Thread: A Devil's Game ::: {Ariamella & Prince of Smut}

RE A Devil's Game Ariamella Prince Macy's fingers reached out to grasp the black utensil, brushing along the smooth, cold metal before she retracted her hand. Had she really thought about signing her name for a moment? She curled her right hand into a tight ball for a moment, mulling over Balthazar's words and imagining the picture-perfect world that he painted into her mind... All of those harlots and trollops brought down to nothing, and George Demmings fired in a shocking scandal. Who would be left then? People like Heidi, the actual intelligent workforce behind the magazines, and herself-- all sitting high and mighty atop a newly overturned publications company. And even better, it all sparked her own rise to fame, giving her all she ever wanted and deserved. This was her future! And it was all being given to her on a silver platter by a man with a book. All it took was one signature, a scratch of penmanship that bound her name to the magic forever. Of course, there was the issue of her soul, but it didn't scare her as much as she thought it would. Although raised a Christian, she stopped practicing when she started investing all her time in her studies and future career, hoping on day that it would pay off. Perhaps the small price was fair her career was at stake! Did she want to keep an assistant position with 34,000 a year, or did she want to make a name for herself, making millions like all the other editor-in chiefs? And to think, it would all start with a purge of employees like Andrea... It couldn't hurt to try, could it? Macy took the pen with purpose and, without anymore hesitation, wrote I wish for career status, wealth, and recognition. I wish to have my wishes, dreams and ambitions filled, just as Balthazar described them. She looked over the words once, then signed her name in lilting cursive at the bottom of the yellowed page. I think this signature would look great in my future career, she mused, donning a bright smile and shining eyes. That is, if it even works. She absentmindedly flipped back a few pages, letting her eyes skim the various names before stopping at a large autograph, instantly recognizable. Her eyebrows lifted in curiosity, and she latched the book closed, returning it to the old man beside her. I didn't realize you were well acquainted with Miss Amy Winehouse. A shame for her to die so young after having secured six Grammy Awards under her belt. Her voice truly was a gift to all who heard it. The young woman stood and stretched briefly before taking an iPhone out to check the time, letting out a soft sound of disbelief when she saw that she had already spent over an hour at the bookstore. Balthazar, if your magic books is indeed a hoax, you can be sure I'll be back here tomorrow to get my hands on Fifty Shades of Grey and whatever romance novels to heal my broken pride. Just so I don't get too attached to your ludicrous idea, I think I should get going now... It's late and I still have work to do. Oh the joys of being assistant to Heidi Reeds. A quick eye roll was indicative of her disappointment of having to do more of her boss's commands, but there was no hiding the excitement and new lightness to her tone. The book had sparked a change in her, a sense of hope even if it was a small and seemingly impossible. But in this time of desperation, she needed something-- anything-- to help her prove her worth. A quick word of thanks was given before she took her leave, her eyes lingering on Balthazar through the shop window before turning away and taking the first few steps from the bookstore. Her mind rushed with the crazy notions of a magic book that could actually give her everything she ever desired, but the idea seemed... unreal. As if trying to convince herself of reality, she looked back to the window, her eyes searching for the figure of the gaunt man, but all she found was the dim lighting of closed shop and an empty chair.