The impossible happened—Asmodeus broke his exile.
A thousand-year banishment that should have been unbreakable, shattered by sheer determination and deals with entities that predated the demon dimension itself.
He appeared at a Congress meeting, his beautiful face twisted with rage and triumph.
"Miss me?" he asked.
Chaos erupted. Guards tried to apprehend him, but Asmodeus's power had grown in exile. He'd consumed other demons, absorbed their strength, become something more terrifying than before.
"I told you I'd return," Asmodeus said, his eyes fixed on Adrian. "I told you I'd make you pay. And now, I'm here to collect."
Kieran moved between them instantly, his sword drawn. "You'll have to go through me."
"Gladly."
The battle was catastrophic. Asmodeus had brought allies—demons who'd secretly opposed the exile, who wanted revenge on the coalition. The Congress hall became a warzone.
Adrian fought desperately, using his ancient blood to repel demon attacks. But Asmodeus was too strong, too focused on revenge.
"You cost me everything," Asmodeus snarled, advancing on Adrian. "My territory, my reputation, my power. I'm going to make you suffer before I kill you."
"Try it," Adrian challenged.
Asmodeus lunged, but Kieran intercepted. Their battle was savage—demon lord against ancient vampire, both fighting with everything they had.
Adrian wanted to help, but other demons kept him occupied. Through the bond, he felt Kieran's pain, his determination, his absolute refusal to let Asmodeus reach Adrian.
Finally, with help from Elena and the First Generation, they managed to subdue Asmodeus. Not kill—demons were nearly impossible to kill—but bind him with magic strong enough to hold even his enhanced power.
"This isn't over," Asmodeus promised as they sealed him in a magical prison. "I'll escape again. And when I do—"
"We'll be ready," Adrian interrupted. "We'll always be ready."
After the battle, Adrian found Kieran injured but healing. He threw himself into Kieran's arms, needing the contact, needing to confirm he was alive.
"I thought I'd lose you," Adrian said.
"Never. I told you—nothing gets between us." Kieran kissed him desperately. "Come on. Let's go home."
That night, they made love with urgent intensity, both needing to reaffirm they'd survived. Kieran took Adrian roughly, claiming him thoroughly, reminding them both they were alive and together.
"Mine," Kieran growled. "No demon, no entity, no force in existence can take you from me."
"Yours," Adrian agreed. "Forever yours."