He’d expected Alira to stay behind—prepared for it, even.
Two things kept her in the Darklands.
One: The ministers banned nobles travelling to Earth—something to do with whatever deal gave them free rein in the Darklands. Powerful humans were better off in another realm, far from government business.
And they’d better stay there.
Two: Alira would pursue her own agenda while he was gone.
He couldn’t force her to go without warring with the government—a stupid move. But he had to keep her in line while he was away.
He nodded. “I see. Unfortunate, but I get it.”
He faced Botis.
“Botis, my loyal bodyguard, it saddens me to lose you by my side on this journey. Almost as much as it pains me to leave my betrothed behind.”
He released a dramatic breath and looked at the sky. “Wait a minute.” His gaze swept over Botis and Alira. “I can’t bear the thought of something happening to Alira in my absence. Botis, can you protect my future wife like you’d protect me?”
Botis straightened from his slump. “It would be an honour, My Lord. I won’t fail you.”
He sent a message through their soul bond for good measure.
Keep her safe, but don’t let her undermine my goals.
Botis gave a stiff nod.
“Wait a min—”
Cutting Alira off, he commanded Yama. “Yama, shrink down and hide in my shadow.”
The wolf howled in affirmation. The bone spikes covering his frame sank into his flesh. His body shrank.
His attention returned to Alira. “Sorry about that. What were you saying?”
Alira’s eyes were cold and humourless. “I don’t appreciate being ignored.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He’d ensure he monitored her every move going forward—or got his Demons to at least. How could he ignore her after she’d pulled the wool over his eyes?
“I don’t need a bodyguard. I can protect myself.”
He waved a hand. “I don’t doubt your skill, but we should be realistic. Your family might prefer your death to your leadership—they’ll see you as a rebel and a usurper. A bodyguard gives you more time to react to threats.”
Now puppy-sized, Yama padded toward Kai and dove into his shadow. A light weight tugged at his heels.
“Still…” Alira began.
“And I can’t leave my betrothed unprotected. What kind of message would that send? Your House would sense division and gain confidence in their plots. We’ve gotta present a united front.”
She frowned. “Fine.”
Her only argument against a bodyguard was needing space to scheme against him—and she couldn’t say that, could she?
This parting was the type of moment that called for a goodbye kiss, but the mood was far from ideal. They had an audience, and they were at odds. Whatever. Their marriage was a political deal anyway—who kissed their business partners goodbye?
He stepped closer, ignoring his sweaty palms, and wrapped her in a hug. She returned the squeeze. He pulled back, holding her at arm’s length and meeting her ice-blue eyes. “Don’t die before we get married.”
She snorted. “Back at you, and don’t return without a shard mine.”
“As the Lady commands.”
“See you soon.”
He started for the village outskirts, cheeks warming as he walked. The others soon followed. Through his Soul Bonds, he commanded the Demons: protect the village, crush dissent, rebuild, and search The Wilds for survivors—Merek’s father might still be out there.
An escort of Demons fell in alongside them as they moved toward the nearby Darkgate. He hadn’t ordered it, but he appreciated the gesture.
When they reached the boundary between the village outskirts and The Wilds, he caught Levi shaking his head.
“How long you been doing that?” Kai asked.
“Doing what?” Levi played dumb, head still shaking slowly.
“He’s been shaking his head since we left the village. Probably waiting for you to notice, boss,” Lilith said.
“I thought his neck pain was flaring up,” Rusk added.
“He’s a theatrical youngster,” Haggar said.
“I’m older than you, wrinkly man!” Levi retorted.
Interesting. How old was Levi? Or Haggar? But before satisfying his curiosity, he had to take control of the conversation. He knew what Levi wanted him to ask—and the embarrassing places that line of questioning led to—so he pivoted.
“Can you even travel to Earth, Levi? I dunno if you’re a Demon or not, but Kharon said there aren’t any undead on Earth.”
Levi lifted his chin. “I’m no simple Demon like your pitiful underlings.”
You’re one of my underlings too…
Haggar and the six Demons in their escort glared at him.
Levi ignored them. “And vampires are no typical undead. We have special privileges.”
“So, you can travel to Earth then?”
“Hmph, of course. In fact, vampires are essential to Earth’s economy. You humans would’ve reverted to the dark ages without us.”
That was news. “Wait. Are vampires Demons or not? And how are you essential to Earth’s economy?”
“Vampires aren’t Demons, no, but I’m getting drowsy—let’s move before this wretched sun drains me. You need me at my best, right? I’ll answer your questions when we’re not on the clock.”
Kai frowned. Levi’s deflection was obvious. Since when couldn’t they walk and talk? They’d just been doing exactly that. Still, no need to push—he’d reveal his secrets soon enough.
And if he took too long, a simple command would force him.
A few abominations attacked as they moved through The Wilds—nothing they couldn’t handle. The Demons made quick work of the nuisances. The abominations soon got the message and retreated into the trees.
The Darkgate was as monumental as he remembered. Wrinkled obsidian arches curved into each other. A void of swirling black hung between them, beckoning him inside. Surrounding trees gave the gate a wide berth as if scared to approach. The air grew thin, space folding in on itself as they neared it.
They were less than a minute from the portal when Lilith spoke up. “You know where this gate leads, boss?”
“Sector 9?”
“It’s anchored to at least two Darkgates on the other side. One near Anguivar territory, the other near what used to be Carver territory.”
“Good to know.” Kai stepped forward.
“Wait! The gate could send us to either exit, or one we don’t even know about. If we end up near Anguivar territory…”
A legit concern. Renzo would have people watching the gate. He might’ve even bribed the government guards monitoring abominations or people travelling through.
Kai turned to her. “Our best option’s the gate near Carver territory?”
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Lilith’s brows furrowed. “Yeah, but shouldn’t we prepare for the worst?”
“And how should we do that?”
Her reply came fast. “I’ll send a few skeletons through. They have terrible eyesight, but I can share their senses. We’ll learn what’s waiting for us on the other side.”
“Good idea. But what makes you think we’ll end up in the same place as your skeletons? What if the gate switches destinations when we walk through?”
Her enthusiasm died. She shrugged. “Better than nothing. We’ve gotta try something, right?”
Kai stepped toward the Darkgate again. “That’s true, but we don’t have nothing. We have me.”
“Uhh…that’s a cool line, boss. But how does that help us?”
His thumb stroked the silver ring on his right hand. “I wondered why my Father gave me Space God’s Lineage. At first, I thought he wanted to beef me up with more Fundamental Gifts.”
“Your father gave you what?”
“Right, you’re the only one here who doesn’t know. My Father’s Death God, I’m his heir—that makes me heir to the Darklands.”
Lilith’s jaw dropped, but she recovered fast. Faster than he’d expect. “I guess I bet on the right horse! So your Father didn’t wanna make you stronger? Shouldn’t He wanna support His heir?”
“No. That bast—” he stopped himself. “That wise deity wouldn’t make things easier for me. His goal seems to be the complete opposite.”
“My father’s like that,” Rusk offered. “He refuses to give me the shards I need to open my shop.”
Kai turned, giving Rusk and the others his full attention. “Complain to me when your father lets you die for his plans.”
“Sounds rough. How did you survive that one?” Lilith asked.
“I didn’t.”
“You what?”
“My beautiful companion,” Levi said, “didn’t you hear him? He’s Death God’s heir. What is death to him, but a light nap?”
Rusk smirked. “How could something like dying stop Kai? You’re underestimating our boss.”
Haggar nodded. “As expected, Death God’s son became stronger after dying. Our Lord works in mysterious ways.”
“Am I the only sane one here?”
Levi shrugged, then looked at Kai. “What else did you expect from that—” He stopped himself. “Magnanimous God.”
“The point is,” Kai continued, “He forced this Lineage and Gift on me for a reason.”
He gestured toward the Darkgate. “Three Fundamental concepts underlie the Darklands and the Trials. The Darkgates control space. Souls enter the First Trial after near-death experiences. And souls attempt the Trial outside of time.”
“Ignoring your miraculous resurrection…how does this help us now?” Lilith asked.
“‘Resurrection’ is slightly inaccurate, but besides the fact I’m destined to possess three Fundamental Gifts and become an unstoppable powerhouse—”
“I knew you had it in you, Kai!” Rusk interjected.
Kai closed the distance to the Darkgate with a teleport. He placed his palm against the wrinkled stone, feeding essence into it. “I control space. We’ll exit the gate where I want.”
“Rising from the dead and controlling Darkgates? When are you starting your church?”
“Soon.”
He willed the portal to connect to the Darkgate in the west, the one in Carver territory. A pulse thrummed through his body. Something locked into place.
But the feeling was imprecise. Best to make sure instead of making a fool of himself after his big speech. A questioning signal thrummed through his Soul Palace.
Then he whispered so only one person would hear. “Kharon, tell me if this gate’s connected to the one west of the Sector 9 slums.”
He waited, keeping his hand on the black pillar as if he were still working his Gift.
Kharon’s voice streamed into his mind.
His brother had spied on him and literally added insult to injury. Would he ever have privacy again?
A worrying thought.
Kai bit back a retort, buried his unease, and turned to his crew with a smile.
“It’s ready.”
Levi, Rusk, and Haggar stepped forward. Lilith stayed behind, clearing her throat. “There’s something else you should know.”
Kai sighed. “More problems?”
She nodded. “Rebel activity ramped up in the months since Renzo took over the Carver Family. The ministers—“
“Months?” His eyes widened. It’d been four or five days since he’d entered the First Trial. How could—
Oh.
He’d been dead for months before his Father deigned to raise him as an undead. That explained the time difference. Couldn’t his brother have given him a heads-up?
If only he could swap Kharon for Alex…
“Yeah, months.” Lilith frowned. “As I was saying, the ministers increased security around the Darkgates. Expect heavy scrutiny.”
“What do rebels have to do with the Darkgates?”
“They’ve been using the gates to launch attacks—ambushes, bombings, the works. Guards will be nervous. They might shoot first and ask questions later.”
Just his luck. Even walking through a gate was a trial.
More scrutiny meant danger for Demons like him. The faint black lines under his skin didn’t expose his true nature, but they didn’t help. His gaze fell on Haggar.
The old Demon’s eyes had reverted to an inconspicuous brown, but the more surprising feature was the smug smile on his face.
“No need to worry about that,” Haggar said.
Lilith rounded on him. “This kinda thing is exactly what we need to worry about.”
Haggar waved her off. “I have a friend in high places. He’ll meet us on the other side.”
Kai’s gaze sharpened. “How will he know when we’re coming? Or where to meet us?”
“He’s a fellow follower of Our Lord.”
Another fool swindled by Death God. How reliable.
“How good a friend is he?” Lilith asked. “Can he help with other things?”
Relying on Death God’s disciples was a risky play, but they had limited options—just the way swindlers liked it.
“What more help do we need?” Kai asked.
“Renzo won’t be sitting on his arse while we prepare to storm his castle. He was gathering weapons before…” she glanced away, “before we came to ambush you.”
“Weapons? You don’t mean—“
“Yeah. Guns.”
If Demons were illegal in The Adamant Republic, guns were super illegal. Made sense. One automatic rifle could force dozens into The First Trial in seconds. A few would return as Marked. Most would fail, their bodies hijacked by Demons.
The ministers couldn’t allow that.
If Renzo was willing to go that far, he’d accurately assessed the danger he was in.
Annoying.
Where was the [Easy Prey] Curse when you needed it?
Renzo had two sources for guns: rebel black market traders, or the government themselves. He might swing a deal with a guard or two, but reaching out to rebels was more likely.
If this government friend was willing…they could match or even out-gun the bastard.
Haggar shrugged. “My friend’s as good as we can get. He’ll guarantee passage, but guns…are a different story. Maybe if the chosen heir asks…” He eyed Kai. “Politely.”
Kai’s hand flew to his chest. “Me? I’m a perfect gentleman. I’m always polite.”
Haggar scoffed. “Says the kid who resorts to threats or violence as soon as he doesn’t get his way.”
Not entirely true.
He only resorted to threats or violence when he knew it’d work. With his current strength, antagonising the government was suicidal. “I’ll be on my best behaviour.”
He addressed their Demon escort. “Keep everything in order until I return.” A dozen Demons bowed in tandem. He faced Levi. “Give me some blood.”
The teleport had spent essence. He’d need to enter Earth with full reserves. The realm’s suppression was unpredictable—maybe lessened by his ascension, maybe worse.
Plus the potential unwelcoming party…better to prepare for the worst.
Levi scowled, but stepped toward him. “Why don’t you get your own?”
“I would, but we’re on a time limit, and you have a convenient storage system.”
“Why don’t you store your own blood then?” He stroked his blade, face full of reluctance. Blood rose, morphing into a sphere, and hovered toward Kai. It distorted and streamed into his armour, filling his essence reserves to the brim.
Kai smiled. “Thank you, and that’s a good idea. Give me the dagger you lent to the kid.”
Grumbling, Levi reached into his cape.
“About that kid…” Lilith said.
Ashes.
He assumed he’d escaped any questions about Merek. Alira’s family issues had distracted her, and the marriage proposal was the cherry on top. Levi and Rusk couldn’t care less.
He’d almost got away scot-free, but he had to mention the kid. Idiot.
He kept his voice calm. “What about him?”
“You learned about the Eight Realms from that dragon, right? Then a dragon swooped down and kidnapped the kid. I’m not saying it was the same dragon, but…”
“And what if it was?”
She shrugged. “Just curious.”
Time to test her commitment to his cause. “If you must know, the dragon asked for the kid as collateral for a contract.”
“Ah, you turned him into dragon food to close a deal? Fair enough.”
“He’s not dragon food. The beast wants to raise him and teach him secrets. A human raised him—now he’s sentimental. But, ‘fair enough’? Didn’t you hang out with Merek? You don’t care if I sold him off to get eaten?”
“I’m not dragon food, am I?” She shook her head. “Pretty sure the big lizard was gonna fry us all before you had a heart-to-heart. Needs must, and all that. This isn’t a charity, and it’s not like he’s my kid, is it?”
Kai accepted the red dagger from Levi as he replied. “I admire your pragmatism.”
“And I yours, boss.” She extended a hand. He looked at it in confusion. Was he supposed to shake it?
Levi blurred. He fell to one knee, held Lilith’s hand and kissed it. He turned to Kai, head shaking. “A gentleman doesn’t leave a lady hanging.”
“Uhhh.” Lilith’s brows furrowed. “Thanks…Levi, was it?”
“At your service.”
“Yeah, thanks, but I thought we were ready to go through the gate…” Silence fell.
“We have to hold hands to reach the same exit…” she explained.
“Oh,” Kai said, peering down his nose. “Makes sense. How embarrassing for you, Levi. You look like a fool down there.”
Levi stood, but kept hold of Lilith’s hand. “Hmph, I simply readied myself for our journey.”
“Sure,” Kai said, “Wait there a sec.” He approached Haggar.
“Something you need?” Haggar asked.
“No, but there’s something you need.” He studied the shifting darkness coating Haggar’s skin. “Unless you want the guard to riddle you with lead when you cross over.”
Haggar glanced down. “Ah, yes. Bear with me, I’ll need some time to take the clingy guy off.”
“No need.” Kai grabbed his shoulder.
Alu, do your thing.
His armour melted. Dark tendrils seeping inside Haggar’s parasite. Moments later, it had submitted.
“Turn it into something more appropriate,” Kai said.
Disbelief crossed Haggar’s face. “What do you mean?”
“It’ll listen to you now. Think of an outfit that wouldn’t get you shot.”
“Listen to me? This thing does its own—” His eyes widened as the shadowy liquid solidified into a black tracksuit. “I can control it…”
“What did I say? Let’s get going.”
Kai moved to clasp Lilith’s free hand. Rusk took his other hand, and Haggar took Rusk’s. Levi smiled. The vampire definitely would’ve protested if either of them tried holding his hand.
Alu, can you change into a cloak with a suit beneath?
Pride thrummed through their soul bond.
The black plates covering his body softened into fabric. A black hood rose to cover his head. Underneath the cloak, a familiar black suit spread across his skin.
Lilith’s hand trembled. “Can you…not do that so close to me?”
He gave her an apologetic nod. “Sorry about that.”
They shuffled toward the swirling abyss of the Darkgate and passed through.
Tearing through space was as natural for him as breathing now. His body was weightless for a moment, but gravity returned as fast as it had left.
They stood under a dark sky with a single silver moon. Ash flakes rained down.
Two dozen hooded figures surrounded them. A red lightning bolt inside a circle marked the shoulders of their black uniforms. Black trucks with the same symbol fenced the perimeter.
The Adamant Guard—soldiers loyal to the ministers.
They gripped assault rifles, barrels aimed at his crew. The others wore twisted expressions as they adjusted to the discomfort of crossing realms.
One of the soldiers stepped forward. “Show us your hands and stay where you are!”
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