Chapter 2 Howard

In Paradise Lost, Satan was originally one of the angels created by God. Due to his arrogance and attempt to usurp the one true God, he, the beautiful and wise archangel Lucifer, fell and became a demon to tempt humans.

It was said that he possessed an exceptionally beautiful appearance and a radiant aura, and people were tempted by him, willingly offering their souls.

I closed the book, my face pale, my heart pounding.

"My name is Howard Smith..." These were the words I heard before fainting, whispered softly in my ear.

Last night felt like a dream; even now, in recollection, it filled me with lingering dread and rendered me speechless.

"Open your eyes." The hoarse, sexy voice was so close to me that I couldn't help but open my eyes.

What a strikingly beautiful person; my heart skipped a beat. Unlike the fleeting glance before, Howard now stood so close to me that he felt like an intimate lover, whispering softly by my ear.

His eyes, a deep azure like the starry sea, coupled with a high-bridged nose, exuded a chilling gaze that did nothing to diminish his breathtaking beauty. His visage was pure, almost angelic, and his crimson lips, so luscious, seemed to invite a kiss.

Then I quickly interrupted this inappropriate thought and trembled as I begged, "Please let me go; I don't want to die. I'm still so young. I haven't even had a boyfriend."

Hearing my words, Howard smiled lightly, his fingers caressing my cheek. "I like this offering, a clean girl."

Hearing the word "offering", I was even more certain that Sophia must have done something.

"You like me, don't you?" he said confidently, "After all, you were just staring at me, completely entranced."

I admitted he was very handsome, but compared to my own life, I still wanted to live.

"You are very good-looking, the most beautiful person I have ever seen." Believing he would appreciate flattering words, I began to shower him with compliments.

He chuckled, his laughter low and clear. "Since that's the case, why don't stay by my side forever?"

I was certain he was not human; staying by his side was tantamount to inviting death.

Tears uncontrollably streamed down, soaking the pillow, and I shivered, pleading again, "I don't want to die. I can give it to you whatever you want. You want offerings, right? I can get all kinds of delicacies for you, just don't kill me."

"Do you think I'm an ordinary god? Who wants to eat those things?" Howard said.

"Then what do you want?" As long as he said it, I would definitely satisfy him.

He seemed to like my obedience very much, his warm lips pressed against my neck, and his moist, heated tongue licked it gently, as if he might devour me the next second, savoring me like a gourmet delicacy.

"You smell very nice." His voice was hoarse, and at the same time, I felt something pressing against my stomach.

Believing he was a vampire, I was so scared that I broke down, crying. "I smell bad; I didn't shower today, and I ate garlic without brushing my teeth. Please don't eat me and let me go. I'll do anything you want, just don't kill me."

I was already crying incoherently, just hoping he would let me go.

"Anything?" His voice carried a dangerous undertone, but due to my nervousness, I failed to discern it.

"Yes." As long as he didn't eat me, anything was fine.

He chuckled as a kind of mischievous joy, his deep, sexy voice with a hint of wickedness reached my ears. "This is what you said yourself."

With that, I felt his hand touch my pussy.

After a round of torment, before I fainted, his voice sounded in my ear. "My name is Howard."

I thought I was dead, if not for Isabella waking me from my sleep.

I opened my eyes to find Isabella tugging at my blanket, staring at me quizzically. My voice came out a bit hoarse as I asked, "What's the matter?"

Isabella frowned, looking at me. "You were talking in your sleep all night, mumbling. Are you running a fever?"

I couldn't tell if it was a dream or reality. I wanted to sit up, but found myself completely naked; it wasn't a dream.

I forced myself to stay calm and shook my head, "I'm fine. I feel much better now."

"Alright, class is about to start. If you're not feeling well, I'll excuse you. Just rest well in the dormitory."

The other people in the dorm, except for Amelia Martinez who had taken leave, had all gone to class. Isabella saw that I hadn't gotten up, so she came to wake me.

My whole body hurt, and I didn't know how to face those who bullied me, so I agreed to Isabella's suggestion and thanked her.

Once Isabella left, the dorm was quiet.

A tearing pain came from below, making it clear that last night was definitely not just a dream.

I lifted the blanket, looking at the strange Satan tattoo on my chest, those shining blue eyes making me shiver. Upon closer inspection, it seemed there was a hint of blood red in the blue, as if he had drunk its fill of blood.

This tattoo had entangled me with things I should never have meddled with.

I was about to cry; the man named Howard said he wanted me to stay with him forever and it didn't seem like he was joking.

After a morning of rest, I felt revitalized and went straight to the library. Unfamiliar with such matters, I turned to the internet and library books for help. I spent the afternoon reading extensively about Satanic legends but found only fragmented myths.

'Does Howard have anything to do with the tattoo? Is he Satan? Is there some connection with the tattoo Sophia gave me? What is her purpose?' I wondered.

"Miss, the library is closing." The librarian came over to remind me. Seeing my pale face, she asked with concern, "Miss, you don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"

Honestly, I had been feeling very unwell since last night, but I didn't think she could help me, so I shook my head.

"I'm leaving now." I borrowed a few books before leaving.

Dizzy, I left the library, only to see a crowd surrounding the path back to the dorm. I walked over, barely able to see anything through the crowd. The path was cordoned off, with a few police officers walking around inside.

I frowned, wanting to ask someone, when someone suddenly patted me on the back; it was Isabella, who was holding a book. "Karena, what are you doing here? Are you feeling better?"

"Much better. There are so many people here. What happened at school?" I asked.

Isabella's expression became serious as she pulled me away and told me some shocking news.

"Sophia is dead." Isabella said solemnly, "She didn't attend class all day today; I heard that she was found dead on the path when I requested leave for you at noon."

My head exploded as I wondered, 'Sophia is dead? But wasn't she fine yesterday? Is it because of Howard?'

My intuition told me that Sophia's death must be related to Howard!