"Only a week remains until Lilith begins her journey to Tarth in her attempt to regain her strength. We need to choose a valid course of action," Lucifer said, his voice calm yet commanding.
He sat at a roundtable with exactly seven seats, each occupied by one of the princes. Beside every throne-like chair stood two demons — the right and left hands of their lords. Beyond them, the demon brothers Lenen and Ukobathan lingered in silence, watching.
"Do you truly believe Lilith is enough of a problem that we must all be involved?" Belphegor muttered, his head lazily resting on the table, massive ram-like horns scraping against the wood.
"You planning to sit this one out? Too lazy, or just scared?" Beelzebub sneered, his grin sharp and mocking. Belphegor sighed, the sound grating against Satan's patience.
"Lucifer. Did you and Asmodeus not deal with this years ago? Why are we here? This reeks of your incompetence, not ours," Abaddon said, his tone cold, eyes locked on Lucifer.
Lucifer's gaze hardened, his eyes glowing faintly red. "I hear your concerns, Abaddon. But this case is unique. Lilith was released and now inhabits the body of a human boy. If you still believe this is mine alone to face, you are free to leave. Just know — Lilith remembers all seven of us. If we fail, she will come for you eventually."
"Anyone who leaves now will be killed by me after Lilith is dealt with. Cowards are not worthy of crowns like mine," Satan declared, his voice booming. Silence fell across the table.
"If I may interject, my lords," Lenen spoke suddenly, his timid nature replaced with unexpected confidence. "Lilith and the boy will grow stronger with time. It would be foolish not to snuff them out with everything we have, as soon as possible."
Ukobathan's eyes widened. His younger brother had never spoken so boldly, especially in the presence of the seven.
"Who are you? And how dare you interrupt?" Mammon snarled, disgust dripping from his voice.
Lenen stepped forward, standing tall where all seven princes could see him. "I am Lenen, the mental demon. The newest member of Lord Lucifer's inner fifty, and vessel of the sin of pride." He lifted his shirt, revealing the mark of the inner circle etched into his flesh.
"Mammon," Satan said, his interest piqued, "let the boy speak."
"Thank you, my lord," Lenen continued. "I fought the boy myself. His strength was already formidable, but his potential is exponential. Under Lilith's guidance, he could become a great threat. I implore you — we must bring everything we have to Tarth."
The chamber fell silent once more.
Belphegor finally raised his head, eyes narrowing at Lenen. "You're bold, young demon. Either we deal with this now, or face a greater problem later. Lucifer, you've got one hell of a dog in your ranks. I'm in." His stare was venomous, but Lenen did not flinch.
The divide was clear. Lucifer, Satan, Belphegor, Beelzebub, and Asmodeus supported the mission. Mammon and Abaddon remained reluctant.
"We shall all go," Abaddon said at last, rising abruptly. "Do not misunderstand me, Lucifer, Satan. I will see for myself how much of a threat Lilith is. I fear no demon at this table. Remember that." He stormed out, leaving tension in his wake.
"Then we are in agreement," Lucifer said. The remaining princes nodded.
"This meeting is dismissed." Lucifer rose, followed by his subordinates. Lenen walked beside him, while Ukobathan departed with Satan.
Lucifer, his two hands, and Lenen moved down a corridor in silence.
"You're something else, Lenen," one of Lucifer's hands remarked — a demon with long, bushy blonde hair trailing to his ankles.
"Thank you, Lord Valefor," Lenen replied.
Lucifer's lips curled into a faint smile. "Impressive. Not even Ars Goetia such as Valefor or Barbatos dare to interject when the seven are in council. Yet you swayed opinions in my favor. I admire your usefulness, Lenen."
The young demon's smile widened at the praise.
Elsewhere, Satan strode with his two hands and Ukobathan.
"Frustration burns in you, boy," Satan said, his voice low and dangerous. "I feel the same about Lucifer most days. Do not worry. Demons like us are pure — born for bloody politics and battle. That is why wrath chose us." His words stoked Ukobathan's anger further.
Is this what being under Lucifer does to you? My brother is unrecognizable since that night in the woods. I will catch up, Lenen. Do not count me out, Ukobathan thought, his eyes glowing bright red.
Satan noticed and laughed manically, his two hands joining in. "You'll fit right in, boy," one said, gripping Ukobathan's shoulder.
Hours later, deep within a colossal forest of towering trees, Lenen stood drenched in sweat. Several trunks lay toppled around him. His teeth had sharpened, nails elongated, breath ragged.
Not good enough! he thought, slamming his fists into another tree. Shockwaves rippled, but the trunk held firm. He struck again and again, frustration mounting.
Don't force it. Let it overcome you, he remembered Lucifer's words.
He stopped, raising his arm. A violet aura flickered faintly around his fist. In a single motion, without wind-up, he punched. The tree cracked violently, splitting down the middle before collapsing with a thunderous crash.
As the dust settled, Lenen stared at his trembling hand, realization dawning.
I'm closer. Soon, I will be strong enough to protect life… even from the seven. A smile spread across his face, sharp and dangerous.