The ruins still smoked from the storm of light and shadow. The broken stones glowed faintly, as if scarred by fire from another world. Maxwell stood unsteady, his sword planted in the earth, every muscle trembling. He had resisted — but the weight of his choice bore down like lead.
Anthony staggered to his feet, his robes torn, blood dripping from a cut across his brow. He pressed the Codex against his chest, whispering prayers just to keep his courage from shattering. "The gate is gone… but the Abyss is not sealed. Samael will strike back. That was only a taste."
Gabby sheathed her golden blade, her wings folding slowly. Her gaze rested on Maxwell, her eyes equal parts pride and concern. "You fought the pull, but it left its mark. You carry Samael's stain now. If you don't learn to master it, it will master you."
Maxwell lifted his head, storm-gray eyes blazing faintly red in the dim light. "I don't care what it takes. I'll master it — or burn with it. But I won't let him win."
The air grew suddenly colder. Shadows pooled at the edges of the ruins, swirling like smoke. Anthony froze, clutching his crucifix tighter. "God preserve us…"
A voice slid through the air, smooth as silk and sharp as a blade.
"My, my… what a defiant little son you've become."
From the darkness, Samael's presence unfurled — not fully flesh, but a towering silhouette etched in fire and shadow. His wings stretched impossibly wide, jagged feathers dripping crimson light. His eyes burned like suns of ruin.
Maxwell's grip tightened on his sword. His breath hitched, but he stood his ground. "Samael."
The Archdemon's laughter rolled across the ruins, low and amused. "You resisted me. Impressive. Rare. Most men fall before the first whisper." His gaze lingered on Maxwell, hungry and calculating. "You are your father's son… but not his weakness. Perhaps you could be something greater."
Gabby raised her sword again, fire sparking along its edge. "Enough games, serpent. You've lost your prize."
Samael's fiery gaze flicked to her, and his smile curved cruelly. "Lost? No, little seraph. His soul is already mine. All that remains is to break him fully. And I will… through his son."
Maxwell's heart pounded, but he lifted his blade, defiance hardening his voice. "I'll never be yours."
Samael leaned closer, his vast shadow stretching over Maxwell. "Never? Oh, child… never is such a fragile word. You've already felt it, haven't you? The power in the crimson veins. The thrill of my fire burning in your blood. I offer not chains, but wings. I offer not servitude, but freedom — freedom from the Host's hypocrisy, from Heaven's silence, from Hell's chaos. Be mine, Maxwell, and I will give you what even your mother could not. A world remade in your image."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Anthony shouted, his voice hoarse. "Do not listen to him! He is the Father of Lies!"
But Samael's burning eyes never left Maxwell's. He extended a hand, shadow and flame curling from his fingers. "Think carefully, son of the broken seraph. I do not ask for worship. I ask for alliance. Join me, and I will free your father — not as my thrall, but as your equal. Refuse… and I will tear his soul apart until nothing remains but ash."
Maxwell's storm-gray eyes glowed crimson at the edges, his sword quivering in his grasp. His heart screamed for his father, for freedom, for vengeance. The temptation burned like wildfire through his veins.
Gabby stepped closer, her voice fierce but soft. "Maxwell. Remember your choice. You are not his chains."
The ruins seemed to hold their breath. Samael's hand hovered in the air, patient and certain. Maxwell's grip tightened on his sword, his pulse thundering.
Then, through clenched teeth, he growled:
"I'd rather fight you until the end of time than stand at your side for a single breath."
The ruins exploded with fire as Samael's smile sharpened into rage.