*[EXT. CITY ALLEY – EVENING]*
*Lord Modeus walks leisurely through a dim alleyway, munching calmly on a crunchy human snack — a skewered spicy meat wrap. He chews with grace, observing street lanterns flickering and children laughing nearby.*
*A faint hum echoes in his ear. A blue sigil glows on his wrist — a magical transmission from Abaddon Ha'Sheol.*
*MODEUS (groans softly):*
*"Of course… right when the seasoning's finally perfect."*
*He taps the sigil. A shimmering projection of *Chief Councilman Varron* appears midair, standing regal as ever.*
*VARRON (bowing slightly):*
*"My Lord Modeus, greetings from the council of Ha'Sheol. I bring word of the realm."*
*MODEUS (chewing):*
*"Make it fast, Varron. I'm enjoying what humans call 'flavor.'"*
*VARRON:*
*"The fourth gate has stabilized. Trade routes through the Soul Rift remain secure. The Wailing Abyss... calmed. For now."*
*Modeus nods casually, more focused on licking sauce off his fingers.*
*VARRON (clears throat):*
*"However… Lady Aisha caused... a slight incident. She nearly reduced the eastern wing of the palace to dust in a fit. She demanded your return — repeatedly and... violently."*
*Modeus pauses. His eyes narrow slightly, then he sighs deeply.*
*MODEUS:*
*"Of course she did. That girl could cry down a star."*
*VARRON:*
*"Shall I tell her anything, my Lord?"*
*MODEUS (wiping his fingers with a conjured cloth):*
*"Stall her. Spin her a story. Tell her I'm fighting an ancient shadow... trapped in a time loop... babysitting a volcano. Anything."*
*VARRON (dryly):*
*"As always, your creativity is unmatched."*
*MODEUS (smirking):*
*"And unmatched it shall remain. I'm not coming back. Not yet."
*VARRON (nods):*
*"As you command. May your path be chaotic and mildly amusing."*
*The projection fades. Modeus exhales and tosses the stick aside.*
*MODEUS (murmuring to himself):*
*"Drama in the palace, spicy meat in the alley… this realm might actually entertain me."*
*He continues walking, cloak billowing behind him, disappearing into the evening crowd.*