Cursed Beneath the Shadows

Council in Session

   In Hell:

We walk quietly next to each other and head towards the main hall, i'm sure the Elders aren't going to be too happy knowing I killed the shifter out of anger for my own personal reasons. Having the fact that no one has seen one for centuries, they're sure to be pissed off.  Dastren was also upset that I killed it, I know he is, he wanted to kill it himself. Selfish bastard. After a few minutes, we arrive at the gates and we push the doors open and head on inside. Six older men sit at the top of the two grand staircases in thrones. Each one is looking down at as and scowling, we move to be in the center of the room in front of them and stop as the door shuts behind us.

"Present yourselves before the council, and receive the silence with no fault". One of the older men towards the end raises his head and his grey beard and black eyes stare down from under his robe at us. We both bow and since Dash is on the left, goes first.

"Greeting Council members, Five Star Commander Dastren, is at your service". Silence fills the room followed by grunts and whispers.

"Councilmen, Five Star Commander Ashael reporting before you" I bow and a hand appears from the older men acknowledging us and we stand before them. A different man speaks up.

"Commanders, why are we meeting here today? We have tasked you with the simple tasks of keeping the mortal woman at bay until further notice. So why is it that the council has to hear of failure to keep a simple creature contained? This is unacceptable. You two are the highest ranking members of Hells command, no such excuses may be heard from high ranking demons. Explain yourselves, clearly and properly." The older man, Caius, is a man in his prime, centuries old, he has high power in Hell. He fought during the war between demons and angels ages ago, admired by many, he has achieved the highest recognition of honor in Hell. Though he has no eyes, he detects through lies and deceit easily.

"Council members, The fault regarding the death of the shifter falls on I, I failed to uphold my reputation and lashed out, murdering the creature in an act of aggression and thoughtlessness. I urge the council to take action regarding my incompetence". I bow my head and close my eyes.

Silence falls upon the room and I can't help but feel nervous. They have the right to strip me of my rank as Commander, they could ruin my life as a demon as I know it. Dastren clears his throat besides me.

"Councilmen, if I may, my brother has made one mistake in his decades of service, I request the council to take his years of outstanding performance in consideration of punishment according to the records". His voice fills the room and whispers and yells overlap his and a voice booms, hushing the others.

"Silence! I demand silence this instant. Ahem, you who have spoken out of place, dares to interrupt the decisions based on recklessness and irresponsibility in place of Commander Ashael is not acceptable in this confrontation. I suggest you restrict any more of your altercations as long as this audience is in session. Do I make myself clear, Commander?" His voice booms off of the walls, sending chills down my spine. I open my eyes and see Dash bow his head once, acknowledging his words. His hair falling against his forehead, sweat starts to form under it.

"Good, now, Commander, you have displeased the council with your actions greatly based off of your incompetence to uphere to the understanding and practices held here. The verdict based on your actions will be discussed momentarily. Patiently wait outside of the doors until a guard tell you to enter when we have reached our decision".

We both stand up and a guard opens the doors for us, as soon as we get out, uproar can be heard from inside. I take a seat on a nearby chair and put my elbows on my knees, hands on my head, dreading the worst.