Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

L eviathan’s footsteps echoed ominously as he approached the study door, the sound of his footfalls announcing his presence to any trying to hide. He rapped lightly on the darkened oak, the spiked tip of his wings brushing against the wall behind him as he waited.

Only a demon like Belial could get away with keeping the Prince of Envy waiting, and even then, Leviathan’s patience was thin.

“Enter,” a cold voice called out from within.

With the grace of a predator and the confidence of a conqueror, Leviathan pushed open the door and stepped into the opulent chamber, his eagle-like eyes taking in every luxurious detail with a mix of disdain and appreciation.

The study was a lavish space adorned with richly decorated furniture, expensive tapestries, and shelves filled with ancient tomes and artifacts. The air was heavy with the scent of tobacco and power, both of which came from the dark figure seated behind the desk.

A sinuous trail of smoke wafted from an ornate pipe perched in the corner of Belial’s mouth, casting an otherworldly glow across his cruel, yet beautiful, features.

The Crossroads demon could shift his shape, taking on whatever guise was necessary to gain a signature on his contracts.

Contracts were born almost entirely out of human envy. Certainly, there were a few humans who only sought to save an ailing friend or lover, but the typical requests dealt with the human’s desires over their baser needs—greed, lust, and envy being the top three.

The two demons were old rivals. A rivalry fueled by their mutual desire for power and control.

“Levi,” he purred, a twisted smirk playing on his lips. “To what do I owe this displeasure?”

He paused, working as hard as he could not to correct the demon at the use of his nickname. “I have come to discuss our latest acquisition,” Leviathan said smoothly, cutting straight to the point.

Belial leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together thoughtfully. “Ah yes, the mortal kingdom of Aldor,” he said with a sly smile. “I must say, I am impressed with your abilities.”

Leviathan smirked at the compliment. He had always prided himself on being able to outmaneuver and outwit his enemies, but hearing it was always delicious.

“But I must caution you,” Belial continued. “Do not let your greed blind you. The other princes will not take kindly to your sudden rise in power.”

Leviathan’s smirk turned into a scowl at the warning. No one gave him a warning except the king. He despised being underestimated or told what to do by anyone, especially by someone beneath him.

“Do not worry about me,” Leviathan retorted coolly. “I have no intention of sharing my new kingdom with anyone.”

Belial chuckled darkly. “That is where our differences lie,” he said cryptically before changing the subject abruptly. “Now tell me, is the other reason you’re here? You’ve never come to discuss business before.”

“I have an invitation, one that I have decided to personally deliver to the highest demon lords in my realm,” Leviathan began, brandishing the crisp parchment adorned with his seal of the realm. “A ball, Belial. And you are expected to attend.”

Belial’s eyes shone with cruel delight as he set down his quill, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “The highest demon’s soirees are always so entertaining, aren’t they? The amount of envy that courses through the guests is positively delicious. Is that your play?” His gaze lingered on Leviathan’s form, as if he could see right through to the covenant that bound them.

“Indeed,” Leviathan replied curtly. He didn’t appreciate the way the demon continued to try to one up him. “We are to bring our most cherished. . . possession.”

Belial’s eyes narrowed. “And why would you think I’d keep my most valuable trinkets on display, Levi?”

“As a Crossroads Demon, your contracts yield very fruitful goods,” Leviathan shot back, his voice low but laced with steel. “Besides, I’m certain you wouldn’t want word getting around that you couldn’t back up your grandiose claims of being the richest demon lord in the realm. Would you, Belial?”

Belial’s fist clenched tight around the pipe as he finally took it from between his lips, but he eventually relented with a careless wave of his hand. “Fine, I’ll attend your ball. But for now, I must bid you adieu, Levi.” His voice dripped with false politeness as he stood, towering over the other Leviathan who still sat.

Leviathan’s wings twitched in agitation, but he knew better than to antagonize Belial further, and if he killed the demon, which there is no doubt would, he’d have a supply issue.

“Until then,” he said stiffly, spinning on his heel to leave.

“Oh, Belial,” Levi called out, stopping for just a moment. “Don’t be late, or I’ll be forced to. . . entertain myself with whomever is your most recent acquisition.”

Just before crossing the threshold, his gaze caught something in the corner of the room, stopping him a second time. A stunning woman in dirt-covered rags stood with fiery red hair cascading down her back. She was unlike any he had ever seen before. Dirt smudged her face, and tears streaked down her cheeks, but even in her disheveled state, she was undeniably beautiful.

Belial noticed Leviathan’s lingering stare and smirked knowingly. “Ah, my latest acquisition,” he said, gesturing towards the woman. “I just couldn’t resist adding her to my collection.”

Leviathan’s eyes narrowed at Belial’s callous words as he stepped further into the room, his gaze never leaving the woman. “And what purpose does she serve in your collection?” he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

“Oh, she serves many purposes,” Belial replied with a wicked smile. “But for now, she is simply my entertainment.”

The woman looked up at them with fear and hatred in her eyes before quickly averting her gaze again.

“How long have you had her?” Leviathan asked, ignoring Belial’s cruel words.

“Just a few weeks,” Belial answered nonchalantly. “But I can tell she will be a valuable addition to my collection.”

Leviathan clenched his jaw tightly as he fought down the urge to lunge at Belial and rip him apart for his callous treatment of this woman. The premise of defending her made no sense to him, but it was like a calling from his blood.

“Well then,” Leviathan said through gritted teeth. “If she’s so special, I demand an audience with her.”

The woman’s gasp was audible, and she did not have the wherewithal to look away. No, her ice blue eyes stared at Leviathan with something unknown in their depths.

“Out of the question.”

Leviathan’s eyes blazed with fury as he stared down at Belial, his grip on the demon’s shirt tightening. “Out of the question?” he hissed, his wings unfurling with lightning speed as he landed on the demon’s desk.

Belial remained calm, even in the face of Leviathan’s enraged display. “She is my contract,” he said coolly. “I will not allow anyone to interfere with my possessions.”

“Your possessions?” Leviathan scoffed, his wings ruffling in agitation. “You and everything in this house belong to me.” Leviathan ran a sharp talon over Belial’s face drawing out the inky black ichor. “You’ll do well to remember that.”

The room fell silent for a moment as both demons glared at each other, their animosity simmering just below the surface. Belial’s color had paled slightly, and the distinct smell of fear came from his pores, but for his part, he kept his face impassive.

Finally, Leviathan broke the silence. “Let’s try this again,” he declared firmly. “I demand time with her.”

Belial chuckled darkly before standing up from his chair. “Very well,” he said smoothly. “You may have your audience.” He gestured toward the woman who was still standing silently in the corner of the room.

Leviathan stepped off of Belial’s desk and approached her cautiously. She flinched away from him but didn’t run or try to defend herself.

“Hello,” Leviathan said gently, trying to appear non-threatening, if he wanted this human’s envy, he couldn’t be the demon.

She looked up at him through wary eyes before speaking for the first time since they entered the room. “Why are you here?” she asked, her voice shaking with fear.

“I am here to invite you and your bullheaded owner to a ball. But first, we shall get to know one another,” He extended his hand and watched as her eyes focused on his wings. “Come,” Leviathan snatched her hand when she did not take it.

It made no sense, but this human woman appealed to him, called out to him.

And you will find out why.