23
REAP AND RISE
ENZO
A few more familiars feel my wrath and I'm a damn sight better for it. The torches burn a little brighter, even in my inner sanctum where they shone only a little less than before.
I gaze at my surroundings and take a breath of acidic air. The opulent furnishings and priceless masterpieces that adorn the rooms are still as beautiful as ever, yet they don't have quite the hold over me they once did. The statues are exquisite, but their marble doesn't hold a candle to Adriana. The nudes are magnificent, but my girl is more stunning than any woman painted on canvas. The jewels sparkle and disperse the light, but their fire doesn't hold the same appeal as the innocent blue eyes that stare at me. Especially when they're pleading with me for more or begging me for mercy.
While time works differently in Hell, I don't have much before I need to return to her. She's protected, but my absence is a risk and I won't leave her unguarded for long. She's too valuable to lose, and I can't bear the thought of her being damaged by anyone other than me.
I throw open the heavy gold doors, ignoring the carvings depicting the story of Lucifer's fall and Eve's temptation. It didn't happen quite the way humans believe it did, and the girl was ruined by the time he finished with her. Lucifer assures everyone she loved it, and I don't doubt his prowess.
Now isn't the time to wonder what he'll make of Adriana, or allow myself to become jealous over a possibility I won't allow to pass.
It's the time to stare down the demons basking themselves in my glory. The fuckers freeze as I meet their gaze and count their numbers, noting demons made of earth and air, fire and water, lust and loathing among my minions.
They're reclining on my goddamn furniture like they own the fucking place, most mid-coitus. Interrupted mid fuck. Bodies lie entangled in each other, enjoying the pleasure of their debauchery.
There's so much cock and cunt it's hard to see anything else. The smell of sex hangs in the air and I inhale it, tasting their lust and arousal. Orgies are not uncommon in Hell and this has been quite the party if the liquids staining the furniture and floors are any judge of their encounters.
I smirk, and their fear surges into the sulfuric air, heightening my excitement and my power. I feed off their panic and when I beat my wings with menace, their motionless state shatters.
Demons drop to their knees, prostrating themselves before me as they accept their place. At my fucking feet. Beneath my fucking feet as I walk over them, enjoying the sounds of their bones snapping and organs collapsing.
Every crunch sounds out in satisfaction, and every shriek cries a note that brings pleasure to my ears.
The claws of my feet sharpen as I pierce their flesh and the warm, sticky liquid seeps from their damaged bodies. Their blood oozes a trail behind me, and I ignore their screams and cries of thanks. They worship me as they should and I take all their wretchedness, extracting their pain and suffering as it fuels the violence brewing inside me.
“WHERE. IS. THE. SEER?”
Silence answers me, and I wait, refusing to waste my breath by asking again. I won't tolerate insolence and my wing spears a shadow demon unfortunate enough to lie nearby, lifting him into the air as I impale him on my talon. He screams as my other wing carves his flesh, peeling skin away from muscle. Thick black blood drips onto the floor and I lick the exposed flesh, savoring the taste of fresh meat. The thrashing continues as I strip muscle from bone until I grow bored and disembowel the cursed thing, casting its mangled body aside.
“I. WON'T. STOP. UNTIL. I'M. ANSWERED.”
The trickles dripping onto the floor grow in volume and the putrid smell of piss catches in my nostrils.
“Lord...”
I snap my head towards the fire demon crawling toward me. It's disgusting and its shape is so despicable it's intolerable, but it's ambitious. It could prove useful and there's little harm in rewarding helpful behavior, particularly if it teaches these other motherfuckers a lesson they won't forget.
My eyebrow arches and I bare my teeth.
The damn thing trembles as it kisses my feet and I shake it away, vexed by its attempts to earn my favor.
“The Seer went to consult with the Oracle, Lord. The conjunction is almost upon us and their visions told of a new power rising, but the shadows would not lift. They needed...”
“OBVIOUSLY.”
I roar like I already knew the answer to my question. Like I'm irritated to be reminded of something I already knew. Like it's a minor inconvenience instead of the fucking headache it's going to be.
The Seer shouldn't have left the safety of my dominion and even the short journey to the Oracle of Mammon is too far away from my control. He'll only have made the pilgrimage out of absolute necessity and whatever danger I'm facing is more deadly than I'd imagined.
The convergence between Heaven and Hell will be the ideal time for my enemy to strike. It'll heighten both our powers, but my adversary will need all he can summon if he hopes to defeat me. Mine might be ebbing away and I'll wager the motherfucker is draining it for himself, weakening me to use my power against me.
I needed the Seer's insight, and I've gained a different kind of knowledge. It's not as detailed, but it is useful. The Seer's visions are unclear because the future isn't determined, but now I know the timeline I can use that to my advantage.
“THE. ORGY. IS. OVER.”
Whimpers and hushed gasps echo around me as the fire demon stares up at me. It's the only demon to meet my gaze. It's frankly disappointing that my underlings lack ambition and have grown lazy through indulgence.
“My tastes are for a different pleasure. One born of pain and suffering. One drunk from the tears of innocents and the blood of the damned.”
My demons growl in agreement, left with little choice but to indulge the blood-thirst I'm inciting around me.
“Rise and reap, my flock. It's time to bathe in despair and enjoy the anguish of agony. Be gone and cause havoc. Return after you feed and have riches to add to my vaults.”
Howls and cries of battle sound around me as demons pick themselves up, rising from the bloodbath they're swimming in to create one of their own.
Wings rejoint themselves as limbs try to straighten and find their sockets. Some demons are already soaring into the air while others are scrambling to their feet, struggling to overcome the damage they've sustained earlier. They need to rise or I will finish them, culling the weak from the herd before they drag the rest down to their level.
A few more take off and the stragglers are left behind. They're frantically trying to escape, and I'm feeling merciful, deciding those that survive the crawl up the spire after they make it out the window can live.
My wings slice through the demons struggling on the floor. I sever limbs and devour them, enjoying the taste as my hunger begins to abate.
I'm efficient, ruthless, and oblivious to the mess I'm leaving behind me. The carnage is a fucking feast and I intend to feed on it until I've had my fill, consuming anything too weak to deserve my pity.
I leave little, except for the aftermath of an annihilation.
The fire demon from earlier returns, risking my wrath as he kneels at my feet.
“I came to serve, Lord. Command and I'll obey. Anything, Lord.”
Its groveling is despicable, and I adore it.
“I do not require your help.”
Its scarlet eyes lift to meet mine and its ambition burns hotter, seeking release. “Perhaps I can give you something else, Lord? A moment of pleasure or respite from your burdens.”
Usually, I'd haul the fire demon's sorry ass over a chair or table and flog it for its insolence and then fuck it, using its blood as lube. The thought of licking the blood from its lashed back while my cock seeks release in its ass has a certain appeal, but it's minimal. Hardly worth entertaining.
The same cannot be said when I think about doing the same to Adriana.
My dick jerks, and the fire demon licks its lips, misunderstanding the reason for my arousal. It edges forward, reaching for my cock, and I whip my clawed hands round. The strike sounds out as its face is shredded and it whimpers in agony, uncertain what it's done to offend.
“You haven't earned it.”
It cowers and I wait, debating with myself whether I should put it out of its misery now or find a use for it. It shouldn’t be worth my time, but it occurs to me that something this pathetic likes to brag about its achievements—and I could manipulate it into spreading rumors that could work to my advantage.
“Get up before I haul your sorry ass into one of the fire pits.”
It staggers to its feet and blood drips from the claw marks, scaring its face. It was ugly to begin with, and now it's ghastly. Almost horrific. It'll do nicely as a warning to others.
“Perhaps I can find another use for you,” I sigh.
The malicious thing squirms in glee, desperate to win my approval and, with it, my reward.
“I came to collect a certain belonging and to search the archives. I don't want to be disturbed. Ensure it doesn't happen.”
I march to the upper rooms, certain that the fire demon will wait for my return. It'll make damn sure I'm not interrupted as I revisit the documents detailing Mordecai and his powers, and the quiet is welcome.
I ascend the stairs and ransack the shelves for tomes about the cunt I thought I'd vanquished, revisiting the spells he uses and how to counteract them. My notes and records are extensive, and hours pass as I absorb information that will probably prove vital in the coming weeks.
Scrolls reveal their secrets, and books give up their mysteries. I'd forgotten much of what had happened and the reminder is much needed. I'm sharper and the strengths and weaknesses of my adversary are exposed, including how I vanquished him the first time.
Mordecai should not have survived what I did to him. No demon should. It was power I amassed from years of hard work and sacrifice, and I dragged the darkness up from the deepest circle of Hell to wield against him. It was a moment of glory and I dislike it being taken from me, almost as much as I dislike the idea of facing him again.
The final scroll ends and I'm wiser, but still no further ahead. I've got enough time to retrieve the item I require and return in time to greet Adriana, ensuring she's oblivious to my activities.
I clear the tabletop and cast the enchantment, staring as runes and light break through the wood. Demonic symbols twist and my fingers dart to each one, selecting runes in their correct order. Red light bursts upward and the gold box appears, retrieved from my vaults before they seal themselves again.
I check its contents, running my fingers over the intricate gold design. Forest green emeralds and sapphires the color of the ocean adorn the collar, and its robust but delicate form will look perfect on my girl. One day, I'll present her with matching cuffs, but I want to save that for another occasion.
The box snaps shut and I carry it downstairs, finding the fire demon standing guard.
“Did you find what you wanted, Lord?”
I smile, viciously. “I did. It's still intact, although somewhat dusty.”
I open the box and the fire demon gasps, aware of the collar's significance. “The Collar of Ichor?” Its eyes brighten as it starts making plans to use the information it's been given. “She must be special, Lord, to receive such a gift. When should we expect her to join us? I will ensure that no detail is spared and everything will be worthy of your greatness.”
My fingers close the box again as I bare my fangs. The fire demon smolders and I tower over it, threatening fire and brimstone if it fails.
“I won't forgive a single mistake,” I snarl as I brush past the cowering demon. “I'll bring her with me shortly. It won't be long before she's ready.”
The fire demon laughs low and I stop, turning around to face the abominable creature.
“Does something other than the girl amuse you or are you so wretched you prefer death over continued existence?”
“It does not amuse me, Lord. It excites me. I relish the opportunity to watch you defile her. I'll enjoy every moment of her agony while you fuck her as Lucifer fucked Eve. It is a pleasure I do not deserve, and I am privileged to be allowed to partake in it.”
He bows low and I silently promise myself that I'll kill the devious little shit before I let him within an inch of Adriana. She's far too spectacular for something so loathsome to enjoy her, even from afar.
She'll join me at an orgy soon, but I'm in no rush and I'll make damn sure only those I deem worthy are in attendance. There are other pleasures for me to explore with Adriana and, on this occasion, I find myself satisfied to wait for my girl to be ready.
Just as long as that isn't longer than my dick can handle.