Alliance
I woke up to the sound of a sweet melody, humming. I opened my eyes, to find a different ceiling above me but one that was not unfamiliar to me.
"Lilith," I said, realizing I was once again waking in her bed chamber.
"The dragon stirs." She teased, "Do you know how wounded I was to find my bed empty, lacking my little hero. I felt pain like no other."
"Enough games Lilith. Why am I back here? I went to sleep in the servants' chambers for a reason."
The facade dropped. "You are here because you wanted to be. Yes, our little escapade in your dreams last night didn't occur in the physical realm, the effects still crossed over into this one."
"Your desire to join me, to embrace me, led you here. To me.
I will admit I was shocked to see you dreamwalk into my chamber last night. So what is it you would like to discuss?"
"What is it that you want from me? Actually want, not some made up bullshit, what do you have in store for me?"
"I want the same thing as you. The defeat of the Divine Order, and removal of all other demons from the Primus.
"I know you eavesdropped on my conversation with Rina. I am not sure what you heard in entirety but I want the same thing as you do."
"I understand wanting the Divine Order gone, but the other demons? Are they not your allies?"
"How much do you know about the realms of hell? I assume not much if you think that the different races of demons are equal to each other."
"I know enough, that the demons want to wipe out all mortal life in the Primus, and drag it into hell."
"Then you know nothing, little dragon. The realms of hell are divided into seven, one for each arch devil and sin.
The leading realm is that of Kanur, the king of all demons, Narsus. Kanur is the embodiment of Pride and an extreme perfectionist. Should he fail, he will become enraged and throw a tantrum.
Second is Furoth, a realm of fire and brimstone. It is led by Al'Garath, blood brother of Kanur and the embodiment of Wrath. Al'Garath has tried to overthrow Kanur several times but each time Kanur returns to the throne. From here the Hell-Beasts are born and Hell's greatest warriors are forged.
Third is Avarice, land of gold and splendor. Its Arch-Devil is Rax, father of Imps, embodiment of Greed, and the true economic power of hell, and the runt of Malum's litter.
Fourth is Aemulor, realm of Melzas, Queen of Envy, and sister-wife of Kanur. Melzas, constantly jealous of her brothers, works tirelessly on her realm and children, the lamias, to no avail. Kanur, with his prideful nature, would never let someone's realm be better than his.
Fifth and sixth place belong to Deliar and Zathel, respectively. Neither have realms of their own and are just barren wastelands but they are powerful in their own right.
Deliar, as I am sure you know due to your emperor, is the Queen of Gluttony and Mother of all Vampires.
Zathel on the other hand, is the embodiment of Sloth and therefore has done nothing for himself besides rest and watch as the world's events unfold.
Finally, in last place, are the Pleasure Gardens. Realm of Malcanthet, the Queen of Lust, and home of the succubi. We are treated as nothing more than toys and slaves for the other races if we step outside of the gardens we call home.
Something that must be done if we are to find food that we can eat. So in response to that, Malcanthet made a deal with Prima, to ensure that the succubi would be allowed into the Primus. Those of us here in Aphrodisia were sent as a forward scouting party to survey the land and report back to my great-grandmother." Lilith lectured.
"If what you say is true, then I will help you. But I will not be a slave. I will fight in your battles, lead your armies.
But I will do it under the condition that we do not fight the innocent and nations not tied to the Divine Order." I responded, knowing I had little choice.
"Then it is settled, little dragon. I will inform Malcanthet of your decision at the next communion." Lilith said, the sensual facade back up.
With a sense of resolution settling within me, I nodded in agreement. The weight of my decision hung heavy in the air, yet beneath the burden lay a flicker of hope, a glimmer of possibility amidst the chaos that surrounded us.
Lilith regarded me with a mixture of pride and satisfaction, her eyes alight with a spark of anticipation. "You have made the right choice, little hero," she said, her voice a soft murmur that resonated with conviction.