The grand hall of Hell emanated an eerie amber glow, illuminated by flickering flames licking up the sides of the chamber that cast dancing shadows on the infernal sigils adorning the walls. At the head of the table sat a behemoth, humanoid in shape but it could not have been more different from a man otherwise, exuding an aura of regal arrogance that commanded both fear and respect from those present, its horns in the form of a crown tips adorned with the whisper of flames. Across the stone table from this ominous figure, stood seven smaller, but no less fear-inducing individuals. They were of all shapes and sizes, large and small fat and thin, humanoid and not. Beyond them each had another that further served there our infernal purposes.

Their seconds.

This was the first true unholy communion in a thousand years. There had been no need, with each doing what they wishes in the advance of Hell’s purpose. Teaching those that would dismiss them what it was to live in fear.

The pillar at the head began, eyes glowing with a malevolent fire as he addressed the council. "My esteemed generals, we gather here today to discuss the start of my kingdom on Earth. Our time has come to reclaim what is rightfully ours and extend our dominion over the mortal realm. For too long the weaklings on the surface have squandered their resources and we will make them bow to our superiority." The pronouncement was met with snickers and quiet murmurs, none dared to interrupt the head of this table.

Once the leader had said his piece the others stirred, excitements marring their features and all considered the possibilities for the future. Their delighted and cruel visages painted a tableau of what was to come for the unfortunate surface dwellers. “I can see that you all have things to say. I will allow it.”

One figure with golden robes shimmering with opulence. "Indeed, my Lord. With the red mist, we can sow the seeds of desire among humans, making them crave wealth and power, fueling their greed and materialistic desires." His voice dripped with wanting white teeth shining as the heat grew a little more oppressive with his emotion.

Another spoke. "And once they are consumed by their base desires, we shall have them wrapped around our fingers, slaves to their passions." The succubus behind him smiled with glee. Prepared to celebrate she stepped up to climb onto her general's lap but she was stopped by a deep growl from their leader.

The widest of their number a cross between a man and hippo, chuckled darkly, his jowls waggling and spittle flying with each word. "Ah, yes. Their insatiable appetites will make them easy prey, gorging on indulgences until their souls are corrupted beyond repair."

A serpentine figure spoke next green eyes with slits for pupils hissed. "We must make them yearn for what they don't have, to covet and resent their fellow humans. Envy shall be our weapon of choice."

The slowest of them, the last to arrive, yawned lazily. "We will lull them into complacency, draining them of their motivation and willpower until they are mere puppets." Finally he stretched and closed his eyes.

The only female among the generals, clenched her fists, she was the most vicious of their number. "And those who dare resist shall be met with my unyielding fury. I will strike fear into their hearts, and they will know true suffering." A flame burned in each of her eye sockets, unnerving, even the current company.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

The final of the seven stood ramrod straight, face angled to look down his nose at the rest of them save the head of the council. His eyes gleamed with haughty confidence. "And I shall ensure that pride consumes them, clouding their judgment and leading them to their own downfall."

Lucifer nodded approvingly at each general's contribution. "Excellent. Together, we shall unleash chaos and temptation upon the mortal world. Let Earth become a playground for our deadly sins."

Amid the sinister atmosphere, the second-in-command demons exchanged glances, reflecting their allegiance and loyalty to their respective generals. They, less measured manifestations of their leaders were eager to indulge their sensibilities in their respective callings. However, all understood the gravity of the impending plan and the power that would be unleashed upon humanity.

The demons held their tongues, even though many disagreed with their peers. They had always had their own ideas of what worked and what didn’t. Nothing would be said with their master here; a being that dwarfed their substantial powers.

This was a time to celebrate, not bicker and argue with each other. Each would return to their personal factions and spread the news. It would be a time of growth and new lines drawn as Hell’s domain expanded.

As the council reached a consensus, Lucifer's voice boomed once more. "My generals, it is time to execute our plan. Corruption and despair will reign, and humanity shall bow before us. Go forth and spread our malevolence across the Earth!"

The generals, fueled by their sins, rose with determination, their appearances embodying their respective deadly traits. Greed's eyes glinted with avarice, Lust emanated allure with every move, Gluttony exuded indulgence, Envy's gaze simmered with jealousy, Sloth displayed indifference, Wrath brimmed with fury, and Pride carried an air of superiority.

They departed the grand hall, leaving behind an ominous aura of malevolence. The second-in-command demons followed, eager to carry out their masters' sinister commands and claim dominance over the mortal realm.

Once the rest had all left, Lucifer turned his back on the stone table. It melted to magma and seeped away through cracks in the floor as his concentration on it diminished. It was good to have a table to separate him from his generals. It created a sense of authority that mitigated a display of power.

A figure whispered out of the darkness. His second, a step above the generals that had just left, was his confidante, lover and protector. Not that anyone would think he needed a protector. He kept the generals in line with his presence alone.

“Lucifer, I am worried about you, this is taking its toll. I don’t know how much longer you have.” It was the barest of whispers, it would not do for any of his subordinates to hear this conversation and Lucifer kept his senses keen to the presence of others in the vicinity. There were very few that could escape his notice.

“That is why it is more important than ever we take out realm to the surface. It will buy us time that we desperately need right now. Also, what you have been looking into…it could hold the answers we are searching for.” Lucifer’s ruby eyes glinted with a hint of mirth. “Come, you have been away too long this time. I have need of you. Let’s not discuss this any further for now. I have years and decades yet before we need to concern ourselves with this.”

“Years and decades are a drop in the bucket to the millennia you have been around. What are a few years? It is an abysmally short time. We can rest and relax once we have found a solution for your…situation.” A defeated expression crossed her stunning features. The care and love in her eyes startlingly Lucifer. She was normally so cold and standoffish.

“Kramira, let us discuss this further in private, there could be ears listening that I cannot sense, we might have said too much already.” Lucifer smirked once more. “Though I admit, it is nice to see this caring side of you. You really should show it to me more often, you know.” Kramira snorted in his face, then flipping her raven hair over her slim left shoulder walked through the back wall of the chamber without looking back. Lucifer smiled indulgently before sinking through the floor.

It is time, the time is now, Kramira, I will fix this. No matter what it takes, I will not leave you alone in this life.