Chapter Text
“Hey, hey, hey!” Mammon snapped his fingers in front of Aurora’s face. “Are ya even listening to me?”
“Mh-hmm,” Aurora nodded as her head snapped up from her D.D.D.
“Oh yeah?” He challenged. “What’d I just say, huh?”
“Something intelligent and insightful,” She replied as the pair passed through the gates of RAD.
“Ha! You weren’t listening after all!” A moment passed before Mammon realized what he said. “Hey, you tricked me!” A scowl formed on Mammon’s face.
“Someone tricking Mammon? A rare sight so early in the morning.” A smooth voice came from behind them. Solomon appeared beside Aurora, his eyes glittered with amusement.
The scowl on Mammon’s face deepened. “No one “tricks” the Great Mammon. I let her think she fooled me. Ya know, good confidence boost and all that.”
Aurora laughed and patted Mammon’s arm sympathetically. “I appreciate your sacrifice.”
Mammon visibly flushed as the trio entered the RAD building which was already bustling with student activity.
Aurora watched Solomon’s lips curve into a smile. “I hate to interrupt such a heartfelt moment, but I have...private matters to discuss with Aurora,” He sounded just a touch more smug than usual, an impressive feat for the silver-haired sorcerer.
That certainly got Mammon’s attention. His entire demeanor changed as he stood up straight. With his laid-back posture, Aurora forgot how tall Mammon truly was. His carefree attitude seemed to melt as he turned to face Solomon with a serious expression.
“Is that so? Well, wizard, let me tell you something: you get up to any funny tricks and I won’t hesitate to show you true power. Am I clear?” Mammon talked low, it was dramatically different from his normal speaking voice.
Aurora felt chills run up her spine. This was another lesson for her. Despite how kind and friendly Mammon was to her, he was the Avatar of Greed and an immensely powerful being. A reminder that she was forever out of her depth here. She was hopelessly, hilariously outclassed by these beings.
“Crystal.” Solomon met Mammon’s hard stare with one of his own. His cockiness turned into neutrality.
The two started each other down for a couple more seconds before Solomon looked away to look at her. Her eyes met his as her gaze darted between the two.
“Good,” Mammon’s tone returned to normal, his posture slouching back down.
Aurora was tempted to breathe a sigh of relief as Solomon pulled her to an unoccupied classroom. He waved his hand at the door, Aurora could hear the lock click as she sat on top of a desk.
“Care to explain that outburst?” Solomon fixed his gaze on her as he crossed his arms across his chest.
They were half a room away and Aurora could still feel the heat from his gaze.
Aurora averted her eyes as a million potential lies swirled through her head. She knew she could use none of them. Solomon was far too intelligent to fall for a simple line such as ‘Mammon’s protecting me’. What had just transpired was not Mammon’s usual brand of protection, even if he was jealous.
“What?” Solomon’s head titled. “Cat got your tongue?” He took a few steps closer to her.
“I may have told Mammon about our meeting,” She relented, looking away from his.
Aurora heard Solomon’s sharp inhale. She heard his steps as he approached her. She watched as he put his hands down on either side of the desk, effectively keeping her in place. She was still taken aback when spoke, now directly in front of her.
“Telling stories outside of class, are we?” He was leaning forward, speaking to her very softly. “I seem to recall asking you not to tell anyone.”
“It was necessary,” Aurora protested weakly. “Lucifer wanted to know what we talked about, I told him it was a project and that Mammon could attest. He demanded to know the truth.” She couldn’t meet the sorcerer’s eyes.
“And you couldn’t turn him away?” His tone edged on mocking. “Look at me, Aurora,” He guided her face with his hand under her chin, gently forcing her to look at him.
She found herself at a loss for words. “Lucifer...punished him, or took out his frustrations on him and it was my fault. I felt...guilty.”
Solomon clicked his tongue at her. “What a tender heart, feeling bad for a demon.” He was certainly mocking her now, even if his eyes remained serious. “I suppose I can’t be too angry with you. After all, he didn’t tell Lucifer about our little secret.” Solomon’s eyes narrowed. “But, that was risky. Foolish, some might say.” He gave her chin a light, reprimanding squeeze. “You are edging into the territory of powerful, ancient magic. As kind as the brothers act to you, they are demons first and foremost. When I tell you to keep something a secret, you need to trust that I’m acting in your best interest.” He leaned in impossibly closer, they were mere inches apart. “Do you trust me, Aurora?”
She shouldn’t. She didn’t need Mammon or Lucifer or Simeon to tell her that Solomon was dangerous. He was cunning and it didn’t take divine powers to sense it. But, that was hard to focus on when he was staring at her so intensely. He was close enough to her that she could feel his body heat and she was sure that he could hear her heartbeat in her chest. Surely he must know the effect he would have on her. Aurora couldn’t trust Solomon, but she wanted to. She wanted to trust him so very, very bad.
“Yes,” She whispered.
“Wonderful,” he smiled as his eyes seemed to flicker to her lips for a moment. Aurora thought that he may kiss her but he simply pulled away. “I brought you a book you may find useful. I’m still looking through my collection and I plan to go to the library soon but in the meantime,” He offered her a brown leather-bound book that looked more like an old journal than a book. “This should be informative.”
Aurora accepted the materials and tried not to look disappointed. “Thank you,”
“Of course,” Solomon made his way to the door. Before he left, he looked back over his shoulder. “I suppose I don’t have to remind you to keep your reading materials to yourself?”
Aurora nodded. This would be much easier, she would simply leave the book in her bag and read it alone in her room. She got off of the desk, sliding the book into her bag while making her way to the door as well.
“Wonderful,” The grin that Solomon gave her was all teeth.
He turned around and opened the door, only to reveal three members of the student council.
Solomon didn’t miss a beat. “Lord Diavolo, Barbatos, Lucifer. What a pleasure.” He greeted.
“Solomon, it’s good to see you!” Lord Diavolo was his usually perky self. “I didn't expect to see you too, Aurora. I thought you would be with Mammon.”
Before Aurora could reply, Lucifer spoke. “Solomon and Aurora are working on a project together. I fear Mammon’s presence may be counterintuitive to the process.”
Diavolo laughed and even Barbatos cracked a smile.
“Well, I certainly wouldn’t argue with that.” Diavolo grinned as the trio entered the room. “I think I would like to see this project when it’s completed.”
“Of course, My Lord,” Aurora replied, remaining close to Solomon.
“Yes, I’m sure it will be quite interesting,” Barbatos nodded. Despite his calm demeanor, Aurora could see something in his eyes as they made contact.
The pair gave their goodbyes to the trio of demons and shuffled to the door.
“Aurora, before you go for lunch, will you stop by the student council room?” Lucifer asked hands clasped tightly in front of him. “I have something I would like you to look at.”
Aurora paused as she looked at him. He seemed calm and composed but, she felt as though it was merely surface-level.
“Yes, of course,” She nodded.
“Thank you.” He replied, maintaining unwavering eye contact.
Aurora and Solomon exited the council room. Aurora let out a sigh of relief. As the two were about to part ways for class, Solomon put his hand on her shoulder and leaned in close.
He put his mouth right by her ear, “Someone’s in trouble,” He whispered and walked away.