Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Awakening to the glimmers of moonlight kissing the tips of my cheek within Nocturne, warmth cascaded over my bare flesh on both sides of my body that rested two ladies. Their expression was rosy, but listening to their snores, I knew they'd be asleep for a while.

Nothing like a good night or a few in bed wakes a man up the next day. I ought to find the time to visit Ezra, Freya, and Zan.

'I really am living my best life.' I whispered the words few get to speak and trailed my fingers through the hair of the two ladies. Honestly, I didn't get Lilith. It was clear she hated Tene. But what she did last night was…

I smiled. It's none of my business. Trying to comprehend Lilith is never going to happen. Giving my body a stretch, I wiggled out of the two ladies' arms, got dressed, and finally made my way to ishar's room within the western towers. I gave a few knocks, opened the door, and smiled, staring at a parchment in her hand.

"Thought you were on vacation?"

She sighed, her arms dropping to the bed. "I was, but that Ranker woke me up." She replied, turning to me with a weary yawn. "He was weak, you know."

"Everyone who fights me usually ends up having their battle prowess cut in half. My forsaken heritage ensures that. Whether its armor or weapons, living or dead, it's all the same."

"So I've heard," Ishar said. " My Master is very interested in your bloodline. He's even created a library about it. For many Chaos Cycles, he's studied your heritage, trying to find any weakness."

A chuckle escaped me. " Mephisto is always looking for a weakness."

"It's not true. While I do admit, Master focuses more on weaknesses. My Master has pushed your bloodline to levels and pressure you can't even fathom merely to see its true potential. He wants to know everything. Even if it means putting his life on the line."

"Ishar," I started, somewhat intrigued. Zariel had mentioned her a few times during our travels, but nothing was conclusive. " Why do you call Mephisto your Master? Your not really his disciple, or is it merely because of your race that seeks fealty in the Sovereign Lords."

A surprising warmth rose over her lips in a smile, charming me where I stood. "Because Master is worthy. Each of the Sovereign Lords is insanely powerful. It would be hard for me to win any battle with them. But that's to be expected of them. They are the pinnacle of dread and fear, but Master… He is a true Lord."

This woman… Did she say it would be 'hard'? Just how powerful is she?

"Schemes and Tricks aside. Lord Mephisto was the first to approach me. And against all that I know now. He bowed, showing respect to a False King of the Eighth Layer when I lived in the Fourth Heaven. I could see there was arrogance in his features. A loathing. But it wasn't for me, but rather where I stood." She smiled. " Come with me, and I shall show you the true Hells. Bael has no right to the Throne in the presence of the Bloodstained Witch, Ishar."

My heart quickened.

Mephisto said that to her in the Fourth Heaven. Just how bloody strong was she? No! Strength shouldn't have mattered. What the Hell did he see that would force Bael to step down? Now that I think about it.

"That man… He's nothing like I thought he'd be." She told me, slowly sitting up. "He's like a big kid, with power that seemed too much for even him to control. So I trained him. I taught him my Blood Laws."

"..."

"What…. WHAT!!!" I yelped, flashing in front of her, and a cheeky grin welcomed me.

'You think he made me a queen of Sylvorlum for no reason?" She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Blood Laws originated with me. And I learned them from the Abyss. There is no one better at it than me. Don't think just because I'm a King, under a sovereign Lord, I'm weak. My power rivals your brother. I've got a fifty-fifty shot at defeating him." A teasing grin soothed over her plump lips, "Boi, I am damn near as powerful as my Master."

A shudder passed and faded over my being as I backed away, both shocked and amazed at the same time. And here I thought I was a monster. But this woman… this woman was just a Devil. Yet she could rival my brother. A God of Order and Chaos? I hope that's Cap; else, that would mean that even with Zariel's weave ability, they are equal.

"You! Oh, never mind. So you taught Mephisto?"

"Everything I could. But there were many things Master couldn't grasp. But in this infinite universe, there are bound to be people you can't comprehend. I just happen to be one."

"And your sister? What of Amara?"

"She'd lose. While I will admit, it would be a good fight. My dear sister has a thirty percent shot at victory. But that could be my arrogance talking. Who knows? We only ever fought once." She said, somewhat bitterly, and rose to her feet. "I'm guessing you want to learn blood laws too? I don't mind, especially since your Master's disciple. But… and Zariel, I know you're there. You better treat me right! I'm hungry!"

"EHHHHHHH!!!!"

Giggling away, far in contrast to her innately cold nature, I foresaw, I froze.

"What? I'm on vacation if you expect me to work. You better pay up."

"It's fine. I expected as much." The voice of Zariel chimed in, garnering my attention as he appeared near the door's threshold, knocking as he entered. "It's been a while, Ishar. How's Sylvorlum?"

"A silent paradise, filled with Order." She replied, falling back to the bed, her crimson eyes poised upon my little brother, who found a thin smile. 'When will you visit."

"You know I hate entering the Hells. It'll be a while." came his reply. " I'm not there yet."

She nodded, her scarlet hair suddenly fluttering as Zariels qi began to rise. " And did you just say it was fifty Fifty? Shall we test that?"

Ishar snapped to her feet, a bloody grin revealing her fangs. " Oh? Do you think just because you defeated Michael with some cheap trick, you can rival this queen? Boi, come at me. Let aunty grant you another lesson."

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