Contracts with Fundamental Gods were unheard of.
Even the crazy and power hungry were cautious enough to avoid signing a contract with Death God. As the suspected culprit behind the Dark Gates’ descent on Earth, most humans despised Kai’s father.
An intelligent minority understood that the tragedy of the Dark Gates had saved them from themselves. New resources, Gifts and even the sacrifice of half of humanity stopped the unending wars, offering a path for survival. Whether the product was worth the price was debatable, but there’d be no debate if the Dark Gates hadn’t landed.
But no matter which side they fell on, everyone feared death.
A clatter echoed through the chamber. Alira tensed. Kai’s focus stayed on the creature, man, or whatever stood in front of them. His senses tracked a small creature troubling a bone pile.
A heavy weight emerged in Kai’s stomach. A contract with his Father could be good or bad news. Death God didn’t have many cheerleaders, but this creature called him magnanimous and generous.
‘Devious and despicable’ came with the territory.
Maybe they were on good terms? Kai’s thumb traced the imprint of his silver ring. Did this creature’s relationship with Death God even matter? He’d have to reveal their connection to make use of it. But doing that in front of Alira…
Risky.
She didn’t seem to hate Demons like most, but that could be an act.
She might unleash her troublesome Curse if he revealed his true heritage. Better to keep his secret and find another way to convince the creature. A way that didn’t risk his life, his alliance, or—
Kharon’s voice cut through his thoughts.
Kai worried. How could he not? His jaw tightened.
Replying might seem suspicious, but he could explain whispering to his Guardian. Whatever Kharon planned wouldn’t be subtle or explainable - the bastard didn’t do discretion.
He opened his mouth to respond, but Kharon made the decision for him.
A black cloud surged from his chest, flooding forth past Alira, halting before the handsome creature. An ice sword materialised in Alira’s hand, but she didn’t move to attack. The cloud contracted into a sphere, then stretched into a humanoid shape.
Kai’s wide eyes studied the familiar onyx statue in his dark robe. His robe swirled and fluttered in the still air. It had a deeper darkness than their unlit surroundings. Sweat trickled down Kai’s forehead. His gloves suffocated clammy hands.
What was Kharon up to? He glanced at Alira. How would she react?
Rusk had summoned his Guardian before. Thread God’s aura was more oppressive than Kharon’s fragment. But Kharon’s presence emanated darkness and death - unusual for a Guardian from Space God.
Alira was smart enough to notice the discrepancy.
“Levi!” Kharon said. “You haven’t forgotten your obligations, have you?”
Levi raised his head to meet Kharon’s gaze. “I would do no such thing! I’m a man of my word!”
Kharon shook his head. “Then why are you treating my little brother so poorly?”
“Kharon, if this is one of your jokes—”
“This is no joke, old friend. He’s the heir you’ve been waiting for. Your second tiresome task is complete.”
Levi’s eyes shifted to Kai, then back to Kharon, back to Kai, then returned to Kharon. “Truly?”
“When have I lied to you?”
Levi scoffed. “Your line is full of devious tricksters. Even if you haven’t revealed your true colours yet…Caution serves me better than regret.”
Kharon clutched his chest. “Guilty by association? I thought you knew me better than that.”
“He’s the heir? Does Death God favour weaklings now?”
“Oh, that.” Kharon waved a dark hand. “Partly my fault. His second Curse makes him seem weak, but his strength is reasonable - compared to you, of course. You’re both ants to me.”
Alira stayed silent but attentive. Like Kai, she kept her eyes on the potential threats.
Levi’s eyes narrowed. He sniffed the air.
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“Ah! I do smell Death God on him. Seems the time has come for me to leave this miserable cave. You!” He pointed at Kai. “What shall I call you?”
Kai checked Alira’s reaction. She had an eyebrow raised, but hadn’t moved to cut him down. Better than he’d expected. She still gripped her sword, ready for combat, but he took the win.
Kai’s gaze returned to Levi. “The name’s Kai.”
Levi shook his head. “He didn’t even grant you a House name. Typical.”
He flew across the cave like a moving shadow and halted before Kai. Kai tensed, ready to cut the creature down at any sign of aggression. Alira’s stance shifted. Ready to strike.
But there was no need.
Levi fell to one knee and bowed his head. His tone was flat when he spoke. “Kai, heir of Death God, I pledge my services from this day forward, until Death God’s contract is fulfilled.”
Kai’s mouth hung open. A chill rushed through his body. He recognised a soul bond forming.
Levi continued in the same tone. “If you fail to fulfil the duty entrusted to you, I will devour your soul, as stated in clause three-thirteen.”
Kai closed his mouth and frowned. “Why would I agree to that?”
Levi snorted, raising his head. “You’ve already agreed.”
The bond solidified. Kai glared at Kharon.
His elder brother shrugged. “Father crafted the contract and consented on your behalf. You are bound.”
Kai’s pulse raced. Heat rose to his face. He wanted to shout, to protest, to reject this farce. But what was the point?
Who would listen? Who would care? Who could defy a god?
He took a deep breath.
“You’re Death God’s heir,” Alira said. “That doesn’t make sense...the Space Gift…”
She hadn’t swung her blade yet.
A smile slowly formed. “It’s a long story, tell you later.”
Alira nodded.
“You’re not going to cut me down?” he asked.
“Why would I?”
“Because I’m a Demon.”
Alira revealed a faint smile. “My sister used to say, ‘Actions make you who you are,’ and I believe her.”
“Used to? What changed?”
“The Ashvales killed her.”
His smile faded, voice softening. “Sorry for your loss.”
“Wasn’t your fault.” Her chin rose. “I’ll deliver justice to those scoundrels. I’ll treat with any devil, Demon, or god to do it.”
“Pragmatic.”
“Indeed. Plus, you saved me, even though I was useless against Gideon.”
She’d pushed him out of the way of a flaming spear first, but who was keeping score?
His smile returned. “Distractions are always useful.”
She huffed, shaking her head. Their eyes met. “If I’m to ally with a Demon, I could do worse than a god’s heir.”
His chest inflated, but his brow furrowed.
Can I trust her?
She sighed. “You still don’t trust me.”
“You can read minds?”
“It’s written all over your face.”
“Can you blame me?”
“No, caution is smart. But have I given you reason to distrust me?”
He snorted. “Besides blackmail and forcing me to assassinate nobles?”
Still kneeling, Levi cleared his throat.
Alira shrugged. “That was business. A mutual transaction.” She gestured at the glowing pedestal. “I held up my end, didn’t I?”
True, she’d done nothing he wouldn’t have. And she came through.
They were a perfect match. She couldn’t lose unless she died, and he could heal her. Death wasn’t even final - he’d resurrect her. An undead with her Gift and Curse would have no weaknesses - in theory.
If she betrayed him, he still had Silas up his sleeve.
“I can trust you?” he asked.
“We can trust each other.”
He released a long breath.
“That’s good to kno—”
“Besides, if you betray me, I won’t lose.”
He shook his head. Alira’s confidence, lack of fear, understanding - it was more than he’d expected. More than he’d hoped for.
Levi cleared his throat again. “If you’re done with the heart-to-heart…”
Kai glared at him. “What is my duty? Can I read the contract that binds me?”
Kharon glided toward them. “No. Speaking your target’s name will alert them. All will be revealed in time, little brother. But know this: Father wouldn’t give you this duty if you couldn’t accomplish it. He wants you to succeed.”
A target that knows when you speak their name? Some gods can do that.
His gaze sharpened. He had to find a loophole in this crazy contract!
He now understood why Levi called his Father devious, despicable, magnanimous, and generous.
On one hand, Death God gave him many advantages: the Dark Book, Kharon’s services, Levi, Space God’s ring. He’d even revived him.
But how could he trust someone so mysterious, devious, and inconsiderate? His Father signed away his soul before he could read the fine print. Worse, he’d forced him into conflict with a god! What kind of bastard does that?
Kharon laid a hand on Levi’s shoulder.
“Levi’s an old friend, one of the undead I mentioned. He’ll be useful in your Ascension.”
Kharon smiled and turned his head toward Alira. “Look at that, your lady friend stayed after discovering your dark secrets. Who could ask for a better companion?” He laughed. “As Grandmother predicted.”
As Grandmother predicted? Another scheming family member. Life was simpler when he was an orphan.
Kharon’s body disintegrated into swirling darkness before surging into Kai’s chest. Back to his Soul Palace. Only Levi and Alira remained.
“So, Levi,” Kai said.
“Yes, my lord,” Levi said, distaste evident.
Kai sighed. “If we’re working together, shouldn’t we try to get along?”
Levi clicked his tongue and said nothing.
Kai shook his head. “You can stand.”
Levi rose, turned toward Alira, and offered her a smile. He scowled as his gaze returned to Kai.
What did I do?
But Levi’s feelings didn’t matter - the ill-mannered bastard had pledged to serve him. That was good enough for now. He needed to assess his new henchman’s abilities.
“You’re undead?” Kai said. “So, what can you do?”
Levi raised his chin and grunted. “I’m no mere undead. I’m a vampire. My skills are many.” He gestured to the surrounding area. “This Domain of darkness strengthens my abilities, even under the contemptuous sun.”
Kai nodded. “The sun is bad news for vampires, right? I’ve read about that. Will it turn you to ash or make you sparkle?”
Levi’s eyes narrowed. The shadows concealing his body melted away, revealing a cape and, Kai had to admit, a fashionable ensemble. White shirt, red gem in a steel necklace. His shirt was open, revealing a muscular chest. Sapphire rings adorned his right hand; black trousers covered his legs.
“Sunlight,” Levi said, “is inconvenient. It weakens me.”
“That’s all?”
Levi glanced at Alira. He shot her another smile. “I can enjoy the warmth of the red sun like any human.”
Kharon’s voice emerged in Kai’s mind.
Kharon’s timing and information were perfect, for once. But Kai was too deep in thought to thank him.
Does that make him immortal at night? He has more abilities than his Marked Gifts?
He suppressed a shiver. If he’d come at night, Levi might’ve had a different attitude. Potential death had a way of humbling people. Immortality was a terrible ingredient for fair negotiation.
But that was the past. Kai had a burning question - a path to increase his power.
“How do you create a Domain?”
“Don’t you have more important things to worry about?” Levi said.
Kai prepared to snap at the vampire before Levi gestured to his left hand.
He looked down - his ring finger was gone.
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