Spero blinks his eyes a few times as the unfamiliar surroundings of the infirmary slowly come into focus around him. To his surprise, Cyrus and Nefarious were by his side, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.

"You're lucky to be alive." Nefarious states while sitting calmly next to the bedside.

Conversely, Cyrus was pacing restlessly in a corner of the room, "How could you go alone?"

Despite the pain washing over him, Spero musters the strength to push himself into a sitting position, wincing as a wave of discomfort engulfs him.

"If it weren't for Nefarious you would be dead," Cyrus shouts.

Spero turns to look at Nefarious back at Cyrus. "It was meant to be a simple recon mission," he explains, "Get in and get out."

Cyrus halts, "Even for you, this was foolish."

"What happened?" Nefarious cuts in.

"As I read some scrolls, the roof caved in and... a man showed up." Spero shares.

Cyrus gets closer, and Spero continues "It was a Nephilim. "

Nefarious and Cyrus's eyes meet.

"How is that possible? They were all whipped out from the great flood" Cyrus interjects.

"Majority were, however, daevas have continued to create offsprings. Many died during infancy but the few that didn't, are not to be taken lightly." Nefarious adds.

"He said that he was also taken by a god, he knew about my father, he knew about me." Spero warns.

Nefarious says under his breath, "A Nephilim taken by a god..."

Cyrus gets his attention, "Do you know who this could be?"

Nefarious raises his head, "The only known daeva to take a half-breed would be... Aeshma"

Cyrus raises his voice, "The Demon God of Wrath!"

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Precisely" he turns to Spero, "If he showed up during your encounter, you would be nothing but ash."

Spero glances up, "I found a map, with indicators. Maybe it's their bases or places they have searched. But one thing for certain... they are looking for the Cup of Jamshid."

"The chalice that grants immortality, and to see premonitions of the future." Nefarious shares.

Cyrus interrupts, "This is not for us to intervene! We are mortals, this is a job for the Yazatas. We can't face demons."

"These demons are after me, you expect us to wait for these gods that do nothing?" Spero argues

"They may be after you, but you're the one chasing them."

Spero and Cyrus stand in silence.

"We will discuss this later; I have some matters to attend to." Cyrus stomps out.

"What else did you find?" Nefarious asks curiously.

"There are some journals and scrolls in my bag, you haven't checked?" Spero replies.

"No, Cyrus didn't allow anyone to ruffle through your belongings. They are with the shopkeeper, Ramin, is his name I believe?"

"Yes, most of the contents are written in Daimon, and there are some samples I collected."

"Very well I will examine them in my study." Nefarious leaves for Ramin's shop.

After a few hours had passed, Spero's eyes flutter open once more and he finds himself bathed in a dazzling bright blue glow.

Astral is seated by the bedside. "I'm surprised you don't have any burn marks from that hellfire."

Spero turns to him, "More visitors, great."

"He has the demon god of wrath helping him as well, this has escalated far beyond your capabilities."

"Who has the power to command such high daevas? It can't be one of the twin gods?"

"No, well not yet... but the Cup of Jamshid. They can't get their hands on that."

"What do you suggest? I nearly got killed by a halfling, there's no way I can stop multiple demon gods."

Astral stands up from the chair, he approaches the small pouch placed nearby and points towards it. "You need to learn how to use this ring. I would prefer if you didn't, but you no longer have a choice. There are more demonic creatures in their control, they will come for you."

Spero stares at him with blood-stained eyes, "Tell me, who is the one leading them."

Astral takes a slight breath, "You will eventually learn, but I truly hope you never do."

Astral vanishes away. Spero slams his fist on the edge of the bed.

The more I learn the more that's hidden from me.... Damn it all!

Spero reaches for the ring and peers into the gleaming gem, hoping for a sign, a clue, any hint of what was to come. A faint echo brushes against his ears,

"Condemn, unlock your thoughts, unforgivable."

As the whispers in his mind grow louder, Spero feels both a pull towards the unknown and a sense of apprehension. He hurls the ring back into the pouch. He looks up at the ceiling, his eyes whimpering.

He looks up at the ceiling, his eyes whimpering [https://img.wattpad.com/7d4831648c207ead5ad8b12cbb9420b65780c769/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f654d703762615953783848346f773d3d2d313439373133343334322e313830393733613830653563303833363430303338343034393933332e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]