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I sat around Lucifer’s dining table, picking at the cut-up fruit before me. I needed a shower and a good sleep. I ordered the man I had flayed to be kept on the ship with the army. I needed him to hang around in case anyone got any ideas.
“The army will be ready to leave at midday.” Azrael stabbed into a piece of pineapple; his complexion seemed to glow after he had eaten some real food.
“But, it is your army now, correct?”
Azrael’s electric blue eyes darted to Casteel. “Is there a problem?”
“There’s no problem,” I quipped, pulling a mandarin apart. I really didn’t care if Azrael kept the army; I just needed it to retrieve my own. “Are you taking Lucifer’s place in Hell as ruler?”
A laugh trickled from his lips. “It won’t last long once Lilith arrives.”
I cocked my head, biting into a wedge of mandarin, the citrus bursting in my mouth, reminding me of sunshine.
“Lucifer’s queen....” Casteel looked grim. “All we have done is bought time, Elisse.”
I swallowed the citrus goodness. “All we needed was time, Casteel, and Hell’s army, both of which we have.” I began prying apart the next mandarin.
Azrael’s eyes lingered on my hands, then to my eyes; I dropped my fruit; no longer hungry.
“Do you collect every soul once they die?” I couldn’t help myself from asking as it blurted out from my mouth in a rush.
Azrael’s eye’s danced with lightning in the pools of blue. “Versions of me do...” his brow furrowed as he tried to find the words to explain. “I am in many places at once, like fragments... shadows... on autopilot; all of them are me yet are slightly different, each unique.”
I sipped my glass of water, wrapping my head around his words. “Even when you were... locked up, these versions still worked?”
Azrael’s face became as hard as a stone. “There is a reason my blood was used as power for Lucifer... my power still allowed my fragments to work even while in that prison.” A cold smirk filled his lips.
“Death never ceases moving, existing... I can’t control my fragments, but I feel them, get visions of them, the things they do and the things they see...” Azrael slammed his hand on the table, causing me and Casteel to jump.
“Which reminds me....” Azrael’s voice vibrated against my skin. “I have work to do.” His smirk was evil incarnate, if it ever existed; the coldness in those eyes sent a shiver up my spine. I didn’t need my psychic dreams to know where Azrael was going as he left Casteel and me at the dining table.
I truly hoped Lucifer never got free for my own sake. I bit into a wedge of succulent mandarin, enjoying this little moment of bliss; I tucked the fear away for another day, one enemy at a time.
Casteel walked me across the tiled floor entryway. I watched as the gold ore trickled in the marble, catching the light from the chandeliers. I ran my fingers over the staircase rail as we passed under it to a hall. I rubbed my fingers together; this place was immaculately clean, and I had not seen any cleaner or staff other than Charles, who was currently no more.
“I’ll be just across the hall if you need anything.” Casteel’s hand gestured to the door in front of him; his hand came up to squeeze his neck as if stressed.
“Thanks.” I smiled grimly. “For everything, Casteel.” If I hadn’t had Casteel for this plan, I wasn’t sure how I would have made this work. Maybe Luthigo was wrong about Casteel; maybe we could trust him. It had worked in my favor so far.
The arrogant charm Casteel wore so well returned in an instant. “There are other ways you could thank me.” His eyes danced with wicked humor as he leaned back into his bedroom door.
Of course, Casteel had to ruin the good thoughts I had about him. “Goodnight, Casteel.” I slammed the door behind me with a thud.
The room was decorated with the same color scheme as the rest of Lucifer’s kingdom. The bed was fitted with white fluffy blankets trimmed with golden lace, a large white rug sat in the center of the room on the marble tiles, and to the right, an en suite. I kicked off my boots, flinging them across the room, enjoying the feeling of the soft carpet under my toes.
I headed for the shower, stripping my stinking clothes to the floor, part one of my plan was complete, but the tension in my shoulders didn’t seem to ease. I stepped into the rushing water of the shower, the temperature scolding my skin slightly, just the way I liked it. Tomorrow we were leaving for Zinneria, my home, the place where Nathanial had slit my throat for the throne.
I let the water scorch my scalp as I ran my fingers through my hair, detangling the braid. Nathanial was going to pay dearly for what he had done. I only had to keep him alive long enough to get Luthigo back... I took a deep breath shaking the snarking image from my mind.
I manifested a large, oversized shirt for bed. I looked at my reflection in the mirror, snapping my fingers, removing the cuts and bruises I had manifested as well as the fake energy blocker. My eyes shimmered black and a dazzling emerald green; I thought of Luthigo’s eyes, his emerald green, like shards of glass.
Please don’t let it be too late... I sent up a silent prayer to whatever gods were listening. If it weren’t for Luthigo, I’d currently be dead, but he had promised me.
I won’t let you die... his lips pressed against my forehead.
I laid in bed staring at the golden sigils that danced along my arms; they seemed to shimmer slightly in the dark. I had so much to talk to Luthigo about. I turned on my side, wrapping the blankets around my body like a cocoon. The image of Vaneer’s rotting corpse flashed behind my closed eyes, the fat maggots sprawling across the stone floor from his intestines. Padma could take immortality, the game had changed, and nobody knew it.
Please let him be alive. I snuggled further into the blankets and let the abyss claim me.
Elisse, Ragna breathed through the darkness.
Wake up, Ragna whispered.
Wake up!
My eyes flew open, taking in the darkness around me; the kingdom was dead silent. I tried to calm my thudding heartbeat as Ragna’s molten fire swirled alive in my chest; something was wrong.
“Lucifer told me some interesting things about you....”
I sat up, pulling the blankets around me. The tip of a bloodied blade glinted in the corner of the room. Azrael’s electric blue eyes seemed to glow as he sat in a chair watching me; my heart rallied in my chest. Had I been wrong to bargain with the angel of death.
“I am curious... about the pagan gods...” his head cocked to the side, his long hair swaying. “Lucifer thinks I should slaughter you while you sleep, that I would be doing our father a favor.” He threaded the blade back and forth through his fingers.
I calmed my thudding heart, drawing my energy to the surface. “And what do you think, Azrael?”
I had to be calm. I was not prey. I could feel Ragna swirl in my chest, listening to every word.
“I think doing what Lucifer wants is the last thing I would do.” Harsh laughter left his lips.
“But you do know, Elisse, that Lucifer will not be trapped long... when he is free, he will come for you, Casteel,” He tipped the blade towards himself. “Me.”
Yes, I bloody knew it, and I didn’t need him creeping in my room to tell me at an ungodly hour. I had enough to deal with before thinking that far into a future I might not live long enough to see.
“What do you want, Azrael?” my tone was cold.
“I’m leaving, you see, and I refuse to be found and captured again... my fragments are like ghosts.” He struck the knife into the arm of the chair, splintering the wood and standing. “I need to recharge, but... I have a gift....”
Azrael was sitting on my bed in front of me in an instant; the whisper of his silhouette at the chair faded before my eyes.
Fragments?
His eyes danced with lightning as he stretched his hand out to drop something. I reacted without thinking to catch it; his hand gripped my forearm in an iron grip as my heart thudded rapidly.
“Daughter of the pagan gods.” His eyes seared into the golden sigils that danced along my inner arm.
A soft laugh left his lips. “Maybe you can restore the balance once more.” His hand drifted over the sigils on my arm, down to my palm as he opened my fist; my eyes gazed at the golden coin in my hand, the weight of it not matching the size; it was far too heavy. “A coin?”
“Think of it as a second chance.” a small smirk graced his lips. “In death.”
“Why?” I furrowed my brows. “Why give me anything? Why not kill me?” I looked up into his electric eyes and immediately regretted the words. I really needed to filter my thoughts.
“Because death is a necessary salvation, not an end to a means...” his eyes seemed to blur with shadows. “you’re the necessary catalyst, Elisse.”
I curled my fingers over the cold coin trying to make sense of the words.
“Don’t waste it.”
I looked up as Azrael stood, his gray wings spreading out. He dipped his head as his black hair bobbed and he was gone, leaving a rush of air in my bedroom, lifting my blankets, and leaving a chill in my spine.
I tossed and turned the rest of the night, unable to make those electric blue eyes disappear from my mind.
I woke to a continuous knock on my door that wouldn’t stop. I hadn’t slept well at all. I threw the blankets back and dragged my hands over my face trying to wipe away the sleep.
“What!?” I barked throughout the room.
“Elisse,” Casteel’s voice was shaky. “You better get out here.”
I sat up instantly, adrenaline running through my veins like a stream.
Why was Casteel’s voice so shaky? I stood, manifesting combat boots, stretchy leather pants, and a long-sleeved black shirt. My curved blades were in a holster at my back.
I threw my hair up into a bun. I peered down at the golden coin on the dresser next to my bed. I picked it up, surveying it in the light. I ran my thumb over the heavy paperweight; angel wings were engraved in the center on both sides, and around the outer edges lay odd symbols.
“Elisse!”
“What is it?” I opened my door to take in Casteel wearing a soft green shirt and tan khakis, his boots matching my own. I scanned his body, looking for any signs of danger or struggle, and found none.
“Come with me.”
I followed Casteel briskly through the marble-tiled hall; cleaners in maid outfits swept the floors and dusted the shelves, all avoiding my gaze. I had to hurry my steps to keep up with Casteel. What had gotten him so frazzled this morning?
A man in black and white attire came before us at the entrance to the dining hall, his hair salt and peppered and his eyes crinkled with age. I looked him up and down as he stood in our way, bowing slightly. “Good morning, master, shall I prepare breakfast?”
I turned to Casteel, then behind us, but no one was there. “Are you talking to Casteel?” my heart thudded rapidly.
“No, madam... Azrael has declared you are our master. I am Thomas.” His head bowed lower. “I’m at your service.”
My heart slowed its thumping pace; this was not good, this was not good at all.
“Yes, prepare our breakfast.” Casteel quipped coldly.
Thomas left with an incline of his head; I was frozen in place. Azrael had left me in charge of this shit show. No wonder he had given me the coin; I palmed my pocket for the golden weight making sure I had it.
“If we weren’t fucked before,” Casteel’s green eyes shimmered with stress. “We definitely are now.” Casteel’s hand shot up in the air. “We’re now at the top of the list, Elisse... the first to die when Lucifer breaks free.”
“Is he chained?” my voice was cold as a shiver erupted down my spine.
“Ohhhh, sure he’s chained....” Casteel gave a me sarcastic smile showing way too many pointed teeth. “In a prison he designed!”
“Get it together!” I snapped, feeling my energy prickle against my skin. “We got what we came for. I didn’t see you coming up with any ideas!” I didn’t need him panicking, finding loopholes in a future we weren’t promised anyways.
Casteel took a deep breath. “Follow me.”
I followed on Casteel’s heel through the kitchen. The smell of eggs drifted in the room, causing my stomach to growl in eager anticipation. Thomas hunched over a frying pan, humming to himself without a care in the world, the spatula in his hand tossing the eggs back and forth with his tune. We came to the familiar iron door with bloodied sigils; Casteel peered through the small window, then recoiled into himself.
“Look for yourself.” He stepped back.
I stood on my tippy toes, peering in, and horror flooded me. Lucifer was in chains; his naked body was already healed from whatever damage Azrael had done. I looked at the pool of blood at his feet. Azrael had taken back his fair share. No one could survive that much blood loss and live unless you were immortal. I looked at the red welts appearing on the surface of his skin. He was healing faster than my eyes could track... we wouldn’t have long.
“Is his soul back in?” I was almost too scared to hear the answer.
Lucifer’s head shot up as he peered at me through the window, his golden eyes burning with rage, which was a yes. His soul was completely intact. A growl broke from me as I pulled myself away from the needle-like energy of the room. Azrael could have at least taken the soul and dropped it somewhere far, far away.
Fuck.
“It’s not personal,” Casteel spoke into the room. “We’re just borrowing your army....”
The sound of metal clanging into concrete had me pulling Casteel away from the room before he could divulge any more information we were surely going to die for, one enemy at a time, breathe, calm, I whispered to myself internally.
Casteel and I picked at our scrambled eggs as if both lost in thought. I brought the ebony-handled fork to my mouth and savored the cheesy after flavor. I finished my coffee with a smile, thankful for the familiar decadent sludge. I left Thomas with a thank you for breakfast which seemed to have him speechless and followed Casteel to the pits.
I followed on his heel through the tunnels behind the kingdom, our boots crunching against the loose gravel. I wondered how anyone here could tell the difference from one tunnel to another. I stared at the blue fires that lit our way, the elegant blue and yellow flames dancing as we passed.
I halted next to Casteel and took in the massive pit before me that opened up to the sky; gray storm clouds swirled above with electricity as the hairs on my arms stood to attention. The floor of the pit was buzzing with life as far as my eyes could see. I looked around speechless as monsters, and thousands of condemned men stood armed to the hilt boarding the giant ship as big as the Titanic; its panels a dark silver steel reflecting the men who waited in line to board.
My eyes snagged on the glinting black steel armor adorning the soldiers’ bodies with splashes of red; this was it; my plan would work. I couldn’t fail with this army. The Zinnerian Storm Guards were hard brutes. The enforcers trained in the same manifestation I was, but with these numbers, I could bargain with Nathanial’s life for Luthigo as well as claim my throne.
“This plan of yours better work, Elisse.” Casteel’s green eyes crinkled with worry as his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down in his throat.
“It will.” I took in his vibrant green eyes. It had to work, there were too many lives at stake, and I still had another hand to play. I could do this... I stared up at the ship that was as big as the cruise liners on Earth. Its metal panels seemed to shimmer with the reflection of the storm clouds above as the thousands of soldiers marched on board. This had to work.
“Master.” a giant of a man stood before me at the entrance of the ship. He dropped his head, acknowledging my title. “I am Rak, I was second in command to General Hardle.”
I raised my brows, not having a clue who he was talking about; the deep vibration of his voice seemed to linger in the air as the sea of men continued to pass by while walking up the ship’s ramp.
“The man you skinned yesterday.” Rak’s grey eyes held my own, showing no fear. “With your permission, I would like to remain second in command of our battalion.”
“Rak,” I squared my shoulders, taking in the giant before me, his hair a wavy light brown, his muscles near bulging out of his armor that seemed too small. “Yes, you will be my second in command.” I smiled coldly.
“You will be my advisor Rak, ordering and reporting back to me for the whole of this army. Your words are my orders, do you understand?” It was a big responsibility; I didn’t know this giant man before me, but I needed someone with eyes and ears who knew how the army worked.
“Yes, master.” Rak’s grey eyes went wide as he dipped his head in acknowledgment.
“Very good,” I smirked. “Take us to our station.”
The trek to our station had been packed. There was barely enough room to squeeze past the men that had huddled in the halls outside their bunking stations. I sat with Casteel in the general’s headquarters; it consisted of one extravagant lounge room with bedrooms pocketed around. We were secluded from the rest of the riffraff by heavy iron doors that stopped all sound traveling in and out. I lounged on the cream leather sofa, clasping a tumbler with the familiar cinnamon liquor; I embraced the burn as it slid down my throat.
I brought my ankle up, resting it on my knee. I angled my head to stare at Rak, who stood to attention near the doors. “Inform all the generals that we will be dropping their battalions discreetly at separate locations around the kingdom; they are to infiltrate and hold the Zinnerian soldiers’ hostage.” I narrowed my eyes at Rak, emphasizing that word. “No blood is to be spilled unless given by my direct order.”
Rak shifted on his feet uncomfortably. “The generals... they....”
“Tell the generals if they have a problem with my orders, they are welcome to join General Hardle,” I quipped, cutting him off. “In the glass cage.” I smiled pleasantly, raising my brows. “And I will have no problem going through their hierarchy in their battalion until I find soldiers that follow orders.”
“Yes, master.” his head dipped.
I twisted the glass tumbler in my hand. “Report back to me tomorrow early morning, and if any generals defy you or the orders I have given you... you have my permission to have some fun, then bring them to me.” I brought the tumbler to my mouth, tasting its sweet nectar.
Rak nodded his head before turning gracefully, his big shoulders barely covered by the red and black steel armour. Snippets of his skin peeked through the chain links. I snapped my fingers, making the armor fit him immaculately, and dressed it with a golden chest plate for extra protection. If he was to be my second, I would dress him like it. He looked over his shoulder with a slight nod then closed the door behind him with a soft thud.
“You’re slipping into the role of ruler very well.” Casteel lounged across from me, his eyes dancing with humor.
I nodded my head with a cold smirk. If I couldn’t rule these men, they would feast on our flesh in a heartbeat. I did not want to be the monster, but I knew that in order to work with so many, I had to be the biggest threat of them all.
“Lucifer will be pleased with the kindness you’re showing his men.” Casteel’s eyes lingered at the door Rak had just walked out of—his glass coming up to his lips.
“You think so, Casteel?” I cocked my head, emphasizing the same sarcasm. “Wasn’t it you that brought me to Lucifer like a good little dark lord? Aren’t you the one who lied so fluently in that dining room... the one who is sitting here with me now enjoying the show?”
Casteel placed his empty glass on the coffee table, his boot coming to rest on his knee. “Point taken.” He quipped.
I rolled my eyes, refilling mine and Casteel’s glass with a snap of my fingers. The ship began to rattle slightly under my feet; this was it; there was no going back now. I had secured the army. I just had to grab Nathanial and refrain from killing him, just long enough to get Luthigo back. I rolled my neck, trying to ease the tension that wouldn’t seem to budge.
“You met the captain?” I picked up my glass from the golden-dipped coffee table; the white carpet beneath it looked like it had never been walked on. I couldn’t help but admire Lucifer’s taste in décor.
“Yes.” Casteel sipped from his tumbler. “We’ll arrive at Zinneria within twenty-four hours. “I’ve advised the ship to be discreet, and he is awaiting my return for the drop points tomorrow.”
I nodded my head. I stretched out my arm along the back of the cream couch and rolled my neck back and forth, trying to clear away the knots of tension.
“Are you nervous?” Casteel’s voice was void of all humor.
I debated lying, but what would be the point. “Yes.” I brought the glass to my lips, staring straight into Casteel’s vibrant green eyes.
“About seeing him?”
I rested the glass in my palm. “Seeing him and not being able to kill him on the spot,” I bit out. I had to keep him alive, at least breathing to get Luthigo back, and then... then it’s free game.
“For what it’s worth... I’m sorry you went through that....”
My eyes shot to Casteel’s, and all I saw was genuine empathy; it hurt worse than the bitter snarks I was used to. My eyes became glossy as I forced out a nod.
Casteel had the courtesy to look away as a tear slipped its way free, trailing down my cheek. I cleaned it up with the back of my hand immediately as Casteel’s focus remained behind him, “Have you seen our little kitchen?”
I couldn’t help but smile, I couldn’t have given a shit about the kitchen, but it was nice of Casteel to try and take my mind off seeing him and having to restrain the pent-up rage. “No,” I huffed. “But I could use a change of liquor. The cinnamon liquor was a painful reminder that Luthigo wasn’t present, that he was probably suffering in a way I could only imagine.
Please let him be alive... I just need two more days. I sent up a silent prayer.
I followed behind Casteel to a set of white double doors, the only double doors that surrounded our living quarters, the tiles under my feet a stark white with golden grout in between.
The doors opened to a beige room filled with white stands with artificial light hanging above them; green herbs sprouted from the shelving. I immediately made my way to them, embracing the earthy smell, my fingers trailed over the dozens of shallots and then plucked off a leaf of purple basil.
I hadn’t seen a garden of herbs since my grandmother had been alive. None of my foster homes had green thumbs. Their idea of organic was a plastic sealed salad, but I really couldn’t criticize, not when my mother on earth had rarely fed me. Food was food, but this, I picked at a cherry tomato on the next stand—this was luxury.
“Lucifer has a kitchen like this in his kingdom. Of course, he keeps it to himself.” Casteel’s fingers fluttered over some baby spinach leaves. “I shouldn’t know that....” his green eyes twinkled with humor. “But I’ve always loved to snoop around, figure out what people hide. It fascinates me.”
I looked against the far wall to a wide silver fridge next to a marble benchtop with a built-in cooker. “So, you like to rummage through people’s personal things?” I smirked, heading towards the fridge to see what goodies Lucifer kept here.
“Kind of.” Casteel began plucking at the baby spinach. “It’s part of who I am... our gifts. Luthigo kept a smidgen of his time, but me, I used to be able to feel, see, taste who you are... now when I touch people, it’s like I only see a smidge of what’s beneath, I only feel a minuscule feeling of what you feel.”
I opened the fridge door scanning over the various vacuum-sealed meats. This was nothing like Lucifer’s other fridge that had been on the small black ship; it had been overflowing with alcohol. “And that’s how you infiltrate them with your own thoughts and desires?”
Casteel opened a cabinet beneath the marble bench, pulling out a bowl and placing the spinach leaves in. “Sort of.”
He turned on his heel heading back to the herb stands, his fingers making work of the basil leaves. “It’s like I hook onto a feeling I feel when I touch them.” He moved over to the cherry tomatoes and began inspecting them, pulling the ripest off the small vine. “Then I can push my own feelings into them, making them act as I wish for a short period of time.” His sharp-toothed smile turned to me. “I’m making us a salad.”
We sat on the cream leather couches in the common area. My feet gingerly placed on the golden coffee table as I stuck my fork into the salad Casteel had made with drizzles of blue cheese and herbs, the cherry tomatoes bursting in my mouth complimenting the flavors.
“I didn’t mean to lure Luthigo here.”
I looked up from my salad to Casteel on the opposite couch.
“He still hasn’t forgiven me... I was still so young then.” His fork stabbed into a cherry tomato.
“He sacrificed himself for us both....” It had to mean something for Casteel; the knots in my shoulders tensed. “You don’t think Padma would use that staff on Luthigo like he did to Vaneer....” I let the words trail off.
I know he hadn’t so far because I was still breathing, and our lives were now tied, but the thought of Luthigo in pain after all the kindness he had shown me, the training he had endowed to me...
“We don’t know if it’s the staff that’s taking immortality.” Casteel’s eyes looked up from his salad. “Vaneer held no army. He was immortal, yes, the last of his kind as all the Judgementals should be, but ultimately, it served no purpose to keep him alive, especially if he was plotting against Padma.” Casteel swallowed. “If Luthigo goes, so does his army. The same could be said for Lucifer.”
Casteel sat his empty bowl on the table. “The dark lords’ armies survive on hierarchy in the system. We are only keeping the reins on Lucifer’s because Azrael has kept Lucifer alive and in prison, the commanders here are well aware of who they serve, were simply loaning, if Lucifer could somehow die, this army would go rogue and would not operate under another, the same can’t be said for Luthigo’s. If Luthigo dies, the army will not march for another unless that other is Lucifer, the head of the hierarchy.”
I finished the last bite of my salad and stacked the bowl on top of Casteel’s. “So, you’re saying Padma holds no place in that hierarchy, regardless of his power?”
“Yes, it is our system. Luthigo’s army only marches as long as Luthigo is being used as the bargaining chip. Remove Luthigo, and it removes the army, regardless of power. That army would become Lucifer’s, the head of the hierarchy.”
Casteel’s hands ran over his face as if trying to scrub the worry off. “Keep in mind that it is only the dark lords’ system of hierarchy. If Padma starts acquiring armies from other kingdoms in this universe,” Casteel blew out a breath. “Then it’s a whole other story.”
At least Luthigo would be kept alive. The tension in my shoulders wouldn’t seem to ease up. I picked up the glass of water from the coffee table and gulped. It still wouldn’t stop Padma from shoving knives in Luthigo or pulling fingernails. I shook my head, trying to shake the images. I needed some alone time. I tried to roll my neck and winced at the kink in my muscles.
“Which room is mine?” I turned to look at the circle of doors surrounding us; the gray iron doors and double white doors were the only ones I recognized. That left four plain doors with brass handles left.
“Pick one.” Casteel leaned back into the sofa, placing his feet on the coffee table. “They’re all extravagant and over the top, but if you’re after a bathtub, take the first room.”
“Thanks.” I nodded my head.
The brass handle was cold to the touch as I locked it behind me, the tiles under my feet marked with golden grout. I snapped my fingers, and my clothes and boots disappeared. The weighted gold coin fell to the floor. I picked it up, rubbing my thumb over the engraved angel wings, and placed it on the bedside table, reminding myself to keep it close. I trailed my fingers over the soft white duvet over the bed heading to the en suite.
A small jacuzzi tub sat nestled in the corner. An open shower beside it with a small bench to sit on, I leaned into the jacuzzi tub pushing in the plug and turned the taps on to let it fill up. I turned to the shelves on the opposite side of the room beside the toilet and skimmed my fingers over the multiple bottles of lotion until I found something I liked.
Vanilla and Raspberry. I popped the cap and immediately decided that this was the one. I turned back to the tub and squeezed a generous portion in. I placed the bottle on the sink. It was going to take a while to fill up. I paced out into the room, my feet slapping against the cold tiles. The soft white duvet and fluffy pillows were calling my name. I tore my head away from the bed and paced along the side draws and paintings that hung above; a beautiful apple orchid glowed in the sunset of the oil painting; its canvas marked with dust being long forgotten.
I moved along to the next painting of a beautiful naked woman lounged under an apple tree, her curvaceous frame on full display as her hands bought the apple to her lips, the sunset catching in her golden hair and bright blue eyes. Was this Lilith? The sound of water running had me running along the tiles back into the bathroom.
I sank into the hot water willing the muscles in my neck to relax. It was all going to plan; I was getting Luthigo out of Padma’s grasp, and I was claiming my kingdom back at the same time. The tension in my neck seemed to ease only slightly. As I laid back, letting my hair soak in the smelly goodness, Ragna swiveled through my chest, brushing my insides as if a cat was reminding its owner, it was still there. I ran my palm over the markings on my chest as if comforting him back. We could do this.
I lay in the soft white duvet pulling the blankets up under my chin, the image of Luthigo’s blood-soaked body wouldn’t disappear from my mind. I rolled onto my back, sighing, my wet hair soaking against the fine material of the pillow covers. Please let him be ok. Please don’t let him suffer. I sent out my silent prayer to the universe, letting the abyss of darkness claim me.
Elisse, I love you. Nathanial’s bright blue eyes soaked me in as he laid beside me on the bed, his hand tucking a strand of loose hair behind my ear. I wanted to scream, I wanted to shout, but I couldn’t move. You’re so beautiful, He whispered.
His arm wrapped around me, hugging me like I was his most precious possession. I needed to get away from him. I knew the monster this man was. I needed to move, but my body refused to comply. The room shook, and suddenly, my hands were pressed against the sandy floor. I glanced at the blood coating my armored pants.
Elisse... I love you.
I looked up as Nathanial paraded along the arena floor with a sword in hand raised to the air, the cheers rolling in from the crowd of Zinnerians watching with eager eyes; I had to get up, I tried to stand, the blood trickling along my brow wouldn’t stop, my legs wouldn’t work as I swayed on my knees, barely keeping my balance.
Elisse... I love you.
Nathanial’s voice wouldn’t stop echoing in the back of my head.
I needed to move. I needed to get up.
Elisse... I love you.
Nathanial began pacing toward me, and my legs refused to move. I was running out of time.
I AM KING. Nathanial brought the sword swinging across my throat.
––––––––
The night came and went with nightmares. I pulled the covers up closer to my chin. It had to be morning by now, I should get up out of this bed, start doing some ruthless ruler type shit, but all I wanted to do was crawl into a hole and bury myself. I was nervous to see him, to seize my kingdom back. Technically, there were rules I was meant to follow.
I was meant to take his life in the arena with the Zinnerian people, council, and Judgementals present... but the Judgementals were no more. Vaneer’s body lay rotting in Padma’s cell, and Padma was hell-bent on revenge, and where was Yuvonne, the other Judgemental? Was she alive and hiding, or was she plotting something like I believe Vaneer had? Would what’s left of the Zinnerian council support my actions? I mean, if they didn’t, I could just replace the council, right?
I dragged my hands over my face wondering how my life had changed so drastically in the last year; what if it was too late for Luthigo? What if he was damaged beyond repair? What if I had failed him? My throat started to burn with emotions... Padma had been so eager to break him... no, I couldn’t think like that, this would work, it had to.
Knock. Knock, knock.
“Master?”
“Move out of the way... you should be calling me master, you know.” Casteel’s voice vibrated through the door.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
“Elisse, get up! We’re not far from Zinneria.”
I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath. This would work, I cooed internally. This would all work out.
“I’m coming!” I barked towards the door. I jumped up, manifesting my black combat boots and matching stretchy black pants with a long-sleeved red shirt to match the colors of the army I was currently ruling, then I snapped my fingers, putting my ash hair in one long braid. I looked at the bedside table, picking up the golden coin; something so little shouldn’t be this heavy. I ran my thumb over the wings putting the coin in my pocket.
My reflection caught on the wall-hanging mirror before I reached my door. The ugly thick pink scar at my throat was barely hidden by the red fabric; my fingertips trickled over it... Nathanial would pay... I would always bear this ugly mark reminding me of his deception. The least I could do was repay the favor.
I stepped into the common area finding Casteel lounging on the couch, picking at a bundle of grapes. Rak stood to the left with way too much intensity. His foot seemed to thrum on the carpet rapidly back and forth.
“Master.” Rak tipped his head, his golden chest plate catching the light and reflecting the room around. “We are just outside Zinneria’s atmosphere, and the six commanders wish to discuss strategy before we start dropping the battalions.”
Of course, strategy, these were commanders of small armies after all. “Bring the commanders to me then.”
Rak tipped his head and rushed out the door. The energy was thick in this ship this morning, as the crew’s loud voices echoed in our headquarters briefly while the door was open. I could feel it pressing into my skin. These men were ready for war, and a war with my people is not what I wanted. I simply needed Nathanial alive for now and my army back under my control.
If the Zinnerian army denied me, then I’d have to make an example to the rest of them. I didn’t want to rule with fear, but if I had to, I would. Having Vato and Neon’s help wouldn’t go astray in influencing the Zinnerian army. Neon was an enforcer after all, and being an enforcer was only a step under the king’s guard, but they were in Luthigo’s kingdom through the cave systems of Zinneria, and this ship was far too big to even get close to it.
“Are you ok?” Casteel hesitated with the grape near his mouth. “You haven’t said much this morning... and you have this odd look.”
“I’m fine.” My hand pressed into the pockets of my pants, feeling the heavy weight of Azrael’s coin. “Is there a way to get a message to Luthigo’s kingdom?”
Casteel sat up, placing the grapes in the bowl. “It’s risky... Padma may have his kingdom on lockdown, or he may have collected the army already, and if we’re trying to do this take over discreetly, it’s not something I would risk.”
Casteel placed his ankle over his knee and slouched back. “If Luthigo’s army catches wind of the operation and joins the Zinnerian Storm Guards under the order of Padma, then we will be outnumbered, and it will be full-blown bloodshed.”
I weighed Casteel’s words in my head; he was right. I couldn’t risk the two armies joining and outnumbering us; this had to be discreet. I had to get to Nathanial before any blood was shed.
Knock! Knock!
Rak opened the door with his head tipped in respect before entering with six other men adorned in the black and red of Hell’s armor. They followed Rak in one by one coming to stand in a line near the oval table in the corner of the room. I could see the distaste in their eyes, the look of someone you don’t trust mirrored back at me. I squared my shoulders, taking a deep breath, I didn’t want to deskin anyone else, but I would if I had to. I plastered a cold smile on my face as I looked at each one of the men who stood before me.
“Why did you not tip your heads in my acknowledgment as you have seen Rak do before you?” My voice was as cold as ice as I dug into Luthigo’s power from its dark depths.
This was a game I cooed to myself internally, and if I failed, too many people would lose their lives. These six men were in charge of thousands, and if they didn’t fear and obey me, they would smell weakness and take me out, and what better time to do that than when faced with my enemies. I had to be cold, ruthless, or my life would end with a knife to the back.
“Your master asked you a question!” Rak spat in their direction.
I tipped my head in acknowledgment, keeping the cold smile plastered to my face as I began to pace in front of them. “Perhaps your second in commands would make wiser leaders.” I pulled my hands free from my pockets, readying myself to do some damage.
“It is nothing personal.” A brown-eyed man stepped forward, his soft blonde hair lightly swaying with the movement. “I meant no offense, I assure you.” He tipped his head in a slight bow. “My brothers and I are simply wondering why we are under the command not to attack... it is.” His brown eyes darted around the room as if looking for the right word. “Odd.”
“Odd?” My voice was eerily quiet as I looked at the man in front of me. “What is your name?”
“Scallion.” His eyebrows rose in my direction.
“Does anyone else feel the need to question my motives?” I looked at the row of men standing behind Scallion; my energy was prickling against my skin like a living, breathing entity. I couldn’t tolerate the rude dismissal as they had walked in. I couldn’t tolerate the questioning of my motives when they were under my command. Luthigo wouldn’t tolerate it, and Lucifer wouldn’t tolerate it; hell, even King Kronos wouldn’t have tolerated it. I had to set the example of why I was the ruler here and not them, or I would be seen as not fit to rule. These men were testing the boundaries.
The five men lowered their heads as they shook their heads in a no. They were smart. Scallion, though, was far too cunning, his arrogance dripping politely. He poked holes in my leadership. I flexed my fist, bringing all six men to their knees in a bow with their heads forced to the floor. “You do as I command.”
I flicked my wrist at Scallion, forcing his head up. I came to a squat before him, so I was at eye level, my fingers tracing his soft lips as he tried with all his might to break the manifestation holding him still. “Because I say so...” I let my power prickle against their flesh.
“Regardless of if it is odd. If I say jump, you say how high; if I say you do not attack, you say yes, master, and seeing as I’m your master, you will greet me as such. Do you understand?” I held Scallion’s gaze as the rest of the men spoke clearly in the background collectively.
“Yes, master!”
I brought my hand striking down to Scallion’s temple, the force making my palm sting. I wasn’t used to this amount of strength, and it was a tad exhilarating. “I didn’t hear you, Scallion, perhaps I should remove your tongue for lack of use.”
“Yes, master,” Scallion bit. “I meant no offense.” His eyes lowered to the floor.
“Good.” I scuffed his soft blonde hair up in a patronizing way. Now that we have this stupid macho man shit out of the way, it was time for business.
“Stand.”
I paced in front of the commanders with my heart racing; the adrenaline coursing through my veins had me ready to snap at any moment. It didn’t help that the nightmares of Nathanial still lingered in the back of my mind, his bright blue eyes glaring at me in the arena as he slit my throat. I shook my head, trying to shake the image. “We’re taking back my Zinnerian kingdom, and you are not to attack unless absolutely necessary.” I leveled the men with my gaze, making sure my orders were clear.
“You and your battalions will be dropped at different locations surrounding the inside of the kingdom. You are to force them, without killing them, into the arena under the cobblestone courtyard and hold them until I arrive.”
“Rak,” I turned to my second in command. “These men will need energy blockers for the enforcers among the ranks. Make sure they are given enough before they are dropped.” I stared at the men before me, hoping I had instilled enough fear in them to follow orders.
“Yes, master.” Rak bowed his head.
“I’m assuming all of our soldiers have had the translation chip?” I looked to Rak, remembering when I had first encountered the Zinnerian soldiers and hadn’t understood a thing they were saying.
“Yes, master, all our chips are current.” His grey eyes met mine briefly before lowering.
“Good, as for me... I will be locating Nathanial.”
Scallion’s head raised to look at me in confusion before quickly lowering his eyes. I looked at the other men who seemed perplexed by the name. Of course, they had no idea who was ruling this planet; they literally lived under a rock.
“The king,” Casteel clarified, coming to stand behind me, his boots visible from the corner of my eye.
Bile threatened to well up in my throat before I forced it down; I had to get it together. I clenched my fingers in my fists, stopping the small tremble in my hands. My fingers ached to soothe the ragged scar on my neck.
I would not acknowledge the wound in front of these men. I turned, beginning to pace once more in front of the commanders. “Casteel, Rak, and my battalion will stay with me. Are there any questions about your positions or your agenda?” I quipped coldly; it didn’t take a rocket scientist to understand the task at hand. Secure the Zinnerian soldiers, do not kill them and force them into the arena under the cobblestone pathways.
“No, master.” The men spoke clearly in unison.
“Good.” I smiled coldly. “Then let us begin.”
––––––––
I stood on the hull of the ship watching the battalions get lowered at different outskirts of the kingdom. Rak had assured me the ship would be unseen due to its incognito camouflage, and somehow, his words of comfort did little to soothe my inner turmoil. Casteel had relayed my instructions to the captain of drop points, everything was set in motion, yet the tension in my shoulders refused to subside. I stared at the cluster of men adorned in black and red, my eyes scanning over the sluggish leach with black bulging eyes, then the tall grey creature beside it. Its face was devoid of all features except for two long black slits. I didn’t know if they were eyes or breathing holes, and where were its ears?
My heart was racing; could these creatures understand orders? Luthigo’s monsters had. I took a shaky breath, thinking of the commanders. These were their beasts and men. I needed to have faith that my orders would be followed. The commanders knew and understood their beasts better than I could.
“It’s going to be okay... breathe, Elisse.”
I turned, taking in Casteel’s vibrant green eyes; was it that easy to sense I was on edge?
The ship’s doors opened as another row of men threw down some ropes, the breeze fluttering into the ship offering some much-needed fresh air. It wasn’t me I was worried about, though... it was my people.
Lucifer’s army was armed to the hilt with weapons. A man’s silver sword glinted in the sunlight from the open doors. I scanned over the various weapons strapped to the men: swords, axes, wicked-looking bats, and knives. I didn’t want my people to suffer at this army’s hands; I simply wanted them contained until I had Nathanial in my hands and claimed them under my reign.
I turned, taking in Casteel and Rak behind me, their eyes set in motion watching the hundreds of soldiers slowly disappear. I looked past Casteel and Rak to the few hundred men standing in wait; my men, my battalion... there was too many, too great a risk of being caught if I had to get within touching distance of Nathanial.
“Rak.” His grey eyes locked onto mine in an instant. “Pick two of the best men in this league. We’re dropping the rest just outside the castle. They are our main distraction.”
He nodded his head and began marching along the hoard of men. I turned back, watching as Scallion and his men began sliding down the ropes. I sent up a silent prayer to the universe to not let my innocent people get slaughtered.
Rak marched the rest of our battalion to the ropes, instructing them, his golden chest plate shining in the soft sunlight; they were the last men to get dropped before my small crew. I took a shaky breath; it wouldn’t be long now. I stared around at the empty hull of shiny reflective paneling. The large glass cage carrying the man I skinned was mounted against the far wall. General Hardle didn’t try to smash on the glass anymore as he lay slumped against the glass, still breathing.
Red smears ran rampant along the glass paneling as if he had beat on it for hours. He was crouched in the corner, his muscle tissue and tendons all exposed to the elements. He was breathing at least, but perhaps that was worse. His eyes locked onto mine in a silent stare; that’s all he could do, all the power that man now held. A shiver ran up my spine, it was cruel to keep him alive, but I’d be seen as weak if I killed him putting him out of his misery.
I turned to Rak as he stood alone at the drop point, just us now; it was time to move. I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. My boots thudding on the metal paneling of the floor, my hands instinctively going to my holster at my back, making sure my knives were present, then I ran my hands over my pockets, feeling for that familiar golden weight.
“Master, this is two of your best.” Rak gestured behind me. “Lolah.”
My eyes drifted over the petite female with short black hair, her nose, and cheekbones impeccably sharp, her olive skin carrying a thin sheen of sweat. I was willing to bet she’d be lightning quick with a blade: fast and agile. She dipped her head lightly at me.
“And Dracon.” I stared at the broad man beside her. His long brown beard in a sleek plait and his hair tied high above his head. The hilt of a sword poking up from behind his black and red armour; he nodded his head at me.
This will do, I mentally cooed, looking over my team. This will work.
“We’re to remain unseen.” I stared at Rak, Casteel, Dracon, and Lolah. “We’re ghosts in here; we blend in until we locate Nathanial... the king.” I sneered in disgust.
“Do you understand?” I looked at Lolah and Dracon, I needed my crew smart for this to work, not bloodthirsty. After receiving a nod from them all, I took a deep breath.
“Good.”
We all took a rope in our hands and waited for the overgrown part of the courtyard to come into view. “The captain will remain on standby with my command master.” Rak’s eyes locked onto mine.
I nodded my head. “Now!”