under my supervision stay on the right track."

Markel finally averted his gaze, returning his attention to the monitors in front of him. "Very well. Keep a close watch. I'm trusting you, Zenides."

With a slight nod of respect, Zenides left the deck, feeling an additional weight on her shoulders. She knew that the responsibility for her subordinates was a heavy burden, but it was one she was willing to bear to maintain order and balance in the succubus community.

As she left Markel's office behind, she knew her work was far from over. Constant vigilance and careful guidance would be essential to ensure that Lumiria and the other succubi remained within the established boundaries, without arousing suspicion from their feared leader.