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The Devil's Advocate
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Angels and devils are often described extravagantly in human fiction, usually depicted with luscious white wings and extensive tails with pointed, red tips but, luckily for Bae Irene, in reality this wasn't the case. Having to conceal wings double her size would considerably dampen her plan to infiltrate a conference in hell- all she has to do is remove a glowing halo, an act that feels so undoubtedly wrong, but immediately swabs her of any indicating identity. Wearing the luminescent rings definitely shovelled coal into the fire between the warring species-- devils don't have halos, hell, most of them don't even have horns, (something that had evolved out of most of their bloodlines over the millenniums) so why on earth did angels feel the need to pad their already inflated egos with neon evidence? It was an argument as long as time. Literally.

Without her radiant crown, it was surprisingly easy for Irene to get into Hell; she'd had some help of course, from angel 'defectors' who were still working for Heaven, but other than a few tight squeezes here and there, she came out of her journey relatively unscathed.

Now she's walking through a lavish party celebrating the underworld she swears to despise so much. It's all very extravagant with extra high ceilings that round to a point in the centre decorated with work likened to Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and large glass panes that are so clear it's like looking at water frozen in motion. Waiters dance effortlessly through crowds of devils that grow, shrink, pulse and move around the venue like hives as they serve alcohol, and other 'classy party foods' that Irene has never quite understood: like cheese and pineapple sticks and melon layered with ham. The thing that really tips the whole thing over the edge for her is Bloody Marys being served with an added flourish as if the beverage was named after Hell itself.

The atmosphere is relaxed in contrast to the constant fuel of adrenaline rushing through her in waves that take her off guard each time. There's no imminent danger; everyone's keeping to their respective social circles, occasionally mingling with one another like a bride and groom's family but inevitably separating later. There's nobody who has even given her a second glance or inspected her outfit (which she so meticulously put together) so why is it that her fingers aren't steady when she curiously plucks a stick of cheese and pineapple off of a platter?

Maybe it's the orange lighting and the warm hues everywhere that remind her that she's far from home. The yellows in the chandeliers that, whilst appearing dainty, would probably kill you if they came crashing down and the red swirls of colour in the numerous tapestries and paintings lining the brown panelled walls all were all a jarring pointer that she was amongst the enemy in a place that upheld and maybe even worshipped morals completely the opposite of her own. She had always considered devils inferior to angels. Who wouldn't? Each one was a defector, a fallen angel who had rejected their own tradition-infused society and created their own rules, each one more ruthless and savage than the last. At least that's what she had been brought up to believe: Hell was a firey pit where each being inhabiting the flames are scorched, objectively ugly and so tickled by the idea of murder that they built their own world around the idea. This angelic propaganda, so far, had yet to be proven. The gathering was surprisingly civilized with neatly pressed suits and dresses that never rode above the top of the knee although she did find herself wincing and jerking whenever the room exploded with raucous laughter or something else of the sort... Maybe she needs a drink to take the edge off.

Approaching the bar she's greeted with an array of spirits in varied colours, their glass catching the light and shimmering in luminescent patterns that shift whichever way she turns and moves. It's more mesmerizing to stare in awe at bottled alcohol than Irene would like to admit and anyone would think she's an underage teenager stepping into a liquor store clutching a fake ID for the first time by the expression on her face. Beneath the stools lining the counter is a flattened rectangular rug stained slightly darker in the middle from consistent foot traffic fading out towards the lighter more plumpy, cottony edges which had clearly escaped many encounters. Now that she's seemingly snapped out of her starstruck epiphany, a bar-tender crosses over to her only to be cold-shouldered when she sees the prices. Instead, she snags a Bloody Mary from a passing waiter (because they're free) and resumes her seat. She likes to fancy that she did so in stylish elegance.

After picking off the skewered olives and stalks garnishing the top she takes a sip of the cocktail and she only thinks two things: 'too much celery salt' and 'why didn't I just buy some ready-made drink?'.

By the time she's looking at the drained bottom of the glass the alcohol has seeped through her system, neutralising those surges of adrenaline which had been making her back stiffen involuntarily and it's enough to create a small buzz in her head. In fact, it was perfect. Now she can relax and observe the party like she's intended to be doing the entirety of her visit without fearing that some freakishly horned demon is going to approach her and ... she doesn't know. Slit or something? Irene doesn't want to admit that she's tipsy but her reaction when she turns her head to see a woman sitting beside her is probably enough to give her away, especially judging by the amused tugging at the corner of the stranger's lips who sends her a small glance over the top of her glass. At least she's not drunk enough to have lost her reflexes.

Dropping her jolted shoulders Irene lets out a small breathy laugh, and before she can stop herself she's apologising to the devilish woman before her, indicated by two small horns poking out on her scalp between her voluminous, black hair. "Sorry... You gave me a fright." She explains in good-nature, regarding the devil's side profile, a softly rounded nose and high cheekbones. She has a stoic manner about her with broad shoulders poised backwards and a lightly arched back in a posture that Irene can't really flaw.

"That's okay. Enjoying the party?" She turns her head to face Irene and one of her shoulders follows suit when she gestures to the bustle of exchanges behind them. The woman talks like she's familiar with the setting, a small and somewhat prideful smile gracing her lips which the lightly intoxicated angel can't quite pinpoint the meaning of. In all honesty, Irene had almost forgotten about the hundred or so guests hovering around the building being so distracted in her imploding mind from both a mixture of dulled nerves and alcohol. Adding to that, a devil had just asked her opinion on the party that she, one: was an infiltrator of, and two: not actually paying any attention to.

"I am. Although I had to get away from the crowds for a bit." Irene responds, keeping her responses curt and short. Not even all the alcohol in the world bubbling th

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Baelrene
i was doing weekly updates and i’m very sorry there’s been such a gap! i went away for a week and when i came back i realised i had a lot of important work to do and now im waiting on very important exams to come through this week. hopefully my schedule will be clear very soon. thank you and sorry!

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born10966 #1
Chapter 2: Ok I'm hooked with this story. Seems like Seulgi has something mysterious and suspicious in her behavior.
Panda729 #2
Hi author nim, just commented to let you know i still exist. Havent read anything past chapter 2 though seeing reactions from other readers I decided to leave the next chapters unread. I feel like binge reading this. Just left this message to let you know am still waiting for your updates. hahaha fighting!!!
xxxone
#3
Chapter 5: <span class='smalltext text--lighter'>Comment on <a href='/story/view/1450180/5'>V</a></span>
I’m in love with this chapter. I enjoyed the no-nonsense approach. Like you really pushed for what you wanted to happen. I felt it. Dark, yes but needed. You pulled it off quite well. <3

Also, this story is the only thing I’ve been reading while on quarantine so it’s convenient that it’s a good one.
neverfound
#4
Chapter 5: Nooo, I hope Yeri doesn't die :(

and wow, so Seulgi was a killer in her past life, and not just any killer, but one that killed her own family, I wasn't expecting that. Now I'm left wondering what is gonna happen with Yeri, Seulgi, and Irene, did Irene really go to earth to start her loyalty test? and if she did, then what are the implications for seulrene's relationship?
xxxone
#5
Chapter 1: Ah! You’re off to a great start. Enjoying this :)
neverfound
#6
Chapter 4: I never thought I would say this, but poor devil. But i do wonder, was there any other motive behind Seulgi's proposition to Irene, besides her feelings? Her next question, about what would happen to Irene's position in heaven if she were to leave, is kinda suspicious.

And yeah, I did get the notification for this chapter :)
hellolemonpie97 #7
Chapter 4: This story is amazing and I can't wait to read more of it! The angel and devil plot is so coherent to the "monster" theme we're getting from the Seulrene sub-unit and I'm loving it. Fighting Author sshi!
lowsugar
#8
Chapter 3: i just wanna say that i really love the way you write, though you probably already know that djfdhdhsh but fr, everything's so well-paced and all :")) believe me when i say you deserve more recognition nnnn