Infernal God

26

"What's that saying? What's yours is mine, and what's mine is mine..."

"That does sound like marriage, yes."

As we held hands and grinned at each other like young lovers, we took the elevator down a level, to the command center. The demons working there bowed and some even clapped as we entered, and I gave them all a cocky grin and a little wave, though Hannah shook her head at me. It never hurt to remind them that I really did live up to all the stories about me.

We stepped into the conference room, where our allied Archdemons were waiting for us, along with Samael. They all rose to their feet when we entered, and Lilith actually rushed forward and threw her arms around me. Then she hugged Hannah next.

"You did it," she said. "You actually managed to save him."

"She did," I confirmed, with a wry smile at my wife. "I owe my salvation to Hannah, though I would like to thank each and every one of you for your part in keeping the demon world running smoothly over the last few months. Romana, thank you for your loyalty and for your people's help in guarding Hannah. Baal, I truly appreciate the risks you've taken in spying on Nemesis and Fenrir for me. Lilith, Hannah's told me your counsel and support were invaluable to her, and I thank you for that."

"I think I speak for everyone when I say it was an honor to help however we could," Lilith said. "However, we're all relieved you've returned to us."

"As am I. I thank you all for your loyalty during this difficult period, though there is one more person I must thank—Samael." I turned to my oldest, dearest friend. "You've supported me through all these years, and when I was gone, you stood by Hannah's side in my absence."

"I did what anyone would do in such a position," he said, his voice deep yet humble.

"No, you always manage to go above and beyond, my friend." I rested a hand on his shoulder, and he stoically nodded, though I can see in his eyes that he was pleased.

"Is it true you're both really Elder Gods?" Romana asked. "What happened to War? And Famine?"

"Yes, it's true," Hannah said.

"You could say we defeated them...and then took their place," I added.

"They're truly gone then?" Baal asked.

Hannah's eyes grew sympathetic. "I'm sorry. If I could have done it without defeating your mother, I would have. If it makes you feel better, she seemed to still care for you, in her own way."

He held up a hand. "Do not apologize. It's actually a relief to know she's gone. I no longer have to live in fear of my mother awakening and destroying the world."

I knew exactly how he felt—except my father, Death, was still out there, locked away in his tomb, waiting to be set free. With Famine released, we were one stepped closer to his awakening, and that thought terrified me like nothing else.

"Nemesis is dead too," Hannah said. "I killed her in the battle in Faerie at Famine's tomb. Unfortunately, Fenrir got away."

"Do you think he'll go after Death next?" Romana asked.

"Possibly, if he's still stupid and stubborn enough to continue this battle," I said.

"He is," Baal confirmed.

"Even so, he can't get into Hell, where Death's tomb is located," Lilith said. "Lucifer made sure of that when he sealed that realm up all those years ago. Only he and I have the keys."

"A good point." I turned to Samael. "Let's make sure to get extra protection on Lilith."

"That's not necessary," Lilith said.

"No, he's right." Baal took her hand, and I noticed Samael narrowing his eyes. "We must protect that key at all costs."

"What of Pestilence?" Romana asked.

The very thought of him made me bristle. "When I was War I fought him and weakened him, but I have no doubt he'll be back."

“We already have a plan in place for Pestilence’s return.’ Hannah looked at me as she spoke, then turned to the table. “But I think we should have something else ready if it doesn’t work.”

"Somehow I doubt Adam has any interest in fighting off Pestilence's control, like you two did," Samael said.

"No, that won't work. We need another plan." Hannah turned to me. "Oberon said you once had a key to Void. Do you still have it?"

A chill ran down my spine. Whatever I’d expected her to say, it hadn’t been that. "We're not using that."

“But you’ve been to Void before," Baal said.

“Yes, thousands of years ago, and I risked a lot by asking Nyx to make the Fallen into demons so they could survive in Hell. I'm lucky I made it back at all."

"How did you even get such a thing?" Romana asked.

"My father, Death, gave it to me. Before we became bitter enemies."

“It might work," Samael said, his voice thoughtful. "The key is the only thing that can send the Elder Gods to the Void.”

I cast a hard look around the table at my allies. "Yes, but opening a portal to Void could also let other Elder Gods out. We don't need any more of them on our hands, now do we?"

They all murmured their agreement, and I considered the matter dropped, but I sensed they were all still wary. They wanted an easy solution, but when facing threats such as these, there wasn't one. It was always a matter of choosing the best option between multiple shitty situations, then praying you made the right decision.

I rose to my feet, forcing them to look up at my full height as I towered over them like the king I was. "Now that Hannah and I have the powers of War and Famine, Pestilence won't be able to stand against us. In the meantime, use all of our resources to hunt down Fenrir. I want him brought to justice immediately."

Hannah looked at me and nodded, before I sat beside her again—in my rightful place as Demon King.

Damn, it was good to be back.