Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

“We’ve successfully pushed back the Angels within Nessa,” Damaris told me, pointing toward the screen, showcasing the strategy used. “Nessa will be a paramount zone in the future since it’s rich with resources. We’d like to begin the tarnishing process to acclimate it to the Abyss, with your permission, of course.”

“What do the Fallen have to say? They did assist, didn’t they?” I pointed out. No such thing as a free lunch. 𝒃𝙚𝙙𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝒍．𝒆𝒕

“They will not say a thing.” End responded in his typical stony voice. “I suspect they want us to tarnish it before they attack themselves. Once we tarnish all those irreplaceable resources, we’ll essentially be giving the Fallen opportunity. The Fallen didn’t ask for anything since this war started and—”

“We don’t need the Fallen,” I told him, tapping my finger against the table. I frowned as the pressure of unease over my chest grew the longer this war progressed. I don’t want to admit it, but if the Fallen were to join the Seraphim, it would be a problem. But it’s worth the risk. I just need a contingency based on if I were to lose this territory.

Nessa was a primary foxhole within Iluthath. When We attacked, Damaris was able to sense the aura of multiple Fallen and Arch-Angels. It would not be a stretch to say they were probably plotting something. Unfortunately for them, I’m quite proficient with schemes. I knew exactly what to do to ensure that only Pure Blood Abyssal Fiends benefit.

Want to scheme against this Queen? I’m going to poison your entire family! Everyone you all ever loved!

“Send Dutchess Cyra. Allow her to ‘taint’ to such a degree even the Fell Gods will be purged by its corruption.”

Damaris shot me a surprised gleam. “My Lady? We’d lose so much metals, food, and—”

“I’ll be no one’s pawn,” I promised. “Cyra has the strongest form of corruption. It’s so powerful not even Hellmaster should be able to survive more than an hour within the depths of her Forest. Let her destroy any plan the Fallen have. End you will assist. You and Cyra seemed to have an intimate relationship.”

“I hate the bitch.” End replied stoically.

“…”

I couldn’t resist it. I smiled, almost bursting into a snicker. It was always funny to see how childish those two acted. One minute these two liked each other the next day or year, and they were at each other necks. Weirdest Brother Sister bond I’d seen.

“You two love each other.” I teased, enjoying the darkening of his expression. “Plus, you have a special weapon, don’t you? Eroma has the Eyes of Truth. Have him assist. He should prove more than useful. Also, send Elsa my way. Not fair she’s getting her pussy eaten out, and I’m not.”

‘Dear lord, ‘ Vita and Damaris whispered with reddening cheeks. Goddamn virgins!

“Yes, my Lady.” Said End with a pained look. He bowed his head, masking his already stoic emotions.

I nodded in the affirmative. Seeing End understood, I grew a little more serious. “Next order of business. Where are we in finding Shiva? That peaceful motherfucker thinks he can join my war and flee? ”

“Injured.” Vita told me, “But should we push? Zariel will…”

“Allow Aurelia to handle Zariel. She knows all the ‘right’ buttons on him. I want Shiva either cripple or dead. He’s no ally of the Abyss. If you can’t find him, annihilate his pantheon. If he has a child, turn him into an Abyssal Fiend, we’ll see if he has the nerve to kill his spawn. Less I do it for him.”

“My lady…” Vita started.

“No! He attacked us! He chose his side!” I barked, clenching my fist so tight red liquid pooled around my palm. “We are not an individual. We are the Abyss. Connected by a Hive Mind. Anyone who tries to abuse or force our hand will feel the Wrath of us all.” I promised her, peering deep into Vita’s eyes, leaving no room to discuss.

This entire manhunt wasn’t about being petty. It was about pride. Shiva appeared in the midst of a War he had no business in, defending the bastards experimenting on my brethren. He chose the side of the Seraphim. Thinking he stood a chance. The arrogance! A price needed to occur.

Just because you are one of the Strongest within the Mryaid doesn’t mean shit! The moment you attacked and swung your sword, every Abyssal Fiend within the entire Abyss had begun analyzing every aspect of your being. Nothing was left unchecked. Nothing. By the time we find him, or he returns: A new Combat Style will have been perfected to combat his every technique. Shiva’s only option is to bow his fucking head.

Jerking up, I smiled and touched my womb, feeling my son kicking his mommy! I melted, listening to the heartbeats of these two angels growing within me. Each pulse of their tiny hearts was like a blessing words couldn’t even begin to describe. Who knew having a baby would be so… fulfilling.

“We’ll find him, my Lady,” Vita assured me, cuffing her palms together. She looked down at my womb. And the spark of calamity reignited within her alluring eyes.

“Good… Now, where are we in killing Arsene’s Harem?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“What? Did you think I’d forget? That is priority one! Hehe,” I said, giggling with deadly eyes. “Who is the first target? Please tell me it’s my sister?”

“My lady, don’t you think we have better things to discuss?” Vita couldn’t help but ask.

“No-No! I’m with my Lady on this one.” Damaris claimed, folding her arms, her finger curled around a strand of scarlet hair as she continued. “He cheated… multiple times.”

“I mean… Look. I’m not trying to defend Arsene, but… We still haven’t figured out who tried to kill our Lady, Tiamat, or Truck-kun. I suspect the Angels, but… we don’t have major leads. Shouldn’t our time be focused on that?”

“Well!” End added, raising his hand. “It’s not like it’s arsnes’ fault.” He said, surprising everyone within the War Room. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s true. I’m just saying. Her Majesty never once said not to have a harem.”

“It’s implied!” We all screamed at him.

“Arsene isn’t a mind reader. I’m just saying. It seems you just like the fact you get to steal something away from him. Again not to offend, but if you really wanted him to stop… you’d command him to. I’m sure he respects you enough to listen, but you won’t. Because you like the dynamic.”