Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Chapter 668 Noctem

We stood peering over the horizon at the coming darkness, etching closer, an amethyst blue seemed to skim over the evening. Light from the once-stained city of evil seemed like a dream under the guidance of Idun, where multicolored stars glowed beneath the clouds, revealing the peace and serenity of a blistering metropolis of wonder.

"It's beautiful," Sera muttered.

"Agreed, but this was all Iduns doing." I concluded, lifting my lips, "She has been in transitions, but everything is going well, even without her presence. I will have to thank Freya for that."

Seraphina shot me a side glance, filled with suspicion, "Transitions?" She said, hoping for an answer, to my amusement.

"To Shadowfell, my race, of course. So Tyr, Thor, Baldr, and all the other Aesir and Vanir Gods are in transition. However, I am unsure if Freya turned the Vanir's as I asked. I have been rather irresponsible as of late." I could not help but say. My tumultuous hundred years of booty was proof enough of that. Not that I regret what I did.

"An army–"

"A Linage," I corrected, gazing down at the brightly lit city below, "All that you see down there, I will soon change. No more will there be demons and devils in my land, but a black haze of shadows of monsters. Once they awake, they will change and convert their loyal subjects, and those people will convert another set till all of Midgard and the other realms are Shadowfell. I have about nine more years left."

The young Archangels' aura seemed to waver, drawing my attention. Her fingers were clenched shut, and her eyes were hard as stone, "To what end?"

I lifted my eyes towards my throne from off the balcony, calling my name with its invisible spell. It was a good question. I had zero intention of being an emperor, but many things have happened. I needed an army. I needed power. Zantar was out for something; he left me alive on purpose, not to mention his relationship as a Fallen in Heaven gravely worries me. If he is stronger than Asmodeus, then the finale of Lilith's festival is sure to be dark, and all my instincts are telling me I will not be able to stop it.

"Who knows," I concluded, stepping off the balcony and walking up to the crystal stairs that echoed with my footsteps, leading up my throne. I took my rightful seat, and a weariness filled me; the more I pondered over Zantars intentions, then there was Balor. He has been on my mind, and it scares me.

Resting my eyes, I found a brief moment to relax my weary body when a long sigh raced from my lips as a wave of Demonic Qi exploded within my Palace walls. Picking up on the familiar presence, I leaned on my chin while Seraphina's Aura began to flare, but I was quick to act.

"No need for hostility, Sera. He is an ally. Isn't that right, Knight of Hell, Kar? Do you prefer Kar? Your name is just so long and hard to pronounce." I lazily reached out, wishing for nothing more than to have a night of rest.

Pushing into my throne room in a fit of wildness and charm, Hell's Knight growled, standing at attention, a hint of alarm rippled over his stance as his eyes crossed with Seraphina, but he did not bother to address her. To my surprise. He turned with a blazing ferocity and slowly bent a knee. "My Master."

I had not even time to process what was happening when Seraphina shot me a menacing stare, "What is the meaning of this."

"I'm not cheating on you, I swear!" I shouted without thinking, witnessing the absolute fury building over Sera's expression. Unable to help myself, I laughed, "I'm kidding. I, too, am curious. Care to explain?"I lightly directed to Karthronig, who lowered his head to mask his expression; his silver hair fluttered with a mysterious oppressive force emanating from his pores.

"I assure you it's not of my free will, but my duty to the Hells must come first as a Knight of Hell. By the Nines, I have been tasked with helping you in whatever it may need." He claimed, startling both Sera and me.

"The Hells? The Actual Hells?" She said. "They actually commanded you? Impossible, unless there is a coming catastrophe, why would the Hells—"

"It's because of that very reason, Angel. I am upon my knees." Kar venomously spouted, sending a murderous stare toward Seraphina, and his gaze settled on me, "The Hells are sure of a coming darkness, and it will seem, You and Lilith are to be our champions."

I rose from my throne with a lingering dark flame creeping over my soul. "Does the Hells have any information?"

"Yes. There are two, my Master. Two Fallens. Names we do not know, but there are two." He said, and a calming truth spun inside my mind. "All Seven Knights of Hell are at your disposal, My Master."

"Arsene, this is worse than we thought. If the Hells are asking for help, then the balance is breaking. Arbiters will soon be descending, but we cannot be sure whose side they will be on." Said Seraphina gravely, unable to mask the fear building.

"Kar," I slowly said, raising my hand for Sera to hold her tongue, "Pull your forces to Midgard, then head to Hell via my portal, and begin gathering your fellow knights and armies. It doesn't matter how powerful they are or if they are newborns; bring them all. They will join Vaevictus and be forced into the realm of God."

"Arsene, you can't. The number of souls—"

"I already have," I coldly stated. Mimir had perfectly handled it. We had the souls, and we had the divinity. "It's already done. Sera, you will be heading with me to Noctem. Lilith is not here, and I don't—"

"I'm here, Sene." Lilith softly stated, racing out from behind Kar, with my entire family behind her; I narrowed my eyes at the warm, welcoming regard, but my heart turned icy. Now was not the time, "Lilith, Sera, and Richter, you're with me."

"I would never! Not in this lifetime, work with you!" Richter spat grievously, but his words fell on deaf ears. He could be a good sacrifice if needed. I needed him. Only the Hells know what I am walking into.

"Let's go to Noctem."