Demons (Damirae)

Chapter Seven

"Wait a second...did you say Deadly Sin?", J'onn J'onzz (Martian Manhunter) said, interrupting Adyn.

"As in, the Seven Deadly Sins?", Hal added.

The two demons present shared a look of exasperation- having faced the question all too many times.

"Yes,", Adyn replied impatiently, "the seven sins refer to the children of Trigon: myself representing Wrath and the other five being Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Greed and Sloth."

Raven continued, "And I portray the sin Pride. Although, because the concept of the Sins is an ancient one, we aren't the original vices. It is too complicated to explain briefly."

That ended the topic promptly, encouraging Adyn to resume talking.

"As you would know, Lord Trigon was defeated, leaving Hell without it's King. However, Trigon had named Raven as his successor. Meaning that she is the rightful ruler of our people."A fire burned bright in his eyes, battling against the flames in Raven's.

Those present took in the information given, many with a grain of salt and others with mouths agape, Damian in particular, was highly attentive. It was crucial for him to understand the circumstances of the occurrences, though he knew most of what was being told already. Specifically, he took note of the evident clash between Raven and Adyn.

"But I couldn't take the throne.", she pressed, as if attempting to convince her half-brother.

In a calmer tone she resumed the story he had begun, "So, I put my elder brother, Kadaar, in my place as Regent because I knew he could be trusted. Through him I could oversee the kingdom without having to leave this realm."

Adyn picked up, "The people were warned against uprisings and our Father's close followers had been dismissed as soon as they showed any signs of resistance. For a long while, there were no issues,", a glazed look reached his ruby orbs and he sighed wistfully, "the people...they just wanted the peace. They were grateful not to be under the control of a tyrant!"

The passion in his voice struck a chord in Damian's heart. Damn if he didn't know what Adyn meant. Damn if he didn't understand what Adyn was to speak of. History always repeated itself. Damn if he didn't know what was coming.

Adyn stared intently at Damian.

"Then they came. I don't know how they breached our defences but it was with inside help. They razed the inner city to the ground and broke in to the castle,", Raven inhaled sharply at his words, "and...they...they killed Kadaar." His voice broke with emotion.

Raven's head was unclear, her feelings contrasting between fury and heartbreak. And...something else. A feeling towards Damian that she couldn't stop. A terribly negative one.

Those were her people. Her responsibility.

Shakily, she asked, "W-what about the children? Kadaar's ch-children? And Adina?"

He shook his head and her heart fell from her chest. In its place, a constricting dread.

Out of her brothers, only Kadaar, Adyn and Tavor ever showed her kindness. 

Kadaar was dead.

His children and wife were dead.

Her family and her people had died.

How had Adyn even sat through the last few hours without showing his anguish? How could he bare the pain? How did he not feel as much of a monster as Raven did? How did she not feel the death of her people? Her skin was too tight. Her tainted, bloodstained, filthy demon skin.