Lilith stared at the body of her queen. How was she going to do this? Ember wasn’t a demon, but merely partly demon. She wasn’t exactly versed in human funerals. They were boring, nothing exciting. Werewolf funerals? Hell if she knew. All Lilith had to do was dig a hole and call it a day. Maybe she could get Ender to help. Even if he did piss her off, she had better things to do. Eh, whatever, it would only take a few minutes. So, Lilith looked up, ready to get to work. That was until she noticed purple eyes in the shadows. At first, she thought it was Azazel, spooking her until she remembered he was dispelled. She knew of one other purpled-eyed demon — and he didn’t show himself often. At least not physically. “Tassos.” She held her head high. “What do I have the honor for you to show yourself?” Lilith's tone wasn’t of respect, but rather sarcasm.
The demon in the shadows smiled, stepping out of the abyss. This was a tall demon, almost 7 feet. Not the tallest, but definitely not the shortest. He could need a fashion update, but most demons preferred Victorian clothes in the modern day. She couldn’t put it past him. “I was feeling generous.” Tassos slicked his black hair back with a hand. “I heard the dear queen had died due to Chaos.”
Lilith groaned. She wanted him to do his thing and leave. She didn’t miss his annoying voice or classing demonic stereotypes. “In terms of resurrecting a non-half-demon, very generous.” She needed to keep him in her favor. “Unfortunately, but I think her soul is still intact nor lost. Most die once, but few are lucky to die twice.” Lilith stared at Ember’s body.
Tassos smirked, sauntering over to Ember’s body. “I will give the king my favor. I have in the past, and I liked him.” He giggled, placing a hand on Ember’s forehead. Lilith paced as Tassos used his special ability. He muttered something in Latin, giving life to the body. His eyes were glazed over until the incantation was completed. Standing, Tassos turned to Lilith. “‘Tis complete.”
Lilith sighed. “Dare I actually thank you for your contribution? I will say much obliged instead.” She stood over Ember. “How will I explain this to the children?”
Tassos laughed. “Do not worry about that. I will infuse their memories with false ones. I cannot be so generous to the king. He is too fragile, too smart. The children will live with such innocence until old enough. The king doesn’t have such to keep intact.” His purple eyes burned into her.
Lilith rolled her eyes, shooing Tassos away. “Watch your neutrality closely. I know you only do things to an extent before requiring a price. Forcing Nathaniel to remember is your price. Now leave.” Tassos didn’t say much. He disappeared in a puff of black smoke.
–
Nathaniel lay on his bed, tears running down his face. The heartache fell deep in his chest and all he wanted was to destroy. However, he didn’t have the energy to obey those desires. All he could manage was to close his eyes. Percy climbed onto the bed and flopped next to his father. He leaned over his father’s shoulder, getting a good look at his face. He laid back down on the bed, staying close to his papa. Percy invited Rose to join him. Both new Nathaniel was torn up, but were not aware how much.
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