The emergency council meeting was called for three days later—enough time for representatives to travel to the Swiss castle, but not enough time for Asmodeus to effectively counter their evidence.
The turnout was unprecedented. Not just the regular council members, but observers from every supernatural community. Vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, fae, even a few humans who knew about the supernatural world—everyone wanted to see what happened when a demon lord was accused of crimes against the entire supernatural community.
Adrian stood beside Kieran in the council chamber, feeling the weight of hundreds of ancient eyes on him. His role was simple—present the evidence, testify about Asmodeus's actions, and let the council decide justice.
Simple in theory. Terrifying in practice.
Asmodeus stood on the opposite side of the chamber, looking immaculate despite their confrontation three days ago. His coalition of demon lords flanked him—fewer than before, Adrian noted. Some had apparently decided not to publicly support him once they learned he'd been exposed.
"This council is called to order," the moderator announced. "Asmodeus of the First Circle, you stand accused of multiple violations of supernatural law. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty," Asmodeus said smoothly. "These accusations are fabrications, designed to damage my reputation by vampires who broke a bargain with me."
"Then let's examine the evidence," Kieran said coldly.
Marcus stepped forward, connecting the data drive to the council's display system. Documents appeared on screens throughout the chamber—communications between Asmodeus and his coalition, detailed plans for capturing Adrian, schemes to control vampires through Cain.
"This is Asmodeus's own files," Marcus explained. "Retrieved from his personal safe. Every document is verified, authenticated through magical analysis. This is his handwriting, his magical signature. Undeniable proof of his conspiracy."
The council members examined the evidence, their expressions growing increasingly grave.
"This shows clear intent to violate species sovereignty," Yelena said. "Attempting to control all vampires would be tantamount to slavery. The supernatural community exists on the principle that no species should dominate another."
"These documents could be fabricated," Asmodeus argued, but his voice lacked conviction. "Planted evidence—"
"We have testimony as well," Adrian interrupted. He stepped forward, his heart—if he still had one—pounding. "Asmodeus personally attacked me three days ago. He admitted to his plans, to using me to control vampires through Cain. There were witnesses—my mate, my allies, even his own demons heard him confess."
"The testimony of allies means nothing," Asmodeus shot back. "They'd say anything to protect you."
"What about my testimony?" a new voice said.
Everyone turned as Bael entered the chamber. The demon lord looked smug, his usual smile even more pronounced.
"Lord Bael," the moderator said, surprised. "You weren't summoned—"
"I'm here as a witness. I know what Asmodeus planned because he tried to recruit me." Bael pulled out his own data drive. "I have my own recordings—conversations where he detailed his scheme, promised me territory and power if I helped him capture Adrian Chen and assassinate Lord Ashford."
"You're lying!" Asmodeus snarled, his composure finally cracking. "You helped them! You gave them the device to break into my headquarters!"
"Did I?" Bael's smile was pure poison. "Can you prove that? Because I have recordings of you admitting to crimes. You have... accusations."
The chamber erupted in noise—council members arguing, observers shouting questions, Asmodeus's remaining supporters abandoning him as they realized the game was lost.
"Order!" the moderator commanded. "This council will have order!"
It took several minutes to restore calm. When silence finally fell, the moderator's expression was grim.
"The evidence is overwhelming. Asmodeus of the First Circle, you are found guilty of conspiracy to control vampires, attempted murder of Lord Kieran Ashford, and violation of species sovereignty. The council must now determine your punishment."
"This is a farce!" Asmodeus raged. "You're all fools! When Cain returns, when he sees what's become of his species, he'll—"
"Be very interested in why a demon lord tried to control vampires through him," Elena interrupted, standing. "I speak for the First Generation. We recommend exile. Asmodeus should be stripped of his territories, his titles, and banished from the mortal realm. Send him back to the demon dimension and seal the portal behind him."
"Exile is insufficient for crimes of this magnitude," Alpha Chen argued. "He should be executed."
"Demons can't be truly killed," Grandmother Chen pointed out. "Exile is the only practical punishment."
The debate continued for hours. Finally, a vote was called.
Exile: 47 votes.
Execution: 23 votes.
Lesser punishment: 5 votes.
"The council has spoken," the moderator declared. "Asmodeus of the First Circle, you are hereby stripped of all titles, territories, and rights within the mortal realm. You will be banished to the demon dimension and the portal sealed for a period of one thousand years. May you use that time to reflect on your crimes."
Asmodeus's face twisted with rage and humiliation. "You think this is over? You think exile stops me? I'll find a way back. And when I do, I'll make all of you suffer. Especially you, Adrian Chen. You cost me everything. I'll make you watch as I destroy everything you love—"
"That's enough," Elena said coldly. She gestured, and magic flared—bright, terrible, divine light that had no place in a demon's existence.
Asmodeus screamed as the light consumed him, pulling him back to the demon dimension. The portal snapped shut behind him with a sound like reality healing.
Silence fell in the chamber.
"It's done," the moderator said quietly. "The threat is ended."
But as they left the council chamber, Adrian couldn't shake the feeling that Asmodeus's parting words had been a promise, not an empty threat.
"He'll find a way back," Adrian said to Kieran. "Thousand-year exile or not, demons are persistent."
"Then we'll be ready when he does," Kieran replied. "We have a thousand years to prepare. That's longer than my entire curse lasted."
"Romantic way to measure time."
"I contain multitudes."
Back in Shanghai, they held a memorial for Takeshi, the wolf who'd died during their infiltration. Wei's pack howled at the moon, a sound that was both mournful and defiant.
"He died protecting our community," Wei said, her eyes wet despite her usual stoicism. "That matters. That meant something."
Adrian stood with Kieran, feeling the weight of immortal responsibility. Five years ago, he'd been a human university student worried about exams and rent. Now he was a figure in supernatural politics, someone whose actions could start or prevent wars, someone people died protecting.
"Is it always like this?" Adrian asked quietly. "Does immortality always come with this much blood and grief?"
"Sometimes," Kieran admitted. "But it also comes with joy, with love, with moments of beauty that make the pain worthwhile." He pulled Adrian close. "We've prevented a war. Stopped a demon from enslaving our entire species. Saved countless lives. That's worth the cost."
"Is it worth Takeshi's life?"
"Ask his pack. They'll tell you yes—that he died fighting for something important, that his death meant something. In our world, that's the best any of us can hope for."
Adrian leaned into him, drawing comfort from their blood bond. "I miss being human sometimes. When things were simple."
"Things were never simple. You just had less perspective."
"Fair point."
They spent that night holding each other, finding solace in the physical connection that had sustained them through countless crises. The bond between them pulsed with love and determination and the unshakeable certainty that they'd survive whatever came next.
Together.
Always together.