"Are you sure about this?" Victoria asked as she stared at the summoning circle drawn by hand using chalk.
Nadia was at the center of the circle putting the finishing touches to it as she replied. "Don’t worry, it’s safe."
"What if she doesn’t know anything?"
"Then we search elsewhere. Though I doubt she would know anything."
"Fine then." Victoria let out a sigh and stepped back a bit, opting to remain silent as Nadia began to chant in deviltongue.
It didn’t take long before the entrance to the Infernal Palace made a grim appearance after which Vessina stepped out, her usually amused expression gone, replaced by a more severe look.
Noticing that something was wrong, Nadia inquired. "Is everything alright?"
Why have you summoned me?
Vessina asked, completely ignoring Nadia’s question.
Glancing back at Victoria, Nadia coughed awkwardly before inquiring. "I have a question."
"My friend and I need to know everything you know about the Nothings, beings from the void."
Hmm, it seems Mother has spoonfed you a bit too much.
You are aware of the notion that knowledge kills, aren’t you?
Realizing her mistake, Nadia nodded. "I am, but..."
Yet you would foolishly ask questions that would undoubtedly lead to a painful demise. You may have lost your sense of preservation due to Mother’s excessive love but do not act so foolish, especially not in my presence. If you wish to die, Nadia Khan, die on your own terms.
"..." Nadia fell silent, too offended and confused to even say a word back.
"That’s enough," Victoria remarked. "She was merely trying to help me. There is no reason to be too harsh."
Almost immediately, a frightening aura fell on her, dropping her to her knees and leaving her defenseless and in pain.
It seems I have gotten too friendly with your master, so much so that you think you have the right to speak out of turn. Endeavor to do that again and I shall end your life swiftly.
"Let her go," Nadia said in a panicked voice. "Please."
Vessina regarded her before ultimately taking back her Authority.
Victoria gasped for air as she fell to the ground while Nadia hurried to her side.
"Victoria, are you alright?" She asked.
Just then, Vessina spoke up.
For your information, the beings you seek knowledge on are even greater than the fools who think themselves gods. Even I do not dare to know too much about them, yet you would dare to ask. Your foolishness knows no bounds, Nadia, you and your friend.
Though infuriated, Nadia knew not to lash out, and so she remarked. "I had no idea, I apologize for wasting your time."
Save your apology for those who need it, Nadia Khan.
Nadia gritted her teeth as she glared at the Devil of Pride, who regarded her with such a gaze that one would be inclined to think she was looking at something lesser than a pig.
Only now did Nadia realize that the person before her wasn’t a friend, nor was she an ally or even an acquaintance.
She was the Devil of Pride, Vessina and despite their past exchanges, it did not change what she was deep down.
A being who only acted to benefit themselves.
If that will be all, I will be leaving.
As Vessina turned to leave, Nadia spoke up, her tone steady while being laced with a complicated set of emotions.
Vessina paused and with her back turned to Nadia, she replied.
"I have one more question but before that, would you lie to me?"
I am a Devil, what do you think?
"You do not answer a question with a question, Vessina. So, would you lie to me?"
You are overstepping, Nadia Khan. Watch yourself.
"Great Mother Lilith asked that you answer any questions I might have with the truth. I only wish to confirm if you would honor that."
Vessina glanced back, her expression twisted into a vicious thing.
I have begun to understand why Baseth never liked Sayda.
Nadia said nothing, daring to stay silent while staring at Vessina.
The Devil grinned, though it was not borne out of joy.
No, Nadia Khan, I would not lie to you.
"Good. So I want to know; is what Baseth said true?"
And what did she say?
"That Amase is the reason Sayda found us... the reason Arthur died."
And what does it matter?... I helped you take your revenge. Sayda is dead, and Arthur is avenged.
"Just answer the question, Vessina. Is it true?"
Watch your tongue, girl.
"Answer the question!"
Once again, the Authority of the Devil of Pride was released and this time, it aimed for Nadia.
It crashed down like a tidal wave, sending Nadia staggering, yet something allowed her to remain standing.
Black lines appeared on Nadia’s already dark skin and for a moment, her eyes went dark.
Vessina froze, sensing the presence of Lilith within Nadia.
Though far from strong enough to threaten her or even cause her any sort of trouble, it was sufficient in forcing her to retract her statement.
There was a reason for this and the reason gnawed at Vessina like an annoying itch.
Her lips curled as she watched Nadia regain herself, the black lines gone along with the presence.
"What?" Nadia stared at Vessina in confusion.
Amase led Sayda to where you lot were hidden.
Nadia staggered back at the revelation at which point Vessina added.
But you must understand that even if she hadn’t done so, Arthur was destined to die. It doesn’t matter how he died; it only matters that he did.
"So what are you saying?"
Leave it be, Nadia, let it die now. Do not go after Amase, she will kill you.
"Get out!" Nadia lashed out.
Vessina turned to leave only to pause at which point, she remarked.
Though we sisters bicker, the Infernal Palace has always united against external foes.
She paused momentarily, a thought, or rather, a memory, a rather painful one, crossing her mind in that moment.
"What are you saying?" Nadia asked, jolting Vessina from her thoughts and prompting her to finish her words.
If you turn out to be a threat or your death ends up causing problems for Amase, then best believe, Nadia Khan, that I will not sit back and watch things play out.
With that, the Devil was gone and Nadia was left with the solemn realization that she may have just damaged the relationship between Constellations and the Infernal Palace.