Seasons in the Abyss (Book 4 EptaBorromean Realms)

Chapter 4.18

Asmodeus did not hesitate to lead his legion of demons into the realms of men, opening a portal that led them directly into first the far realm and then to Black Mountains outside Hyreath Academy. However, unlike his brothers, he did not engage in battle. Rather than fight for his father's cause, his legion instead created obstacles to slow the movements of the nine princes. Scrawling quick messages onto the small talisman, he gave their enemy advanced information on movements, tactics, locations, and weaknesses.

Any sense of brotherly allegiance or affection had died when they tortured him.

He would see them all slaughtered before raising a hand to their aid, in this lifetime or any other.

"My Lord, dragons are approaching!" One of his generals called out.

"Bow your heads! Do not move," Deus ordered.

The demons dropped their weapons and lowered their heads. When the dragon, a massive beast, landed before him, Asmodeus bowed his head.

"Tell me why I shouldn't kill you where you stand!" It growled.

Head still bowed, Asmodeus dropped to one knee. "Consider this a request from an old friend, your majesty," he stated solemnly.

"Friend? Who is your friend, demon prince?"

"I cannot take back what happened, but neither was I part or parcel of that injustice. I loved her. I will do anything to see her again, Qyseil," he whispered softly, so that only she could hear.

The great dragon suddenly reduced to a petite woman with flowing white hair. Her eyes scoured the demon army before her, her tongue flicking out to taste the truth of their intentions.

"Say it again," she demanded, stalking toward Asmodeus's knelt form. Her rage radiated off of her body like a force of chaos itself.

"I loved her as much as I could, Qyseil. I was tortured for thousands of years after the Szyzgy, my memories locked away. I was the one who sent the journal to Hyreath, a button to Oxa, talismans to the various realms..." He informed her.

Qyseil's footing faltered. No one knew about the journal that Viktoria kept except for her, and she only knew of it because of the girl, Angel.... Angeline.

"Why you?" She asked instead.

Asmodeus lifted his gaze to hers and held it. "Because in that one moment, I felt everything that was right and perfect in the realms. She showed me the whole of the cosmos, chaos, and her heart. For a demon prince, I was as good as ruined by her love," he admitted.

"She loved Erebus her whole life! How could you fill that?" she demanded.

"Erebus never loved Sraia, Qyseil. We both know that. He was consumed by the essence she carried, not the woman she was. I loved her for her," he swore.

Qyseil rolled her eyes. "Please. You couldn't wait to bleed her -"

"SHUT UP!" He shouted suddenly, standing to his feet. "You will not tarnish what I had with her. You will not sully my memories of her! She was perfect, Qyseil. Sraia was my world. I BROKE WHEN SHE DIED!"

Qyseil snarled. "I don't believe! I never once saw these moments you speak of!"

Asmodeus stepped forward again. "Then search my memories. Let me show you the moments she kept hidden from her beloved guardian."

Qyseil moved like a shadow, her clawed hand reaching out and grasping his head. Asmodeus winced and dropped to his knees as she pulled through his memories with force, causing significant discomfort for the demon prince.