The abyss winds howled across the First Layer of Hell.
From the cliffs, I could see the molten rivers far below, glowing red like veins of a burning world. My gauntlet pulsed faintly, Noa's voice whispering inside it.
"My Lord, the abyss is restless. Something approaches."
I didn't need the warning. I already felt it. The air was thicker tonight, heavy with heat that didn't belong to this layer.
Selena stepped up beside me, her halberd dragging sparks on the stone. "The temperature rises. This is no accident."
Rena appeared from the shadows, blades dripping black aura. "I smell fire. Varaxis."
I smiled thinly. "So he couldn't wait."
Behind me, the other demons stirred uneasily. Nana tightened his grip on his shield, Clarissa whispered blood prayers, Malrik's rift twitched open and shut like an anxious wound. Even Nysha, usually calm, stayed close to the darkness at my feet.
The silence broke with a hiss.
