The Beginning Of An End

Chapter 22

Shortly after Beelzebub and I finished in his realm, we teleported back to the palace to find Mammon. The hall was already filling with demons, gathering as if for an event.

The castle looked untouched—like the damage had never happened. I glanced at Beelzebub; he was just as taken aback. Our plans would have to wait. Even so, the scattered formation of the crowd hinted that nobody fully understood why they had gathered.

I scanned the stairs at the center, realizing the Devil was about to make an important speech. Beelzebub and I edged further into the crowd, eyes searching for Mammon—or Belial—but the dense throng swallowed familiar faces.

Finally, the Devil descended. His gaze swept over the crowd, lingering briefly on me. I met his eyes, forcing myself to remain steady, and he moved on.

He inhaled deeply. "Now that you've gathered, I have a tragic announcement." The crowd gasped; whispers rippled through the hall. For the first time in a long while, the Devil seemed serious, almost normal, without the usual madness in his eyes.

"Due to the recent breach by the Norse gods and the interference of other beings"—he shot me a glance before continuing—"there has been a grievous loss. Our trusted and mighty king, Astaroth, has been murdered. He is no longer with us."

Silence fell, heavy and uncomfortable. Though I already knew, the words struck me anew. I bit my inner cheek and caught Beelzebub's gaze; he grimaced in disbelief. Guilt pricked me—Beelzebub had been caught in my chaos too. Wherever I went, destruction seemed to follow.

"We will organize a fitting event to honor him. His death, along with the Norse gods' weapon Mjolnir being drawn into a void by unforeseeable events, has disrupted Astral—particularly Hell, where it occurred. Chaos from Asgard may seep here. Be prepared. In the meantime, we will organize training to face the worst."

With that, he ended his speech and gazed over the crowd. Whispers of fear rippled through the demons, each succumbing to uncertainty. I looked at Beelzebub; he was as shocked and confused as everyone else.

"You know, for a while, I thought you were just a bit crazy," he said, locking eyes on me. "Now I see you've truly lost it. Couldn't you have kept meeting Loki somewhere else?"

"Well, technically it was his idea. And what—fight a god?" I shrugged, crossing my arms. "Not even the Devil could beat him when Loki was just a bird."

"Fair. But there were ways to make him change his mind."

"Maybe. Too late now," I said, and we fell silent.

Then the Devil's voice pierced my mind—not aloud, but in a sharp, high-pitched whisper. Sending this to all Kings. Follow me to the office.

The message hit like lightning. I turned to Beelzebub; he gave a knowing nod. Paimon and Belphegor were already moving, and I followed.

"The rest of you can go until further notice," the Devil said, addressing the crowd one last time before ascending to the top of the palace.

Pushing through the throng, I glimpsed Mammon. Our eyes met briefly, and I forced a smile before dashing up the stairs with the others. Beelzebub caught up, walking beside me. I tried to put space between us and Mammon, but he was faster, soon joining our path. Just being near him made me want to curse.

"I wonder where Belial is," I muttered, curiosity slipping out. Mammon raised an eyebrow, questioning my motives.

"Perhaps he's imprisoned," he said, unexpectedly candid. "Which works in our favor—we won't need to stay constantly vigilant."

I merely glared and let the conversation fizzle.

Soon enough, we reached the top of the palace and the Devil ushered us into his office. He took his seat behind the desk, leaning forward with his elbows resting against it. His gaze lingered on each of us before he drew a slow breath.