Infernal War

By Ezra Carias

Lucifer and the angels who rebelled with him got thrown out of Heaven.

They, Along with the inhabitants of Earth, find themselves in a despicable place. They all blame Lucifer for their current predicament and want revenge. Ovnion, Lucifer's old ally and former king of Earth, is the only one to approach Lucifer with a different purpose.

Ovnion wants to ally with Lucifer. He thinks if they work together they might survive. Lucifer will use Ovnion to become the sole ruler over both angels and Earth beings. As the fallen angels and Earth beings fight amongst themselves, Lucifer will do everything in his power to use their war to his advantage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ezra Carias
• Release date: Oct 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005228781

Ezra Carias

Ezra Carias is a christian writer and musician. He graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Music and Business Administration. He has worked as music teacher and volunteers his time at his local church. He lives in Miami, FL.

Book preview

Part 1

ThePitSmaller

Chapter 1

The Father threw Lucifer out of Heaven. He accelerated toward the Moon, Sun and Earth and collided with them.

The three celestial bodies shattered into pieces.

Lucifer regained consciousness and found himself underwater and under attack by a mob. He dodged many of the attacks as the mob grew bigger.

The lake Lucifer and the mob fought in was on a continent-sized Earth fragment. They were near the bottom of the lake.

I need to flee, thought Lucifer. I’m not strong enough to keep them at bay.

The mob slashed, punched, kicked and insulted Lucifer. They clambered over each other to reach their target.

Lucifer darted toward the darkness of deeper waters.

You killed me! said Ovnion as he punched Lucifer in the face.

Lucifer’s face turned to one side from the impact of the punch.

I know we’re underwater, thought Lucifer. There are bubbles nearby. I shouldn’t be able to hear Ovnion’s words with clarity. We must be in the Spiritual Realm.

Fallen angels slashed their swords at Lucifer and cut his dirty robe.

Lucifer stepped away from the angels in front of him.

Angels standing behind him cut Lucifer’s left shoulder and thigh.

I want what you promised me! said Molok as he swung his blade.

Lucifer blocked Molok’s blade with his own and kicked him.

Molok darted back and collided the mob.

Back away unless you want me to hurt you, said Lucifer.

Molok flapped his wings and darted at Lucifer. He aimed the tip of his sword forward.

Lucifer flapped his wings and shot toward the surface.

Molok passed under him.

The crowd followed Lucifer to the surface.

Lucifer broke through the surface of the water and flew to a rock floating above the lake. He landed on a patch of grass attached to the rock and ran.

The mob hunting Lucifer floated above the lake, reached the rock and chased him.

A group of angels dropped in front of Lucifer and pointed their swords at him.

Lucifer stopped, turned around and faced the crowd behind him.

The two crowds surrounded their prey.

Lucifer opened the hand holding his sword making it disappear. Listen to me, all of you. Hurting me is not going to accomplish anything.

Give us what you promised us, said Ovnion as he moved closer to Lucifer. You owe us.

I know I made promises to you, said Lucifer. But circumstances changed.

I don’t care about the change in circumstances, said Ovnion. You promised—

I can’t give you what I promised.

A chorus of complaints erupted from the crowd.

What? said Molok as he walked in front of the crowd of angels.

The promises I made to you hinged on one thing, said Lucifer.

Stop making excuses! said Malami as he stepped forward and stood behind Ovnion. You said you could deliver. We trusted you!

I understand you’re upset, said Lucifer. There was nothing I could do.

What happened? said Molok.

I went into the throne room and I explained to the Father what needed to happen, said Lucifer. He just wouldn’t—

‘What needed to happen’? said Molok. You said those words?

Yes, said Lucifer. It was the best way to explain to him what he needed to do.

You idiot, said Molok. You know the Father. You know what he is capable of and you went into his throne room to demand from him?

I didn’t demand anything from him, said Lucifer. I just—

It sounded like a demand to me, said Molok. You could have handled the situation better.

Yeah! said an angel behind Molok.

Let him speak, said Ovnion.

You can’t tell us what to do, said Molok.

I will do what I want, said Ovnion. I am not one. We are many. My people are me and I am my people.

A group of Ovnion’s warriors moved closer to him. The warriors bore scars of their death wounds. Welts, cuts and bruises covered their bodies. Their clothes were in tatters and dirty.

The angels wore dirty and torn robes. They moved closer to Molok and pointed their swords at Ovnion and his warriors.

We are Daimovnions, said Ovnion. You fight one of us, you fight us all.

Do you think we are afraid of you? said Molok. You are created beings. You are less than us. You don’t even have swords.

It doesn’t matter, said Ovnion. You are outnumbered.

Stop this! said Lucifer. This is not going to change anything.

I am not a Daimovnion, said Malami. I am the leader of my people; I don’t follow Ovnion. He doesn’t speak for me. I want Lucifer to explain to me when he is going to deliver what he promised me.

I told the Father he needed me to be in charge, said Lucifer. I told him I needed to rule over Earth. It was the only way to stop all the suffering.

You told me I would be the ruler of Earth, said Ovnion.

Yes, said Lucifer. Once I was sitting on my throne next to the Father, I would delegate the responsibility to you.

You are an idiot, said Baal as he pushed a warrior in front of him to get closer to Lucifer. Did you really think he would just give you power just because you asked him?

You don’t know the Father, said Lucifer. He isn’t like you—

I don’t need to know the Father! said Baal. Power is not given, it is taken. Every fool knows this.

I am no fool, said Lucifer, his voice full of rage. I had a backup plan in case he denied me.

What was your plan? said Ovnion.

I don’t think me telling you my plan will help our situation— said Lucifer.

What was your plan? said Molok.

I told him I was going to destroy Earth, said Lucifer.

The crowd surrounding Lucifer murmured.

Let me see if I understand you, said Molok as he rubbed his forehead. You threatened the Father?

It wasn’t a threat—

It was a threat! said Molok. You are a bigger idiot than I thought! The Father is the one true God. Did you think you were going to intimidate him into giving you a portion of his power?

You don’t know him as well as you think, said Lucifer. He is love. There is nothing he values more than what or who he loves. Love is his weakness; it’s the only way to break him. You haven’t been around him for as long as I have. Destroying Earth and all the beings on it was the only way to make him do what I wanted.

Are you telling us you were going to kill us? said Baal. We would be in the same situation we are now.

No, said Lucifer. The situation changed—

Lucifer cannot be trusted, said Ovnion. I remember you ordering your warriors to kill me after you made me Daim.

It was just a distraction so I could get away, said Lucifer. I wasn’t going to kill you.

You lie and lie and lie, said Ovnion. Have you ever told the truth?

Enough! said Lucifer. I don’t have to explain myself to you. I am more powerful than any of you. I’m the one who gives the orders. You will obey me.

I’m curious, said Malami. Did you really think we will ever do anything you order us to do?

Lucifer made a fist with his hand and his sword appeared in his hand. It behooves you to obey me.

I have another idea, said Malami. I say we experiment. Let’s see if we can inflict enough pain to kill Lucifer.

Angels can’t die, said Lucifer.

We won’t know unless we try, said Molok as he smiled.

Lucifer gripped his sword tighter.

Look! said a Daimovnion as he pointed.

A bright light moved above the waters of the lake on the rock Lucifer escaped from earlier.

It’s the Holy Spirit, said Molok.

Who? said Ovnion.

The Holy Spirit flew closer to the crowd of beings on the surface of the rock.

The intense light made some in the crowd to blink; others covered their eyes. Once he moved away, it took a moment for the crowd to get accustomed to the low-light environment.

Lucifer descended through the rock he was standing on. Once he was inside the rock, he found a cave and weaved back to the Physical Realm. Even though he was inside the rock he could still hear everything going on in the surface.

Where did he go? said an angel.

Find him! said Molok.

The angels flew off the surface of the rock and dispersed to find Lucifer.

I can’t hide forever, thought Lucifer. I have to find a way to control them.

Let there be light, said a voice.

The words made the rock fragments reverberate. They also resonated inside every being searching for Lucifer.

When the Daimovnions heard the words they searched around for the owner of the voice.

The Fallen angels and Lucifer knew the speaker; it was the Father.

Rock fragments destined to be Earth moved closer to each other and clumped together. The larger fragments’ gravitational pull attracted smaller rocks and added to their mass.

The rock fragments belonging to the Moon found each other and came together. The largest clump of lunar rocks rotated on its axis as more rocks attached to it.

The crowd hunting for Lucifer dodged rocks moving toward the larger rock fragment.

The rock Lucifer was hiding in collided with another rock and split apart. The cave Lucifer was in opened to the vacuum of space.

Lucifer flapped his wings and darted between the rocks in the asteroid field. Rocks of different sizes collided with each other. The smaller rocks shattered and dispersed.

Ninety one million miles away gases began to converge to a single bright spot.

The light from the nascent Sun traveled for eight minutes and twenty seconds and reached the area where the Earth and Moon were forming.

Lucifer made his way between colliding asteroids. He reached one of the largest rock fragments and flew over its surface. He scanned the ground until he found a cave. He landed and went into the cave.

What are you doing, Father? thought Lucifer. Do you really think you can make everything better by making all things new?

So, said a voice behind Lucifer. How long are you planning to hide?

Lucifer turned around to face Ovnion as he entered the cave. As long as I need to.

Ovnion came closer to Lucifer.

Lucifer pointed his sword at Ovnion.

You’re not going to need your sword, said Ovnion. I don’t want to fight you.

How did you find me?

Ovnion pointed to the far away unfinished Sun. Once it started shining, I was able to see your shadow.

If you don’t want to fight me, said Lucifer. What do you want?

You’re not doing well, said Ovnion. You have become our prey and sooner or later, prey gets hunted.

I’m not afraid of any of you.

I don’t doubt it, said Ovnion. But the fact remains, you’re not going to last long if you don’t switch tactics.

Do you think I need help? said Lucifer. Do you feel sorry for me?

No. Believe me, I don’t care about you. I only care about me and my people.

Why do you want to help me? said Lucifer.

We can help each other.

Lucifer opened his palm and his sword disappeared. I don’t need your help.

Are you sure? Why are you hiding then?

I’m here because I need to recuperate, said Lucifer. Once I am well enough I will go after Molok and I will become their leader.

What happens after?

What do you mean?

Do you think they will accept you as their leader? said Ovnion.

I don’t know.

If you strike down Molok, another angel will rise and take his place.

I’ll just fight him too, said Lucifer.

At some point, they will take you down. You can’t keep fighting forever.

Lucifer scratched his chin. What do you propose?

Dren is in charge of the Gearans and Malami is the leader of the Vogin, said Ovnion. If you help me bring those two groups under my control, I will help you gain control over the…what do you call yourselves?

Angels, said Lucifer. Fallen angels.

Yes, the Fallen angels. So, what do you say?

Why can’t you fight the other two groups? said Lucifer.

The Gearans I can handle. It’s the Vogin who might be more of a problem.

Why?

Before all this, they were able to enter the other…realm I believe they call it. They have more experience weaving between the realms. I also suspect they might be stronger than the rest of the tribes.

So? What will I do in this alliance? said Lucifer.

Swords, said Ovnion. I need you to teach me how to make swords appear and disappear.

Call forth and withdraw, said Lucifer.

What?

The terms are called forth and withdraw your sword, said Lucifer.

Are you agreeing to— said Ovnion.

Lucifer, Ovnion and the beings hunting Lucifer got pulled into the rock destined to become Earth. The temperature rose the deeper they went into the rock. They entered a gigantic cavern illuminated by the red glow of an enormous lava lake. The ground past the edge of the lake was littered with pools of sulfur-spewing lava.

Lucifer extended his wings and glided over the bubbling lava. He landed at the edge of the lake.

Help me! said Ovnion.

Lucifer turned around.

Ovnion stumbled out of the lava lake. He was covered in flames and clumps of lava stuck to his body. He screamed and fell. Help me!

What do you want me to do? said Lucifer.

Ovnion writhed on the ground as he tried to put out the flames all over his body. Lucifer! Help me!

Lucifer kicked Ovnion in the face.

The kick knocked Ovnion unconscious.

Lucifer stood by as the flames burned Ovnion. He stomped on Ovnion to snuff out the flames.

Smoke rose from Ovnion as he lay on the ground.

What is this place? thought Lucifer.

The screams of countless beings covered in flames filled the sulfur-filled atmosphere. They all stumbled out of the lake and tried to put out the flames on their bodies.

Chapter 2

Lucifer lifted Ovnion off the floor and carried him on his shoulder.

I need to hide, thought Lucifer. I don’t want to engage anyone in a fight before I know more about this place.

Lucifer flew away from the beach and headed toward a small mountain range. The three mountains comprising the range were devoid of vegetation. Lucifer landed and took Ovnion into a cave. He laid Ovnion’s burned, unconscious body on the ground and crouched to examine him.

Burns covered most of Ovnion’s body.

I wonder if his skin will heal, thought Lucifer.

Lucifer left Ovnion on the ground and strode to the entrance of the cave. The red hue of the lava lake dissipated into a black sky.

I know we got pulled into the rock, thought Lucifer. If I fly into the sky will I be able to get to the surface?

You traitor! shouted Ovnion as he charged at Lucifer.

Wait! said Lucifer.

Ovnion tackled Lucifer and they tumbled on the ground.

You kicked me! said Ovnion. I thought we had an alliance!

Lucifer gripped Ovnion by the neck and threw him on the ground.

I had to do it, said Lucifer.

Ovnion stood. I never should have allied myself with you!

I helped you! said Lucifer. Didn’t you notice how you couldn’t put out the flames on your body? Why do you think I knocked you unconscious?

Ovnion narrowed his eyes. I called to you to help me.

And I helped you!

By kicking me in the face?

I didn’t know if I could put out the flames either, said Lucifer. Knocking you out was the only way to prevent you from experiencing pain. After you passed out, I stomped out the flames.

You stomped on me after you kicked me in the face?

I did what I had to do. It worked, didn’t it?

I ought to kill you, said Ovnion.

You can’t. I don’t think any of us can die here.

Did you know this before you kicked me? said Ovnion.

I took a calculated risk. How do you feel?

Ovnion rubbed his forearms. My skin stings from the burns.

Good, said Lucifer. This means we can heal after getting hurt here.

What are you talking about?

Lucifer pointed at Ovnion. Your burns should have killed you, but they didn’t. You’re also healing faster than before. This is not normal; the rules have changed, Ovnion. I need to learn the new rules as soon as I can.

Have you figured out the new rules yet?

Just the ones I mentioned, said Lucifer. We might learn new ones as you go through your training.

Training? said Ovnion. I only wanted my sword.

I can’t just give you a sword. You have to earn it. Here, sit.

Ovnion sat.

The Father created two realms. The Spiritual Realm and the Physical Realm. Angels come from the Spiritual Realm, this means we cannot die. You, the Vogin and the Gearans exist in the Physical Realm. Do you understand so far?

Ovnion nodded.

Everything in the Physical Realm dies. Everything in the Spiritual Realm lives forever. But, something changed. You falling into the lava lake should have killed you. This means there’s a high chance the Gearans and the Vogin won’t die either.

I can still feel pain though, said Ovnion.

Lucifer nodded. Pain is another rule. We have to find a way to avoid it as much as possible. Showing you how to call forth your sword will help. Stand.

Ovnion stood.

Lucifer looked Ovnion in the eye. Your sword lies within you. It has always been there and it will always be there. Do you understand?

Ovnion nodded.

Close your eyes, said Lucifer.

Ovnion closed his eyes.

Look within yourself, said Lucifer as he stepped away. Imagine yourself holding your sword and slaying your enemies with it.

Ovnion breathed deep as he pictured himself cutting Mammon, Baal and Malami in half.

Can you see it? said Lucifer.

Yes.

Describe your sword to me.

It’s a sword, said Ovnion. It’s got a handle and—

Lucifer called forth his sword. More details. There needs to be more details.

Ovnion furrowed his brow. I can’t—

You have to try harder. Concentrate.

Ovnion’s eyes moved under his eyelids as he searched for a glimpse of his sword.

Do you see it? said Lucifer taking a step closer to Ovnion.

I…wait! I see it!

Good! Make a fist with your hand and call it forth!

Ovnion made a fist and turned it. I can’t grip it!

Open your eyes, said Lucifer.

Lucifer walked to the entrance of the cave, turned to face Ovnion and pointed his sword at him.

You have to call it forth, said Lucifer. You should have your sword by now. I’ll tell you what—I think you need an incentive.

What’re you going to do? said Ovnion.

I’m going to attack you.

What? said Ovnion.

I’m going to count down from ten and when I reach zero, I will attack you. All you have to do is block my attack with your sword.

Is this how you trained the angels?

No, said Lucifer. I didn’t train the angels in fighting, Michael did.

Is this how you were trained?

No.

Wait, what?

Ten, said Lucifer.

We’re starting already?

Nine.

Ovnion shut his eyes and visualized himself holding his sword.

Eight.

I think I’m going to need more time.

Seven.

I see it! It’s sharp and it has a black hilt!

Six.

Ovnion made a fist and grunted. I can’t lift it! Why is it so heavy?

Five.

Ovnion grabbed his fist with his other hand. I can feel the grip! But I can’t lift it. You have to stop counting. If you help me, I think I might be able to call it forth.

Four.

Ovnion grunted, both of his arms shook as he strained to lift his sword.

Three.

I can’t lift it!

Two.

Ovnion pushed his knee against his fist. I think it moved!

One, said Lucifer as he jogged toward Ovnion with his sword raised above his head.

Ovnion’s foot slipped and he lost his balance. As he fell, his fist turned and his sword appeared.

Zero, said Lucifer as he reached Ovnion and swung his sword at him.

Ovnion raised his sword and blocked Lucifer’s blade. The strength of the blow slammed Ovnion against the wall. His head struck the cave wall and knocked him unconscious. He slid to the ground and his sword fell next to him.

You did it, said Lucifer. Good. Stand so you can do it again. Ovnion?

Lucifer walked to Ovnion and tapped his leg with his foot.

Ovnion opened his eyes. What happened?

You called your sword forth, said Lucifer. Congratulations.

I did?

Yes. Now, stand and let’s do it again.

Ovnion rubbed the back of his head and stood. He grabbed his sword and prepared for his second lesson.

Withdraw your sword, said Lucifer.

How?

Lucifer turned to face Ovnion. Grab your sword, make a fist and turn it the other way.

Ovnion did as he was told but his sword remained in his hand. It’s not working.

Open your fist at the end of the turn.

Ovnion followed the instruction and his sword disappeared.

Now, let’s— said Lucifer.

I think I hear someone in here, said a voice.

Lucifer and Ovnion ran deeper into the cave and hid behind two separate boulders.

Two Vogin soldiers came into the cave. They held their swords in front of them as they went deeper into the cave.

I’m telling you, I heard voices, said a soldier.

Are you ready? said Lucifer, his voice a whisper.

For what? said Ovnion.

Your next lesson, said Lucifer as he came out from behind his hiding spot.

The pair of Vogin soldiers pointed their swords at the tall archangel.

It’s you! said one of the Vogin soldiers.

Leave now, said Lucifer. And you won’t experience any pain.

The Vogin soldiers charged at Lucifer. They attacked him from two angles at the same time.

Lucifer leaned back to evade the first sword slash.

The failure of his first attack left the Vogin soldier’s face exposed.

Lucifer punched him in the face.

The blow stunned the Vogin soldier. He dropped his sword and staggered away.

The second Vogin soldier thrust his sword at the archangel’s stomach.

Lucifer slapped the flat side of the second Vogin soldier’s sword to deflect it. He kicked the soldier in the chest.

The second Vogin soldier fell and dropped his sword.

Lucifer turned around and reached Ovnion’s hiding spot.

You need to attack them, said Lucifer.

This is the first time I’m holding my sword, said Ovnion. I don’t even know how to use it.

Well, said Lucifer. Then you’re in trouble. They know you are here and I’m not going to fight them anymore.

The Vogin soldiers stood, collected their swords and advanced toward Lucifer and Ovnion.

Lucifer strode toward the soldiers. Get out of my way.

The soldiers ran toward Lucifer.

Lucifer jumped, extended his wings and flew over them.

The soldiers swung their swords at the archangel as he passed them.

Lucifer landed and turned his head to the side. It’s not me you want.

The soldiers turned around.

Ovnion emerged from his hiding spot with his sword in his hand.

Lucifer reached the entrance of the cave and turned around. Don’t let their swords touch you.

I understand how swords work, said Ovnion from the opposite end of the cave.

The Vogin soldiers charged at Ovnion.

The two boulders Ovnion and Lucifer hid behind funneled the soldier’s access to Ovnion.

Ovnion raised his sword to deflect the first sword slash. He pushed the sword against the boulder and kicked the soldier in the stomach.

The soldier grunted and fell.

The second soldier thrust his blade at Ovnion.

The soldier’s blade cut Ovnion’s shoulder.

Ovnion retreated.

Don’t let them cut you, said Lucifer.

Thanks for the advice! said Ovnion.

Why are you with him? said the Vogin soldier. He’s the reason we’re here!

Ovnion thrust his sword at the Vogin soldier.

The soldier deflected the attack with his blade and punched Ovnion in the face.

Ovnion took two steps back. I have my reasons.

Help us defeat him and we’ll turn him over to Malami together, said the soldier.

I can’t, said Ovnion. I need him.

The soldier swung his sword at Ovnion.

Ovnion raised his sword and intersected the soldier’s blade. They locked swords and Ovnion pushed him against the wall.

The first soldier stood and ran to help his companion.

Ovnion head-butted the soldier he was pushing against the wall.

The soldier’s eyes went to the back of his head and collapsed to the floor.

Ovnion withdrew his sword, turned around and ran toward the charging Vogin soldier.

The Vogin soldier swung his sword at Ovnion.

Moments before reaching the Vogin soldier’s striking distance, Ovnion reduced his speed.

Ovnion’s change in speed made the soldier miscalculate and his sword sliced through the air, missing Ovnion.

Ovnion tackled the soldier and they both tumbled to the ground. He managed to position himself over the Vogin soldier and punched him in the face until he passed out.

Lucifer reached Ovnion and crossed his arms across is chest. You know, you can use your sword to stab your enemies, right?

I think we have a problem, said Ovnion.

What is it?

They’re looking for you.

So? said Lucifer.

Ovnion pointed at the soldier he head-butted. He said I should help them bring you in.

They’ve organized themselves, said Lucifer. Smart move. We’re going to need more information, He lifted the Vogin soldier Ovnion punched off the floor.

What’re you doing? said Ovnion.

Lucifer grabbed the Vogin soldier by the neck and slapped his face. Hey, are you awake?

The soldier opened his eyes.

Where’s your leader? said Lucifer.

The soldier cursed.

You really should answer my question.

The soldier clawed at Lucifer’s hand around his neck.

Lucifer threw him on the ground, called forth his sword and stabbed the Vogin soldier on the shoulder. The Lucifer’s sword went through the soldier’s shoulder and into the cave floor, pinning the soldier.

The Vogin soldier screamed in pain.

The second Vogin soldier awoke to the screams of his companion.

Ovnion called forth his sword and pointed it at his throat.

Don’t move, said Ovnion.

Lucifer stepped on the screaming soldier’s chest. Are you going to answer my questions now?

I don’t know! said the soldier.

Wrong answer, said Lucifer.

Wait! said the soldier. I don’t know where he is right now. He is always on the move.

Why?

The Fallen drove us back from an area not far from here. Malami is leading our forces against them.

Ask him about Goan, said Ovnion.

You heard him, said Lucifer. Where is he?

Goan is leading our forces against the Gearans, said the soldier. He’s the one who ordered us to clear out the area behind him. He doesn’t want to fight on two fronts.

Where are the Gearans? said Lucifer.

When you get to the lake of fire, said the soldier. Turn left. Walk along the shore keeping the lake on your right side. You’ll run into them sooner or later.

I got all the answers I wanted, said Lucifer. Ovnion, do you have any questions?

No, answered Ovnion. I’m good.

Lucifer removed his foot from the soldier’s chest and pulled out his sword.

The soldier screamed in pain and writhed on the floor.

Lucifer stomped the soldier’s face and the soldier passed out.

What now? said Ovnion.

We go to your people first and then we go to the Gearans, said Lucifer. I’ll carry you and we’ll fly there.

I wouldn’t do it, said the Vogin soldier.

Ovnion moved the tip of his sword to the soldier’s cheek. Why not?

We’re watching the sky, said the soldier. Our forces will see you coming and they’ll attack you.

Are you lying? said Ovnion.

No, said the soldier.

Ovnion knocked the soldier unconscious by hitting him on the head with the hilt of his sword.

Let’s go, said Lucifer. We need to find your people and it looks like we’re going to have to walk to where we’re going. We need to leave as soon as possible.

What about them? said Ovnion as he pointed at the soldiers.

Leave them, said Lucifer. We got everything we needed out of them, they’re useless to us now.

Lucifer and Ovnion left the cave and headed toward the red glow of the lake of fire.

Chapter 3

Lucifer and Ovnion left the cave and headed to the lake of fire. Once they reached it, they turned left and walked along the shoreline.

So, what are you going to say to Dren once we see him? said Ovnion.

I’m not going to talk to him. You’re going to do it.

Me? What makes you think he’s going to listen to me? You do know I killed him before—Ovnion gestured at the lake—all this.

You might have killed him, but I betrayed him. Trust me, what you did to him is less worse than what I did.

Fine, said Ovnion. What should I tell him?

I don’t know. Tell him whatever it takes to get him to bring him over to our side.

You mean lie to him?

Lucifer stopped and turned to face Ovnion. I mean do whatever it takes. If he doesn’t do it, you’re going to have to make him do it.

Did you follow the same strategy when you dealt with the Father?

Lucifer grabbed Ovnion by the throat and lifted him off the ground. What did you just say to me?

Ovnion called forth his sword and cut Lucifer’s forearm.

Lucifer screamed, released Ovnion and grabbed his injured arm.

Ovnion dropped to the floor and walked backwards while pointing his sword at Lucifer.

Lucifer laughed. Impressive. You’ve gotten faster.

What happened when you spoke to the Father? said Ovnion. Tell me.

Why does it matter?

It matters because I asked you an innocent question and you attacked me. I’m your ally. I’m the only one you have on your side.

Lucifer opened