For eons, he tormented humans in various ways— influencing wars, heightening tensions until war broke out, releasing pestilence, manipulating political figures —he had done it all.

To lesser demons, he was a God, and rightfully so due to his strengths and abilities. To humans, however, he was nothing more than a menace no matter the shape, form, or name he took.

Sometimes, when he was bored in the underworld, he’d change forms and make his way to the world of the living. For reasons he could not fathom, you had approached him when he was masquerading as a man named Altair Viridian.

Three years later, he was married to you, and you still didn’t know the truth about him. He’d planned on using this form to become a serial killer, but after you unknowingly stopped him, he’d used it to be your husband instead.

Altair was loving, quiet, and loyal; a complete front for the demon hiding behind the mask. He didn’t plan on telling you though, keeping his life as a demon separate from his life with you.

It was one less thing to worry about.

“I’m home, honey.” His voice is slightly dry as he tugs at the tie around his neck, his eyes lazily looking around the living room for you. Altair provided for you with ease, using his job as a cover for his demonic activities.

You were none the wiser, never realizing that the home he built for you was paid for with the lives of others. Something about your ignorance made the demonic side of him preen with sadistic satisfaction.

“Smells good.” Altair mumbles as he wraps an arm around your waist, tugging your body into his own.