“You’ve done a fine job, Sebastian.” Morgan sits on her throne, looking down at her servants as they bow down to her. “You’ve captured the last piece of the meal we need for the Great One.”

Sebastian nods. “Yes. But I let the Mattox Lordling get away.”

“It’s no matter. We have what we need, but what exactly happened? Your sensors stopped there for a moment, so I lost track of everything.”

Sebastian smiles. “Allow me to give you the report.”

“Thank you.”

“I cornered the Mattox group and sent in our hounds to secure them. I had to step in personally, as we had lost several hounds in the battle. I cornered his Queen and began attempts to capture her. Sadly, just when I had everything ready, she unleashed a devastating explosion and activated a teleportation stone that was nearby. We were all caught in the teleport field it created and were sent flying off to who knows where. Thankfully, I was holding onto her when it happened.”

“Well, considering the circumstances, there wasn’t much you could do. But I still applauded you.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

“So, what now?” Talia asks. “I want some payback for those fools getting the jump on me.”

“Yes, I too would enjoy some easy revenge, as it were. Get them while they're still recovering.” Oscar says.

Lois shakes her head. “Aren’t you forgetting? The Great One’s awakening is near. We have to prepare the banquet for when they awaken.”

“Ah forgive me Great One. I bow to you for mercy.” Oscar falls to the floor in a bow.

Luka laughs. “Hilarious!”

“Fine, then. How about this? Talia, and Luka, take some of the remaining hounds and search these islands for Mattox and his remaining Pieces. The rest of us will return to base on Dokrin Island and ready the feast for the Great One.”

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“Excellent idea Madam.” Sebastian smiles.

“I know. Now, is there any other business we need to take care of today?”

“None Madam. I shall prepare a meal for you once I’m done briefing Luka and Talia on the enemy's abilities.”

“Excellent. You never betray my expectations, Sebastian. Oh, and be sure to give our little spy her reward. We owe her our plan’s success to her after all.”

“I’ll reward her Madam. Trust me.”

Morgan leaves the room, returning to her chambers with a confident smile on her face. As soon as she’s outside of earshot, her servants laugh. Unable to contain their happiness and twisted desires, they laugh, staring at one another, but their faces remain still and unmoved.

“Oh geez. That girl was so easy. ‘Sebastian’ sure had a straightforward job to do.” Oscar laughs.

Talia nods. “She doesn’t realize the centerpiece of the banquet.”

“Keep it together, everyone. It’s almost showtime and when the time is right, the Overlord will devour her twisted and broken heart. And that will fuel him for decades and provide him with the most delicious of meals, a heartbroken, and in anguish.” Luka says.

Lois nods. “Such a shame. But we can’t afford to let her live for too long. Besides, I’m sure she’ll thank us in the end.”

“Anyway, her orders were well thought out. We will go along with them. But be sure to return to the banquet. We must all be there to celebrate their awakening.”

“Of course.” Everyone says at once.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a guest to go check on.”

Elsewhere within the fortress, Mila sits bound. She’s trapped in mid-air with her legs and feet wrapped in chains. The chains drain her mana, weakening her as her hair changes to a soft white tone. Sebastian walks in and steps in front of her cell. He can only smile, watching her squirm and writhe around the enclosed space.

“Excellent, everything is coming along. Soon you’ll be ready. And once you are. We’ll sacrifice your body and soil for the great one.” He can only laugh, watching her as the color fades from her body. “It won’t be long now. Soon there won’t be anything else besides the destruction caused by the Overlord’s sheer magnificence. Soon we will lead this land to its destruction and make it an ideal world where we Demons can live freely and hunt you humans for sport.”

Mila struggles while hearing his words but can’t summon the strength to do much of anything. Resigning herself to her fate, she whispers “Glyn” as her eyes are forced closed, and the darkness envelops her once more.

“Now let’s kick things up a notch,” Sebastian says with a grin on his face. “Let’s make this an event no living being will ever forget.”