Away from the cities, deep within the heart of the Dark Inferno—a barrier between Earth, Heaven, and Hell—a shadow moved. It slithered like smoke in the pitch-black air, cloaked in the purest essence of darkness: Hell itself.
Fire roared as the air thickened with sulfur and blistering heat. The screams of tortured souls rose like a haunting chorus, a melody sweet to the ears of the demons who ruled this wretched place.
Hadrain sat at a massive table carved from a thousand skulls and bones, their hollow eyes forever frozen in agony. Around him were demons of all kinds—each grotesque and vile, their forms twisted and terrifying, their presence a warning to all who dared to enter this realm.
He glanced at what they were eating—raw human flesh. The meat of damned souls, torn from sinners who had the misfortune of ending up here. How they always had a fresh supply was a mystery Hadrain had no interest in solving.
"Lord Zarin, the Great One requests your presence," rasped a decayed creature, its form hunched and half-dissolved. It slithered away like a serpent, not waiting for a reply.
Hadrain frowned. Had his father discovered his plans to escape hell? For days now, his presence in this realm had felt wrong. He had a family. A husband. He should be by their side—not here, surrounded by creatures who despised everything he stood for.
"Any bad news?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at the hideous creature.
But it didn't reply—just kept moving. Hadrain chuckled dryly.
"Wow. So now I'm being disrespected by vermin? Something must've happened to give that low-level demon the nerve to walk away from the Prince of Hell without answering." His jaw clenched. "I bet it's my father's fault."
He stood and dusted off his fiery robe, ignoring the bitter gazes of those around him. Many demons loathed him now—for abandoning Hell, for marrying a mortal, and worst of all, a witch. To them, he was a traitor. A disgrace.
He walked into a vast chamber, filled with powerful demons of higher rank. But none dared challenge him. He was second only to Lucifer—no one, not even Asmodues, who came next in power, could defeat him.
As he descended the grand staircase, the demons with silvery skin and majestic forms all bowed. Hadrain didn't acknowledge them. He continued on into the formidable Throne Room of Terror.
The room was unbearably hot, the walls etched with moving images that tormented mortal minds. But to Hadrain, they were meaningless—mere decorations. He was thinking of Lamia and Catherine, craving their warmth in this cold realm of fire.
At the far end of the throne room, countless staircases rose, formed from the bones of the damned. At the final step stood a massive skull-shaped mirror—Lucifer's device for spying on the mortal realm.
And then, the Throne.
A grotesque seat built from skulls and bones, forged with blood, woven into gnarled trees, and resting on a foundation of precious stones made from the tears of sinners. It was horrifying—and yet regal in its cruelty.
Hadrain's face darkened. His father wanted him to rule here? To sit beside that monster for eternity? Laughable. But now wasn't the time to speak such thoughts.
He locked eyes with the figure seated on the throne—his father, Lucifer.
Golden hair spilled from his temples to his feet, shimmering like flames. His eyes—also golden—burned with power and mischief. Hadrain had inherited them after becoming a full demon.
Lucifer was breathtaking. A being of impossible beauty—even more stunning than Lamia, though Hadrain would never admit that, not even on his deathbed.
But Lucifer's beauty was no longer unrivaled. News had spread through the supernatural realms of one who had surpassed him: Asher. With silver hair, emerald eyes, and skin like snow-kissed jade, Asher had become the new icon of divine beauty. And Lucifer hated it.
"My son," Lucifer purred, golden eyes gleaming. "The one running away from his father—the very being who kept you safe all these years."
"What do I owe this dreadful visit, Lucifer?" Hadrain replied coldly. "You and I both know you're the last creature capable of sentiment—especially for your own blood."
Lucifer's smile was wide and eerie. "Oh, don't say that. Of course, I don't care. But you're my heir. I won't die, obviously, but can't a father inquire about his son's safety?"
His laughter rang out like a mockery, and Hadrain's scowl deepened.
"Cut the chase. I'm only here out of respect for the realm. After this, I'm leaving—and I won't be returning."
Lucifer's grin widened. "Leaving so soon? Pity. But that's not why I called you. I'm sure you've noticed the murderous looks being sent your way. The demons are furious—your marriage, your departure, your betrayal. They want revenge. On you. On your worthless mate. On your children. Your entire bloodline."
"How dare you," Hadrain snapped. "Don't you dare call him useless. Lamia is my mate, my life—and you will respect him. Unless you want to see what I'll do. Even if it means finding a weapon that can end you."
Lucifer laughed, amused. "That would be cute. But tell me, have you felt anything strange lately? The bond between you and Lamia… hasn't it been flickering?"
Hadrain's heart skipped. Yes, he had felt it—mood swings, chest pains, irregular heartbeats. Things no demon should feel. Something was wrong with Lamia.
"What did you do? If you hurt even a hair on him—"
Lucifer raised a hand. "Relax. I didn't touch him. But someone else did. Lady Desdemona, the Queen of the Dead Witches. She's possessed your precious Lamia."
Hadrain staggered, stunned.
"She's equal to me in power," Lucifer continued, voice like poisoned honey. "And now she resides inside a hybrid demigod-witch. You're finished."
Lucifer's laughter was maddening.
"You can't kill me, Hadrain. I'm immortal. You? Not so much. And your Lamia? Oh, he's vulnerable now. The Sword of Michael—yes, the one weapon that can end both of you—is in the hands of a new guardian. A human. How hilarious."
Hadrain's breath caught in his throat. Lamia was possessed. The veil between life and death was tearing. And now a mere human held the key to ending them both.
"You're telling me this… why?" he growled.
Lucifer's grin vanished. "Because it's over, son. They're coming for you. For Lamia. For Catherine. And I won't help. You're on your own."
Hadrain's eyes burned with fury. "You really think I'll sacrifice Lamia to 'save the veil'? I don't give a damn about balance, or humanity, or anyone but him and my family. I'll burn down every realm that threatens them—even you."
He stepped forward, rage pouring off him in waves.
"I hate you, demon. You're not my father. You're a monster. And after this, I cut all ties with this place. Forever."
He turned, eyes glowing with deathly resolve.
"The next time we meet, it'll be my victory. And Lamia will be beside me—as I fuck him while mocking your cursed name."
With a bitter glare, Hadrain vanished in a flash of fire and smoke—never to be seen in Hell again.