Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

"To think it would be so late." Yu Lan bitterly buzzed, still in her pajamas.

Honest to god, I thought she would have at least tried to kill me. Even I have to admit it was creepy entering her room and snooping around. But for some reason, she was very chill about it. Is that an invitation?

"Agreed. Send over the various vendors to my estate. Tain Xifeng will be the one to decide. Now as for what we discuss."

Crossing her legs over one another, Yu smiled, under the silver moon, bathing her palace with a comforting glow. "If you think it will work, I will send Aiza an invitation for our wedding ball. Although I would be amazed if she shows."

Lifting my lips till a mist of darkness fluttered off my body, I stared with approval. "Aiza will show. The allure of control is great in those with actual power. She will make her presence known."

Taking my leave without another word, I faded from view and into the darkness, moving without sound or hesitation. I made my way out of Yu Lan's palace and into the brightly lit city of Carsia.

It was about midnight, yet the sounds of laughter, joy, and lust ran about in the salty breeze; having marked my estate, a cold intent suddenly attempted to mark my soul. It was a bit subtle, but this was not the first time someone had tried this, and it would not happen again.

'It's a God hiding in the skies.' Aegis suddenly muttered, stating the obvious.

Not bothering to take a glance up towards the skies, I continued on my way, but not towards my home, that I will properly have to change, but rather towards a bar on Seventh Street, called oddly enough Seventh.

The ambiance within Seventh was rather upscale. There weren't that many people here, but the air itself was enchanting with the whisper of music. It was strange. If I so wished it, I could hear music. If I didn't, it would vanish. It was as if I had a remote control in my head.

Finding a seat at the bar, the rather foxy bartender shot me an enchanting stare. She had long dark blue hair tied up into an elegant dragon bun. Measuring her devilish body, my stomach began to rumble. She held a deep gaze that appeared to pierce through the hearts of many and an aura that made one wish to spill their secrets.

"You seem pretty young? You got ID?" She playfully jested.

Finding a smile, I placed my arm over the counter with narrowed eyes, "Do I need one?"

Covering her mouth, she giggled, "So mysterious. What can I get you... boy."

Arching two fingers, my smile faded, "Top Shelf, Cele Fire. Straight."

Feeling an arm upon my shoulder, I turned to stare at a well-dressed man smiling at me. "Seems you found out about me. I am Christofer."

Brushing his hands off my shoulder, I nodded, "Abbadon."

Taking a seat, the foxy waiter had already poured us two glasses of some unknown type of liquid that sparkled like stars yet rippled like lava.

"We both know that's not true. I just had an interesting encounter today... Abbadon." Christofer knowingly uttered, taking a sip. He paused with a hint of surprise. "Damn, this is amazing. Good choice."

"Do I know you?" I asked, having no recollection of meeting such a man that held such a killing intent. It made mine seem insignificant.

"Oh, Yes. Sorry. The encounter. I met a man by the name of Richter Snow. You know him, don't you?" The Stranger threatened.

Bringing my glass to my lips, I closed my eyes, forming a plan. "What is it you want with my brother." I firmly said, letting the bitterness of amber and the spice of cinnamon flow through my throat.

"He is a fool. Wishes you dead, even. Tell me, Abbadon. What shall we do about this?"

Smirking, I continued with my glass, "I will ask one last time, who are you?"

"You killed my people, yet now you ask? Did you think I would not find out?"

Recalling the village attack, I chuckled, "So you wish for revenge? No, you want something. How annoying? What. Is my brother collateral?"

Sending me a chilling stare, Christofer sneered, "Collateral? Drop the caring act. We, demonic Cultivators, do not care for those that wish us dead."

"I don't know. The woman I loved had wished me dead once upon a time. Now, look at us." I teased, casting a deadly stare upon the man at my side. " But in this case, you are right. So tell me, Demon, what is your goal?"

"An alliance. I just had a wonderful dinner with Aiza. How surprised I was when she asked for my help in dealing with you."

"Deal with me? Yael is having trouble dealing with me, yet she thinks it's so easy?" I could not help but mock, "Go on then, Christopher. Do continue."

He smiled, signaling to the foxy bartender for another glass, "Well, you see, boy. While I wish you dead, I wish her dead even more. Something I am sure many can relate to. So I came to you, once she told me your name. Your true name, that is."

Allowing the music within my head to ring a bit louder, I grew a bit more comfortable as he continued, "It was quite shocking, you know. You have become quite a legend. Killing an Angel and a Prince. I must say I am indeed a fan."

"So why go after my brother."

"To get to know you after all. One must know who they are getting into bed with. I am no whore. I like to do some research."

Chuckling, I found myself nodding, "Agreed, but I know nothing about you. So how about we test your loyalty to Aiza? After all, you were having dinner together."

"Can enemies not dine together. Come now, Mr. Snow, I am a civil man." Christofer interrupted grimly, yet his eyes shown with amusement.

I smirked, lowering my empty glass, "Tell Aiza she has been invited to a Wedding Ball. My Fiancee has quite an announcement that will shake not just this realm but all those it controls."

Narrowing his cold dead, eyes, Christofer frowned, "What are you planning?"

Taking a stand, I smirked, "Did you not hear? Its War."