When we finally pulled apart, Latia's eyes had turned that brilliant turquoise that betrayed her emotions. I traced my thumb across her lower lip, feeling her breath catch.
"We should probably start shopping," I said, not making any move to leave the car.
"Yes." Latia straightened, composing herself with visible effort. "Rias's birthday present won't buy itself."
I blinked. "Wait. That's why we're here?"
Latia's eyebrows shot up. "Did you forget? You mentioned it when we planned this and during our call on Tuesday—finding something suitable for Rias's birthday."
"Right." I hadn't forgotten, exactly. I'd simply been distracted by... everything else. "Rias's birthday present."
"You have no idea what to get her, do you?" Latia's lips curved into a knowing smile.
I shrugged. "I was hoping inspiration would strike."
"Fortunately for you, I happen to know Rias quite well. We've attended the same social functions since childhood." She gathered her fan and purse. "Let's go find something that will impress the Gremory heiress while subtly declaring your position."
I raised an eyebrow. "My position?"
"That you support her resistance to the Phenex arrangement." Latia's expression turned thoughtful. "A gift carries symbolic weight between noble houses. The right present could signal your approval of her independence without overtly challenging the engagement."
I grinned, appreciating her strategic mind. "Exactly what I was thinking."
"Of course you were."
We exited the car, and I activated the Phantom's security enchantments with a gesture. The vehicle shimmered briefly as the protective spells locked into place.
Lilith's shopping district sprawled before us, an eclectic mixture of ancient devil commerce and modern luxury. The streets were paved with smooth black stone that seemed to absorb and reflect light simultaneously—a material unique to the Underworld. Buildings of varying architectural styles housed everything from traditional devil artisans to boutiques featuring the latest human world fashion adapted for devil tastes.
I offered my arm to Latia, who took it without hesitation. The moment we stepped onto the main promenade, heads turned. Whispers followed in our wake like ripples in still water.
"Is that the Valac heir?"
"With Lady Astaroth?"
"They're actually holding hands..."
"I heard the Astaroth clan is already drafting marriage terms..."
I caught Latia's eye. "News travels fast."
"The Underworld runs on gossip and power." She adjusted her grip on my arm, drawing slightly closer. "They're watching the birth of a potential alliance between two of the 72 Pillars. Of course they're interested."
"Just two young devils who happen to enjoy each other's company," I said, loud enough for nearby eavesdroppers to hear.
A group of middle-class devil women nearby tittered behind their hands, clearly delighted by the spectacle of two pureblood heirs openly displaying affection. A shopkeeper paused while arranging his display, eyes widening as we passed.
"You're putting on a show," Latia observed quietly, amusement coloring her tone.
"Giving them something to talk about." I leaned closer to her ear. "Besides, it's not every day they see what two new-generation purebloods who actually like each other look like."
Her laughter drew even more attention. Good.
"Now, about Rias's gift," Latia steered us toward a row of higher-end boutiques. "She has particular tastes—elegant but not ostentatious. She appreciates craftsmanship over mere expense."
"You know her well."
Latia's fan tapped thoughtfully against her palm. "Young female heirs to major houses share certain... pressures."
"Like unwanted engagements?"
"Among other things." Her eyes scanned the storefronts. "Rias has always valued her independence. The Phenex arrangement chafes more than most would realize."
We passed several shops before Latia paused at a discreet establishment with a simple sign: "Caelestis Antiquities." The window displayed a single item—a small crystal sphere containing what appeared to be a miniature galaxy, stars swirling in perpetual motion.
"This place specializes in rare artifacts with historical significance," Latia explained. "Rias appreciates items with stories behind them."
The shop interior was dimly lit and meticulously organized. Glass cases contained objects from various eras of devil history, each with a small placard describing its provenance. The air smelled of old parchment and subtle preservation magic.
An elderly devil emerged from the back room, his eyes widening slightly as he recognized us.
"Lord Valac, Lady Astaroth," he bowed deeply. "What an unexpected honor."
"We're seeking a birthday gift," I explained. "Something with meaning."
"For Rias Gremory," Latia added.
The shopkeeper—Marius, according to the nameplate on his vest—nodded thoughtfully. "Lady Gremory has excellent taste. Perhaps if you could specify the... nature of the message you wish to convey?"
I exchanged a glance with Latia, impressed by the shopkeeper's perception.
"Something that honors tradition while acknowledging the value of personal choice," I said carefully.
Marius's eyes lit with understanding. "I believe I have just the thing."
He disappeared into the back room, returning moments later with a small wooden box. He placed it reverently on the counter and opened it to reveal a silver pendant on a delicate chain. The pendant was crafted in the shape of a bird with outstretched wings, inlaid with tiny crimson stones that caught the light like drops of blood.
"A phoenix," Latia observed.
"Not quite," Marius corrected gently. "This is a firebird—similar in appearance but entirely different in symbolism. While the phoenix represents rebirth through destruction, the firebird symbolizes freedom and self-determination. It's an ancient symbol from human mythology that was adopted by certain progressive devil factions during the early reforms."
I picked up the pendant, feeling its subtle magical resonance. "It's beautiful craftsmanship."
"Late Merovingian era," Marius explained. "Created by a devil artisan who specialized in adapting human symbols for our realm. The stones are blood rubies from the eastern territories—extremely rare now."
"The Gremory crimson," Latia noted. "Combined with a symbol of freedom."
I nodded, seeing the perfect symbolism. A gift that acknowledged the Phenex engagement while simultaneously supporting Rias's desire for independence. The craftsmanship and historical significance would appeal to her appreciation for meaningful objects.
"We'll take it," I said.
"An excellent choice, my lord." Marius carefully repackaged the pendant. "Shall I include a formal provenance certificate?"
"Please."
While Marius prepared the documentation, Latia wandered to a nearby display case. I joined her, noting the collection of ancient writing implements.
"See something interesting?" I asked.
"This quill." She pointed to an elegant pen crafted from what appeared to be a silver feather. "It's a Scribere Veritatis—a Truth Quill. They're extremely rare."
"What does it do?"
"It compels the writer to record their true thoughts and feelings." Her expression turned thoughtful. "Not through force, but by creating a connection between mind and page that bypasses normal filters."
"Dangerous in the wrong hands."
"Or liberating in the right ones." She met my gaze. "For someone who struggles to express their true feelings, it could be... clarifying."
I studied her face, wondering if there was a deeper meaning to her words. Before I could ask, Marius returned with the packaged pendant and documentation.
The transaction complete, we left the shop and continued our stroll through Lilith's bustling streets. The whispers followed us, but I found I didn't mind. Let them talk. Let them see two young devils choosing their own path.
We spent the next few hours exploring the city, moving from high-end boutiques to quirky specialty shops. Latia purchased several rare magical ingredients for her research, while I found an antique shadow manipulation text I'd been seeking for years.
By mid-afternoon, hunger drove us to a restaurant overlooking one of Lilith's famous crystal gardens. The establishment—Lunaris—was known for blending traditional devil cuisine with modern techniques. We were seated at a prime table on the terrace, where the purple light of the Underworld sky filtered through crystalline formations, creating ever-shifting patterns across the white tablecloth.
"I've never dined here before," Latia admitted, studying the menu. "My family tends toward more traditional establishments."
"My father recommended it," I said. "Apparently, they do something revolutionary with blood orchid essence."
Our server approached—a young devil who managed to hide his surprise at serving two noble heirs with only a slight widening of his eyes.
"Lord Valac, Lady Astaroth," he bowed. "May I suggest the tasting menu? Chef Varis has prepared a special selection today featuring ingredients from both the Valac and Astaroth territories."
I glanced at Latia, who nodded her approval.
"That would be perfect," I said.
The meal progressed through seven exquisite courses, each more impressive than the last. Rare Underworld delicacies were presented with artistic flair. Throughout, our conversation flowed as easily as the wine, moving from magical theory to literature to childhood memories.
"You actually set your father's ceremonial robes on fire?" Latia laughed, covering her mouth with her napkin.
"Accidentally," I clarified, grinning at the memory. "I was seven and had just discovered fire manipulation. The robes looked like they needed more... color."
"Your poor father."
"He was surprisingly calm about it. My mother, on the other hand..." I shook my head. "Let's just say I learned some creative curse words that day."
Latia's eyes sparkled with mirth. "My first magical accident involved turning my cousin's hair blue for a week."
"Diodora with blue hair? Now that I would pay to see."
Her smile faltered slightly at the mention of her cousin. "It wasn't Diodora. It was another cousin—Falien. He's studying abroad now."
I noted her reaction but didn't press. Something about Diodora clearly made her uncomfortable. Another piece of the puzzle.
As dessert arrived—a spectacular creation involving shadow-preserved fruits and crystallized nectar—I found myself studying Latia's face in the shifting light. The way her eyes changed color with her emotions. The slight furrow between her brows when she was considering a complex idea. The natural grace in her movements as she gestured to emphasize a point.
"You're staring," she observed, not looking up from her dessert.
"Appreciating," I corrected.
Her eyes flicked up to meet mine, a smile playing at her lips. "And what do you appreciate, specifically?"
"How you approach everything with such precision and passion simultaneously. It's an intriguing combination."
"Mathematical and emotional harmony," she said. "The most elegant solutions often lie at the intersection of seemingly opposing forces."
"Like a Valac and an Astaroth?"
"Precisely." She set down her spoon. "Shadow and intellect. Instinct and analysis."
"Chaos and order?"
"I wouldn't go that far." Her smile widened. "You're less chaotic than you pretend to be."
"And you're less ordered than you appear."
The drive back to the Astaroth estate was filled with comfortable silences interspersed with conversation. The Phantom purred along the winding roads, responsive to the slightest touch. As the estate came into view, I was reluctant for the day to end.
"I meant what I said earlier," I said, breaking a peaceful silence. "About you coming to the human world."
Latia turned from watching the passing landscape. "It's a significant decision."
"But one I'd welcome. Having you there would make the whole Kuoh situation considerably more interesting."
"Interesting?" She raised an eyebrow. "Is that all?"
I took one hand off the wheel, finding hers. "You know it's more than that."
Her fingers intertwined with mine. "Then say it."
I slowed the car, pulling off at a scenic overlook that provided a view of the valley below, the Astaroth estate visible in the distance. I turned toward her, taking both her hands in mine.
"I want you with me, Latia. Not just because you're brilliant or beautiful or politically advantageous, though you're all those things. I want you with me because when I'm with you, everything makes more sense."
Her eyes shifted fully to turquoise, emotion plain on her face. "That's... a compelling argument."
"I thought you might appreciate the logic," I said, smiling.
She leaned forward, resting her forehead against mine. "I'll need to discuss it with my family. Make arrangements. But yes, I want to come with you."
I closed the distance between us, sealing the agreement with a kiss that promised more than words could express. When we separated, Latia's cheeks were flushed, her breathing slightly uneven.
"Would you like to come in for tea?" she asked, her voice carrying a deeper meaning than the innocent words suggested.
I knew exactly what she was asking. Tea was the last thing on either of our minds. But the Astaroth estate would have eyes everywhere—servants, family members, magical monitoring systems. Not the place for what we both wanted.
"On Earth," I whispered against her ear, feeling her shiver at the proximity, "we can have all the tea we want."
Her breath caught. "That sounds... optimal."
"Just one week," I promised, brushing my lips against her temple. "Then we'll have all the time and privacy we want."
"One week," she agreed, her voice a mixture of resignation and anticipation. "I suppose I can be patient that long."
I pulled back, giving her a skeptical look. "Patient? You?"
"I said I can be," she clarified, laughing. "Not that I want to be."
I started the car again, continuing toward the estate. "Think of it as an exercise in delayed gratification."
"I prefer immediate solutions to obvious problems."
"Some things are worth waiting for," I said, catching her eye. "The most elegant solutions often require proper preparation."
She smiled, recognizing her own words echoed back to her. "Using my own logic against me? That's playing dirty, Dante Valac."
"I never claimed to fight fair." I winked. "Just effectively."
One week until Earth. One week until we could truly explore what was developing between us, away from the prying eyes and political machinations of devil society.
I had a feeling this week would be the longest of my life.