Page 1 of My Professor is a Demon

Oscar

Iadjusted my tie in the reflection of my office window, scowling at the perfect Windsor knot. The summer sun had set hours ago over Midnight Creek College, leaving Blackwood Hall's gothic architecture in shadow. Behind me, stacks of research papers sat on my desk—publications containing the depth of my knowledge compressed into a human timeline, attributed to the identity I now wore.

Three months as a visiting professor, and I still felt like an imposter. Not because my knowledge was fabricated—I'd spent centuries accumulating it—but because I'd never before attempted to transmit that knowledge to students.

My reflection stared back at me: dark hair artfully tousled despite the late hour, sharp jawline with carefully maintained stubble, piercing eyes that fashion photographers had once described as "hypnotic" during my brief stint as a model—one of many covers I'd used over the centuries.

The air shifted behind me, growing heavy with sulfur and smoke. I didn't turn around.

"You're late," I said, continuing to stare at my reflection.

The shadows in the corner of my office deepened, forming into a figure that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. "Time is different in Hell, Professor." The title dripped with mockery. "Or have you gone native in your little academic playground?"

I finally turned, keeping my expression neutral. "Vorthazul. What an unexpected displeasure."

The demon liaison smiled, revealing too many teeth. "The Board is concerned about your progress. Or lack thereof." Vorthazul glided across my office, trailing wisps of darkness. "Three months observing the ley line anomalies, and your reports grow increasingly... vague."

"Thorough research takes time. Something your employers seem to have forgotten."

"Patience isn't the Board’s virtue, Oscar." Vorthazul ran a shadowy finger across the spines of ancient books lining my shelves. "Especially not when other... developments have surfaced."

I kept my posture relaxed despite the sudden tension coiling in my chest. "Developments?"

A folder materialized in Vorthazul 's hands, the edges smoldering. He tossed it onto my desk. "Charlotte Evers."

I maintained my carefully cultivated neutrality, but internally I flinched. I'd been hoping to keep her off my boss’s radar a little longer.

"The human graduate student?" I asked, voice deliberately casual as I picked up the folder.

"Is she, though?" Vorthazul circled my desk. "Human?"

I opened the folder, revealing a photograph of Charlotte—blonde curls escaping a messy bun, a bright smile illuminating her entire face as she gestured enthusiastically to someoneoutside the frame. She looked so innocent. So unaware of the darkness gathering around her.

"Her energy signature during the ritual disruption last month was... unexpected," Vorthazul continued. "The Board wants answers."

The ritual disruption. I suppressed a grimace. I'd played my part carefully during that crisis, helping disrupt the blood magic ceremony while maintaining my cover. Charlotte had been there too, assisting Elowen and that wolf she'd mated with. I'd noticed there was something even more special about Charlotte then—impossible not to, with her energy signature flaring like a beacon amid the chaos—but I'd hoped Hell had been too distracted by the failed ritual to notice.

I should have known better.

"She's one of my students," I said, closing the folder. "Bright and dedicated to her research on magical theory. Nothing to concern Hell."

"Then you won't mind making her your priority." Vorthazul 's smile widened. "Discover where her power comes from and whether she poses a threat to our interests in the ley lines."

I kept my expression neutral. "And if she does?"

"Then you'll bring her in, of course." Vorthazul said it as if discussing the weather. "For proper examination."

The thought sent ice through my veins. I knew what "proper examination" meant in Hell's terminology.

"Consider it done," I lied smoothly.

"Good." Vorthazul moved toward the shadows. "The Board is watching your redemption effort with great interest, Oscar. After your last... indiscretion... this assignment is your final chance." His form began dissolving into darkness. "Don't disappoint us again."

The shadow vanished, leaving only the lingering scent of sulfur behind.

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my perfect hair, deliberately mussing the style I'd spent no actual effort creating. My demonic nature allowed me to manifest any appearance I desired—one of the few perks of my species.

I stared at Charlotte's photograph again. Those bright blue eyes held no guile, just enthusiasm and intelligence. Whatever she was, whatever power had drawn Hell's attention, she had no idea of the danger circling her.

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