THE CURSE OF AZAZEL

The Deal

Isabella drove down to her apartment with the wind blowing through her hair. She had her favorite song playing on the radio, and she couldn't help but hum along to the catchy tune.

As she parked her car and got out, she continued to hum the melody. She walked up to her apartment door and fished her keys out of her purse. Inserting the key into the lock, she continued to hum the song under her breath.

"I wanna dance with somebody,

I wanna feel the heat with somebody,

Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody,

With somebody who loves me."

The door clicked open, and she stepped inside, still humming. She closed the door behind her and flicked on the light switch. Isabella's heart skipped a beat as she saw Azazel sitting on her couch. She froze at the entrance, not knowing how to react.

Azazel noticed her hesitance and stood up, a gentle smile on his face. "Hello, Isabella," he greeted, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

Immediately after she saw Azazel, Isabella turned around and headed towards the door. As she reached for the doorknob, her hand froze as the memory of Azazel's threat flooded her mind. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She couldn't leave now, not when her father's life was at stake.

She turned back slowly, her eyes fixed on Azazel's face. He looked at her, his expression unreadable. Isabella couldn't tell if he was surprised by her change of heart or if he had anticipated it all along.

As she approached him, her heart pounding in her chest, Isabella felt a sudden surge of determination. She couldn't let Azazel win. She had to do whatever it takes to protect her father.

With each step she took, her resolve grew stronger. She wouldn't let Azazel intimidate her. She would stand up to him, no matter what the consequences.

Finally, she stood before him, her eyes locked on his. She could feel his power emanating from him, but she refused to be cowed. She took a deep breath and spoke in a firm voice.

"I need to know what you want from me," she said firmly.

Azazel raised an eyebrow, his expression amused. "Such bravery from a mere mortal," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But do not forget, Isabella, I am not one to be trifled with. You may think you have the upper hand, but you are no match for me."

Isabella took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, facing Azazel with a newfound confidence. She knew she had to stand up to him if she was going to help him and also protect her father.

"I did a little research about you this afternoon," she said firmly, "I can't help but wonder, how you could be so stupid and senseless to challenge your father to a duel. But I want to assure you that I'm no longer afraid of you. I know you can't harm me. The only thing you can do is to harm my father and I won't allow that. So, If you need my help, then sit your ass down let's talk."

Azazel's eyes widened in surprise at Isabella's sudden boldness. He had expected her to cower in fear or try to run away, not confront him head-on. He growled low in his throat, his anger at her defiance bubbling to the surface.

But despite his initial reaction, he couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for her. She was brave and strong-willed, two qualities he valued highly.

After a moment of hesitation, Azazel reluctantly sat down on the couch, his body tense and ready to spring at the slightest provocation. Isabella took a seat across from him, her eyes never leaving his.

Isabella leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Azazel. "Let's make a deal," she said. "I don't know how to break the curse, but I promise to help you find a way to break it, on one condition: you must swear not to touch or harm my father."

Azazel glared at her, his eyes narrowed. "And why should I agree to this deal? I am Azazel, the god of thunder and lightning. Mortals are beneath me."

Isabella stood her ground, undaunted. "Because I am the only one who can help you. You need me, Azazel. And I need you to keep my father safe."

Azazel hesitated, weighing his options. He had no other choice. He needed Isabella's help to break the curse. Finally, he reluctantly nodded in agreement.

"Fine. I swear not to harm your father, on the condition that you find a way to break the curse."

Isabella nodded in satisfaction. "Good. We have a deal."

Azazel leaned back, his arms crossed over his chest. He studied Isabella for a moment, his expression inscrutable. "You are a brave mortal, Isabella. I did not expect this from you."

Isabella smiled wryly. "I have my reasons."

Azazel grunted in response, still unsure about this strange mortal woman who had dared to strike a deal with him. But for now, he needed her help, and he would do whatever it takes to break the curse.

After the agreement, Isabella stood up from the couch and faced Azazel. "Well, we have a deal now. I promise to help you find a way to break the curse, but you have to leave now," she said.

Azazel looked at her with a frown. "I don't trust you, mortal. I will stay here until you fulfil your end of the bargain," he said firmly.

Isabella let out a sigh of frustration as Azazel refused to leave. She knew having him around was going to be difficult but she didn't have a choice if she wanted to save her father.

"Fine, you can stay," she said, "but you can't come into my room. You have two options, you can either stay in the living room or in the other room."

Azazel sneered at her, "Do you really think I would trust you enough to be alone in another room?"

Isabella rolled her eyes at his comment, "It's not like I can trust you either. But we have a deal and we both need to honor it. If you can't trust me, then I can't trust you either. It's that simple."

Azazel grumbled but eventually gave in, "Fine, I'll stay in the living room. But I'll be watching you."

"Suit yourself," Isabella said with a shrug, "Just don't touch anything and don't cause any trouble."

Azazel narrowed his eyes at her, "I'm not going to be confined to just one room. I need to be able to move around freely."

Isabella sighed again, "Okay, but I need you to promise me that you won't harm anyone or anything in my apartment. If you do, then our deal is off."

Azazel thought for a moment before finally nodding in agreement. "Fine, we have a deal. But don't try anything funny, mortal."

Isabella watched him for a while, before letting out a deep breath. She knew having Azazel around was dangerous, but she couldn't back down now. She had to find a way to break the curse and save her father's life.