Chapter 5: Thrones of Blood and Light
The battlefield was silent now, save for the crackle of dying fires. Kael stood atop a collapsed tower, Lyria floating beside him, radiant as ever, and the demon leaning casually against a broken wall. His victories had made ripples whispers of a mortal commanding gods and demons traveled faster than wind.
"Husband," Lyria said, her eyes scanning the horizon, "they will not forgive what you have done. Other summoners… kings… even gods… they will come for you."
Kael smirked, folding his arms. "Let them try. I have both your light and his darkness. I'm untouchable for now."
The demon chuckled, fire flickering along his horns. "And even if they try… it will be entertaining. Watching gods squabble over you is worth the effort alone."
Lyria's silver eyes flickered with possessiveness, a warning hidden beneath her serene smile. "Do not amuse yourself at my husband's expense. Or I will remind you exactly who he belongs to."
Kael laughed, feeling a thrill at the tension. Two divine forces at my command, one jealous beyond reason… this is power no one can match.
The world, however, would test him.
The next day, emissaries arrived from the surrounding kingdoms. Kings, summoners, and sorcerers, each bringing threats, bribes, and veiled promises. They bowed or at least tried to but Kael felt none of the fear they expected.
"You mortals think you can sway me with gold or threats," he said, voice calm, "yet you underestimate the powers at my command."
Lyria stepped forward, radiance flaring. "He is mine," she repeated, her tone deadly enough to silence the room. The emissaries flinched at the power behind her words.
The demon, his eyes glinting mischievously, added, "And mine… if he allows it. But he's smart. He won't let anyone or anything take him away."
Kael raised a hand, summoning a globe of power that displayed the rival summoners and gods who opposed him. "Here's the plan: we take control of their assets, their armies, and their alliances. One by one, we bend them to my will… or break them."
Lyria's light flared brighter, a mix of approval and possessive warning. The demon leaned forward, shadows stretching, eager for chaos. Together, they formed a triumvirate of divine, infernal, and mortal ambition.
Kael smiled. This is only the beginning. Soon, the world itself will bend to the one who commands gods, demons, and a goddess who knows only him as her husband.
The first step toward absolute power had begun and nothing would stop Kael Thorne from becoming a legend that would terrify heaven and hell alike.