“Shadow… Hey, can you hear me?” Crowe’s familiar voice filled a small damp room.

“Crowe, give it up.. It’s late. She’ll wake eventually.” a young woman's voice tried to comfort the panicked demon. She sounded exhausted and diminished.

Though in my horrid state, I could still hear Crowe’s rapid heartbeat. ‘Fear’

“Crowe? I have a question for you.” Said the woman's voice hesitantly. I heard his pacing halt and shift.

“You seem as though. Riddled with Fear.”

The beating heart I heard skipped a beat causing it to be thrown into an array of rapid beats.

“I should be going. I’m just… thinking too much.” His body lifted from beside me and a breeze picked up within the room then vanished.

The woman sighed and shook her head in defeat.

“What happened?” I croaked opening my eyelids. The sensation of seeing ached my body but I pushed through it and sat up.

“M, lady! Your hotel is being rebuilt as we speak and investigations are being launched a how a human even entered our dimension.”

“Good.” My tone was small and my entire being felt insignificant.

“I shall fetch you some water please rest for the time being.” She then left the room but even before she finished her sentence I flopped back onto the cot It’s stiffness causing discomfort throughout my entire back but the ability to lie and do nothing was refreshing. A rush of exhaustion flushed through me but I opened my right eye peering at the young woman.

Her blonde hair laid softly on her shoulder while smaller hairs rose through static electricity. Her green eyes shifting from different decorated plates and cups. A green soul hummed inside her flattened chest. She was beautiful but her sharp jaw brought a strong look to her.

“You’re and trickster.” I scoffed.

“I prefer Joker. But yes.” She replied kindly not seeming to have any effect by my disgust.

“Why are you helping me? My kind tried to destroy yours.”

“M’ lady, those days happened millennials ago. I hold no grudges. Besides, your hotel has kept me in business.” She smirked. “Plus you are protecting my brother.”

Her words suddenly clicked and a smile cracked across my stern expression.

“Gretchen. Sister of Crowe and the owner of a small business hotel that was set up to give guidance and evaluation to passing demons and monsters. Your reputation is one of the best for being the kindest evil being this world has to offer. No need to mention, your ear for hearing private information and selling it to the highest bidder” Even with my short explanation I was merely scratching the surface of who she truly was. She had a reputation for murderer, thief, and many more horrifying titles.

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“Indeed.” She turned to face me holding a tray of sweets and a glass of purified water. She set it beside me in the chair Crowe had once sat.

“Would you like to hear what I’ve heard?”

My ears perked but I remained my calm mood. “If you wish. No one is forcing you to speak.”

“Well,” she began dragging a wooden chair to sit next to the other. I sat up again taking the water and gulping it down rapidly.

“Word on the street is Death is back in town, but he’s not alone.”

"Go on," I said letting my eyes dilate with interest.

“Because these two are back, the reputation of ‘Death’ is now higher up for wanted. Demons and monsters from all around are coming to fight each other and some are even doing polls. Of course, we know that no one will make it because it’s between you, Dawn, Eve, and… Temno.”

My gaze hardened. “Temno is dead.”

“Unfortunately not. Even though you did successfully kill him. Your brother is well alive. It also seems like your sisters and brother are setting up traps for each other out of the competition. Your hotel burning is just the beginning and the first placement in this massive game of chess...”

“So the time has come for one of us to claim our father’s position,” I said staring down into my empty cup.

“Yes, All the Angels of death, are to fight it out till the last one standing. To be honest, you are the strongest. After all, you’ve fallen and still have your...gifts.”

I took in a breathe trying to analyze my situation. My health was now fully regained and my wounds no more than small scars.

"How is it that Temno is alive?" I asked.

Gretchen shrugged. "No idea."

A knock suddenly abrupted from the door.

“Come in!” called Gretchen. She stood up and strengthened her skirt and fixed her hair. Then she walked into the room beside the one I was in. The wooden door swung open slowly and In walked a small girl with white hair and chocolate-colored eyes. Her skin was milky and expression blank. Her layered hair was pin-straight and she has longer bangs that framed her face. She looked goddess-like but the two horns that were sprouted from her head drew away that assumption.

“Ah, miss Eve. It’s so good to see you…” Gretchen's voice trailed off as she made eye contact with me. With a swift movement, I stood then vanished from their sight entering the landscape of an abandoned apartment building. Searching the area quickly to make sure I was ‘safe’ I waved my hand summoning Crowe.

The tall demon was shocked to see me and even more shocked to see that he was standing in a puddle of mysterious liquid.

“This better not be pee.” He spoke unamused but his friendly smirk was visible. I took a step forward and gave him a hug. The feeling was warm.

“Shadow?” I jutted my eyes opening realizing the odd state I was in. Taking a big step back I cleared my throat. The atmosphere around us took on a darker theme and the lights stumbled to a lower flame. My voice became low and my eyes began to glow. as if a golden flame was igniting behind my eyes.

“Crowe,"I said lifting my chin to meet his gaze. "Shaded of Liviathia, Officer and Official of Chrochianth army. I extend my arm to you in a plead for assistence," my arm rose outstreatched to him. "become my second in command and help me defeat those who wish to steal my rightful place as Lord Death. In doing this you will become a victem in Eve's, Temno's and Dawn's eyes. Will you help me in this deadly game of chess?"

Within an instant Crowe lowered himself and knelt. His head lowered but his icy gaze never left mine. He took my hand within his and spoke,

"It would be an honor, M,lady"

My eyes began to burn a darker shade. "As my second in command we are equal. Let the game begin."

Instantly the area became light and we were once again standing in the abandoned apartment building.

"As I've heard, I have a target on my back but, that doesn't mean I don't have a kill list myself.”

My eyes started to glow vibrant and Crowe’s sharp teeth shone brightly as his eyes glistened with interest.

“Can't wait.”