Chapter 52.6

Standing in front of Amara, Evelyn gestured for everyone else to clear the space. After a pause, and a deep breath, she opened her eyes, which glowed unnaturally bright, even for a demon. An impossible presence enveloped Amara, one she’d never experienced before. It wasn’t quite fear, it wasn’t quite awe, but a strange mixture of the two. For a brief moment, she felt like a child again, an impossibly tiny thing standing beneath a titan.The experience ended as quickly as it began. Evelyn’s presence receded, and tears sprang to her eyes as she fell to her knees to pull Amara into a tight hug.

“Mom? What did you see?” Amara asked nervously.

“I saw everything. The coven, attacking Palesa and Cassandra, almost losing Vee… You came so close, Amara, you have no idea…” Evelyn’s usual composure broke, and she shook in Amara’s arms as she cried.

“Close to what, mom? You’re scaring me,” Amara muttered.

“Close to Damnation, Amara,” Evelyn whispered.

“Wait, but that would mean—”

“You’re mortal, love. Completely untainted by Damnation.”

Amara gasped. “How? That doesn’t make any sense! I’m a demon, aren’t I? Doesn’t that come from Damnation?”

Evelyn looked Amara in the eyes, carefully cradling her face in her hands. “I have no idea, love. In all my thousands of years of living, I’ve never seen this before. You’re a mortal demon.”

“Holy shit,” Vee said from nearby. “Amara, that explains why my magic is less effective on you! If it’s trying to target Damnation, then it’s missing the mark!”

“And that’s probably how you broke out of Wellington’s circle the night of the ritual!” Tessa added excitedly. “Those kinds of circles assume the demons they’re trapping are Damned souls!”

Falling back against the couch, Amara paused for a moment to take everything in. “I… I don’t know how to feel about this.”

Evelyn took Amara’s hands as she sat next to her. “Neither do I, sweetie, and I’m drawing from thousands of years of experience. That being said, we don’t need to figure this out tonight. If it’s okay with you, I’d actually like to run a small test, while I still have my strength.”

Amara nodded, eager for something to distract her from the possible implications of her mortal status. “Yeah, that sounds nice, actually.”

Turning around, Evelyn beckoned for Tessa to come closer. “Tessa, dear, is it alright if Amara feeds on you real quick?”

“What?!” Tessa asked. “Uh, no offense, but I don’t really feel comfortable boning down in front of your mom, Amara.”

Happy to have a distraction from pondering the existential implications of her existence, Amara stood up. “Tess, you know you can’t hide anything from us, we’re succubi.”

“You’re so horny I smelled it before I even finished teleporting,” Evelyn added with a chuckle. “Based on your smell, I’d say you’re picturing my daughter and her girlfriend in bed.”

“I… that’s…” Tessa stammered, looking between the two demons present before giving up and walking closer. As she sat down next to Amara, she quietly grumbled, “Stupid succubus powers…”

Evelyn stood up, took a deep breath, then began looking at Amara with the same intensity she’d displayed earlier. “Whenever you’re ready, love,” Evelyn said, clearly straining to focus on her task.

As nervous as she was, Amara didn’t hesitate to reach out and connect with Tessa’s aura. Just as her mother had guessed, she found traces of both herself and Vee lingering in Tessa’s arousal. She established a connection, took a small sip, and then backed off. Once finished, she looked back at Evelyn with bated breath.

“That’s incredible,” Evelyn muttered, dropping her concentration.

“What? Am I okay?” Tessa asked.

“You couldn’t be better, Tessa. Normally, demons have to feed by stealing souls, or at least pieces of them. When Amara feeds, however, she’s not touching your soul in the slightest.”

“Wait, so when I feed, it’s not hurting anyone?” Amara asked, growing excited.

“As far as I can tell, yes,” Evelyn said. “That being said, you didn’t take much. When you fed from Palesa, you reached much deeper, and taking that much from someone is bound to have an impact. Based on what I just saw, though? I’d say the harm is purely physical. The deeper you reach, the more you pull away their tangible well-being, and the logical outcome of that is death.”

Amara shrieked with excitement, hugging Tessa before jumping up and tackling Nick with a big hug. “Omigosh this is amazing! AAAH!!!”

After letting Nick go, Amara ran over to Vee and passionately kissed her, even more excited that her angel girlfriend wasn’t imperiled by their recent sexual escapades. Her revelry was kindly interrupted when Evelyn spoke up again.

“Should we celebrate with a big Christmas dinner?” she asked. “We can only reheat it so many times before it starts to lose its luster!”

“Yes! Ugh, I’m starving!” Amara said, racing to the table. “Wait, do I still eat because I’m mortal? No, wait, don’t answer that, I don’t care. Mom, get over here and help me heat everything up again!”

Evelyn laughed and started walking closer to the table, but she stopped as she walked past Tessa. “Oh, Tessa, before we eat.”

“What’d I do this time? You’re not gonna feed on me now, are you?” Tessa asked nervously.

After a small chuckle, Evelyn responded, “No, nothing like that. I never told you this before, since I was trying to keep my identity a secret, but I actually met your mother once.”

“Shit, really? When?”

“Oof, that would have been… twenty or so years ago? She was a wonderful woman, and a spectacular Headmistress. She actually saved my life, as well as the life of a dear friend,” Evelyn said, her thoughts growing softer as she seemed to dwell on old memories. After a moment, she returned to the present, placing a hand on Tessa’s shoulder. “What’s important, Tessa, is that I saw you stand up to your coven when I read Amara’s soul. There’s no doubt in my mind that she would be proud of the woman you’ve become.”

Tessa gasped, and tears briefly appeared in her eyes before she jumped at Evelyn, finally taking her up on the hug she’d offered earlier. Evelyn hugged her tight, her tail softly massaging her back. “That’s… I mean, I never knew much about what she did back then…” Tessa whispered into Evelyn’s shoulder. “What happened?”

“Long story short? Cassandra was being a power-hungry bitch, and your mother stopped her.”

The two of them laughed, though Tessa’s joy was heavily mixed with the sound of bittersweet crying. “Fuck yeah, mom.”

Deciding to give them space, Amara turned her attention back towards the table to focus on reheating all the food. By the time she’d gotten halfway through the meal, her mother had conjured an illusory chair and joined in, the two of them finishing the rest of the warming up much faster. Afterwards, everyone crowded around the table and the feast began.

Evelyn, despite having seen much of the events from Amara’s point of view by reading her soul, was immensely curious about how exactly everyone had teamed up to stop Davenport and Gautier. Chloé went first, explaining how she accidentally overheard their plans while struggling to regain her memories, and then eventually reforming in front of everyone and sharing the unfortunate news. While they were on the topic, she did her best to answer some of Evelyn’s questions about her strange ethereal affliction. While Evelyn admitted she’d never seen anything like Chloé before, she was optimistic that Chloé’s control over her form indicated that she wouldn’t be wasting away any time soon.

Tessa eventually chipped in, sharing her perspective on Amara’s rampage, and how they managed to talk Elizabeth and Palesa into helping them out. She explained their plan to take out the coven’s siphons, and how she’d been ambushed underneath the Science Building. Above all else, she couldn’t stop raving about how much of a badass Chloé had been in the first fight against Gautier, saving Tessa’s life over and over in the mad dash to escape.

Before they jumped into discussion of the big fight in the Demali Forest Preserve, they also let Nick explain his side of the story, which was something no one present had heard anything about before now. He shared how, with Imani’s help, they’d contacted all the other witches in the coven and warned them about a pending incursion. Several witches present had low levels of detection magic, and with their skills the coven was able to completely evacuate the immediate area around the indicated field.

Finally, everyone was simply too excited to avoid talking about the big fight any longer. They all gushed about their favorite moments, but also the times where the mad coven heads had scared them senseless. Gautier in particular had been incredibly imposing, throwing trees and cars around like they were toys, all in the pursuit of killing Tessa.

“—and I was terrified because the car was flying faster than me, and then WHOOSH! Amara comes charging in with a hellfire rocket behind her, and she CAUGHT THE CAR!!” Chloé said, her words almost slurring together in her haste to share the story.

“Wait, the whole car?” Nick asked.

“The WHOLE thing, Nick, it was crazy!!” Tessa said, fighting Vee for the last of the brussels sprouts.

“Fuck yeah! I knew you had it in you!” he said excitedly.

“It was SO fucking heavy, you guys,” Amara admitted. “Don’t get used to me chucking cars around like baseballs.” She piled more potatoes on her plate, and the conversation continued.

They all spent nearly two hours talking and swapping stories about the fight, though eventually the conversation pivoted to all the crazy nonsense that had plagued the University over the last few months. They talked about Imani, the witch that would be transferring in next semester, and they wondered what nonsense they might have to face down next while they attempted to figure out a way to close the Gate.

Above all else, it was clear that everyone was thrilled to be in each other’s company. Amara sat between Evelyn and Vee, and couldn’t stop beaming with happiness over seeing everyone get along so well. When she wasn’t talking, she was eagerly listening to her friends talk about magic and monsters while she held hands with Vee, or twirled her tail around her mother’s tail just to enjoy her company. Even Nick and Tessa proved unusually affectionate, and although she desperately wanted to playfully sass Tessa, she held her tongue. She was simply thrilled to see her friends enjoying a meal together.

Once the sun set, and the food had mostly disappeared from the table, everyone gradually migrated to the couches in the living room. Chloé disappeared behind the television to mess around with the wires, while Amara and Evelyn stayed behind to clean up the leftovers. Between the two of them, they finished the task incredibly quickly, and Evelyn excused herself to the bathroom while Amara briefly rejoined her friends.

Nick and Tessa were cuddling on the loveseat, while Vee sat on the couch with a controller in her hands. Chloé had apparently set up one of her gaming consoles, and was hovering next to Vee as the angel attempted to learn the basics of the game.

“Okay, so that’s jump, and then this button looks like my sword attack?” Vee asked Chloé.

“Yeah! I mean, it’s not a sword, it’s a nail, ‘cuz you’re just a bug, but that doesn’t really matter,” Chloé said.

“Aww, that’s cute,” Nick said.

“I get the controller the next time you die, Vee!” Tessa said excitedly.

Amara joined in the fun, kissing Vee on the cheek as she joined them all on the couch. She’d briefly seen Chloé play this game before, though she’d forgotten many of the details. “You said they’re making another one, right?” she asked.

“They are!” Chloé said excitedly. “I’m hoping it’ll be out soon, but they haven’t said too much about it. It was originally a stretch goal for their Kickstarter, but—”

Chloé’s words were cut off as a monster caught Vee off guard, taking away the last of her health and killing her. Tessa excitedly jumped up, stealing the controller from Vee and starting her turn. In the middle of this exchange, however, Amara cast her thoughts back to her mother, and something finally clicked.

Excusing herself from the group, Amara wandered towards the hallway to try and find her mother. As she expected, the door to the bathroom was open, though Amara’s bedroom was closed. From inside, she heard the faint sounds of sniffling. She nervously knocked on the door, then called out, “Mom? Can I come in?”

“Absolutely, dear!” Evelyn said.

When Amara opened the door, her mother seemed in perfect shape. There weren’t any traces of distress on her face, though it was impossible not to notice the faint smell of salt lingering in the air. She walked over to her mother, gently wrapped her tail around her waist, then asked, “What’s the matter, mom?”

“Nothing, I promise! I was just excusing myself for a moment to catch my breath.”

“Mom…” Amara gave a stern look to her mother. “My senses are just as delicate as yours. I heard you crying from the hallway, and I can still smell the salt from your tears.”

“Ugh, you were so much easier to fool when you were a child,” Evelyn said. After a moment, her facade broke, and she leaned against Amara for support. “It’s just… I’ve always wanted a family. Long ago, back when I first met your father, I thought there was a small chance we’d be able to live a happy life together, but the world had other plans. I had to return to Hell, and when I got back…” Evelyn paused, choking up slightly as she dug through all memories. Amara placed a hand on hers, urging her to continue. “After I lost him, I assumed my chance was gone. That I’d never have a real family, and even if I did, they would never know who I really was. Now? Look at everything you’ve accomplished, Amara. You’re surrounded by people that love you for who you are, and now they’ve extended that same welcome to me, despite knowing what I am.”

After a brief pause, Evelyn looked over to Amara and continued. “I was terrified when I learned you were a demon. I thought I’d condemned you to an endless life of misery as you fought back the forces of Heaven and Hell, but… I’m so proud of you, Amara. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. I just wish your father could see you like this, I know he’d feel the same.”

Evelyn’s tail moved to Amara’s waist, hugging her tight as they leaned against each other. “Now that things have quieted down a little, can you tell me more about dad?”

“I’d love to, dear, but not right now. It’s Christmas, all your friends are here, and you should be out there celebrating your big victory. Not wallowing in the past here with me. We’ll find a day sometime soon, and I’ll tell you all about him.”

The two of them allowed their tender moment to continue a little longer, and eventually decided to rejoin the group when a rowdy shout of excitement rang out from the living room. Amara eagerly sat next to Vee, hooking their arms together and cuddling up while they watched Nick take a turn at the game next. Evelyn sat on the couch as well, happily making small talk with everyone while politely declining the chance to play herself.

As the night stretched on, and the memories of their meal began to weigh everyone down more and more, the energy in Amara’s apartment slowly dwindled. They decided to stop gaming for the evening, and instead put on a cheesy Christmas movie while they still had the excuse of today’s date to watch one. When the group couldn’t decide on which movie to pick, Evelyn suggested they watch and when everyone else admitted to never having seen it, they agreed it would be fun to share their first watch together.

The tale of George Bailey rediscovering his love of life through the aid of his very own guardian angel proved to be the perfect capstone for the holiday. Everyone found it hilarious that angels were featured so prominently in the movie, and while at first Amara was worried that the story of an angel earning his wings might be a sensitive topic for Vee, she didn’t seem the least bit fazed.

Although everyone enjoyed the movie, Amara, unsurprisingly, quickly became the most invested. As the credits rolled on the final scene, she was squeezing Vee tight and crying onto her shoulder, absolutely overjoyed by how happy she was that everyone had gotten a happy ending.

With the movie over, everyone decided it was time to call it a night. Tessa and Nick bid farewell first, taking a few containers of leftovers with them as well. Chloé left next, although her exit was much more confusing. She had no need to leave through the door, or even to get dressed, and she simply left by floating through the exterior wall as she headed home. Evelyn, without any more pressing issues, once again congratulated Amara and Vee before summoning winter clothing appropriate for the weather. Despite not needing to sleep, she indicated she would be renting a hotel room to keep up appearances of simply visiting her daughter for the holidays.

The front door closed behind Evelyn, and suddenly Amara and Vee were alone once more. Vee let out a heavy sigh, collapsing into Amara’s arms while hugging her tight. “Can we go snuggle up in bed, love? I’m exhausted,” Vee grumbled.

Hugging her girlfriend tight, Amara kissed her forehead before starting towards the bedroom. “Of course, sleepyhead. Do you want me to carry you?”

Vee nodded eagerly, and Amara quickly wrapped her tail around Vee to help pick her up. As Amara walked through her apartment, she turned off all the lights and double checked that the oven was turned off. Vee was almost asleep by the time Amara set her down in bed, and she immediately burrowed under the covers before taking off her pants and sweater. She threw them on the floor, then reached for Amara to pull her under the covers as well.

She summoned her wings first, just to make sure they didn’t appear in the middle of the night and hurt Vee, then happily joined her lover in bed. They hugged each other close, Amara’s tail and wings cradling Vee as she nestled into Amara’s shoulder.

“Mmmm you’re so warm,” Vee whispered sleepily. “Thank goodness only one of us has wings, I can’t imagine how we’d cuddle otherwise.”

“You’re not jealous that Clarence the guardian angel got his wings before you?” Amara joked.

“Psh, I’m long past caring about how strong I am, or if I have my wings or not. Maybe one day I’ll get them, maybe not. I’ve got everything I truly want right here with you, Amara.”

They kissed briefly before Vee turned around, once again pushing her back to Amara, who in turn hugged her close. “Well, supposedly, every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings. Should I just start ringing a bunch of bells until they finally appear?”

Vee chuckled in Amara’s arms. “Please, we both know it’s not that simple. Plus, if they appear now, you’re about to get a face full of feathers.”

“Ooh, good point. I guess I’ll have to settle for cuddling with my amazing girlfriend.” Amara pulled Vee even closer, the two nuzzling their cheeks together before finally settling in for the night. After all the excitement of the day, they were both exhausted, and it didn’t take long for their breathing to slow and their heads to grow heavy.

“Good night, Amara,” Vee whispered. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Vee,” Amara whispered back. “Sleep tight, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Wrapped up in each other’s arms, the two girls were asleep within minutes. Outside, a soft snowstorm descended on the campus, blanketing the University in a fresh coat of snow as if the weather itself were celebrating the holiday. Miles above the campus, unseen by most students, the magical leylines of the world intersected, their magic intermingling with the ambient energy now flowing freely towards Earth from all the other planes of existence. Such a confluence of energy hadn’t been seen above Aurelius in hundreds of years, but with the magic restored, the true brilliance of cosmos was free to celebrate as well.

Miles above the sky, barely visible due to the snowstorm, soft ribbons of lights slowly appeared. They danced around, between, and across each other, creating a breathtaking canvas of blues, purples, and greens. All over the city, people slept calmly, unaware of how drastically the world had changed these last few months. They were unaware of the magical nature of the campus, and unaware of the invisible struggle to keep the world safe from harm. They were unaware of the mortal demon and her rebel angel, nestled peacefully in each other’s arms, and they were unaware of how drastically the world around them was about to change.

For tonight, however, everything was at peace.