Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

"It might be too much to sacrifice a Void God, with the loss of a few Infringement Gods already."

Learning a few things studying how cautious these Fallen were, despite being some of the strongest under the Myriad Heavens, I sat motionlessly, trying to get a feel for everyone's personality. But it was as if everyone here held a mask.

One minute there were aggressive, the next passive. None of these Sovereign Lords showed weakness. None showed anything. They kept their emotions in check for the most part. Thinking about it before, even Abbadon didn't take the bait when I brought up Tenebrae. He just went with the flow. He might have gotten more from me than I did from him, with the mention of my daughter. They were analyzing me just as I was doing the same. New chapters are published on N(o)v????l(F)ire

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"I suspect the answer is right between our eyes," Belphegor mentioned shifting his burning amber eyes to me. He chuckled. "Can you find out about this Miasma?

The Seven Fallen all fixated their gaze on me with a deep measure in their eyes. They wanted to test my relationship with Lilith. They also wanted to test her loyalty to the Abyss.

My intent dissipated into darkness, clearing my mind in a way only Tenebrae and I could. Leaving only a rich coldness similar to the Hollowing yet more controllable. It was a technique she used to negotiate with the Fallen at times. Devils and Fallen can read intent far easier than most races. It's what allows them to create contracts based on both parties needs.

"And what do I get out of this?" I calmly asked. "I've Noctem, Hell, and the Abyss. It's not like I don't have resources. I don't need Nessa."

"This isn't about resources," Mephisto replied. "It's about controlling who has it. Balance is key. With the recent changes, mutations will surely begin. And Nessa is a Prime location. Can you imagine what would happen if, let's say… the Abyss was to cultivate this land?"

"Not to mention, we all suspect the next Chaos Dew to be mutated. Even the Pale Lord is excited." Lucifer added, folding his arms to his chest. A sullen frown cascading over the corner of his lips. "We can't afford for the Abyss to have it. And we can't afford for the Angels to have it."

"At this moment." Dagon began. "The Angels are amassing a great army. And while we want to side with the Abyss. They are too powerful as it is. We can't afford to strengthen them."

"If anyone is to have such power. It's us, Fallen." Abbadon greedily claimed with a savage grin. He raised his hands, almost as if he were gripping a bleeding heart. "both Angels and Fallen working together will result in—

"Nothing," I told him plainly. "Because if I were Lilith, I'd call upon my uncle. Eroma. The wielder of the Eye of Truth, he'll fortify Nessa to perfection and turn your war into a War of Attrition. The Abyss has the advantage. Especially due to that ungodly Miasma." Pausing momentarily, I shook my head, pressing my head to my knuckles upon my throne. "The fact is… you want something neither of you can afford to have. And the worst of it. I'm not seeing how I benefit."

"You are on the side of the Hells." Arakiel coldly said. "This benefits you greatly."

"And it benefits me to approach Lilith and request what I need for Irkalla personally. All I see is a pointless war. I'm gaining, while you'll lose dozen critical devils and Fallen on your side if you side with the Angels. And I don't think the Seraphim will be too happy to side with Fallen. I wonder how much chaos you'll have in the ranks? Or—"

"We get it." Belphegor coldly said. "What do you want?"

"I'll speak to Lilith and garner a deal. But…" I smiled devilishly. "You'll have to buy from me. Twenty percent above market price."

"Five." Mephisto said.

"For you? Deal. But the rest of you?" I chuckled. "Send me a proposal, and I'll review it."

I didn't want to screw with Mephisto regarding foreign policies. Ishar kind of scares me; if Mephisto has her as a King, she must be the best. I fear people like her who don't sleep. They have too much time on their hands.

"And Mephisto gets this deal. Why?" Abbadon demanded to know, his fist clenching.

"Well… he is my Master?" The words that had formed felt like acid on my tongue. But they needed to be said. I needed favors from Mephisto. And if I were to separate each Sovereign Lord here and now from each other. There is less chance of an Alliance between Heaven and Hell.

And while my price is extortion. It's better than a war of attrition.

Should I add sanctions against Abbadon? No, not yet. I need to know what he deeply desires first. Attacking mindlessly isn't the way to deal with him. Trying to fuck my daughter, eh? I'm about to ruin you!

"And me?" Belphigor addressed. "How do I know you'll not screw me over? Like I screwed you over?"

Recalling that battle where he kind of kicked my ass, I chuckled. "It was a battle between men; This is a discussion of policies. Two different things. I'll get you back. But not at the cost of me losing something."

The demon Fallen smiled fiendishly. "You and your boy have some similarities. Interesting. Very interesting."

Not revealing my shock that almost pulled my intent back from the darkness, I merely nodded, "He's my boy. Now. If you'll excuse me. I'm going to visit my wife to discuss our next move."

Darkness swelled around me as I connected to the unfathomable tether between Lilith and myself. My blood boiled, and in a snap, I appeared within her chambers.

Curled in the fetal position, her knee to her chest, a thumb near her mouth, and drool trailing her lips. I approached with soundless steps and lay beside her. Finding myself strangely content watching her sleep.

Suddenly, her little nose wrinkled while her eyes stirred. The little lass peeped her amethyst gaze open, her drowsy eyes opening with a quiver, probably sensing my aura. She blinked at me for a second, flapping her delicately thick lashes for a moment, and smiled. "Hiya Sene. I think… I think I'm about to go into labor soon."