LUCIFER'S HUMAN BRIDE
Chapter 41 LATE FOR WORK

Medusa groaned as Lucinda's phone continued to blare. "What's going on? Why is your phone so loud?" she asked, blinking her eyes open. Checking her own phone, she cursed under her breath. "Lucinda, wake up! You're going to be late for work," she said, shaking her friend awake.

Lucinda grumbled, "Can't I just sleep a little longer?"

Lucinda's phone rang again, and Medusa showed the caller ID to her. "It's your boss. I told you going out last night was a bad idea," Medusa scolded.

Lucinda sighed and sat up, burying her face in her hands. "I thought we were just living the good life."

Medusa shook her head. "Well, now you're extremely late for work. Maybe you can call in sick?"

Lucinda grinned hopefully. "Can't you just make the call for me?"

Medusa rolled her eyes and tugged the sheets off the bed. "Better late than never. Stop being lazy and get out of bed," Medusa said. "You haven't told me who that handsome guy was who dropped you off at home last night." Lucinda stood up, holding her head. "I don't remember much from last night," she said. "And what's this pain I feel in my head?"

"It's called a hangover, from drinking too much alcohol," said Medusa.

"But I remember I didn't drink too much last night, only once. And I think the thing humans call alcohol is bitter with no taste at all. It's called 'torture," Lucinda grinned.

"Go bathe, I'll call for medicine for you," said Medusa.

Lucinda's phone rang again. She looked at the caller and sighed. She answered the phone and placed it to her ear.

"Lucinda!! Where are you?" Ralph shouted.

She removed the phone from her ear and mouthed to Medusa, "He's furious."

"Talk to him, tell him you're on your way," instructed Medusa.

"Hello Lucy, are you there?" Ralph asked, and Lucinda cleared her throat.

"I'm on my way, sir," she confidently replied before hanging up.

"Why did you hang up on him?" Medusa inquired.

"He can scold me, but not over the phone," Lucinda complained in a confident tone.

"I promise you physical will be worse next time. Come straight home instead of going to the club. Thank goodness that handsome guy dropped you off yesterday," Medusa beamed.

Lucinda frowned, "You are just emphasizing a handsome guy I don't remember seeing."

With that, Lucinda stood and made her way to the bathroom for a quick bath. She emerged dressed in a stunning off-the-shoulder dress that showed off her shoulders while maintaining a sleeve or ruffle on her bicep. As she slipped on a pair of flats, Medusa approached with food and medicine.

"Here, eat," Medusa said, placing toasted bread in Lucinda's mouth.

Lucinda chewed thoughtfully, washing down the medicine with a sip of water. "I am going bye," she said, planting a light kiss on Medusa's cheek.

"Wait, you forgot your phone," Medusa called after her.

Medusa's voice echoed through the empty house. "Wait, you forgot your phone," she said, holding out Lucinda's mobile.

Lucinda had already stepped out of the house, but with a quick turn she found herself staring at Medusa's grinning face. She took the phone, muttering a "thanks" and turned to leave once again.

But Medusa was not done with her yet. "You know, you could try flying," she said, her eyes following the hazy outline of Lucinda's wings.

Lucinda hesitated for a moment before nodding and spreading her wings. With a sudden whoosh, she lifted off the ground, disappearing into the clear blue sky.

It didn't take long for Lucinda to reach her destination. She flew down to the lobby of the company building and slipped into the elevator, alongside a few other employees.

As the elevator began its ascent, Lucinda caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Her form was gradually disappearing, becoming indistinguishable from the air around her.

She waited until everyone had stepped out, then pressed the button for her floor. The elevator hummed and whirred as it climbed, until with a soft chime, the doors slid open to reveal the vast office beyond. Lucinda searched the office for Ralph, the stern manager of the company, but he was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her and turned in alarm to see him sitting at his desk. "Welcome," he said, spinning around in his chair to face her. "What brings you here so early?"

"G-good morning, sir," Lucinda stammered, her nerves getting the better of her.

"Save your greetings," Ralph snapped, his tone cold and clipped. "Didn't I tell you I don't tolerate tardiness?"

Lucinda swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, sir. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Ralph leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing.

"Go and feed Deacon," Ralph commanded, and pointed at a bag of meat on his desk. Lucinda's eyes widened as she took the bag from him, unsure of what to expect. She walked out of his office. Ralph watched her go, his expression unreadable. "Going clubbing," he muttered to himself, his attention already returning to his computer screen.

Lucinda approached the towering gates of Deacon's lair, her heart pounding in her chest. She clutched a platter of meat in her hands.

She knocked tentatively on the gate, her eyes darting nervously around the cold stone walls. She heard the sound of wings flapping, of scales scraping against stone, and then the sound of Deacon revealing himself to her. With a mighty roar, Deacon emerged from his hiding place, his enormous form looming over Lucinda. She felt her breath catch in her throat as the beast eyed her hungrily, his teeth as sharp as knives. But then, to her surprise, Deacon started to eat the meat she had brought, tearing into the flesh with hunger.

Lucinda watched in wonder as Deacon devoured the meal she had brought. And then, as she tried to back away, he spoke to her.

"Come, let's have a talk," he said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. Lucinda felt a shiver run down her spine as she approached, feeling the heat of Deacon's body against her skin.

She settled beside Deacon, feeling both small and safe in his embrace. As she looked up into his eyes, she felt a strange sense of euphoria wash over her, a feeling she had never experienced before.

"What is this feeling?" she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible above the sound of the dragon's breathing. "Is this how humans feel when they are drunk or sleepy?"

Deacon regarded her with interest, his gaze penetrating and curious.

"Why do you humans always take so long to bring me food?" he asked suddenly, his voice deep and rumbling. "And tell Ralph to come and see me."

Lucinda promised to pass on the message, feeling a sense of duty and responsibility to Deacon that she had grown strangely attached to. And then, as she lay there in his embrace, she felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her.