The dimly lit warehouse reeked of decay and corruption. Crates and boxes stacked haphazardly, casting long, ominous shadows on the walls. A faint hum of malevolent energy pulsed through the air, like a dark heartbeat.
In this forsaken place, a gathering of humans, known as "Contractors," convened in secret. Each one hosted a demon, bound to their soul by a Faustian pact. United in their quest for power, they sought the ultimate prize: Lucifer.
Their leader, a towering figure with eyes that burned like embers, addressed the assembly. "We've received intel that Lucifer's vessel is hidden in the city. But we need to pinpoint its location."
A hooded figure stepped forward, its voice like a rusty gate. "I've infiltrated the angelic ranks. They're searching for a way to bind Lucifer, but their efforts are in vain."
A chorus of snickers and growls erupted from the Contractors. One of them, a petite woman with skin like alabaster, spoke up. "I've discovered a ritual to track the vessel. But it requires a rare artifact – the Eye of Belial."
The ember-eyed leader nodded. "Acquire it. We'll perform the ritual and find Lucifer."
As the Contractors dispersed to their assigned tasks, the ember-eyed leader turned to a figure shrouded in shadows. "Korax, can you deliver the Eye?"
Korax stepped forward, its voice like a dark whisper. "I'll retrieve it. But be warned, the Eye comes with a terrible cost."
The ember-eyed leader smiled, its eyes burning brighter. "We'll pay any price to claim Lucifer."
The Contractors laughed, their voices echoing through the warehouse like the damned.
The ember-eyed leader raised its hands, and the room fell silent. "We'll reconvene in three nights, when the ritual will be performed. Korax, bring the Eye. Arachne, prepare the vessel. Xandros, ensure our security."
The Contractors nodded, their faces twisted with anticipation. As they dispersed, the warehouse grew darker, as if the shadows themselves were feeding off their malevolent energy.
In the depths of the warehouse, a figure stirred. A woman with long, spindly limbs and skin like dark marble. Arachne, the weaver of dark magic. She smiled, her eyes glinting like black diamonds.
"The vessel will be ready," she whispered to herself. "And when Lucifer is ours, the world will burn."
Meanwhile, Korax slipped into the night, its presence like a cold wind. It knew where to find the Eye of Belial – in the depths of the underworld, guarded by fearsome demons and treacherous paths.
But Korax was not one to be deterred. It had a reputation for retrieving the impossible, and it would stop at nothing to claim the Eye.
As the night wore on, the Contractors were about to adjourn their meeting when suddenly a loud bang was heard outside and two men barged through the door.
At a glance the Contractors could sense the divine energy oozing from these men. Instantly they knew that these men were
Angels.
In an instant their eyes glowed bright red as they released their demonic energy and the battle began.
Meanwhile
John and Emily were home sleeping. When John suddenly sat up his Echelon tattoo seemed to be hurting him. So he carefully stepped out and went into the bathroom.
When he got there he splashed water on the tattoo. Then stepped in front of the mirror and began to splash water on his face.
Looking up at his reflection it seemed to have a different expression on it's face. Still surprised he suddenly heard a voice coming from the reflection " You seem happy, John ".
"I've never seen myself so happy before " said the reflection.
"I'm hallucinating, aren't I ?" Asked John
With a smirk on it's face
"Oh no John. This is very much real" said the reflection.