Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

The last time we met, he was too ashamed to even look at me. It's hard, Arsene. There are days when Bezaliel simply sits there staring into the empty void with dread in his eyes. There are cycles where he tries to kill himself."

"And yet he's still alive."

Tenebrae nodded absent-mindedly, finding a faint smile that seemed almost prideful. " Yeah… he's alive. Thank the Abyss for that."

"Now then… shall we discuss our wedding? I'm marrying one of the best women in the Myriad Heavens, the Night Mother, Tenebrae herself. I dare say it must be spectacular."

Staring at the faint peach-like blush running over Tenebrae's cheeks, I smiled and wrapped my palm around her waist. " I know you don't truly love me. Not like how Lilith love me or Zanris of all people. But I've got a feeling it's only a matter of time."

"I'd heard you were a narcissist."

"Me? Please, narcissists, wish they were me."

Tenebrae's tender lips grew amused. "Do you hear yourself?'

"Quote me."

"You're an idiot."

Locked in Tenebrae's embrace, my lips pressed gently against hers, sending bolts of shock or pleasure throughout her body as she shook. Pausing for a second, I moved to pull away, only to feel her take the initiative.

Finding passion in her small little actions, I grew somewhat surprised as Tenebrae's kiss grew stronger and more aggressive. Despite being inexperienced, I found myself in a fencing battle with Tenebrae as our tongues became like whirlwinds.

But like every battle I was in, I slowly began to overwhelm the insatiable Mistress of Night, wishing to suck me dry. But despite being a corporeal being, Tene was as sweet as they come. Soft as the very night, yet in her embrace, it felt so encompassing.

Pulling back as she looked up with groggy eyes filled with clouds and confusion, I smiled. "What? Never been kissed before?"

Tene was silent for a while, staring at me with something on her mind.

She lowered her head into my chest, not bothering to answer me, as we sat there for a second. Which was somewhat awkward… Is this what non-toxic relationships feel like? Is this even a relationship? I kind of feel like I could be her boy toy. She is older than the concept of time. Older than anything I could conceive.

"I'm confused." She finally said. "Why you?"

"Eh?"

My brow grew knitted. "I'm just gonna brush off that insult and tell you that answer is for you to find. I haven't forced myself on you. You know who and what I am. When you proposed marriage, it was because you foresaw war and wanted me as a champion. Whatever this is doesn't need to happen, you know… It could all be a—"

"A formality?" she finished, releasing a bristle sigh and shook her head. " No… I'm curious. You're not bad… when you tear away all the toxicity of your infidelity, you aren't bad. You're protective, tough but fair, devilishly handsome, more so than you realize. You are the definition of top-class." She paused, lowering her head to hide the faint hue of rose. " You're almost the perfect man."

"Do you also not like to share?" I tease, lifting her head to see the spark of fire brimming from her beautifully empty black eyes. She smiled.

"I do have pride, Arsene, as do you. You are so young. So wild. Just like Lucifer in his youth. He was one to run through women like toilet paper. Now, however, he is more precise and more patient in his selection. Aside from Amara, no other woman has truly gained his attention since his wife. I don't want to be like those other women that are used and tossed away."

I smiled at that. " Used and tossed away. Tenebrae, you have the power. You are the one with the kingdom. Same with Lilith. If I break up with her, tell me who was truly used. She'll have a kingdom behind her. She'll have some of the most powerful men and women behind her. She even has two children on the way. Do you think I have the power to steal those children? Hell no."

Looking down at her pulsing eyes, I chuckled. " Well, what I'm trying to say. It's all about risk. No other way to describe it. I have no intention of giving you up. Because, like you, I don't like to share. So unless you say otherwise, or even if you do. After we are married, you are mine, and I am yours."

"Is this your way of being romantic?" she giggled to say, looking away, trying to hide her smile.

"If you were crazy, you'd be wet."

Tenebrae's face instantly heated. " Must you be so vulgar?"

Leaning down to her ear, I smiled. " Tenebrae, I'm going to pile drive you so hard, you'll not be able to walk for years to come. You'll cum so hard. You'll be begging me to stop. Your toes will curl in the sheets, and your eyes will shed so many tears of pleasure you'll— "

Vanishing in a whisk of mist, leaving only my divinity to disperse through the ether, I convulsed in laughter, catching that last glance of panic in her eyes.

"Who knew Tene could be embarrassed so easily? It makes me think of how Lilith used to be. So innocent." Licking my lips, I stretched my arms and looked at the glimmer of the rising sun. And connected with Ezra, who I hope wasn't in Hell at this time.

"How's it going?"

"We took some damage. But we'll be fine. That rancid aura of the Teleth was monstrous. But after that storm of night devoured everything in its wake, we managed to achieve over a million miles of territory. We've started to build a base hidden from the devils and demons of the nines. We've already placed the runes down."

"Didn't I say retreat? What the Hell are you still doing in the Hells? Is my disciple with you?" I shouted with a tinge of panic.

"I-I-I wanted to win… my lord," she stated, glaring at me through the use of the Holocube. "This might be our only chance. From here, we can begin procreation and build an army. Children born of the Hells that are Shadowfell will be the future, my Lord. Think of there—"

"Fucking idiot. Currently, ten Fallen from the Original realm, capable of rivaling Lucifer, is about to fight Archangel Michael. Do you realize what will happen when that battle occurs? All of you are dead. All of the Nine Hells will be shattered! You better hope that's not the case. Or I pray for your soul once it returns to my fold."