Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Drawing my sigil over Arkenos forehead and Arsene's over her heart, purely in Sene's blood. I added a bridge from her forehead down to her chest and took a step back.

It was only the two of us in what Death called the innermost sanctum of the Pale Gate. He had claimed this is where my power would be at its peak. But all I felt was nothing. The Abyss was me, and I it. Maybe Ava or Victoria could feel something, but all I felt was inner peace. Something I carried everywhere.

"Mama, is Arkanos going to die?" The little dragon muttered, peering up at me with timid eyes. Wet with a myriad of emotions. Words failed to appear in my mind. Try as I wanted, I could not seem to find it in me to lie.

"I-I don't know," I truthfully said, feeling a knife enter my heart. "Arkanos, just be strong, ok. Clear your mind for me."

"Mama, Arkanos doesn't want to leave Mama and Papa. Arkanos doesn't want to leave Big Sis." She pleaded, stuttering over her words.

"J-Just close your eyes. Close your eyes, and when you wake, the first thing you will see will be Papa, Big Sis, and me. Just close your eyes," I comforted, unsheathing Riverfall. I waited as the tear-filled eyes of my terrified daughter closed her eyes.

Holding myself back, I hardened my heart, patted her head, and plunged my sword through her heart, tearing away her life as one of the children of the One.

"Fight well, Arkanos." I cried, feeling my heart being torn to shreds.

Brushing the tears that flowed without end from both Arkanos and my eye. Her body slowly began to lose its warmth, and her once ripe cheeks turned ashen. A pulse of Abyssal energy raced from her small body, bleeding out over my arms.

Holding her tightly, I gave her one last kiss and rested her down gently. I clenched my fist, unable to look as my power coiled around her, taking her away from my sight, leaving only a cacoon.

Covering my mouth, I threw up. Not once, not twice, nor trice. I just kept throwing up till my cheeks turned pale as the dead, as I remembered Arkanos, her tiny hands that would cling to me, and her childlike laughter.

"My Lady," A dejected voice sounded as two pares of hands touched on my shoulder. I heard Death speak, "You must stand,' He said, holding me firmly, "Stand my Queen. You must stand. Hold your head high, and keep it there. Never bow, never cry, never show what you feel. You are the Queen. The All, the strongest being in creation."

"What... what is it." I bitterly muttered, having never wanted more than to renounce who I am. Is this not the second time I have done this? Kill those I love? Arsene never even bothered to talk about it, but my Family had existed on Tensen Lumeris when I purged that place of people. I killed them all, all for nothing. Sacrifice without reason, as only four abyssal children, was formed.

"Zariel Snow is here, your grace." Said Death, stirring my soul. "He is grim."

"Is he injured?" I asked, unsure why I even cared. But he was struck down by the One.

"He is pale, but Paragons do not lose battle prowess. Even if I strike, I would not even be able to touch his clothing." He explained, but I could not hear nor feel any fear in the Pale Lord.

"I see." I quaintly said, rising from my feet. Wiping the tears, a pulse of abyssal qi cleaned the filth away. Pushing down this feeling clawing at my soul, I took a deep breath and turned ice cold. "Take me to him."

Death snapped, and before I knew it, I was sitting around a round table. Across from me, my heart turned sad as I recalled Arkanos. His hair was a vibrant silver that glowed, same for his eyes. He was handsome, beyond measure, but I could see blood seeping from his gown. Bleeding over the ground, I turned to Death, who smiled and bowed his head.

"How have you been?" I asked, seeing so many characteristics of Sene over his face.

"Arsene tossed you in prison, and my wife, had me almost killed. so I think its safe to say, I'm a little piss." he grimly said, but I could not see a change in his expression as he spoke. "Shall we begin?" He then asked, shooting his gaze up towards where I knew Izavith stood watching.

Showing no fear, Zariel's gaze coolly trailed down to me, "I need not tell you that your race will have to restrict themselves to exist within the Thirty-three heavens, correct?"

I nodded.

"Good. I will allow leeway past the Lower Heaven and allow most of your abilities there. Although I am sure there will be an exception, I will speak to these individuals later." He softly and coldly said, obviously speaking of Izavith and some of the stronger Abyssal Fiends. "This leads me to speak about those who will be living in the Lower Heavens."

"You speak of Lower Heaven, can you explain," I asked, probing for info.

"No," He coldly informed. "It's you who called this meeting. If you don't have the facts. it's not my problem."

"The Lower Heaven is just another name for the Thirty-three Heavens, Your grace. " Said Death, but I merely chuckled.

"Aurelia did mention you were an asshole. I wonder what she will do when I tell her how you are trying to bully me? I hear she is pregnant." I cunningly threatened, watching his cheeks turn even colder.

Growling irritably, Zariel's blood seeped over the ground, drawing both Death and my attention. He continued, "I will be with Izavith to monitor her progress to make sure nothing funny goes on. I do hope you have a point in all of this, Lilith. My time is more valuable than most angels combine. Submit to me a binding document with your lifeblood, and I will review it. Keep it clean and fair, and make a reasonable claim, and I do not see why the heavenly Father should reject you. You have my vote, for now, that is. "

Vanishing before I could say anything, I shot to my feet, but Death was quick to hold me back.

"Don't," He hastily barked, surprising me, as his face turned a deadly pale. "He left his blood here for a reason. The Immortal Blood of the Lord of Absolution is not a game. I am using all my power to keep you alive. Leave now, your grace.. We will prepare it for you."