Page 1 of How to Accidentally get Trapped in Hell

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Madelyne

Previouslyinthelifeof Madelyne Danica–I summoned a demon, was kidnapped by another demon, met my mother (who is Lucifer's daughter), and now I'm trapped in Hell. All caught up? Silly me, I was under the impression I was just going to take a quick trip to meet Granddaddy Lucifer, and then go home. One short conversation with the king of Hell, and now I know the truth. I am stuck here. I can't go back home. Apparently, now that he knows he has a granddaughter, he's not going to let me get away that easily. He says I need to stay here and learn about my family and my demon heritage. So now I'm trapped in Hell, and I get to learn all about not just being a demon but being Lucifer's granddaughter, and what it means to be a princess of Hell. Of course, neither of my mates could have warned me that this was going to happen. Oh no. They will pay for this. Was it too much to ask for just a little heads up that I would be saying goodbye to my entire life?

I glare at my men as I ponder how best to torture them in repayment, and I swear I can feel their apprehension and remorse. Lucifer looked nervous when he first broke the news to me. Now, as he watches me glare at Belz and Zephyr, I catch a giddy glint in his eyes. It's as if he senses the torture that is about to happen and can barely contain his excitement.

"All right. Well, I'm just going to show my daughter to her room. If she's going to be staying for a while, I want her to be comfortable. Let's go, Maddy."

"You don't honestly think we're going to let her stay in the palace by herself, do you?" Belz demands.

Before I can say anything about thelet mecomment, my mother beats me to it. "She is Hell royalty, Belzar. Where else would she stay but the palace?"

"With us!" Belz and Zephyr both shout at the same time.

Hmm, I suppose that wouldn’t be too terrible. My head is a mess of so many emotions I don’t know what to do with. Irritation, being at the top of the list, but also defiance, determination, and there’s definitely some lust in there.

"Oh, and do you think she wants to stay in your home with Zarreth and Oz? Two demons that she doesn't even know. One that was openly hostile towards her? I don't think so," my mother disagrees.

"She's standing right here, you know," I say and for some reason I feel a flash of guilt. Hell if I know why. I definitely don’t feel guilty about anything. Especially not for standing up for myself when people are trying to make decisions for me instead of asking me what I want.

"Yes, she is," Lucifer interrupts. "And I do believe it's time for a tour of my palace. After that, if Madelyne so chooses, she may go to Belzar and Zephyr's house. She is welcome to stay at the palace. She already has her own room, or she can stay with her mates in their home. The choice ishers." He gives my mother and my mates death glares that dare them to pressure me one way or the other, and I suddenly feel a wave of shame wash over me. What the fuck is going on with my emotions? “Come, Madelyne. I simply can’t wait to see what you think of my home.”

Not wanting to pass up the chance to get to know my grandfather and explore what I’m sure is going to be an enormous castle, I quickly and obediently follow him out the door. We pass a closed door and I jump when I hear screams coming from the room.

“That’s my favorite torture chamber,” Lucifer says with a smile. “There are many throughout the castle, but that’s my favorite. It has all the best toys and the room itself soaks in the screams. The sounds a soul makes when it’s tortured are a magic of their own. It rejuvenates my soul just walking in that room,” he sighs dreamily.

“Riiight. I’m not so big on the whole torture thing,” I mumble, not wanting to pop his bubble. He seems excited about torturing.

“Oh. Hmm… Well, you’re new to all this demon stuff. I’m sure you’ll come around.” He smiles brightly and continues down the hall.

I shake my head and follow him. I think my grandfather might be a little crazy.

“This is my wing of the castle. If you ever need me, you’ll likely find me in my office or my torture chamber,” he tells me as we walk down an elegant yet dark hallway. He pauses as we pass another door. “These are my quarters. Don’t forget to knock before entering. You never know what you may walk in on.” He winks.

I- yeah… that just happened. “Noted. I don’t think I’d want to walk in on you doing…anything.” I shudder at the thought and he chuckles at my unease, the sound covering me like a warm blanket. You would expect the devil’s laughter to be eerie and disturbing, but it has the opposite effect on me. It settles something deep in my soul. I can’t help but smile, even though I know he’s laughingatme.

We continue our tour, taking a right turn at the end of the hall, and a young woman bows before scurrying past us.That was weird. I give my grandfather a confused look, and he laughs again.Well, I’m glad I can be a source of entertainment for him.

“Just a servant, dear. I don’t know why, but it seems I terrify them.” He shrugs as if the idea is preposterous. “She’s probably off to see to Bartleby. His wing is in that direction. I won’t bore you with introductions. Just… stick to the parts of the palace I show you. They wouldn’t dream of hurting you, but Bartleby and Droxley aren’t good company.”

I wonder how accurateLittle Nickywas in portraying them. If it was even a little true to their personalities, I think I’d agree. I wouldn’t want to spend time with either of them. Thinking of the movie reminds me of Belz and I look around, just realizing the guys and my mother haven’t been following us on our tour.

“Where are the others? My mom and mates?”

“They’ll meet us in your rooms. I wanted some alone time to get to know you better. I didn’t want to have to share your attention with them,” he grumbles before grabbing my hand and pulling me down the hall. “Come, come. There’s lots to see. Each of my children has their own wings. It keeps things peaceful. Bartleby and Droxley have rooms on this side of the palace, and Zofina and Marjorkorie are on the other side. You have a suite set up in your mother’s wing. I’ll show it to you after you see the rest of the castle. I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I’ll love it.” I offer him a reassuring smile and his face brightens.

“So, tell me about yourself. What did you do on Earth?” He cocks his head and waits for my response.

The mention of Earth reminds me I won’t be going back and I panic. I have a life there. Students who depend on me. My dad… Fuck! What’s going to happen to him? His wife and his daughter just disappeared, like Mom did. Oh God. I don’t think he’ll survive that. I have to go home.

“Madelyne? What’s wrong?” His previously jovial mood instantly turns dark as he watches the emotions flicker across my face. His handsome face contorts into a mask of fury as he prepares to destroy whatever has caused me to react this way. It would be sweet, but there’s nothing for him to maim or kill. I just need my dad.

“M-my dad. I have to go back to him. He can’t think I just left him like my mom did. It will break his heart.”

He instantly deflates, his face returning to the normal calming, reassuring look I’ve gotten used to since I met him. “Your father will be taken care of. Have no fear.”

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