After a two-hour plane journey, we arrived at Jordan's Fields - a city renowned for its German heritage and famous for hosting an annual beer festival. Nestled in a mountainous region, the city was believed to possess healing properties, attracting countless sick individuals seeking solace in its miraculous climate over the centuries.

Exiting the small private airport, we found a rented car waiting for Voluptia and me right at the entrance. We embarked on a 15-minute journey along the main road leading to the city until we turned onto a narrow yet well-maintained road that wound up one of the mountains. Atop this mountain sat an old hospital, founded in the 19th century and once a global reference for treating tuberculosis patients.

A decade before that night, the Catholic Church had acquired the hospital, transforming it into an elite school for young people. The church also concealed a hidden monastery on the premises. Although the old hospital continued to function, it mainly received patients seeking treatment for the disease to benefit from the unique climate.

The winter night was cold and dark, with cloud-covered stars providing scant natural light. The moon's complete concealment behind the clouds added a frightening and eerie feel to the view outside the car. As we drove along the empty road, the car's headlights slowly revealed the silhouettes of pine trees flanking both sides of the path.

Amid my musings, I found myself contemplating the strange situation of a nun, accustomed to aiding the poor, rising to such a high position in an influential institution for the rich and famous. I could almost hear the voice of old Sister Ana, envisioning her humble smile as she replied, "God works in mysterious ways, my son."

In contrast to her usual energetic and provocative demeanor, Voluptia remained unusually quiet in the passenger seat, her hands resting on her lap. It bothered me to see her behaving differently. I couldn't fathom what might be on her mind. She looked quite distinct from her usual self, donning normal attire instead of her provocative latex and leather outfits that she adored. This change was necessary, given the nature of the place we were about to enter. She needed to blend in and avoid detection by the students and staff.

However, achieving that was easier said than done. Despite wearing a very long black wool skirt and a dark blue blouse with long sleeves that covered most of her white skin, her alluring figure and purple eyes were still quite apparent. Her well-shaped, firm breasts seemed ready to burst out of her blouse, and her shapely legs and rounded bottom filled the skirt, exuding a vintage charm that was hard to resist, especially when she moved.

Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and dyed red, a departure from her usual pink or purple hues. I once jokingly remarked that her hair looked more like a cosplay choice than natural, to which she smirked and retorted, "And who do you think inspired anime creators to color their characters' hair?" We both laughed heartily, and I could never quite tell if she was joking or revealing a hidden truth.

My anxiety grew as we approached the school governed by the Catholic Church. The two tickets for the private jet confirmed that they knew of Voluptia's existence, but did they know her true nature as well? Bringing her along could expose her more than we desired. While I had to go to the school due to Mother Ana's urgent request, her behavior and words suggested that she might be in grave danger. On the other hand, I feared they might harm my partner, assuming she was an evil servant of Lucifer, as was often the case with any demon.

Through my experiences, and those of her father, I had learned that when Voluptia set her mind on something, no one could deter her. So, both of us set off to investigate this mysterious case, heading almost nonstop to the secretive Holly Mother of Health.

A school so clandestine that I only knew of its existence because, during my teenage years, my rich adoptive father considered it as a potential source for my formal academic education.

However, how could a succubus - a daughter of Lilith, the damned first woman of the holy scriptures and mother of demons - be welcomed by people who used to exorcise and fear her kind? Would they accept her presence easily, knowing she was a demon attempting to coexist peacefully with humans, or would they view her as an abomination to be hunted down?

I pondered if her peculiar behavior was rooted in this uncertainty.

As we approached the school grounds, I noticed the outlines of imposing buildings on the horizon, surrounded by a tall wall that concealed their interiors. The school was situated in the heart of a pine tree forest, where the dense foliage obscured our view.

Upon arriving at a massive and sturdy gate, we found a security outpost to the right of the entrance, where a thin cabin emitted a faint yellow light. Following the guard's instructions, we directed our car to the parking lot, his behaviour was so normal I kept wondering if he was truly unaware of the events unfolding inside the school or merely an adept liar concealing the truth to outsiders.

As we followed his directions, the outlines of tall buildings and a grand church, presumably the Holy Mother of Health, the oldest structure on the school grounds, came into view. I had read during the flight that the church was built in the late seventeenth century, predating both the hospital and the inn that once formed part of the institution. According to a brochure, the inn was always crowded with tuberculosis patients, a dreadful disease that claimed the lives of many prominent Brazilian historical figures. The region had belonged to a prominent Portuguese family with ties to the nobility of that era, and local legend claimed their patriarch was miraculously cured of the disease.

We drove further into the grounds, darkness enveloped the surroundings, only a few street lamps casted faint glimmers of light. Quite fitting for a place with a rigid curfew to prevent students from wandering the streets late at night.

The school was enormous, far surpassing my initial expectations. Was more akin to a university than a high school, with blocks and blocks or buildings to all directions. I reminded myself that there was also a hospital and a monastery within these walls a real hidden city on the mountain.

We parked and stepped out of the car, soon a young nun approached us coming from one of the corners. She donned a traditional dark habit with a white hat. Despite her youth, she exuded an air of innocence and intelligence. The lack of makeup and the coverred hair line enhanced her face natural beauty. An upturned nose charming noce and her pink lips forming a welcoming smile gave her an alluring look, quite unexpected for a nun. I calculated she would be around 22 years old.

She moved gracefully towards us, I couldn't help but observe her figure... Until I froze when I saw Voluptia's intense glare and it snapped me out of my trance. I immediately averted my gaze, pretending to look at something behind the young nun.

Without needing further introductions, I presented myself as detective Roger Soares, while Voluptia stepped between me and the nun and in a provocative way, took my arm into her possession, introducing herself in the process. I was momentarily embarrassed, feeling ashamed, but her actions assured me that my partner was back to her usual self.

Sister Paula greeted us and informed that Mother Ana expected us in her office. "

Despite our efforts to encourage her to rest, she insisted on staying awake" the nun completed. With a cross-shaped gesture, Sister Paula indicated the conflicting thoughts swirling in her mind.

The gesture made me worry it it was related to what transpired inside the school, or because she recognized Voluptia's demonic presence.

Following the nun we moved to the main building. Each time I glanced at the young woman before us, my partner's nails dug into the skin of my arm, causing pain. I looked at her mentalling explaining it was all in her imagination...

She showed me her tongue and I understood the discussion was over.

We reached a massive door set within an arch projecting from the building's facade. Latin inscriptions adorned the arch beneath the name and crest of the school, but the darkness made them indecipherable at that moment.

Sister Paula unlocked the door and held it open, inviting us to enter the hall. As we stepped inside, I was astonished by the marvelous architectural design. The hall featured a blend of modern and old baroque styles, with wooden carvings adorning the reception desk and glass cabinets displaying numerous papers, schedules, charts, and documents. The intricate decorations of roses, leaves, and angels covered the ceiling and corner pillars.

The light blue wallpaper contributed to the tranquil and peaceful ambiance, reminiscent of a clear sky. Four large chandeliers bathed the hall in strong light, their candles replaced with rounded lamps in blue and white hues. The sacred atmosphere was emphasized by saintly pictures adorning the walls and an enormous statue of the Holy Mother of Health.

Even Voluptia, a demon with a refined sense of aesthetics, appreciated the beauty of the place.

We ascended an enormous staircase in the internal patio, where four wide corridors intersected, leading to doors on all sides and converging in the sides of a central square adorned with white benches. At the center of the square stood a grand staircase flanked by four beautiful angel sculptures.

As we climbed the stairs, Sister Paula informed us that the Mother Superior's office was on the second floor. After passing through another corridor with doors on either side, we reached the only door with a faint light emanating from within.

Sister Paula entered first, and we followed her into the room. Inside, we found two nuns, an elderly man, and Dr. Rochard. Dr. Rochard recognized me immediately upon my entry and moved towards me, but my attention was drawn to the elderly face of Mother Ana, causing me to stop in my tracks.

Voluptia imitated my actions, coming to a halt beside me.

She recognized me and quickly approached, enveloping me in a loving hug and kissing both sides of my face. Her voice carried both sadness and joy, moved by the emotions of seeing me alive and well.

I hugged her back, smiling at the sight of her tiny and fragile frame.

"I came as soon as I could, Mom. Please, tell me what's happening here. What kind of Devil's work are we dealing with?"

After the propper introductions, she sat in her chair. Everyone gathered close to her, eager to listen. She handed me some photos taken by a student, while skipping classes, deep within the forest inside the school grounds. I examined the pictures, taken with a cellphone camera, and horror surged through me as I grasped the unnatural and terrifying vision they portrayed.

Without a doubt, the term "Devil's work" seemed fitting to describe the horrors captured in those images.