Chapter 402: A Saving Grace (II)
At the edge of the universe, where Aiden held the barrier against Kethseia’s forces, another being suddenly appeared.
He materialized in the void beside the angels, his six wings spread wide, glowing with divine light.
This was Asahel.
The half-angel, half-god son of Lilith and the former Demon King.
He placed his hands against the barrier and released his divine energy, adding his strength to the angels who were already struggling to hold the line.
Asahel tilted his head to the side and looked at the massive dragon form of Aiden, who was pouring everything he had into countering Kethseia’s assault.
Then he turned back to the barrier and focused his power.
Both he and his mother were in violation of Aiden’s rule. They were forbidden from interacting with any living being in the Seventh Universe.
And they had almost connived against their Jailer until the last minute.
——
Earlier...
Just before Kethseia’s attack, the concealment that had hidden the strange man, along with his conversations and attempts to recruit others against the Dragon King, was lifted.
And suddenly, everyone the strange man had approached regained full memory of their encounters with him.
Charon, in the Underworld, remembered the offer, and the bargain he had made.
And in the frozen wasteland where Lilith and Asahel had been exiled, they too remembered everything.
The strange man’s visit. His proposal. The role he had intended for them to play in the assault against Aiden.
And before each of them, a green pendant materialized, floating in the air. A tool to carry on the intended plans.
In the dark mansion within the frozen wasteland, Lilith stared at the pendant that hovered before her and her expression was thoughtful.
Behind her, Asahel’s gaze was locked on the pendant as well.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Asahel broke the silence.
"We should take it," he said. "The Dragon King exiled and condemned us to this place, to rot in isolation for the rest of eternity. We owe him nothing."
He paused, then added, " this is our chance to be free, to fight back and to reclaim what was taken from us."
Lilith was silent for a moment, then she turned to face him. "And what happens after?" she asked.
Asahel frowned. "What do you mean?"
Lilith gestured toward the pendant. "Say we join her, and fight alongside this ruler and her forces. Say we win, and the Dragon King falls. What then?"
Asahel hesitated.
Lilith continued. "Do you think this new ruler simply let us go? That she’ll pat us on the back and send us on our way? No, Asahel. If we do anything against Aiden and win, we would then begin to answer to a newer higher power."
"And worse, Kethseia and her forces are not members of this universe. What’s to say she won’t eliminate everyone in this world once she’s done with the Dragon King? Including us?"
Asahel’s jaw clenched. He wanted to argue, but he couldn’t. Because deep down, he knew she was right.
Lilith turned away and walked toward the window, looking out at the endless snow. "I don’t like the idea of trading one captor for another. Especially one we know nothing about."
Asahel exhaled slowly "Then what do you suggest we do? Just sit here and wait for the Dragon King to forgive us? That will never happen."
Lilith was silent for a moment. Then she turned back to him, and there was a smile on her lips.
"No," she said. "We break the rule."
Asahel’s eyes widened. "What?"
Lilith’s smile grew. "We know this Ruler’s plans. So we go tell the Dragon king or help him. And when this is over, we bargain for our freedom."
Asahel stared at her in disbelief.
——
Within Tenebrous Haven, in the Shadow Universe, Lord Shadow sat beside his daughter’s bed.
She lay beneath sheets, with her breathing shallow and labored. Her skin was pale, and her eyes were closed.
He had been here for hours, tending to her as he always did during these periods.
Then, suddenly, he heard it
The shadow creature he had left with Aiden was calling out to him.
Lord Shadow’s eyes narrowed, and he extended his consciousness toward the creature, allowing the connection to form.
The shadow creature’s voice echoed in his mind. "My Lord, the Seventh Universe is under attack. The Dragon King requests your aid."
Lord Shadow didn’t respond immediately. His gaze remained on his daughter’s face.
Then, after a long pause, he spoke. "I will not come."
The shadow creature hesitated. "My Lord, the assault is devastating. The barrier will not hold much longer. If the Seventh Universe falls—"
"Then let it fall," Lord Shadow said coldly. "I do not care."
There was a silence on the other end.
Lord Shadow continued. "I will not leave her side. Inform the false Ruler that he will receive no aid from me."
Then he severed the connection, cutting off the shadow creature as he turned his full attention back to his daughter.
For a moment, there was only silence in the room.
Then his daughter’s eyes opened, just slightly. They were dark, like his, but softer and Weaker.
"Father..." she whispered.
Lord Shadow leaned forward immediately, his hand moving to hold hers. "I’m here."
She looked at him and said weakly, "Is your friend... not the Ruler of the Seventh Universe?"
Lord Shadow’s expression softened, and he smiled. "My true friend is no longer around. This one is a mere usurper."
"Even so..." She paused, taking a breath. "If they are in true need... should you not go?"
Lord Shadow shook his head. "I will not leave your side."
She looked at him for a moment, then said gently, "Father... I have been this way since the concept of time began."
She paused, her smile growing just a bit. "I will still be this way when you return."
Lord Shadow’s jaw clenched. "Tch."
His daughter raised her hand and placed it over his. "Go," she said.
Lord Shadow stared at her, his expression torn. Then, slowly, he exhaled.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I will return soon"
She smiled.
Lord Shadow stood, and without another word, he vanished in a burst of darkness.
—
At the edge of the Seventh Universe, the battle was not going well.
Even with Lilith’s enchantment halting the psychic assault on Aiden, and even with Asahel joining the angels in reinforcing the barrier, the pressure from Kethseia’s forces was overwhelming.
She was a full Herrscher.
Aiden was not.
He was incomplete. Half a Ruler. And though his authorities were vast, they were not enough to match someone of proper status.
The barrier cracked further.
And then, suddenly, the space around Kethseia and her army trembled.
Her eyes widened, and she turned with a disgusted expression on her face.
"You..." she said in a whisper.
Standing in the void behind her, was Lord Shadow.
His form was massive, draped in flowing darkness that coiled and shifted around him. Then looked at Kethseia with a widening grin. "Care if join this little charade?"
