The Beginning Of An End

Chapter 11

"So, what do you have there?"

The full moon hung above us, casting pale light over the field. The human world always felt strangely different at this hour. Too quiet. Too still. Like the world had temporarily forgotten it was supposed to be alive. The only sound came from the wind moving through the trees, a soft reminder that we weren't the only things existing in the darkness.

Mammon placed the chest between us.

It was surprisingly plain at first glance. Wooden, medium-sized, with only the ridges decorated in gold. For someone like him, I expected something far more extravagant.

He noticed my expression.

"Disappointed?"

"I was expecting something more... you."

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"You'd be surprised how much trouble it is maintaining appearances."

He opened the chest.

Inside was enough wealth to make most humans lose their minds. Jewelry filled every inch of the bottom. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings. Some were simple, others so elaborate they looked like they belonged in the hands of kings.

I reached for one of the chains. The moment my fingers brushed against it, pain shot through my arm. I immediately pulled back.

"What the hell was that?"

"Heavenly."

I frowned.

"That's your explanation?"

"It's accurate."

"Mammon."

He sighed, picking up another piece.

"Objects touched by Heaven don't exactly welcome demons."

"So how do we know which ones aren't enchanted?"

He looked at me.

"The ones that don't attempt to punish you."

I stared.

"That is not helpful."

"It's realistic."

"You're enjoying this."

A little too much amusement appeared in his eyes.

"Maybe."

I couldn't help laughing.

It was ridiculous. Two demon kings sitting in a field in the middle of the night, gambling with celestial artifacts and hoping one of them didn't explode.

And somehow, it was the most normal I'd felt in days.

"You're insane, you know that?"

Mammon picked up another ring and immediately dropped it when it burned his fingers.

"So I've been told."

I laughed again.

It was 3 a.m. in the human world, the time when the veil between realms was thinnest. This hour drew out more than just demons; other beings roamed too. We decided it wouldn't be suspicious for us to be out, trying to piece together our plan. With Mammon now sanctioned and me resented by most demons, we found ourselves isolated. No one wanted to associate with us, which, in a way, gave us the freedom to maneuver without prying eyes.

"So each of us takes one until we find something that works."

Mammon gave me a look that suggested he found my approach painfully primitive, but he didn't argue. He simply reached into the chest and pulled out a ring.