VELMORA IN THE CROWD
Passing beneath the towering gates of Krav'Thorak, Velmora led her small entourage—Eryk, Genevieve, and four lesser demons still hidden under the guise of mountain villagers from his supposed homeland. They were simple folk, designed to blend in and reinforce the boy's tale.
Genevieve, full of curiosity, peppered Eryk with questions:
"What's your village like? Do you miss your home in the mountains?"
"Did your family teach you how to fish, or were you hunters?"
Eryk answered none, cheeks tightening as the cultist escort glared at any hint of hesitation.
The streets were silent, the citizens — mostly demonic cultists — bowed in fear when they passed. They wore expressions of reverence to a hidden power. As the group approached the palace's inner courtyard, Velmora paused, eyes fixed on the dark sky. She smelled more than air—she sensed threads being woven, unseen watchers shifting.
Like predators waiting to strike.
ANGELIC UNDERCOVER AND THE HOLY KNIGHTS
Far from the palace, an angel cloaked as a hooded wanderer stood on a mist-swept hill overlooking Nal'Barux, joined by two holy knights disguised as cleric-scholars. Their mission: identify Velmora, determine Eryk's true origins, and uncover how much of the abyssal realm the boy truly harbors.
Was he the poor, traumatized orphan he claimed—or a planted spy with dangerous knowledge?
Back in Heaven, the Angelic Council had given permission to deploy deep-cover agents. Though they couldn't cross into Krav'Thorak openly, they could gather intelligence from the fringes. The hooded angel whispered into the wind, sending updates through celestial networks.
OBSERVATION IN THE ABYSS
Simultaneously, hundreds of miles above, Diablo watched through his living arcane mirror. He saw every movement of these hidden holy agents, their cautious steps, their confused frowns as they tried to categorize Velmora's aura.
Diablo cracked a sinister smile as he watched one of the knights squint at the horizon toward the cult kingdom.
Perfect, he thought. They cannot approach her now, but soon they will. And when they do… I will feast on their souls.
PRESENTATION BEFORE KETHMAR
Within the grand halls of the demonic palace, Velmora strode forward with regal austerity, minimizing her aura to appear mortal—yet King Kethmar could sense power in her silhouette. As did all those around him. Their blood — hot and expectant — swirled in the air.
Something told them this was no mere noble underling.
Stepping forward, he rose from his throne of black-bone, flanked by guards bearing jagged glaives to shadow her.
"Velmora… welcome," he said, voice silky with suspicion. "We've heard of your arrival—but not who you truly serve."
Velmora inclined her head. Calm, collected.
"I come on your terms, Your Grace. I seek unity."
Kethmar nodded slowly—calculating.
THE TRAP IS SPRUNG
Without warning, one of Velmora's four lesser demon-villagers—the tallest one—staggered forward as though struck, a crimson line opening across his cheek. His face crackled and split to reveal a snout, fangs, and glowing red eyes. A demonic beast—caught mid-disguise.
Gasps rippled through the hall.
Genevieve snatched Eryk's arm in fear, her eyes wide.
"Eryk—what is that…?"
Eryk's look was frozen in panic. He understood instinctively this was the trap revealed early—the silent removal of disguise, the demonstration of demonic divinity to intimidate rivals.
Velmora tilted her head slightly. Her face broke into a slow, cold grin.
Then she laughed.
Not in shock. Not in fear.
In utter amusement.
A sound that chilled every heart in the room.
As her laughter echoed, the four lesser demons fell to their knees, bowed their heads, and in perfect unison spoke in a tongue few mortals or demons understood—Abyssal, the ancient language of the Deep Hells:
"Na'luth ven'ka thros Dar'mora. An'dareth kre'el us'tal. Velmora eth'zar."
Translation:
"We kneel before the true blood. The Crown of Depths has returned. Velmora reigns."
Silence gripped the hall.
Eyes widened.
Even Kethmar furrowed his brow.
The decoy had not moved. Had not flinched. And now, four revealed demons swore fealty not to the strongest among them—but to her.