"Once I meet with the demons of the Goetia, we will devise a way to free Laurel of her new demonic brands… I just hope she doesn't turn before we get to her."
Rowan moved past the arched door into Dantalion's chamber, the hearth's embers still glowing in the dim light. He collapsed to the ground, traces of blood still trailing from his arm. The blackness of his eyes stared blankly at the dying embers.
"Why the hell me? How did I inherit this damn curse?" his claws tracing the medallion still hanging from his neck. "So I'm your new keeper huh? Your allegiance lies with me? Great… now I've got immortal half-demon blood pulsing through me, I'm commanding thirty six legions of demons, guardian over a 'Succubus' serpent demon, and a girl I love who's condemned to die."
The chamber became alive with Dantalion's legions rustling about to re-kindle the fire and light the torches while Rowan stared in disbelief.
"My Lord, we pay allegiance to you now… indebted forever to Duke Dantalion."
Rowan brushed his dark hair away from his eyes, amazed at the demons surrounding him.
"Great… yeah… so we've got a bit of a problem… we're called to meet with the others in the Great Room to discuss our course of action. "
Levi arranged for all nine houses and their legions to assemble in the Great Room. Rowan and Dantalion's thirty six legions sat at the main table.
"I trust you've all had a chance to feed… so let me get straight to the point of our meeting. A ritual takes place as we speak. A New Order… a new Brotherhood of demons… The Four Kings of hell wish to reclaim their realms. If they force Dantalion to sign the oath they will tempt you to join them…. We must pay allegiance to Dantalion. It was he who released you to live out your time at the Realm of Goetia. If we betray him, we forfeit our chance of redemption.
Andromalius knew this was a prime chance to wage doubt in the minds of his brethren demons. "Is it redemption you seek or your chance to re-visit the girl?"
Every demon of the Goetia's eyes focused on Rowan… canines and claws bearing their true nature.
"I have to wait my time here like the rest of you… until the passing of two ages before we can walk the second heaven as men. We cannot allow them world dominion. The girl will be sacrificed."