Pride 12: The Representation of Vanity
774 Words
PRIDE
Jess is deeply engaged in a conversation with Tomas who talks animatedly. I watch the two of them with mild irritation. I’ve never seen Jess look so comfortable with someone other than me.
It’s absurd. I felt a little betrayed.
Gluttony snaps his fingers impatiently. “Pride? Let the two talk. It’s the first time they’ve met another person with the same situation.”
My eyes narrow suspiciously. They’re too close for a pair that only met minutes ago. “How old is he?”
“Old enough to be her father.” Gluttony says dismissively. “You don’t have to be so possessive.”
“She’s my human.” I state matter of factly.
My brother furrows his eyebrows. “Yes. Not your lover.”
Appalled, I choke on the whiskey I’m drinking. “What?”
“You’re acting like she’s your lover.“ He shoots crassly while dropping a piece of sashimi into his rather large mouth.
“I’ll pretend you didn’t say that.” I try to pay better attention to Gluttony and his words but my eyes find themselves back to Jess.
My jaw clenches.
Gluttony’s human was leaning closer to Jess and teaching her how to eat sushi. She didn’t need to be taught? Eating is the same regardless of the cuisine. You put it in your mouth. It’s that simple. He didn’t need to be so close.
“Are you listening, brother? Our humans can be stolen.” Gluttony whispered sounding desperate.
An emotion I can only identify as despair goes through me. “Where did you learn of this?”
“I interrogated one of the demons that attacked Tomas. They kept muttering about stealing him and breaking our bond.” The seriousness of Gluttony’s expression is alarming.
“That can’t be possible.” I say lowly careful not to let my words carry. Jess didn’t need to hear this.
He raises an eyebrow. “Would you risk it? The demon even spoke of the human having a choice in all of this. Our humans could leave us for another.”
My mind conjures Jess laughing heartily at finding out I liked classical music. It didn’t suit me she said with her eyes almost tearing up from laughing too much.
Would Jess leave me for another? If she had a choice would she choose someone else as her Prince?
She wouldn’t. I’m the best after all. The eldest and the most powerful she wouldn’t need anyone else... right?
Gluttony let’s out a defeated sigh and leans closer. “Wrath suspects Lilith. He says he sensed her presence.”
I scoff disbelieving. “Lilith is trapped in Hell.”
“Did you say Lilith?” My little human said with wide eyes.
My eyes widen in surprise. “Yes. Why?”
Jess looked thoughtful like she was reliving a memory. “The other day when I was attacked by that reptile looking beast. He mentioned that Lilith ordered him to take me to her.”
Impossible.
Anger courses through me at the thought of that disgusting succubus. It can’t be true.
Gluttony snorts and grins teasingly. “She’s Pride’s ex girlfriend.”
Jess looked like Gluttony had just slapped her across the face. Accusing brown eyes pierce through mine and I shake my head vigorously.
“She’s not.” I assure her sending a glare towards the brother I thought I favored.
The hardness in Jess expression doesn’t waver and she looks away. That bothered me.
Why was she mad?
Feeling uneasy with her bad mood, I elbow Gluttony hard on the side making him choke on the raw fish he was eating. He coughs roughly thumping at his chest.
“I was only joking.” He gasped between breaths.
Tomas is the one that breaks the awkward silence. “Who’s Lilith?”
“A greater demon that represents the sin Vanity.” I answer tasting bitterness at the mere explanation of her.
“She’s like you then?” Tomas asks with his mouth full of food.
Gluttony stops his coughing to look affronted by his human’s comment. “Lilith wishes.”
“She’s not even the dirt on Envy’s feet.” I sneer.
Jess purposely faces Gluttony avoiding my gaze. “What’s so bad about her?”
My brother let’s out a low whistle and leans back on his seat. “Where do I begin? Countless centuries with her and I’ve already lost track of all the endless heinous things she’s done.”
I take a long drink from my glass of whiskey. “If we were made to watch over Hell, she was thrown in Hell.”
Gluttony happily pats his stomach like a pregnant woman caressing her belly. “Preach, brother.”
“That bad?” Tomas says while copying Gluttony’s movements. There’s no doubt about it. They were made for each other.
I watch my brother grin towards his human. There’s mutual respect between them. I could sense their deep connection just by sitting in the same table.
Did Jess and I have that same bond?
Her eyes meet mine and I can’t help but smile a little. I’d never admit it to anyone but Jess might truly be the best match for me.
I don’t think anyone else would suit me like she does.
- Writer
