Forgotten Fates

by S J Doran

  It would take a great deal of power to shatter the summoning circle, power she had diligently saved and was hesitant to use. This power she had been harvesting within her athame for a special occasion, a special someone rather. But if she had to, she could free herself, and kill her summoner. Never again would she leave herself too powerless to protect herself, too weak to escape.

  “I must warn you that I am neither patient of character nor in the habit of repeating myself.”

  As she spoke, the figure beyond her line of sight stepped out from the shadows, his appearance slowly revealed by the light of the moon and bright stars decorating the night sky.

  Lips parted on a silent gasp as shock ran its course. Her summoner had no need to announce himself, for Amara instantly recognized the being standing before her. Portraits of his likeness adorned the halls of the Nessus; his features graced the pages of countless history books. She had studied them all, had wanted to learn everything about the demon whose name was the final one on her list. The exiled Prince of Secrets.

  “Levistus.”

  “You honor me, priestess Amara.”

  “Then you misunderstood my intent.” Indignation filled her, how dare he— after all the damage he had caused, summon her.

  He strolled along the circumference of her confinement, black eyes taking in every inch of her. He looked at her as if she were a curiosity on display for his personal assessment. And she decided in that moment that she was going to enjoy killing him.

  Her shoulders straightened, her chin instinctively tilting up in defiance of his inspection. Rather than be angry she ought to feel grateful for his summons, after all, he had just made the task of finding him infinitely easier. She hadn’t much been looking forward to visiting the Stygia.

  “I assume it was Cassius who summoned you from your icy grave? What a foolish thing to do...”

  The corner of his full lips turned into a mischievous smile. The gesture oddly familiar, yet she couldn’t seem to place it.

  “You believe I pose a threat to the King of the Hells?”

  The force of her magic intensified around her, reflecting the turmoil she felt deep within. Rather than give into the temptation to unleash it, she reeled it in tightly. Forcing a matching cool smile to grace her expression in answer to his.

  “I believe you to be a threat to anyone who gets in your way. Although I fail to see how a demon prince and a warlock prisoner could ever have managed such a feat.”

  As expected, his roguish smile faltered at her accusation. Had he truly expected her to remain ignorant of the details involving that night?

  The instant she had been set free from her prison, Amara had tirelessly retraced the events which had led to her demon’s death. She would see her Cassius avenged, and see all responsible brought to their knees. That’s how Levistus had made her list. Azadiel- their teacher, their guardian and friend had betrayed them, but it was his master who had orchestrated it all from within his icy grave.

  His voice was full of conviction. “You know nothing of what I have done, of what was sacrificed...”

  Her was filled with loathing. “Quite the contrary Levistus, I’m intimately acquainted with the sacrifices made. It was due to your orders that Cassius was destroyed, and I…”

  The words stuck in her throat, her grip easing her athame from her waist. Another life, a different girl, a different demon.

  “We were the sacrifices to your ambitions”

  “I had my reasons.”

  Only the fact that they were standing upon the soil of Gaia kept her from thrusting her athame into the barrier and attacking the demon prince. She could break free, but the ley lines siphoned their powers. On the mortal realm her magic would prove too weak to kill him, and physically he was stronger. The fallen general of the heavens and prince of the Hells had chosen his location wisely.

  “Why did you summon me?”

  He came to stand before her, his height dominating her own. If he sought to intimidate however, he would soon discover that she wasn’t easily cowed.

  “I need to see her...”

  “Ahh yes” A cruel smile twisted her lips, her talents for necromancy made this a cry she had heard many times before. “I assume you refer to Benzosia? If so then- yes, I can see how you would be in need of my assistance.”

  Everyone with an ear for gossip had eventually learned of the forbidden romance between the tragic Queen of the Hells and the demon Prince of Secrets. Rumors claimed Benzosia had rejected him in favor of Asmodeus, and in turn Levistus had killed her in a fit of jealous rage.

  Amara reserved doubts about the truth of that rumors. Not because she believed Levistus incapable of the crime- quite the contrary. No, her doubt stemmed from knowing the origin of the rumor, Basileus.

  “I’d be delighted to arrange a reunion between you and your lady love, Levistus. Just release me from this circle and I will personally send you to the underworld where you may join her.” To emphasise her words she ran her athame along the barrier, watching it spark where her blade met. “My price will be your head mounted above my mantle, a bargain really...”

  “A reasonable price, some may even claim it overdue. But you will not get your vengeance on me priestess, until I have claimed my own.”

  He circled her, she turned to follow, not letting the demon prince out of her sight.

  “You and I have enemies in common Amara, enemies you have no access to. You cannot attack a member of the demonarchy without risking a fallout between the Hells and Asurim. And it would be a shame to see your struggling realm fall into a war it cannot hope to survive. You need the infernal energy, without it your warlocks have no magic, since your realm has none to spare.”

  “I gave you no permission to use my name, and the Demon King would never turn on me.”

  The smile Levistus gave her was cold, calculated. And she instantly knew she watching the puppet master at work. “Likely true, the king does seem the loyal type. But Cassius cannot protect you if he no longer holds the throne.”

  And there it was, their greatest weakness exposed by the Prince of Secrets. If Cassius lost his crown, it would only be a matter of time before the eyes of the next monarch of Hell would again fall upon Asurim.

  “Think of it priestess, I don’t bear the responsibility of a realm upon my shoulders. And unlike your needlers and assassins, my actions could never be traced back to you.”

  She didn’t want to hear this, didn’t want anything from him other than his head pried loose from his shoulders. But he was dangling just the right bait.

  “I possess the knowledge and power to destroy our enemies from the inside. I have a place within the demonarchy, and the king’s ear. But I cannot do what must be done if I am cursed or dead.” Black eyes gazed at her in victory, “you need me priestess, alive and as your ally.”

  With her sisters gone, she had been forced to wear the crown which had been destined to grace Calista’s head. Vengeance had been made near impossible while acting as Sarratum, and charged with the task to protect her realm and its people. At the same time, the sin-eater wasn’t gaining much ground.

  The demon was losing control over his realm, his hold on his throne weakening as his enemies grew emboldened. They were in desperate need of an ally within the demonarchy, one who knew how to steer its politics and undo whatever damage Basileus had done.

  “Hells.” Moments passed between them as she considered the implications of his words. He was powerful enough to do it, and was already a piece on the board now that Cassius had set him free. Better to keep the prince of secrets where she could see his movements. “What exactly are you offering?”

  Dark eyes held hers. “I offer Cassius my knowledge and service in keeping his claim on the throne. I rid the Nessus of Basileus and any who seek to overthrow Cassius as ruler of the Nessus and king of the Nine Hells.”

  “Damn it…” With a sense of defeat she shoved her athame back into its sheath at her waist. She desperately wanted to reject
his offer, wanted so badly to end him for setting in motion the destruction of her life and that of her demon, but she couldn’t. His offer simply held too great a value. What he offered could be the difference between defeat and survival for them both.

  “You know what was done to the sin-eater thanks to your meddling. So, you are aware of the risks involved in serving him?”

  There was no expression on his face, no sign of remorse or guilt as he spoke. “He has no memory older than one hundred and forty years, his mind was altered and his soul destroyed. Should he ever become consciously aware that he is in fact, already dead, his mind will break and his body will wither. Yes, I am aware.”

  “I will kill you for what you did to him Levistus, you know this.”

  “Yes, and that is why I have summoned for you, to make a bargain. I know you won’t ever forgive what I have done, nor am I foolish enough to ask it of you. All I ask in return for what I offer is a temporary truce. Your vow that you make no attempt on my life until our vengeance is met, Asmodeus must die before I do. After that, my head will grace your mantle if you will it.”

  “And you will not harm Cassius… I mean, the sin- eater?”

  Dark brows rose up, his expression unreadable. “You have my vow, the young king will come to no harm by my doing, and neither will you.”

  With a defeated sigh she sent a small prayer up to the dark Gods, beseeching them to ensure this would not be yet another decision she would come to regret.

  “Alright Levistus, I accept your terms.”

  The summoning circle shattered, releasing her from the bind as a sudden rush of power engulfed them both, an agreement struck, a vow sealed in magic.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  dance, puppet

  He didn’t open his eyes until the world stopped rumbling.

  And then he wished he hadn’t.

  His father stood over him, massive wings casting a shadow, making his father’s face look diabolical in the light shining down on him; his focus so intent on Cass the surrounding world remained largely unformed.

  The room was blurred at the edges, but the manifestation that surrounded them rang with familiarity. The usual luxury his father chose to surround himself with inside his prison realm was gone. Instead he was surrounded by stone walls decorated with iron chains, blood and dirt caked on the floor— the sight of it made his stomach flip.

  Pain burst in his chest when his father’s boot met his ribs. Choking, gasping for breath, he tried to shake off his sleep haze; the pain sharpening his wits. Cassius got up to his hands and knees and was knocked back down as a boot hit his gut.

  “What have you done?” His father shouted, bending down to pick him up, only to slam him against the stone wall.

  Had to… catch… breath…

  “Stop!” He held up his shaking hands, his body in shock, his brain not processing.

  Knuckles met his cheekbone as the back of his father’s hand met his face.

  He thought this would be over- thought it had been a culmination of errors he was able to last time- this was intentional. He was summon-able at his father’s will. To be tormented in secret?

  His breaths choked off as his father’s hand tightened around his throat.

  “There is a balance to be kept.” His father snarled right in his face, as his hand tightened, cutting off all of Cass’s air. “You’ve given your voice to a celestial being!” Asmodeus was back to shouting.

  Cassius didn’t remember ever seeing his father outwardly angered. Sadly, he could admit to himself that he was truly afraid.

  And couldn’t talk. Because he could no longer breathe.

  His chest burned from the lack of oxygen, black spots swimming in his vision.

  “There are LAWS,” his father shouted again, slamming Cass’s head against the wall before finally releasing him.

  He slid down the wall, slumping into a heap, fighting to retain consciousness. The grit covering the cold stone of the floor dug into his face, he couldn’t shift the weight off his fresh bruises. One breath. All he could smell was the rotting of old blood. Another breath.

  Throat burning, shooting pains tore through his chest with each breath- he suspected one of his ribs was broke, it hurt worse than being stabbed, the pain renewing with each movement. Had to get up, save her...

  A ripping pain seared his skull as his father gripped his hair, pulling him up by it, snapping him back to his senses, ensuring Cass had no choice but to meet his eyes.

  “By what right,” his father hissed, spittle landing across Cass’s face, “do you have to bind yourself to an angel? Who do you think you are?”

  Tears leaked out the corners of his eyes. He liked to believe it was just from the pain of having his hair ripped out.

  “Your son,” he whispered, voice haggard and raw. “The only son and heir of Asmodeus.” He cried out when that punishing grip tightened.

  His father sat back on his heels, finally releasing him, seeming to collect himself, though the fury still burned brightly in his flame-blue eyes. Cassius knew better than to break eye contact. That would just make things worse. Always worse.

  “You were born of a vessel barely worthy of my seed.” Asmodeus said, jaw ticking. “The only reason I kept you is because it was apparent from a young age that you had the capacity to wield my power.”

  He stood abruptly, pulling Cass up by his neck, “you are corruption. you think to tie yourself to anything inherently good? Anything pure will fall prey to your nature- you are demon born- any celestial blood of mine runs thin in those veins.”

  He shook Cass again, “and when my former brothers come for you and end your misbegotten life, all of your trespasses against me will come to light. My throne had better still stand.”

  His head bounced off against the wall once more and he was pushed through the portal and back into his bedroom.

  “My lord.” Leira was there, gasping, reaching for him as he lay curled into himself.

  He angrily swiped the tears from his face.

  “Leave me.” He kept his face averted.

  “Let me see to your wounds,” she fussed over him- wiping up blood.

  He hadn’t even realized he was bleeding.

  With a growl, he lunged to his feet, picking her up and turning her over the bed. His chest was rattling, agony spearing him with each indrawn breath, the pain driving him to near madness.

  “You want to see to me?” He purred into her ear, a warning in his tone. “You want me when I’m like this?”

  She whimpered, her feet moving apart, legs spreading and those delectable hips wiggling as she adjusted herself. There was no true concern, her care spurred only by the lust he could already sense clinging to her.

  Without a thought, he pushed down his pants and threw her skirt up around her waist, plunging his fingers in roughly... a little desperately.

  “Yes,” she moaned throatily, bucking back against his hand.

  “You need this?” He pushed his fingers deeper, pumping them slowly.

  “Please. Yes.” She whimpered, hands grasping the bedsheets.

  He pulled his fingers out and grasped his cock, running his shaking hand up and down, coating it in her juices, before easing it into her welcoming heat. Slowly, needing to hear her beg.

  “Please,” she whimpered and he plunged deep and hard.

  She gasped loudly when he was buried fully, and he grasped her hips, wrenching them back toward his. Her juices were running down her leg, he thrust even harder, moving his fingers over her clit, her moans turning into pants.

  He fucked her so hard, the heavy wooden bed inched across the floor under them— until she cried out, her scream hoarse, her sheath clenching him so hard…

  He pulled out, watching dazedly as spurts of semen landed across her ass, over the back of her wings— dizziness making his vision dim.

  He pulled his pants up and walked over to his chaise before collapsing.

  He blinked open his eyes, and she stood over him.


  “Do you need anything, my lord? A salve?”

  “Leave me.” He spoke abruptly, turning from her.

  He ignored the resentment that flared through her silvery eyes, closing his own eyes once more, listening to the soft click of his door.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  wasn't salvation promised?

  He awoke not much later to find two pairs of eyes staring down at him. One pair the color of vibrant moss, their depths filled with begrudged concern. Only Jez’Piel had that look. The other pair were pitch black and rapidly filling with rage. Unmistakably Levistus. “Son.”

  “Don’t.” Cass ground out, “ever call me that.”

  Levistus nodded, walked off and came back a moment later with a warm cloth. He dabbed it at Cass’s cheek, brows drawn together. His mind still hadn’t caught up, teasing him with the scent of poisons and dark magic.

  “He did this to you?” Levistus spoke softly, looking him over.

  Cass nodded, turning his head away from the demon’s enquiring looks. He duly noted that his shirt was being removed, and the heard the hissing intake of breath from the other demon.

  “He doesn’t deserve to have a son.” Levistus said, mumbling under his breath, something dark and sorrowful hidden within that statement.

  Cold settled into his soul. Perhaps Levistus had not killed Benzosia, but clearly he had done something that weighed on him.

  Levistus bent over him, wrapping something around his ribs, and Cass was hit with a hauntingly familiar scent. Underlying the ozone of magic- jasmine and winter berries- herbs and her.

  Levistus smelled of his priestess.

  Injuries forgotten, Cass pushed Levistus aside and jumped to his feet.

  He’d been to see the Priestess. His Priestess.

  He thought when she’d denied him it was because of what he was, demon, corruption. Guess he’d been wrong, Levistus was more of a demon than he. It was who he was.

  “What were you doing with her?” Cass snarled, gripping the front of Levistus’s shirt before dropping him and pulling himself through the portal that led directly into Amara’s rooms.