“I really don’t think this is going to work,” Wheeler murmured as the three stood huddled together, hidden behind a large willow tree at the edge of campus.

“Are you kidding me? My plan is foolproof,” the demon snapped. “She’s boy crazy and I’m a good looking boy. Do the math.”

Wheeler and Priscilla exchanged a long glance.

The demon’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

“I don’t know,” Wheeler said slowly. “It’s just that for this to work you need to actually make her fall for you which might be kinda difficult…”

“Why?” The demon barked. “I’m attractive.”

“Yeah,” Priscilla said, “but to get a girl like Violet you have to be charming.”

“And sweet,” Wheeler pointed out.

“And suave.”

“And considerate!”

“And you’re...well...none of those things,” Priscilla said. “You’re just kind of rude and mean all the time.”

Mister Pumpernickel croaked in agreement from Wheeler’s shoulder.

“Wow. Okay. Good to know you all think so highly of me.” The demon straightened his jacket, shooting Priscilla a pointed glance. “Like you’re even one to talk. Have you even managed to talk to the girl you like?”

Priscilla’s shoulders sagged, her cheeks going pink. “Well...no. But I’ll work up the courage eventually.”

“Great,” Mulock replied dryly. “Maybe someone can wheel me out of the nursing home for elderly cats by the time that finally happens.” The demon crossed his arms, letting out a low huff. “But whatever, complain all you want. You’re both going to be singing my praises once I pull this off flawlessly.”

“Speaking of,” Priscilla exclaimed, tugging on Wheeler’s sleeve, “there she is!”

Mulock smirked, smoothing back his hair. “Alright, watch and learn from the romance extraordinaire.”

Wheeler and Priscilla’s hands instantly flew to their mouths to muffle the explosion of giggles caused by the demon’s words. Mulock glared at them.

“Oh ha ha. Laugh away,” he snapped. “Just know in the end I’ll be the one with the last laugh.” And with that he slipped out from behind the tree.

“Does he always talk like either a disgruntled old man or an evil villain?” Priscilla whispered.

“Yeah, pretty much.”

They peaked their heads out from behind the tree now, eager to witness the disaster Mulock’s plan was likely about to become.

Violet was making her way past the trees, the setting sun catching in her raven hair, causing it to glisten.

“I hate that she’s so pretty,” Priscilla muttered under her breath. “Honestly, between her and Mulock, why are attractive people always so mean?”

And speak of the devil, literally. Mulock had begun to make his way towards her. He walked slowly, his hands in his pockets and an aloof expression on his face.

Violet paused when she saw him, her grip tightening on the books she carried ever so slightly.

“Alright,” Wheeler whispered excitedly, “here we go!”

“Good evening,” Mulock murmured. His voice sounded smooth like marble and even deeper than his usual baritone.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before,” Violet observed, taking him in.

“Hmm, that’s probably because I don’t actually go here,” Mulock replied with a smirk, leaning up against a tree.

“A trespasser?” Violet mused. “You have some guts telling me that. What if I report you?”

“You can if you want.” He flashed her a sharp smile. “Do you think I might be dangerous?”

“Perhaps,” Violet replied, taking a small step forward. “Are you?”

“Only if you want me to be.”

Wheeler’s eyes had grown wide. “Woah,” he whispered, “he’s playing the rebellious bad boy card and it's totally working!”

The twilight was slowly seeping into night, and in the darkness Mulock’s eyes began to glow a deep purple.

Violet noticed this and as she did Mulock grinned at her, revealing his fangs.

“You…” Violet whispered, “you’re not human?”

Mulock took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “Does that frighten you?”

Violet swallowed hard, a light flush spreading across her cheeks. “No.”

“Holy crap,” Wheeler squealed from behind the tree. “And now he’s advanced into a supernatural rebellious bad boy! I should never have underestimated Mully. This is incredible.” Priscilla nodded, looking equally impressed.

“Good,” the demon continued. “I don’t think I could live with myself for scaring someone as beautiful as you.”

Violet’s face flushed crimson at this. “I was just on my way to a party,” she stammered. “Would you like to come?”

“No. Parties aren’t really my scene,” Mulock replied, running a hand through his hair. “You should just ditch it and hang with me.”

“And if I do?”

“I’ll make it well worth your while.”

“Alright, you’ve piqued my interest,” Violet said softly, curling a few strands of hair around her finger. “So, what exactly brings a creature like you to our academy?”

“Well," Mulock murmured, “it just so happens that I’m looking for the reincarnation of my long lost love.”

Priscilla rolled her eyes. “Okay,” she muttered, “now he’s taking this way too far. What is he achieving here, a cheesy vampire romance novel? Who would believe that crap?”

“Wait...but look!” Wheeler gasped.

Violet’s face was bright red, watching the demon like he was the most beautiful, dreamy, hunk of a man she’d ever seen.

“Your lost love,” she breathed. “What was she like?”

“Gentle, and kind with a heart so pure it would make a demon weep,” Mulock replied, his voice a low whisper.

Priscilla rolled her eyes at that line.

“You know...” Mulock leaned forward, gently tucking a few strands of dark hair behind Violet’s ear, “you look exactly like her.”

Violet’s eyes went wide. “R-Really? Then...do you...do you think I might be her?!”

“Perhaps,” Mulock murmured. “There’s an easy way I could find out.” He leaned in, his lips only a breath from hers. “I have the ability to look into people's hearts and see them for who they really are. If I could look into yours I would know for sure if you really are my beloved Elizabeth.”

Priscilla groaned. “Elizabeth? Really? God, could he have picked a more generic name?”

“Miss,” Mulock said now, his voice barely a whisper, “will you permit me entry into your heart?”

Violet gave a small nod, still blushing profusely.

“Thank you.” Mulock reached forward, placing his hand on Violet’s temple. “Alright,” he continued softly, “in that case...it’s time for me to see the real you.”

Violet’s eyes fluttered shut.

“No,” Mulock commanded, his voice low. “Look at me.”

Violet’s gaze shyly flickered up to meet his and that’s when Mulock’s face suddenly twisted with disgust.

“My God,” he breathed.

“What is it?” Violet stammered. “What did you see?”

“The things you’ve done...” Mulcok jerked his hand back. “You’re a monster.”

“What?” Violet gasped. “No I’m not.”

“You are.” Mulock’s gaze had gone ice cold. “You use people for your own amusement and then throw them away when you don’t need them anymore.”

“No,” Violet stammered, her face ashen. “I’d never do something like that.”

“You can’t lie to me,” Mulock sneered. “I just looked into your heart, remember? You even did it today, forcing a poor girl who thought you were her friend to run about all while you viciously mocked her behind her back.”

Violet’s hand flew to her mouth, an expression of horror plastered to her face. “I didn’t...I didn’t mean…”

“Don’t say it was an accident,” Mulock said sharply. “We both know it wasn’t.” He turned his back on her, facing the forest. “I have nothing more to say to you. To think I mistook a monster like you for someone as kind as Elizabeth utterly sickens me.” As he said this, the demon began to walk away.

“Wait,” Violet blurted, her voice trembling. “I...I don’t want to be a monster.”

“Then change,” Mulock replied icily. “Cruelty is a choice, not a personality trait.”

And with those words the demon slipped into the woods and vanished.

Violet stood there in stunned silence before she let out a little sniffle and quickly turned, running back towards the academy.

When she was finally gone there was a faint rustle behind them. Priscilla and Wheeler spun around to find the demon standing there, a triumphant grin on his face.

He offered them a little bow. “Tada! What did you think of my performance?”

Wheeler clapped his hands together. “That was amazing, Mully! I’m sorry for ever doubting you!”

Priscilla crossed her arms. “Your backstory was a little iffy but in the end you somehow managed to pull it off so…” she offered him a small smile. “I suppose even I’m a little impressed.”

“I’ve no doubt she’ll come running to apologize sooner or later in order to clear her guilty conscience,” Mulock replied with a smirk. “Hopefully this will be a wakeup call for her to actually change for the better.”

“Thank you,” Priscilla said slowly, “I really do appreciate it.”

“Sooooo, am I off the hook for trying to murder you?” the demon urged.

Priscilla let out a heavy sigh. “Ugh, fine. But only on one condition.”

Mulock arched a brow. “Which is?”

“If you ever end up faking another supernatural romance please name your reincarnated love interest literally ANYTHING other than Elizabeth.”