"I had no idea you two were so.. close. How'd that happen."

She looked at me. "I have no idea. We just hit it off. And don't get any funny ideas. We're just friends."

An obnoxious grin flashed. "Now, why would you bring that up? Could it be your undying love for my dear little—"

Ishar's palm raced over my lips, sealing my words. She winced. "You're an ass too. Nothing is going on. We are just friends. Nothing more, nothing less." Her arm pulled away, and a weary yawn soared from her lips. "Damn, I'm still tired.

Really nothing like I thought she was. Perhaps her personality was different all those Chaos Cycles ago. How strange usually a King cannot hide that sense of authority, or the regal air, that follows our every step. But nothing of the kind seemed to exist surrounding Ishar.

It's like she was just a normal woman.

Was her control so refined? No. She's called the Maiden of Blood for a reason. I need to see how deep her power lies. I'm sure she's a Fell God, but..."

"Whatcha staring at, boi?" She reached in closer with an obscure wildness about her and a challenging grin. "Something caught your eye?"

Startled, I came back to myself. "Of course. You are quite beautiful. Rare I see such beautiful scarlet hair."historical

"Keep dreaming. I've no interest in sex."

"Really now." I mused. "Why's that? Surely a being like you—"

"I did say I was a slave, right?" she casually mentioned again, her gaze somewhat distant at the mention of her past. "I was still young then, but I was conditioned in almost every way to please the Lord who was to be my Master. Nothing happened, as I was to remain pure for my Master's during the training. But.. But that humiliation I faced, learning those accursed positions I was forced to hold to please the Master Slavers, still way in my mind."

I noticed a smile. A faint one, and the dreadful eyes that slowly began to lose their light. I shook merely out of instinct, sensing an impending catastrophe near this woman.

'I'm surprised. Sounds like a Devil's Heart to me."

A chuckle escaped her, and life returned to her gaze. "Nope. It's a lesson. I know what it feels like to be helpless. And that day is engrained in my mind. It might not be overly cruel, but it's my motivation to continue growing strong. Because just because you're strong doesn't mean there aren't others out there who wouldn't want to do the same thing to me.'

"Then shall our Hells pare up?" I mused aloud. "I know you're on vacation, but think about it. I'm willing to cut you in on trade, which doesn't necessarily come from Nessa, which carries a five percent tariff. Spices and other resources carry a much higher yield. It's the same with Noctem and Tenebrae's Kingdom. I'm prepared to be Sylvorlum's primary provider."

"Abyss, Hell, and Noctem." She muttered, holding her piercing gaze. "Don't you think you are planning too far ahead? You've yet to face my Master's trap."

"Irrelevant," I told her. And it was. I was merely a Sovereign Lord. I give directions: It's my kings, princes, Dukes, and so on that truly run the Hells. Tenebrae has Noctem, and Vita and her generals have the Abyss. Even if I'm killed or go missing: my three homes can survive.

"It'll be fine, Ishar. I'm sure with a bit of investigating. You'll learn all you need. If you haven't already."

Presence suddenly gathered around Ishar, and a kingly might dominated our chamber for but a brief moment as her chillingly regal eyes narrowed and vanished.

Sweat slithered down my cheek, sensing that horrid power she kept at bay... Just how powerful was she really?'

"I shall consider your deal with a few advisors and Lawyers." She said,

"Lawyer?"

"I forget you're a lazy king." She wryly said, itching for a punch to the face. Not that she was lying. Gods, I hated being king. Sure, it had its perks, but it's so rigid.

"So when can you teach me, i—"

"Sene!" Lilith shouted, slamming open the door, covered by the bed sheets. "The Angels, those fuckers! They are about to begin their invasion of Iluthath. We got to go."

"Why? What's the rush?"

"The Mutated Chaos Drew, the battle of Twelve Realms is about to commence. Let's go! Oh, and I've prepared some Abyssal Armor using Tenebrae and End's blood."

So it's started: And a Mutated Chaos Drew. The highest, Serphim and Fallen, are about to participate in this battle.

I whirled to Ishar. "And what will you do? Will you side with the Nines or—"

"You will have my support for a cut. I don't want much, just a needle worth, to analyze for my Master."

"Alright, then—"

"Sene!" The sweet voice of Tene shouted, sliding into Lilith with a flushed expression, more dressed than my first wife. "I've summoned my generals. Those Serphim bitches are about to launch a premeditated strike against us."

I frowned when my entire realm shuddered. I felt space distort when Tenebrae's almighty aura flared to life, piercing through my palace ceiling, a whirlpool of cosmic energy gathered and twisted the laws set by this king. "I'll handle Noctem. You go with Lilith."

"Wait." I hurriedly said, sensing Tene about to vanish. I summoned Noctem and handed it to her. "Kill them all. I don't care who they are, Tenebrae. Use this weapon, and exterminate the threat."

Noctem was the strongest weapon I had. When Zariel borrowed it, he was able to almost kill Michael. I suspect that if Tenebrae of the Endless Night were to wield that dark spear, its power would be unrivaled within the Myriad Heavens.

Not to mention that merely holding that spear meant that Tene had absolute control over me. That type of power is, without a doubt, terrifying. Even if I did trust her, it was no easy feat allowing another to borrow it.

Exuberance flashed through her obsidian eyes, and she nodded. "Don't die, ok."

Tenebrae vanished.

"You ready?" I asked Lilith, who grabbed my arm.

"Yup!"

Coldness brewed through my mind as a smile appeared over my lips, a delicious plan gathering in my heart.

Today.. I shall take the life of an Archangel. There will be no going back.