Guardian of My Heart

Chapter 26: A Traitor in Our Midst

Sullivan's POV:

Thunder and lightning clashed outside of the great tower where the meeting of the Thirteen Crowns was being held. A few of the crowns were absent from the gathering, but most of the head demons in charge of running the Netherworld were in attendance. While the rest of the crowns debated and fought below on the 665th floor of the tower, three of the most powerful demons in the entire realm sat across from one another. Lord Belial, Lord Sullivan, and Lady Levi. Belial placed his elbows onto the table, his chin resting on the back of his hands. "Let's settle this, once and for all." Lady Levi folded her hands in her lap as she ducked her head down, the shadows obscuring her eyes. "Indeed." As a bolt of lightning struck outside a nearby window, the two greats slammed down folders, each containing various pictures and documents. "My grandson is the cutest! I mean, just look at how tiny and smooth his little hands are!" "Nonsense! Cuteness isn't everything, my grandson is also highly intelligent just like his grandmother! See how many awards he's won?!" The two bickered back and forth for a while, before calling me to be the final judge as usual. Only, this time things would be different. "Sully?" "Hehehe, I'm not the same demon I used to be. BEHOLD!!!" I produced a folder of my very own, greatly surprising both my fellow greats. "I've got a grandson now as well! His name is Iruma and isn't he just the fluffiest little bundle of joy you've ever laid your eyes on?!" Levi and Belial looked at the pictures I had on display, all of them featuring a blue-haired demon being held by either me, Opera, or the both of us.

"How do you have a grandchild?!" "You don't even have any children of your own, how could you have possibly skipped directly to having a grandkid?!" I simply pointed one of my fingers to a picture of Iruma and Opera. It was a picture of the two sleeping together in Iruma's bed. I had finished (neglected) my duties for the day and went to go check on my dearest grandson before dinner. Upon noticing the adorable scene before me, however, I knew that the moment would need to be immortalized. "I had to literally freeze time to capture this one, you know? Otherwise, Opera would have woken up for sure! But cuteness aside, look at both of them." As the two greats finally felt the haze of confusion and annoyance lift, they both noticed the cat ears and tail on the boy, finally putting the pieces together. "I don't believe it. You found your security devil's son, Sully?" "I know what I said earlier about cuteness not being everything, but even I must admit this is a rather touching moment." I gathered the photos together once more as I explained the situation to my friends. "It was actually Henri that found the boy. The poor thing was being abused and tortured. I still don't think Henri fully forgives himself for his part in all this." After a tense silence, Lady Levi spoke up. "And how have mother and son been doing now that they are reunited?" A smile made its way to my lips as I recalled how Iruma would hug Opera after every meal, how they would tuck him into bed and read him stories, and especially the memory of Opera teaching Iruma how to fly. "Things are a bit wobbly, which is to be expected. But I believe Iruma is adjusting well to his new life with us. And Opera may hide it well, but I can see how much happier they've become. I think they had almost forgotten that something was missing from their life until Iruma returned."

Tears were present in all three of the great heroes' eyes, but warm smiles adorned our faces. Belial eventually broke the silence. "What about the kid's dad?" Lady Levi scoffed. "I certainly hope that poor excuse of a man never draws another breath personally." "Nothing has changed from Henri's initial report fourteen years ago in regard to Iruma's biological father, and at this point trying to find him is irrelevant. The more worrying manner at hand is Iruma's mental state after the abuse he suffered from his human caretakers." The other two greats easily noticed that my voice took on a dark edge at the mention of the word caretakers. My aura was practically pooling at my feet by now, a power amplified by so much anger it had even Belial and Levi slightly afraid. "It's not our place to pry, Belial. Besides, I'm sure Sully has been taking wonderful care of his grandson now that the boy is truly home." Lady Levi sent a calming look my way, which thankfully had the intended effect, helping me reign in my rage as she continued. "I imagine it's more the same with school then. Hopefully he hasn't been targeted by any bullies." I let out a short laugh at that, catching Lady Levi slightly off guard. "Actually, he's garnered quite the loyal following among his peers. Those closest to him guard him quite fiercely now, perhaps even more so than Opera and myself at times. Although, Iruma has gotten into a few fights and confrontations during these first few weeks. It's a tad worrying, but he's doing his best, and his support system has helped greatly."