#the aces

"They always get the nicest things....." The next mournfully utters - woe in their voice a bitter parallel to the smiling clown's face taking place of their own.

"Not a thing. An angel! Prettiest, most precious one we've ever seen. Can we keep you, pretty angel? Can we, can we?" The rabbit masked pleads - fluffy tail stitched into the back of their skirt bouncing with each spring of their heels against the floor.

"Now, now- Let's all get a hold of ourselves." Rational in tone, the blank face of the last maid is one you note nuzzling deepest into the fluff of your wings.

"Wouldn't want to scare our guest off before we got to know them better, right?"

"Right!" The maids shout in eerie unison. It's your turn to shutter as they all simultaneously nestle in closer to your person.

You wouldn't be in this predicament if it weren't for them. Your human. It's impossible to keep an eye on them for long in this hellish venue. Between the stench of ash and the damned, their scent ripe with sweat from grueling hours of labor is lost on you. All those hard weeks of work and the fruit of their efforts - wasted in a single night.

You've tried so hard to reach them. Whispered. Begged. Screamed at them to stop. No matter how loud the voice of reason screeched, they still returned. And so did you. Unwillingly bidding your time with the company of demons. A collective who has taken quite the liking to you.

"It hurts, doesn't it?.... Watching them throw their life away?"

It does. You've yet to hardened against the teachings of your elders. You were once human yourself, but to love humans - you have to accept the fact you can't save everyone.

"We'd listen to you, if that makes you feel better- We already do whatever our bosses say, but doing chores for the one we care about is ten times more fun!"

"Yeah! You'd never have to lift a finger again..... There's a lovely spa in the east wing where you can relax and soak... well, your wings! And whatever else that aches."

"Pleaseee, let us spoil you! We'll do a good job, we'll love and protect you for ever and ever!"

Youre suffocating. Smothered benath the weight of your duties. Their promises. A demon's tongue speaks only lies, yet there is something alien to you in their eyes whenever you walk through theirs doors. Something lost on you in your ascension to a holier form.