{[Careful not to confuse the strings of fate with the threads of manipulation.]}

Error.

Error.

Error.

My body… It hurts…

“ASHNER!” Melissa’s hand gripped his shoulder.

It hurts… Everything hurts…

XP:ERROR

XP:ERR0R

“Talk to me!” Melissa slung her weapon behind her back, bringing her body closer to Ashner.

Footsteps stormed towards him, along with orders from Elana and Wilson.

“Search the city! She might not be the only threat!” Elana’s elves rushed out to spread the message.

“Humans are the most likely target!” Wilson’s voice rumbled. “Assist Elana’s warriors if another feral emerges!”

"My leg!" Caitlin moaned. Ashner caught a glimpse of it, where Lilith had cut. It made Caitlin's veins turn black.

Wilson rushed to her aid. On his pouch, he pulled out a white fabric and unwrapped it. Inside was a yellow ooze. He rubbed it against the smaller demi's leg. She moaned but the black faded away, returning to its natural color.

Risa's hand grabbed Ashner's. She sputtered. "Why aren't you moving?"

Wong slid on his knees, stopping inches from Ashner. His hands went to work, checking his pulse and pupils. “Talk to me, Ashner. What’s wrong?”

It hurts.

Error.

Error.

Error.

Ashner bit his lip and whispered.

Wong leaned his ear closer to Ashner. The commotion around them was deafening.

"She stole it..."

Ashner's voice broke, and his vision blurred, then darkness.

*******

Elana tapped her table, and she wasn't in her wedding dress. Instead, she wore her royal armor. And it was apparent that she was pissed off that she didn't get to enjoy her wedding night. Gio sat next to her and Lina to his side.

Around them were the leaders of the other races. Each one was sitting around the circular table.

Each with two guards.

“What a disaster," Elana stated the obvious.

“We should count our blessings since Ueno was the only demi-bat to turn feral." Violet rubbed her fingers against the table. She was back to wearing her tribal-like outfit, which revealed a good portion of her skin. She was irritated. Even if Ashner never really bothered to befriend her, he had helped her enough for Violet to consider him a valuable ally.

“Why didn’t you tell us your people became that powerful when they turn feral?” Devlin glared at Wilson. The demi-flamingo was the only one wearing a suit. “Every one of your kind is a threat to us.”

Wilson shook his head. "No feral becomes that strong. Something else was influencing her and giving her power. A feral becomes what the name suggests, a mindless monster that fulfills its former demi's deepest desire."

The doors to the room opened. Wong entered the room.

“How is he?” Elana asked eagerly.

“He’s alive and in no real danger.” Wong closed the door behind him and made his way to one of the seats. The one where Ashner was supposed to sit at. “This room is soundproof, and it’s reinforced with steel and stone so nothing can get in here by force… We need to discuss our next move… Because Ashner is in a coma. Eugene and Alex are currently guarding his body in my lab.”

“Coma?” Kabu raised his eyebrows. His beard moved with his face. "I'm not familiar with that word."

“It means he’s not brain dead, he’s alive, but just sleeping… Sadly I can’t predict how long he’s going to be in that state.” Wong glanced at the demi’s. The leaders were all there, but the room had dozens of extra chairs and room for more leaders. In case they found more demi’s. “I checked the cut on his neck, his lips for poison, and gave him every type of body scan I can think of… Whatever happened to him, it’s not something I can treat.”

Wong's words saddened Lina, and she lowered her head.

“Ashner didn’t deserve that.” Kabu punched the stone table. “What do you have to say for yourself? King Wilson?”

Violet and Devlin glared at the demi-bat.

Wilson sighed. “I didn’t mention how one of my kin acts when they’ve turned feral because it’s rare that they turn on their own… And I didn’t think any of them would willingly force the turn.”

“Willingly?” Elana’s eyes sharped.

“Yes, becoming feral is either random, or the demi makes an ultimatum… They surrender their mind, body, and soul to the Dead God. And in return, they become a mindless husk that seek out that idiot’s final request. None of my people have done that on purpose in over fifteen years. It requires rare items as well. Items my people don’t possess.”

“What items?” Wong asked.

“The leaf of a cherub tree, an uncut macrite gem, and it needs to be soaked in water blessed by the Innovative God," Wilson explained. Once he did, some of the leaders glanced away, Kabu bit his finger, and Elana's fingers rubbed her forehead.

"Why are these items rare?" Gio asked. He wasn't wearing a crown, but he did have his uniform on, and he carried his SAW.

“My forefather drank those things the day he gave his soul to the Dead God.” Wilson glanced away, ashamed of his history.

“What happened? And why do these things change your kind?” Gio asked.

"To answer that, I need to go back to my forefather's betrayal." Wilson glanced up. Some sunlight shone through a small skylight. "The Dead God was being pushed back during the Victory era, the abyss was fading in the distance, but all creatures in our world feared that our efforts could backfire. So our ancestors swore to protect each other. Demi-bats have a unique race skill, it's a hard skill to master, but we call it Shadow Step. We blend into the darkness and appear somewhere nearby. In that darkness, we found metal from a place that wasn't of our world. These metals were molded and turned into crowns, which were then given to our allies.”

Wong studied the crown next to Wilson. It was made of black metal, glistening with a red hue.

"In return, the other races gave us things only they could create… Soaking it in blessed water, those items never crack or fade away… And our king decorated his crown with it."

"The leaf of a cherub is a race skill some elves possess," Elana added. "The leaves are green and outlined by a golden glow. It has no beneficial properties and withers in seconds. But it’s something only we can create… So that means… One of my own was involved in this disaster…”

Elana's eyes were wary. She did consider Ashner a friend. However, the idea of one of her own betraying him and all humanity sickened her.

“The uncut macrite gem." Kabu continued. That's a skill from my folk. A gem frailer than snow… It's created with magic, and it can’t be cut. If it shatters, the pieces fade away in the wind… I dare say, my kin are involved as well…”

Devlin rolled his head, annoyed, and gritted his teeth. "Most of my people can purify water, and we can bless it with the power of the Innovative God… In fact, I’m certain it had to be one of mine…”

Wong studied them all. This was a situation none of them wanted to be involved in.

“Another thing.” Wong put the glass vial in front of the group. He had gone through the trouble of putting it back together. “Ueno purposely shattered this for a reason… I have a firm grasp on the things we bring from our world here. Glass is something we prefer to avoid. So we wouldn't bring these here, and judging by the air bubbles in its design, my guess is this was made by demi’s.”

Violet stood and walked up to it, and she studied it for a few seconds. "That was made by one of my girls…" Then, disappointed, the demi-bunny sat back down.

Now the group was silent.

“We have to decide what we do next.” Gio broke the ice. “We’re not blaming any of you.”

“I am." Wong glared at them all. "Up until now, each one of you has been relying entirely on Ashner for every decision. Ueno was a product of your negligence. Within all of your ranks, demi's are rising against humans. If this continues, we're going to have a full-out civil war in Sanctuary.”

None of the leaders argued.

“Ashner did manage to tell me something before he passed out." Wong sighed. This caught the attention of the leaders. "He said. 'She stole it.'"

The leaders tilted their heads around the room, confused.

“What did Ueno steal?” Kabu asked.

“That's what I've been trying to figure out. At first, I presumed it was something physical, but Ashner's room had no signs of forced entry, and he keeps everything neatly organized, so it wasn't that. Then I checked his body. Maybe she stole something that was on him, maybe his mana, that would explain why he collapsed. but that wasn't the case since mana deprivation only takes a few hours of rest to recover.… Then it hit me. Ashner's power… When he kills a monster of the abyss or a human, he gains XP, or that’s what he calls it… He has an annoying habit of stocking it up and giving it away to demi’s… So what if Ueno stole that? And what if she forced his XP into the negatives?”

“Is that possible?” Gio’s eyes widened.

“It's the only working theory I have… That means we need to hunt down monsters, and sadly we can't do it since we're not Ashner's slaves. Over a fifth of the knights and adventurers here are… So let’s send them out to kill monsters.”

“If that's true, we're going to put the lives of our people in danger for a theory," Wilson added.

“Ueno got one thing right. Ashner is the leader of this kingdom. Without him, we'll fall apart… Just look at yourselves. You’re pointing fingers at each other. None of you did that before… So why start now?”

“Isn’t that obvious?” Devlin spat, insulted. “We’re scared.”

“Fear is a powerful weapon. But I can guarantee you, every human in Sanctuary is terrified… This wasn't a random attack. It was calculated and planned. Why else would they choose a guard attending the wedding to become a feral? Why would they choose a time where we wouldn't be well-armed? They chose to target the human holding us together since he's the one that can travel between worlds. These demi's are now our enemies. They threaten the peace and stability we have established… And they’re organized against us… So my question to you… What will you do?”

“I'LL KILL THEM!" Wilson smashed the table, it was made of stone, but the blow made it wobble. "This wasn't just an attack against humanity. It was an attack against all of us… If they're organized, then we should be too… I'm recalling my best soldiers from securing our borders. They'll search the entire kingdom until we find the people responsible."

“Easier said than done…" Devlin tilted his head towards him. "Who's to say you're not working with them? I don't trust a lot of people, and you’re the ancestor of the betrayer…”

Devlin submitted and sat back down on his seat.

“I'll pick three of my strongest warriors to protect Ashner." Devlin continued. "If they're trying to destroy our alliance with humans, then we'll make them fight for it…"

“And you expect us to trust you?" Violet eyed Devlin. He was a scrawny man. His entire race wasn't built for strength. Violet despised weakness. “I’ll station three of my strongest girls as well… I’ll make sure nobody hurts him.”

“Are you implying my soldiers can’t protect him?” Devlin’s eyes sharpened with anger.

“I’m not implying anything… From a genetic standpoint, demi-flamingos are not the strongest… But they’ll serve as good fodder if someone does decide to target Ashner.”

“You demi bitch!” Devlin stood up and pulled out his dagger. “Want to test that out!”

“I’ll cut you apart.” Violet jumped on top of the table on all fours. Eager to fight.

“ENOUGH!" Gio roared. His voice boomed and caught everyone off guard. "If we kill each other… We're going to lose… We need to stand united, or we're all going to die."

Devlin returned his dagger to his sheath, and Violet jumped back on her seat.

“Three demi's from every race. Excluding the demi-foxes." Elana suggested. "If we can't trust each other, then we'll each play a part in securing Ashner. Since we can all agree equally that he's essential for the future of this kingdom."

Kabu nodded, and Wilson glanced away.

“That includes three demi-bats," Gio added. "Just because Ueno attacked Ashner, that doesn’t mean we should distrust your race.”

Wilson nodded and regained his composure.

“Good, we can move on.” Wong sighed, he had his palm on his handgun under the table, but now he was relaxed enough to move it away.

Melissa opened the doors to the room and rushed beside Wong. She was also armed.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

“It's alright. You did kill that feral, so we won't hold it against you." Wilson rumbled with his voice. "I've meant to talk to you anyway."

“About what?”

“The power that Ueno used was fear. It paralyzed everyone… But it didn't affect you… Why is that?"

“I don’t know.” Melissa rubbed her eyebrows. “I was outside when she turned. Then I noticed demi-bats were flying out of the wedding with humans in their arms. So I just grabbed my gun and rushed in.”

“Fear at that intensity affected people in their homes blocks away… How did you resist it?"

“I don't know." Melissa studied everyone. They were all curious.

“We're getting off-topic." Wong urged the group back. "One thing is certain. We need Ashner back… So I suggest we make this knowledge public, let everyone know that the more monsters his slaves kill, the faster he'll recover."

“Is that a smart idea?” Kabu scratched his beard.

“Of course, Ashner is loved by the people he helped, even if he doesn't realize it. So once it becomes public knowledge, these rebels will have no choice but to move up their plans. And if they're rushed, then they'll make mistakes."

“Wait a second." Gio lifted his hand towards Wong. "This will also make everyone who's helping Ashner a target. We're creating a situation that'll put more people in danger."

“I’m aware, but we’re in danger regardless… We’ll use every demi-guard we can spare and have them blend in with Ashner’s adventurers. If they're attacked, then we spring our trap.”

“There has to be another way.” Gio urged. “We shouldn’t put innocent people in danger.”

“If you have another suggestion, please let us know." Kabu studied Gio.

The strong man shook his head. Wong was much more intelligent than he was.

“What do we do when we capture these individuals?” Elana asked.

“We question them… Then we kill them…” Wong spoke plainly.

“Now that’s too far.” Gio stood up and leaned on the table. “I admit they’re dangerous, but we don't have to kill them. Instead, let's give them a fair trial and, if need be, put them in jail."

“We don't have the resources for that. If Ashner stays comatose, we won't survive long since we can't make the big company decisions without him… Plus, we fought in the middle east. The reason our war was prolonged so long was because we allowed the most dangerous thing to exist… Not their weapons, but their words. As long as those demi's are alive, as long as their ideals are known, we will end up with more demi's targeting humans… The only way to ensure our survival is to eradicate them all."

“That's too far, and you know it!" Gio's eyes raged. "If they're locked away, they can't talk to anyone."

“They can talk to the prison guard. They can write letters to their families. They might escape and continue their genocide."

“You're talking about taking their lives on 'maybes' and 'what ifs.' These demi's just need time to adapt. If we kill them, then we're only proving to them that they were right for fearing us.”

Wong punched the table. "They already rebelled! They cast the first stone, and our friend almost died because of them!”

“Ashner wouldn't want this!" Gio stood up, Wong did the same, and the two marched towards each other. "We need to give these demi's a chance!"

“We need to end them!” Wong sized up Gio, the two were strong, but Gio had twenty pounds of muscle over Wong.

“Please stop." Melissa didn't yell, but her tone was loud. The two took a quick glance at her, then at each other. They were ready to fight, but it wasn't worth the effort.

Both of them walked back to their seats.

“Can I ask for something?” Melissa spoke up. All eyes landed on her. “Once these demi’s are caught. Let’s wait for Ashner to make the decision… None of us are in the right state of mind for this.”

The group nodded. Even Wong was satisfied with that answer.

“Then we'll work together," Gio announced to the group. "We'll unite our skills and find these assholes."

*******

Wong and the rest of the group entered the room where Ashner was sleeping. It was a small area with no windows. Wong had it built underground and hidden out of sight.

“How is he?" Melissa asked Alex, who was sitting on a chair with his sidearm on his belt. Eugene was sitting on the other side of the room with his assault rifle.

“He hasn't changed." Risa was lying on Ashner's bed holding his hand. "Have you figured out how we can help him?"

“I just have one theory, I think his XP is in the negative, so if we bring it up past zero, he might wake up."

Alex stood up and grabbed his sniper rifle.

“Where are you going!” Risa barked.

“Ashner needs us to gather XP for him, so I'm going past the forest of fear, and I'm going to hunt down as many monsters as I can."

“No, you're not." Risa stood up and grabbed Alex's shoulder.

“Do you really think I'm that weak?" Alex gripped his weapon's shoulder strap. "That I'm that useless? I can… And I will bring him back to us…"

“No… You’re not weak.” Risa shook her head. “On the contrary, you need to stay here. In case the guards outside get killed. Your illusion magic might be the only thing that keeps Ashner alive… As for me… I have the best speed and stamina… So I’m the best suited to gather XP…”

Alex lessened his grip on his weapon’s strap. “In that case, I’ll stay…”

Gio handed Risa a military-grade radio. "Make sure to give us constant radio checks. Once Ashner wakes up, I’ll make sure to give you the good news.”

Risa nodded and grabbed her sword, a backpack, and a cloak that doubled as a blanket. She was prepared to stay out in the wild for weeks. Before she left, she leaned in and kissed Ashner's cheek. "I'll be back soon."

With that, Risa marched off. The group nodded at her while she paced away.

“Will she be okay?” Eugene asked the group.

“You don’t have to worry about her… I think she was looking for an excuse to get away from here and do something…”

Lina took Risa’s seat and held Ashner’s hand.

“Alex, keep him safe." Gio urged him then he eyed Ashner. "Ironic. First, you took care of me when I was in a coma, and now you're taking care of Ashner."

“You two are my sleeping beauties. Just don't expect a kiss." Wong smirked.

“You actually want me to believe you didn’t smooch me while I was in a coma?” Gio winked.

“What can I say? Comatose patients don’t fall under my list of kinks.” Wong shrugged.

“Guys." Lina's ears were down, and her face was worried. "What do we do now?"

“We wait.”

*******

Error.

Error.

Error.

Ashner floated across infinity. No flesh, no breath, just his essence. The menu continued to repeat the same error message as Ashner’s mind refreshed itself.

Where am I?

The world glistened and wavered. Echoes of voices and melodies rang loudly from all corners of the galaxy. He moved across the endless void of space. Until something stopped him above a planet filled with water and trees, a world with land masses he didn't recognize.

Around his arms, legs, and chest thorns blacker than the void of space wrapped around him, ripping into his flesh, the pain was unbearable, dark, and empty. Yet something about it was forsaken, desolate, and uncherished.

The black thrones shifted. They didn't sting anymore. Instead, they took form, two hands wrapped around his chest, something hugged Ashner from behind. Fear gripped the man. This thing gave out an aura of decay and death. He resolved himself then grasped that around the wrists of the hands that embraced him were chains.

“Are you Lilith?” Ashner asked, his voice vibrated across infinity.

“That is my true name… But other’s address me as The God of Death.”

Those words haunted Ashner.

“Why did you kiss me?”

“Your first question is something that trivial? Very well, the First's power can be shared with me… However, in order to speak with you, I needed to take more than you had to share.”

Ashner said nothing. This thing had the power to erase his very soul. Yet he wasn’t entirely afraid, just cautious.

“I’ve been dead for far too long. Claiming my trophies gets me closer to returning… Millions of souls fade within me… All of them died alone… Every tear, every fear, and every regret lives within me… I’m a Goddess that takes what needs to be taken…”

“What will you do if you return?” Ashner asked, fearing the worst.

“I'll walk through dry oases… Feel the rain as it falls… With my power… I'll overcome all war-torn places… And build hope once more… All will die, and blossom anew…”

“I can sense your power…" Ashner gripped her hands. Once he did, she clung closer to him. Pressing her chest against his back and her lips against his neck. "You can only destroy…"

“Everything is meant to be broken… Yet sentient beings seek perfection… They don’t understand that life is for all of us to shatter and restore anew… You’re the perfect example… The Broken… The one gifted with the First’s power… And the first I kissed in eons… Flesh was looked down on by God’s… But it brings about an undeniable desire… Love and lust… As your flesh touches mine, every part of me desires to overtake you… For too long I've watched, only watched… Can you blame me?”

“You won’t have anything if you destroy everything.”

“I'll have you… Because we're two similar souls…" She kissed his neck. When she did, her darkness burned Ashner's very soul. Similar to the flames of hell. "Live for me… And when the world betrays you… Burn it all down with me…”

“No…" Ashner glanced up at the stars. His words shook Lilith's hands.

She broke her resolve. Then her hands wrapped tighter around Ashner.

“Denying a Goddess is unheard of… I can take you by force if I want…"

Ashner shook his head. “That’s not what you want… I can feel it with your touch… You're broken and scarred. You lived a dark and bitter destiny… And I know why you chose to hug me from behind…”

Ashner broke her hug and spun around to face the Goddess. She was part human, part mist. Going between solid and gas. Her face was clear. A beauty without measure, her irises were black with stars. No secrets were hidden from her. But running down her face were tears.

“I understand how you feel… You can see the happiness of others… But never embrace it yourself…" Ashner studied the Goddess. Now that she was this close, her features were clearer. She was slim and frail, even more so than his girls. "I wasn’t aware Goddesses could cry…”

Lilith wiped her tears. "Without pain… No one can experience happiness… Without hate, there can exist no love…" She moved her hands, and the chains rattled.

“Why are you imprisoned?” Ashner studied her restraints.

“I was betrayed by someone I loved dearly… Then I was tossed aside… I’m a soul that’s forgotten… Because my very essence goes against all matters of creation… Even my touch means death to those who haven’t seen infinity…”

Lilith's body shivered, and she became more solid. A part of her was black, darker than the world around her. All except her eyes. That part remained solid. Her hand caressed Ashner’s chest.

“But you… I can touch you… I can feel what you feel… Love what you love… My only desire is to have what’s been denied to me… You have seen infinity and through sacrifice returned to the rot…”

“You’re speaking riddles…”

The galaxy shifted again, this time revealing a white blade. It flew across space, passing planets, suns, and black holes.

Ashner glanced at it. They were side by side with it as it traveled.

“From a soul that’s forgotten, and a love that’s forbidden, a hero will rise.”

Lilith recited the prophecy.

“A blade of white roses.”

Error.

Ashner’s menu flashed for a second.

“A soul never meant to be…”

Lilith studied Ashner. Everything about him enchanted her.

“Lips that taste the kiss of death will find hope and calamity. Until legends decay and the world blossoms anew…”

Ashner studied the blade. It was sheathed and stood out like a sore thumb. The sword was as white as snow. Its handle and guard had been carefully crafted to show roses and thorns embezzled with red rubies. Ashner wasn't a man who cared for art, but even he found himself in awe with its beauty.

“That’s the Key… A weapon left behind by my best friend…” Lilith stared at it with loving eyes. “A weapon meant for the hero…”

“A hero?" Ashner mocked the word.

“The Key is the weapon of the Innovative God… The sister blade of the one I created…” Lilith’s eyes settled on the abyss of space and filled with sorrow.

“Where’s your Key?” Ashner dared to ask.

“In the deepest part of the abyss… Surrounded by flames and crimson… A place forbidden to even me… The Goddess of Death…”

Lilith studied the sword once more. “Her spirit lives in that weapon… But like her, if it’s manipulated by evil beings… It’ll only destroy… That’s where you come in… A promise your father made to me, it must be fulfilled.”

“My dad died in a car accident years ago…”

Lilith smirked. Behind her, the Key flew towards the Earth, entering its atmosphere. She snapped her fingers, and the void around them faded and turned to color.

*******

The sun shined and warmed Ashner's skin, but something in him sensed deception. "What is this?" He studied his surroundings. White palm trees waved in the humid wind. The aroma of sea salt rushed into Ashner's lungs.

And the laughter of children and adults alike rang strong in-between it all.

“A place I can see but never touch…" Lilith smiled, and Ashner witnessed the world unfold before him.

“Ashner!” Jorge rushed up to a younger version of Ashner. They were both teenagers. “Are you going to the concert next week?”

This is my past…

“Don't utter a word, don't act. This is all a memory you need to see." Lilith touched Ashner, and like a ghost, he reviewed his past alongside Lilith. Like phantasms living inside a dream.

"I'm going to pass…" Ashner's voice wasn't as deep, and he was a skinny kid. "Iris and her family are visiting, so I have to be there."

“Iris is hot," Jorge admitted. "Even if she's a bit of an ice queen."

“She has to be…” Ashner blushed when he recalled her. “My parents want us to date.”

I forgot that I had the biggest crush on her… I was such a loser…

“An arranged marriage?” Jorge raised his eyebrow.

“Not exactly, but our parents have been leaving us alone together a lot. We're friends and all, but she's always in her own little world…" Ashner and Jorge walked together. They lived in the same high-end part of the city. And both of them wore their school uniforms. They were black with a red lace around the stitchings.

“Can I join? If you don't hit on Iris, I will." Jorge teased with a wink. Even at that age, he was a known player. But Iris was very aware, and she kept her distance from Jorge.

“Sure, but she's going to reject you for the millionth time."

“One million rejections don’t matter if I get that one date… And has she ever rejected you?”

“Maybe." Ashner shook his shoulders with the weight of his backpack. "I asked her out last year, but she only told me to give her some time to think about it… That might've been her way of letting me down easy."

I forgot how close Jorge and I were when we were kids… That time is long gone…

“We're here." Jorge glanced up at Ashner's home. It was a beautiful mansion. Gated with security at its entrance. "Go to the concert… I won't take no for an answer."

Ashner sighed heavily. “Alright, I’ll go.”

“Awesome!” Jorge tapped Ashner’s shoulder. “It’s in two weeks, don’t forget it.”

“I won’t.”

*******

Iris was many things, but bored was the easiest way to describe her. Everything was at her fingertips. Fashion, food, education, and her beauty was unmatched. Just walking down a crowded hall made women either jealous of the girl, or they admired and wanted to be around her. While men all eyed and desired her. This, of course, brought about problems… Which she easily crushed.

Beauty always makes you a target.

She sat on an elaborate sofa, fiddling with her phone. The adults were enjoying their party, dressed in expensive suits and dresses.

“They’re flattering each other when they’re face to face, but once they turn around, they stab each other in the back," Iris spoke to herself. "It's always like this… It's all so… Boring…"

She appraised the adults as they bragged about their accomplishments and showed off their trophy wives and husbands. Iris was hotter than their wives, and some of the men stared at her a little too long, even if she was sixteen. That didn't stop the stares.

“Iris." A man with a salt and pepper beard and a well-tailored suit greeted her.

“Hey, Mike…" She fiddled with her phone.

“Are you not enjoying the party?” He asked with his eyebrow up.

“You’re not enjoying it either…” Iris put her phone down and gave him a bored gaze.

“Guilty… It’s all smiles and compliments, but we’re all secretly pushing our agendas onto the big players… Like Lucian's company… His metal production paves the way for dozens of business opportunities… I admit I might've scratched his back for a favor or two…"

“My parents do the same thing… In fact, I'm only here for their negotiations… I'm beautiful, and they want me to marry the son of the wealthiest man here… I'm a modern-day princess… Forced into a marriage, I don't care for…"

“I thought you liked Ashner.” Mike tilted his head sideways and grabbed another glass of wine from a butler passing by. “I’ve seen you two together quite often.”

“He’s a good guy… But I don’t care for that… Kindness isn’t attractive… Women who claim it is just haven’t been bored by it enough…” She reached into her purse and pulled out a small white bag with an illegal white powder inside it. “I want a man who isn’t afraid to show his true colors… Someone who makes other’s kneel to him…”

That's not a secret, and it's a shame I didn't understand that until it was too late…

“Iris.” Helen grabbed her wrist. She was Ashner’s mother and the only one who didn’t care to push Iris into a relationship with Ashner. “Where did you get that?”

Iris rolled her eyes and caught something in Mike’s eyes as they met Helen’s… Desire.

Iris smiled. Maybe this day wasn't going to be so boring after all.

“It’s exactly what you think it is…” Iris glanced at Helen with a proud smile. “Want to try it with me?”

“What? No, I’m telling your parents about this.” Helen warned.

“Is that a good idea?" Iris leaned her body towards Helen. "Our families merged portions of our companies together. And Lucian is pushing for Ashner to marry me… If news like this got out… It won't just reflect badly against my family. Ashner will also get bashed by it… Since I can tell everyone that… He… Gave… It… To… Me…"

“You wouldn't." Helen let Iris's wrist go. "You'd tarnish your own reputation."

“So what? I can tell you're just as bored as I am… At least I'm not pretending… So stop making things difficult, and let's enjoy this together…"

Helen glanced left, then right… Certain no one was eavesdropping. "Follow me." She urged, and the three left the party, passing by security, and ultimately they ended up inside her office. Somewhere no one would disturb them.

Iris pulled out the bag and started making lines for the three of them. She was the first to take a line. She leaned back and smiled. At least at that moment, she wasn't bored.

Mike went next and cheered as soon as he finished his.

Lastly was Helen, who was obviously pondering her decision. She took a step back, but Iris grabbed her waist. Then urged her forward. Once she did, Helen took her line.

So this is how her drug addiction began…

And so their night continued, the three of them savoring the forbidden fruit of society.

Mike had undone his top. Underneath his suit, he was built like a seasoned athlete. Iris raised her eyebrow. She glanced towards Helen who's eyes were also filled with desire.

Iris smirked and moved towards Helen, who was hypersensitive thanks to the drug.

“I'm curious… Have you ever had a threesome?" She asked Helen, who immediately hesitated.

Oh, please don't… That's my mom…

“No! I’m not like that.” But Iris grasped right away that she was lying, maybe not while she was married to Lucian but somewhere in her past.

“Really?" Iris's face got dangerously close to Helen, who immediately blushed. "Thought so…"

Iris kissed her, and to her surprise, Helen kissed her back. Even if she was in her mid-thirties, she was easily confused for a college student. And Iris was barely legal.

OH, COME ON! I DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS!

Mike smiled and peered at the two women kissing, then Iris's hand slid down and touched Helen's pussy. She rubbed her from over her dress, and the woman moaned seductively.

Enough for her to fall to her knees.

Helen gasped for air. She was too sensitive. So she needed a few seconds to recover. Seconds Iris took advantage of. She went to her knees and unzipped Mike's pants, taking out his junk which was already hard.

“This is…" Helen tried deducing her situation, but the sight ahead of her was intoxicating.

Iris moved Mike by pulling his manhood and guiding him towards Helen’s face.

“I shouldn’t… I’m married.” Helen tried convincing herself.

But as soon as Mike's hard dick got close, Helen opened her mouth and took it in. Iris smiled and stood back. Proud of what she made happen.

Iris stood up and enjoyed the show as Mike lifted Helen up and fucked her right there on her desk. Once they were going hard, Iris walked towards the door.

“Aren't you going to join us?" Mike asked as he pounded away inside his friend's wife.

“Not today… I'm on my time of the month." Iris lied. She just wasn't interested… But at least she wasn't bored. "You two… Have fun…"

Iris closed the door behind her and smiled as she made her way back to the party.

Iris… What the fuck…

“Iris?” Her eyes lit up… It was him… “What are you doing here?”

Lucian walked up towards her. As always, he was dressed in a suit that fit him perfectly. His eyes were deep blue, and his face was sheer perfection. A man who other's bow down to. Iris just helped two people fuck, but it was this man that got her turned on.

Dad…

“I’m just bored of the party.” She smiled and played with her hair. “What are you doing here, Lucian?"

So that’s who you wanted…

The older man was attractive, not as built as Mike, but his presence demanded obedience. He glared at Iris and touched her cheek, which immediately made her blush. Then his finger ran across her lip. He sighed when he grasped what the residue on her nose was.

“I know you're at that age, but this stuff is bad for you." Lucian sighed. "I won't tell your parents, but please take care of yourself…"

“You like keeping secrets?” Iris smiled and pushed up against Lucian, pushing him against a wall. “I love secrets.”

“Iris… What are you doing? Aren’t you and my son dating?”

“I’ve always been more interested in older men.” Iris glanced up at Lucian with her seductive eyes and a smile that can captivate and break almost anyone’s resolve. Her hand ran down his chest and stopped at his manhood. “I’d rather have you.”

“Iris.” Lucian grabbed her wrist and pushed her arm away. “You’re still a child… This isn’t proper.”

“I'm sixteen… I'm old enough to decide who I can sleep with. Even the law won't punish you since I'm barely legal… Don’t you want me?” Iris arched her back and made him blush and question his desires. But the image of the woman he loved rushed into his mind.

“No… I’m married… So I won’t betray my wife… I’ll pretend this night didn’t happen… And you may be of age, but that doesn't change the fact that I can't be with you… I'd rather you be with Ashner."

“It can be our secret.”

“No… Iris, you're still young, and I understand that you're acting out… But this can't ever happen again… I won't be as nice next time…"

Lucian stormed off and left Iris turned on. She smiled and bit the tip of her nail. “That was fun…”

*******

Iris walked across her school. Her uniform forced her to wear a skirt, but she didn't mind since the heat was unbearable. She studied the students as they passed by her. Dozens of eyes followed her, but like before, she was bored.

Friendships, bonds, relationships, trust, love. Those were all the ideals meant for children. What she desired more than anything was being with someone who possessed power. He would be a reflection of herself. So all women would learn their place. Beneath Iris’s feet.

From a young age, she grasped something. A woman's value is measured by her beauty, her skills, and what they can achieve. But a woman in power only desires men with more power. While a man with power doesn’t care, he's happy as long as the woman is desirable. So how can she stand above everyone else? By taking the heart of a man who already stands above others. The worth of a woman is measured by the type of man she can conquer and keep… That is how all women value themselves, even if they try to deny it. While men value themselves by how many women they can bed, another worthless accomplishment… So she kept her virginity, saved it for the man she desired. Using her own body as a token to negotiate with.

But you can’t achieve greatness without crushing people around you.

Her phone buzzed, and she smiled when she discerned who had texted her.

[Helen: If you get your hands on more of what you shared with me… I'd greatly appreciate it.]

“A woman who can be manipulated that easily doesn't deserve to stand at the top," Iris spoke to herself and quickly arranged a deal with her dealer. "I can't have the wife getting in the way… And Ashner… He won’t be a problem…”

She fiddled with her phone and passed by dozens of teenagers. Even for her age, her chest was large, and her slim tummy made Iris stand out. Her hourglass figure was a lure to all manners of lust.

“Iris." A pretty boy made his way to her. He had blonde hair, and his arms were well developed for a teenager.

“Can I help you, Jamie?" Iris put her phone in her pocket. This guy didn't accept 'no' as an answer. Instead, he pushed harder and harder to try to win Iris over. Even though he had a small fan club of women who Iris deemed as ‘average whores.’

“There’s a concert in two weeks. I have a spare ticket, so I was wondering if you wanted to go with me."

Iris took a second to reply. This teenager was like a puppy. She only kept him around because the day might come where she can make use of him. She shrugged him off and said. "Maybe, I'm a busy girl."

“Oh… I'm just letting you know, in case you change your mind." Jamie smiled, and a part of Iris pitied him. He was just a tool to her.

“I'll text you if I change my mind." Iris wasn't going to change her mind. Instead, she breezed through her classes and planned to push a bad vice on her obstacle.

*******

In Lucian's company, Iris entered Helen's office. She dropped a few small bags with white powder. She mixed in much more potent drugs into the white bags. One's design to increase her lust and lessen her resolve.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things. I know someone who can give you anything you want… Anything…” Iris smiled and handed Helen a sticky note with a phone number. “I’ll make sure he gives you the good stuff.”

Iris…

Helen glanced at it, then at Iris. Then she put the items inside her bag.

Iris took her leave, texting her dealer and giving him very precise directions.

She passed by Lucian's employees and stopped by his door, but he wasn't there. Curious, she asked a random man walking by. "Where's Lucian?"

“The boss? He’s in the basement.” The man glanced away quickly and went back to work.

“Basement?" Iris didn't want to go home. She was bored of her life, and maybe sneaking into his office and teasing him a little would give her a small thrill. But, regardless of where he was, she wanted her heart to race. She skipped towards the elevator and went down to the lowest level.

To her surprise, the basement had been remodeled. It wasn't a place to hold spare furniture anymore. She walked past a few armed men who let her pass once she mentioned she was Ashner's girlfriend.

Passing by computers, scientists, and military officials, she was curious, what was happening?

A teenager in a skirt brought about more gazes than usual, but no one stopped her. Then she found him. Lucian was talking to the crowd.

“This will be our forty-fifth attempt," Lucian spoke loud enough for everyone to tune in. "All staff clear from the test site."

“Test site?" Iris walked past the staff towards a glass that over-watched the test site. Below her was a pristine Stonehedge replica. Except the stones were white, and around that, dozens of machines surrounded it.

“IRIS!” Lucian glared at the girl and stormed towards her. She gave a sly smile, like a bad girl that got caught cheating on a test. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to surprise you." She was too bewildered to sound cute. So instead, she studied the stones below. "What is that?"

“You’re not supposed to be here. This is a top-secret project." Behind them, the machines came to life, electricity sparked, and radiation spiked. And the forty-fifth attempt succeeded.

In the center of the Stonehedge, a bright light stabilized, and expanded taking everyone in the room with it.

The air was cooler, the sky was endless, and dozens of people found themselves surrounded by thousands of Stonehedges.

“It worked?” Lucian studied his surroundings. “It fucking worked!”

One of the Stonehedges structures had an active light radiating a bright yellow. It was a portal to return to their world.

“THE INGENUITY OF HUMANS ALWAYS SURPASSES MY EXPECTATIONS!" An echo of dread and authority rang around them. Some soldiers raised their assault rifles. Then, in the sky, a woman shrouded in a black mist descended towards them.

“Hold your fire!” Lucian ordered as the woman landed. She was pitch black with eyes that resembled stars, half her body was made of mist, but she was alluring. She walked towards Lucian, where she stepped on the grass beneath her rotted away.

“Lucian… I’ve been expecting you.” She gawked at the man, then at Iris, who took a step back.

“Expecting? What are you?”

“I’m Lilith. The Goddess of Death…” Lucian’s eyes widened. “Calm yourself… I won’t harm you or anyone from your world…”

“We didn’t.”

“You didn’t know what activating the stones would achieve… Now you know… It’s a conduit between worlds… Mankind once again found their way to my realm.” She studied the rest of the mortals and snapped her fingers, sending them all back. Leaving behind just Lucian. “You’re the only one I desire to speak to.”

*******

It was late into the night, Lucian returned back and gave a short report of what Lilith told him. But he kept some secrets to himself. When he got to his office, he found Iris lying down on one of his couches.

“Iris… What are you doing?” He asked in a tired tone.

Iris yawned and stood up. “I’m waiting for you… What was that?”

Lucian grabbed a bottle of hard liquor and poured himself a shot. "That's six billion dollars worth of effort. My company found those stones while we were digging for iron… It was a one-in-a-million find. These stones emitted low levels of radiation and reacted to electricity and light… So I decided to relocate my main company here. Those stones have been a mystery I’ve been trying to unravel for the last twenty years…”

Iris sat in front of him and admired him as he swallowed his drink. "I'm going to make history… If we have access to that world, think of all the resources we can bring into our world. No competition and no regulations… I'll single-handedly improve the entire world."

“That woman said she was a Goddess.”

“Yes.” Lucian took another shot. “I doubt she’s lying since she knew my name and some of my darkest secrets. At the very least, she's omniscient… But I think she's okay with us being there. With that much power, she could've easily prevented us from arriving in her world… Or worse, she could've killed us all."

“You're amazing, Lucian." Iris was truthful with her words, and now she wanted him more than before. He was more than just a man to her. "Can you take me home?"

“It is late.” Lucian agreed. “I’ll drive you home.”

*******

Iris waited for the right moment as Lucian turned and drove down an empty road.

“Isn’t that Helen’s car?” Iris smirked as she set the foundations for her trap.

Lucian studied the car and, after a few seconds, turned around and parked next to it. They were at a hotel, one on the way to Iris’ house. “That’s odd.” Lucian opened his car door and walked around Helen’s car.

“What’s she doing in a hotel?” Iris asked innocently.

“I'm going to find out." Lucian glared at the car and marched towards the hotel’s entrance, but before he spoke a word to the employees, Iris rushed in and gave the employee her credit card.

“I'll take a room, please." She smirked.

"Sure, we have some free ones." The employee booked her into a room. Lucian crossed his arms and glared at her.

He was expecting an answer.

“I don’t really want to go home tonight, so I’ll crash out here.” Iris grabbed the room key and spun it between her fingers. “You can join me.” She teased.

But Lucian wasn't in the mood to be teased. He asked for his wife by name. The employee hesitantly denied at first, but after Lucian handed him a handful of hundreds, it didn’t take long for the man to give him the room number and a spare key.

Iris stayed a few feet away from Lucian as he marched towards his wife’s room. His anger was similar to a lion’s rage. His hands were fists, and his nasals flared.

Iris found her heart racing and her lower body getting wet with anticipation.

“Why are you following me?” He asked.

“My room is in that direction." Iris's room was a few away from Helens. Something she made sure of hours before they arrived.

Lucian stopped by the door, and the moans of her wife were clear to him. His hands shook with rage, and a vein on his head pulsed. He had always given Helen everything she desired, and they even had a son together… This had to be a mistake. She wouldn't betray him like this. Not when she had so much to lose.

Lucian opened the door.

Iris smiled.

Helen was covered in white powder and semen, six men surrounded her, and she was so far gone with the drugs Lucian opening the door didn't even phase her.

“Fuck me harder!” She moaned and gasped.

What the fuck… Iris… This was all your doing…

“You here for the gang-bang?” One of the guys nudged his head towards the angry father. Letting Lucian register that more guys were on their way. All the men were naked, and some had already had their fill. "Come on in."

"I… I'll pass…" Lucian closed the door and, in a daze, walked towards Iris. Her smile was gone. Now her face was shocked.

You always were a good actress… And a better liar…

“Lucian… I'm sorry." Her concern was genuine. She touched his shoulder, and he tumbled on his knees. "I'm so sorry."

“How long has she been doing this? Why didn't I notice?" His tears started forming around his eyes. He was angry, sad, depressed, and broken. "Was I that much of a loser to her? Just someone she could use and betray?”

The best way to win the heart of an unobtainable lion is to wound him, then lick his wounds until he trusts you.

Iris hugged Lucian, comforting him from the shock of losing the only woman he ever loved.

“It’s her fault… You can have anyone you want… Someone who will love and respect you…”

Iris's eyes were filled with excitement, and her bored gaze was gone. She was living in her moment. Her success and his sorrow intoxicated her.

Iris kissed Lucian.

Broken, betrayed, and shook. Finally, Lucian submitted and gave Iris what she wanted.

Dad…

The two went into Iris's room, and the bedsheets were left red and white.

Deception in exchange for love.

Betrayal in exchange for love.

Manipulation in exchange for love.

*******

The morning after, Iris happily cuddled Lucian's arm. Her naked body was a work of art. And her lower body still pulsed from the night they shared.

Lucian opened his eyes, but instead of love and desire, his focus was far away. Iris hugged him tightly and kissed his lips. “Good morning.”

Lucian said nothing.

“You took my first time… And from what you said last night… I'm tighter than your wife." Iris blushed. She finally got what she wanted. The man she desired. "I want to fuck again."

She reached down and played with him, but Lucian stood up and started getting dressed.

“Lucian?”

"Last night was a mistake." Lucian put his pants on. "I was weak, and I took advantage of you.”

No, it’s the opposite…

“Lucian." Iris stretched, letting him take her beauty in. "Your wife cheated on you with multiple men… I won't ever do that… Pick me, and I'll give you everything you want…"

Lucian took a second to debate it, but he shook his head. "I can't… You should be with Ashner… Not with me… Forget this night… And from today on, you're not allowed into my office."

“Lucian.” Iris wasn’t expecting this resolution. “I only want you.”

“No… Helen crushed me… But I won't crush Ashner… He really likes you… But I'm warning you if you try this again… I won't allow you anywhere near him or me."

He took his leave quickly, leaving Iris irritated.

She started pounding the bed with her fists and feet. “FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! I fucked you better than that old slut… So why don’t you want to be mine?”

Her finger went down to her pussy, she was still sore, and the memory of last night turned her on enough for her to play with herself. "I won't ever let you go. I know how to get what I want."

She took out her phone and called her admirer.

Ready to act out a scene and pull the strings of those around her.

*******

“Ashner!" Jorge hugged his friend as he moved towards the front of the concert. The music was loud, and the two jumped for joy as the band started their third song.

In the distance, a blonde boy moved across the mob, searching for his prey.

A tool that finally had a purpose.

Once he marked his prey, the teenager moved across the crowd. Maneuvering between the people until he made it to Ashner and Jorge.

“You asshole!" The blonde boy was Jamie, and in his hand, he held a world war two bayonet. Jorge and Ashner hesitated for a second. "You kept her from me!"

Jamie flipped the knife in his hand and charged.

The blade dug deep into Ashner’s stomach. Puncturing his liver. Ashner gasped for air.

This never happened…

“What did you do!” Jorge punched Jamie, knocking him off his feet.

The blonde checked his hands. Ashner's blood had stained them red. "OH FUCK! OH FUCK! OH FUCK!" Jamie slid, trying to stand up, and ran away, knocking over a small woman on his way.

“Hang on.” Jorge grabbed Ashner and lifted him up. Carrying him away from the concert. “I’ll call your dad.”

*******

Iris sat on Lucian’s company chair even if he forbade her from chasing him. Why would she obey? The company was empty this late at night, and the young girl hummed happily as she twirled the seat left and right.

“You gave me one night after your wife betrayed you…" Iris's body warmed up with excitement. These last couple of days were the most thrilling she's ever had. She wanted to fuck Lucian until he begged her to stop. "How much will you give me after your son dies?"

“I’m a bad girl, pulling your strings for my ambitions… Bait, manipulate, and create a stalemate… As long as I make them believe the choice is theirs… I will always come out on top.”

She studied her phone. One message was from Jamie, confessing what he did to Ashner. Iris had already made arrangements to get him arrested. In Lucian's eyes, she will be the girl that brings justice to his son.

Another message came from Jorge. She raised her eyebrow and then slammed her phone against the table. “He’s coming here? Why?”

The elevator's light turned on. Iris left the room and immediately rushed towards it. The elevator went from the first floor to the basement.

“He’s going to see her…” Iris pushed the down button on the elevator.

*******

Iris rushed into the portal. It didn't make a squeak as she passed into the other world. That's where she witnessed the desperation of a father on his knees, with the corpse of his son.

Pleading to a being for the impossible.

“You’re asking the Goddess of Death to bring back a soul? Do you realize how utterly ridiculous you sound?”

“Please! You’re the only being that can help me…” Lucian pleaded. “Anything you want… I’ll do anything you want! Just bring him back!”

“Involving yourself with the affairs of God’s leads to misery… Ashner is within the infinity… It was his destiny to die… If you wish him to come back, your child will be bound to sadness, hatred, and resentment, just how I was… He will loath life, and when the time comes… He will find his way to me… Death is a better choice for him…"

“NO!” Lucian shook his head. “Without my son… My life is barely worth living…”

“I can not give life to the dead… But I can exchange life for life… If you’re willing to give up your soul… Not to me, but to the First God… Then I’ll bring him back… Those in your world will believe a lie I create… And you will only watch him grow and suffer… Every tear he sheds, every time his chest tightens, every hate-filled word and gaze he experiences will be your fault… Is this what you desire?”

“STOP!" Iris rushed forward. She was hiding behind one of the stones. "Don't do this!"

The girl hugged Lucian’s back. “He’s gone… You don’t have to die too!”

Lucian held Ashner in his arms. He was still a teenager. Even if Iris was two years older than his son and even after what they had done, her touch was delicate and filled with her twisted love…

“Please don't do this! Stay with me!" Her eyes watered, and she clung to the man tightly. "Helen betrayed you, but I was there for you! Ashner is dead, but I'm here… If you die for him, I'll truly be alone… Please… Lucian, I love you, I adore you, I revere you, cherish you, I desire you, I yearn for you, lust for you, idolize you, admire you, and devote myself to you! Don't you see that without you, I'm nothing!"

Iris gasped for air after her long rant. Her chest pressed against Lucian’s back. “Iris…”

“Lucian! Choose me! Be with me! I promise I’ll give you everything you want! My love is yours and only YOURS!”

“Iris…” Lucian shoved her off him, and she tumbled on her back with a shocked gaze. "You don't know what love is… You set everything up for Helen to get addicted to drugs and for Mike to seduce her… Then you used my pain to seduce me… The Goddess in front of us is the Goddess of Death, but you… Your heart is more wicked than hers can ever be… You repulse me…”

Iris's eyes watered. She bit her lip hard enough to make it bleed. "No… I'm gorgeous… Men fight each other just for my attention… I am better than that bitch Helen in every way… My body is hotter! My pussy is tighter! And I will fuck you whenever you want!”

“Iris…” Lucian held Ashner’s corpse closer. “Did you cause my son’s death?”

“No!” She spoke quickly.

“The girl lies.” Lilith’s voice interrupted the two. “She didn’t do it herself, but her deceit and manipulation were intended for his death… This girl brought down everyone you love… In order to isolate and smother you…”

“No!” Iris yelled, irritated that her manipulation was brought to light. “You wanted me to date Ashner… So I spread the rumor that we were dating… That he took my virginity… So that you would be happy!”

“She utters another lie… A boy who’s obsessed with her killed your son… Her words to him were. ‘If he wasn’t alive, we would be together forever.’”

Lucian's eyes sharpened with rage. He glared at Iris with such rage her face and body shivered with fear. "So it was you… This means I'm responsible for everything that happened… I should've shut you away the moment I suspected you were interested in me… But I was a fool… Lilith… Can you make a certain arrangement?"

Lilith studied Lucian, whose face was now releasing tears. "What kind of arrangement?"

“I’ll give you my life and my soul, in exchange for my son… So he can fulfill your desires… And in exchange, I want you to ensure Iris never harms a hair on my son’s head…”

“NO!" Iris fell to her knees and wept bitterly.

“Don’t let her kill my son.”

“I can… Iris, if you kill Ashner, directly or indirectly, your life will fade away to nothing, and you will become my toy… I will prevent you from escaping your fate… You will live your entire life watching him, desiring Lucian, but instead, Ashner will live in his stead… Your hate for Ashner will only grow… Your heart will remain empty, only finding joy in his pain… Unfulfilled with the loss of your twisted love…”

“I’ll kill you.” Iris roared.

Lilith smiled deviously. "You're welcome to try… If you succeed, then I'll reunite with my beloved… And all sentient life will survive…" Lilith stepped towards Iris.

Her presence was so powerful the very grass beneath the Goddess opened a path for her, but the strands she stepped on quickly died. Iris was too petrified to move.

“A God killer needs a weapon to fight with." Lilith gripped Iris's eyes with one hand. Her hands burned the young girls' face enough to make her howl like a banshee.

Once she removed her hands away. Iris's eyes shifted from brown to lime green. “What did you do to me?”

“I gave you a purpose… With those eyes, you'll find the means to kill me…" She returned to Lucian and knelt next to him. "As for you… Do you accept my contract?"

“Yes," Lucian spoke meekly.

Lilith grabbed his chin. As she did, it turned black with her power. Then she kissed him.

“Get away from him!” Iris rushed the Goddess, but the world around her shifted, and a gust of wind lifted her up. She flew towards the gate between worlds. Before it sucked her up, she smashed against one of the pillars similar to her own worlds Stonehedge, except the stones were white.

Lucian’s body disappeared in a dark mist, and light entered Ashner's body.

Ashner then took his first breath once more.

Lilith paced towards Iris, who was pinned with the wind. Once she was a few feet from her, Lilith spoke. "Fight all you want… Hate me until your heart is satisfied… Just know, only the weapon of the hero can kill me…"

“I'll kill you!" She roared and bared her fangs, then shot a glare at Ashner as he started moving his fingers. “AND YOU! YOU SHOULD’VE STAYED DEAD! WHY DID YOU COME BACK! WHY DID HE TAKE YOUR PLACE!”

Ashner's soul and body weren't fully merged. He was in a state of limbo.

Lilith studied Iris. She was desperate and throwing a tantrum… Obviously, a woman used to getting her way. Her eyes met Lilith's, even enraged she was crying. Even so, Lilith needed to talk.

“My soul is divided. A part of me desires death to claim me so I can unite with my beloved… And another part of me wants to destroy everything… We are alike… Without the ones we love… Our lives are shattered…" She leaned in close to Iris's face. "You're twisted… But even monsters desire comfort…”

The pillar behind Iris shattered, and her body, along with pieces of the pillar, shot into the portal, returning her to Earth with her memories intact.

Once she left, Lilith sighed. Her life was finally getting interesting.

The Goddess glanced at Ashner. He was breathing and confused. "As for you, I broke the code and brought back one that has seen infinity… Your fate will be cruel, but your soul and your decisions will not be manipulated by destiny. Within you, the power of the First will manifest… Thank you, Ashner… Now I know how it feels to save a life… And it's wonderful… But I am balance… So I need to kill what she created… For the good of all creation…"

Light engulfed the world around them, and Ashner's body disappeared, forced back onto his planet. Lilith shifted the memories of everyone, forcing the illusion that Lucian died in a meager way.

*******

“Iris!” A man rushed into her room while she fiddled with her laptop. “You were right… We found it.”

Iris smiled and stood up. She wasn't a teenager anymore. Now she was a beautiful woman. One with a plan. “Take me to it.”

Sailors made room for Iris as she passed them. The ground beneath them was filthy, and she had spent a fortune for this operation.

Her boat shifted with the waves. It was freezing this far up in Alaska, and storms were horrid. But she wanted her prize.

Iris walked onto the deck, where an outspread net revealed a sword as white as cotton, sheathed and beautifully designed with roses, thorns, and red rubies.

“I finally found you…”

Iris grabbed the Key and drew it. The boat rocked with the waves, but even in heels, she kept her balance.

“The weapon that can kill a God…" Iris took in the designs, and it's beauty. It was frail and dangerous, a perfect weapon for her. "I'll make that bitch bring you back… She can have Ashner and everyone else she wants… I only need you… Lucian… Even death can't keep you away from me…"