Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Bearing the knot in my stomach that only grew with each thought of that Devil, I carried on a smile."I would think that would be obvious, Talos. A wild card like Arsene needs to be dealt with."

"So that\'s what this is?" He said, shaking his head dismissively, "You are trying to build sides. Am I the first? maybe second?"

Narrowing my eyes, I could not help but notice the knowing glint of recognition plastered over his face.

"You are the first, but I am a bit surprised to know how you figured it out before I said anything. Who are you exactly?" I probed." Out of all the Founding Gods, you appeared like a ghost. Aside from the seers that follow you, we have nothing."

Talos gave a rare smile that I had only seen a few times in my life, "My background is between me and me alone. Or do you wish to step over that line?"

"A threat? Come now, Talos, you are better than so. I--"

Feeling a cold chill pass through my soul, words failed to echo as Talos began, "My business is mine. Do you think you are the first to try and pry? Do not test me, Aiza. Not today."

"So the infamous god of death bears is fangs," I said, not daring to have my guard drop. Out of all the founders, Talos was the most mysterious. He was always wrapped in a veil of Mystery.

Lifting my hands high, I smiled, "Fine, Fine. I give. It seems we got a bit off-topic."

"You like testing the waters, don\'t you?" He said, shaking his head, "Arsene is plotting, now is not the time to be broken. We should be acting as a team."

"And that is why I have come to you. This war and everything that happens thereafter is out of our hands. However, one thing we can control is Arsene Snow. With his ascension into godhood, it\'s only a matter of time before he falls into my hand; in fact, my plan has already worked."

"A shame Sigfried and Kurt are going to fall as victims."

Stirring my heart with his words, the hairs upon my skin rose, "You knew?!" I stated, raising my voice in shock.

"And it\'s the reason I will not get into bed with you any more than I already have. Once the others find out what you have done, you are dead. And please drop the act; I find it beneath you. Show me the heartless Devil I have always known you to be."

"Oh, Talos. Always so dismissive of my mask." I coldly informed, touching my lips with a cheeky grin.

A woman of many faces," He coldly claimed, "Fitting for a devil-like you. So? How deep is Arsene in your plot?"

Snorting, my facial expression turned ice-cold, "Are you going to join me?"

"No," He said without hesitation. "Attack him, and I leave. I will not risk everything on that wild card."

"You know the others will join me; they have no choice. Arsene will be consumed by his sin, like all devils beforehand. Devils are powerful for a reason, but they need time to grow over their sins. Time Arsene doesn\'t have."

Rising from his chair, Talos shot me a mocking smile full of contempt. "You seem to have all these theories about Arsene. You may have corrupted him, and he may even fall to your plot or his sins, but you seem to be forgetting one major factor."

Pondering his words, I could not help but frown, "I will have to disagree; everything is under my control."

"And what is your plan for Lilith?" He coldly informed as I frowned. "You think Arsene is difficult, but tell me. Have you ever seen her fight? have you ever seen her use any of her Abyssal Techniques? Arsene is a monster no dought but so is Lilith."

"I can handle that girl."

"Girl? Maybe you have forgotten who her mother and father are? Everyone is so focused on the Devil that they are missing the true threat hiding in his shadow. " He said, walking away, "Fruit for thought, Aiza, but I will not be involved. Your death will be yours and yours alone."

"Lilith Snow," I repeated aloud.

If demons and devils were fearful of the abyss, just how powerful are these monsters? But Talos is a sly fox. He is using me to test Lilith and Arsene.

Glancing through the window at the faint shadow of Talos, my gaze shifted back to the occupied seat that was just empty but now filled.

"Has Arsene contacted you yet?" I inquired.

Shaking his head, Christofer sighed, "Think he is giving me the cold shoulder, but Arsene has been gone for a bit."

"You could not be more wrong," I coldly informed. "That boy is now a god. Blood and Chaos are about to wash over this city."

"Good, but are you not afraid Arsene is plotting your downfall? From what I have seen, his pawns are growing by the second." Christofer softly relayed, "You can\'t control him, Aiza. if you don\'t watch it, I will be the one pulling your head off your cold body."

I smiled but did not deny his words. Arsene is like a damn magnet. Whether it\'s enemies or allies, Chaos just follows him. A shame once Soloman appears, all of Arsene\'s allies on Alos will perish.

"I am looking forward to you attempt Christofer, you and that little maid of yours. It\'s been a while since I have tormented a man to his breaking point."

Waving me off, he chuckled, showing no fear, "Anyway, I am here to relay some strange information."

"What\'s the price?"

"Oh, this one is free. An old enemy of yours is coming to town in a few days." Christofer sinisterly smiled. "And you know what they say, and enemy of my enemy an all that bullshit."

"A name," I coldly remarked, finding myself not the least bit entertained.

"it\'s Gaius Winterblack, of course, the immortal King is returning, and it seems he is after Arsene Snow."