Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Two years! Two mindless years! Dear god. I can finally move and leave this damn estate. Curse that bastard Victoria. I swear it's one thing not to have sex, but to be teased every night by Ezra as her distant moans resounded under a veil of darkness was torment. True torture. She truly was a devil… Well, that's not right. A Shadowfell Devil.

Stretching out of my bed, I sighed, "I'm almost nighty percent healed." And everything had been going to plan!

Ezra's submission was risky. I still can't believe she only figured it out after becoming part of the Shadowfell. It was, after all, obvious. How could I, the Monarch of Darkness, who held power to control a prime law, allow what was mine to be taken? I knew everything that went on around my people. If there's darkness, I'm there.

I knew of Freya's isolation within Nocturne, her longing for this king. I could snap and teleport her to my side. And I could have done the same to Ezra long ago. In fact. The second she was kidnapped, I could have returned her to my side or Freya's. But I just blocked out everything. I'd fate she'd live. And if she didn't well. I'd have Mimir take over the Nines.

Although I didn't think they'd torture her like so. Oh well. It all worked out. Well, for me, it did and didn't. The little devil was furious, and as revenge, Ezra would tease me every night. And with Victoria's cock blocking me at every turn. I was in heavy need of… release.

"Arsene?" Said my new Archnemesis, standing at the door with folded arms.

"Two years, and I'm still waiting on tacos."

"First off, I don't even know what that is, and secondly, you can cook. I'm not your maid. Just be grateful; I made you anything… Asshole."

"Your words cut me deep, woman. But I forgive you. There will be a day I bed you, my darling Victoria."

"Eww."

"But not a no, I see." I mused aloud, chuckling as her face grew red with anger. " Oh, cheer up. I'm quite the catch, you know. Look at this sexy ass ashen hair or these thick as calves and thighs. Girl, I'm hot."

"Stop. please stop." She said, taking her leave without a second thought as I laughed. Rushing to her side.

"Oh, come on. It's not so bad, Victoria. Plus, we can finally leave the Eben Forest." I hastily said as my arms hooked over her shoulders. " We are heading north towards the Guiser Planes to meet a dead man."

Enjoying Victoria's warmth, I did not bother to move as she shot me an annoyed look. Ignorant that I was slowly getting more and more liberal with my contact. Foolish Abyssal Fiend, I am the night! And you have fallen for my trap card!

"Who?"

"Aldrich, of course. That bastard is on the Great Basin within the Guiser Planes. It should take a few thousand years to reach him on foot. Five hundred if we can catch a ride." I said as a wisp of darkness skimmed through my eyes, revealing an entire world to me.

Iluthath was massive, and there were billions of blank spots I couldn't penetrate, but for the most part, I had a mental image of all major landmarks. Although, the scariest thing about Iluthath was its near infinite Spiral Doors that could toss you into the Bed of Chaos with nowhere to escape or even in the Nines. This world was dangerous. Bael had even said that Iluthath has spiral pockets with access to higher realms or lands comparable to the Origin Realm.

"Up north,' Victoria murmured. "There's a few Eternal Dragons that way. And I'd rather not use Into the Abyss, as per my master's instructions."

I frowned. "It's fine. Dragons are usually intelligent. If they act, we'll just kill them."

"Let's hope you can. You just wiped out hundreds of souls from creation. I won't be surprised if an Arbiter appears to carry out judgment."

My lips twitched, and without hesitation, I kissed Victoria's cheek before running away as she exploded in a wave of Abyssal Qi.

"Stop wishing me dead!!!" I Shouted, Shadow Stepping a few kilometers away into town and away from her relentless wrath. "Man… I hope she doesn't poison my food or tea."

"Ah, Lord Snow."

God damn. What does he want? I'm on a temporary vacation.

Turning towards Rar'caju, one of the Elders within the Sect of the White Rose, I smiled, greeting him without fault as I did to everyone with reasonable respect towards this king. ' What can I do for you, Elder."

"Whispers are about. I hear you're leaving the Eben Forest."

"Ezra?"

"Victoria," Rar'Caju corrected. "She quite the talker. Said you three might be leaving in a few years."

"Try months."

Rar'caju creased his brow, his cat-like eyes narrowing, as the wrinkles near the jaw tightened. "So soon? What's the rush?"

My smile deepened. "Is that scheme in the winds I smell? Perhaps a favor coming on?"

"Alright, Alright. Fine. I need some help up north."

"Now that's odd. I was planning to head up north. And I've only just told Victoria about that a few seconds ago. " I chuckled, narrowing my eyes. " Tell me, what's up north?"

"Seven of my junior sect disciples and my grandchild." Said Rar'Caju sharply.

"And you need me, why? You're a High God. Surely you—"

"A few hundred years ago, we felt a powerful comprehension of darkness emanate from you. More than anything we've ever felt before." Rar'Caju started with a heavy grimace. However… Something quite similar appeared near the entrance. And we sent various disciples to investigate. Unfortunately, none of them have returned, and the entrance is sealed. Not even I can break through."

"And your Sect Master?"

"Would destroy the seal and everyone else along with it. The barrier is just too powerful for us to remove without collateral. Lord Snow, I'm asking for your help."

"I don't work for free,' I replied, narrowing my eyes as he nodded.

"Your reward would be the information, sir, and my word that anything inside will belong to you." He remarked so swiftly I couldn't help but chuckle.

"What a lovely day."