Northern Syria,
Kurgansk's mountain.
Deep within the underworld, Kurgansk's minions sat in reverent silence, their loyalty etched into every gesture. They knew all too well, he was the most powerful demon in northern Syria. But despite their fear and allegiance, one name still commanded respect: Zephyr, god of the underworld.
Zephyr's presence was quiet but absolute. He held the power to command any demon, even erase their existence entirely.
So why hadn't he intervened in the case of the prisoner?
Mysterious, yes. But also the most dangerous deity among demons. Zephyr was bound by principles—preserving the integrity of the underworld and avoiding unnecessary conflict that could unravel the very fabric of their realm.
"Your Majesty," said Wixzer, Zephyr's ever-loyal assistant, stepping forward with measured urgency. "Kurgansk has brought a human into our world. That's a direct violation of our laws. Treason."
Zephyr slowly turned to him, his breath calm and measured. His face was soft and round, eyes the color of a clear sky, and his horn, white as fresh snow—gleamed under the dim underworld light.
"Wixzer," he said quietly. "The underworld is not what it once was. It has become saturated with corruption and ambition."
"Then how do we preserve what remains?" Wixzer asked. "Kurgansk is a growing threat."
---
Refel, the archaeologist, believed Kurgansk had finally caught up with him. But what he didn't know was that he'd been watched for years closely by one of Zephyr's agents. The god himself wouldn't intervene directly, but he would ensure that events didn't spiral out of control.
"Kurgansk, did you see that?" Lulu asked, noticing his unease.
"Yes," he replied, exhausted.
"If Refel possesses special abilities, he could threaten everything we've built." Kurgansk straightened, voice heavy with concern.
"What will you do, Your Majesty?"
Kurgansk paused, deep in thought. Then, with sudden resolve: "Summon Lyra. Tell her I need her. Now."
Lulu bowed and vanished, leaving Kurgansk to his brooding. He walked toward the pathway that branched into the many domains of the underworld.
"Soon," he muttered to himself, "my minions will overrun this world."
Demons cowered in his presence, scattering like leaves in a storm. But one did not flee.
With a wave of fire, Kurgansk launched a deadly attack, but it was neutralized midair. Wixzer appeared, calmly, impressing even the dark lord.
"I see you're surprised," Wixzer said coolly. "You don't need to be."
"Who are you?"
"I serve the god of the underworld. I'm his assistant."
Kurgansk laughed darkly, then slammed his staff into the ground, conjuring a vortex of wind. Wixzer hovered in the air, unshaken.
Drawing twelve glowing stones from his pouch, Wixzer channeled his power, transforming the wind into a dense drop of water. Kurgansk's shield took the brunt of it, but still he staggered, cooling for a full two minutes.
"You're fast," Kurgansk admitted internally. "That's what I lack."
Wixzer's voice rang out, confident. "You lack speed, Kurgansk. That's your weakness. You should know your place. Zephyr would be displeased if he knew what I'm capable of."
Wixzer, though a demon, had taken on a human form. For fifty years, he'd hidden his water-based powers, especially hated by demons even from Zephyr.
"You win, Wixzer," Kurgansk said finally. "I won't cross you again. But… may I speak with Zephyr?"
"Our master isn't taking visitors," Wixzer replied. "Come back when he's less occupied."
Kurgansk turned without another word, footsteps echoing as he returned to his fortress.
---
"I cannot believe this!" Kurgansk's voice boomed through his throne room. He struck his staff in fury. "Who dares challenge me like this?!"
Lulu watched him, pity in her eyes.
"Perhaps, Your Majesty," she ventured carefully, "you're… lacking some of their skills."
Kurgansk's glare burned. With a flick of his staff, he sent a blast of poisonous flame her way but Lulu dodged just in time.
"Fool!" he roared. Then, composing himself slightly: "Summon Lyra."
"I'm already here, Father." Lyra stepped forward calmly.
She bore a human form now, though she was born a demon. To preserve her feminine identity, she had shifted her soul into a human body-graceful, beautiful, and powerful all the same. Her blue eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"I need you to handle something. Carefully," Kurgansk said, lowering his voice.
Lyra leaned in, listening.
"Keep an eye on Refel. I don't trust him. I sense something… unusual about him. Unfamiliar power."
"Where should I keep him?"
"In your domain of spells," Kurgansk answered without hesitation. "It's far safer than a prison."
"If I may ask… why are you keeping him alive?"
"He found the Yarn Stone," Kurgansk said gravely. "Something we've searched for desperately for five years."
Lyra's eyes widened. Her mouth parted in astonishment.
{Exeunt}