Chapter 7: meeting old wounds

Chapter 7: Chapter 7: meeting old wounds

Morgan was surprised by what he saw. He had expected the Devil to look cruel and scary, but the man was tall and strong with broad shoulders. A crown made of rough stone sat on his head, and long brown hair fell around his face. He looked like a Viking from the old stories.

"What is this?" the Devil asked.

El stepped forward. "This boy is the son of Liue, and this is his wife. The people in the shelter don’t want to accept them. We came to hear what you think."

"You’re telling me the System marked this kid?" the Devil asked.

"Sadly, yes."

The Devil nodded and stood up from his throne. He walked over to Morgan.

"Kid... what’s your name?"

"Morgan."

"And what did you do to get marked by the System?"

"Sir... I did nothing wrong. I just copied my friend’s assignment."

"What is your power type?"

"It hasn’t appeared yet."

The Devil reached down and picked Morgan up. Everyone in the room held their breath, waiting to see what would happen. But the Devil simply placed the boy on his broad shoulders.

Everyone was shocked. Morgan was stunned too. He never expected kindness like this.

"From now on, Morgan is under my protection," the Devil announced. "He is my son, and his mother is our guest. Treat them with respect!"

The crowd stood in silence. Shei got to her feet.

"But... why?" she asked.

"Why?" the Devil said. "Isn’t it obvious? I never had a son of my own. Morgan will be perfect."

No one else spoke. Slowly, the crowd began to leave the castle. When everyone was gone, Mrs. Liue looked at the Devil.

"What game are you playing?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Don’t fool me, Bernard," Mrs. Liue said, her voice serious.

The Devil gently set Morgan down. His hard face softened as he looked at her.

"I’m not playing any game, Liue. Fate tore us apart once. Maybe this is our second chance."

He walked closer and gently touched her shoulders, but Mrs. Liue stepped back.

"Bernard..." she whispered.

"I know. You’re married and you can’t break your vows. You’ve always been loyal. So let me take care of you. Let me take care of your son and make him a better man than..."

"He was an amazing man," Mrs. Liue said, her voice cracking.

"If he was so amazing, you wouldn’t be here right now."

Tears filled Mrs. Liue’s eyes. The Devil pulled her into a gentle hug.

"It’s okay now," he whispered. "I promise you."