Chapter 196: Nothing
Azazel had had his fair share of love and happiness, though it was ruthlessly stripped from his grasp. It had nearly broken him. But somehow, he managed to recover. Now, it was time to return things to the way they were always meant to be.
It was time for him to become the soulless demon he was created to be.
The door to his chambers creaked open and the moggly crawled inside, head bowed low in submission.
"Your Majesty," it rasped, "the witch has returned. And unfortunately, she is stronger now. I fear she may be able to help the prince... and ruin our plans."
It took Azazel a few seconds to respond. "I can feel her power. Yes, she has grown... stronger. More dangerous. We must move a step further. End this for it has gone on for far too long."
"Should I take care of it?" the moggly asked carefully.
"No." Azazel’s voice was ice. "I will do it myself. I want to watch it all burn."
Just as he finished speaking, a sudden gust of wind swept through the room, howling as it whipped through the corners. The moggly yelped, hiding behind its master’s leg. Azazel narrowed his eyes, raising an arm to shield his face from the growing storm.
The temperature rose sharply. The wind stilled. Silence followed.
Then, a tall, dark figure materialized in the far corner of the room, cloaked in shadows, his eyes glowing a demonic red. Long strong horns curved from his skull and faint sparks of fire danced lazily around his form.
Azazel knew that presence instantly.
"I wasn’t expecting you," he said, lowering his eyes.
"I didn’t think to announce my arrival," the figure replied. His voice was laced with arrogance and mockery. "I see you’re still rotting in this miserable box."
"Not for much longer, Lucifer," Azazel replied, raising his head to meet his gaze. "Hades will soon be fully turned. Once the transformation is complete, I will return to the underworld as promised."
Lucifer hummed. "Perhaps. But I have another assignment for you."
Azazel’s jaw tensed. "I’m afraid I must refuse your request."
Lucifer let out a low, rumbling laugh that echoed across the walls. It shook the room like thunder.
"You proud fool," he sneered. "Do you think I’m asking for your opinion? If I had my way, I would do away with both you and that foolish brother of yours. But, unfortunately, I can’t."
Azazel’s fists clenched at his sides. "What do you want?"
Lucifer stepped forward, dragging a single clawed finger along the stone wall, leaving scorched grooves.
"Asmodeus has escaped his damnation," he said coldly. "He is making his way into this world. I want him captured. I want him dragged back to the underworld. Alive, if possible."
Azazel remained silent.
Lucifer’s eyes narrowed. "And try not to kill too many of the living this time. You and your brother have already caused me enough trouble with the other gods."
"Why do you want me to do that?" Azazel asked, his voice low.
Lucifer sighed, exasperated. "Don’t be foolish. You know as well as I do that you’re the only one strong enough amongst my creation to stand against him. Besides, it’s your fault he’s on this realm in the first place."
Azazel narrowed his eyes at him, studying Lucifer for a few long seconds before speaking. "Then I’ll agree to do it... but only if you give me something in return."
Lucifer’s eyes narrowed, suspicion blooming across his face. "What could you possibly want? I’m not bringing anyone back from the dead, so don’t bother asking."
"I’m not asking for that." Azazel’s voice firm. "I want you to erase my memories, every memory I’ve made since I stepped into this realm."
Lucifer paused, his lips curling in a slow, amused smile. "How interesting," he murmured. "You want to forget everything... your whore too?"
Azazel didn’t answer.
Lucifer chuckled darkly. "Very well. Bring Asmodeus back to the underworld, alive, and I’ll grant your wish."
"I will bring him to you." Azazel gave a respectful bow, and in a blink, Lucifer vanished in a flicker of smoke and fire.
Silence fell once more.
Azazel let out a deep breath as he turned slightly, his eyes landing on the moggly still crouched behind him, shivering from the infernal presence that had just left the room.
"I must begin," Azazel said.
He strode toward the window. Pulling it open, he looked out over the forested land that stretched beyond. Without hesitation, he leapt from the building.
The wind whipped past him as he dropped effortlessly through the air. He landed soundlessly, his boots sinking into the ground. Straightening, he adjusted his coat and began walking, heading toward his destination with purpose.
By the time Azazel reached the lake, he lifted his gaze to the heavens and closed his eyes.
"Forgive me, Celeste," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves. "I have to return home. And I will always love you."
When he opened his eyes again, the warmth, the flicker of regret, the ghost of love, all of it was gone. What remained was cold, pure darkness and emptiness.
~~~
Lucian’s throat bobbed as he struggled to speak. When he finally did, his voice cracked. "I’m afraid not, Hades. I... I am deeply sorry."
The trio exchanged puzzled glances. Hades stepped forward, his brows furrowed. "What’s going on, Uncle? What are you sorry about?"
A tear slipped down Lucian’s cheek. "I..."
Before he could finish, a sudden uproar echoed through the hallway, screams and hurried footsteps filled the air, breaking through the tense silence.
Startled, Hades, Viktor, and Lilith rushed past Lucian toward the source of the noise. At the foot of the stairs, they saw guards and servants scrambling in panic, their faces pale with fear.
"What’s going on? What’s causing this chaos?" Viktor’s voice boomed, cutting through the clamor and forcing three nearby servants to halt.
The three looked between each other, hesitation and fear written across their faces.
"Do you all lack the ability to speak?" Hades thundered, his voice sharp and commanding. His eyes narrowed dangerously as walked out of the building.
One of them stepped forward, trembling. "Your Highness... there’s a fire... by the lake," he stammered.
Hades’ expression blanched. Without another word, he broke into a full run, racing toward the lake. Viktor and Lilith trailed behind him, struggling to keep up with his pace.
He nearly collided with the servants and guards desperately trying to contain the fire as he charged past them.
Hades’ heart stopped as he came to a sudden halt. His breath caught in his throat, and his eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before him.
The shouting and frantic footsteps around him faded into a dull silence, everything else ceased to exist.
In the midst of the chaos, across the lake, stood Azazel.
He stood tall and motionless, hands tucked into the pockets of his dark trousers, red eyes locked unblinkingly on Hades.
But as someone hurriedly crossed Hades’ path, Azazel’s figure vanished leaving only empty space behind.
Hades dragged his gaze back to the scene in front of him, his vision stinging.
The cherry blossom tree, the one he held most dear to his heart was collapsing, branch by branch, engulfed in flames. The pink petals were no more. The air was thick with smoke and the stench of burning wood.
His throat tightened, sadness swelling in his chest as he watched the tree burn and collapse to the ground before his eyes.