Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

“Are you ready to meet, Lord Lucifer?”

“I’m sorry? What’d you say?” I asked, staring dead into Levi’s azure blue eyes, looking back at me with fulfillment.

“Child, you have been given the honor, the right, and the blessing to fall to your knee before an entity that gave you freedom.” Paimon relayed with open arms and an arch head, appearing as though he were in prayer.

“Is he high?” I asked.

“If only it would make him a lot more tolerable. He’s a fanatic, a weird one as well.”

“Hail Satan!”

Batting my eyes at this man as he said that with the utmost seriousness, I was at a loss for words. I’d never met a Satanist. Even amongst the Devils and Demons, I’ve never seen one that was ever this open about who or what they worship.

“I see you’ve been struck by the awe of Lucifer’s most glorious name. Let it wash over, you friend. Let his blessing fill you until you fall to your knees before his greatness,” Paimon praised.”There is no shame in bowing your head to a supreme being like him.”

Hearing Paimon ramble on, I could only look at Levithan, who nodded, understanding what I was thinking.

“Him being an ass aside, he is a powerhouse. And somewhat loyal. Although he was one of the Kings who tried to kill my child and me while I was pregnant.”

“Are you still on that?’ Paimon intervened, ” Think about the honor we could have been graced with if I burned little Ezra alive as a tribute to my lord? Ahh~ The honor would have been so grand! A child’s soul in the womb is without sin, even within the Hells. And with it coming from you of all people, can you imagine the boon we could have received?”

Jesus Christ, this man is fucking insane. I know Lucifer fell, but I don’t think sacrifices like that will appease him. Or will it. Thinking about it now, I have no idea what type of person Lucifer is. He was once praised as the most handsome of all angels, one of the most powerful, a natural-born leader, etc. It’s hard to believe that angel who fell would fall so low. But who am I to talk. I’ve killed a few children back in my early years on earth. Them fuckers are good in a stew.

Nevertheless, I think it’s time to distance myself from the Devils of the Nines. Them being distrustful asses aside, the Demon Mother and Lucifer worry me.

“I literally had castrated you for what you did.”

“And I’ve grown back my balls, through the will of Luc—”

“Ok enough, I don’t want to know that. And I promise you Lucifer doesn’t want to know that either. Keep that shit to yourself,” I hastily said, looking down at my naked body. I swam to the shores and quickly clothed myself in black and red robes. “There, that’s better. Now, why am I meeting Lucifer?”

“Because he’s Lucifer?” Paimon defended, eying me as though I was a fool.

“Well, I’m going to pass on that. I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on. You will not believe the torment I’ve experienced. I think I need a break to catch up on me and this war.”

“Well, I’m afraid that isn’t an option, Mr. Snow,” Paimon said, losing the graceful appearance he held. His tone had become slightly chilly, as did the aura around me.

I smiled, “Paimon, if Lucifer wishes a word, It will be done through the Order of Chaos. I want all my brothers there watching my back as I speak to the True Lord of Hell.”

Brothers? When did I start calling them that?

“Then I’m afraid I’ll have to take you in by force.”

My gaze slid to Levi-chan, who held her tongue,” Will you stand with him?”

“Lord Lucifer and Lord Dagon are who I worship, but I’ve got no proof if it was Master Lucifer who sent Paimon, so I guess till I’m told otherwise, I will side with you.”She said with a mischievous expression that resembled Lilith’s.

“Even if I die, I must bring you in Arsene Snow,” Paimon coldly told me, bringing a deeper smile to my lips.

“And how will you do that?” I said as the flickers of scarlet-black lightning whipped over my body.

Feeling my heart turn even colder, Demonic Resonance took hold of my being as I snatched Levi; before she knew what had happened, we had arrived within the courtyard where it had all happened, where I took the Trials of Bael.

“How did we?” Levi muttered, turning to me with a look I’d remember forever. Getting me a little hot, I shook off my lust and felt this was a safe place to reconnect with my other three souls. I had a lot more understanding about the Hollowing, so I was sure I could at least control it or maybe regain the memories of all that happened.

“Nevermind. Arsene, you should have gone with Paimon.” Levi softly said, ” His majesty Morningstar is not a person you wish to tempt. His cruelty knows no bounds. Of all the Fallen, it has been foretold that he is the only one to ever fully attuned himself to the Hells and the Heaven. His mind is so profound; I fear you may just be tempting your downfall.”

“I’ve always been tempting my downfall,” I replied, unable to take her words to heart. Despite my hate for Izavith, I know she will protect me. I know everyone from the Order will protect me against that man. I had nothing to fear. 𝙗𝒆𝙙𝒏𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡.𝙣𝙚𝒕

“Arkanos and Ty are both in there,” I said, peering at the building that had remained the same after god knows how many years.

Taking a step forward, Levi went silent as I slid open the doors. Picking up the scent of tea, my favorite tea in the air, a smile slipped over my lips as I walked towards the living room.

I opened the last door, and my eyes widened as I saw Lilith situated near Ty and Arkanos, with Izavith standing behind her. Across from her rested Zariel with a tense expression, with an otherworldly woman, with vibrant golden eyes, that shook my heart, and at the center of everything stood—

“Greetings, Arsene.”

Lucifer!